Master's Theses
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Item Embargo The effect of the cold pressor test on arterial wave reflection amplitude and timing in young healthy adults(East Carolina University, May 2025) Buckner, JanaeSympathoexcitatory stimuli, such as the cold pressor test (CPT), increase vascular resistance and brachial blood pressure. Cardiovascular responses to the CPT can predict cardiovascular risk. Previous research has demonstrated that surrogate measures of wave reflection (augmentation index) are increased during the CPT. However, this measure does not differentiate the effect of wave reflection amplitude and return time of the reflected wave. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the CPT would increase the amplitude of the backward pressure wave and result in an earlier return of wave reflection. Methods: Twelve non-obese, non-hypertensive, healthy adults between the ages 18 – 40 years participated. For the CPT, participants submerged their hand in ice water for three minutes. Brachial blood pressure and arterial pressure waves were measured via applanation tonometry at baseline and during the last minute of the CPT. Wave separation analysis was performed to determine the maximal amplitude of forward and backward pressure waves as well as the reflected wave transit time. Reflection magnitude was calculated as ratio of backward relative to forward pressure wave amplitude. Results: In agreement with previous research, there was a significant increase in aortic systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as augmentation index (all, p<0.05). The novel finding was that despite no changes in the forward pressure wave amplitude (28.16.8 vs. 28.19.4 mmHg, p=0.997), there was a significant increase in the backward pressure wave amplitude (10.82.7 vs. 12.85.4 mmHg, p=0.043) as well as reflection magnitude (386 vs. 455%, p=0.001). Lastly, there was a trend for a shortened reflected wave transit time (332.465 vs. 28860.1 ms, p=0.02). Conclusion: A sympathoexcitatory stimuli (i.e. CPT) in young healthy adults increased the amplitude of the backward pressure wave and tended to lead to an earlier arrival of wave reflections to the heart.Item Embargo Association Between Sleep, Cognitions about Sleep, and Executive Functioning in a College Student Sample: The Moderating Role of Dysfunctional Beliefs(East Carolina University, July 2025) Schneider, KateSleep is essential for mental and physical health. However, as pursuing college begets new opportunities for independent living, social activities, and work/school responsibilities, undergraduate students frequently experience disruptions in sleep patterns, leading to a sleep deficit. Previous research has highlighted the negative impact of sleep deficits on daily functioning and academic performance. However, there is limited research examining how dysfunctional beliefs about sleep might influence the relationship between sleep and executive functioning. Harvey's Cognitive Model of Insomnia elucidates how dysfunctional sleep cognitions can significantly contribute to the development and maintenance of sleep difficulties through their instigation of unhelpful sleep-related behaviors (i.e. clock watching, catastrophizing, etc.). Therefore, this study aimed to address the existing gap in the literature by examining how negative sleep cognitions might moderate the relationship between sleep quantity/quality and executive functioning college students. Further, although executive functioning is often regarded as one comprehensive domain, literature has shown that it can be divided into three distinct components: inhibition (one's ability to resist automatic impulses), working memory (one's ability to hold and manipulation information in one's mind), and cognitive flexibility (one's ability to switch between different tasks and adapt to changing rules/situations). Upon studying these different components, research has shown that each component is impacted by sleep in a unique way. With this in mind, the present study aimed to expand prior literature by conducting exploratory analysis on the impact of sleep quality/quantity and dysfunctional sleep cognitions on the three components of executive functioning. Further, exploratory moderation analyses were run to assess the impact of dysfunctional sleep cognitions on the relationship between sleep and the three distinct facets of executive functioning. In accordance with the literature, it was hypothesized that both sleep duration and sleep quality would be positively correlated with executive functioning abilities. It was also hypothesized that dysfunctional sleep beliefs would moderate the relationship between sleep duration/quality and executive functioning. The hypotheses were partially supported. The results revealed no significant associations between sleep duration or insomnia severity and objective executive functioning. However, both sleep duration and insomnia severity were