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reviving humanity
Get PDFThe surge in female incarceration rates in the United States has heightened concerns about the mental health challenges faced by women within correctional facilities. This thesis research explores the intersection of women\u27s incarceration, mental health, and sustainable architectural design aimed at improving outcomes for female inmates. Factors contributing to the increase in female incarceration rates, including changes in sentencing policies, socioeconomic disparities, and the criminalization of mental illness and substance abuse, are critically examined. Research indicates a disproportionately high prevalence of mental health disorders among female inmates, often rooted in past trauma, domestic violence, and systemic inequalities. These issues are frequently exacerbated by the prison environment, where overcrowding, lack of privacy, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to rehabilitative programs contribute to worsening psychological conditions. Despite these challenges, the prison system often fails to provide sufficient mental health resources, reinforcing cycles of recidivism and societal marginalization.
This thesis proposes that sustainable architectural design, incorporating biophilic principles, trauma-informed spatial planning, and rehabilitative programming, can play a crucial role in addressing the mental health crisis in women\u27s prisons. Design strategies such as access to natural light, green spaces, sensory-responsive environments, and flexible communal areas can help mitigate stress and promote emotional resilience. Additionally, creating spaces that balance privacy and social interaction is essential for fostering personal reflection, community support, and personal growth. By integrating these evidence-based design interventions, correctional facilities can shift from punitive environments to spaces that facilitate healing, skill development, and successful reintegration into society. This research highlights the urgent need for a human-centered approach in prison architecture—one that acknowledges the unique needs of incarcerated women and leverages sustainable design as a tool for restorative justice and long-term rehabilitation
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Cuscuta rostrata in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
No full textCuscuta rostrata is a parasitic plant found at high-elevation locations in the Appalachian Mountains. Cuscuta rostrata populations range from West Virginia in the North to a few widely spaced populations in Georgia at its southernmost distribution. Our research aims to amplify variable microsatellite loci in C. rostrata and assess genetic differences across populations. We extracted DNA from multiple C. rostrata populations and tested microsatellite primers to evaluate their effectiveness in amplifying these loci via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We seek to optimize DNA amplification of these loci to determine if low genetic diversity is a threat to the small, isolated Georgia populations which may be particularly susceptible to climate change
Novel Optical Sensors for Assessing the Effect of Aging on Muscle Health
No full textSarcopenia is the age-related decline in muscle function and mass. This condition, exacerbated by chronic illnesses (e.g., kidney failure and heart disease), insulin resistance, prolonged immobility, and hormonal imbalances, significantly affects mobility, quality of life, and mortality in older adults. Since skeletal muscle energy production largely depends on mitochondrial capacity, understanding mitochondrial capacity is crucial for assessing skeletal muscle aging.
Traditional assessment methods, such as phosphorous nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are limited to specialized facilities and specific exercises due to their bulky and expensive nature. More recently, Continuous-Wave Near Infrared Spectroscopy (CW-NIRS) combined with arterial occlusion has been adopted, but the multiple occlusions required can be uncomfortable and unsuitable for older adults. To address this limitation, we propose utilizing Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy (DCS) to measure oxygen delivery (i.e., muscle blood flow) alongside NIRS.
In this pilot study, we evaluated a new method for assessing mitochondrial capacity using DCS and NIRS simultaneously. The MetaOx (ISS Inc., DCS + NIRS) sensor was placed on the flexor digitorum profundus of four participants. Muscle oxygenation and blood flow data were continuously acquired while participants performed dynamic exercise using a hand-grip dynamometer (two minutes of rest, three minutes of exercise, two minutes of recovery). We calculated muscle oxygen consumption from oxygenation and blood flow measurements and determined the rate of decay (i.e., mitochondrial capacity) in oxygen consumption after the exercise period. The mitochondrial capacity values (time constant = 4.30 min⁻¹ ± 0.64, average ± std. dev.) from our four subjects were consistent with those reported in the literature using NIRS + arterial occlusion.
