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Methodologies for Remote Bridge Inspection—Review
No full textThis article addresses the state of the art of methodologies for bridge inspection with potential for inclusion in Bridge Management Systems (BMS) and within the scope of the IABSE Task Group 5.9 on Remote Inspection of Bridges. The document covers computer vision approaches, including 3D geometric reconstitution (photogrammetry, LiDAR, and hybrid fusion strategies), damage and component identification (based on heuristics and Artificial Intelligence), and non-contact measurement of key structural parameters (displacements, strains, and modal parameters). Additionally, it addresses techniques for handling the large volumes of data generated by bridge inspections (Big Data), the use of Digital Twins for asset maintenance, and dedicated applications of Augmented Reality based on immersive environments for bridge inspection. These methodologies will contribute to safe, automated, and intelligent assessment and maintenance of bridges, enhancing resilience and lifespan of transportation infrastructure under changing climate
Academic Stress and Drinking to Cope: The Indirect Role of Depression in College Students
No full textCollege students are exposed to various stress factors including the stress of exams, deadlines, and maintaining a high GPA. All of these may accumulate as high levels of academic stress, eventually resulting in anxiety and depression, which can further lead to elevations in alcohol consumption. Previous research suggests that higher academic stress is positively associated with anxiety and depression, which leads to greater drinking as a coping motive. The present study examined the relationship between high levels of academic stress, anxiety, depression, and drinking as a coping motive among college students. We hypothesized that higher academic stress would be positively associated with anxiety and depression, leading to an increase in alcohol to cope motives. The study examined the relationships among academic burnout, depression, anxiety, and drinking to cope motives. Results indicated that student burnout variables were not associated directly with the outcome while depression, but not anxiety, was significantly and positively associated with drinking to cope motives. Of the three student burnout variables, two (Exhaustion and Cynicism) have positive and significant indirect effects on drinking to cope motives through their distinct associations with reported depression levels. These findings suggest the importance of managing mental health issues among college students. Understanding the impact of high academic stress levels can help inform mental health interventions and alcohol prevention programs to improve students' well-being.Psychology, Department ofHonors Colleg
Urban Heat and Human Health: Impacts, Adaptation, and Equity in the U. S. (2014-2024)
No full textRising temperatures significantly impact college campuses, affecting both the physical environment and the well-being of students, staff, and faculty. Leaders of the IAPHS Student Chapter at the University of Houston, supported by UH Population Health faculty mentors, are conducting a multi-phase study to assess how elevated campus temperatures affect students' quality of life. This project promotes climate health equity, empowering students while providing evidence-based policy recommendations for UH administrators. As UH approaches its centennial in 2027, our goal as population health researchers is to create a more sustainable, health-supporting campus environment. Phase I (Fall 2024) established the study's foundational goals, while Phase II (Spring 2025) builds upon these findings through semi-structured interviews, a survey, and a Photovoice study. A narrative review of existing and grey literature identified key themes and gaps in understanding climate impacts on campus life, shaping the study framework and interview development. With this review complete, the next step involves conducting semi-structured interviews with UH students. A purposive sample will ensure diverse experiences based on factors like completed semesters and housing status. These interviews will explore nuanced themes not readily apparent in existing research. Findings will inform the development of a structured survey to validate qualitative insights on a larger scale. Questions will assess how heat affects health, daily routines, and commutes. For example, one asks: What strategies do you use to stay comfortable on campus? Insights from the literature, interviews, and survey will shape the Photovoice study, ensuring a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.Honors Colleg
Exercise Motives, Body Image Anxieties, Alcohol Consumption as Predictors of Physical Activity
No full textResearch highlights that individuals with high social physique anxiety typically have lower self-esteem, that negative emotions related to body image often lead to appearance-driven exercise habits, and avoidance mediates the relationship between body image and physical activity. Studies have shown that the influence exercise motives have on physical activity is shaped by an individual's drive for exercise, with guilt and obligation acting as a barrier to exercise. Additionally, studies have indicated that exercise can help reduce alcohol intake among individuals with alcohol use disorder. However, there is limited research that investigates the interplay between exercise motives, body image anxieties, and alcohol consumption in relation to physical activity. The present secondary analysis of a daily diary study about physical activity and drinking behaviors will investigate this question. Participants consisted of 205 (57% female) undergraduates between the ages of 18 and 25 (M=21.76, SD=2.04) who completed a baseline survey and daily assessments of drinking over a 21-day period. Approximately 80% (N=159) of participants were also assigned to wear actigraphs over the 21 days. We hypothesize that physical activity will be predicted by motives to exercise and that this will be moderated by body image anxiety and alcohol consumption. Findings will contribute to our understanding of the dynamics among exercise motives (about one's physical appearance), body image anxieties, and alcohol consumption as they relate to physical activity. [This project was completed with contributions from Craig Henderson from Sam Houston.]Psychology, Department ofHonors Colleg
Emotional Eating in Hispanic Girls and Boys: The Role of Anxiety and Sleep Quality
