CCU Digital Commons
Not a member yet
8171 research outputs found
Sort by
Physical and biological effects on moths’ navigation performance
Full text linkIn a chemosensing system, the local olfactory environment experienced by a foraging organism is defined as an odorscape. Using the nocturnal pink bollworm moth (Pectinophora gossypiella), we tested the combined effect of three biophysical aspects in its immediate odorscape to shed light on the coupling effects of biotic and abiotic factors on navigation performances of a nocturnal forager: i) the quality of the pheromone source, ii) the pheromone availability, and iii) the airflow characteristics. The navigation performance of the males was investigated using a wind tunnel assay equipped with 3D infrared high-speed cameras. The navigation performance of the males was analyzed using ethological and biomechanical parameters.
The results of this work indicate that: (1) the biophysical factors have combined effects on the navigation performance of mate-searching males; (2) Natural and sexual selection play an important role in shaping the pheromone-mediated sensory performance of nocturnal male moths; herein, the role of natural selection overrides that of sexual selection; (3) During odor-mediated mate-finding navigation, the male moth applies a tradeoff decision-making process based on weighted information from the biological and physical characteristics of the odorscape. This decision-making process includes weighting the tradeoff between the cost involved in flying under different flow conditions, the availability of different odor sources, and their quality.
Descriptive data was added below, with CC-BY 4.0 license; data doi: 10.17632/k39xx7hngn.1
This article was published Open Access through the CCU Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund. The article was first published in Movement Ecology: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-025-00547-
The Lived Experiences of Fathers with Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study
No full textBackground:
Although parents may joyfully anticipate the birth of a child, it\u27s impossible for them to know ahead of time just how profoundly their lives will change. Postpartum depression (PPD) can result. While there is a substantial body of research regarding maternal PPD, paternal PPD has received far less attention and is neither adequately understood nor diagnosed. This is exacerbated by outdated but persistent sociocultural masculinity norms and the stigmas around mental health issues. Purpose:
This study sought to explore the lived experiences of new fathers with PPD in order to provide greater insight into their experiences. Methods:
This qualitative study used an interpretive phenomenological design. The theoretical framework was provided by Hill\u27s family stress theory. The study was conducted among 10 new fathers with self-reported or clinically diagnosed PPD, recruited through social media and residing in the United States. Data were gathered through online surveys and via individual interviews conducted over Zoom or by phone. Questions were designed to elicit information on how participants experienced the transition to fatherhood and how their PPD manifested, as well as on their coping skills and resources, partner and family support, and meaningful social relationships that affected their PPD outcomes. Results:
The study findings led to the identification of three major themes: trauma, depression, and societal role conflict. The theme of trauma included the subthemes birth experience; demanding roles; self-care limitations; and isolation, confusion, and identity loss. Nearly all of the new fathers reported feeling helpless, useless, and unprepared, with many also reporting self-doubt and a sense of failure. The theme of depression highlighted the subtheme impact of depressive symptoms. Most of the new fathers reported isolating, rather than asking for help. The theme of societal role conflict included the subthemes relationship strains, stigma and associated guilt, lack of or ineffective health care education, and coping and resources. All of the participants reported having difficulty finding resources, underscoring the need for increased mental health awareness and support. Conclusions:
The study findings provide strong evidence that new fathers with paternal PPD experience significant trauma, depression, and societal role conflicts. Current clinical practices and education regarding paternal PPD are generally inadequate, reflecting outdated obstetric models that fail to consider the needs of new fathers. It\u27s vital that clinicians recognize and address paternal PPD, including assessment for negative coping behaviors (such as unhealthful eating, overworking, and excessive substance use). The lack of adequate education and resources for new fathers, as well as the sociocultural stigmas that surround mental health issues, must also be addressed. Priorities should include developing and teaching new fathers effective coping strategies
Young-of-the-year spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) recruitment timing, age, and growth in a polyhaline Southeastern estuary
No full textSpot (Leiostomus xanthurus) are ecologically important and numerically abundant transient species that rely on temperate and subtropical estuaries for nursery habitat. Juvenile age and growth has been examined across their geographic range using length or sagittae at annual scales or for portions of a growth season. The overall research objective was to describe spot intra-annual age structure and growth rates based on arrival timing in a polyhaline intertidal Southeastern estuary. Juvenile spot were present in biweekly seine collections between February to November 2020 but absent in January and December. A 20-day lapillar correction factor was established to accurately age wild-caught spot and applied to 343 juveniles ranging from 67 to 212 dph. The last cohort to enter the estuary had the fastest growth rate (0.67 mm/d) at the warmest water temperatures. The fastest growth rates were observed after the seasonal thermal maxima in all three cohorts (n = 974 juveniles). The rate of biomass increase relative to length was significantly faster in the earlier cohorts than the last cohort. All cohorts transitioned from isometric to allometric growth between 56-62 mm standard length, ranging in biomass from 0.44 to 1.35 g. The timing of entrance into the estuary may determine cohort and year-class success as well as future spawning stock contributions. Incorporation of multiple sequential cohorts within a growth season into spot life history may maximize population ecological success at generational scales
PERCEPTIONS OF FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS ON RESPECT IN THE CLASSROOM DURING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
No full textThis study examines the influence of teacher respect on classroom climate, student- teacher relationships, and academic performance. Through interviews with college students reflecting on their high school experiences, this research identifies specific teacher actions and communication that foster respect in the classroom. By identifying what respectful communication and actions are through the interviews, teachers will be able to use these in their classrooms.
