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- ItemConserving the Yellowstone National Park Ecosystem through Gray Wolves (Canis lupus)(2022) Lambert, Aquila; Matanoski, Joseph; Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences; Environmental ScienceGray wolves are a keystone species in the Yellowstone National Park (YNP) ecosystem because they can restore balance to and regulate a previously unhealthy ecosystem. The true value of gray wolves as a keystone species was not realized until decades after their reintroduction in 1995. Over time, gray wolves’ predatory habits decreased elk populations, which allowed for vegetation to grow back and other herbivores to repopulate. Despite gray wolves’ overwhelmingly positive effect on the YNP ecosystem, they are hunted illegally for sport or by farmers to protect livestock. Currently, disease and human hunting are the biggest threats to the long-term success of gray wolves in YNP.
- ItemOverstory Effects of Emerald Ash Borers (EAB) on a Riparian Forest(2021) Lambert, Aquila; Wise, Emily; Norris, Mark; Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences; Environmental ScienceAgrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash Borers) (EAB) are an invasive beetle from Asia that discovered in the USA in 2002 and have decimated Fraxinus (ash) forests throughout the country. The ash trees of Stevenson University in Owings Mills, MD have not been spared from EAB infestation. This research study sought to understand how important ash trees are to the overall local forest, how EAB have affected those ash trees and the forest habitat, and considered ways to restore the forest because of EAB infestation. Trees and canopy cover were surveyed in 5 randomly placed plots throughout a 6-hectare section of riparian forest. Individual ash trees were examined for EAB exit holes and status rating. This study found that ash trees are the most important tree in the forest but with spatial variation. Majority of the ash trees are dead with signs of EAB infestation, but canopy openness does not correlate with EAB ash infestation. There are opportunities for future studies that could be conducted on the local forest with our data as a starting point. One potential study could analyze the genome of the four living ash trees that were found. Restoration options include planting already present non-ash tree seedlings in certain plots to restore the canopy, injecting the 4 living ash trees in plot 4 with insecticide, and releasing non-native parasitoid wasps to reduce EAB populations. We could also collect and mail seeds from the living ash trees to a US Forest Service project in Ohio to preserve and understand EAB-resistant ash trees. From this study, we learned how important Ash trees are to Stevenson’s ecosystem and that the ash population has been severely affected by EAB infestation.
- ItemMusic In Relation to Fashion: 2000's and 2010's Album Cycles That Impacted the Modern Fashion Industry(2021-12) Reyes, Finn La'akea; Lentz-Schiller, Holly; Howard S. Brown School of Business and Leadership; Fashion MerchandisingMusic and fashion are both industries that thrive with the success and growth of the other. The fashion industry influences the music industry by acting as a medium for artists to use in the promotion of their albums, giving the artist and promotional cycle of the album an identity and something to distinguish the project from other similar albums. The music industry affects the fashion industry as well as designers by introducing new trends, shifts in the current zeitgeist and pop culture. Fashion can indirectly and directly influence an album cycle or promotion of an album to the same degree an album cycle can create and help fashion trends emerge. There are 8 notable album cycles and the fashion trends from the time span of the 2000s through the 2010s that emerged through direct and indirect influences showcasing the mutually symbiotic relationship of the music and fashion industry. It is important to understand the mutualistically positive relationship between both industries as the understanding of one or the relationship they share, can and will be beneficial for both markets respectively. Research related to this topic includes the analysis of other symbiotic relationships fashion shares with media industries such as social platforms, television, and film that mutually benefit from the success and growth of all involved industries indirectly and directly impacted.
- ItemWindshield Survey of the Pimlico Neighborhood of Baltimore City, Maryland(2021-12-05) Dutcher, Megan; Moody, Laurel; Sandra R. Berman School of Nursing and Health Professions; NursingThis paper provides insight into the health status of the Pimlico neighborhood of Baltimore City, Maryland using a windshield survey model. Demographic characteristics of the community are presented, including population size, racial/ethnic background, average age, sex, and family status. Socioeconomic indicators are discussed, such as average income, educational attainment, and available educational institutions. The availability of social, health, transportation, religious, and recreational resources is emphasized. Major health indicators are presented, including infant mortality rate, average life expectancy, and leading causes of death in the community. Strengths and weaknesses of the community are highlighted, with particular attention placed on the impact of presented weaknesses on the vulnerability and health status of the community. Significant weaknesses discussed include high homicide rates, poor educational attainment related to chronic absenteeism, and a high infant mortality rate. Focus is placed on the effects of chronic absenteeism and poor educational outcomes. The negative impact of chronic absenteeism on children’s health status is presented, with proposed community health nursing interventions to reduce absenteeism discussed. The core functions of community health are used to guide the discussion of the community health nurse’s (CHN) role in supporting interventions aimed at improving school attendance in the Pimlico community.
- ItemConnected: Polarization in Online Environments(2021) Borden, Brittani A.; Ward, Stanley J.; Stevenson University Online; Communication StudiesThis case study will analyze research surrounding the rhetoric of polarization in online environments and how it can influence behavior and emotion. Through the analysis and review of three socialites who were vocal on Twitter regarding polarized ideas three groups, hate groups, fandom groups, and political parties, are cross analyzed to see how individuals who identify with these groups show trends in rhetoric. This text will highlight connections and differences in the rhetorical styles used by each group and how they potentially inspired behavior from March through October of 2020 in United States based online environments during a number of Black Lives Matter and Make America Great Again protests. Polarization is defined and applied to each public figures’ tweets within the time frame are examined for potential ability to influence behavior. The purpose of this research is to examine how each group showed differences or similarities in outgroup versus ingroup rhetoric and better understand how such rhetoric can be increasingly impactful when introduced or reinforced in online settings as social media use rises worldwide.