3631 research outputs found
Sort by
Research Outreach Interdisciplinary Activity to classify olive oil blends integrating multicolor imaging, image processing, and machine learning
This outreach undergraduate research project presents a low-cost method to distinguish the quality of different olive oils. The proposed method is based on an indirect measurement of the chlorophyll molecules present when a green laser diode illuminates the oil sample. Oil blends can be classified into five classes (no olive oil, light olive oil, medium olive oil, olive oil, and extra virgin olive oil) by quantifying the ratio of the red channel versus the green channel along the laser illumination path from a color image. After labeling each oil blend, a convolutional neural network has been implemented and trained to automatically classify oil blends from a color image. The trained convolutional neural network has an accuracy of 90% in identifying and categorizing oil blends. This undergraduate research project introduces students to an interdisciplinary application requiring the combination of optical spectroscopy (i.e., multicolor imaging), image processing, and machine learning. In addition, due to the simplicity of the optical apparatus and computational analysis, high school students could implement and validate their own costeffective oil-quality classification device
High-frequency accelerometer recording of key predatory behaviors in vipers: validation and case study with Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus)
Tri-axial accelerometers (ACTs) are increasingly common in studies of animal behavior wherein direct observation of subjects in nature is limited. ACTs are small (\u3c 1 g) piezo-electric sensors that measure three-dimensional acceleration derived from subject motion. When leveraged with advanced machine learning techniques, these data enable precise automated classification of a wide range of movement-mediated behaviors. Until recently, ACTs were once reserved for larger-bodied organisms most amenable to the temporary external attachment of devices. Ongoing ACT miniaturization has now expanded the breadth of organisms amenable to these methods. This project aimed to expand on a recently developed ACT ethogram developed for pit vipers by conducting intensive captive validation trials stimulating key foraging behaviors in Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus). We completed 18 successful captive foraging trials, and these data were used to train and test three algorithms for automated classification of targeted behaviors (moving, still, strike, and swallow). The best performing model (Random Forest) correctly predicted strikes at 100% and swallowing at 90.83%. The high classification performance, even given a relatively limited training dataset, demonstrates the promise of this method for remote and continuous field monitoring of predatory behavior in pit vipers, a previously impossible task with conventional techniques, alone
Emerging Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio campbellii pathogens in Georgia Waters
In the face of global warming and ocean acidification, waterborne pathogens are geographically expanding and rapidly evolving. The Vibrio genus contains a number of pathogens of humans and aquatic animals, many of which benefit from elevated temperatures and low pH conditions. Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio campbellii belong to the Harveyi clade and are barely distinguishable upon their genetic make-up. Natively found in warm waters of Asia and South America, these species are well-established pathogens that infect fish, shrimp, and mollusks. Due to climate change, the Southeastern United States is potentially becoming an accommodating environment for these pathogens, however this has never been previously documented. In addition to using selective growth media for definitive pathogen detection, V. harveyi and V. campbellii-specific virulence genes, including toxR, luxR, vhh, vhh(a), srp, vhp, and rpoA, have been chosen for quantitative PCR analysis of environmental samples. Sediment and water were monitored for their presence and concentration at three sites around Townsend, GA. In summer 2022 monitoring, all seven genes were detected but their profiles and concentrations varied between sites, media, and sampling events. In water, toxR, luxR, srp, and rpoA were detected in 83% of the sites, and vhh(a), vhp, and vhh were detected in 100% with average gene copy concentrations from 10^2 to 10^8. In sediment, srp, vhh(a), and rpoA were detected in 83% of the sites and toxR, luxR, vhp, and vhh were detected in 100% of the sites with copy numbers from 10^1 to 10^9. These results evidenced that V. harveyi and V. campbellii inhabit Georgia coastal waters in high numbers. Additional data obtained in a supplemental study suggested their presence in oysters and clams. They also evidenced that not all previously published target genes are suitable for detection of these pathogens
Case Study of the Little Caterpillars Development Center
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based field in which a certified music therapist manipulates music in a therapeutic relationship to help a client reach healthcare or educational goals. In this case study of the Little Caterpillars Development Center, a student music therapist (SMT) performed music therapy on infants and emerging toddlers, while being supervised by a music therapy professor at GCSU. The CDC Developmental Milestones Checklist was used to assess the highest need of each population. For infants, the music therapy goal was to promote language development, measured by sticking out tongue, blowing raspberries, and saying “mama” or “dada.” For emerging toddlers, the music therapy goal was to promote functional communication, as defined by moving hands and waving hello or goodbye. In both classes, a multiple baseline design was used to collect and measure target behavior. Frequency recording was used to measure the percentage of children who demonstrated the target behavior. Play song-style of nursery rhymes were sung acapella or on the ukulele for interventions. Lyrics, tempo, and structure were the musical elements manipulated in the songs. The non-musical techniques used were modeling, repetition, and positive social reinforcement. The infant class exceeded the objectives and over 15% of the class said “mama” or “dada.” The emerging toddler class did not meet their objectives, as 30% of the class waved hello or goodbye, but not for two consecutive sessions. Progress towards music therapy goals was hindered by inconsistent attendance of the children as well as the change in classroom makeup that occurred when children graduated to the next class. These adjustments impacted the group dynamic and the progress made towards the music therapy goals would reset. Because of these factors, the data collected may not accurately assess the success of the clients and of the treatment plan
Machismo, masculinidad tóxica y estereotipos del género: simulaciones y utopías en Niebla (1914) y Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
This paper explores the use of simulations and utopias in works of literature and film to critique and interpret social problems affecting people in society. Specifically, it examines Miguel de Unamuno\u27s novel Niebla (1914) and Olivia Wilde\u27s film Don\u27t Worry Darling (2022) as examples of how authors use simulated realities to criticize societal issues. Unamuno\u27s novel highlights the protagonist\u27s separation between reality and fantasy, while Wilde\u27s film creates a simulated reality that reveals toxic masculinity and gender stereotypes in society. Both works inspire fear towards technology and highlight the difficulty in distinguishing reality from illusion. This paper ultimately argues that simulated utopias can be effective tools for social critique and commentary
