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MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT CHOICE IN THE QUEER COMMUNITY**
No full textPeople who identify as queer - members of gender and/or sexual minority groups - face unique stressors in society both on a personal and political level. Increased incidence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in the queer population due to novel stressors like discrimination or dysphoria can lead to complex problems. First-line treatment options, which are those that are considered standard options by mental health professionals, may not be the best suited interventions for these issues. Previous studies have looked at the barriers to accessing therapy that queer people face, but few studies have looked at individual perceptions of different interventions despite it being an important factor in therapeutic success. This study sought to assess queer people’s perceptions of and preferences for mental health interventions whilst also examining their relationship with and perception of mental healthcare. Participants (n = 112) were recruited through snowball sampling and our university’s online participant pool (SONA). Status as a gender or sexual minority group member was self-reported. Our survey assessed demographic information, anxiety, depression, PTSD symptomology, interest in mental health interventions, and attitudes towards seeking counseling. A list of mental health interventions was developed that was organized by first-line (empirically validated and approved options, considered standard options by mental health care professionals), alternative (conditionally approved for treatment by the APA), and experimental (interventions that are still seeking empirical validation) treatments. Brief summaries of the treatment options were provided and participants were then asked to indicate their willingness to participate in each treatment. Data suggests that queer individuals tend to prefer first-line and alternative treatments, with interventions that medicalize mental illness being the most unpopular. Results could inform clinicians who work with queer populations on possible attitudes that exist towards different interventions
Georgia Academy of Science 2025 Annual Meeting Program
Get PDFProgram for the 2025 GAS Annual Meeting
MACROINVERTEBRATES AND STREAM HEALTH
No full textMacroinvertebrates are small, spineless organisms that play a key role in the functionality of stream ecosystems. These organisms play a crucial role in cycling nutrients and organic matter throughout a stream, while also serving as an important bioindicator of the stream’s overall health. This research focused on using macroinvertebrates from various locations throughout the stream ecosystem to determine how the water quality of the stream changed over its course through a wetland environment using biotic index measurements. The downstream site was predicted to have a lower water quality than the upstream site based on the addition of nutrients due various impoundments along the course of the stream and inputs from beaver activity. Previous research stated that macroinvertebrates were found in higher abundances in streams with a higher velocity and a rocky channel substrate, therefore, locations were chosen based on these qualifications to ensure the largest number of macroinvertebrates were collected at each site. To conduct this research, three sites were chosen, one in the upstream area, one in the midstream area and one in the downstream area of the stream. At each site, three organic matter samples were collected and sorted for macroinvertebrates. From the collected data, the biotic index for each site and for each sample upstream and downstream were calculated using the Georgia Adopt-a-Stream protocols. The biotic index measurements showed good water quality at the upstream site and a fair water quality at the midstream and downstream sites. A Wilcoxon test was then performed to compare the biotic indexes of the upstream and downstream sites, and the p-value indicated there to be no significant difference between the two sites, suggesting there is no significant change in the water quality over the course of the stream. This indicates that activities occurring along the reach of stream studied are not significant enough to impact overall stream quality as indicated by macroinvertebrate distributions
IMPACTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON PHYTOPLANKTON ASSEMBLAGES IN LAKE LOUISE GEORGIA**
No full textLakes are important aquatic ecosystems that are extensively influenced by seasonal variations. In this study we investigate the influence of environmental conditions on phytoplankton association in Lake Louise, a sinkhole lake located in southern Georgia. Seasonal changes in environmental conditions and their impacts on the phytoplankton of Lake Lousie have been investigated sporadically over the past 20 years, most recently in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017. In this paper we examine the current state of the phytoplankton in the lake five years after the passage of Irma and describe the impacts of Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, and Helene. Environmental variables measured include temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen. Additionally, chlorophyll concentrations and the structure of the phytoplankton association were determined at 1 m intervals from the surface to a depth of 5 m. The summer thermocline was found at depths of 1.2 to 3.5 meters, with a temperature drop of 12 °C recorded on approaching the hypolimnion. Oxygen concentrations were below 1 mL/L throughout the hypolimnion. Ion concentrations were higher in the hypolimnion than the epilimnion and increased over the course of the year. Both Debby and Helene caused increased mixing between the epilimnion and the upper parts of the hypolimnion, but the effects did not extend below 3 meters; this is similar to what was observed after Hurricane Irma. In contrast to Irma, we did not see an increase in chlorophyll or phytoplankton concentrations in the epilimnion in the aftermath of Debby and Helene. The heavy rainfalls associated with these two storms may have led to a higher proportion of the phytoplankton being washed out, while the lateness of the season reduced the regrowth of the association
