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Short Supply, Growing Demand: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities within Virginia’s Native Coastal and Wetland Plant Supply Chain
Full text linkAs nature-based approaches to coastal restoration and shoreline management gain momentum in Virginia, the need for native coastal and wetland plants to support these efforts has grown. Yet in-state supply has not kept pace with the rising demand for these species. To examine the underlying causes of this supply gap, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two key stakeholder groups: restoration practitioners and nursery operators. The interviews captured both demand-side challenges related to plant sourcing and supply-side constraints affecting nursery production. Practitioners reported that limited in-state supply and inconsistent availability of key species often led them to rely on out-of-state nurseries. Nursery operators noted that structural barriers—such as the high cost of land and infrastructure—limit opportunities to expand production capacity. Operators also emphasized that inconsistent and unpredictable demand, compounded by limited coordination and short lead times from practitioners, can make it difficult to align production with restoration needs. Both groups offered recommendations aimed at improving coordination and strengthening the in-state supply of native plants, including strategies to enhance collaborative planning and improve information sharing. Ultimately, stronger partnerships across the supply chain will be key to ensuring a more reliable plant supply to support Virginia’s long-term coastal restoration and resilience goals.Virginia Institute of Marine ScienceMaster of Arts (M.A.
Elucidating Emotional Control of Breathing: Monosynaptic projections from the central amygdala to the preBötzinger complex
No full textBreathing behaviour is subject to emotional regulation, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate a direct relationship between the central amygdala, a major output hub of the limbic system associated with emotional brain function, and the brainstem preBötzinger complex, which generates the fundamental rhythm and pattern for breathing. Here, we show that the connection between these two sites is monosynaptic and inhibitory, involving GABAergic central amygdala neurons whose axonal projections act predominantly via ionotropic GABAA receptors to produce inhibitory postsynaptic currents in preBötzinger neurons. We also demonstrate that stimulation of the central amygdala slows breathing rhythm in vivo. This pathway may provide a mechanism to inhibit breathing in the context of “freezing” behavior to assess threats and plan defensive action. The existence of this pathway may further explain how epileptic seizures invading the amygdala cause long-lasting apnea, which can be fatal. These results elucidate a link between emotional brain function and the well established brainstem nucleus for breathing generation and control. The existence of this heretofore uncharacterized link may help explain survival-related behavior in mammals and pertains to human anxiety disorders. Lastly, it may explain the etiology of a rare but fatal seizure-related disorder.NeuroscienceBachelors of Science (BS
Parental Emotion-Coaching and Emotion-Dismissing Styles, Internal State Language Use, and Children’s Emotional Competence: A Longitudinal Study
No full textEmotional competence is an important set of skills, including the ability to recognize and manage emotions, that develop in early childhood (Saarni, 2007). Parental emotion socialization styles (i.e., emotion-coaching and dismissing) are theorized to influence this development, perhaps by influencing parents’ discussion of emotions and other internal states (Eisenberg et al., 1998; Gottman et al., 1996; Morris et al., 2007). The current study examined links between parent emotion-coaching and emotion-dismissing styles, parent internal state language use, and child emotional competence in the context of a larger longitudinal study. At Time 1, 205 parents of toddlers (children aged 1-2 years) self-reported emotion-coaching and emotion-dismissing styles, and their internal state language use was coded from a wordless book-sharing task. Children’s emotion competence was measured at Time 1 using observed regulation during a wait task and at Time 2 (children aged 3-4 years) using a direct assessment of emotion knowledge and a parent-report of frustration tolerance. Contrary to hypotheses, preliminary analyses found no significant links between parental variables and child outcomes. Emotion-dismissing (but not emotion-coaching) styles were significantly correlated with internal state language use. However, regression analysis revealed that parental education was an independent predictor of internal state language use, whereas emotion-dismissing was not. These findings provide support for further research on the links among parental education, emotion socialization styles, and parent language use.PsychologyBachelors of Arts (BA
Sacred Struggles: Hero Cults and the Shaping of Panhellenic Space
No full textAcross the Archaic and Classical Greek world, Panhellenic sanctuaries emerged as spaces where fragmented poleis could converge in ritual, myth, and athletic competition. This thesis investigates how hero cults — honoring figures who occupied the liminal space between mortal and divine — contributed to the formation of these sanctuaries as religious and ideological centers. What roles did these cults play in legitimizing sacred space, mediating local traditions, and shaping collective Hellenic identity? And how did mythological narratives translate into spatial and ritual structures that sustained Panhellenic coherence? Focusing on Olympia, Delphi, Isthmia, and Nemea, this study argues that hero cults were not passive remnants of local myth but active agents in constructing the religious and political significance of these sanctuaries. Where previous scholarship has emphasized athleticism, architecture, and state patronage, this thesis foregrounds the centrality of mythic-historical figures in embedding sanctuaries within a shared cultural framework. These heroes shaped territorial claims, ritual authority, and sacred narratives that both reflected and reinforced communal values. Drawing on archaeological remains, literary sources, and spatial analysis, this project reveals that the cults of heroes structured sacred landscapes to accommodate both local expression and Panhellenic belonging. In doing so, it challenges the separation between myth and cult and offers a new perspective on how religious memory and ritual innovation helped sustain a unified Hellenic worldview amid enduring political fragmentation.Classical StudiesBachelors of Arts (BA