Barriers and Facilitators to the Recruitment of Underrepresented Populations in Health Research: A Narrative Review
Aims: To identify barriers and facilitators to recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations into health research and propose evidence-based strategies to attenuate the barriers and foster the facilitators. Background: Health promotion research is designed to identify sustainable strategies that enable people to live a healthier lifestyle. To identify strategies that are effective for a diverse group of people, research must include a diverse sample that is representative of the population. Researchers frequently struggle with recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations in healthcare research, yet without adequate representation, identification of effective health promotion strategies is lacking. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched to identify literature regarding recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations into health-related research. Results: A total of 13 quantitative and qualitative articles were reviewed. The primary barriers to recruitment and retention included mistrust of researchers, lack of communication, and inadequate representation of the underrepresented population among the research team. Facilitators included development of community partnerships, benefits for self and community, and involvement in planning of the research. Conclusions: Evidence-based strategies that address barriers and facilitators to underrepresented populations’ participation in health research should be addressed to promote recruitment and retention. Relevance to clinical practice: The findings guide the development of strategies as researchers plan health promotion and disease prevention interventions for underrepresented populations
The Correlation Between Perceived Discrimination and Social Anxiety in College Students Who Identify as LGBTQ
Discrimination can have many adverse effects on a college student. Stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideology, and social motivation are some of the negative impacts to the psychological well-being of those exposed to discrimination. Social interaction anxiety in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity may impact social motivation in college students. The motivation to engage in socialization on campus may be hindered by an individual’s experience with discrimination. Though a diverse student body may help lower instances of discrimination, students may still be influenced by stigmas within these groups which may impact physical and psychological behaviors. The author of the current study explored the relationship between discrimination and social interaction anxiety in 38 self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) undergraduate students. Participants completed a survey assessing experiences of perceived discrimination and levels of social anxiety. The results from the current pilot study portrayed a weak and direct correlation between perceived discrimination and social interaction anxiety, r = .31, p \u3c 0.03 (one tailed), r² = .10. The data suggests that discrimination is an issue that sexual minority undergraduate students face which relates to their levels of social motivation
Building the Machine”: the Parent Organization- with Mr. Wally Shaw
https://kb.gcsu.edu/cme_profdev/1023/thumbnail.jp
Population Genetics and Morphometrics of Overwintering Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) at Panola Mountain State Park
Grassland birds are facing the greatest decline of any bird guild in North America due to widespread loss of grassland habitats. Conservation efforts tend to focus on birds that breed in grasslands, but grassland habitat loss will also negatively affect populations that overwinter in grasslands. Three Swamp Sparrow subspecies (Melospiza georgiana georgiana, M. g. ericrypta, M. g. nigrescens) segregate on at least some of their breeding grounds but may mix on wintering grounds, which often includes grasslands. Philopatric passerines often also segregate by sex on wintering grounds. Thus, loss of overwintering grasslands may disproportionately impact both subspecies and sex, leading to declines in one or more subspecies and/or skewed sex ratios during the breeding season. Unfortunately, neither subspecies nor sex are easily distinguishable in the field. Many Swamp Sparrows overwinter at Panola Mountain State Park (PANO), a restored grassland, in Stockbridge, Georgia. The goals of our study are to 1) determine subspecies and sex of birds captured at PANO and 2) identify morphometric measurements that can be used to identify sex and subspecies in the field. We have been capturing overwintering Swamp Sparrows at a year-round banding station at PANO since September 2018. Upon capture, we measure culmen width, culmen length, skull length, skull width, and tarsus length and take a small blood sample by toenail clipping. To date, we have collected 261 samples from 233 individuals. Using seven microsatellite markers specific to this species, we will determine sex and subspecies. We will then perform multivariate analyses of known sex and subspecies samples to determine which morphometric measurements can be used in the field for sex and subspecies identification. Knowing the sex and subspecies of individuals overwintering in grasslands like PANO can help inform management decisions about where to concentrate grassland bird conservation and restoration efforts outside the breeding season
Factors that may affect job satisfaction and commitment to the career within the profession of Athletic Training.
The primary goal of this study was to analyze factors that may affect the
longevity and commitment of a career within the profession of athletic
training. Aspects that were assessed include salary, perceived value,
scheduling, hours worked, work demands, available leisure time,
parenting, and family responsibilities.1 Previous research focused heavily
on work life balance in the athletic training profession. More specifically,
what challenges certified athletic trainers (ATs) face within their
workplace that may cause conflict in establishing as well as maintaining
work life balance and its impact on retention of ATs in the profession.
Literature supports many ATs experienced burnout among all settings
such as secondary schools, collegiate, clinical, and even amongst graduate
students gaining a clinical experience.1,2 Burnout may contribute to the job
satisfaction and commitment to the profession when difficulties are faced
beyond the control of the AT.3 The data in this study was evaluated to
determine if any trends are present among aspects of the online survey.
The survey was composed of questions related to factors effecting job
satisfaction and commitment. There were multiple significant findings
found within the study, specifically when discussing the motivation levels
throughout the career of an athletic trainer comparing beginning the
profession to current time. Additionally, the aspects such as perceived
value in the workplace, relationship with partnered healthcare
professionals, scheduling, and personal leisure were found to have the
largest impact on ATs retention