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VARIATIONS IN RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN JUMP HEIGHT AND LOWER-LIMB JOINT KINETICS AT THE INTRA- AND INTER-INDIVIDUAL LEVELS IN SINGLE-LEG COUNTERMOVEMENT JUMPS
No full textThe purpose of this study was to clarify the differences in the relationships between lower-limb joint kinetics (i.e., torque, power, and work) and jump height at the intra- and inter- individual levels in single-leg countermovement jumps (CMJs). Forty male collegiate athletes (age, 20.6 ± 1.7 years; mass, 67.5 ± 5.8 kg; height,172.0 ± 6.5 cm) performed 10 maximal effort single-leg CMJs. Whole-body motion and ground reaction force data were collected to calculate lower-limb joint kinetics. Multilevel correlation analysis (MLC) and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) were used to examine the intra- and inter-individual relationships between lower-limb joint kinetics and jump height. The results showed that intra-individual correlation coefficients were consistently lower than inter-individual correlation coefficients in MLC. HLM revealed that only ankle torque and positive ankle work had significant fixed effects (β = 0.054, β = 0.043), and positive hip power, positive knee work, and positive hip work had significant random effects (all: \u3c 0.001). These findings indicated that greater torque and positive work at the ankle joint were consistently associated with greater jump height at the intra- and inter-individual levels, whereas such relationships were not observed for the knee and hip joints due to individual variability
THE MOLECULAR AND BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MURINE CRE – LOXP SKELETAL MUSCLE SYNTHESIZED BDNF KNOCKOUT MODEL
No full textBrain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin essential for supporting the growth, differentiation, and health of neurons within the central and peripheral nervous systems. BDNF is also a member of the myokine family, where muscle synthesized-BDNF (msBDNF) is thought to facilitate the crucial bi-directional communication between the motor neuron and the muscle fibers it innervates. Since 2008, the Ottem Laboratory has investigated the role of msBDNF by employing Cre/LoxP recombinase technology to selectively delete the BDNF coding region within skeletal muscle of mice. This approach generates animals with either heterozygous or homozygous deletions of msBDNF, as well as BDNF homozygous floxed mice (BDNFlox+/+). However, the laboratory has yet to validate that this deletion effectively reduces local BDNF protein within skeletal muscle. Additionally, prior preliminary behavioral characterizations of the BDNFlox+/+ mice demonstrated abnormalities in the forms of stereotypy behaviors, increased locomotor activity, limb clasping impairments, and increased pre-pulse inhibition (PPI), which may be explained by transcriptional interference induced by the introduction of the LoxP sites. This thesis evaluates both molecular and barbering-related behavioral effects of BDNF floxing in transgenic mice generated using HSA-Cre/LoxP technology. Molecular analysis revealed that mature BDNF protein in the muscle tissue was not significantly reduced in our knockouts, and was significantly elevated in the brain. Behavioral analysis of barbering failed to identify meaningful differences between BDNFlox+/+ mice and other transgenic lines when controlling for age and sex
How Michigan Can Leverage Early College High School Programs To Increase Post-Secondary Enrollment and Graduation Rates
Full text linkMichigan has experienced a significant and sustained decline in postsecondary enrollment rates. A continued shortage of college graduates poses serious implications for the state’s economic future and workforce preparedness. In response to this trend, Early College High School (ECHS) programs have emerged as a promising strategy to increase college enrollment and degree attainment by reducing financial barriers and supporting traditionally underrepresented populations. This capstone paper draws on document analysis and a quantitative survey of student interests to advocate for the expansion of ECHS programs in Michigan
Key Factors that Influence the Successful Implementation and Sustainment of DEI within Probation Departments
Full text linkThe successful implementation and sustainment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within probation departments is essential to create a fair and just criminal justice system. This paper examines the principal elements that impact the implementation and sustainability of DEI practices in probation settings. This research identifies best practices and challenges in integrating DEI principles into organizational structures by analyzing existing literature, case studies, and policy frameworks. The findings highlight the importance of leadership commitment, policy integration, and measurement, as well as an environment that fosters an inclusive culture. Additionally, the study examines barriers such as resistance to change, policy limitations, and systemic biases that may impact DEI efforts. By providing strategic recommendations, this research aims to assist probation departments in developing sustainable initiatives that enhance workplace inclusivity and improve outcomes for both employees and the communities they serve
Kicking in the Copper Country: The Rise and Fall of Early Soccer in Michigan\u27s Upper Peninsula 1909-1914
Full text linkNear the beginning of the twentieth century, Cornish miners introduced soccer to Michigan\u27s Upper Peninsula. They initially played informal scrimmages and friendlies until 1909 when several mining communities organized the Copper League. This began spirited competition until the Copper Strike of 1913-1914 terminated interest in the sport. Following labor hostilities, many players moved away from the Keweenaw and ended this once promising league
Rutabaga Cultivation in the Lake Superior Region
Full text linkThe vast expanse of the Lake Superior Basin has been home to a multitude of industries from copper and iron mining, timber extraction, steel mills, grain transfer ports, and ship construction. However, given its northern location, agriculture is usually ignored due to a short growing season and poor soils. Immigrants who settled there like Finns and Scandinavians were familiar with this environment but even Italians found that they could develop their cherished home gardens and small farms. Most immigrants had migrated from farming environments and now accepted the challenge to farm in this new environment.