EXPLORING HYDROGEN BONDING IN SECONDARY AND TERTIARY AMINES FOR ENHANCED TSSE EFFICIENCY: INSIGHTS FROM NMR ANALYSIS
No full textTemperature Swing Solvent Extraction (TSSE) is an emerging technology for efficient separations, leveraging the hydrogen bonding capabilities of amines. This study investigates the role of hydrogen bonding in secondary and tertiary amines, focusing on diisopropylamine (DIPA) and triethylamine (TEA), using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and computational modeling through WebMO. The analysis provides insights into how hydrogen bonding influences amine behavior and their efficiency in desalination processes. NMR spectroscopy revealed distinct differences in hydrogen bonding effects between secondary and tertiary amines. For DIPA, the presence of hydrogen bonding caused notable broadening of the N-H proton peak on the H NMR spectrum, reflecting hydrogen exchange interactions. Without hydrogen bonding, the peak sharpened, and coupling effects became evident. Additional changes, including the disappearance of specific peaks and shifts in chemical environments, highlighted the dynamic influence of hydrogen bonding on molecular interactions. In contrast, TEA exhibited minimal spectral changes in the H NMR, indicating weaker hydrogen bonding interactions due to its tertiary structure. Peaks shifted slightly, and one peak disappeared, but the overall effects were less pronounced than those observed with DIPA. These differences align with the structural characteristics of secondary and tertiary amines, with secondary amines forming stronger hydrogen bonds due to the availability of N-H protons. This study demonstrates the critical role of hydrogen bonding in the performance of amines in TSSE, particularly in water recovery and desalination efficiency. The findings from NMR spectroscopy and computational modeling underscore the superiority of secondary amines in forming robust hydrogen bonds, thereby enhancing separation processes. This research advances the understanding of solvent behavior in TSSE and lays the groundwork for optimizing amine selection in future applications
THE BALL GAME, SACRIFICE, AND SKULL RACKS IN PRECONTACT MESOAMERICA
No full textThe Classic and Postclassic periods (AD 600-1519) in Ancient Mesoamerica were dominated by three distinct cultures: the Aztec, the Maya, and the Toltec. These three cultures were interconnected by numerous aspects of both the physical and cosmological worlds. One of those aspects was the “ball game” – a game played with a rubber ball on an I-shaped court in which the players can only move the ball around the field using their hips, thighs, and torso. In fact, the ball game was so important in Ancient Mesoamerica, that it became a central point of focus in the creation myths of all three cultures. While there is a plethora of academic information regarding the Mesoamerican ball game, there is a significant lack of information regarding the practices of human sacrifice that coincided with the game itself – specifically, the displaying of the loser’s decapitated head on architectural structures called tzompantli, or “skull racks”. The focus of this study is to gain a better understanding as to the significance of skull racks, why they were so important to Mesoamerican cultures, and why these mysterious structures continue to be an architectural enigma within the study of pre-Columbian civilizations
INVESTIGATING SAPROPHYTIC DIVERSITY IN WEST GEORGIA UTILIZING DNA BARCODING
No full textGaining insight into the biodiversity of saprophytic fungi within a specific region is vital for various ecological, environmental, and conservation purposes. These fungi are integral to nutrient cycling, as they decompose organic materials, including decaying plants and animals, into simpler substances that enhance soil quality. This decomposition process is essential for maintaining soil health, promoting plant growth, and ensuring the overall functionality of ecosystems. Furthermore, saprophytic fungi shape the composition of microbial communities and engage with other organisms, such as plants and insects, thereby forming intricate ecological networks. The documentation of fungal diversity in west Georgia is particularly significant due to the area\u27s distinctive climate and habitat variety, which may harbor numerous fungal species, some of which may be unknown or insufficiently studied. Traditional methods of morphological identification often face limitations due to the seasonal nature of fruiting bodies and the requirement for specialized knowledge. DNA barcoding offers a solution to these challenges by providing a reliable and consistent approach to species identification. The main objective of this research is to create a foundational understanding of fungal diversity in West Georgia, serving as a reference for future studies that can identify shifts in species composition resulting from natural or human-induced changes. Such foundational data are crucial for comparative studies, yielding insights into fungal biogeography and ecology across various regions and timeframes. By focusing on a 700 bp segment of the ITS gene region, recognized for its precision in species identification, this study not only deepens our comprehension of fungal biodiversity and its ecological significance but also supplies essential information to guide conservation efforts and biodiversity monitoring in the area. Establishing this baseline will aid in long-term ecological assessments and effective land management strategies