Behind the Seams: A Comparative Analysis of Working Conditions in the Garment Sector and ILO Involvement in Asian Countries
No full textThis thesis investigates the impact of International Labour Organization (ILO) involvement on working conditions in the garment sectors of China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. While existing literature emphasizes environmental impacts and uses brands as the primary unit of analysis, this study focuses on human impacts and adopts a country-level comparative approach. Through comparative case studies and analysis of ILO involvement, particularly through Decent Work Country Programs (DWCPs), the research finds that ILO engagement has coincided with improvements in labor standards, particularly in Bangladesh and Vietnam. However, China showed more limited progress, largely due to political constraints. The findings suggest that trade agreements with embedded labor provisions, such as the EUVFTA and CPTPP, have been more effective levers for change than ILO programming alone. This study concludes that while the ILO's direct enforcement capacity is limited, its norm-setting role remains essential, especially in shaping international labor standards and influencing future policy through formal engagement.International RelationsBachelors of Arts (BA
Who's Making All That Noise: The Journey of the Jaw Harp in Colonial Williamsburg
No full textThe metallic twang of the jaw harp has been heard around the world for 1,600 years, eventually making its way from Asia through Europe and to Colonial America. Archaeological evidence that spans centuries of history showcases the ever-changing shape and size of the jaw harp, and how it was modified to best fit the people and place where it was being played. This study looks at the specific distribution patterns and typologies of jaw harps that have been excavated in Colonial Williamsburg using pXRF, x-ray photography, and historical archives. Studying the material, frame shape, and geographical distribution throughout the settlement reveals the jaw harp’s relationship to social class. Of the 70 jaw harp artifacts found in Williamsburg, 80% were made of mostly forged iron alloy and 20% were made of mostly cast copper alloy. The geographic mapping of metal type and method of manufacturing do not indicate a distribution pattern throughout the Historic Area. Distributional data is correlated to historic information about who lived in the locations of excavation and indicates a homogenous use of resources between social classes. This class relationship contrasts with what is seen in Europe at the same time where jaw harps were associated with the lower class.AnthropologyBachelors of Arts (BA
The Development of Siblings: Exploring the Impact of Illness
No full textThe study of siblings within the context of illness is frequently overlooked when exploring sibling development or the influence of illness within a family. Examining the impact of having an ill sibling is critical for a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics. The existing literature on this topic surveys illness, family dynamics, mental illness, guilt, roles of responsibility, and various other factors. However, there is a significant gap in how sibling illness affects the bond in sibling relationships. This study empirically examined sibling bonds with a particular interest in whether the type of illness (e.g., mental, physical, or developmental) influenced the relationship dynamics between the affected and healthy sibling. Findings suggested that siblings who shared a health condition reported lower levels of warmth and higher levels of rivalry in their relationships specifically in the case of mental illness, indicating reduced emotional closeness and increased competitive dynamics. Conversely, pairs in which neither sibling had a condition demonstrated stronger emotional bonds and fewer perceptions of rivalry. Keywords: sibling, illness, family dynamics, children, mental health, guilt, parentingPsychologyBachelors of Science (BS
Low Fertility and the Fiscal Limit: Inflation Possibilities in East Asia
No full textThis paper examines how very low fertility rates in East Asia might affect inflation in the face of fiscal limits. In a calibrated overlapping-generations model, low fertility rates cause the debt-to-GDP ratio to rise, which can push the tax rate to a political ceiling and force either monetary accommodation or reduced transfers to retirees. The fiscal limit creates inflationary pressure relative to a scenario with no fiscal limit, adding to our understanding of possible inflation outcomes in aging economies. Korea faces the strongest demographic headwind and is projected to experience the earliest fiscal limit and highest inflation rates, with inflation projected to peak roughly 10 years later and 2.5pp higher with a fiscal limit than without one. Taiwan’s more favorable initial fiscal conditions help reduce inflationary pressure, and China benefits from a delayed demographic transition that leads to lower inflation, despite worse initial fiscal conditions than Taiwan. In all countries, a higher tax rate ceiling or older retirement age effectively reduce peak inflation
GIS Data – 2025 Shoreline Management Model - Mathews County
No full textGeodatabase: Mathews_SMMv6_2025_FileGDB
Feature classes.
