5026 research outputs found
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Smart Homes and You: IOT Device Data Risks in an Ever-Changing World
Social media applications are increasingly seen as a national security threat and a cause for concern because they can be used to create user profiles on government personnel and on US citizens. These profiles could be used for big data and artificial intelligence purposes of interest to foreign governments. With the rise of big data and AI being used, foreign governments could use this data for a variety of purposes that can affect normal everyday citizens, not just high value personnel. IoT (Internet of Things) devices that the population uses everyday can also pose the same threat. These devices can collect several types of data and can pose different vulnerabilities depending on the device type and types of data that they collect. In addition to this the data can be used for multiple uses including nefarious ones. IoT devices have been researched in detail, including the types of devices, what they are capable of, the type of data that they may gather and what security measures there might be in place for these devices. Several studies regarding the use of IoT devices have been inspected as well and are included in the literature review. I have also inspected various policies and procedures that are currently in place regarding IoT devices, especially from device manufacturers. Current uses for personal data and its impact on international affairs were also analyzed to connect any potential threats from IoT device data to foreign cyber threats. In addition to this, I have compiled a list of possible safeguards to create a framework for how IoT devices should be treated moving forward
A Preliminary Investigation into the Impact of a First-Year Stress Management Seminar
Research reveals that high stress levels in undergraduate students may negatively impact their emotional and physical well-being. Short-term approaches to introducing stress management on college campuses have been explored. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine whether a first-year stress management seminar course helped students reduce their stress a year after completing the course, identify which stress management skills students preferred, and assess the effectiveness of specific teaching techniques on student learning. Participants included students enrolled in two sections of a first-year stress management course. A survey was administered in 4 waves during the 2020 to 2021 academic year. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Positive trends emerged regarding students’ abilities to cope with stress. They preferred an active approach to learning and used cognitive techniques, support, and humor to manage stressors. Furthermore, this study also provides instructors, from various disciplines, with stress management techniques they can incorporate into their classes and share with their students
Determining the Effects of Water Quality on Stream Metabolic Function of Urban Stream Corridors in Columbus, Georgia
Urbanization alters streams, disrupting their natural habitat and inducing changes in nutrient dynamics and primary productivity. These human-induced interventions diminish ecological structure, homogenizing once-diverse ecosystems and posing a risk of impairment or destruction. Continuous monitoring of stream ecosystem metabolism emerges as an essential tool for a comprehensive understanding and effective intervention in response to these challenges. This study delves into the intricate dynamics of nutrient levels and productivity within the urbanized context of the Weracoba Creek watershed located in Columbus, Georgia, USA. Through a cross-sectional study, we explore spatial and temporal variations in nutrient concentrations (NH4, NO3, PO4, TP, TN) and productivity metrics (NPP, GPP, CR, Biomass) across four distinct stream sites. We examined site-specific productivity variations, elucidating the impacts of light dynamics, vegetation cover, and nutrient inputs. The introduction of a novel modified dark/light bottle method proposes an alternative for studying urban stream metabolism, addressing limitations inherent in traditional monitoring approaches. Descriptive statistics unveil higher productivity in lower stream sites, establishing correlations that underscore total Phosphorus (TP) as a pivotal driver of ecosystem productivity. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) reinforces site-specific variations, emphasizing impacts of urbanization on water quality. Insights from nutrient-biomass relationships highlight the paramount importance of managing TP levels for overall ecosystem health. This result signifies urbanization\u27s intricate ramifications, unraveling shifts in stream structure, nutrient dynamics, and biomass production. Additionally, this research underscores the value of continuous monitoring of stream ecosystem metabolism as a reliable tool for assessing and addressing the adverse impacts of urbanization on aquatic ecosystems. The study calls for future research to delve deeper into the mechanisms behind the observed correlations and explore additional factors influencing productivity in urban streams
Assessing Academic Advisement Preferences Among Master’s Students: A Modification of the Prescriptive/Developmental Preference Scale
Academic advisement plays a significant role in enrollment retention and degree attainment. Little is known, however, about what master’s students want and need from their advisement experience, as most research on advisement preferences has focused on undergraduate students. The Prescriptive/Developmental Preference Scale (Yarbrough, 2010) was designed to assess students’ academic advisement preferences, particularly as they relate to prescriptive and developmental advisement. The author of the PDPS, which was piloted with undergraduate students, found that the instrument had construct validity issues, especially regarding the Prescriptive construct. This study aimed to modify and expand the PDPS to reliably assess master’s students’ advisement preferences and improve construct validity among the Prescriptive and Developmental scales. A first draft of the Modified PDPS was reviewed and edited by a panel of experts, composed of five academic advisors. Once a final draft of the Modified PDPS had been developed, the researcher distributed the instrument to actively-enrolled master’s students at a southeastern, mid-sized, suburban institution. 176 valid responses were received. Results were analyzed via SmartPLS 4 using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to determine if items loaded on their respective constructs as expected. Multiple analyses were performed before a statistically reliable and valid model was generated. The final recommended model of the Modified PDPS contained 15 items total, with a seven-item Prescriptive scale and eight-item Developmental scale. Analysis of participant responses indicated overall higher preference/agreement with the Prescriptive scale, particularly among master’s students who were enrolled in fully-online programs. Recommendations for continued research, implications for advising practice at the master’s level, and insights regarding instrument validation and measurement of advisement preferences are discussed
