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Influence of a summer bridge program on African American students at East Tennessee State University
Get PDFThe purpose of this research was to investigate if there was a significant difference of academic success between African American participants and non-participants of the B.U.C.S. Academy program, a summer bridge program, at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Although African American students’ enrollment has increased for several years, this population remains underrepresented in comparison to majority groups regarding retention, grade point average, and attainment of bachelor’s degrees (East Tennessee State University, 2021). For the purpose of this study, academic success was defined as key metrics of fall-to-fall retention rate, grade point average, and four and six-year graduation rate. Through further evaluate the academic success of African American students at ETSU, four research questions were used for the study to analyze any significant difference between overall satisfaction and academic success for African American students who are/were enrolled in the B.U.C.S. Academy Program and African American non-participants at ETSU, any significant difference for African American students between the overall grade point average, any significant difference between the fall-to-fall retention rates, and any significant difference between the graduation rates at both the 4-year and 6-year levels. For this study, the researcher used a non-experimental, comparative quantitative approach. In the study, the researcher gathered two data sets of quantitative data and survey responses. The researcher aimed to offer a more comprehensive awareness of the African American student experience by analyzing both students’ perceived satisfaction and academic achievements (Bowen et al., 2017). The researcher compared two groups, African American students at ETSU who participated in the B.U.C.S. Academy program and African American students who were non-participants within the program from 2018 to 2023. The researcher employed two statistical tests, the t-test and Chi-square test, to determine if the means of African American participants and non-participants were compatible. Both the t-test and Chi-square were run in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and revealed to the researcher if there was statistically significant difference between the means of both sample populations (Field, 2013)
Risk-Averse Decision-Making in Multiobjective Combinatorial Optimization
Get PDFUncertainty in input data significantly affects the quality of solutions in mathematical optimization, making it crucial to explore alternative decisions when the selected decision becomes unavailable or suboptimal. This study introduces a novel risk-averse decision-making approach for cases where objective function coefficients are uncertain in multi-objective combinatorial optimization problems. We construct a region in the objective space based on reference solutions obtained from the deterministic formulation. Alternative decisions, identified using a neighboring structure that falls within this region, are used to determine risk-preference solutions. We propose two sets of indices to quantify the quality of outcomes and neighboring decisions in terms of performance and risk level. The approach is demonstrated in diverse test cases, highlighting its effectiveness in improving risk-averse decision-making under uncertainty.
Keywords: Multi-objective Combinatorial Optimization, Neighboring Decisions, Risk-averse Decision-Making, Sensitivity Region, Uncertainty
Quantum Mechanical Insights into Heterogeneous Surface Reactions in Chemical Vapor Infiltration
Get PDFThis study investigates the decomposition mechanism of Methyl trichlorosilane during Silicon Carbide (SiC) deposition during Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI). High-performance applications require SiC-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs); however, producing them presents difficulties due to limited deposition rates, high energy consumption, and uneven coatings. To overcome these challenges, the mechanism of SiC formation must be understood completely. Modeling surface reactions of MTS decomposition on the SiC substrate using density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP) is the key point of current research. By focusing on the adsorption, reaction, and desorption mechanisms that control SiC development, our method incorporates quantum mechanical models such as Kohn-Sham equations, the Many-Body System, Born-Oppenheimer (BO) approximation, and Generalized-Gradient Approximation (GGA). Using Transition State Theory (TST) and Potential Energy Surface (PES) mapping, the study investigates reaction routes and discovers important intermediates, such as methyl (CH₃) and other hydrocarbon species. We also emphasize the function of hydrogen in surface stabilization. The findings expand our knowledge of the rate-limiting steps in MTS breakdown and offer guidance for refining CVI/CVD procedures, which could increase material quality and deposition efficiency for cutting-edge engineering applications
Achieving outcomes in analytical chemistry while focusing on active learning and self-care