significantly correlated with subjective executive functioning. In moderation analyses, dysfunctional sleep beliefs did not significantly affect objective executive functioning or moderate the relationship between insomnia severity and subjective executive functioning. However, these beliefs did moderate the relationship between sleep duration and subjective executive functioning; this pattern remained consistent across the facets of inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Regarding specific predictors, sleep duration was found to influence overall subjective executive functioning, but not any of the specific executive functioning facets, suggesting that other factors may have a stronger influence on the individual components. In fact, the primary factor found to exert its effect over these three components was dysfunctional beliefs about sleep. However, this predictor effect, as well as any moderation effect, diminished when insomnia severity was included in the model, which may indicate that insomnia severity accounts for much of the variance attributed to dysfunctional sleep beliefs. Insomnia severity itself had a strong impact on perceived executive functioning, and when dissected, on the facets of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. However, insomnia severity did not significantly predict working memory scores, which may suggest that working memory may be more resistant to the effects of sleep disturbances and dysfunctional sleep beliefs. Clinical implications of these results are discussed, and future directions of this research are encouraged in order to continue growing the literature regarding the complex relationship between these variables.Item Embargo CB_ Haviland Thesis - Ink and Inclusion - Grad School Submission(East Carolina University, May 2025) Haviland, Molly NicoleThis thesis examines appearance-based hiring bias, focusing on the role of tattoos in influencing perceptions of job applicants. Specifically, it explores how age differences between participant (perceivers) and applicants (targets) affect evaluations of respect, liking, and person-environment fit, particularly in relation to perceptions of tattoos. Grounded in stigma theories and person-environment fit theories, this research aims to uncover whether tattoos, as a visible characteristic, exacerbate biases in hiring decisions and how these biases vary across age demographics. To test these relationships, a survey-based method will employ vignettes describing hypothetical job candidates, manipulating the presence or absence of tattoos and the age of the candidates to examine whether tattoo perceptions vary across different age groups. Results revealed that tattooed applicants were perceived as having significantly lower person-environment fit but unexpectedly higher liking, with no significant effect on respect. Age did not consistently moderate these relationships, though an interaction emerged for liking. Perceptions of workplace deviance and bias against younger individuals negatively influenced all outcome variables. A three-way interaction among tattoo presence, participant age, and applicant age did not significantly predict perceptions, though participant age influenced evaluations of older, non-tattooed applicants.Item Embargo Investigating the Role of pH-sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptors GPR4 and GPR132 in Colorectal Cancer: Multi-Statistical, Survival, and Structural Analysis Approach(East Carolina University, May 2025) Ochoa, Carlos AndresColorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression is a critical step for identifying therapeutic targets to combat COAD. GPR4 and GPR132, which are pH sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), have recently emerged as a point of interest and linked to tumor progression, tumor microenvironment, and molecular signaling pathways. However, despite this, the roles these GPCRs play are still not fully understood. This study investigates the clinical and structural relevance of GPR4 and GPR132 in COAD through gene expression, survival, and structural analyses. Gene expression and clinical data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and analyzed using various statistical and survival methods. Statistical tests and survival models revealed an increase in GPR4 expression and that higher stages were significantly associated with worsening patient survival outcomes, which suggests GPR4 to be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. In contrast GPR132 showed a limited amount of clinical significance and was hindered by a lack of comprehensive clinical data. Additionally, AlphaFold and APBS were used to model wildtype and mutation GPR4 structures and electrostatic potential (ESP) maps across different pH levels. While electrostatic differences were inconclusive and need further in-depth investigation, structural comparisons discovered notable spatial changes between the transmembrane domain that