Language Acquisition among Siblings

Language acquisition may be significantly impacted by sibling relationships. This study examines the differing language abilities among impoverished siblings. The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between having siblings and language acquisition in impoverished children in a rural elementary school. This qualitative research is conducted through the use of a case study. Data were gathered through interviews and observational field notes. The findings indicated themes related to The Leader and The Follower, and implications are shared for both parents and educators for supporting language acquisition for siblings who fall under these two themes

Identification of Metabolic Markers as Potential Early Predictors of PFAS- Induced Immunotoxicity

Since the 1940s, industries and consumer products have utilized manufactured chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They can be found in consumer products such as clothing, food packaging, cookware, cosmetics, carpet, and fire-fighting foam. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly and can accumulate in people, animals, and the environment over time. Unfortunately, many studies have shown that PFAS exposure has toxicity and can lead to many health defects and immune dysfunction. Moreover, experimental animal and human studies reveal that legacy long-chain PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, PFOS) suppress both the T-cell-dependent (TDAR) and T-cell-independent antibody responses (TIAR). Previous studies have demonstrated that exposure to PFAS is associated not only with suppression of the TDAR but also with changes in overall B cell numbers, suggesting disruptions in B cell differentiation. In this study, we investigated how PFAS exposure alters mitochondrial bioenergetics in activated B cells to understand potential PFAS-mediated B cell immunotoxicity mechanisms. We examined five PFAS compounds: PFOA and four short-chain PFAS, perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA), 3,5,7,9-butaoxadecanoic acid (PFO4DA), perfluoro (3,5-dioxahexanoic acid; PFO2HxA), and perfluoro-3,6,-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octensulfonic acid (Nafion Byproduct 1; NBP1). Adult male and female C57BL/6 mice received daily oral doses of PFMOAA (0, 50 mg/kg), PFOA (0, 7.5 mg/kg), PFO4DANa, PFO2HxA, or NBP1 (0 or 5 mg/kg) for 30 days. Naïve B cells were isolated from spleens by negative bead selection and stimulated ex vivo using anti-CD40 and IL-4. After 24 hours in culture, mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), including basal, maximal, and reserve capacities. Exposure to these PFAS altered OCR under basal and high-energy demand conditions. While exposure didn’t affect the ability of B cells to respond to stimulation, it affected the capacity of this stimulation response. These shifts in mitochondrial activity upon exposure may impact the ability of B cells to differentiate, which may affect functional immune responses, including antibody production. The second part of this study aimed to link in vivo and in vitro immunotoxicity results by exploring use of the CH12.LX B cell line as a basis for screening agents for immunotoxicity. This could provide a simple, rapid, and cost-effective screening assay for immunotoxicants. After optimizing assay conditions, CH12.LX B cells were stimulated with 2.5 µM LPS, 1 µM cyclosporin A (CsA), and/or PFOA (50–200 µM), and mitochondrial function was assessed in glucose versus glucose-free (galactose) medium. Under glucose-rich conditions, the cells relied on both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production, potentially masking mitochondrial dysfunction. However, under glucose-free conditions, the reliance on mitochondrial ATP production revealed a significant increase. After 3 days of exposure, cells treated with 50 and 100 µM PFOA showed a decrease (p < 0.0001) in maximum and spare respiratory capacity. After 5 days, mitochondrial dysfunction was observed at all PFOA concentrations (50-200 µM). These findings demonstrate that immunosuppressive chemicals, such as PFOA, can directly impair mitochondrial function in B cells, which could lead to suppression of the immune response. It also suggests that detecting shifts in mitochondrial bioenergetic profiles shows promise for an immunotoxicity screen

