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Listener Perceptions of Word-final /l/ : Effects of listener Dialect
No full textColor poster with text, maps, charts, and graphs.This study examined how listeners with different dialects perceive speech. Specifically, we studied how Northern and Southern listeners perceive child and adult productions of word-final /l/, produced by speakers of Southern White Vernacular English (SWVE). The English /l/ is a complex sound that is challenging for children to produce. One common developmental pattern used by children is vocalization, which occurs when word-final /l/ is produced as a back vowel or glide. In addition, vocalization of /l/ is a normal feature of certain dialects of English, including SWVE. Chung et al. (2023) found that southern listeners often perceived children’s productions of vocalized /l/ as errors, even though this is a normal dialect feature. Our study aimed to follow up on Chung et al.’s findings by exploring whether listeners’ dialect background impacts perceptual judgments of /l/. Northern listeners rated Southern speakers' productions of word-final /l/ using a Qualtrics survey. Results showed that productions of /l/ after front vowels were rated as more correct than after back vowels, and adult productions were rated as more correct than children’s, regardless of dialect background. Southern listeners were more likely to judge children’s productions of /l/ after front vowels as more correct.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
Shifting Dwellings: Place, Culture, and Identity of Bangladeshi Immigrant Women in New York, 2000- Present
No full textThis research focuses on the place-making of first-generation immigrant Bangladeshi women living in New York, primarily by examining their dwellings and a network of locations within their residential environments. New York has the largest number of Bangladeshi immigrants living in the United States. Despite the significant expansion of Bangladeshi communities in New York since the 1980s, the histories of their built environments have been largely undocumented. This is particularly evident for Bangladeshi immigrant women who could not enter the United States before the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. The acculturation process of Bangladeshi women in New York varies by social class, with access to public spaces and educational institutions playing a crucial role. Nevertheless, Bangladeshi immigrant women often initiate their resettlement journey from their dwelling spaces through daily activities and the re-adaptation of spaces. In their daily domestic routines, the common objects used in their households play a significant role, reflecting memories of Bangladesh and expressing their hybrid identities as Bangladeshi immigrants in New York. This dissertation demonstrates a deeper understanding of these women’s experiences and contributions to shaping the Bangladeshi diaspora in New York within their dwellings. This dissertation highlights how gendered identity and agency through individual and collective actions become the product of migration. In this depiction of their worldmaking in New York, it becomes evident that the identities of Bangladeshi immigrant women do not represent a singular existence. Their distinctive methods of expressing temporality to define the systems of settings in their spaces reflect a non-Western perspective on place construction in built landscapes that were not designed for these people. Their agency is expressed through their self-care practices, as well as those for their family members and the community. Bangladeshi immigrant women’s routine activities, both inside and outside their dwellings, reflect their hybrid identities while fostering connections and resistance during resettlement. Particularly in the dwelling spaces, their memories of activities and object practices change over time as they adapt their practices and become more hybrid. By examining their daily routines, I argue that conventional spatial categories do not apply to them. As their bodies navigate their living spaces and frequently visit their neighborhoods for chores, the distinction between their public and private domains blurs as they uniquely engage with their home environments within the Bangladeshi-dominated neighborhoods of New York.2030-08-2
Owl's the Weather? Relationship Between Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) Migration Timing and Temperature
No full textThe Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) (NSWO) is a mesopredator commonly found within upland ecosystems across North America. NSWO’s migrate in the fall from September to December, peaking around mid-October, making them relatively abundant in central Wisconsin during this time. Our project began in 2007 and continues to operate at Sandhill Wildlife Area in Babcock, WI, and we have captured over 1,300 NSWOs. These owls are captured using call-playback devices and mist nets. The birds are banded using USGS aluminum leg bands, contributing to national banding data on Northern Saw-whet Owls. Our project has previously focused on studying migration patterns and discovered that the migration pattern has shifted over the course of the project. We now want to determine if a relationship between migration timing and weather patterns exists. We will use our previous analysis to compare the shift in migration to the change in temperature using our historical data.University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, & Creative Activity (URSCA
DISTINGUISHING ERUPTIVE UNITS ON THE SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE USING GEOMAGNETIC PALEOINTENSITY AND GEOCHEMISTRY