No full text<b>Background/Objective:</b> Emotional eating is a significant health problem associated with increased obesity and mental health among children and adolescents. Investigating emotional eating and its associated factors is critical, as it coincides with key developmental periods during which eating patterns are formed. This study assessed the contribution of anxiety and sleep quality to emotional eating among 232 Hispanic girls (<i>n</i> = 124, with a mean age of 10.23 years, <i>SD</i> = 1.40) and boys (<i>n</i> = 108, with a mean age of 10.36 years, <i>SD</i> = 1.57). <b>Methods:</b> This study used a correctional research design. Participants completed a series of surveys including demographics, acculturation, McKnight Risk Factor Survey-IV emotional eating subscale, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Participants also had their objective body height and weight measured. <b>Results:</b> Descriptive analyses showed that most girls (84%) and boys (87%) were born in the United States and were either overweight (<i>n</i> = 24, 19% girls; <i>n</i> = 18, 17% boys) or with obesity (<i>n</i> = 61, 49% girls; <i>n</i> = 61, 56% boys). The hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, for girls, poor sleep quality was the sole significant factor associated with EE (<i>&beta;</i> = 350, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), controlling for age and BMI. For boys, poor sleep quality (<i>&beta;</i> = 0.302, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01) and anxiety (<i>&beta;</i> = 0.247, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) were significant. <b>Conclusions:</b> The study&rsquo;s findings suggest that emotional eating interventions may need to focus on reducing anxiety levels and improving sleep quality in Hispanic children and early adolescent
Project SWITCH Study Protocol: A Tobacco-Free Workplace Program for Dissemination and Implementation in Lung Cancer Screening Centers
No full textBackground/Objectives: Cigarette smoking has been causally linked to 90% of all cases of lung cancer, contributing to its high mortality rate. Lung cancer screening centers offer low-dose computed tomography, the only recommended diagnostic screening tool for lung cancer detection. A previous Texas-based study found that centers with lung cancer screening programs failed to consistently provide evidence-based tobacco cessation and relapse prevention interventions recommended by clinical practice guidelines to their patients, who are primarily people who currently or previously smoked. This represents a missed opportunity to assist patients by providing evidence-based tobacco use care during a particularly relevant clinical encounter. Methods: To improve cigarette smoking cessation care delivery and relapse prevention in this setting, this protocol paper seeks to provide a framework for adapting Taking Texas Tobacco Free, a comprehensive, evidence-based tobacco-free workplace program, to lung cancer screening centers. The adapted program, Project SWITCH, will be developed through a formative evaluation process with center stakeholders to identify proactive adaptations to programming based on center-specific contexts. Project SWITCH is expected to be implemented in at least nine lung cancer screening centers in Texas and will be disseminated more broadly to centers statewide. Results: Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected from multiple stakeholders throughout the intervention using a convergent parallel mixed methods design to make additional program adaptations and comprehensively evaluate the achievement of the project&rsquo;s implementation and dissemination goals. Conclusions: Results from this project&rsquo;s implementation and dissemination phases are expected to reduce lung cancer morbidity and mortality in Texas by providing an evidence-based, sustainable framework for tobacco-free workplace programs in this specific setting that improves cancer prevention and control practices
Towards Optimizing Neural Network-Based Quantification for NMR Metabolomics
No full text<b>Background:</b> Quantification of metabolites from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra in an accurate, high-throughput manner requires effective data processing tools. Neural networks are relatively underexplored in quantitative NMR metabolomics despite impressive speed and throughput compared to more conventional peak-fitting metabolomics software. <b>Methods:</b> This work investigates practices for dataset and model development in the task of metabolite quantification directly from simulated NMR spectra for three neural network models: the multi-layered perceptron, the convolutional neural network, and the transformer. Model architectures, training parameters, and training datasets are optimized before comparing each model on simulated 400-MHz <sup>1</sup>H-NMR spectra of complex mixtures with 8, 44, or 86 metabolites to quantify in spectra ranging from simple to highly complex and overlapping peaks. The optimized models were further validated on spectra at 100- and 800-MHz. <b>Results:</b> The transformer was the most effective network for NMR metabolite quantification, especially as the number of metabolites per spectra increased or target concentrations were low or had a large dynamic range. Further, the transformer was able to accurately quantify metabolites in simulated spectra from 100-MHz up to 800-MHz. <b>Conclusions:</b> The methods developed in this work reveal that transformers have the potential to accurately perform fully automated metabolite quantification in real-time and, with further development with experimental data, could be the basis for automated quantitative NMR metabolomics software
Lyme Disease Presenting As Rupture Baker's Cyst
No full textBaker's cysts, fluid-filled sacs in the popliteal region, are commonly associated with knee joint pathology but rarely present as a complication of Lyme disease. This case study examines a 14-year-old male who developed a ruptured Baker's cyst following Lyme disease infection. The patient presented with knee pain, swelling, and posterior calf discomfort, which mimicked conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and myositis. Diagnosis was confirmed via serological Lyme testing and MRI imaging, which identified cyst rupture with fluid dissection into the gastrocnemius muscle. Early recognition of Lyme disease in endemic regions is critical to avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions. A literature review of similar cases highlights the importance of differential diagnosis in pediatric patients with acute nontraumatic joint swelling. This study underscores the need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding the association between Lyme disease and Baker's cyst rupture, promoting timely diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment. [This project was completed with contributions from Moawiz Saeed from UTHealth San Antonio.]Honors Colleg
