University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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Trends in online support seeking behavior among college students pre- and post COVID-19 pandemic
Full text linkThis research study will examine the changes in online help seeking behavior among college undergraduate students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on how that help-seeking behavior changed between before and after the COVID-19 lockdowns, as well as other factors that have been identified by research which may relate to how effective the individual’s attempt to seek help was. To gather data, a survey will be developed via Qualtrics, and sent to undergraduate students enrolled in psychology courses at Western Carolina University. This survey will include a demographic section, a section which designed to assess the participants familiarity with technology, and a section which will examine trends in the participants online help-seeking behaviors before and after the lockdowns. This research should help provide further insight into changes that took place as a result of the pandemic, specifically in how individuals had to adapt their behaviors to obtain help from others that previously was done in-person
A habitat assessment of rare and endangered species in the Upper Little Tennessee River Basin
Full text linkThe Southeastern United States is known for rich levels of aquatic diversity, especially within its fish and mussel species. However, aquatic diversity has decreased significantly within the region, putting much of the aquatic fauna at risk of being threatened, endangered, or becoming extinct. Decreases in diversity have been associated with the breakdown and displacement of aquatic habitat that is essential to these diverse communities of aquatic organisms. The detection and characterization of habitat use in imperiled fish and mussels are vital to fully understanding these species, with the hopes of preserving and possibly reintroducing them into their historic range where suitable habitat possibly still exists. Throughout this study, we identified, assessed, and compiled habitat availability in North Carolina’s and Georgia’s Little Tennessee River Basin waterways upstream of Fontana Reservoir. Information was used for developing habitat assessments for species of greatest conservation need and support reintroduction/restoration site selection. These species include fish species such as Stonecat (Noturus flavus), Spotfin Chub (Erimonax monachus), and the undescribed Sicklefin Redhorse (Moxostoma sp.). Mussels of interest include the Tennessee Clubshell (Pleurobema oviforme), Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana), and Slippershell (Alasmidonta viridis). This information will be used by management organizations to further support the conservation needs of the species
Abrasive waterjet process parameters optimization
Full text linkAbrasive waterjet machining has gained significant importance in the manufacturing sector for its efficiency and versatility in cutting various materials without generating heat, making it suitable for temperature-sensitive materials. It presents a significant challenge in achieving high-quality surface finishes, especially with varying metal thicknesses. The study aimed to use the Taguchi Design of Experiment (DOE) coupled with Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) to optimize the single and multi-responses for Aluminum 6061-T6 and 1020 carbon steel. The experiments were conducted using the A-0612 WARD Jet machine, and data analysis was performed using Minitab and Microsoft Excel. The Taguchi orthogonal array was used to design the experimental runs(L27). This experimental research explored the effects of influential input factors such as water pressure, abrasive mass flow rate, traverse speed, standoff distance, and material thickness, where each input factor was tested at three levels. The GRA methodology was used to optimize the output responses, such as surface roughness (Ra), Kerf angle, and material removal rate (MRR), simultaneously to achieve high surface quality, and the results were compared to those of the single response optimization. The study highlights the significant impact of material thickness on the variation in machined metal surface quality. The main effect plots and analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveal that aluminum thicknesses of 1.016 and 4.825mm and carbon steel thicknesses of 6.35 and 9.525 mm consistently result in the desirable output response. These high-quality results were achieved using optimal settings derived from the findings of the optimization model
Reviving the Philosophical Dialogue with Large Language Models
Full text linkMany philosophers have argued that large language models (LLMs) subvert the traditional undergraduate philosophy paper. For the enthusiastic, LLMs merely subvert the traditional idea that students ought to write philosophy papers “entirely on their own.” For the more pessimistic, LLMs merely facilitate plagiarism. We believe that these controversies neglect a more basic crisis. We argue that, because one can, with minimal philosophical effort, use LLMs to produce outputs that at least “look like” good papers, many students will complete paper assignments in a way that fails to develop theirphilosophical abilities. We argue that this problem exists even if students can produce better papers with AI and even if instructors can detect AI-generated content with decent reliability. But LLMs also create a pedagogical opportunity. We propose that instructors shift the emphasis of their assignments from philosophy papers to LLM dialogues: philosophical conversations betweenthe student and an LLM. We describe our experience with using these types of assignments over the past several semesters. We argue that, far from undermining quality philosophical instruction, LLMs allow us to teach philosophy more effectively than was possible before
