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Brain Training and Athletic Performance in Youth Athletes
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to explore the effects of cognitive training regarding soccer-specific agility performance with the use of an application, BrainHQ. The study involved 48 soccer athletes, aged 10 to 11, at the competitive and advanced levels, who participated in their competitive spring season. All athletes completed pre- and post-assessments of a modified Y change-of-direction test and a soccer-specific agility test and were included in the analysis. The experimental group used the training app two-four days per week for 10-30 minutes per day over the course of four weeks. The participants were coded as compliant or non-compliant, post-hoc, based on the level of compliance on using the BrainHQ app. The control group used a blind app with no intentional cognitive training purposes for the same time frame as the experimental group. The repeated measures MANOVA (groups x time) with the covariate of compliance study revealed main effects of time and further univariate analyses presented interactions for time x group indicating the BrainHQ app may contribute to perceptual-cognitive athletic performance. The BrainHQ app use by the experimental group showed greatest time improvements in key variables that influence in-game performance such as soccer-specific agility times, movement speed, and decision-making times. Based on the results of this study, recommendations for training programs; and future study recommendations are offered
Deep Learning Based Traffic Accident Detection
Get PDFIn order to improve road safety, this project creates a deep learning-based system for identifying traffic incidents in pre-recorded video recordings. The project employs the YOLOv5 model, which utilizes advanced convolutional neural networks for efficient and accurate object detection. Trained on a focused dataset of video-derived images, the system demonstrated recognizing traffic incidents. From the Highway Incidents Detection (HWID12) dataset, 50 video segments were selected for this study and analyzed with different variety of the Yolov5 parameters. The YOLOv5x variant reached the highest precision of 0.6 when trained with a batch size of 4 and image resolution of 640 pixels, indicative of the model’s adeptness at discerning relevant features in complex visual data. While the overall highest recall was 0.45 by the YOLOv5s model, the YOLOv5l variant demonstrated the best balance between precision and recall with the highest F1 score of 0.44. These results, although preliminary, demonstrate the potential of convolutional neural networks in improving road safety and set a precedent for the application of such technologies in broader public safety measures. Despite the limited dataset, the results show the feasibility of using deep learning techniques in traffic safety applications. Providing innovative approaches to traffic management and road safety, this study sets the stage for further research and the potential broader application of such technologies in public safety measures
Effect of Age on the Inflammatory Response in Horses Following an Incremental Exercise Test
Get PDFHorses experience systemic and external inflammation following exercise as a mechanism of recovery indicated by elevated inflammatory markers and heat. Further, aged horses are at greater risk of prolonged inflammation than young horses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the inflammatory response of unconditioned young (YNG; 14 to 16 mo) and aged (OLD; 19 to 24 yr) Quarter Horses following a 17-min incremental exercise test (IET; 6.44 kph, 16.09 kph, 19.31 kph and 22.53 kph). Blood was collected pre-exercise, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h following exercise. Skin surface temperatures were collected on the left side pre-exercise, 15 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h following exercise. Muscle soreness evaluations were conducted pre-exercise, 12 h, 36 h, 60 h, and 84 h following exercise. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Plasma percentages of 18:2 were greater in YNG 24 h following exercise than OLD (P<0.05). Plasma percentages of 18:3 and 22:6 were greater (P<0.05) prior to exercise than following exercise. There was an effect of age, where plasma IL-1β concentrations, mRNA abundance of IL-1β, and mRNA abundance of IL-18 in OLD were greater (P<0.05) than YNG. There was an effect of exercise, where mRNA abundance of IL-18 and caspase-1 were greater (P<0.05) 24 h following exercise than prior to exercise. Aged horses had greater (P<0.05) muscle damage 12 h following exercise compared to prior to exercise. The shoulder, forearm, back, and gaskin skin surface temperatures were greater (P<0.05) 15 min following exercise. All four muscle groups on the right side had a greater (P<0.05) muscle soreness score 12 to 60 h following exercise, while only the neck and shoulder on the left side exhibited muscle soreness in response to exercise (P<0.05). These results indicate that the response to an IET is affected by age in regard to plasma lipid content, plasma IL-1β concentrations, plasma CK concentrations, and gene expression of IL-1β, while age and exercise affect expression of IL-18. Additionally, these results suggest that exercise affects body surface temperatures and muscle soreness, regardless of age
Exploring the Link Between Personality Pathology and Perception of Sexual Orientation Microaggressions
