15133 research outputs found
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Spatial abilities in aging adults with Down Syndrome
No full textBy age 40, individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) typically show Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD)-related neuropathological changes (Fortea et al., 2020; Lott & Head, 2019). Visuospatial abilities have emerged among the early markers of AD-related cognitive decline in the general population (Mandal et al., 2012) but remain understudied in DS. This study aimed to explore the normative aging of spatial abilities in DS and their role in detecting AD-related cognitive decline. Data were obtained from the ABC-DS project (Handen et al., 2020), with 376 participants (Mean age = 45.34, SD=9.86) who completed cognitive assessments. Participants were classified into groups: cognitively stable (CS, n=259), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n=53), and dementia (n=45). The following measures were used: Block Design (BD) (visuospatial construction), Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI) (visual-motor integration), Down Syndrome Mental Status Exam-Visuospatial (DSMSE-Visuospatial) (spatial construction abilities), and the DSMSE-total score (overall cognitive function). Hierarchical regression revealed age-related decline across all spatial measures. One-way ANOVA revealed that the CS group outperformed the MCI group, which in turn outperformed the dementia group (p \u3c 0.05). ROC analysis revealed that BD had the highest classification accuracy (AUC = 0.79 for CS vs. MCI; AUC = 0.81 for MCI vs. dementia), while VMI showed lower sensitivity (AUC = 0.65). Spatial abilities in DS are sensitive to aging and AD progression. Individually, different spatial measures are not effective in diagnosing. Future research should refine spatial measures and integrate biomarkers to improve early detection and intervention in DS-related AD
Healing through mindfulness: Empowering enhanced psychological well-being post-TBI
No full textPrevious literature highlighted the positive impacts of mindfulness interventions on emotional regulation and overall psychological well-being 1,2 supporting the general positive effects of mindfulness as an intervention for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). 3,4 However, limited research comprehensively examines the specific facets of mindfulness among various psychological & executive functioning (EF) domains. Mindfulness was evaluated in 51 TBI survivors (Mage = 48.67, SD = 12.74) utilizing the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). Participants completed measures of psychosocial functioning including PHQ-8, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Brock Adaptive Functioning Questionnaire (BAFQ). Participants had an average education of 15.55 years (SD = 2.39) and were assessed between 12- 522 months afterward. (M = 160.20, SD = 125.23). Pearson correlations were utilized to assess these relationships. Results revealed significant negative correlations between mindfulness and psychological distress, specifically depression (r = .388, p = .001), emotional dysregulation (r =.766, p \u3c .0010), and anxiety (r = .544, p \u3c .001). Furthermore, mindfulness was strongly correlated with aspects of EF, specifically cognitive flexibility (r = .435, p \u3c .001; r = .428, p \u3c.001, respectively), social awareness (r = .467, p \u3c .001; r = .297, p = .015), and attentional control (r = .526, p \u3c .001; r = .484, p\u3c .001). The results signify the positive role mindfulness plays post-TBI, reinforcing the relevance of integrating mindfulness-based interventions intodaily life. Increased mindfulness may offset some of the complex psychosocial challenges of brain injury which will in turn enhance the quality of life and outcomes in TBI
Generating copyright law in the world of artificial intelligence
No full textThe rise of foundation models like Open AI’s ChatGPT raises important questions about whether training on copyrighted materials constitutes infringement under US copyright law. Recent lawsuits illustrate the growing tensions between copyright holders and artificial intelligence (AI) developers. Should copyright law be amended to address the unique challenges that AI presents? Specifically, does the “fair use doctrine” apply to disputes between copyright holders and AI developers? How should concerns such as the lack of dataset transparency and potential market effects be addressed? What should be done to balance intellectual property protection with rapid advancements in AI technology? As the use of AI expands, this is a significant question of interest to not only copyright holders and AI developers, but also to society in general. This is a complex question requiring interdisciplinary research and analysis. Using qualitative research methodology (textual analysis), I analyzed sources from the disciplines of law and computer science to determine conflicting insights. I then found common ground between the insights and integrated them to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem. That more comprehensive understanding leads to suggested resolutions of the problem. I anticipate completing my research in early April. I can conclude, however, that the transformative nature of GenAI outputs and current safeguards against direct copying support claims of “fair use” by AI developers. Further, lack of dataset transparency and potential market effects can be addressed by amending copyright law to require transparency in training datasets and implementing opt-out programs for copyright holders
