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411 research outputs found
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A qualitative study on how licensed-tracked female graduates from a maritime academy have advanced professionally
No full textThis study examines the experiences of a cohort of maritime licensed female graduates from an east coast maritime academy. The women being studied were employed in the maritime trades and sailed on various United States Coast Guard licenses. Literature was examined both worldwide and within the United States. The methodology used for this qualitative study is phenomenological and describes key aspects of the lived experience for this particular group of female officers. This study also explores how these women have advanced professionally within the maritime domain. Interviews were based on random sampling of females who received U.S. Coast Guard licenses in Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation from 2006 to 2016. The findings are multifaceted and complex in nature. The results show, in part, how the experiences of these women might be better understood and acknowledged.These stories shed light on the successes and challenges of these women and point to opportunities for more research and future horizons for women in the maritime professions.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
An examination of trait emotional intelligence and career choice in international teachers
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to find out if there are any significant differences between trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) and career choice of international teachers. The study used a secondary dataset that was collected by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) using the teacher responses to the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS). This study carried out an ex post facto causal-comparative study to determine if the independent variables in this study result in differences to appear in the dependent variables. Study results showed that there is significant difference between trait EI and career choice of international teachers based on the employment region and years of experience. The results also showed that the presence of trait EI and career choice peak at the same time for teachers during the level of experience from 6 to 10 ten years. The study has implications for the recruitment of teachers, potentially identifying teacher leaders based on the peak period.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
Imact of complex childhood trauma: knowledge and understanding of Vermont educators
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of licensed and non-licensed Vermont educators with regard to their perceived knowledge and understanding of the impact of complex childhood trauma. This partial replication study was based on the 2017 study by Goodwin-Click who examined the impact trauma-informed care professional development had on school personnel's perception of knowledge of complex childhood trauma. For this quantitative study, Vermont licensed and nonlicensed educators were recruited via email invitation to participate in the study. Participants were asked to respond to a fifty-two item survey and were also asked to provide demographic information. Responses indicated that the majority of respondents had participated in trauma-informed professional development. The data analysis identified some significant differences in educators' knowledge of the impact of complex childhood trauma. Further research needs in this area are discussed along with the limitations of this research.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
The influences of acid rain and geology on eastern brook trout populations in the White Mountains National Forest
Full text linkElectronic Thesis or DissertationSince the mid-1900s, Eastern Brook Trout (EBT) populations in the northeastern United States have been negatively impacted by acid rain through chronic and episodic acidification. The negative effects of acidification on fish are exacerbated when high concentrations of inorganic monomeric aluminum (IMAl), a common but potentially toxic cation, are mobilized from soil during precipitation events. However, the biological availability of IMAl is directly related to water's pH and concentrations of dissolved fluoride, organic carbon, and silicon anions, which have been shown to "buffer" aquatic life from the toxicity of IMAl. This study was conducted on wild populations of Eastern Brook Trout present in the White Mountains National Forest of New Hampshire, a region impacted in the past by chronic and episodic acidification. The White Mountains region offers a unique opportunity to document the potential influence of high fluoride concentrations on IMAl toxicity because much of the national forest contains a layer Jurassic granite bedrock, a contributor of fluoride to soils and waterways. This study’s objective was to determine if the concentrations of IMAl and fluoride explain observed variability in Eastern Brook Trout density, biomass, and relative weight. In order to address this objective, we established a sampling network of 15 sites across the White Mountains’ region that varied in the amount of underlying Jurassic Granite bedrock. We collected water chemistry data during baseflows and stormflows at each site twice during the course of the study. Habitat assessments were conducted during baseflows in order to assess the influence of water chemistry and habitat on EBT populations. EBT populations were sampled twice over the course of the study using three pass depletion backpack electro-fishing, and total and age 1+ density and biomass were calculated for each site. Using multiple linear regression, water chemistry, specifically IMAl and fluoride concentrations, were found to explain more variability in Eastern Brook Trout population density and biomass than habitat metrics. We found stormflow