EXOPLANET TRANSIT
No full textThis study uses data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to encounter planets using the existing transit survey method. By analysing the light flux data recorded by TESS over time and concentrating on the detailed profiles of individual transits, we measure both the frequency and duration of exoplanet transits. These measurements enable more precise estimates of exoplanet radii and the inclination angle of the observed transit from Earth. By observing data sets that span over a few years we can better analyse the path these planets are taking. This study observes Rho Coronae Borealis. It is a G0V class star and is thought to have four current exoplanets. We will observe one such planet TIC 458494003, which is the third planet from the star. This study will measure the angle of inclination and orbital period of the planet
DETERMINING THE PATHOGENICITY OF THE H307R VARIANT OF HUMAN BMP15 USING BIOINFORMATICS METHODS
No full textOvarian dysgenesis (ODG) causes endocrinological imbalances and can, in its most-severe forms, result in complete female infertility. Defects in bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), which regulates folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation through activation of granulosa cells, are one of the sources of this condition. H307R is a human BMP15 variant of potential clinical relevance with respect to ODG presentation. This substitution, which replaces polar histidine (H) with charged arginine (R), is within the critical-to-function TGF-β2 domain, a region of confidence in existing protein structure models. To determine if this variant should be added to those known to cause ODG, we used in silico bioinformatics tools to assess sequence conservation and protein structure impacts. Histidine 307 was found to be invariant across 13 vertebrates, suggesting mutational changes to this site are not well tolerated. Multiple tools that assess homology, functional information and/or physicochemical similarity also agreed that H307R would likely induce deleterious effects on BMP15 tertiary structure. Molecular dynamic simulations (root-mean-square deviation [RMSD] and fluctuation [RMSF]) allow the comparison of wild-type and variant protein motion over time globally (RMSD) and by amino acid (RMSF). RMSD analysis revealed no generalizable change in motion of H307R relative to wild-type across the entirety of the simulation (20ns), but differences in BMP15 behavior were clear, and the average RMSD was reduced (8.78 vs 9.03). RMSF analysis revealed widespread reduction of H307R flexibility, with this reduction including the region of the TGF-β2 domain. Overall, these findings suggest that H307R is likely damaging to proper BMP15 function and might explain ODG symptoms in clinical cases which do not test positive for documented variants. Our results may therefore help lead to future diagnostic strategies for fertility-related conditions. However, validation of our outcome requires in vivo induction of ODG following the introduction of this variant in an appropriate model organism
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANKLE, KNEE, AND HIP MOBILITY AND LOWER LIMB FORCE PRODUCTION IN COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PLAYERS
No full textThe mobility and stability of the ankle, knee, and hip are significant to achieving higher levels of athletic performance. Inadequate mobility or stability limits the amount of force produced is limited. As force production directly correlates with athletic performance, this study aims to investigate if higher force production results from better stability and greater ranges of motion (ROM) in the ankle, knee, and hip joints. Ankle, knee, and hip ROM were measured in 17 uninjured collegiate baseball athletes using a manual goniometer. The ROM involved in a counter movement jump (CMJ) was measured, including ankle dorsi/plantarflexion, hip flexion/extension, and knee flexion/extension. The Y Balance Test was used to determine the overall lower-limb stability of each participant. Force production was measured by performing a CMJ on a force plate with the participant\u27s hands placed to the sides to ensure that the upper body could not aid in the jump and perform three CMJs. The Pearson Correlation Test (r) was used to determine the statistical significance and correlation of force production. Results indicated there was no significant positive relationship between force production and ankle dorsiflexion (p = .13, r = .38), ankle plantarflexion (p =.77, r = .07), hip flexion (p = .08, r =.43), hip extension (p = .91, r = .03) nor Y-Balance stability scores (p = .11, r = .39). However, results indicated a significant positive relationship (p = .01, r=.58) between knee flexion and jump force production. The results concluded that the hypothesis was partially accepted due to a positive correlation and statistical significance between knee flexion and force production. As knee flexion increases, the jump force produced increases. The results are valuable to athletic populations, justifying that improved knee flexion may improve athletic performance