Get PDFPersonality disorders are broadly impairing forms of psychopathology that affect an individual’s self-perception as well as their relationships with others. Research has previously focused on the impact that personality pathology has on interpersonal factors like emotion recognition, interpersonal style, and aggression. However, little research has focused on the relationship between maladaptive personality and discriminatory behaviors, such as microaggressions. To that end, the present study examined how personality pathology, as conceptualized by the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, related to perceptions of social interactions depicting microaggressions against gays and lesbians. Participants in this study were presented with vignettes depicting seven types of microaggressions toward sexual identity minorities along with control vignettes to assess participants’ perceptions of the interactions. Overall, I predicted a main effect of vignette type, such that participants would perceive vignettes in which a microaggression is present differently than vignettes in which no microaggression has occurred. If differences were found, I predicted interactions between personality pathology and perceptions of microaggressions. Results revealed differences in participants’ perceptions of microaggressive versus control vignettes and significant associations were shown between AMPD constructs and ratings of microaggressions. Findings provide a basis for continuing research on the relationship between personality dysfunction and perceptions of other harmful behaviors
Examining Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions of TPACK Development Following Rehearsal Teaching in an Educational Technology Course Prior to Student Teaching
Get PDFIt is the responsibility of educator preparation programs (EPPs) to develop well-rounded teachers who are capable of integrating technology into their instruction. Most EPPs include instruction in pedagogy, content, and technology as well as a formal field experience; however, there is a gap between the theory learned in courses and application of the field experience. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) perceptions of learning as a teacher following an early low-stakes opportunity to rehearse the teacher role prior to the formal field experience. Archival data was collected from a low-stakes rehearsal teaching assignment in a standalone educational technology (SET) course across four past semesters, limited to those PSTs seeking an English Language Arts and Reading certification for grades 7-12. The written reflections were analyzed using deductive qualitative content analysis with a coding guideline grounded in the technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) framework.
All PSTs reflected on at least one type of knowledge gained, providing support for the rehearsal teaching strategy as a method to prepare PSTs as teachers. Most PSTs reflected on a type of pedagogical knowledge, suggesting that rehearsal teaching may support the development of general teaching skills even when situated in a specialized course. There are also implications for the use of such a rehearsal teaching strategy beyond the EPP coursework to support PSTs during field experience and to support in-service teachers during their first years of teaching or when new initiatives are introduced. Further research on the rehearsal teaching strategy could gain more in-depth insights into the utility of such a strategy for preparing PSTs to integrate technology into their instruction
Risk to Critical Infrastructure Due to Dependence on Access to Space-based Capabilities
Get PDFThis paper is intended for owners and operators of US Critical Infrastructure with core business functions reliant on access to space-based capabilities. While the paper will discuss risk to space assets, the intent is not to address the security and resilience of the space systems, but rather to highlight the risk to space-based assets so that companies choosing to use space-based can make more informed risk-based decisions. The commercial space industry is in its infancy. The World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company report projects that the commercial space industry will grow from 1.8 trillion by 2035. Many of the new capabilities will only be feasible because we have access to space. If GPS is an exemplar, space-based capabilities may replace existing terrestrial based systems, the terrestrial based systems they replace will fall into disuse and eventually cease to operate. Each time this occurs, our dependence on access to space will grow. Space has unique risks such as when systems fail there is no possibility for on-site repair. The Russian attack through the Viasat-KA satellite and the CrowdStrike outage of July 19, 2024 both required on-site repairs. Similar incidents effecting satellites might leave satellites permanently disabled and systems dependent on those satellites requiring significant re-engineering. CISA Director, Jen Easterly, commenting on the CrowdStrike outage stated, “I mean obviously, we want to prevent, but it really is about building resilience into our networks and our systems so that we can withstand significant disruption, at least drive down the recovery time to be able to provide services.” This is especially important for systems reliant on access to space-based systems. Companies adopting space-based capabilities may assume those who are capable of building and operating satellites are capable of protecting their satellites. Satellite companies face cyber threats like all companies and each company has its own risk profiles. According to a representative from the Office of the National Cyber Directorate, some space operators view cybersecurity as a “drag on operations”. As the companies adopt space-based capabilities they must conduct effect analysis to not only identify potential benefits but also potential risks. The concepts in Executive Order 13905, Strengthening National Resilience Through Responsible Use of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Services should be applied to the use of all space-based capabilities, not just GPS
