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Soil Erosion: The Impact of Precipitation and Deficient Drainage Tile on Soil Willoughby Grove Farm, Union Township, Licking County, Ohio
No full textWilloughby Grove Farm has been a functioning farm for many generations within the same family. For each of those generations, there has been some level of soil erosion on the farm. Erosion is inevitable, but there are actions that can be taken to reduce its impact.
Willoughby Grove Farm originally had clay drainage tile installed under the fields to help drain water from the surface. Over time these clay tiles began to break and needed to be replaced. This was not done to the degree needed. Due to that lack of maintenance, over the last 12 years, erosion has started to occur in the area, primarily impacting several transport pathways on the farm. Water flows from tiles within the fields to a grass waterway. Tile within this grass waterway has failed over time due to aging and the growth of trees. As a result, water no longer travels in the subsurface to the creek, but it instead travels on the surface. By the time the water gets to the end of the field, it has carved a trench, creating problems for the farm. Throughout the summer of 2023, data was collected within a localized study area of high erosion and the surrounding fields. This data included soil moisture, water flow rates, soil type, as well as elevation change. This data shows a constant decrease in elevation from the west end of the field to the east. Data also supports that the soil type was a majority silty clay loam, a soil that is susceptible to erosion. Unfortunately, there was little surface flow throughout the dry summer, thus few conclusions came from the flow data. Soil moisture observations were taken once a week, and data suggests that after rain events, soil moisture stayed around the same percent from week to week. Along with data taken in the field, temperature and precipitation data from the Midwest and central Ohio was analyzed in the lab. This data indicates that average low temperatures are increasing in the region, while high temperatures are staying about the same. In addition, precipitation is rising as well in both the Midwest and central Ohio. These factors play a small role in why erosion is occurring in the study area. Poor tile upkeep is a significantly more important contributor to erosion on Willoughby Grove Farm. If the Fishers had kept tile throughout the field and grass waterway functioning, the properly maintained system would have controlled the increase in precipitation in central Ohio
Party Lines and Policy Designs: The Influence of Presidential Administrations on Texas State Legislation
No full textAn analysis of Texas’s immigration laws using the narrative policy framework (NPF) reveals the complex and frequently divisive nature of policymaking. The Texas State Legislature wrestled with issues related to immigration policy over a 20-year period (2001–2023), including border security, economic integration, cultural identity, and humanitarian concerns. Through an examination of legislative actions, policy narratives, and presidential influence, this research explores the changing nature of immigration policymaking in Texas and its consequences for the state’s diverse populace. The present study investigates the correlation between the immigration policy solutions put forth by the Texas State Legislature and the political affiliation of the U.S. president currently in office. In particular, the study examines whether stricter immigration policy solutions—that is, policies that are considered anti-immigrant—occur when a Republican president is in office. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examines patterns and trends in immigration policymaking in Texas over a period spanning multiple presidential administrations, including a quantitative analysis of legislative actions and qualitative analysis of policy narratives. The results reveal no discernible relationship between the president’s party affiliation and the strictness of the immigration laws proposed by the Texas State Legislature. The research shows a more nuanced and complex relationship shaped by a variety of factors, including state-level politics, public opinion, and outside events, contrary to conventional wisdom that suggests partisan influence on immigration policy. This project emphasizes the value of evidence-based policymaking in addressing complex societal issues and advances human understanding of the dynamics guiding state-level immigration policymaking. More investigation is required to examine the significance of additional contextual elements and to evaluate how immigration laws affect immigrant communities and larger social dynamics
The Security Dilemma Between the United States and China and its Implications for United States Regulations of TikTok and Semiconductors
No full textTikTok, a widely used social media platform, and semiconductor imports from the People’s Republic of China (China), critical to the United States of America (US) technology infrastructure, are raising questions regarding national security vulnerabilities and technological dependence. As a result, both TikTok and semiconductors imported from China have been subject to geopolitical dynamics and regulatory scrutiny. By employing a controlled comparison case study method, this research investigates the impact of the security dilemma between the US and China on US federal government regulations concerning TikTok and semiconductors imported from China. This research uses military spending data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) to assess increases in military spending by both states, which can be indicative of a heightened security dilemma. This research found a correlation between the escalation of the security dilemma between the US and China and increased regulatory measures imposed by the US federal government on TikTok and semiconductors imported from China. Heightened tensions between the two states tend to coincide with stricter regulations aimed at safeguarding US interests and mitigating perceived national security risks associated with TikTok and semiconductors imported from China. The implications for US-China relations is that as the security dilemma between the US and China escalates, regulatory measures are likely to become more stringent. As for implications for broader US-China relations, sustained efforts to manage the security dilemma could contribute to stability and peace in US-China relations, by fostering greater trust and cooperation in technology trade and regulations
Genetic Interactions Between Disease Prone RNA Binding Proteins in Drosophila Melanogaster
No full textMaking the Invisible Visible: How Analysis of the Photodegradation of Cochineal Dyes in Peruvian Textiles Can Preserve Cultural Memory
No full textNavigating Sibling Relationships in Emerging Adulthood: Exploring Negative Turning Points and Relational Maintenance Strategies