Our pilot results demonstrate that this new method is a feasible, non-invasive approach to assess mitochondrial capacity without requiring arterial occlusion. Because of its non-occlusive and portable nature, this technique has the potential for wide application in home-based monitoring of older adults
Analysis of Québécois Traditional Vocal Repertoire La Bonne Chanson
No full textAlong with the course of the project, both Isaac and Jackson analyzed traditional Quebecois choral music and created tone collections of the pieces. This research examined pieces by identifying for each the name, time signature/meter, key signature(s), and tonic note. Then, by creating physical drawn pitch maps that were transferred into digital copies in notation software such as Sibelius and Finale, the research concluded a comparison of all the pitches in each choral piece. By contrasting these pitch maps, trends within the pieces were identified
Comparison of College Staff\u27s Knowledge and Confidence in Supporting Students with Eating Concerns: Analysis and Future Directions
No full textThere is a rising need for individuals who are in high contact with college students to be well informed of eating disorder symptoms and risk factors. This study assesses administrative staff and teaching faculty’s knowledge of eating disorders and referral procedures on the campus of a large, public university. A database of almost 2,500 faculty meeting research criteria was developed, and an email with recruitment material was distributed. A sample of more than 200 staff completed the subsequent survey. The survey assessed four knowledge areas: signs and symptoms, risk, prevalence, and most at-risk populations. The second half of the survey addressed referrals inside and outside of Kennesaw State University. The final stage examined recognition of eating disorders and intervention in the participant’s professional role. It was hypothesized that confidence ratings across knowledge, referrals, and intervention would be low. Intervention scores were expected to be the lowest of the three. Results reflect this, with participants also identifying the largest barriers to intervention being perceived lack of knowledge and need for training. Qualitative analysis reviewed additional barriers and needs reported by participants that did not fit into pre-set categories. Further analysis compared results across positions, but the overall finding is clear- participants convey a need for education and training on internal processes at KSU as well as intervention-specific training. Discussion about the impact of these findings on campus will be held, with discussion on existing resources and potential resources to be sought out. Future research in this area should examine how additional training and resources impact administrative and teaching faculty’s confidence in knowledge across the four identified knowledge areas, as well as their understanding and use of referral services on campus
Effect of volume on pacing during high intensity functional training
Get PDFEach high-intensity functional training (HIFT) workout may vary its structural design, incorporate different exercises, and prescribe different intensities and volumes. This creates infinite possible combinations, and with so many dynamic factors, it is unclear how each change alters how one completes a workout. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of altering volume only on HIFT pacing. Ten men and nine women (27.0 ± 7.6 yrs, 173 ± 8 cm, 79.3 ± 11.0 kg) with ≥6 months of HIFT experience completed two experimental workouts that differed in volume. Participants completed five rounds of power cleans (men: 52.2 kg; women: 34.0 kg), toes-to-bar, and wall balls (men: 9.1 kg medicine ball to a 3.1-m target; women: 6.4 kg medicine ball to a 2.7-m target) at either a lower (LV: 5, 10, and 15 repetitions) or higher-volume (HV: 10, 15, and 20 repetitions) prescription. Workouts were recorded to quantify average repetition completion rate, number and duration of breaks, and average transition times. The standard deviation across rounds was quantified and divided by the average to calculate a coefficient of variation (CV, %). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed overall repetition rate was faster in LV (15.7 ± 5.5 reps·min-1) compared to HV (11.8 ± 4 reps·min-1), as were the completion rates of each exercise (p \u3c 0.001). Breaks were fewer (n = 0.6-1.8) and shorter during LV (9.1 – 17.1 seconds), and transitions were quicker (4.8 – 11.7 seconds). Consistency in power clean rates and breaks was better during LV (CV:15.8 – 42.8%, p \u3c 0.05). Lower workout volume led to consistently faster repetition rates, shorter breaks, and quicker transitions. The data may help coaches and athletes better understand how altering a single workout variable (i.e., repetition volume) might affect effort, and thus, the training stimulus and remaining workouts in the training week
Development of Memristor-based Artificial Synapses for Brain-like Neuromorphic Computer Chips of the Future
No full textNeuromorphic computing aims to mimic the brain’s neural architecture to achieve highly efficient, low-power artificial intelligence systems. A key component of this vision is the memristor, a device capable of simulating synaptic plasticity by adjusting its resistance based on past electrical activity. This study investigates whether memristors are viable as artificial synapses to be used in neuromorphic computing. Our research primarily involved learning the theoretical foundations of memristors, understanding their electrical characteristics, and designing simulated circuits using LTSpice. By modeling simple neuromorphic circuits, we analyzed how memristor-based systems can store and process information akin to biological neural networks. While we did not fabricate physical devices, based on our simulations, we can anticipate that the memristors will effectively demonstrate hysteresis loops, which is indicative of artificial synapses and the physical implementation of the memristors is the next goal of the project. This work contributes to the broader discussion of next-generation computing, highlighting the potential of memristors in advancing AI hardware efficiency and brain-inspired learning models. Based on this project\u27s findings, it is believed that using memristors as a vector towards neuromorphic computing has many benefits, such as memory that holds its state even without the presence of electricity, real time adaptation, and improved sensory applications