Restoration Ecology of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus Catenatus) in Western Pennsylvania. Emphasis on Prey Availability, Behavioral Ecology, and Thermal Biology
Get PDFI studied the ecology and behavior of Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus) at a restored habitat conservation easement site in western Pennsylvania from April – August 2021. Terrestrial vertebrate surveys revealed a quality level of biodiversity at the site (nine amphibian species, 10 reptile species, and 11 mammal species), with 40% of the sampled species having previously been reported in the diet of S. catenatus, demonstrating adequate prey availability. While radio-tracking S. catenatus, a male-male combat event was opportunistically observed and captured on video. The video was used to describe, quantify (frequency and total duration), and analyze all behaviors that occurred during the event. While monitoring a female (MS-01), I first encountered a male S. catenatus (MS-04) in close proximity (0.5 m) (7-31-2021). Mate accompaniment of MS-01 by MS-04 was followed by male-male combat between MS-04 and a newly found male S. catenatus (MS-05) (8-1-2021). This mating system culminated with MS-05 copulating with the female (MS-01) (8-2-2021). Successfully observing the full progression allowed me to accurately describe the combat event and subsequently analyze and compare the combat behaviors displayed by MS-04 and MS-05 with respect to the outcome of the combat; MS-05 winning and copulating with MS-01. To understand thermal biology, I used 12-hour continuous monitoring of behavior and Tb (body temperature) of three S. catenatus on six separate days in July and August 2021 to investigate the association of body position and Tb. I found no significant differences between body temperatures of S. catenatus monitored during the six trial days. However, there was a significant effect of snake body position on body temperature. These results provide insight into S. catenatus thermoregulatory behavior and the impacts that snake body positions have on body temperatures of free-ranging individuals. My work furthers the understanding of the ecology and behavior of S. catenatus, particularly regarding male-male combat in this species. Additionally, because these studies took place within a restored habitat site, my results provide information on the restoration ecology of S. catenatus and consequently can be used to inform future conservation efforts for this species
Cybercrime and Digital Forensics Approach in Local Law Enforcement
Get PDFAs of 2023 the approximate population of the world is over 7.9 billion; the current population of the United States of America is over 332 million people (U.S Census Bureau, n.d.). In the year 2021, 4.9 billion people had access to the internet, which includes the United States’ 91 percent of citizens being among them (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.). As the world population grows and access to the internet grows, so does cyber-related crime. There are many aspects of cybercrimes that digital evidence collection and proper investigation can provide assistance for such as, missing person(s), homicide, human trafficking, organized crime, and child exploitation (May, 2021). With technology emerging, local law enforcement should gain knowledge on how to access training and equipment in the cybercrime field. With this access, local law enforcement agencies will be able to better serve their communities by identifying, solving, and preventing cyber related crimes through training, obtaining digital forensic tools, and resourcing with other local, state, and federal taskforce.LEMI
The Impact of Cyberethics on Healthcare and Public Health Sector
Get PDFEthics are evident in all aspects of society, including the technology industry. This leads to the term cyberethics, which includes a special focus on moral dilemmas faced by professionals and society in their interaction with technology. This includes concerns such as data privacy, copyright, freedom of speech versus internet censorship among others. In this paper, we explore three main perspectives of the relationships between cyberethics and the healthcare and public health sector, namely, privacy of health information, usage of social media in the medical filed, and risks of mobile health apps. We will delve into the different aspects of cyberethics within each section and examine how they intersect with the health sector in both positive and negative interactions. Lastly, we will explore various solutions to counteract the negative effects identified. Through this exploration, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in the intersection of technology and healthcare
Locked in Toxicity: Uncovering the Relationship Between Lead Exposure and Violence Behind Bars
Get PDFMuch of the existing correctional misconduct research has examined numerous factors that predict behavior while incarcerated; however, the potential influence of environmental conditions (e.g., exposure to environmental hazards) has been absent. This dissertation contributes to the current literature on the correlates of prison misconduct by introducing environmental toxin exposure, specifically lead, as a novel factor influencing behavior among correctional facilities in the United States. Data from the Census of Federal and State Adult Correctional Facilities (2019) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Release Inventory are used to examine the extent of lead surrounding prisons and whether exposure to lead is associated with increased violence in prison. The significance of the findings contributes to advancing existing misconduct literature and adds to the limited environmental justice literature surrounding prisons. Additionally, the findings pose critical policy implications regarding environmental regulations and protections for individuals serving time