Survey of Nutrition Education Requirements for CCNE Accredited Baccalaureate Nursing Programs

The present survey investigated the nutrition course requirements of CCNE-accredited baccalaureate programs within the United States regarding their placement in the curriculum as a prerequisite course, curriculum course, both, or neither based upon course title. The public webpages of select CCNE-accredited baccalaureate nursing programs (n=146) in nine randomly identified states were surveyed regarding their plan of study and the inclusion of a nutrition course. Schools were also evaluated on inclusion of requirements based upon institution type. Most schools had only a designated nutrition course as a prerequisite in their plan of study. Furthermore, diversity in program requirements was consistent throughout program types

Examining Parasite Diversity as an Indicator of Ecosystem Restoration Success

In oceans across the world, oyster reefs, ecosystems generated by a foundational species of mollusks, are an essential source of habitat where fauna such as fishes, birds, and crustacea depend both indirectly and directly on the organism’s habitat, food availability, and nursery capabilities for their offspring. Due to primarily anthropogenic effects, the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), found from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico, has been severely declining in numbers, resulting in impacts being felt across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Because of their foundational role in providing habitat and protection for so many other species spanning multiple different taxa, the loss of these oyster reefs can have a ripple effect through communities. To accurately examine ecosystem health and biodiversity in oyster reef communities, researchers are now exploring an array of sampling schemes. One of these methods gaining in recognition is analyzing parasitic prevalence and diversity as a signal of ecosystem health post-restoration. In previous investigations, scientists have used parasites to examine predator and prey relationships, environmental issues, and coevolution. My study examined the abundance and diversity of crab hosts and the prevalence and diversity of parasites over time to determine whether there were changes in these biodiversity metrics post-restoration. Specifically, I investigated crab species that have been identified as known hosts for taxa-spanning endoparasites, including the Atlantic mud crab Panopeus herbstii, the white-fingered mud crab Rhithropanopeus harisii, the black-fingered mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi, the depressed mud crab Eurypanopeus depressus, and the stone crab Menippe mercenaria. These crabs were collected along Taylor’s Creek at Carrot Island, which is part of the Rachel Carson Reserve near Beaufort, NC. Oyster restoration occurred in late spring 2020, and host-parasite sampling began monthly in October 2020 until October 2021, as part of an ECU master’s thesis, and then continued seasonally through Spring 2024. After collection, crabs were examined in the lab at ECU: crab hosts were identified to species level and then dissected to measure parasite diversity using standard techniques. This project holds significance because global biodiversity is currently facing an unparalleled threat, and with species already reduced to a fragment of the abundance they once were, these ecosystems could be nearing a point of no return without restoring vital habitats like oyster reefs. My data will prove valuable to the scientific community because it can serve as a model for how parasite data can be informative of community biodiversity changes post-restoration, which can be applied in other systems outside of oyster reefs and estuarine environments. From my research, I have acquired an understanding that parasitic abundance can be efficient and accurate when used as another metric for surveying for community biodiversity in ecosystems. There are many challenges and limitations to evaluating community biodiversity and ecosystem health after a restoration attempt has been made; so, having a novel solution like using a highly quantifiable and investigable method of biodiversity surveying (such as parasite surveys from abundant hosts) would allow for results with stronger confidence and evidentiary support

Blending Lines: Interactive Experiences with Arab Culture

This thesis examines the integration of Islamic geometric patterns and traditional Kufic calligraphy into contemporary interactive design. The work highlights the historical and cultural significance of Islamic geometric patterns as a cornerstone of Arab identity while exploring the intellectual and spiritual depth embodied by traditional Kufic calligraphy. By bridging Arab cultural heritage with modern design practices, the work seeks to foster audience engagement and increase awareness of this rich culture and history. Designed to engage diverse audiences with Arab culture through traditional and contemporary approaches, the thesis culminates in an immersive experience that blends physical and digital installations. The physical installations are comprised of three hand-crafted wooden geometric motifs integrated with Kufic calligraphy written by macrame cords. The wood and cotton cords demonstrate the Arab appreciation of natural materials, as nature has been the primary source of inspiration in the Arab world. The digital installations complement this by using projection, light, and patterns to display large-scale graphics on an adjacent wall. With ultrasonic sensors and a Raspberry Pi, the installation creates an interactive experience where digital projections respond to visitors' movements through the space by shifting colors and patterns. This interaction is crucial; as learning evolves through participation and reinterpretation, this exhibition aims to engage people similarly. Through this research, the thesis underscores the power of design as a medium for education and cultural connection, mainly as it generates connections between tradition and innovation

Why Flesh? Examining the Power of Flesh in David Cronenberg’s The Fly

This thesis is an exploration of body horror, specifically how one film’s use of body horror impacts the body and the flesh within the body. “Why Flesh? Examining the Power of Flesh in David Cronenberg’s The Fly is a close-viewing analysis of the film and how Cronenberg’s carefully constructed film allowed for him to isolate the ways in which body horror truly terrifies audiences and forces them to confront themselves. Through the examination of flesh as it is impacted by pregnancy, aging, and chronic illness, The Fly acts as an excellent lens to discuss not only popular themes in body horror, but also get at the root of why they are horrifying

