University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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Multiple paternity, fertilization success, and male quality: Mating system variation in the eelgrass, Zostera marina
Full text linkGenetic diversity can modulate a population's response to a changing environment and plays a critical role in its ecological function. While multiple processes act to maintain genetic diversity, sexual reproduction remains the primary driving force. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is an important habitat-forming species found in temperate coastal ecosystems across the globe. Recent increases in sea surface temperatures have resulted in shifts to a mixed-annual life-history strategy (i.e., displaying characteristics of both annual and perennial meadows) at its southern edge-of-range. Given that mating systems are intimately linked to standing levels of genetic variation, understanding the scope of sexual reproduction can illuminate the processes that shape genetic diversity. To characterize edge-of-range eelgrass mating systems, developing seeds on flowering Z. marina shoots were genotyped from three meadows in Topsail, North Carolina. In all meadows, levels of multiple mating were high, with shoots pollinated by an average of eight sires (range: 3–16). The number of fertilized seeds (i.e., reproductive success) varied significantly across sires (range: 1–25) and was positively correlated with both individual heterozygosity and self-fertilization. Outcrossing rates were high (approx. 70%) and varied across spathes. No clones were detected, and kinship among sampled flowering shoots was low, supporting observed patterns of reproductive output. Given the role that genetic diversity plays in enhancing resistance to and resilience from ecological disturbance, disentangling the links between life history, sexual reproduction, and genetic variation will aid in informing the management and conservation of this key foundation species
Transformative Learning: Changing Nurses’ Perceptions about People in Poverty
Full text linkBackground: Meaningful learning experiences with clients in poverty may help nursing students change their perceptions towards those experiencing poverty and, thus, provide unbiased, nonjudgmental care when they become nurses.Purpose: The purpose of this research was to understand what learning activities and experiences nursing students found meaningful and led to a change in prior perceptions of people in poverty.Methods: Guided by Mezirow’s Theory of Transformative Learning, accelerated BSN students enrolled in a mental health nursing course (n = 14) were assigned reflective journals throughout the semester on their assigned clinical experiences, which were analyzed for emergent themes.Results: Three themes emerged showing that students overwhelmingly found the new clinical site meaningful and demonstrated transformation through this experience.Conclusion: The community-engaged learning experience described demonstrates a meaningful clinical experience that helped future nurses transform their perspectives while building their professional identity
The adoption and use of virtual reality technology for endurance sport participation by college students
Full text linkCollege recreation programs are an ideal way for students to participate in physical activity while on campus. These programs can offer a diverse range of opportunities for individuals to participate in various sport and fitness activities. By integrating virtual reality (VR) technology these programs expand their offerings and allow students to participate in sports that may not be otherwise available or accessible. One option for virtual sports participation is cycling Esports. Cycling Esports allow individuals to participate in recreational or competitive cycling using commercial VR technology. Research indicates that numerous factors can contribute to the willingness of individuals to adopt and use specific technologies such as VR. These factors can include various aspects such as ease of use, perceived usefulness, social influence, enjoyment, and cost. Frameworks such as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) (Venkatesh et al., 2012) can provide a structured approach to investigating these factors. Using a web-based survey and individual interviews this study aimed at understanding which factors within the UTAUT2 framework influence students to use VR technology for endurance sports such as cycling. A total of thirty students completed a survey asking about factors that influence their use of VR technology for endurance sport. Five students took part in interviews to discuss how and why these factors influenced their decisions around using this technology. The results of this study found that some factors within the UTAUT2 may significantly affect the intention of college students to adopt and use VR technology for endurance sport. Gender and age did not seem to have a moderating effect on predicting use behavior. Recreational sports programs should consider these factors when creating interventions and programs to promote cycling Esports on campus
From the secret war to Southern soil : the Hmong journey of resettlement and integration in North Carolina, 1970-2020
Full text linkThis dissertation examined the multifaceted journey of the Hmong people, from their involvement in the Secret War in Laos to their resettlement and integration into American society, with a specific focus on North Carolina. Through oral histories, personal testimonies, and archival research, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Hmong experience in North Carolina, shedding light on broader themes of migration, integration, and cultural preservation. The narrative encompassed the Hmong’s experiences of displacement, struggles with integration, and efforts to preserve their cultural heritage across generations. Due to their role in the Secret War and alliance with the United States, the Hmong were forced to flee Laos for fear of persecution. Many Hmong refugees eventually resettled to the U.S., but experienced significant challenges in finding employment and adapting to a new culture. Nearly a third of all Southeast Asia refugees entered the U.S. through California, but many migrated and permanently resettled in North Carolina, making it the state with the fourth largest Hmong population. Over next few decades, Hmong refugees utilized cultural practices to maintain their identity while navigating the complexities of integration. Despite facing trauma and displacement, they strive to preserve their traditions, passing them down through generations. Second-generation Hmong Americans, also struggled with their identity, language barriers, and intergenerational trauma. Despite these challenges, they remained proud of their cultural heritage and sought to uphold it in the face of adversity. The Hmong in North Carolina continue to support and empower Hmong Americans, reflecting a broader commitment to refugee resettlement and community support
Native American music instruction in the elementary general music classroom