Six themes were identified by the participants lived experiences. They are: teacher demeanor, social interaction, attitude, emotional support, instructional management and facilitation, and listening. The results gave specific actions and communication, in the eyes of the participants, that showed respect. These allowed a teacher evaluation to be created to be used by administrators and mentors along with their school’s adopted evaluation.
These findings will also provide a framework for administrators and mentors to use in evaluating teachers and for use in professional development. This framework recognizes, promotes, and supports respectful teaching practices, including feedback, coaching, and professional growth opportunities
Investigation into Mycorrhizae Associated with Native Venus\u27 Flytrap Root Tissue
Full text linkDionaea muscipula, a plant commonly known as the Venus\u27 flytrap, is found native to the southeast corner of North Carolina and the northeast corner of South Carolina. Several populations of native Venus\u27 flytraps are known to exist in the nutrient-poor peat bog conditions in and around Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve (LOBHP) in Northeastern South Carolina. Anthropogenic pressures in Horry County, specifically surrounding LOBHP, have resulted in a loss of habitat for several native and endangered species. As a result, conservation efforts are focused on relocating native Venus\u27 flytraps into adjacent habitats to ensure survival. This is only a temporary solution and does not account for aspects of soil that may influence Venus\u27 flytrap growth, development, and survival. It is presumed that Venus\u27 flytraps do not require mycorrhizal associations due to evolution of the leaf-trap for increased nutrient acquisition from otherwise nutrient-poor soils. However, related carnivorous plants, such as the sundew, have shown mycorrhizal associations with their root tissues. The presence of mycorrhizae in Venus\u27 flytrap roots would suggest that conservation efforts should account for soil microbiome prior to re-location of plants. I investigated root tissue structures and surrounding soil of native Venus\u27 flytraps for evidence of mycorrhizae associations and identification of mycorrhizal species in the soil microbiome. During this study, microscopy of stained root tissues resulted in identification of arbuscular mycorrhizae formations in 93.75%± of observed Venus\u27 flytraps roots. Further, endophytic fungi were observed after culture on nutritive media. Molecular analysis of fungal cultures support evidence of of host-specific associations with endophytes and mycorrhizae
The Role of Personality and Late-Life Categorical Spending Regret
Full text linkThis study examines the association between the big five “OCEAN” personality traits and late-life categorical spending regret. The categorical spending regrets examined are housing, food, clothing, appliances/furnishings, cars, leisure, child-related expenses, and providing financial help. Openness was associated negatively with spending regret on food. Conscientiousness was associated positively with spending regret on appliances/furnishings and cars. Extraversion was associated negatively with spending regret on food, cars, and providing financial help. Agreeableness was associated positively with spending regret on food, clothing, leisure, and providing financial help. The results for Neuroticism indicated no statistically significant association between the OCEAN personality traits and the categorical spending regrets tested. The findings provide insight into the psychological mechanisms underlying consumer spending regret and offer additional support for research on the psychological benefits of personality-matched spending.
This article was published Open Access through the CCU Libraries Transformative Agreement Program. The article was first published in the journal Psychological Studies: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-025-00820-
Building An AI Week: An Ideation Session for Large-Scale AI Programming and Outreach
No full textBased on our experiences launching a library-led, weeklong slate of AI-related programming that appealed to all audiences across the university, we will present a blueprint for how to launch a similar large-scale event at your institution. We will discuss the entire process, including submitting a proposal and budgeting, soliciting partnerships across the university, selecting targeted programs for students, faculty, staff, and the larger community, and assessing the event after it has concluded
The Chanticleer, 2025-02-27
Full text linkThe editorially independent student produced weekly newspaper of Coastal Carolina University.https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/chanticleer/1732/thumbnail.jp
The Chanticleer, 2025-01-30
Full text linkThe editorially independent student produced weekly newspaper of Coastal Carolina University.https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/chanticleer/1734/thumbnail.jp
Library-Led AI Programming. How Coastal Carolina University Libraries Spearheaded Our Inaugural AI Week
No full textLike many libraries, our librarians have been aiming to navigate the challenges of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and glean its’ potential academic advantages. With the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other GenAI tools, we recognized that we were faced with two obvious challenges. First, how was the university going to pull together to foster constructive discourse about AI, and second, how would the library be involved? At Coastal Carolina University Libraries, we already coordinate events to create awareness and understanding of information literacy within our community with week-long programming for Open Access Week, National Library Week, and Banned Books Week. Therefore, we decided to plan an AI Week for the university to approach this latest disruptive technology collaboratively, with the library as a leader in fostering these conversations. This presentation will discuss our experiences with launching this new initiative, covering the entire process from planning to post-event assessment