and baseflow concentrations of IMAl and fluoride helped explain EBT density and biomass but had minimal predicted impacts on the population metrics from a management perspective. The directional relationships between IMAl and EBT population metrics conflicted with previously published studies, which we believe is at least partially explained by the fluoride concentrations attributed to underlying bedrock. We found a significant interaction between stormflow IMAl and fluoride when explaining density and biomass variability, suggesting a context-dependent relationship in the presence of the other. High concentrations of IMAl and fluoride, surpassing previously documented lethal thresholds, were recorded at locations associated with a high percentage of underlying Jurassic granite. We conclude that the effects of IMAl and fluoride on EBT populations are influenced by underlying geology and therefore spatially dependent within the White Mountains National Forest
The Effect of Contemplative Practices on Faculty Perceptions of Stress
No full textThe purpose of this quantitative repeated measures study was to determine what changes (if any) occurred to perceptions of stress when fulltime faculty members incorporated contemplative practices into their daily lives. This study analyzed perceptions of stress and mindful awareness and the impacts that frequency, duration, and type of contemplative practice have on perceived stress and mindful attention. Additionally, tenure status, length of time teaching in higher education, and years teaching at current institution were analyzed for their possible impact on perceptions of stress. This study used the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, 1994) and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (Brown & Ryan, 2003) to record the pre-test and post-test responses of 17 fulltime faculty members employed at higher education institutions in New Hampshire and Vermont. Statistical analysis confirmed that while perceptions of stress were correlated with mindful attention awareness, dependent variables did not significantly change perceptions of stress. The only notable exception, participants who increased the number of days they engaged in contemplative practices did see significant reductions in their perceived stress. This study was the first to examine faculty perceptions of stress and contemplative practices using a quasi-experimental design. The findings from this study provide valuable insight into the degree of stress that faculty are experiencing and what tools they are currently employing to deal with their personal and professional stressor factors. The data from this study also shows that while perceptions of stress are correlated with mindful states, more research needs to be done to better understand the inverse relationship between these two factors. Educational leaders and faculty members may find this data helpful in addressing the workplace dynamics that may contribute to faculty stress.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
The transference of domestic teaching skills to international settings within study abroad programs
Full text linkThe purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of Plymouth State University faculty members who have led study abroad programs or international experiences for Plymouth State University Students, and to identify what themes or components were most beneficial in leading such experiences. This study sampled 11 Plymouth State University faculty members who had led study abroad experiences within the past 20 years and had additional interviews with 7 of the study participants to gain further insight and information regarding the experiences that they led. This study identified key themes that faculty members cited as integral in enabling them to lead high-impact learning experiences for students. These themes included opportunity for reflection during and after the international experience, facilitated opportunities for cultural immersion, the use of high quality, in-country providers to provide logistical services and supplemental education, and the benefit of having a pre-trip visit to the country in which the experience will be located in order to more fully vet the program. This study was the first to identify key themes that were beneficial to university faculty when leading study abroad programs or international experiences for students. The results of this study provide important insight into the factors that create high-impact learning opportunities for students traveling internationally with Plymouth State University. The results of this study also provide Plymouth State University important data regarding the opportunities for students and faculty within study abroad programs and international experiences to increase the quality of programming and the ability for students to access such programs regardless of socioeconomic status. The findings indicate that Plymouth State University should consider the themes of cultural immersion, reflection, pre-trip visits, and the use of in-country providers when designing and supporting faculty members to facilitate study abroad programs or international experiences for students.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
Brook trout (salvelinus fontinalis), wood additions, and culvert removal in headwater streams: a trophic cascade perspective