• Mathews_SMMv6_ShorelineBMPs _2025 - a polyline feature class containing best management practices recommendations.
• Mathews_SMMv6_OysterSuitabilityModule_2025 - a polygon feature class containing suitable areas for oyster structure placement.
The metadata file is embedded in the geodatabase feature classes and defines attribute accuracy, data development, and any use restrictions that pertain to data
Disclaimer: The Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) provides these data with the understanding that they are not guaranteed to be correct or complete, and conclusions drawn from the data set are the sole responsibility of the user. Every attempt has been made to ensure that these data and the documentation are reliable and accurate. CCRM, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (VA-DEQ -VCZMP) assume no liability for any damages caused by inaccuracies in the data or documentation; and make no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or utility of this information, nor does the fact of distribution constitute a warranty. CCRM, VIMS, and VA-DEQ -VCZMP endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this dataset.In 2011, the Virginia General Assembly adopted a policy into law that specifies living shorelines as the preferred management practice for erosion control in Virginia waters. The Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has been developing tools for many years to guide local governments in shoreline management. In particular, they have focused on the use of ecologically preferred alternatives for erosion control and have conducted research into refining the appropriate uses for a large suite of possible treatments based on existing shoreline conditions. A series of Decision Trees were developed to determine shoreline best management practices (BMPs) when conducting onsite inspections. These were developed to support integrated guidance at the management and regulatory level. This body of work has been expanded and re-developed as a GIS spatial model known as the Shoreline Management Model (SMM) to determine appropriate shoreline BMPs from the desktop using available spatial data and the decision tree logic. The assessment is conducted at a parcel level scale, but the output represents a reach-based or cumulative approach to shoreline management.
In 2023, CCRM began an update of the SMM. Version 6.0 continues to use fetch, nearshore bathymetry, bank height, marsh presence, beach presence, presence of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), roads and permanent structures within the riparian zone, and existing shoreline erosion control structures. To enhance the model’s capabilities for evaluating best management practices and determining where erosion control practices may impact ecologically sensitive areas, version 6.0 adds wave energy, federal Form 06/27/2023 navigation channels, presence of RTE species via predicted suitable habitat, bank slope, and narrow creeks.
Most appropriate for desktop reviews, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive planning, the recommendations derived from the SMM may be altered due to lot size, shoreline length along a single parcel, proximity of primary buildings to the shoreline, type of existing erosion control structures, land use practices, and local biota.
The SMM v.6.0 also includes a module that identifies suitable areas for oyster structure placement, which can provide erosion control and habitat enhancement benefits.This project was funded in part by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at the Department of Environmental Quality through Grant #NA24NOSX419C0026 of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism Through School And Family Partnerships: An Action Research Study
No full textChronic absenteeism is a problem in school districts across the United States, and schools have had limited success in addressing the issue. However, due to the negative effects that excessive absences have on student achievement, it is imperative that schools find effective solutions. This dissertation describes an action research study on a new chronic absenteeism intervention based on school and family partnerships. The intervention used school-based staff members known as achievement partners who had daily check-ins with students and weekly phone conferences with parents. Other elements of the intervention included an at-school event, positive postcards, and the identification of community resources. The intervention was developed based on ideas from Epstein’s theory of overlapping spheres of influence and the concept of school connectedness. In the action research study, I examined how students’ attendance changed with the intervention, if the program evidenced improved relationships between the home and school, what aspects of the program participants found most helpful, and whether the program evidenced improved feelings of connection to the school for students. I collected quantitative attendance and questionnaire data and qualitative interview data. The results of the study showed that students’ attendance improved for the majority of the participating students, but the data regarding the home-school relationship and students’ feelings of connection was mixed. Recommendations for improving the intervention include conducting a second cycle of research to further study the components of the intervention, relying more heavily on an action research team comprised of all keys stakeholders in a second cycle, focusing more on each student’s unique reasons for absenteeism, starting the intervention earlier in the year, automatically enrolling students that were chronically absent in eighth grade, and incorporating peer support into the intervention.EducationDoctor of Education (Ed.D.