UNDERSTANDING THE GRAY ZONE IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN: A CASE STUDY OF RUSSIA AND NATO IN THE BALTIC SEA

This thesis investigates the evolving challenges in the maritime gray zone by conducting a case study on Russia's activities in the Baltic Sea and their impact on NATO and adjacent nations. It argues that Russia has adopted gray zone tactics in the maritime domain against NATO in the Baltic Sea region, and NATO is currently not postured to adequately deter these measures. It analyzes Russia’s clandestine tactics, including the covert transportation of ballistic missiles, deployment of undersea research vessels for malicious purposes, and disruption of maritime traffic using unconventional means in a concerted effort to coerce NATO without breaching the threshold of armed conflict. The study emphasizes the constraints faced by actors in effectively countering these actions, such as legal limitations on maritime operations and barriers to information sharing and cooperation among allied states. The research highlights the pressing need for enhanced coordination, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance strategies to address the escalating gray zone threats in the maritime domain

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Reflecting on my visits to sculptural exhibitions worldwide, I often observe a portrayal of a specific population characterized by features like pointed noses, straight hair, and predominantly pink or beige skin tones. While undeniably lovely, I question whether there exists a broader spectrum of beauty that could be showcased in these displays—a form of Non-traditional Beauty. My concept of beauty transcends conventional norms and embraces what is typically viewed as different, unattractive, or even awkward by societal standards—the "Uns." I challenge the perception that pink skin is the epitome of beauty and ponder why unique characteristics like crooked teeth, distinctive scars, colored skin, and unconventional body shapes are not celebrated in art. True artistry lies in the willingness to take risks and explore the unconventional. In my thesis, I cultivate a space where diverse forms of beauty are celebrated through a dynamic allure of authenticity and especially children, should see themselves reflected in museum settings. I hope to awaken a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted beauty that exists in every individual—the awakening of true beauty in the eye of the beholder

Assessing The Role of the Endocaanbinoid System in Arsenic-Induced Neurotoxicity

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important brain pathway that plays a major role in early brain development and neural circuitry. The ECS has been found to regulate stress and emotional behavior during development. It modulates neural and behavioral stress and has also been found to be affected by stress exposure. The endocannabinoid system is a biological system that includes endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor proteins. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) has been found to control excitatory and inhibitory synaptic strength. The balance of these strengths is important and an imbalance in the strengths can contribute to autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Arsenic is a natural found heavy metal in air, water, and soil. It can disrupt the ECS by second- hand smoke, water contaminations, and industrial processes. Studies on arsenic's effects on the ECS are limited, but it is important to know the correlation between developmental defects and arsenic toxicities. iPSC in vitro 40 days neural organoid differentiation model mimics early brain development especially the 1st trimester during pregnancy

Mad Women: Grief, Familial Trauma, and Female Rage in Folk Horror

The film distribution company A24 has produced and distributed several unique films within the folk horror genre. The Witch (2016, dir. Robert Eggers), Midsommar (2019, dir. Ari Aster), and Hereditary (2018, dir. Ari Aster) are examples of contemporary folk horror films that utilize familial trauma as a precursor to the female protagonist’s descent to madness. The elements of folk horror amplify the feelings of isolation and loss of reality, which appear during extreme reactions to grief and trauma. Each protagonist is the eldest or sole daughter within the family structures, extending extra expectations within these roles. These expectations contribute to each protagonist’s descent into madness as they are given to others relentlessly with nothing in return. The element of social cohesion serves to direct the actions of those most vulnerable, specifically vulnerability caused by grief, which creates a loss of familiarity and shattered reality. Examining these protagonists within these three folk horror films exemplifies the harmful nature of expectation and how it draws women into madness. Madness is not simply anger but a culmination of emotions that lead to a drastic loss of self. This thesis serves to use gender theory, trauma theory, and formal analysis of the films to demonstrate the self-destructive burden of keeping a family together during a crisis

Examining Southwest Airline's Paradoxical Communicative Response to the December 2022-2023 Crisis

This study examines the crisis through the lens of Rhetorical Arena Theory to understand how Southwest’s paradoxical messaging and limited engagement in stakeholder dialogue worsened the situation. The research focuses on communications from December 21, 2022, to January 3, 2023, analyzing Southwest’s social media activity, stakeholder responses, and corporate statements. I found that there was a direct shift in the messaging as Southwest attempted to align themselves with the weather crisis. Through the investigation of platforms such as Twitter and the Southwest Community forum, conversations between publics made stakeholder frustrations clear. The lack of trust studied in this crisis were able to be directly tracked through conversations across arenas. My analysis focused on connecting the ideas of Rhetorical Arena Theory with the ideas of paradoxical messaging in order to understand the lasting impact that crisis has on the stakeholder