Get PDFPedagogy can support self-care and student outcomes in the chemistry classroom. In fact, intentional course design to support the whole student may improve overall student outcomes. A quantitative analysis lecture course that was designed synchronously online during COVID was transitioned to a face-to-face environment in an active learning classroom. Discussion boards were converted to daily group work that highlighted collaboration. Small adjustments were implemented to the course and syllabus design to help students manage stress and to encourage self-care. Frequent anonymous check-ins were used to monitor student learning progression. Additional anonymous prompts encouraged students to share study tips, how to de-stress, and where to get help. Though not mandatory, class-wide group messaging was available for student questions and to provide additional mental health support. Campus resources for mental health were shared and classroom activities included time for decompression. This talk will detail how small changes in course and syllabus design were implemented to support student self-care while incorporating active learning. These modifications also helped faculty to manage the student concerns more efficiently, providing self-care for the professor as well. Though implementing large course design changes can be overwhelming, these small adjustments improved student success without much faculty effort
Sustaining Smart Cities: Benchmarking Success Factors for High School Education
Get PDFAs Chattanooga strides towards becoming a thriving Smart City, it is imperative to evaluate the academic achievement and graduation rates of Hamilton County students. Chattanooga\u27s Smart City growth relies on assessing Hamilton County schools\u27 academic and graduation outcomes. This research project focuses on benchmark data gathered from two magnet schools - STEM School and Tyner Academy - to understand high school achievement drivers. The research aims to guide policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to enhance graduation rates and educational quality. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare students for success in a tech-centric economy, supporting Chattanooga\u27s sustainable development through informed educational strategies
The influence of social identity on psychological safety, organizational performance, and employee learning
Get PDFOrganizations struggle to recruit and retain top talent. The challenge to keep employee talent was exacerbated by COVID-19. However, there has been a downward trend of employees in the workplace and a continued struggle to fill key roles with eligible workers since 1999. Filling key roles is only one issue impacting organizational success. Another concern is keeping employees engaged to do the work. Research suggests that over 65% of employees are disengaged or actively disengaged at work (Burke, 2019; Iqbal, Shabbir, Zameer, Khan, & Sandhu, 2017; Motyka, 2018). Disengaged and actively disengaged workers do not help the organization meet its goals. Although there are many reasons organizations struggle to recruit and retain employees, researchers suggest one reason is organizations have failed to create a psychologically healthy workplace. A psychologically healthy workplace consists of a culture that does not maximize organizational success over employee wellbeing. An unhealthy organization results in higher healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and diminished financial gains. Employees are also impacted resulting in higher stress levels, lower productivity, and illness. This study focused on the psychological safety aspect of creating a psychologically healthy workplace. This mixed-methods study was designed to gain a greater understanding of the relationship between social identity, psychological safety, organizational performance, and employee learning. Apart from sexual orientation, the quantitative results of the study did not predict a relationship between social identity and psychological safety, organizational performance, or employee learning. Although the findings did not predict a significant correlation, the qualitative results offer suggestions on how to create a culture that promotes social identity, fosters learning, and enhances individual performance
A simplified thermal and battery model for off-grid solar air conditioning in Florida’s hurricane context
Get PDFFlorida’s hurricane-prone climate often leaves residents without power and at risk of dangerous indoor heat conditions. This thesis examines whether an off-grid, solar-powered air conditioning system can feasibly maintain safe indoor temperatures over a one-week outage period during peak hurricane season. A simplified, lumped-capacitance thermal model and an energy-based (Coulomb-counting) battery state of charge (SoC) approach were developed in MATLAB to simulate a DC-powered air conditioner (the DC48 unit) in a single-zone space. Historical weather and solar irradiance data from Vero Beach, Florida, represent the hot and humid conditions typical of post-hurricane scenarios. The model uses an on/off plus deadband control strategy to balance comfort against limited solar availability, incorporating conduction, infiltration, internal gains, and solar loads, as well as conservative battery SoC limits (20% minimum and 70% maximum). Results from four scenario cases, varying room size and solar array capacity, indicate that near-ideal comfort (less than 12% of the time above 78 ºF) is achievable when the solar array is matched properly to the cooling demand (e.g., 1.6 kW for a 300 ft2 space). However, undersized arrays or larger enclosures lead to deeper battery depletion and more frequent excursions above the comfort threshold. These findings confirm that aligning solar capacity, battery storage, and cooling load is critical for off-grid air conditioning in disaster relief contexts. This study offers a foundational framework for future experimental validation, more advanced control schemes, and multi-zone expansions that could enhance the resilience and sustainability of emergency cooling solutions in hurricane-prone regions