Full text linkHabitat modifications to benefit aquatic species in riverine systems are widely implemented, but poorly studied, which leaves researchers concerned about their effectiveness. There has been limited documentation of positive fish responses to wood additions in headwaters streams, which has led some researchers to believe wood additions cannot benefit fish in high-gradient and boulder dominated streams (Gowan & Fausch 1996; Sweka & Hartman 2006; Nagayama & Nakamura 2010; Warren et al. 2013; Kratzer 2018). In the headwaters of the Beebe River watershed (Campton/Sandwich, NH), we monitored changing habitat conditions, benthic macroinvertebrate communities, and Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations following wood additions and culvert removal. We used a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design and modelling efforts to understand how our systems and Brook trout populations respond to habitat and environmental variation. After habitat modifications, we observed a significant 3-fold increase in benthic invertebrate density in our treated streams, which coincided with a significant increase in Age 1 Brook trout length. Additionally, our modified streams held 3-times more organic material density than our control stream and organic material retention was primarily associated with wood additions. Using Boosted Regression Tree analysis, we discovered that Brook trout growth and movement were best explained by similar variables representing habitat heterogeneity (bankfull width), environmental variation (temperature and relative water level), and Brook trout size/age. Our results indicate that Brook trout growth in coldheadwater streams may be related more to habitat heterogeneity than environmental variation, but these effects are size/age dependent. We observed that effects associated with climate change, such as average water temperatures above 16 °C and lower water levels significantly reduced growth, but increasing macroinvertebrate density and habitatunit bankfull widths significantly increased growth. Overall, our BACI monitoring and modelling results would support the use of habitat modifications in cold-headwater streams to benefit Brook trout populations where they positively shape stream habitat and increase benthic invertebrate production.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
A survey of non-native plants associated with gravel sediment projects in White Mountain National Forest
Full text linkNon-native invasive species (NNIS) are a prominent environmental concern in White Mountain National Forest (WMNF). Non-native plants commonly appear at anthropogenic sites including roads, trails, and other developed areas. Terrestrial invasive plants often appear at these sites after a construction project has been completed. It is suspected that terrestrial invasive plants are transported by gravel brought onto the Forest during construction. Because gravel sources are often near the WMNF, municipalities may be able to address NNIS through land use planning. This research involved a mixed methods approach that included 1) identifying non-native plant species on WMNF at thirtyfive construction sites, 2) determining the source of the gravel used at these sites, and 3) reviewing Master Plans from forty-two towns surrounding the WMNF to determine whether NNIS are a concern at the municipal level and identify what NNIS actions are implemented. The results indicate that non-native invasive plants, including New Hampshire Prohibited plants such as Fallopia japonica, Alliaria petiolata, and Lysimachia nummularia, are appearing at sites post-construction. Plants from WMNF NNIS List A, which includes some New Hampshire Prohibited plants, and other invasive plants of the highest concern, appeared at 37% of construction sites. The gravel sources were identified for 13 of the construction sites and five of those gravel sources were used at more than one construction site. Whether the common NNIS at the construction sites with the same supply of gravel originated from the source is inconclusive, although the combination of site characteristics suggest that gravel pits remain as a prime suspect among the possible vectors. Lastly, there is a limited amount of concern for NNIS at the municipal level and no mention of non-native invasive terrestrial plant management in town Master Plans in the WMNF region. Furthermore, this research will be used by the WMNF to meet and improve NNIS management objectives.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio
Assessing population genetic structure and hatchery introgression in eastern brook trout (salvelinus fontinalis) in the Beebe River Watershed
Full text linkElectronic Thesis or DissertationIn northern New England, stream fragmentation is most pervasive in the form of culverts at road crossings, a result of decades of logging. The Beebe River watershed (Campton/Sandwich, NH) is an example of a system that has been impacted by historical land use practices. Access to ten kilometers of headwater habitat was blocked by four undersized culverts, preventing Eastern Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from accessing valuable spawning habitat and thermal refugia, as well as isolating populations above crossings. In September of 2017, an extensive restoration project replaced the culverts with stringer bridges, reconnecting streams that had been fragmented for decades. This restoration presented a unique opportunity to examine Brook Trout population genetic structure before and after restoration to develop an understanding of the success of the project in terms of its benefits to the persistence of Brook Trout. Prior to restoration in 2016, fin-clips (n=309) were collected via backpack electrofishing from throughout the watershed and genotyped at twelve microsatellite loci. Assignment analysis suggests populations above culverts belong to distinct genetic clusters. In contrast, results from non-fragmented tributaries suggest admixture is occurring where individuals are physically able to move throughout the watershed. Analysis of genotypes collected in 2018 (n=250) suggests minimal change in population structure post-restoration. Because the Beebe River watershed is heavily stocked with hatchery raised Brook Trout, the degree to which introgression of hatchery genetics into wild populations occurs is also being examined. Results suggest significant introgression has occurred throughout the study area
Fine-scale habitat use and movement of wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in the northwoods of Maine and Vermont.