No full textThe size and frequency of mid-ocean ridge eruptions are important variables in understanding ocean crustal accretion, but are poorly understood. Young flows are difficult to date because recurrence intervals are typically shorter than the resolution of most radiometric dating systems. We attempt to differentiate eruptive units at 17°-19°S on the superfast spreading southern East Pacific Rise (SEPR), by combining geochemical data with geomagnetic paleointensity of submarine basaltic glass (SBG) specimens to assess inter- and intra-flow variability through a joint cluster analysis. At the SEPR, geochemistry alone is not necessarily indicative of distinct eruptive events. Paleointensity allows us to add a temporal constraint, as field intensity is recorded at the time of eruption. Samples were collected during Alvin and Nautile dives where direct observations enabled relative age assessments (Sinton et al., 2002). Specimens were chosen from known flow fields to contrast with data across contacts and within the identified flow. These known flow classifications allow us to evaluate the natural scatter in a single eruptive event and to test the cluster approach. Each flow was represented by 2 to 15 samples, but a statistical analysis indicates these numbers are insufficient to differentiate most flows based on paleointensity alone. The cluster analysis models four data clusters interpreted to represent distinct flow units in the 17°26’S region and seven clusters around 18°38’S. Clusters generally align with prior flow observations, and incongruities could indicate a newly identified flow or a lack of samples needed to provide statistical distinction. The addition of geochemistry can differentiate flows with non-statistically distinct paleointensity means. However, if both geochemistry and paleointensity are similar, a larger sample size would be required to differentiate flows. In addition to identifying the number and size of eruptive clusters, global magnetic field models evaluated at the SEPR allow us to estimate absolute ages for defined flows based on paleointensity. Paleointensity estimates range from 28-43 μT at flows surrounding 17°26’S and 30-48 μT at flows surrounding 18°38’S. Estimated ages for 17°26’S flows place eruptions between 1887-2016. Estimated dates for 18°38’S eruptions are between 1890-1920. Once flows were defined, absolute ages from paleointensity determined recurrence intervals at 17°26’S to be ~100 years and intervals at 18°38’S to be a few decades. Ref: Sinton et al. (2002), J. Geophys. Res., 107, 1-21, doi: 0.1029/2000JB000090
Do Problems with Fractions Start Early? : Home Math Environment and Children's (Mis)Understandings of Half
No full textColor poster with text, images, charts, and graphs.Although fractions are challenging for many students, children as young as four demonstrate informal fraction understanding (Hurst, et al., 2020). Everyday experiences, like sharing food, expose children to fraction concepts. First graders’ fraction knowledge predicts later math achievement (Viegut et al., 2023). Children demonstrate conceptualization of “half” earlier than other fraction words (Brizuela, 2006), but also hold misconceptions, like believing half means “a little bit” or is equivalent to any divided object (Björklund, 2018). This study examined children’s understandings and misunderstandings of half from preschool to second grade as well as the role of children’s Home Math Environment (HME) (Lefevre et al., 2009). This study included 55 children and their guardians. Children completed three fraction tasks: Matching (identifying correct depictions of half), Equal Sharing (dividing items fairly), and Endorsement of Misconceptions (judging the “cleverness” of fictional definitions of half). Guardians completed a survey on background characteristics and HME. As hypothesized, an ANOVA showed statistically significant differences in performance on all tasks between the two younger grades (preschool/4K, kindergarten) and the two older grades (1st, 2nd). Unexpectedly, regression analyses showed no significant correlation between task performance and HME. We discuss how our findings may inform early instruction to support fraction learningUniversity of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
A Machine Learning Approach Towards Prediction of Pancreatic Cancer Using Gene Expression and DNA Methylation
No full textColor poster with text, charts, and graphs.Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer, accounting for over 90% of cases, and is characterized by aggressive growth, early metastasis, and resistance to therapy. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving PDAC is essential for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this study, a multiomics approach was applied by analyzing both DNA methylation and RNA-sequencing datasets obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma project.The methylation dataset included significantly more tumor samples than normal samples, and a similar imbalance was observed in the RNA-seq dataset. This disparity posed a challenge for direct feature selection, as it could lead to a model biased toward tumor-associated features. To address this issue, six data imbalance correction techniques were evaluated and compared: Random Oversampling, Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE), and Adaptive Synthetic (ADASYN) for oversampling, along with Random Undersampling, Cluster Centroids, and AllKNN for undersampling. Identifying the most effective imbalance correction method is essential for improving feature selection accuracy and facilitating the discovery of novel genes associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A deeper understanding of these oncogenes could contribute to the development of non-invasive diagnostic tests and personalized treatment strategies for PDAC.National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, under NDSU COBRE Award Number 1P20GM109024; NIH grant P30 CA77598; National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494; NSF CNS-1920220; University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
A Bootstrap Goodness-of-Fit Test for Parametric Survival Models Under Random Censoring
