AUETD (Auburn University)
Not a member yet
9771 research outputs found
Sort by
Writing Wrongs: A Clinical Trial of an Adapted Expressive Writing Activity for Minoritized Students at Predominantly White Institutions Who Experience Microaggressions
No full textRacial and ethnic based stressors, such as microaggressions, compound upon universally experienced stressors of higher education and result in lasting negative repercussions for minoritized students enrolled at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs; e.g., Harwood et al., 2018; Lewis et al., 2021; Sue et al., 2007). Informed by the ADAPT-ITT model (Wingood & DiClemente, 2008), we piloted an adapted version of expressive writing (Pennebaker & Beall, 1986) that specifically addresses microaggressions experienced by minoritized students (Brydon Chesnutt et al., 2025). This pilot study demonstrated the acceptability of an adapted version titled Writing Wrongs. In the current pre-registered clinical trial, we sought to establish its efficacy. To do this, we assigned 70 college students with minoritized racial and/or ethnic identities to the Writing Wrongs or the Assessment-Only condition, using quasi-random assignment (i.e., alternating assignment). Consistent with our hypotheses, individuals assigned to the Writing Wrongs condition demonstrated a greater reduction in racial and discriminatory trauma symptoms, general distress, and general stress through one-week follow-up as well as a greater reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms through the final writing session (i.e., session 3) as compared to the Assessment-Only condition. We also conducted exploratory analyses of short-term changes in affect within and across sessions and conditions, which found that condition was not a significant predictor of affect change. Finally, participants’ feedback suggested that Writing Wrongs was perceived as helpful, necessary, relevant, and something participants liked. The current findings provide support for the efficacy of Writing Wrongs and further efforts to finalize the intervention for dissemination
Expanding Horizons: Mappability, Literature, and the Making of the Medieval English World
No full textThis dissertation set out to answer two questions: (1) how late medieval English literature represents space and (2) how mappability as both a technological and conceptual affordance acts and evolves across a variety of genres, texts, and historical moments. To answer the first question, across five chapters, I charted how spaces were conceptualized with an emanent specificity, increasingly defined by a logic in which geographic knowledge radiates outward from zones of local relevance to more distant terrains. In answer to the second question, I used the concept of mappability to demonstrate that representations of place function as ideologically shaped, reflecting changing conceptions of English identity, mobility, and epistemology (to name only a few factors at work). In this framework, mappability emerges as a synthetic experience, influenced by these factors, and generative of new literary forms, narrative strategies, and world-structuring concepts. As both a condition and consequence of literary production, mappability in late medieval and Early Modern texts offers a window into how writers understood and helped shape their audiences’ sense of where they were in the world
Evaluation and Optimization of bio based Resins in Wood Composites: Bio based Phenolic resins with bio oil replacement and bio based PMDI resins with Partial Replacement of Bio-Oil and Polyethylene Glycol 1500
No full textThis research is organized into five chapters. The first chapter provides a theoretical overview of key concepts related to resins and wood composites, with emphasis on phenol-based and PMDI-based adhesives. The second chapter describes the synthesis and characterization of a bio-derived novolac resin, in which 50% of the phenol was replaced by bio-oil obtained through pyrolysis. The third chapter focuses on the production of wood composites using both the bio-based novolac resin and a conventional commercial novolac resin. Mini particleboards were fabricated using three resin proportions (20%, 35%, and 50%) to evaluate performance. Mechanical properties such as dry and wet modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bonding were assessed, along with complementary analyses such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical surface observations.
Chapter four explores PMDI-based adhesives modified by partial replacement with bio-oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG 1500), evaluating their adhesive performance through the manufacture of sandwich-type plywood panels. A Box-Behnken experimental design was used with three variables: curing temperature (120°C, 135°C, and 150°C); the percentage molar ratio of hydroxyl (OH) groups from PEG 1500 and bio-oil (0%, 50%, and 100%); and the NCO:OH molar ratio (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1) between PMDI and the OH-rich components. Shear strength tests were conducted in both dry and wet conditions, and further characterization included Soxhlet extraction, contact angle measurement, and SEM imaging to identify optimal adhesive formulations.
