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Impact of Transitioning from IP-Based to Federated Access: A Case Study on Reducing Support Requests
No full textThis case study describes how transitioning to OpenAthens transformed Coastal Carolina University\u27s access model to scholarly online information. It reports how the switch improved the user experience by enabling seamless, point-of-need authentication, strengthened privacy and security, and ultimately reduced staff time spent on access-related support by approximately 75%
Temperament and Screen Time into Adulthood
Full text linkThe possible correlation between language skills, temperament, and screen time in adulthood is understudied. It was hypothesized that high effortful control scores and low childhood screentime would corelate with higher cognitive reflection scores and higher language skills. Using a correlational design, 162 participants were studied (M age = 19.17 years old, 80% female, 86% White, 6% Hispanic). Participants completed an adapted version of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire (Evans & Rothbart, 2007), Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT; Fredrick, 2005), the Cognitive Reflection Test 2 (CRT-2; Thompson & Oppenheimer, 2016), Thompson & Oppenheimer, 2016), a childhood screen time questionnaire, a bilingualism questionnaire, and the Lexical Decision Task (Meyer & Schvaneveldt, 1971). Results indicated only a negative correlation between effortful control and negative affect. These findings add to existing literature by providing an interdisciplinary approach by combining communication, linguistics, and media studies to an understudied topic in psychology. The study also helps bring awareness of the possible positive and negative impacts that television shows and YouTube videos can have on children’s language development
FLOW FIELD SURROUNDING BLUEGILL (LEPOMIS MACROCHIRUS) DURING SUCTION-FEEDING
Full text linkSuction-feeding is a common method for capturing prey by aquatic organisms and contributed to the diversification of fishes by enabling them to consume a wide range of prey. Suction-feeding is a complex fish-fluid interaction governed by various hydrodynamic forces: inertia, unsteady, viscous, and pressure gradients. These forces are described by the coupling between the flow physics equations (Navier-Stokes) and the dynamic behavior of the fish (motion and forces). However, the distribution of the pressure field that drives this process, and the extent to which suction-feeding is three-dimensional, remain underexplored. I estimated the pressure within the flow field surrounding the mouth of a Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) during suction-feeding utilizing particle image velocimetry (PIV). Particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) was also used to measure the 3D velocity fields in a volume surrounding the mouth of a Bluegill. High-speed imaging was used for measurements of fish kinematics (duration and amplitude). The pressure field was estimated from the PIV velocity measurements through the Poisson equation. The boundary conditions for the pressure field were determined from the integral momentum equation, separately, for three phases of the suction-feeding cycle. I explored suction- feeding by quantifying the pressure field that drives the flow towards the buccal cavity, where the magnitude and location of a high-pressure zone varies throughout the feeding cycle causing significant variations of the spatial pressure distribution. Measurements of the 3D flow field enables direct measurement of all the hydrodynamic forces governing flow, which provides insight into the coupling effects between viscous, inertia and pressure gradient forces acting during the phases of suction-feeding. In particular, the 3D flow measurements enable a direct estimate of the pressure gradient terms in all three directions, which is not possible with 2D measurements utilizing, for example, PIV. These interactions are important because they govern the success rate and energy expenditure during the suction-feeding process. PIV analysis showed clear variation in pressure fields across phases, with regions of high pressure forming during mouth expansion, supporting the role of unsteady pressure gradients in prey capture. PTV data revealed that the three velocity components (u, v, w) had comparable magnitudes, indicating strong three-dimensional flow. These results provide novel insight into the pressure-driven mechanisms of suction-feeding and highlight the importance of 3D flow structure in prey acquisition
Spatial ecology and habitat selection of Eastern Pinesnakes: Case study on the importance of scale in conservation biology
No full textSpecies are in decline world-wide, driven by multiple factors including habitat fragmentation. Understanding the habitat selection processes of species in these fragmented landscapes has become a focus of ecological studies and is a major component of conservation plan development. However, understanding how landscape level processes influence patterns of habitat selection is often ignored. Here we assessed the influence of landscape level processes in the habitat selection of Eastern Pinesnakes, a species in decline, within a protected area in South Carolina, USA. Over the course of a year, we tracked 8 Eastern Pinesnakes within a small protected area. Snakes exhibited seasonal movement patterns, with activity concentrated in the spring, summer, and fall, and maintained relatively small home ranges (∼1 km²). When habitat selection was assessed using traditional methods that define available habitat based on proximity alone, snakes appeared to preferentially select for grasslands. However, when landscape-level factors such as dispersal constraints and the spatial configuration of managed pine forests were incorporated, habitat selection patterns shifted indicating a preference for pine forests. These findings suggest that landscape context and management history significantly influence habitat use in this species, highlighting the importance of considering broader spatial scales in habitat selection studies. Our results highlight the need to integrate forest management practices with species-specific habitat requirements to support Eastern Pinesnake populations in fragmented landscapes.