Collaborative Lesson Study: A Qualitative Case Study of Elementary Teachers’ Professional Learning Experience
Teacher collaboration practices in schools have impacted how teachers work together to prevent professional isolation. The mandate of collaborative practices has resulted in some teachers expressing frustration and a lack of benefit from their current experiences. The purpose of this qualitative case study, conducted in the Southeast region of the United States, was to determine if lesson study provided a more meaningful collaborative approach during focused group sessions. Using New London Group’s (1996) designs of meaning concept encapsulated in the Pedagogy of Multiliteracies Theoretical Framework to gauge the relevance of lesson study, I sought to explore a deeper understanding of the attitudes and perceptions of elementary educators practicing this method. The participants in this study, the kindergarten collaboration team, consisted of three kindergarten teachers, one special education teacher, one media specialist teacher, and one technology specialist teacher. The individuals’ teaching experience ranged from 17 to 30 years. Data collected included field notes, focus group reflections of team lesson observations, transcriptions from semi-structured individual interviews, and a focus group interview. The overarching research question that drove this study was: What were the attitudes and perceptions of elementary educators towards practicing lesson study and its influence on the quality of teaching? Findings from this investigation revealed that participants going through the lesson study were appreciative from acquiring a unique collaborative experience. A new team dynamic, introspective analyses, and transformation of teacher learning contributed to a meaningful collaborative process. Furthermore, maximizing colleagues’ skillsets, preparation, and learning-by-doing heightened the quality of instructional math practices. vi Table o
Generational Theory as a Lens for Approaching Musical Theatre History, 1943-2023, or a Strange Loop
In 1991, William Strauss and Neil Howe published generational theory in Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584-2069. Though critiqued, Strauss and Howe’s generational theory suggests that American history occurs in cycles characterized by four distinct generational turnings or moods that occur approximately every eighty years, roughly the span of a human life. Though the theory has been applied to American history, usually through a political and economic lens, this thesis will focus on the most recent Millennial Cycle and apply the theory to the development of Broadway musical theatre history. Innovative musicals such as Oklahoma! (1943), Hair (1968), Rent (1996), and Hamilton (2015) and their place in musical theatre history support Strauss and Howe’s generational theory. The theory narrates a sociocultural perspective on the evolution of the Broadway musical, a distinctively American art form. The theory could forecast future trends and serve as a helpful framework for teaching musical theatre history
Docker Technology for Small Scenario-Based Excercises in cybersecurity
This study aims to better prepare students for cybersecurity roles by providing practical tools that bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications. We investigate the role of small scenario-based exercises for students’ understanding of cybersecurity concepts. In particular, we assess the use of Docker technology to deliver training that includes a simple small scenario on html code injection. The effectiveness of scenario-based learning has long been defined and by using SBL, we are going to create hands-on activity that involves the fundamental topics in cybersecurity using Docker technology, allowing students to see the exploitation of the vulnerabilities and defense mechanisms against the attacks. The study’s results deduced from the analysis of responses from two surveys favored small scenario-based exercises for hands on activities in cybersecurity and the use of Docker technology for building such scenarios.
By underlining the links between the studies discussed in the paper and our study, it shows the importance of scenario-based learning in cybersecurity education, highlighting its hands-on and practical nature. Also, it advocates for tailored educational programs that effectively integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing the value of this approach in preparing students for real-world cybersecurity challenges
Muscogiana Vol. 34(2), Fall 2023
Muscogee County, Columbus, Georgia, Genealogyhttps://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/muscogiana/1073/thumbnail.jp
An Analysis of Paid Agent Contracts Utilized in the Recruitment of International Students at University System of Georgia Institutions
Many colleges and universities view international student recruitment as the solution to their financial pressures, but they lack the ability to effectively reach international markets. While many students desire to study internationally, they lack the knowledge and resources to explore their options. Paid agents bridge the information and opportunity gaps between institutions and prospective international students. However, the use of paid agents is fraught with many dangers. Paid agent contracts govern the relationships between these entities in the absence of regulations. This study explored the paid agent contracts employed by colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia to recruit international students. Content analysis and discourse analysis were utilized to answer to determine who was protected by the paid agent contracts and how policy should be informed by the contracts. The analyses determined that there was an asymmetrical relationship exists between institutions, paid agents, and students within the contracts, and that policies were insufficient to provide adequate protections for international students. The findings concurred with extant literature on the topic
Servant Leadership and Violent Extremism: An Evaluative Framework
The following article presents a conceptual servant leadership framework for evaluating preventing violent extremism (PVE) policies and programs. The purpose of the work was to discover how servant leadership could strengthen existing PVE evaluative strategies. This article stems from work being done in servant leadership, counterterrorism, and countering violent extremism at Nichols College and Utah Valley University. The authors used a secondary analysis of empirical and literary servant leadership and PVE works to develop the framework. The analysis revealed a relationship between servant leadership’s commitment to the growth of people and building community and the need for PVE to be about nurturing resilient individuals and communities. That relationship became the foundation for the work, allowing for a discussion of many different aspects of the two areas. The framework led to the development of a servant leadership evaluative framework to be used as part of an overall PVE evaluative toolkit