Full text linkThe wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is a freshwater, semi-aquatic species that has been experiencing widespread population decline. They are listed as a species of concern in all states and provinces in which they are found. The cause of these declines is primarily due to anthropogenic threats, such as illegal collection from the wild, habitat fragmentation, and mortality from agricultural machinery. The habitat use and space use of wood turtles has been studied across their range, but data-deficient areas of northern New England could be critical to conserving this species into the future. Two populations of wood turtles in northeastern Vermont and western Maine were discovered in 2018 on large tracts of remote, conserved land. These populations could be critical to the conservation of wood turtles in the northeast. The movement and fine-scale habitat selection of these two wood turtle populations was analyzed to inform management strategies that help sustain these wood turtle populations. This research also provides baseline data for populations located in relatively unfragmented habitat. Thirty-four wood turtles were fitted with VHF radio transmitters and 30 with GPS tags. The turtles were tracked via VHF radio telemetry from May-September in 2019 and 2020. The GPS tags were programmed to take a series of locations every day during the active season from June-September. These spatial data were analyzed to estimate home range size using both the 95% MCP and AKDE methods. These estimates were tested for differences between study areas, sexes, and estimation methods using a t-test. Using a linear mixed-effects model, comparisons were made to test for differences between sexes and study areas for both the distance moved and distance from the river. The females at the Maine study site had larger home ranges than the males. The males at the Vermont study area had larger home ranges than the females. The turtles in Maine had larger home ranges than the turtles in Vermont. In general, males tended to stay close to the river, or in the river. Females moved perpendicularly away from the river more often than males. Results from the mixedeffects model showed marginally significant differences with males staying closer to the river than females. Females made the longest movements during the course of the study. The furthest recorded distance from the river was 786 m from a VHF location on a female. The furthest distance from the river recorded with a GPS tag was 520 m from a female. The GPS data captured large overnight movements greater than 500 m by females moving between nest beaches. Both male and female turtles were recaptured at locations over 3000 m apart during a single season. The mixed-effects model showed that on average, males made significantly longer movements than females despite the females having larger movements during the nesting season. In 2019 habitat data were collected at used and paired random plots to analyze fine-scale habitat selection by wood turtles. A generalized linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze third-order habitat selection. The predictor variables tested in the models included different classes of vegetation cover, overstory density, sun exposure, distance to moving water, total food presence, number of stems, and mean DBH of trees. Model-averaged parameter estimates indicated that the mean DBH of trees and forb and herbaceous vegetation cover had a strong negative effect on turtle habitat selection, meaning higher mean DBH and greater cover of forb and herbaceous vegetation was less favorable. Shrub cover had a marginally significant positive effect. Tree cover and number of stems were explored further after removing variables with multicollinearity. Tree cover had a significant negative effect on habitat selection. Greater mean DBH and number of stems had a significant negative influence on habitat selection, and woody debris had a marginally significant positive effect. The majority of turtles utilized the floodplain, riparian, and river cover types. Other cover types used were wetland, vernal pool, forests, roads, and clear-cuts. Wood turtles choose areas with open canopy likely to meet thermoregulatory needs, and complex vegetative structure like shrubs and woody debris most likely because they foster a variety of food sources. The results from this research can be used to inform management, and are an initial look at the relationship between wood turtles and timber management. Management recommendations are given based on the results from the movement and habitat data, such as restricting harvest to the winter months, seasonal road closures, and future research on the impact of timber harvests on wood turtle populations.Electronic Thesis or Dissertatio