University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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Analysis of the volatile organic compounds in grave soil using solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS)
Full text linkLocating and recovering bodies that are buried in clandestine graves is a challenging task and may provide significant information about the deceased in a forensic investigation. Currently, human remains detection (HRD) dogs are the most commonly used method to find human remains. There have been very few human decomposition studies conducted due to the lack of human decomposition research facilities and the ethical and legal restrictions regarding the use of human bodies in human decomposition studies. Many HRD dogs are trained using synthetic training aids commonly known as pseudo scents due to the restrictions and costs surrounding true human remains. The focus of this research is to generate human decomposition odor profiles in Western Carolina University’s Forensic Osteology Research Station (FOREST) facility by determining the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in grave soil, soil surrounding decomposing human bodies. Volatile compounds in grave soil are analyzed at different stages of decomposition and at different weather conditions to determine how the VOC profiles are changed. This data will also be used to assess the chemical composition of training aids and to develop better training aids. This research is conducted using solid phase microextraction (SPME) to pre-concentrate the VOCs before analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Soil is collected around decomposing bodies in different stages of decomposition from WCUs FOREST facility and exposed to a divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fiber to pre-concentrate VOCs. After exposure, the fiber is injected into the GC-MS for analysis. Over 200 compounds were identified during this research and over 90 of those compounds have been reported in previous decomposition studies. The results of this research depend on many factors such as weather, donor, location of the donors in the FOREST facility, and stage of decomposition. Analysis of synthetic training aids showed few compounds were present. More research will be conducted in the future using different fibers and methods to increase the data available
Teachers’ Perceptions on an Online Gamification Professional Development
Full text linkMost teachers need more experience with digital games and incorporating gamification elements into their classroom. This study covers the design and development of an online professional development (PD) on gamification for K-12 teachers. Findings from teachers’ perceptions on the implementation of the online PD will be shared. The impact of this online gamification PD can inform practitioners and researchers who plan to implement these strategies in their own classrooms or conduct similar studies
Diversity of Hypnea (Rhodophyta) in South Florida, with description of H. spiniformis sp. nov.
Full text linkThe genus Hypnea is well known to be rich in cryptic species, with many new species being recognized recently based on molecular data. Therefore, we used mitochondrial (COI-5P) and plastid (rbcL) molecular markers, in addition to aspects of morphology, to investigate the diversity of Hypnea on the coast of South Florida. Molecular divergences and phylogenetic inferences indicated that four species were present: H. caraibica and H. cryptica, both new occurrences on the Florida coast; H. musciformis, already previously reported and H. spiniformis sp. nov. described in this work. Our data reinforce the importance of studies with an integrative taxonomy approach to delimit species and correctly identify them
Drivers of seasonal to decadal mixed layer carbon cycle variability in subantarctic water in the Munida Time Series
Full text linkUsing ancillary datasets and interpolation schemes, 20+ years of the Munida Time Series (MTS) observations were used to evaluate the seasonal to decadal variability in the regional carbon cycle off the southeast coast of New Zealand. The contributions of gas exchange, surface freshwater flux, physical transport processes and biological productivity to mixed layer carbon were diagnostically assessed using a mass-balanced surface ocean model. The seasonal and interannual variability in this region is dominated by horizontal advection of water with higher dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration primarily transported by the Southland Current, a unique feature in this western boundary current system. The large advection term is primarily balanced by net community production and calcium carbonate production, maintaining a net sink for atmospheric CO2 with a mean flux of 0.84±0.62 mol C m-2 y-1. However, surface layer pCO2 shows significant decadal variability, with the growth rate of 0.53±0.26 matm yr-1 during 1998–2010 increasing to 2.24±0.47 matm yr-1 during 2010–2019, driven by changes in advection and heat content. Changes in circulation have resulted in the regional sink for anthropogenic CO2 being 50% higher and pH 0.011±.003 higher than if there had been no long-term changes in circulation. Detrended cross-correlation analysis was used to evaluate correlations between the Southern Annular Mode, the Southern Oscillation Index and various regional DIC properties and physical oceanographic processes over frequencies corresponding the duration of the MTS. The drivers of variability in the regional carbon cycle and acidification rate indicate sensitivity of the region to climate change and associated impacts on the Southern Ocean and South Pacific
Attenuating saturated-fat induced changes in dopamine neurotransmission
Full text linkDiet-induced obesity (DIO) is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation and correlates with mood and psychological disorders (i.e., depression and anxiety). Recent studies suggest inflammation plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Dopamine acts as a key link between obesity and these other neurological conditions. Research models, timing, and the composition of the obesity-inducing diet contribute to disrupted dopamine signaling. The exact mechanism behind this interruption remains unclear but one theory is the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from adipose tissue promotes low- grade inflammation. Saturated fats, a major component of DIO, exacerbate the inflammatory response by activating the same innate immune system receptor (toll-like receptor 4, TLR4) on macrophages and microglia. This project investigated three different approaches to reduce inflammation (diet, exercise, and pharmacology) to observe how they affect dopamine signaling (release and reuptake rate) under pro- or anti- inflammatory conditions. Our findings show that a diet high in fat (60% kcals) decreases phasic dopamine release (5p20Hz) and Vmax. Prophylacytic NSAID treatment with Ketofen counteracts these effects. However, neither dietary changes or exercise has a significant impact. Interestingly, females seem to have some protection from further inflammation when they exercise while consuming a high-fat diet. Overall, this data offers promising avenues for exploring alternative treatments for DIO
Student Attributions about Interest-Value Shape Academic Decisions and Recommendations