Play behavior and cognitive flexibility in autistic and non-autistic children
No full textChildren learn and develop cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional skills through pretend and symbolic play from a very young age. Imaginative and creative play behaviors are vital aspects of child development; however, autistic children are typically observed engaging in repetitive, non-symbolic play (González-Sala et al., 2021). Autistic children often show reduced cognitive flexibility (Geurts et al., 2009), which contributes to less engagement in imaginative play, impacting creativity and social pretend play skills. This study compared the imaginative/creative play between autistic and non-autistic children, and explored facets of cognitive flexibility as predictors of creative play using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (Lord et al., 2012), and Flexibility Scale (Strang et al., 2017). Only 51.5% of autistic youth (vs. 82.2% of non-autistic youth) demonstrated age-appropriate imaginative/creative play behavior, with 20% of autistic youth showing significantly atypical behavior. Lower imaginative play was positively correlated with parent-reported generativity challenges (r=.281, p=.006) and negatively correlated with self-reported social flexibility problems (r=-.241, p=.026), with the latter only seen in autistic youth. Consistent with research supporting that imaginative play enhances cognitive flexibility (Putri et al., 2024), imaginative play is reduced in youth with parent-reported generative challenges. Interestingly, autistic youth with social inflexibility may engage in more creative play, suggesting that in self-directed play, where the situations observed are less socially constrained, autistic children are offered more opportunities to express their creative and imaginative capacities. Understanding these relationships may inform interventions focusing on how play can be used to support flexibility skills, potentially promoting socio-cognitive development in autistic children
Severe maternal morbidity and infant health and healthcare utilization: A scoping review
No full textSevere maternal morbidity (SMM) refers to serious short- or long-term mental and physical health conditions resulting from pregnancy or delivery. Over the past three decades, SMM has increased significantly, disproportionately affecting Black women. SMM is linked to adverse postpartum maternal outcomes, including higher risks of maternal death, cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and substance use—all of which can have lasting effects on maternal well-being and overall quality of life. Given that maternal health is a critical determinant of infant well-being, mothers experiencing severe health complications may face challenges in providing optimal care, potentially leading to adverse infant health outcomes and increased healthcare utilization. While the impact of SMM on maternal health is well-documented, the spillover effects on infant health and healthcare utilization remain less understood. This scoping review aims to address this critical gap by examining the association between SMM and infants’ subsequent health outcomes and healthcare use, highlighting gaps in the current literature and identifying areas for future research and intervention
Microbial fuel cells as compared to renewable energy resources
No full textMicrobial fuel cells are a relatively new concept of renewable energy. The most common way these cells are made is two portions of the cell are connected via a method of electron transport. This electron transport can vary by cell, there is also an anode and a cathode that measure and obtain the energy produced by the cell. Looking at different studies which aim to figure out the best uses for microbial fuel cells, this literature review will go in depth into the different types of cells, how they are being used, and how they are being made efficiently. These points will then be compared to other forms of energy alternatives such as solar power and wind. The data that will be entered is from the articles which gave tables as well as graphs of the energy outputs of the cells. Data on the different types of microbes used will also be determined. This study aims to look at how efficiency has changed in the past 20 years. Looking at the efficiency it can be determined that research has moved forward in terms of the cells. There have been many developments with the cells, including being used in farms, finding the best species for energy output, and larger-scale energy production
Bowling and LucySwiss: Two novel arthrobacter phage
No full textTo date, students at Montclair State University have isolated 299 phage using Mycobacterium smegmatis, and Arthrobacter sp. as hosts. Of these 299 phage, 30 have been sequenced and 27 have been deposited in GenBank. During the spring of 2025, MSU students are working to annotate the genomes of two novel Arthrobacter phage: Bowling and LucySwiss. Bowling is a cluster AM phage with approximately 98 coding genes, and LucySwiss is a cluster AU phage with approximately 97 coding genes. Surprisingly, there appears to be one gene not called by DNA Master in the initial auto-annotation of Bowling that had to be added manually and seven uncalled genes in LucySwiss. Pairwise alignments between genomes shows a 54.15% identity between Bowling and LucySwiss. Work on these annotations is ongoing and the students at MSU anticipate their annotations to be complete by May 1, 2025