Pathways to change : pre-service teachers’ experiences providing support to college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Full text linkPassage of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) in 2008 expanded access to postsecondary opportunities for individuals with I/DD by establishing Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTP) for which federal financial aid can be used. Postsecondary enrollment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has increased markedly in the last 20 years. Students with I/DD enrolled in CTP benefit from natural supports. One such support is peer mentoring with a typically developing peer, which can be done as part of service-learning courses. The current study was designed to investigate the impact of such a service-learning experience as part of a course requirement for pre-service special education and dual education teachers. Two research questions were addressed: (a) What impact did a service-learning experience with college students with I/DD have on pre-service teachers, and (b) How did service-learning impact pre-service teachers’ perceptions of people with I/DD? Qualitative content analysis was used to examine 74 student reflections, 50 artifacts, and support session data across three semesters. The results of this study are organized into five themes and seven subthemes that emerged from the data and were verified using artifacts and support session data. Themes related to: (a) course concepts, (b) conceptualizations of teaching, (c) adapting expectations, (d) perceptions of people with disabilities, and (e) perceptions of self. Results indicated that, overall, service-learning with college students with I/DD was a positive and valuable experience for pre-service teachers. Limitations of the study, as well as implications for research and practice, are discussed
A futureless compulsory body : how representations in The Whale perpetuate an idealized body
Full text linkWithin media, representations for varied bodies have been minute and when these bodies are acknowledged the perspective is one constructed of stereotypes. This thesis aims to interrogate the intersections between fatness, queerness, and disability and query the cultivation of representation specifically in the 2022 film The Whale. The Whale chronicles a fat gay man (Charlie) during his last week alive as he tries to connect with his estranged daughter. Using a close reading of scenes from the film, I question the way that the director, Darren Aronofsky, crafts a lens that perpetuates an ideal body, which is thin, white, and heterosexual. When looking at the interactions of queerness and fatness, this thesis will examine the increased scrutiny of bodies within the gay community while also tackling the imposed heterosexual norms that dictate futurity. Turning toward the intersections of fatness and disability, I work from the assertion of fatness as a disability to question the voyeuristic interest of media to watch fat bodies as if on display. By the end of this thesis, I propose that moments of fat rebellion can be found in media enriched with fat community and that this form of community can be wielded when combatting normative body ideals
“Think about us” : addressing racial biases in current EEG cap design
Full text linkBackground: Professionals in the health sciences strive to enhance health outcomes, however, the design of certain medical and scientific technologies, such as electroencephalography (EEG) systems, illustrates how racial disparities limit the generalizability of the research findings to Black and African American populations. Specifically, the design of EEG systems, often relying on a fitted cap and gel for strong brain signaling, fails to accommodate the various hair types and styles commonly found among Black and African American populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (Aim 1) evaluate feasibility of using the current EEG cap for assessing acceptability, appropriateness, practicality, and implementation in Black student-athletes and (Aim 2) explore the feedback and suggestions from Black student-athletes to discuss current EEG measurements and refine recruitment strategies and data collection protocols for EEG in sport research. Black student-athletes (n = 34) were surveyed to gather demographics and hair style/type information. Additionally, survey questions related to EEG cap feasibility (e.g., acceptability, appropriateness, practicality, and implementation) were asked. Data analysis revealed that overall, Black student-athletes exhibited a tendency towards dissatisfaction with the current EEG cap design being acceptable (M = 2.62, SD= 1.03), particularly regarding issues such as gel application and the overall design's compatibility with various hair types. Perceptions regarding the practicality of implementation varied, with concerns about difficulty in cap placement (M = 2.76, SD = 1.03) and anticipated time spent on hair care post-usage (M = 4.09 hours, SD = 2.08). Additionally, while there was some willingness to participate in studies using the EEG cap design (n = 12, 35%), responses indicated a mixed attitude, with a significant portion expressing reluctance (n = 17, 50%) or neutrality (n = 5, 15%) towards participation. Participants were invited to complete a follow-up focus group to further explore their feedback and suggestions. The focus group results (n = 2) revealed that participants wanted researchers to “think about them,” expressed disheartenment at the continuous treatment, called for a more urgent approach to inclusivity, and requested greater transparency about EEG measurements for potential participants. Furthermore, the participants conveyed a mix of disappointment and resignation towards ongoing marginalization, emphasizing the necessity for transparency and honesty in research practices to demonstrate respect towards participants and address systemic biases effectively. Additionally, it revealed the urgent need for active consideration and inclusion of Black athletes in research processes and technology development, highlighting the importance of diversity and equitable access to foster inclusivity and scientific advancement. Participants In conclusion, this study highlights the critical need to address and dismantle the racial biases present in current EEG cap designs and methodologies
Joint Mathematics Meetings 2025 Professional Panel Discussions
Full text linkJohnny L. Houston is Prof. Emeritus-Elizabeth City St. Univ. (ECSU), a Co-Founder of NAM (1969), NAM’s Executive Secretary (1975-2000), received NAM’s Lifetime Achievement Award (1999), NAM’s Co-Founder Award (2019), NAM’s Legacy Award (2024), a Lecture-Classroom at ECSU (2024), 225 Dixon-Patterson Hall, was named in his Honor, and two Annual Houston’s Lectures have been established in his Honor {a STEM Lecture at ECSU (1916) and a Mathematics Lecture at Purdue Univ. (2023)}. Houston {the 2nd person (L-R) in Photo above}, has been invited to participate in 2 events at JMM 2025
8th Annual Johnny L. Houston Lecture Series flyer
Full text linkFlyer for the 8th Annual Johnny L. Houston Lecture Series held on October 17, 2024
Jacob Siler’s Response Letter to Governor Thomas Bragg, August 10, 1857
No full textThis manuscript is a transcription of a letter written on August 10, 1857, from Jacob Siler, a North Carolina land agent, to North Carolina Governor Thomas Bragg. This transcription and its attendant annotations, explanatory material, and bibliography was prepared by students in ENGL 618: Research Methods in English, the required gateway class for the MA in English degree program at Western Carolina University (WCU)