EXPLORING THE ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS

Possessing the skill of ethical decision making is crucial for accounting professionals. This is so important that continuing education exploring ethics is required for CPAs to maintain their licensure. Despite the importance placed on ethics at the professional level, there is debate about when and where professionals should begin to develop ethical decision making. This study examines the differences in ethical decision-making for seasoned professionals and those that are beginning their accounting careers. By surveying both undergraduate and graduate accounting students along with accounting professionals, this study will help to determine whether ethics education should be introduced earlier in a student’s educational journey. These individuals were surveyed using a ten-question scenario-based quiz to evaluate their ethical reasoning. The undergraduate accounting students represent those that have received minimal ethics education, graduate students represent those who have received some ethics education, and professionals representing those who have developed experience in ethical decision-making. In addition to examining when ethics education should be introduced, the study also intends to provide broader insight into how ethics education can impact the accounting profession

The Impact of the ASCM Student Organization on Engagement and Enrollment in the IDIS Program

The Distribution and Logistics (IDIS) program has suffered from low enrollment and engagement of students over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic only led to a greater distance being driven between the IDIS program and the student body. Between Fall 2020 and Spring 2025, enrollment in the program dropped by 24%. To combat declining enrollment and decreasing engagement rates, the ECU ASCM Student Chapter was formed. Inside Higher Ed states [that] “…involvement in campus life beyond the classroom is linked to increased academic achievement, retention, belonging and interest from potential employers.” Consequently, this new student organization has planned several events, including plant tours, social activities, community service opportunities, networking events, and monthly guest speaker meetings to increase student interest in the IDIS program. To date, one goal of our project has been successfully achieved; however, the second goal is still in progress. If these goals are not met, and enrollment and engagement in the IDIS program continue to decline, it is possible that the program could be reorganized or even discontinued. The ECU ASCM Student chapter hopes to engage and enroll students in the IDIS program, while providing the opportunity for students to network and form lasting connections with peers and companies

Determining Prosthesis Acceptance: Differences in Patient Characteristics and Utilization of Rehabilitation after Lower Limb Amputation

People with lower limb amputation that use a prosthesis have higher quality of life and mobility than those who do not, and prosthesis fitting occurs after comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation. However, the amount of medical care and rehabilitation provided for different causes of amputation preceding prosthesis fitting and receipt is unknown. This study aims to retrospectively identify the medical care and rehabilitation necessary for people with lower limb amputation from vascular and non-vascular etiologies to have an initial prosthesis fitting

UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONGST EASTERN FIREFIGHTERS USING CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK SCORES

Cardiac events have remained the leading cause of on-duty deaths among US firefighters for the past five decades. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and examine racial differences between White non-Hispanic and minority firefighters in Eastern North Carolina, specifically the Pitt County area. An adaptation of a predictive CMR model equation was developed to form a composite risk score using data accessible from local firefighters’ annual fitness assessment conducted through East Carolina University’s Cardiovascular Health Assessment Program. By utilizing comprehensive annual fitness assessments, this study aims to address the existing gap in regional data. While research on firefighter health is growing, there is a clear need for more studies focused on the specific population of firefighters in Eastern North Carolina, considering the unique environmental challenges they face. Understanding the impact of cardiometabolic health is crucial for developing effective interventions and improving their overall wellbeing. Eastern North Carolina minority firefighters are expected to have a higher relative risk for cardiovascular disease compared to their White non-Hispanic counterparts. To understand the relationship between cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and sudden cardiac death (SCD), this study examines health disparities faced by firefighters in Eastern North Carolina, with a focus on addressing CMR to better understand the predispositions of SCD. METHODS: 183 career firefighters (38 ± 9 yrs) participated in this study. Group comparisons were made between White non-Hispanic firefighters (n = 150) and minority firefighters (n = 33). CMR composite scores were calculated for firefighters using established cardiometabolic indicators: diagnosed cardiovascular diseases, hypertension medication use, dyslipidemia medication use, diabetes status, tobacco abuse, android gynoid ratio, and metabolic equivalence. An independent samples t-test was conducted to evaluate group differences. RESULTS: The independent samples t-test showed no statistically significant difference in CMR scores between Minority and White non-Hispanic firefighters, t (1.423), p = 0.138, with a negligible effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.21). White non-Hispanic firefighters had a slightly higher mean CMR score (M = 4.21, SD = 2.24) compared to Minority firefighters (M = 3.63 SD = 2.07). Levene’s test confirmed equal variances across groups. CONCLUSION: Contrary to initial predictions, no significant racial differences in CMR were observed among firefighters for the sample population in Eastern North Carolina. Rather, individual health indicators—particularly lipid profiles—emerged as primary contributors to CMR. These findings challenge prior assumptions regarding elevated CMR among minorities, which is a trend often seen in the general population. Future research should investigate protective and occupational factors that may contribute to this pattern and consider intersectional influences such as rank or years of service. These findings challenge prior assumptions regarding elevated CMR among minorities, which is often seen within the general population. Future research should explore protective and occupational factors contributing to this pattern, and consider intersectional influences such as rank, years of service, localized, occupational, and/or behavioral contributions to firefighters’ health risk. Delimitations: This study is delimited to career firefighters employed from Greenville, NC, and the surrounding areas encompassing a small portion of eastern North Carolina. The scope is confined to those who participate in the Cardiovascular Health Assessment Program conducted by East Carolina University’s Human Performance Lab. The risk assessment will encompass specific metrics such as lipid profiles, anthropometric measures, and stress test results. The findings were interpreted under the NFPA Standard 1952 Category B criteria and the guidelines set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine. It is important to note that this study will not assess long-term clinical outcomes beyond the initial assessment, nor will it include data from departments outside the designated geographical region