contains position 115 and two other transmembrane domains. Overall, this study highlights prognostic potential in COAD and provides preliminary insights into how mutations may influence its structure and function.Item Embargo NOT JUMPING ON THE BANDWAGON: OLDER WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF INJUSTICE IN AI IN SELECTION PROCESSES(East Carolina University, May 2025) Ruiz, Justin RaynorTechnological advances are revolutionizing the world of work, with their integration into the workplace on the rise. Artificial intelligence (AI) exemplifies this trend as its adoption in organizational operations grows. However, its use in HR processes, particularly in selection, has prompted researchers to explore how workers perceive AI and its impact on procedural justice and organizational attractiveness. Often seen as a “black box,” AI’s opaque decision-making can potentially create perceptions of unfairness and unattractiveness. These perceptions may vary across social groups, particularly age, as older workers are often more critical of technology implementation due to their contextual experiences. To date, no research has examined how workers of different ages perceive AI usage in selection. Given that older and younger workers may view procedural justice differently, this study explores the moderating role of age in perceptions of AI in selection and its influence on intentions to apply. By merging research on aging, AI in the workplace, procedural justice, and organizational attractiveness, the study can better identify how AI impacts perceptions of the organization. Theoretically, this study is the first to consider age perceptions in relation to perceptions of AI usage in selection. In the practice realm, this study aims to inform organizations of best practices when selecting older employees to avoid issues such as adverse impact.Item Embargo Physical Activity Levels in Pregnant Black and White Women Who are Participating in An Exercise Intervention(East Carolina University, May 2025) McClendon, Aaliyah AntionettePhysical Activity Levels in Pregnant Black and White Women Who are Participating in An Exercise Intervention ABSTRACT Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to investigate whether there are differences in physical activity levels between White and Black women during early and late pregnancy. A second purpose is to explore the attrition rates of White and Black women who participated in an exercise intervention during pregnancy. Methods: Healthy pregnant women between 18-40 years old, ≤16 weeks' gestation were recruited to participate in a supervise exercise clinical trial. The current study used a portion of data from this larger clinical trial. Participants wore an activity monitor (ActiGraph Link) on their non-dominate wrist for 7 consecutive days to measure physical activity. The women wore the activity monitor when they enrolled in the study (early pregnancy, ≤16 weeks), prior to but before the intervention started and during late pregnancy (36 weeks). The activity monitors were removed during any exercise sessions for the late pregnancy time point. Thus, the data reflects all non-intervention physical activity. Data were analyzed to determine daily minutes per day (min/d) spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous-intensity physical activity. T-tests were used to compare the time spent per day in different physical activity intensities between races at the early and late pregnancy time points. Attrition for this study was determined for those who dropped out before and during the intervention. More specifically, those who dropped out before the intervention were quantified as anyone whose gestation length was ≤ 16 weeks and who did not start any intervention sessions. The attrition occurring during the intervention was defined as women who no longer regularly attended the intervention sessions (<1 time per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks) during pregnancy. Attrition rates were calculated as frequencies for the pooled sample and then for White and Black women separately. Results: There was physical activity data from 99 pregnant women during early pregnancy (19 Blacks ,80 White). On average, participants were 30.48 ± 4.42 years old, with an overweight BMI of 28.18 ± 6.49 kg/m and wore the Link for 14 hours/day. In early pregnancy, prior to the intervention, the amount of time spent per day in sedentary, light, and moderate-intensity physical activity was similar between White and Black pregnant women (p>.05). Black and White pregnant women spent about 1 hour per day in sedentary behaviors, 9 hours a day in light physical activity, and about 4 hours per day in moderate intensity. In late pregnancy time point, there were 47 pregnant women (6 Blacks and 41 Whites) with physical activity data. On average, participants were 30.87 ± 4.39 years old with an obese BMI of 33.65 ± 10.27 kg/m2 and wore the Link for 13 hours/day. White and Black women