Cultural Appropriation Vs. Appreciation: Understanding Culturally Sensative Decision-Making Through Moral Foundations Theory
No full textThis study explores the relationship between moral foundations and perceptions of cultural appropriation versus appreciation. Participants were presented with a series of scenarios involving Native American, African American, and Asian American cultural contexts, and then their responses were evaluated and seen as how they related to cultural appropriation. Additionally, participants completed the Moral Foundations Questionnaire to identify their underlying moral values. By analyzing the correlations between their responses on moral foundations and the scenarios, this research aims to understand whether individuals with stronger values toward specific moral values (e.g., care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal) are more or less likely to choose in engage in culturally appropriative behavior. The results will attempt to work towards having more discussions on cultural sensitivity and how the role of moral psychology plays a big part in cultural understanding
Integrating Wireless Mesh Networking and Object-Oriented Semantic Mapping into UAVs
No full textUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly utilized in applications such as disaster response, surveillance, and extending connectivity. However, reliance on human operators and centralized communication systems introduces risks of human errors, and miscommunication, which has led to serious accidents such as the aircraft collision in DC. Ensuring reliable communication and collision avoidance among UAVs is a major factor in operational success. This research explores how Wireless Mesh Networking (WMN), and Object-Oriented Semantic Mapping could be implemented with UAVs to improve wireless communication and collision avoidance. WMNs are a type of network topology which allows for scalable, decentralized communication with adaptive routing. Object-Oriented Semantic Mapping creates 3D maps providing object-specific data, improving environmental awareness. WMNs enhance UAVs by providing decentralized communication paired with robust connectivity and adaptive routing, allowing UAVs to effectively communicate and maintain connectivity in dynamic environments. Choosing routing and distributed MAC protocols such as AODV and CSMA/CA respectively or others, creates a robust communication network and improves efficiency. Object-Oriented Semantic Mapping enhances UAV navigation by providing object detection and probabilistic mapping, allowing for UAVs to interpret and respond to obstacles effectively. By integrating YOLOv8-based real-time object detection and probabilistic SLAM techniques, UAVs can create detailed maps that can identify obstacles and improve navigation decisions. The integration of these technologies allows for the creation of a UAV network capable of real-time collaboration, and obstacle avoidance. The adjustments prove Wireless Mesh Networking together with Object-Oriented Semantic Mapping enables UAVs to operate with better collision avoidance as well as robust communication. The combination of real-time object detection and probabilistic mapping with optimized data transmission enables UAVs to work better in dynamic conditions while requiring minimal human supervision. Future research aims to perfect these technologies because their applications in self-driving cars and aircraft designs contributes to more reliable autonomous systems
Illusion of Weight: Use of Multi-sensory Immersive Experiences for Indoor Exercise
No full textThis research aims to investigate the impact of weight perception in muscle exercise experiences using virtual reality (VR) technology with tactile feedback to support innovative at-home workout experiences, particularly for elders, with cost-effective and injury risk-minimized. During the study participants were put into a VR gym as we manipulated the size of the VR dumbbell per condition, while they held a real lightweight dumbbell throughout. We aim to investigate whether we can measure weight perception through physiological signals and hand position to see if a multisensory immersive muscle exercise experience impacts weight perception. In this study, participants engaged in VR exercise experiences with an isometric contraction task, holding a dumbbell in a place with a stretching arm without movement while varying the size of the virtual dumbbell or providing tactile feedback. Before we conducted the study, we calibrated their hand positions and tracked their position during the task with their initial rate of perceived exertion (RPE) to avoid bias from muscle fatigue. In addition, we collected heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin response (GSR) data. Following that, the participants performed the isometric contraction for 30 seconds for 4 conditions: small dumbbell without tactile feedback, small dumbbell with tactile feedback, large dumbbell without tactile feedback, and large dumbbell with tactile feedback, followed by a questionnaire and a break. We found a significant effect from physiology signals in HR and GSR, and y-hand position but with a small effect size. The results from the study were mixed findings and supported with only minimal evidence. Further research will be required to understand the correlation and clear observation