In chapter five, the study extended the application of modified PMDI resins to wood composite boards. Another Box-Behnken design was employed using three factors: NCO:OH molar ratio, percentage of PEG 1500, and percentage of bio-oil. Fifteen formulations were tested and evaluated through dry and wet MOE, internal bonding, density, moisture content, and microscopy.
Results indicate that bio-oil contributes to improved dispersion and resin flow through the wood matrix, enhancing mechanical performance, particularly under humid conditions due to its hydrophilic characteristics. PEG 1500 exhibited variable effects: low percentages improved dry performance, while higher amounts reduced mechanical strength under both dry and wet conditions. Overall, both bio-derived novolac resins and modified PMDI formulations demonstrated strong structural potential, with positive implications for mechanical and environmental performance. Saturation thresholds that limit the efficacy of certain modifications were identified, offering valuable insights for the design of sustainable wood adhesives
Measuring Performance-based Emotional Intelligence through an AI Chatbot
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore the plausibility of indirectly measuring performance-based emotional intelligence (EI) through an AI chatbot. A series of structured interview questions tapping into four facets of EI were developed and deployed into an AI chatbot, which include: (a) identifying/sensing others' emotions, (b) utilizing their own emotions, (c) understanding emotional contexts, and (d) managing emotions. Textual features from the interview scripts were extracted through natural language processing and were used as predictors of EI scores based on situational judgment tests (SJTs). The training sample consisted of full-time employees (n = 725) recruited from Prolific, who engaged with the AI-chatbot for about 40 minutes and then completed a series of SJT items that measure the four EI facets. The test sample (n = 118) consisted of an independent sample of full-time employees, also recruited from Prolific, who underwent the same procedure as those in the training sample but completed additional measures including a 16-item cognitive ability test, a personal intelligence measure, a life satisfaction scale, and job performance measures of counterproductive work behavior and organizational citizenship behavior. Results indicated that machine-inferred EI scores exhibited good split-half reliability, reasonable convergent and discriminant validity, acceptable nomological validity, overall reasonable generalizability, and criterion-related & incremental validity. Study limitations, practical implications, and future research directions are discussed
Street-by-Street: Creating Resilience through Integration and Learning
No full textWhat are the learning conditions that allow for the most effective exchanges of information between street-level bureaucrats who work in the fields of emergency management and community planning? To answer questions, this dissertation uses a regional survey of relevant government workers along the Gulf of Mexico.
Results from the mixed-methods analysis indicate that higher levels of integration between emergency managers and community planners are associated with higher levels of community resilience. Of the statistically tested variables, per capita municipal spending and FEMA Independent Study courses were found to be particularly useful predictors of integration within a municipal government. Qualitative data suggests that street-level bureaucrats value educational opportunities provided by their employers, such as financial assistance for conference attendance.
The study challenges the classic portrayal of SLBs as isolated actors by demonstrating how many perceive themselves as embedded within broader organizational systems, actively engaging in peer learning, and leveraging informal networks to maintain institutional knowledge
Effects of Maternal Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation on Neonatal Liver and Jejunum Transcriptomes and Regulatory Co-expression Networks
No full textMaternal nutrition throughout gestation affects fetal growth and development. The fetal adaptation to conditions in the uterine environment is called fetal programming. These adaptations lead to responsive and adaptive changes in key metabolic organs, such as the jejunum and liver, with effects that persist into adulthood. Although required in small concentrations, vitamins and minerals are essential for physiological, catalytic, and regulatory functions. Cumulative evidence supports their role in fetal programming, influencing performance and health. However, vitamin and mineral supplementation strategies are largely variable among beef producers. The working
hypothesis of this dissertation is that maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation throughout gestation would differentially program the jejunal mucosa and liver through changes in the expression of transcription factors and regulatory gene networks involved with immune response, nutrient uptake, and energy metabolism. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate gene regulatory relationships in the neonatal jejunal mucosa and liver to shed light on potential mechanisms by which maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation during gestation influence developmental programming in heifer calves. To this end, jejunal mucosa and liver gene expression was measured with RNA-Seq in newborn calves collected 30 h after birth from dams fed a diet initiated 60 days pre-breeding. Dams were assigned to either a basal diet (CON; n = 7) or the basal diet plus 113 g•heifer-1•d-1 of vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 7). No effects were identified in calf morphometrics and organ mass between treatment groups. However, we identified 528 differentially expressed genes in the jejunal mucosa and 630 in the liver between treatment groups. We retrieved 98 and 57 regulatory transcription factors (TFs) in the jejunum and liver through regulatory impact factor analysis, respectively. Over-represented pathways and gene ontology terms in the jejunal mucosa included nutrient transport, lipid metabolism, and immune-related processes. From the liver, significant genes were underlying pathways, such as oxidative phosphorylation, AMPK, PI3K/Akt, and FoxO, which are major regulators of energy homeostasis. In the liver, the maternal diet affected gene connectivity, suggesting a regulatory rewiring of TFs and histone deacetylating genes involved in transcriptional modulation. Our results show that maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation throughout gestation was associated with molecular changes in the neonatal via transcriptomic responses. However, further research is needed to explore whether epigenetic marks are established at birth, persist throughout postnatal development, and potentially contribute to long-term phenotypic outcomes and transgenerational inheritance
Real-Time Monitoring of Phenol-Formaldehyde and Polymeric Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate Adhesive Contents in Wood Strands During Oriented-Strand Board Manufacturing Using Near-Infrared Technology
No full textEngineered wood products (EWP) manufacturing involves stages like the preparation of raw materials, adhesive application, pressing, and finishing. Each stage of the manufacturing process presents specific quality control challenges that must be addressed. The development of rapid non-destructive analytical techniques is critical for improving quality control in EWP manufacturing.
This study investigated the implementation of near-Infrared (NIR) technology for monitoring phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) adhesive contents in wood strands during the production of Oriented Strand Board (OSB). The study involved diverse sampling methods and the construction of principal component regression models relating NIR spectra to adhesive loading.
Both devices yielded reliable predictive models(R2 >70%) indicating that both devices can achieve high predictive accuracy, with the portable being particularly suited for on-line applications. This study demonstrated the feasibility of NIR as a tool for adhesive monitoring in OSB manufacturing highlighting the potential to enhance production efficiency
Nature-Based and Engineered Strategies for the Remediation of Nutrients and Emerging Contaminants in Stormwater Runoff
Get PDFStormwater runoff is a primary pathway for transporting pollutants into aquatic environments, including excess nutrients and pollutants of emerging concern (PECs) such as 6-PPD-quinone (6-PPDq), a toxic transformation product of the tire antioxidant 6-PPD. This study is divided into two parts that explore nature-based and engineered strategies to improve stormwater treatment performance. The first part assessed the phytotoxicity of 6-PPDq through germination bioassays and long-term exposure tests using three species commonly used in green infrastructure: Rudbeckia hirta, Rumex crispus, and Trifolium pratense. Germination assays were conducted at both environmentally relevant (1–100 μg/L) and elevated concentrations (200–3200 μg/L). R. hirta and T. pratense exhibited high germination rates and increased biomass at the highest concentrations, suggesting a hormetic effect and potential for phytoremediation. T. pratense produced up to four times more biomass than R. hirta, making it particularly suitable for stormwater applications. A 21-day soil exposure test with T. pratense confirmed its tolerance to 6-PPDq, with no significant reductions in growth across concentrations from 100 to 1600 μg/L. The second part evaluated the nutrient removal performance of an iron-modified geotextile as a passive treatment layer in infiltration systems. Three sequential column tests were conducted to compare setups with no geotextile, a standard geotextile, and a modified geotextile. The iron-dosed geotextile achieved up to 50% total phosphorus (TP) removal and improved retention across repeated dosing cycles. While total nitrogen (TN) removal remained modest (< 20%), slight improvements were observed over time. Together, these findings highlight the potential of pairing tolerant native vegetation with enhanced filter media to improve the efficiency of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). This integrated approach offers a scalable and minimally invasive strategy for managing nutrient and contaminant loads in urban runoff, particularly where retrofitting is preferred over full system reconstruction
Developing a Micro-Credential Framework for Emerging Topics in Construction Education: A Case Study on Mass Timber Preconstruction and Construction
No full textThe construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the emergence of innovative technologies and sustainable materials such as Mass Timber. Despite the growing demand for expertise in these areas, traditional Construction Management (CM) curricula have struggled to keep pace, resulting in a persistent skills gap. This dissertation presents the development and validation of a structured micro-credential framework aimed at integrating emerging topics into higher education, using Mass Timber preconstruction and construction as a focused case study.