Health Risk Assessment of Arsenic and Manganese Contamination in West Virginia's Public Water Systems

This study examines arsenic (As) and manganese (Mn) contamination in West Virginia's public water systems, focusing on Community Water Systems (CWS) and Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems (NTNCWS). The research addresses the critical public health issue of heavy metal exposure through drinking water, which can lead to various adverse health effects. Water sampling data from 2011 to 2023 were obtained from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and analyzed for As (n=305) and Mn (n=112) across the state. This study utilized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's risk assessment framework, calculating Average Daily Dose (ADD), Lifetime Average Daily Dose (LADD), Hazard Quotients (HQ), and Cancer Risk (CR) for various age groups under multiple (default, low and high) exposure scenarios. Socioeconomic factors were evaluated using county-level data and examined using univariate analysis. The dependent variables were log-transformed As and Mn concentrations, while the independent variables included median income, county districts, collection year, and water system type. The findings revealed significant geographic variations in As and Mn contamination across counties. Arsenic levels remained relatively stable from 2011 to 2022 (1.6-6.7 µg/L) but spiked dramatically in 2023 (60.17 µg/L). Manganese levels increased significantly from 2017, peaking at 889 µg/L in 2019. Several samples exceeded regulatory limits: 19 As samples surpassed the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 µg/L, and 67 Mn samples exceeded the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 50 µg/L. Arsenic levels were significantly influenced by the year of collection and its interaction with the geographic district. Manganese contamination was influenced by geographic district and its interaction with collection year. The study found no significant correlation between As or Mn concentration and median income (p = 0.704, p = 0.283, respectively), suggesting that environmental factors may have a stronger influence on contamination levels than socioeconomic factors. All exposure scenarios for As in both the community water system (CWS) and non-transient non-community water system (NTNCWS) showed hazard quotient (HQ) values greater than 1, indicating considerable non-cancer risks across all age groups. Manganese exposure presented considerable non-cancer risks, particularly for infants and young children. Cancer risk characterization revealed elevated lifetime cancer risks for As exposure, exceeding the threshold of 1 × 10⁻⁶ in most scenarios. The study confirms significant variations in As and Mn contamination between counties and reveals considerable cancer and non-cancer risks from exposure to these metals in drinking water among West Virginia residents. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve water quality and reduce exposure to these contaminants, particularly in high-risk areas. Recommendations include implementing targeted interventions in high-risk counties, enhancing water quality monitoring and remediation efforts, conducting public awareness campaigns, considering stricter regulations on industrial activities, and investing in water treatment infrastructure and distribution systems