No full textThis independent study project delves into the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships, particularly focusing on the negative relational experiences that siblings face during emerging adulthood and the impact of estrangement on sibling bonds. Through the lens of the turning point model and family systems theory, the study aims to uncover the specific events contributing to the deterioration of sibling relationships, the strategies employed by siblings to navigate such challenges, and the broader impact of these shifts on the larger family system. Using qualitative methods, I conducted in-depth narrative interviews with 10 emerging adult participants who share a strained relationship with their siblings. Findings reveal pivotal negative events that function as turning points leading to strained sibling bonds, including habitual verbal aggression, physical threats, sibling rivalry, conflicting interpersonal networks, physical distance, and addiction and manipulation. Participants employ strategies like maintaining physical distance, parental intervention, and family ties to manage these challenges and still maintain some level of connectedness with their siblings. Findings further reveal that despite tensions, participants express a deep longing for improved relationships with their siblings, highlighting the enduring nature of familial bonds. The conclusion synthesizes these findings, reflecting on negative relational experiences, strategies for navigating challenges, and the potential for growth and reconciliation within sibling dynamics during emerging adulthood. This study contextualizes these insights, offering a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding sibling relationships and providing a basis for future research in the field
Treatment for Pediatric Patients with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder: An Investigation of Audiologists’ Treatment Options for these Patients
No full textThe prevalence of Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) ranges from 0.5 – 11% (Vijayasarathy & Shetty, 2021, p. 1). ANSD may be present at birth, but later onset of ANSD is possible for patients ranging from 10 – 25 years of age (p. 1). Therefore, this study investigated the knowledge of pediatric audiologists’ regarding Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD). This study also aimed to explore the level of familiarity of pediatric audiologists with regards to the treatment options for Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder, including advances in genetic testing and protein replacement developments. The instrument used to collect the data for the current study was an HSRC-approved quantitative investigation making use of survey research techniques. The survey was sent to various ASHA Special Interest Groups (SIG), as well as audiology organizations such American Cochlear Implant Association (ACIA), Children’s Hospitals, the Educational Audiology Association (EAA), and social media platforms. Several major conclusions were made from the current study including the following: cases seen within the last twelve months for Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) indicated that the low prevalence of this condition leads to smaller caseloads for audiologists. Audiologists’ familiarity with the range of management options for ANSD reveals a strong understanding of the available approaches for pediatric patients. Audiologists’ comfort levels in managing children with ANSD across various options (No Hearing Technology, Hearing Aids, and Cochlear Implants) showed no significant differences in comfort levels. Most audiologists indicated a preference for the term ANSD, suggesting that this designation is widely accepted as the clearest and most appropriate within the profession. Analysis on genetics and gene therapy showed that audiologists are generally knowledgeable about the genetic causes of ANSD, with most referring pediatric patients for genetic testing. However, a small proportion of audiologists “rarely” or “never” refer patients for genetic testing. While most audiologists are aware of ongoing gene therapy and otoferlin replacement trials, fewer are familiar with the two U.S.-based companies approved for clinical trials specifically targeting gene therapy for ANSD
To Be Young, Gifted and Black: The Contributions of Racial Centrality, Parental Social Support and Academic Motivation on the Academic Engagement of Black Undergraduate Students.
No full textRacial identity plays a significant role in the lives of Black undergraduate students.’ Although numerous studies show that having a positive racial identity has a positive influence on the academic achievements of Black students , even less is known about how ethnic identity, maternal nurturance, paternal nurturance, and internal locus of control has on the grades of Black undergraduate students . Secondary data from 422 Black undergraduates was used to examine the impact ethnic identity, maternal nurturance, paternal nurturance, and internal locus of control has on the grades of Black undergraduate students. Linear regression analyses run for the full sample demonstrated that no variables significantly predicted the grades of Black undergraduate students. When follow-up regression analysis was run by socioeconomic status the results demonstrated that undergraduates of high socioeconomic status, increased maternal nurturance was found to predict lower grades. Further research is needed to further explore the psychosocial factors that influence the academic achievement of Black undergraduates
Who is Really to Blame? Examining the Impact of Teacher Accountability on Learning Outcomes in Francophone West Africa
No full textTeacher accountability in Africa, like in many parts of the world, is a complicated issue with several dimensions. In multiple cases, teachers are easily blamed for their student’s poor performance but when we analyze the situation closely, it is evident that there are several other actors involved. As such, this study seeks to analyze how teachers can be held accountable for student learning, by simultaneously acknowledging the role of actors such as the government, education ministries, school boards, parents, and students themselves. Since accountability is difficult to define, my introductory chapter attempts to define the concept based on the works of various scholarly authors. The literature examines a range of articles from the need for teacher accountability in different African contexts to the association between contract teaching and student learning in Francophone West African contexts. This literature is then supported by a theoretical framework which uses education production functions to show the input of various actors in accountability and demonstrates the power of an agency delegation. The final chapter of my research discusses the findings of a case study on Guinea where I examine the history of educational reform in Guinea through structural adjustment programs. My data is drawn from the FIMG case study which shows the impact of various kinds of training on learning outcomes. I conclude with a critique to this study since it is limited in the number of variables used to measure student learning