A mixed-methods research design guided the study, organized around four core research questions. First, a bibliometric and qualitative analysis was conducted to identify current trends, challenges, and gaps within the Mass Timber literature. Second, a national survey of U.S. CM and Construction Engineering faculty (n=35) assessed the current state of Mass Timber integration in academic programs, revealing limited inclusion and significant curricular barriers. Third, two micro-credential modules—focused on preconstruction and construction phases—were designed using backward design principles and evaluated through interviews with eight Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), comprising four academic and four industry professionals. Finally, the modules were piloted with 15 senior CM students at Auburn University, McWhorter School of Building Science. Feedback was collected through surveys (N=15) and two focus groups (n=7, n=8), evaluating instructional quality, engagement, and perceived learning outcomes.
Findings indicated strong support for modular, multimedia-rich content that promotes engagement, self-paced learning, and alignment with higher-order cognitive outcomes as defined by Bloom’s Taxonomy. Both student and SME evaluations highlighted the value of micro-credentials in bridging immediate knowledge gaps without requiring full-scale curricular reform. The resulting framework offers a scalable and adaptable model for integrating additional emerging topics into construction education.
This research advances educational practice by demonstrating how targeted micro-credentials can effectively respond to evolving industry needs while enhancing student preparedness. It also provides a replicable roadmap for academic institutions seeking agile, evidence-based strategies to modernize CM curricula. Ultimately, the dissertation bridges the gap between academia and industry, equipping future professionals with the competencies necessary to lead in a more sustainable and innovation-driven built environment
Formulation and Characterization of Bio-Enhanced Thermoset Resin Composites for Additive Manufacturing
No full textThe transition to sustainable construction materials is essential to reducing the environmental footprint of the building industry. This research project aims to develop, characterize, and optimize thermoset bio composite materials for use in additive manufacturing—specifically, 3D printing of structural housing components. By integrating renewable fillers and partially bio-based resin matrices, the project proposes novel composite formulations that meet the dual demand for high performance and environmental responsibility. The research was structured in three complementary studies. The first focused on enhancing epoxy resin with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) derived from both bleached and lignin-containing pulp, to assess how residual lignin influences reinforcement efficiency. It was found that 0.75 wt% bleached CNF significantly improved composite toughness (41%) and stiffness (79%), while lignin-containing CNFs, although mechanically less effective, contributed to thermal stability through their antioxidant nature. The second study addressed the processability of bio-filled epoxy composites by optimizing extrusion parameters for wood flour–epoxy systems. Using a factorial design, the effects of particle size, wood content, and extrusion rate were evaluated. A 55:45 epoxy-to-wood ratio was identified as optimal, yielding composites with superior mechanical performance, dimensional stability, and fire resistance—confirming their suitability for extrusion-based 3D printing applications.
To further enhance the sustainability of the matrix itself, the third study investigated the partial replacement of petroleum-derived phenol in phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF) resins with bio-oil obtained from the pyrolysis of waste wood. Substitution levels of up to 50% were tested, with 30% bio-oil replacement maintaining satisfactory flexural properties and curing behavior. Although 50% substitution led to a decrease in strength and stiffness, it introduced ductility and flexibility into the material. Thermal and curing behavior were shown to be tunable by adjusting the formulation and curing temperature. Together, these studies provide a holistic approach to the design of bio-based thermoset composites—from reinforcement and process optimization to resin sustainability. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of creating high-performance, 3D-printable construction materials that align with the goals of carbon reduction, circular resource use, and sustainable development in the construction sector