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Stereotypy and Variability Predict Interruptibility of Zebra Finch Song
No full textMotor preparation deficits are a feature of many neurological disorders in humans. Developing animal models to study deficits in motor preparation is essential to explore the potential therapeutic treatment avenues. In male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), song is composed of a fixed syllable sequence and is preceded by a series of introductory notes. It is thought that introductory notes may be a preparatory motor program, but this has not been experimentally tested. We aimed to differentiate preparatory motor periods from song execution by interrupting female-directed song and song produced in isolation (undirected song) with white noise playback. The amplitude and duration of the white noise were systematically varied along with when the playback occurred during song. We hypothesized that interruption events would occur more frequently during the preparatory phase of song production. Song respiratory motor gestures were measured in six birds experiencing the noise disruption events. During both directed and undirected song, playback disrupted the typical syllable progression seen in undirected song without playback (control condition). Interruption events occurred at the highest frequency during introductory notes compared to other points in the song motif. Higher frequencies of interruption also occurred with higher amplitudes or longer durations of white noise. Ascertaining patterns of stereotypy and variability in zebra finch vocalizations can elucidate where in song motor program preparation leads to execution. The results suggest that introductory notes are a form of motor planning for the execution of the song motor program. These data illustrate that the zebra finch song is an excellent model system for exploring how motor planning deficits manifest in language and communication disorders
Examination of Feeding Difficulties and Dysphagia in Children With and Without Autism Who Present for Sleep Evaluation
No full textResearch Question: In children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), how does the presence of various feeding difficulties influence the spectrum of sleep difficulties?Background and Significance: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and unusual responses to sensory stimuli. The DSM V has integrated various clinical conditions into the unified diagnosis of ASD, contributing to its diverse nature and variations in age of diagnosis. Sleep and feeding difficulties are noted in the pediatric autism population, however, limited studies explore the relationships between these difficulties. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sleep and feeding disorders in a cohort of children aged 3-17 with and without ASD.Materials and Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted of de-identified data from Nationwide Children¿s Hospital (NCH) Sleep DataBank, a collection of encounters with children referred for polysomnography. Data were filtered for ages 3-17 years and further filtered for the presence of an autism diagnosis.Results: There were 3,053 unique participants (M = 7.26 years) with a total of 83,045 encounters between 2006 and 2020. Of these, 239 (8%) were diagnosed with ASD, Asperger's Syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between autism and feeding difficulties, x2=81.36, p<.001, OR=3.83, and dysphagia, x2=18.95, p<.001, OR=2.19. Children with autism were 3.8 and 2.2 times more likely to develop feeding difficulties or dysphagia than children without autism. Since there was a significant association among these variables, feeding difficulties and dysphagia were then used in logistic regressions to predict the likelihood of developing various sleep disorders. In children with autism, those with feeding difficulties were more likely to develop insomnia (OR=2.12) and sleep disturbance (OR=2.20) than those who are not diagnosed with feeding difficulties. Children with autism who also have dysphagia were more likely to develop sleep apnea (OR=2.30) than children without dysphagia.Conclusion: The research reveals a significant correlation, indicating that children with ASD are 3.8 times more likely to experience feeding difficulties and 2.19 times more likely to experience dysphagia compared to neurotypical children. Moreover, the data highlights a link between feeding challenges and sleep disorders, showing that children with ASD and feeding difficulties are more likely to develop sleep disturbances and insomnia. The data also suggests an increased likelihood of sleep apnea in children with ASD who have dysphagia. Overall, these findings emphasize the complex nature of ASD and its co-morbid conditions, underscoring the necessity for an integrated approach in assessing and caring for affected children to improve their overall quality of life. The study advocates for continued research to comprehend the mechanisms underlying these comorbid conditions and develop effective strategies for early identification and intervention, aiming to enhance clinical practices and support services for individuals impacted by ASD
THE IMPACT OF EXERGAMING COMPETITIONS ON AFFECTIVE AND PERFORMANCE VARIABLES
No full textThis study investigated the impact of competitive exergaming on affective and performance variables. Participants (N=26) participated in two separate rowing conditions consisting of a competitive exergame system and a control rowing system. Utilizing a within-subjects design, participants completed two rowing tasks in the competitive grand prix exergaming condition or control condition. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), attention, and feeling were recorded throughout the task. Perceived activity enjoyment (PACES), session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), distance rowed, power output (watts), and strokes per minute were measured following the task. Participants within the competitive exergame system had a greater distance rowed, higher sRPE score, greater power output, and higher strokes per minute than the control condition. Both groups had an increase in heart rate, associative attention, RPE, and feeling across time. This research benefits healthcare providers and practitioners who want to prescribe exercise for patients and clients who are struggling to find enjoyment in exercise and increase performance. Additional research is needed to include a more representative population and conduct a longitudinal study to assess the significance of these results
The heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder: An examination of child outcomes and parenting behaviors
No full textBackground: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogenous neurodevelopmental disorder with defining characteristics of social communication/interaction challenges and restrictive, repetitive behaviors Many autistic children have difficulties with emotion regulation, which may lead to negative physiological and behavioral outcomes. Parenting behaviors may influence autistic children’s emotion and behavior difficulties, which then may impact parenting behaviors in the future. Examining these processes may provide better insight into interventions that may benefit autistic children and their parents. Further, these associations may be moderated by the heterogenous presentation of ASD symptoms and IQ.
Method: Families (mother, father, and child) with an autistic child between the ages of 10 to 17 years were recruited to participate in a larger study. Participants completed a set of questionnaires at two time points six months apart. Child respiratory sinus arrythmia was also collected.