Transforming neurodiversity research: The influence of neurodiversity in the development of research methodology
No full textCurrent research within the field of neurodiversity underscores the imperativeness for the development of frameworks that promote inclusivity and a comprehensive understanding of neurodivergent individuals (Fuld & McKelvie, 2024). These frameworks are crucial to identifying and positively representing the distinct strengths of neurodivergent individuals across diverse environments, such as workplaces and academic institutions. Despite this current research and the need for a diverse understanding of this clinical population, there is a significant gap in the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in the development of the research, often leading to a narrowed understanding of these complex neurodevelopmental disabilities. This study aims to address this gap by directly examining the influence of their neurodiversity on their research activities, including methodology, participant interactions, and overall research objectives. This will be assessed through the completion of a survey that will encompass the following categories: demographic characteristics, research experience to date, methodology considerations, participant interactions, and career and research aspirations. Correlational and regression analyses will be conducted to comprehensively analyze these factors. Furthermore, thematic analysis will be conducted to identify common themes among the experiences and intentions of current or rising neurodivergent researchers. This research will allow for more inclusive and neurodivergent affirming research and clinical practices
Time perspective survey
No full textThis observational study examines the relationship between future time orientation and mental health outcomes; particularly anxiety and depression. It explores how components of future time orientation—delay discounting, impulsivity, self-control, and future time perspective—are linked to mental health. Future time orientation refers to how individuals perceive and plan for the future, and prior research suggests it may influence emotional regulation and mental health behavioral outcomes. The study aims to identify which elements of future time orientation are associated with anxiety and depression, and to what extent; potentially informing psychological interventions that improve mental health by enhancing future time orientation and self-regulation. The study will include 250 undergraduate students who will complete an online survey via Qualtrics, which includes measures of delay discounting (Monetary Choice Questionnaire), impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11), self-control (Brief Self-Control Scale), and future time perspective (Future Time Perspective Scale). Mental health outcomes will be assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), and the UNCOPE Substance Dependence Screening tool will be included as a covariate in the regression models. Demographic data such as age, sex, ethnicity, mental health diagnoses, therapy attendance, medication use, and sleep quality will also be collected as covariates in exploratory regression models. Data will be analyzed using bivariate Pearson correlations to examine the relationships between future time orientation and mental health outcomes, with multiple regression analyses assessing the unique contributions between the future time orientation measures. Exploratory regression models will be executed that also include the demographic variables as covariates.This study aims to shed light on the potential role of future time orientation in mental health outcomes, particularly anxiety and depression. The research may suggest new avenues for therapeutic interventions
Fast and provable unlearning for split models via orthogonal gradient decomposition
No full textUnlearning is the process of removing the influence of specific data points from a trained machine learning model. As data privacy regulations become more stringent, it is increasingly important to ensure that personal data can be effectively removed from existing models. While retraining from scratch is the simplest approach, it is computationally expensive and inefficient for real-world systems. Split learning introduces new challenges to unlearning, as the model is partitioned between a client and a server, and updates are distributed across both. This work investigates unlearning in split learning environments and presents a state-of-the-art algorithm that leverages orthogonalization and batch-level processing. By caching the update that each batch contributes to both the client and server layers, we were able to eliminate the effect of individual data points by subtracting the orthogonal component of their gradients. Our experiments showed that this unlearning approach was significantly faster than retraining, while successfully removing nearly all traces of the forgotten data. Additionally, we provided a mathematical proof of convergence for our proposed method