ASSESSING NUTRIENT DELIVERY RATIOS AND FLOOD RISKS AMID URBAN GROWTH IN GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

This study examines ecosystem services and tradeoffs linked to land use changes over twenty years (2001–2021) within five sub-watersheds in Greenville, North Carolina. Rapid urbanization in these areas has altered hydrological processes, such as nutrient export, runoff retention, and flood risk mitigation. Using the Natural Capital Project's InVEST ® modeling suite, specifically the Nutrient Delivery Ratio, Urban Stormwater Retention, and Flood Risk Mitigation models, this research evaluates nutrient export, stormwater retention, and flood risk mitigation, providing insight into land use change. The study addresses two key questions: (1) How do urban growth and land use change affect nutrient delivery, stormwater runoff, and flood risk within a watershed? (2) What trends in these metrics emerge as urban expansion occurs? The NDR model estimates nutrient loads based on land cover types, while the UFRM model evaluates runoff reduction and economic damage from flood and infrastructure data. The USR model assesses runoff retention, stormwater volumes, and avoided nutrient loads, emphasizing the value of retention services compared to infrastructure replacement costs. Data collected includes land use and elevation rasters, building footprints, road vectors, soil characteristics, curve numbers, runoff coefficients, and precipitation records. These data inputs, formatted to fit the models, are analyzed in ArcGIS Pro and Tableau to assess changes over time. The results indicate a loss in stormwater runoff mitigation by increased impervious surfaces such as roads and housing that also increases the potential for flooding, alongside an increase in nutrient export due to the addition of impervious surfaces to the study sites from 2001 to 2021

THE TRILLION DOLLAR STUDENT LOAN CRISIS: ADDRESSING THE RACIAL WEALTH DIVIDE WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN BORROWERS AT DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY, an ACTION RESEARCH STUDY

The trillion-dollar student loan crisis has intensified financial instability for students across the United States, with African American borrowers facing disproportionate burdens due to systemic racial wealth inequalities. This qualitative action research study explored the intersection of student loan indebtedness and the racial wealth divide among African American students at Delaware State University (DSU). In collaboration with the DSU Office of Student Success, Sallie Mae, the DSU Writing Lab, the U.S. Department of Education, and various university departments, this study aimed to implement and assess an intervention designed to increase scholarship awareness and reduce reliance on loans among DSU’s African American students. The intervention involved the creation of a targeted scholarship writing lab that provided tailored guidance in scholarship application processes, financial literacy, and loan management. Data collection included pre- and post-intervention scholarship application rates, the number of scholarships awarded, and documented reductions in student borrowing. Initial findings revealed significant barriers in scholarship access and application completion due to limited financial literacy, lack of resources, and systemic inequities. The scholarship writing lab proved to be a promising model, increasing student engagement with scholarship opportunities, and reducing average loan amounts by promoting alternative funding sources. This study highlighted the need for culturally responsive financial literacy programs and scholarship support mechanisms that specifically address the unique challenges African American students face in higher education. By examining these outcomes, this research contributed to the broader conversation on closing the racial wealth gap, offering evidence-based recommendations for institutional policy changes to mitigate the impact of loan indebtedness on African American students at DSU and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Findings from this study suggested that targeted interventions are vital to empowering students with the resources and knowledge needed to navigate higher education more equitably, enhancing their financial well-being post-graduation

Physical Fables: Exploring Personal Narrative Through Ceramic Sculpture

I have always enjoyed getting lost in a story: either reading a book, watching a movie or television story, or constructing ceramic physical fables. Throughout my creative research I have explored the transition from the grotesque to narrative based sculpture. I delved into personal experiences, reflecting on childhood memories through an adult’s mindset. Studio exploration coincided with researching the history of narrative based ceramics and prolific ceramicists to see how my artistic predecessors navigate their personal myths. I used tents, toys, and fish to evoke my personal narratives. I juxtapose reality with the surreal, reflecting on personal experiences. I blur the lines between truth and fantasy, creating a new narrative with new nuances thus creating physical fables