Full text linkMulticultural music education and diversity in the elementary general music classroom continue to lie at the center of music education discourse seeking to decolonize elementary general music programs. There are many non-canonical music teaching resources available to 21st-century music educators, however, little is known about the presence of Native American music in the elementary general music classroom. Though North Carolina currently has eight state-recognized Tribes, it is unclear if music educators are aware of any of these, and how, if at all, they inform curriculum. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the instruction of Native American music in North Carolina elementary general music classrooms. The specific research questions were: (a) how do participants describe their reasons for including Native American music in their curriculum; (b) how do participants describe their process for preparing and teaching Native American music in their classroom; and (c) what are participants’ recommendations for professional development on Native American music instruction? The study also explored the intersection of Native American music instruction with multicultural music education. Suggestions were made for developing a curriculum that integrates Native American music as multicultural music education at the elementary level, and on current and recommended resources to effectively support ongoing decolonizing efforts of elementary general music classroom teachers. The results of this study will continue laying the foundation for future studies on the instruction of Native American music as multicultural music education in elementary general music classrooms
Rehabilitation Of Female Offenders: A Case For Gender-Responsive Programming
Full text linkEach year, hundreds of thousands of individuals housed in United States state prison facilities are provided access to rehabilitative programming intended to lessen the probability of offender recidivism. The existing problem surrounding said programs is the “gender-neutral” approach utilized by many jurisdictions nationwide–ignoring the unique criminogenic risks and needs of female offenders. Through an extensive review of literature, this honors thesis explores the unique factors of female criminality, the history of rehabilitative programming within the United States, and the development of gender-responsive rehabilitation programs in women’s prison facilities. Further, this thesis provides a comparative analysis of the types of rehabilitative programming available to female offenders within state women’s prison facilities in California and North Carolina utilizing data collected via state-sponsored agencies, with specific consideration to the presence or lack of gender-responsive programming within the states offender rehabilitation model. Analyzed programs are categorized by descriptive variables defined within. Utilizing data pertaining to the female offender population and presence or lack of accessible gender-responsive programming within each state, conclusions are drawn regarding the potential correlation between the two. This thesis concludes with a discussion of future policy implications, as well as limitations to the study’s generalizability
Why Diversity In Children’s Books Is Important, A Framework For Cultivating A Multicultural Library And A List Of Books Reviewed
Full text linkThis project was inspired by the recent book bannings and censorship in education bills that have been popping up across the country. I had only heard of a few, but this was not an isolated instance. 137 of these bills have been introduced across 35 states. I knew these bills were bad news, but wanted to look into the research and theory that proves that. Unfortunately, these bills are still a recent phenomenon so there is not much research to be found. I decided the best place to begin was to look at the importance of a multicultural library. Multicultural libraries are important for several reasons. They improve student engagement in reading, improve empathy in students, and tell students they matter. I also wanted to look into how to build a multicultural library and found a set of criteria for evaluating books from the Essentials of Children’s Literature, Ninth Edition textbook, written by Short, K., Lynch-Brown, C., & Tomlinson, C. These criteria are as follows: 1. Authenticity of cultural beliefs author/illustrator insider’s perspective?; 2. Accuracy of cultural details (such as food, clothing, homes, speech patterns, etc.); 3. Integration of culturally authentic language; 4. Power relationships between characters; 5. Perspectives and audience; 6. Balance between historic and contemporary views of groups; 7. Adequate representation of any group within a collection of books. I’ve also evaluated some books for a multicultural library, focusing on African-American literature to allow a deep dive. These books include An American Story and The Undefeated, both by Kwame Alexander, Black Girl Magic, by Mahogany Brown, I Am Every Good Thing, by Derrick Barnes, Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me, written by Daniel Beaty, Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry, and Mae Among The Stars, by Roda Ahmed
Signed Petition to His Excellency, David S. Reed by members of Cherokee County Against a Petition Sent To Remove Jacob Siler as State Agent for Cherokee County, NC, December 8, 1852
No full textThe following transcription outlines an organized attempt by citizens of Cherokee County in 1852 to counteract a petition presented to the governor of North Carolina aiming to remove Jacob Siler from his position as “agent of the state for the collection of Cherokee bonds”. Cherokee County in 1852 consisted of present-day Cherokee County, Graham County, and Clay County. This transcription and its attendant annotations, explanatory material, and bibliography were prepared by students in ENGL 618: Research Methods in English, the required gateway class for the MA in English at Western Carolina University
Jacob Siler letter to Governor Ellis, May 5, 1859
No full textThis letter from Jacob Siler to North Carolina Governor John W. Ellis was written on the 5th of May 1859. The content of the letter is Jacob Siler requesting that the governor reply (after a previous request seemed to have been lost) with direction regarding the North Carolina Clerk of Superior Court’s demands regarding “costs and suits brought against debtors for lands bought in [Macon] and [C]herokee counties.” This transcription and its attendant annotations, explanatory material, and bibliography were 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)
Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Municipal Water Quality Dashboard
Full text linkAt the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility in North Carolina, laboratory staff and sampling technicians perform over 100,000 water tests every year. This abundance of data is validated manually and analyzed with spreadsheets. This paper describes the process of designing, implementing, and evaluating a data visualization dashboard in PowerBI to help this water treatment facility effectively monitor the quality of the drinking water in their distribution system. The effectiveness of the dashboard was evaluated through surveys given to the project stakeholders. The feedback from these surveys showed that, overall, the users found the dashboard useful but would like to have real-time data updates