This article was published Open Access through the CCU Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund. The article was first published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e0377
Public Art and the Public Square in the Rural Deep South: The Case of Hancock County, Georgia
No full textThis study explores the political and social significance of public art in rural Southern communities, shedding light on their resilience amid change. Our analysis of Sparta\u27s mural art aligns with existing scholarly typologies, distinguishing between place-inspired, heritage-inspired, and socially-inspired murals. These murals symbolize community aspirations rather than historical or social narratives. This distinction prompts considerations for future research: urban and rural public art serve distinct purposes, artist-driven murals draw from diverse inspirations, and communal engagement varies across mural types. Community murals not only articulate identity but also amplify marginalized voices and critique societal norms. By delineating these differences, we underscore the multifaceted role of public art in shaping community identity, preserving heritage, and fostering social cohesion. Sparta\u27s mural landscape thus emerges as a rich tapestry reflecting both local heritage and collective aspirations, offering insights into the nuanced dynamics of rural cultural expression
Sense of Belonging Among Nontraditional Undergraduate Students
Full text linkThis qualitative study, viewed through a constructivist lens, was conducted with 16 nontraditional undergraduate students, comprising equal numbers from a two-year and a four-year higher education institution. The study delved into their perceptions of belonging, while exploring the commonalities and disparities of their experiences between the two types of institutions. Through semi-structured interviews, these participants shared their lived experiences to answer three research questions: 1) How do nontraditional undergraduate students at two-year and four-year higher education institutions describe their sense of belonging? 2) What influences their sense of belonging at these institutions, and 3) How does sense of belonging among students at two-year institutions compare with those at four-year institutions? The findings indicated that holistic student engagement and support, inclusive community engagement in higher education, and life balance and personal growth were pivotal in fostering a sense of belonging. The study also examined the similarities and differences across the two types of institutions from the participants’ perspectives. Several practice areas were identified to foster a more inclusive campus culture for nontraditional undergraduate students. Additionally, the study offered future research directions, contributing to the broader literature on the sense of belonging among older students. Overall, the participants highlighted the significance of an inclusive academic environment that recognized and welcomed their differences, aiding in their sense of belonging and academic success. This research emphasized the critical role of a sense of belonging in the success of this student demographic, affirming that such a feeling is crucial in the academic success of this growing student population
Insect wing flexibility improves the aerodynamic performance of small revolving wings
Full text linkInsect wings are flexible, elastically deforming under loads experienced during flapping. The adaptive value of this flexibility was tested using a revolving wing set-up. We show that the wing flexibility of the beetle Batocera rufomaculata, suppresses the reduction in lift coefficient that is expected to occur with a reduction of wing size compared to rigid propeller blades. Moreover, the scaling of wing flexibility with size is intra-specifically tuned through changes in wing-vein cross-section, resulting in smaller wings achieving proportionally larger chordwise deformations compared to larger wings, when loaded with aerodynamic forces. These elastic deformations control the separation of flow from the wing as a function of Angle-of-Attack, as evidenced by the turbulence activity in the flow-field directly beneath the revolving wings. The study underlines the contribution of flexibility to control the flow over insect wings through passive wing deformations without the need for input or feedback from the nervous system.