Of the many crops that were cultivated in this area this study will focus on the rutabaga—a misunderstood and nearly ignored root vegetable in the United States—but better known in Canada. The rutabaga (Brassica napus) is a vegetable that has a fascinating history and found a home in the Upper Peninsula
Izzy and Aster\u27s Guide to Cryptid Creatures
No full textIzzy and Aster’s Guide to Cryptid Creatures is a novel length work about two girls who have just graduated high school going on a road trip to investigate legendary cryptids such as the mothman and bigfoot. It is a LGBTQIA+ Young Adult contemporary rom-com that explores themes of found family, mental health recovery, friendship, and self-actualization. The narrative is told through dual-perspectives of the main characters, Izzy and Aster. While Izzy deals with the fallout between her and her childhood best friend, Jenna, as well as a major shift in her plans for the future, Aster works to overcome her anxiety of losing people and things that matter to her. The novel begins with Izzy and Aster working together, despite their never ending (perhaps, one sided) feud, to solve the mystery of why Jenna has seemingly disappeared off the face of the planet. Their Jenna-related findings and an English assignment that inspires them to learn more about cryptids leads them to go on the road trip. Through this work, questions such as ‘what does it mean to be known,’ ‘how does it take to reach happiness,’ and ‘what parts of ourselves do we hide in the dark’ are answered
EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF A FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENT ON DECOMPOSITION: A PILOT STUDY
No full textResearch on decomposition in aquatic environments is limited compared to what is known about decomposition in terrestrial environments. Additionally, many taphonomy studies have been conducted in riverine, or saltwater environments, which are fundamentally different from freshwater lake or pond environments. This pilot study sought to determine the effects of two freshwater environments on decomposition by examining the impact of submersion and the water environment itself. This research involved the placement of six fetal pigs in three different but spatially related decomposition environments. Two pigs were placed in an intermittent creek with a notable current, two in a nearby pond created by a beaver dam that resulted in a reservoir fed by the same intermittent creek into which the first two subjects were placed, and two in a wooded area adjacent to both. Over one month, water quality measurements were collected alongside notes, and photographs were taken to document morphoscopic changes in the research subjects; additional data collected included ambient temperature, water temperature, surface temperature (of the specimens on land), rate of the current in the creek, and observations of scavenger activity. Notable differences were observed between the rates of decomposition among the research subjects in the three environments, including their visible progression through decomposition and insect activity. In general, decomposition rates were found to be highly influenced by deposition environment (i.e., aquatic v. terrestrial), and aquatic decomposition was found to be influenced by water movement and depth
SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN TRAIL RUNNING BIOMECHANICS: A FIELD STUDY
No full textTrail running is an emergent endurance discipline. The aim of this work was to compare male and female trail runners for biomechanics in a field study. This would contribute to design more sex-specific training protocols. Fourteen participants carried out a trail running test wearing a full body motion capture system. In uphill sections, male athletes showed longer stride length, resulting from more effective trunk kinematics and hip-trunk coordination. In downhill sections, female athletes showed a more efficient hip-knee coordination pattern, resulting in better safety. To improve performance and mitigate risk of falls, females may focus on reducing trunk range of motion as well as optimizing trunk-hip coordination at foot strike in uphill sections, whilst males may reduce ankle plantar flexion during propulsion phase and reduce ankle dorsiflexion at foot strike in downhill sections