Middle Tennessee State University
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Effect of Sex and Personality on Thermoregulatory Behaviors and Microhabitat Selection of Brumation Sites in Fall and Winter Months in Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina)
No full textConsistent individual variation in behavior within a population is commonly referred to as personality across animal taxa. As our understanding of animal personality increases, researchers can gain better insight into the way personality may affect different behaviors. Research has shown correlations between personality and productivity, population density, stability of populations, dispersal, colonization, distributions within habitats, and disease transmission. Because personality apparently impacts so many attributes of the lives of various species, research on personality variation in different species is especially important. Eastern Box Turtles, Terrapene carolina carolina, are a long-lived species with a distribution across much of the eastern United States. Past studies have shown that Eastern Box Turtles exhibit two personality variations, bold and less bold, which affect movement rate, home range size, date of emergence from brumation, and thermoregulation. Research has also shown that sex may affect home range size, movement distances, utilization of developed habitats, and thermoregulation. Little research, however, has been done to determine the effect of personality and sex on either thermoregulation during fall and winter, or brumation site selection in Eastern Box Turtles. This study examined whether sex and boldness influence thermoregulation during the fall and winter, and brumation site microhabitat selection in wild Eastern Box Turtles. Bold turtles maintained higher body temperatures than less bold turtles at all times of day regardless of sex. Females maintained higher body temperatures when compared to males when boldness was not accounted for. When the interaction of sex and boldness was measured, the four combinations of sex and boldness (e.g., bold female, bold male, less bold female, less bold male) in turtles were found to be significantly different from one another in how they thermoregulated. Bold male turtles exhibited the warmest temperatures overall, whereas less bold male turtles exhibited the coolest temperatures overall. Bold and less bold male box turtles differed dramatically in how they thermoregulated (average maximum difference of ~1.5°C); bold and less bold females also differed but the difference was more subtle (average maximum difference of ~0.5°C). Brumation site microhabitat selection was not found to differ for sex, boldness, or their interaction. This likely means that brumation site selection is dependent on factors other than sex or personality or could be relatively stochastic within their tolerable range. Further research into the interactions of sex and boldness on thermoregulatory behaviors in different portions of the range of Eastern Box Turtles would help elucidate the proximate mechanisms and functional consequences of personality.M.S
Increasing the Ecological Validity of Traditional Neuropsychological Assessments
No full textThe purpose of this study was to create a version of a traditional neuropsychological assessment, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised (HVLT-R), that is ecologically valid by adding an audio distraction to the standardized test setting. Additionally, a subjective memory questionnaire (SMQ) was given to determine if the participants’ views about their own memory may be related to the difference in scores on the HVLT-R. Forty-eight healthy college-aged individuals were given the HVLT-R with and without an audio distraction, in addition to other standardized assessments and questionnaires. The participants were predicted to perform worse on average on the version of the HVLT-R with the audio distraction. Overall, the difference in scores from the HVLT-R without audio to the audio distraction condition was not significant. Also, scores on the SMQ were not shown to be related to the difference scores of the HVLT-R with and without an audio distraction.M.A
The Benefits and Nuances of Reaction Videos: A Study of the Effects of User-Generated Content When Marketing Video Games During Pre-Release
No full textVideo games have become a massive industry that is constantly growing, with its
market value being an estimated worth of 245.55 billion USD in 2022. Further, with
modern developments in social media and video streaming platforms, user-generated
content has become a principal means of marketing video through content creators and
influencers. One of the prominent genres of user-generated content on video platforms is
the Reaction Video. With these videos being such a relied upon means for spreading and
marketing for video games before they release, a better understanding of the benefits and
nuances of these videos and their audience would be beneficial for marketers.
Data was collected from 623 undergraduate students at Middle Tennessee State
University using a Qualtrics survey. The survey consisted of two sections and included a
Reaction Video of a trailer for a recently released video game. Students were asked to
watch this trailer and respond with their thoughts on the game and the content creator
involved. The results from each question were broken down into individual tables to
examine differences in means and responses.