No full textIn many scientific disciplines, finding a suitable model compatible with real-world observations is the basis for statistical inference and prediction. In survival analysis, this task is further complicated by censoring. This dissertation introduces a new bootstrap approach to goodness-of-fit testing for parametric survival models, based on the Kaplan–Meier process with estimated parameters. The test statistic compares the nonparametric Kaplan–Meier estimator to a fitted parametric model, quantifying deviations from the null via functionals that yield Kolmogorov–Smirnov or Cramér–von Mises-type tests. We establish the asymptotic correctness of our method by showing that the original and bootstrap test statistics have the same weak limit under the null. The result is a consistent, easily implementable framework for assessing model fit in censored settings.2026-08-2
Conflict Over the Establishment of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
No full textUniversities of Wisconsin Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity oral presentationThe Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior was established in Wisconsin back in 1970. However, many do not know the lengthy conflict conservation pioneer Gaylord Nelson, Wisconsin U.S. Senator, faced over such a proposition. Many citizens brought their thoughts to light and became very vocal in the matter. Archival materials reveal that those who supported the establishment took stances relating to the economic benefits from tourism as well as conservationists who wanted to see the islands protected. Archival materials also reveal that those who were against the establishment took stances that were more personal based and evoked a lot of emotion. Private landowners did not want to be forced to give up their property while the Ojibwe bands of the Red Cliff and Bad River tribes did not want to cede their reservation land. To truly understand the establishment, having knowledge about why the conflict existed, and how it was navigated, is necessary. Conflict is a significant component to history since it represents a force of change or continuity which has the ability to transform societies. In this historical event, conflict was a force of change amidst continuity because Gaylord Nelson wanted to change the islands’ status so that they would be preserved, or continued, for the future. Through conducted research, it is revealed how compromise was reached in an effort to appeal to all sides. Only by listening to all perspectives can one truly reflect and make an informed thought about the past if one was not there for it. The establishment of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a true testament to how Gaylord Nelson was able to navigate the impasse so that he could preserve and protect the immense beauty, nature, and historic Apostle Islands for generations to come
ANALYSIS AND VERIFICATION OF MID-LATITUDE CYCLONES FORECAST BY A MACHINE LEARNING WEATHER PREDICTION MODEL
No full textThe performance of artificial intelligence weather prediction (AIWP) models has been studied with forecasting extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones and atmospheric rivers, where these models perform well with predicting track. Although current AIWP model performance exceeds that of some operational models through metrics like root mean square error (RMSE), comprehensive study of weather extremes is needed. In this study, mid-latitude cyclone cases from 2022-2023 were selected and analyzed using forecasts of the GraphCast model initialized with Global Forecast System (GFS) data by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA). Forecasts were compared to ECMWF Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) to identify the difference of location, timing, and intensity of atmospheric variables relevant to the life cycle of a mid-latitude cyclone, as well as overall metrics such as mean and standard deviation. From these cases, one representative case was chosen and studied for overall evaluation and verification of GraphCast metrics
Ecology and Characterization of Pectinolytic Bacterial Pathogens in Potato
No full textBlackleg and soft rot (BSR) diseases remain persistent threats to potato production in the upper Midwest, yet the full diversity of their bacterial causes is not well understood. In Wisconsin, routine diagnostics have primarily focused on Pectobacterium and Dickeya species; however, blackleg symptoms occasionally appear in field samples that test negative for these pathogens, raising questions about the completeness of current detection methods. To investigate this, we characterized the culturable pectinolytic bacterial community from frozen blackleg-symptomatic potato tissues collected between 2016 and 2020. Using selective media, tuber and stem pathogenicity assays, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we isolated and evaluated 87 bacterial strains from both PCR-positive and PCR-negative samples.
Twenty of these isolates caused soft rot symptoms in potato tubers, and half of them also induced lesions on potato stems. Most notably, Pectobacterium parmentieri was the predominant species among the pathogenic isolates, even in samples that had previously tested negative via qPCR, suggesting that earlier diagnostic protocols may have missed this species due to its former taxonomic ambiguity. In addition to established pathogens, we recovered several non-traditional genera, including Chryseobacterium, Bacillus, and Acinetobacter, from symptomatic tissues. Some of these, such as Chryseobacterium mulctrae and Bacillus pumilus, demonstrated clear pectinolytic activity and caused disease symptoms, highlighting their potential roles as opportunistic or emerging pathogens within the blackleg disease complex.
The inability to culture Dickeya spp. from PCR-positive samples likely reflects both biological characteristics, such as slower growth rates, and technical challenges associated with long-term frozen storage. Furthermore, the frequent co-isolation of multiple pectinolytic species from single samples underscores the likelihood of polymicrobial interactions contributing to disease development. Together, these findings reveal a broader spectrum of bacterial contributors to BSR symptoms than is typically captured by conventional diagnostics. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating culture-based, molecular, and ecological approaches to improve our understanding of pathogen diversity and inform more effective disease management strategies in seed potato systems