Identifying Effective Practices for Integrating Disciplinary Literacy in a Middle School Science Classroom
No full textBackground: Disciplinary literacy provides students with instruction that emphasizes the unique tools and knowledge used by experts in a specific field of study. It provides an insider’s perspective, allowing for a deeper understanding of discipline-specific content. Although a critical stage in students’ literacy development, it has yet to be properly addressed, leaving many high school graduates with significant literacy deficits. English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) teachers are rarely equipped with the content or field knowledge needed for this type of literacy instruction. With many content area teachers believing literacy instruction to be the responsibility of ELAR teachers, the challenge of providing students with disciplinary literacy instruction at the secondary level has remained an issue of debate. However, due to recent legislation, content area teachers are being asked to do their part to support students’ literacy development. Purpose: This case study aimed to identify effective practices for integrating disciplinary literacy into my daily practice as a science teacher. The study was conducted to answer the following question: What are the effects of disciplinary literacy integration in a middle school science class? I sought to identify effective instructional techniques utilizing 1:1 computing to integrate disciplinary literacy for students’ improved comprehension. Methods: Qualitative data consisting of observational field notes recorded by the teacher-researcher and archival data reports of student assessment scores were used for this study. Field notes documented specific changes made to instruction and classroom activities, along with researcher observations, analysis, and reflections. Upon completing the study, archival data sets were retrieved from the district’s Eduphoria Aware assessment analysis and data storage program. Reports were generated to show class performance trends from five district designed assessments consisting of two benchmark examinations and three separate unit tests. The first benchmark assessment was used to establish a pre-study baseline. Data analysis reports from three mid-study unit tests, in addition to results from a second benchmark assessment, were retrieved post-study. Observational notes and assessment data were gathered from six class groups, totaling one-hundred eighth-grade science students. Since data sets were selected based on convenience, each class group’s size and demographic makeup differed, but these differences remained consistent throughout the study. As a teacherresearcher, I documented changes made to my instructional practice over ten weeks to identify effective instructional techniques for equipping students with literacy skills commonly employed by science practitioners. In addition to providing guided instruction and scaffolding, the content was presented using student devices and teacher-facilitated discussions of complex topics and vocabulary. Students were allowed to work in small groups with their peers to read the content, complete assigned activities, conduct research on related topics, and draft their findings. Upon completion of the ten-week study, students’ archival data was triangulated with journaled field observations to align changes in students’ performance data with changes made to instruction. This information was then used to determine effective practice based on student performance trends over the ten weeks. All data were reviewed by an Instructional Specialist to ensure the absence of errors and teacher-researcher biases. Results: The data indicated that the use of 1:1 student computing was an effective mode of delivery for disciplinary literacy instruction. However, to positively impact students’ comprehension of science content, a careful balance of teacher-guided instruction and student autonomy is recommended. The archival assessment data retrieved post-study demonstrated notable differences in assessment scores over time. Initial changes made to instructional practices resulted in decreased assessment scores, which aligned with concerns documented in the teacher researcher’s observational logs regarding the degree of student autonomy allowed. Adjustments to instructional formatting yielded increased assessment scores, aligning with researcher observations of improved student engagement and participation in assigned activities resulting from purposefully planned teacher-guided discussions and instruction scaffolding. Conclusions: Findings from this study will benefit my school district as it considers the cost-effectiveness of investing in a 1:1 computing initiative and the potential for its future applications. The demand for increased reading and writing across the curriculum presents the need for further study into innovative ways in which educators can effectively utilize 1:1 computing to integrate disciplinary literacy. While not generalizable, it is anticipated that this study will add to the literature. There is a growing need for research focused on instructional design that effectively integrates literacy support and technology use across the curriculum
Towards Environmental Equity: Investigating Socioeconomic Disparities in Access to Recycling Services
No full textAs global environmental awareness intensifies, the transition to a circular economy grows increasingly imperative. Modern society heavily depends on materials such as plastics, paper, and aluminum for consumer goods. Recycling presents a sustainable alternative to landfill disposal by facilitating the reuse of these materials. However, achieving the full benefits of recycling requires ensuring equitable access to recycling services across all communities. This study aims to explore socioeconomic disparities in the accessibility of recycling services, examining variables such as race, education, and income. By identifying these discrepancies, the research seeks to inform policies and initiatives aimed at promoting more inclusive and accessible recycling systems.Honors Colleg