Full text linkWe examine how students reason about their own and others’ problems of motivation, and with what consequences. Across four studies (Ntotal = 1,624), we present evidence for the relative importance of a novel attribution type—interest-value—that is distinct from attributions about effort and efficacy. We examine a proposed process by which students infer interest-value by relying on contextual cues about the academic domain and student characteristics, with these inferences relating to subsequent academic decisions and recommendations. Results show students weigh interest-value as an important consideration in academic contexts (Study 1) and use explanations of interest-value when making attributions about the causes of others’ (Studies 2a and 2b) and their own (Study 3) motivational struggles. In Studies 2a and 2b, attributions about the problems of others to a lack of interest-value were sensitive to some features of the context and could be attenuated through the provision of individualizing cues about a target’s prior interest. Furthermore, students’ perceptions of interest-value as the cause of motivational struggles related to both their recommendations for others’ participation (Studies 2a and 2b), and their own intentions to participate (Study 3), in a field. This occurred above and beyond effects of effort and efficacy attributions. Our findings contextualize beliefs about interest-value within the attribution process and demonstrate their utility for understanding students’ educational paths
Competitive threat : rural traditional public school leaders’ understanding and preparedness for competition with charter schools
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to determine what rural traditional public school leaders know and understand about charter schools, and gauge their preparedness to compete with charter schools. In this qualitative study, I interviewed eight participants, six principals and two assistant superintendents. Participants first shared their knowledge and perceptions about charter schools, and any interactions that they have had. Participants then shared their views about marketing their schools or district, and how they would respond to a charter school opening up in their district. After interviewing participants and analyzing the data, I answered both of my research questions. First, in determining the knowledge and perceptions of rural traditional public school leaders, there is very limited interest in charter schools unless there is a direct threat. Rural traditional public school leaders are more concerned with their standing among stakeholders within their own communities, and charter schools are basically, out of sight, out of mind. Second, I examined rural traditional public school leaders’ preparedness to compete with charter schools. Overall, participants are focused internally, within their own district’s borders, and they did not believe that the communities that they serve would allow an outside force like charter schools to succeed. While there are indicators among participants that experience with charter school threats create resilience among leaders, faith in their hard work and stakeholders within the communities that they serve as their competitive strategy. For rural traditional public school leaders, where you lay your head at night is the determining factor in where a student attends school. The implications of this study will provide strategies for how traditional public schools can better prepare themselves for competition with charter schools and a more competitive educational marketplace
Nutrient desposition and drought effects on arthropod herbivore damage in longleaf pine savanna understory
Full text linkHerbivory, a key ecosystem process, ensures the cycling of energy and nutrients. A particularly important driver of grassland and savanna dynamics, nearly a third of plant production moves up the food web by herbivory. Arthropod herbivores account for the majority of herbivory in some grassland systems. Worldwide arthropod abundance and biodiversity are being lost at alarming rates in what is known as the insect apocalypse. Longleaf pine (LLP) savanna, once expansive throughout the southeastern United States, is now critically threatened, with only 4% of the historical range remaining. Over 900 plant and animal species reside in its understory, making this one of the most diverse systems in the world. The LLP tree is lauded as ‘the tree that built the South’, making the LLP savanna historically and ecologically valuable. Increased drought occurrence and nutrient deposition threaten restoration and conservation success in LLP savannas, among other global change factors. My research aims to understand how nutrient deposition and drought will interreact to affect herbivory. I utilize an existing long-term (4 years total) drought and nutrient experiment in a healthy, mesic LLP savanna in the Sandhills Gamelands of North Carolina (Richmond County). I aim to (1) Quantify the impact of global change on herbivore damage in four dominant understory plant species and determine how herbivore damage changes through time across two timescales; and (2) Explore various mechanisms’ effects on the magnitude of herbivore damage. Arthropods are a significant component of most ecosystems; understanding the roles they play – especially under global change – and how these roles may differ in the future will help land managers prepare for the changes to come
Cultural influences on food acceptance and rejection across development
Full text linkThis dissertation examines cultural influences on food acceptance and rejection behaviors in early-to-middle childhood and emerging adulthood through three papers. Specifically, it explores how food culture within the home environment, proximal environments (such as schools and neighborhoods), and one's own cultural background shape food behaviors and preferences. In Paper 1, picky eating in the home environment is measured by assessing the overlap between parent and child reports of the child’s picky eating in a sample of 3- to 10-year-olds. Findings are discussed with respect to the implications of children understanding their own picky eating behaviors. Paper 2 investigates food culture in proximal environments by assessing children’s evaluations of foods from different cultures in the context of them being eaten at school. The study finds the strongest support for familiarity in children’s food choices, with limited evidence for the effect of individual factors (such as age) and cultural factors (such as neighborhood diversity) on children’s lunchbox choices. Finally, Paper 3 explores the intersection of all three types of cultures in shaping food preferences in a sample of Asian American emerging adults. Interviews reveal that parents, friends, peers, and college experiences play a promotive role in shaping the interrelations between cultural foodways and ethnic identity formation. Overall, the dissertation provides insight into the contribution of food cognition in shaping developmental mechanisms such as intergroup learning and ethnic-racial identity. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, this body of work underscores how the confluence of participants’ microenvironments and broader cultural food norms shapes food behaviors as an everyday experience
Presidential Profile: Sandra (Randleman) Wilder
Full text linkA profile of former President of NCNA, Sandra (Randleman) Wilder