spent similar amount of time during the day in sedentary behaviors and light-intensity physical activity (p>.05). The amount of time spent in sedentary behaviors were 5.45 ± 117.78 m/d, 46.04 ± 48.60 m/d and for light intensity physical activity it was 520.74 ± 118.88 m/d and 543.67 ± 101.31 m/d in the White and Black women, respectively. In contrast, during late pregnancy the White women spent more time in moderate-intensity physical activity during the day than the Black women during late pregnancy (White: 287.40± 83.59 min/d, Black: 205.71 ± 59.36 min/d; p=.02). Racial differences for vigorous-intensity physical activity were not examined during early and late pregnancy since only one participant engaged in this type of physical activity. Lastly, the attrition rates of the women participating in the exercise intervention were determined. Of the 99 women, 27% of the participants dropped out of the exercise intervention. When examining attrition rates by race, more Black women (42%) dropped out of the study than White women (23%). Attrition rates were highest between the 17 to 24-week gestation time point (52%), followed by the enrollment time point (33%). The main reason for discontinuing the intervention was time commitments (44%). Discussion: The findings of this study show that the intensity and amount of physical activity are similar between the two racial groups in early pregnancy. In contrast, during late pregnancy the time spent in moderate-intensity physical activity is lower in Black than White women, but it is similar for sedentary and light intensity. Attrition rates also show that overall that almost a third of the women stopped participating in the exercise intervention; however, more Black than White women dropped the study. The most common reason for discontinuing study participation is time commitments. Future research should examine physical activity levels in White and Black women through all trimesters of pregnancy to determine if they remain stable. Moreover, additional research is needed to examine the factors, impacting exercise intervention attrition rates in White and Black women.Item Embargo The Effects of the Proton-Sensing G-Protein Coupled Receptors GPR4 and GPR68 on B16F10 Mouse Melanoma Growth and Responses to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.(East Carolina University, May 2025) Swyers, Madison MarieThis research delves into the study of proton-sensing G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) GPR4 and GPR68 and their relation to the modulation of the tumor microenvironment in metastatic melanoma. Melanoma especially at a higher stage often are harder to treat and have a greater likelihood of recurrence. The main treatment for early-stage melanomas is surgery. Though due to melanomas being an immunogenic tumor, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and other forms of immunotherapies have been approved for use in treatment of this disease. However, with ICI treatments they are not as effective as they could be, and some patients are removed from treatment due to immune related adverse events (IRAEs). Our aims were three-fold in terms of these GPCRs and tumor treatment. First, we aimed to assess how the absence of these GPCRs in a host body would affect tumor growth and modulate the tumor microenvironment. GPR4 and GPR68 are linked to both inflammatory diseases and cancer, and have been shown to reduce tumor growth when inhibited or knocked-out in a host. With GPR4 it plays a key role in the expression of several key adhesion molecules and chemokines on vascular endothelial cells which are key for immune cell migration and infiltration into the tumor and other tissues. GPR4 is also linked to the promotion of angiogenesis. GPR68 plays a role in immune cell suppression. So when there is a lack of these receptors in the host the B16F10 melanoma lacks key communication targets to stimulate pro-tumoral responses. We observed a significant reduction in tumor growth in the GPR4 KO/GPR68 KO mice alongside a significance both in an increase in CD8+ T-Lymphocyte infiltration into the TME and a reduction in blood vessels in the TME. Next with the ICI treatments we investigated how the tumor growth and IRAEs were affected in the GPR4 knock-out (KO) mice when treated with ICI therapy as compared to wild-type (WT) mice. There was no significant reduction in the efficacy of the ICI treatment on inhibiting tumor growth in the GPR4 KO mice as compared to WT mice. In the GPR4 KO mice there was a reduction in immune cell infiltration into the normal tissues of the mice. Based on these findings, though more work still needs to be done, we can see that there are many possibilities for future antagonists targeting both GPR4 and GPR68, alongside also GPR4 antagonists when paired with ICI treatment.Item Embargo MOVEMENT AND HABITAT USE OF A RESIDENT KING RAIL (Rallus elegans) POPULATION AMONG MANAGED IMPOUNDMENTS AND TIDAL MARSHES IN COASTAL SOUTH CAROLINA(East Carolina