The research questions were developed by examining the change in viewer’s
opinions and purchase intentions for the video game before and after having watched the
reaction video. Results indicate little change in opinions from watching the reaction
video. However, many respondents answer that the content creator’s reaction and
interjection of personality had a positive effect on the trailer, improving audience
impressions. While reaction videos do not appear to be decisive in convincing customers to purchase the game, there is potential in their benefit to the video game trailer watching experience
Challenging the Western Lens: Female Genital Cutting and the Complex Intersection of Human Rights and Cultural Meaning
No full textIntersectionality necessitates that the Western perspective be examined on the
global issue of female genital cutting (FGC), which this thesis explores, as well as its
portrayal by international activists, particularly feminist activists and international aid
agencies, highlighting prevalent ethnocentrism in Western discourse surrounding the
practice. I argue for a shift towards transnational/postcolonial feminist and
anthropological perspectives to broaden the discourse and understanding of FGC and
challenge Western-centric views, especially concerning the “universal” concepts of
freedom and agency. Through exploring multiple viewpoints on FGC, this thesis aims to
contribute to feminist discourses and expand perspectives on FGC and similar practices
often misunderstood by the West. By considering diverse perspectives, this research
seeks to foster more comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches to FGC and
similar customs, ultimately promoting greater respect for cultural diversity and the
intersectionality of such topics
Time is Ticking, Expressing Grief Through Time: Exploring the Production and Creative Techniques for a Composition for Flute and Electronics
No full textUsing the conceptual framework of Gregorian chant’s Dies Irae, an original composition for flute and electronics, entitled Time is Ticking, was created to express the experiences of human grief across time. The piece is intended to be performed with flute and an electronic backing track. The music for flute is composed to express the human phases of grief, and the chaotic emotions felt throughout. The backing track is made with a combination of MIDI, pre-recorded sound effects, pre-recorded flute, reverb, equalization, and panning to create a track with an interesting stereo image for the audience, to contrast with the clean live sound of the flute
Characteristics of the Structure and Selected Biological Activities of Polysaccharides Isolated from Fedora 17 Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
No full textThis study focuses on characterizing the structural properties and biological activities of polysaccharides isolated from the Fedora 17 hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Hemp polysaccharides are an underexplored resource with significant potential in industries such as biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Techniques, including ion-exchange chromatography (IEX), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were employed to elucidate the molecular weight distribution and structural complexity of the polysaccharides. Additionally, antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) assay. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of hemp polysaccharides' potential applications in the development of sustainable and bioactive products
The Perceived Effectiveness of Different Recovery Modalities for Elite NCAA Division I Baseball Players
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine the perceived effectiveness and use of different recovery modalities among Division I NCAA baseball players. The recovery modalities studied included cupping, electrical stimulation, blood flow restriction, contrast therapy, hot water immersion, cold water immersion, pneumatic device, and manual therapy. Through an electronic survey, participants were asked questions regarding demographics, followed by questions for each recovery modality regarding perceived effectiveness (1 to 5 rating) and use during their collegiate career (yes/no). Based on reported use, questions were presented to capture reasons for not using the modality or frequency, timing, and reasons for using the modality. A total of 54 Division I baseball players (age: 20.5 ± 1.6 years) completed the survey. In terms of perceived effectiveness and use, respectively, the top three modalities were manual therapy (4.1 0.9; 93%), cupping (3.8 ± 0.6; 85%), and electrical stimulation (3.7 ± 1; 76%). Among those who used the top 3 modalities, manual therapy was the most frequently used (56% daily or 2-3 times per week), followed by electrical stimulation (42% daily or 2-3 times per week) and cupping (92% using once per week or month). The top reason(s) for use were personal and/or athletic trainer belief that the recovery modality was effective. Among the most frequent contributors to not using a modality were personal belief that the recovery modality was ineffective, and that the modality was inconvenient or uncomfortable/unenjoyable. Overall, the results of perceived efficacy and use of each recovery modality showed consistency, which was supported by the reasons for use or no use of each modality.M.S
What Should You Do to Get Ahead? An Examination of Career Development Choices, Career Aspirations, and Gender
No full textPrevious research suggests that women continuously face greater barriers in their efforts to reach career advancement as compared to men (Chatterjee et al., 2023; Eagly, 2007; Matsa & Miller, 2011; Watts et al., 2015). However, the career advice available to women lacks utility and scientific merit. The present study seeks to help bridge the gap within the career advice literature by exploring the relationships between occupational aspirations, career decision making self-efficacy, the actions an individual would take to advance their career, the career advice individuals would give to others, and gender. Although the proposed hypotheses were not supported, this study sheds light on the current state of gender differences in career aspirations and decision-making. We found that individuals with higher realistic occupational aspirations (ROA) were not significantly more likely to pursue relocation or developmental assignments. Additionally, we did not find significant gender differences in career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE). Lastly, no gender differences were found when examining an individual’s likelihood to engage in documenting a good track record, building relationships with coworkers and managers, and relocation. Overall, this study indicates that traditional gender dynamics in the workplace may be changing, but further exploration is still needed to fully understand the complexities of career development across different demographic groups.M.A
Ranesa's Journey-From Adversity To Empowerment As An African American Woman In Educational Leadership: A Reflective Self-Study
No full textMy dissertation, "A Journey: From Adversity to Empowerment in Education as an African American Women in Educational Leadership: A Reflective Self-Study," reflects my personal and professional experiences as an African American woman in educational leadership. Through a self-study approach, I explore the challenges I’ve faced, particularly in navigating non-inclusive work environments and confronting the stereotypes often applied to African American women, such as the Mammy, Sapphire, and Jezebel archetypes. This research also delves into the psychological and physical impacts of racial battle fatigue and microaggressions, and how these experiences have shaped my understanding of myself and my role as a leader.
The purpose of this study is to reflect on my journey and empower other African American women in leadership by sharing strategies for overcoming systemic barriers, fostering inclusion, and building strong support systems. By critically examining both my personal experiences and the shared experiences of my Critical Friends Group, I aim to contribute to the broader conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational institutions.
Through this work, I hope to offer insight into the resilience and tools that African American women can develop to thrive in environments that have historically excluded them. My goal is to highlight the importance of allyship, self-reflection, and mental strategies for success while advocating for a shift toward more inclusive and supportive professional environments. Ultimately, this dissertation is my contribution to the ongoing efforts to create educational institutions where diversity is celebrated and where African American women can lead with confidence and authenticity.Ed.D
Tennessee River Protectors, a PSA on microplastics in the TN River
No full textThis public service announcement campaign aims to spread awareness of the massive microplastic pollution in the Tennessee River and educate individuals on how they can take action to correct this issue. Additionally, the campaign materials explain what microplastics are, how they are made, their size, and their effects on the body and ecosystems. To make this daunting issue more digestible, I divided it into three steps: vote for leaders who will take legislative action, get involved in local clean-up efforts, and choose sustainability over convenience. I also promoted mindfulness of how one’s actions affect the environment. I made a brand for this campaign, Tennessee River Protectors. I designed a logo, brochure, poster series, website, stickers, social media page, billboard, and mug decals to deliver this message. I conducted a public display to further my campaign’s reach and handed out stickers and brochures to many people