This article was published Open Access through the CCU Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund. The article was first published in iScience: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.11203
Beyond the Battle: Historical, Religio-Philosophical, and Literary Depths of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
Full text linkThis paper argues that Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is not merely an animated cinematic phenomenon but a multifaceted narrative that intricately weaves together diverse elements of Japanese cultural heritage. It offers a unique lens through which to examine some of the complexities of Japan\u27s sociocultural and philosophical landscapes and conversely, the impact of these on the film. It makes this argument in three sections: (1) The Importance of the Historical Setting in Demon Slayer, (2) Shintō, Buddhism, and Confucianism in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, and (3) Relations to Antecedent Representations of Dreaming in Japanese Literature and Anime.
This article was published Open Access through the CCU Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund. The article was first published in Quarterly Review of Film and Video: https://doi.org/10.1080/10509208.2025.248091
Achieving Equity for International Medical Graduates: A Systematic Review
No full textIntroduction: Foreign-born and foreign trained International Medical Graduates (FIMGs) face greater challenges in acculturation to their host countries than IMGs who train abroad and return to practice in their home country. As FIMGs are likely to fulfill a shortage of physicians in High Income Countries in the foreseeable future, we conducted a systematic review of literature to identify acculturation interventions that help FIMGs assimilate better in their host country health systems. This improves their productivity and satisfaction, allows health systems to be more accepting of FIMGs, and most importantly, enhances patient outcomes.
Methods: Following the PRISMA statement, we searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science for all peer-reviewed articles using keywords “international medical graduate”, “overseas trained doctor”, “overseas trained physician”, “foreign trained doctor”, “foreign trained physician” (group A); and “discrimination” and “microaggressions” (group B) published between January 1st, 2000 to October 24th, 2021.
Results: The 46 studies included in this review fall into three groups – acculturation interventions for FIMGs, FIMG’s perceptions of what they found useful, and trainers’ perspectives on ‘what works’. This review also includes interventions that pivoted to the online mode during the Covid-19 pandemic, making the findings relevant, as this is likely to the norm in the future. Acculturation requires training on clinical protocols, host country and health system culture and norms and communication, language and self-awareness skills.
Discussion: Much work remains to be done. Interventions need to be tailored to suit the unique needs of FIMGs from 150+ countries, trainings require a foundation of theoretical frameworks, additional professional, personal and social support to be provided, life course related changing needs demand attention and the preparedness of host country health systems to accept FIMGs require enhancement.
This article was published Open Access through the CCU Libraries Transformative Agreement Program. The article was first published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1601492
Migratory patterns of juvenile Shortfin Makos (Isurus oxyrinchus): evidence of a nursery in the western North Atlantic
No full textShortfin Makos, Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810, are lamnids that have a global distribution in temperate and tropical oceans. Locations of critical early life history events including birthing and nursery areas are unknown or unconfirmed for most populations. The objective of this study was to identify if a nursery area for Shortfin Makos in the northern waters of the Mid-Atlantic Bight using the criteria articulated by Heupel et al. (2007). Satellite tags were used to track the movement of juveniles (\u3c200 cm TL, n=7) up to 5 months. Tag detections (n=882) confirmed that young makos stay in continental shelf waters of the northern Mid-Atlantic Bight off Long Island through the meteorological summer (June–August) and early meteorological fall (September–October) when sea surface temperatures are 18–23°C. There was clear migratory movement from juveniles once sea surface temperatures fell below 15°C. During late fall, some young sharks moved south towards Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, while one shark moved east up to 1,800 km into the open north Atlantic Ocean into meteorological winter. These movement data of juvenile Shortfin Makos combined with multi-year catches and sightings (2018–2024) provide strong evidence for a nursery area in the northern Mid-Atlantic Bight. By identifying a nursery area for Shortfin Makos, knowledge gaps that currently exist for this vulnerable species and support effective management can be closed