University, May 2025) Linke, Megan MichelleFreshwater wetlands are important habitat for a variety of waterbirds. However, inland wetlands have sustained significant losses due to marsh drainage and land conversion for agriculture and human development. This loss of habitat has led to declining populations throughout the Eastern United States for an obligate freshwater marsh specialist, the king rail (Rallus elegans). Loss of inland habitat has pushed king rail populations toward the coastal margins of their range, where they are increasingly exposed to climate change related assaults such as hurricanes and associated storm surge, tidal inundation, and saltwater intrusion. To support habitat restoration and management efforts for a coastal king rail population, I investigated king rail movements and habitat use across a series of natural and impounded wetlands, interspersed with riparian forest along a tidally influenced river in coastal South Carolina. Some impoundments were managed for wintering waterfowl by planting fields with Carolina Gold rice during the king rail breeding season. Using VHF radiotelemetry, 13 king rails were tracked over the course of this two-year study generating Autocorrelated Kernel Density Estimated (AKDEc) home ranges. Breeding season 95% AKDEc was 5.1 ± 2.4 ha with a core 50% AKDEc of 1.1 ± 0.5 ha. Non-breeding season 95% AKDEc was 4.0 ± 2.3 ha with a core home range of 1.0 ± 0.5 ha. No significant difference was observed between the size of the breeding and non-breeding home ranges, and the size of home ranges observed here were smaller than other reported home ranges, suggesting the possibility of high prey and/or high king rail densities. Shifts to distinct non-breeding home ranges were observed between May and July and were preceded by either the successful molting of an instrumented individual’s chicks, nest failure, or habitat disturbance through management within the home range. Individuals that were heavier upon capture were more likely to occupy the same home range throughout the year, staying on the breeding home range for the non-breeding season. During the 2024 breeding season, king rails used habitat closer to channels in areas with higher percentages of marsh vegetation. Dominant vegetation types included giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea), smartweeds (Polygonum ssp.), sedges (Carex ssp.), coffeeweed (Sesbania herbacea), and primrose willow (Ludwigia peploides). King rails continued to use areas within their established home range if it had been treated with herbicide, as the dead vegetation likely provided the same habitat characteristics as it did when it was alive, and the rails were already established in the area. A stem count measurement revealed that king rails avoided the densest marsh vegetation and selected areas with more moderate densities. My results suggest that when managing impoundments for king rails alongside wintering waterfowl, it is important to provide vegetation along channels and irrigation ditches within rice fields to provide cover while king rails forage along the edges of the channels. The removal of vegetation when planting rice and during dike construction reduced the likelihood for king rails to stay on their breeding territories and resulted in some individuals fleeing the area. Management techniques to control the density of emergent vegetation such as prescribed fire may be useful to keep a moderate density on the landscape.Item Embargo School Climate and Mental Health Among Hispanic ELL Students(East Carolina University, July 2025) Miller, Abby AileenThis study investigates whether Hispanic English Language Learners (ELL) have higher anxiety and depression than Hispanic non-ELL students and whether this relationship is moderated by their perception of school climate. Researchers often overlook the language heterogeneity within the Hispanic population, instead focusing mostly on comparisons between Hispanic students and their non-Hispanic peers. But at the individual level, one of the most widely documented risk factors for Hispanic students is language proficiency, particularly among the ELL subpopulations. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by disaggregating Hispanic students based on the distinct needs of ELLs. Participants in this study are current fifth grade students enrolled in a school mental health study underway in 16 public elementary schools in North and South Carolina (n = 1,216). We compare ELL status Hispanic subgroups (n = 146) on the PROMIS Anxiety, PROMIS Depression, and BIMAS-2 Negative Affect scales, and then examine whether the effect of ELL status on these scores changes depending on perceptions of school climate. Our findings will inform culturally responsive educational and behavioral health interventions for Hispanic students.Item Embargo ACTIVITY SIMULATION IN UNITY FOR OLDER ADULTS IN SMART HOMES(East Carolina University, May 2025) Montes, KenlyThe increased desire to age