Fashion cents: the struggle for power in consumerist America, 1860-1940
Get PDFAs urban migration expanded throughout the First and Second Industrial Revolutions, a greater number of women entered the workforce. Predetermined hours for working meant that women now had predetermined hours for leisure, something that was hard to come by in the traditional female roles within the sphere of domesticity. As a result, women began to dominate spaces outside of the domestic sphere, such as department stores, as both workers and consumers. Female consumerism, then, necessitated the rise of the advertising industry, subsequently playing a major role in the creation of power struggles between sellers and female consumers. The female consumers\u27 autonomy, found in ideas of natural beauty and personal style, was constantly pitted against department store curated ensembles and the ad industry\u27s creation of an idyllic and desirable female image. Interestingly, the role of women as walking advertisements further complicates these dynamics. Thus, the turn of the twentieth century resulted in a symbiosis between the advertising industry and female shoppers: women spread the word about a company\u27s product through their sociable habits, which subsequently helped and/or hindered the success of that product, while companies reaped the benefits and the drawbacks from the free advertising done on behalf of their indirectly-employed employees
Biomimetic design of mechanochromic single-chain nanoparticle polymer networks
Get PDFHydrogels are a class of polymer networks that show promise in many biomedical applications but are typically limited in use due to their brittle nature. Synthesizing hydrogel networks that are comparable to biological materials has long been an area of interest. In this study, we are working to create a polymer network inspired by the muscular protein, titin. Titin can unfold under mechanical tension, releasing stored length, making the muscle material extensible and durable. To mimic this behavior, we propose creating a polymer network with similar stored length using single chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) cross-linked with phenolphthalein (PP) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). We hypothesize that the polymer chains will fold due to the hydrophobic host-guest interaction between the two molecules, resulting in an SCNP. These SCNP will be used as the crosslink in a polymer network, and when mechanical force is applied, we hypothesize the interactions between PP and β-CD will break, unfolding the SCNP and mimicking the titin protein. Here we report the successful synthesis of acrylamide (Aam) PP and β-CD monomers for use in polymerization reactions. We also report on attempts to demonstrate a mechanochromic nature of the PP-β-CD complex, including the synthesis of various concentrations of both single-network and double-network hydrogels and attempts to control the rate of association of the PP-β-CD complex via the use of a competitive guest. Finally, we report on the successful synthesis of various single polymer chains using reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization, including the precursor polymer to be used as the SCNP crosslinker. Future work will include the further characterization of the SCNP precursor polymer, the optimization of the polymerization reaction, and the integration of the SCNP as a crosslinker in a hydrogel network. Subsequent mechanical testing of the material will indicate whether the SCNP hydrogel exhibits mechanical properties comparable to that of the titin protein
Stop Asian Hate: Durable Political Efficacy from Crisis?
Get PDFThe Stop Asian Hate Movement emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a pivotal moment of Asian American social resistance and activism. This study examines the movement as a form of Asian American solidarity forged through racialized crisis, assessing whether that solidarity can be translated into a sustained sense of political efficacy. It begins with a brief account of the Asian American experience, contextualizing political development and barriers to participation. The analysis then turns to the Asian American Movement (AAM) of the late 1960s and 1970s, highlighting instances of Asian social and racial resistance in the face of traditional obstacles. From these dynamics arises the central question: Can crisis-generated solidarity in the context of COVID-19 be translated into durable political efficacy for Asian Americans? To address this, the study engages with existing literature on solidarity, political efficacy, political crisis, and social movements. The analysis of the Stop Asian Hate movement identifies preceding contextual elements to assess specific mechanisms of political and social mobilization. In evaluating the potential for lasting political efficacy, the decline of the AAM is revisited to highlight key similarities, differences, and lessons that may illuminate viable paths toward enduring political empowerment for contemporary Asian Americans