in place among older adults has led to a growing interest in smart home technologies. Within these smart homes, independent living is supported while maintaining the safety of older adults with timely interventions. This thesis presents the design and implementation of a 3D simulation created in Unity to visualize daily activities within a smart home environment. The simulation models different sensors to simulate a virtual resident interacting within a scanned apartment layout. The data to simulate these activities is obtained from actual sensors previously set up in the living space of an older adult. Along with taking in data, the simulation allows for the creation of scenarios to generate potential behavioral patterns that can be represented in sensor data. This work demonstrates how 3D simulations can close the gap between raw sensor data to an intuitive visualization to further enhance eldercare.Item Embargo The Shear Viscosity of the Quark-Gluon Plasma(East Carolina University, May 2025) Ohanaka, OkeyWe investigate the shear viscosity for a quark-gluon plasma under perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (pQCD) at finite temperature with Boltzmann statistics. We start from a previous work where the viscosity was calculated with pQCD cross sections for two-body scatterings of quarks and gluons, but make corrections and adjustments to the cross sections. We then extend the derivation to obtain the analytical expression of shear viscosity of any quark gluon system under two-body interactions. We also examine the analytical result in various limits and the effect of inelastic processes on the shear viscosity.Item Embargo Ecdysone Receptor modulates EGFR signaling for timely cyst packaging in Drosophila germ cells(East Carolina University, May 2025) Swain, Lindsay AdelleOocytes are packaged into ovarian follicles, each containing a maturing germ cell surrounded by a layer of somatic cells that secrete protective eggshell and chorion proteins. This conserved arrangement is essential for proper oocyte development and reproductive success. Continuous coordination and bi-directional signaling from somatic cells to germ cells is necessary for proper oocyte packaging. In Drosophila, although germ cell packaging was presumed to be largely controlled by somatic follicle cells enveloping passive germ cells, recent studies suggest that germ cells themselves produce motor forces that drive somatic encapsulation. Here, in support of this hypothesis, we present data suggesting that cyst encapsulation is dependent upon Ecdysone Receptor, a steroid hormone receptor known to control multiple aspects of oogenesis. Using tools to deplete EcR levels or block transcriptional activation specifically in the germline, we show that germline-autonomous EcR is necessary for the timing of cyst encapsulation. In the absence of EcR, germ cell encapsulation is slowed, resulting in increased incidence of cyst collision events in the germarium. EcR facilitates germ cell cyst encapsulation by signaling somatic cells to promote proliferation, organize escort cell projections, and intercalate stalk cells. We show that an increase in germ cell cortical contractions is sufficient to rescue cyst collisions. Finally, we conclude that EcR is likely acting with EGFR signaling to modulate escort cell activity. Overall, these data suggest that in addition to its well-characterized roles in somatic follicle cells, EcR is necessary in the germline to promote timely ovarian follicle assembly and development.Item Embargo Allosteric Regulation of Human 15-Lipoxygenase-2 by Substrate and Calcium-Mediated Protein-Membrane Interactions(East Carolina University, May 2025) Jakobowski, Andrew CharlesAbstract: Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are a family of iron enzymes that catalyze the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids to generate oxylipins, which in both plants and animals play essential roles in signaling. In humans, LOX function presents a double-edged sword as they have known involvement in resolving and promoting chronic inflammation. Of the six LOX genes, human 15-lipoxygenase-2 (15-LOX-2) enzyme oxidizes arachidonic acid (AA) to produce 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) a precursor of lipoxins and correlated with plaque formation in arteries, increasing risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite related health impacts of 15-LOX-2, there are few selective inhibitors and no drugs prescribed in the United States that target and inhibit LOXs function. Additionally, the structural regulation of LOX function remains to be understood. Allosteric regulation provides a new outlook on the functional mechanism of proteins. Proteins bind a regulatory molecule or metal at a site other than the active site causing a conformational change that alters the protein’s activity. X-ray structures of 15-LOX-2 and other animal LOXs provide evidence of binding sites for divalent calcium ions (Ca2+) that are predicted to serve as allosteric effectors promoting full activity of animal LOXs in the presence of membrane causing the helix-α2 – the gatekeeper for substrate binding – to promote substrate acquisition to the active site. In this thesis, biochemical and biophysical methods such as isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, limited proteolysis, and surface plasmon resonance are used to understand the thermodynamic profiles that drive Ca2+ binding to promote protein-membrane interactions of 15-LOX-2 and thereby influence LOX catalysis.Item Embargo Navigating Anxiety and Uncertainty: Cultural Adjustment of International Students at ECU(East Carolina University, May 2025) Carrasquillo, AddisonInternational students face unique challenges when transitioning into higher education in the United States. For many, adjusting to life on a new campus brings moments of uncertainty and anxiety, especially when cultural norms, communication styles, and classroom expectations feel unfamiliar. This mixed-methods thesis explores the cultural adjustment experiences of international students at East Carolina University (ECU), focusing on how students navigate perceived cultural distance and manage the emotional and academic pressures that come with studying in a new country. The study is guided by anxiety-uncertainty management (AUM) theory, which explains that people adapt more successfully when they are able to keep their anxiety and uncertainty at manageable levels. This research combines both survey and interview data to better understand how students experience their adjustment. A survey was distributed to international students at ECU (n = 42) to assess their anxiety, uncertainty, cultural distance, involvement, academic, social, and psychological adjustment. Follow-up interviews with ten students allowed for a deeper look into their day-to-day realities, including the specific challenges students have encountered and how they have managed. The themes from the interviews included managing pre-arrival expectations, navigating American communication styles, adapting to academic power distance, building social connections, and finding personal growth through mindfulness and support systems. While not all quantitative results were statistically significant, meaningful patterns still emerged. Students who managed anxiety more effectively were also more likely to engage on campus and report stronger psychological adjustment. One of the more unexpected findings was that students who perceived a greater cultural distance sometimes reported stronger academic motivation. The interviews helped explain these trends by highlighting the resilience and determination many students bring with them. This study highlights the importance of creating support systems that go beyond surface-level help. International students benefit most from resources that feel culturally aware, empathetic, and easy to access. Their stories reflect not only the challenges of adjusting to a new culture but also the strength it takes to grow in the middle of uncertainty. Their experiences serve as a reminder that meaningful connection, involvement, and support can make all the difference.Item Embargo Droplet Distribution of Formulated Products on Mosquitoes Exposed Via Wind Tunnel: Method Development for Assessment of Product Efficacy Using Fluorescent Dye(East Carolina University, May 2025) Slade, RavenMosquito control programs (MCP) rely on methods such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay to monitor insecticide resistance for technical grade active ingredients. However, CDC bottle bioassays are not designed to assess formulated insecticide products (FP). A compact wind tunnel allows for FP testing in a laboratory setting and is more convenient than a field trial for assessing FP. This study develops a method for investigating FP droplet number and spread on mosquitoes in a novel compact wind tunnel and analyzes the extent to which this relates to mosquito mortality. Four mosquito populations (two wild, two lab; Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens/quinquefasciatus) were reared in incubators at 28°C using established methods. Adult female mosquitoes (4-7 d old) were exposed to four FP (oil-based: ReMoa Tri®, Duet®, Biomist®; water-based: AquaDuet®) mixed with fluorescent dye (1g/L dye:FP ratio) in a wind tunnel to visualize droplet distribution. Mortality was monitored 2, 24, and 48 h post-exposure. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the number of droplets per mosquito between FP, indicating homogeneous droplet distribution in the wind tunnel. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in droplet distribution between mosquito body parts and this varied by FP. Droplet counts on mosquitoes (subset of cages analyzed) were significantly related to aggregate mosquito mortality for Biomist® and ReMoa Tri®, but not for AquaDuet® or Duet®.Item Embargo Ender(East Carolina University, May 2025) Bradley, Onyx S.C.The first five chapters of a Southern Gothic NA novel titled "Ender." The main character struggles to reconcile what they believe is right with what their family believes is right and morally acceptable to do with magic.Item Embargo ASSESSING NUTRIENT DELIVERY RATIOS AND FLOOD RISKS AMID URBAN GROWTH IN GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA(East Carolina University, May 2025) Riggs, Amanda LynnThis 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.Item Embargo Dynamic Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress in Adolescents and Young Adult Cancer Survivors(East Carolina University, May 2025) Larsen, Eric RAdolescent and young adult survivors of cancer encounter unique challenges associated with their health status. These challenges are often lifelong and persistent, including medical and psychosocial late effects, such as posttraumatic stress. Utilizing a model to predict the risk of posttraumatic stress in childhood cancer survivors (Bruce, 2006), the proposed study was designed to analyze the potential dynamic predictors in this broader adolescent and young adult population. Predictors included social support, family stressors, and mental health symptoms related to posttraumatic stress. Using a sample of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (McGrady et al., 2022), this study (1) examined dynamic predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms, (2) determined the relative importance of each predictor, and (3) identified which dynamic predictors were consistent with clinically significant levels of posttraumatic stress. Results of statistical analyses suggested that lower social support and higher anxiety significantly predicted higher levels of posttraumatic stress and uniquely predicted the majority of variance in the overall model. Female sex and lower social support demonstrated higher odds of having clinical levels of posttraumatic stress.Item Embargo Sampling and Selection Methods for Applying 2D Neural Networks to 3D Gaussian Splats(East Carolina University, May 2025) Dusablon, RaphaelWe propose a novel approach for applying interpolation methods to unstructured volumetric data that allows for the operation of 2D neural networks directly on 3D Gaussian splats. Gaussian splatting is at the cutting edge of volume rendering methods, 2D neural networks have achieved a dominant and lasting degree of success and real-life application. We propose leveraging the advantages of both, an approach which is the first of its kind. We extend the method for interpolated convolution on 3D surface meshes with 2D CNNs by Hart et al to the unstructured 3D volumetric data of Gaussian splats and present an end-to-end pipeline for our work. We showcase our results with style transfers on 3D Gaussian splats performed by a 2D convolution model with no retraining. Our results compare favorably with those of current approaches to performing style transfers on 3D Gaussians using purpose-built and purpose-trained 3D models.Item Embargo FINE SCALE MEASUREMENT OF URBAN SHADE PATTERNS FOR URBAN HEAT RESILIENCE(East Carolina University, May 2025) Saud, RoshanUrban Heat Island (UHI) intensifies over time, mounting pressure on social, ecological and economic and infrastructural systems. The combined impact of rapid urbanization and climate change is expected to accelerate the UHI severity, causing immense threat to urban dwellers. Among the implemented solutions, shade has been widely recognized as a one of the most effective solutions. However, methodologies for accurately measuring shade in complex urban environments remain underexplored. This study introduces a novel approach of creating realistic 3D digital representation of buildings, trees and ground by utilizing LiDAR data and advanced modeling techniques for shade detection. The generated vertical and horizontal shade are quantified by subarea and analyzed different dimensions along an urban-to-suburban transect. Combined scenario generates highest amount of shade and follows the pattern of dominant factor, but averages when contributions are similar. Building shade predominates the built environments, occurring mostly on facades, while tree shade prevails in relatively rural landscape primarily on ground, exhibiting contrary pattern. Except Urban Core and Suburban, all transect zone have inconsequential roof shade. The sensitivity examination indicates that shade detection is steady till 5m, minor discrepancies (mostly below 10%) emerge at 10m. Beyond 10m, significant deviations is expected, particularly for ground and roof surfaces, with 30m resolution showing substantial inaccuracies. Roof shade in all scenarios and ground shade in building scenario are the most volatile to resolution. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners, geospatial scientists, scholars and policymakers to optimize street level intervention for enhancing human thermal comfort and UHI mitigation strategies.