Results: Latent profile analysis indicated a three-profile solution: 1) Average IQ-Moderate SA-Low RRB, 2) Average IQ-Moderate SA-Moderate RRB, and 3) Borderline IQ-High SA-High SA. Profile 3 had the lowest anxiety levels compared to Profile 1 and 3. Moderated regression analysis indicated at high levels maternal warmth, autistic children in Profile 1 had lower depressive symptoms. At high levels of depressive symptoms, maternal and paternal warmth was lower for autistic children in Profile 3.
Discussion: Using latent profile analysis to determine if there were underlying subgroups in the population using IQ and ASD symptom severity as indicator variables, a three-profile solution was selected. Two of the profiles had average IQ with low to moderate symptom severity. The third profile had borderline average with higher ASD symptom severity. Results are consistent with prior research indicating the need to examine subgroups within ASD research. Child Effects and Parenting Effects models were partially supportive of a bidirectional relationship between parenting behaviors and child effect. More research is needed examining additional positive parenting behaviors
Biochar impacts on soil water dynamics: knowns, unknowns, and research directions
No full textAmidst intensifying global agricultural water demand, optimizing management practices and understanding the role of soil amendments, particularly biochar (BC), in modulating soil water dynamics are critical. Here, we review the potential impacts of BC on soil water dynamics, elucidate mechanistic underpinnings, and identify critical research gaps and prospective avenues. In general, BC modifies soil structure, hydraulic properties, surface albedo, and heat fluxes, which influence soil water storage, energy balance, and irrigation paradigms. Depending on soil texture and BC properties, BC demonstrates a greater reduction in bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity in coarse-textured soils compared to fine-textured soils. BC application generally increases water holding capacity (WHC) while exhibiting no consistent impact on soil water infiltration. Increased WHC of soils results from increased porosity, surface area, and soil aggregation. Increased porosity arises from a confluence of factors, encompassing new pores formation, reorganization of pores, increased soil aggregation, dilution effects of BC, reduced soil compaction, and biotic interactions, including increased population of burrowing invertebrates. BC tends to increase plant-available water in coarser soils, attributed to its hydrophilic nature, augmented specific surface area, and enhanced overall porosity. However, BC may induce soil water repellency, contingent upon variables such as feedstock composition, pyrolysis temperature, and specific soil attributes. While BC exhibits transformative potential in enhancing soil hydraulic properties, scalability concerns and economic viability pose challenges to its widespread agricultural application. Overall, BC offers promising avenues for sustainable water management. However, it is imperative to explore large-scale applications and conduct long-term field studies across different management, climate, and soil types to fully understand how different types of BC impact soil water dynamics. Biochar generally improves soil water retention in coarse-textured soils. In coarse-textured soils, biochar increases porosity and PAW but decreases bulk density and Ksat. The effects of biochar on infiltration rates vary depending on soil types, as well as biochar particle size, production temperature, and depth of placement. Further studies on the mechanisms governing water retention in biochar-amended soils are warranted. Long-term studies encompassing various soil and biochar types are necessary
A Density Dependent Model of Influenza Infection Rate
No full textThe most common viral dynamics models for analyzing viral infections as- sume even spatial distribution between virus particles and uninfected target cells. However, throughout an infection, the spatial distribution of virus and cells changes. Initially, virus and infected cells are localized so that a target cell in an area with lower virus presence will be less likely to be infected than a cell close to a location of viral production. A density-dependent infection rate has the potential to improve models that treat cellular infection probability as constant. Saturated Incidence, Beddington-DeAngelis, and Crowley Martin models were used to understand how density dependent parameters could impact the severity of an influenza infection. Parameter values were varied to understand impli- cations of density constraints. For low density dependence, a steeper increase in virus and greater viral peak was predicted. Initial localization of infected cells likely slows the progression of infection. The model demonstrates that ac- counting for density dependence when analyzing influenza infection severity can result in an altered expectation for viral progression. A density-dependent infec- tion rate provides a more complete view of the interaction between infected and uninfected cells
Teaching Counseling Microskills Through the Use of Reflective Practice in Helping Professions
No full textThis study examined the use of reflective journaling in conjunction with role-playing as a tool for the development of microskills. Qualitative data were collected from graduate student trainees' (N = 22) reflective journals. Findings suggest that trainees describe the significant impact reflective practice has had on their self-efficacy, managing difficult emotions, recognizing the complexity of counseling skills, self-evaluation, and the importance of feedback. Implications for using reflective practice as a training tool in graduate-level counseling skill courses and future research are discussed
The Creation of a Music and Art Magazine: Anemoia
No full textABSTRACT:
As a young girl, I was always fascinated with the fashion my parents grew up with, the music they heard on the radio for the first time, and the culture surrounding their adolescence. I was so drawn to decades of the past that I always wished I had been born into a different generation. This overwhelming feeling led me to a lifetime of reminiscing on a period in history that I never got to experience, ultimately leading me to this project's creation. Julie Andrews famously said: "Feed the body food and drink, it will survive today. Feed the soul art and music, it will live forever" (AZ Quotes). This quote provides a glimpse into music and art's influence on the individual and communal human experience. Music and art challenge every waking individual's mind as they encourage them to think differently and open their mind to new ideas, feelings, or ways of expressing themselves. The 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s were three decades that made history for their ground-breaking music, new ways of artistic expression, the rise of photography, and ever-evolving fashion trends. By creating a creative magazine, all art will be appreciated as the string that binds us together.
This project involves the marketing and branding of Anemoia, - a subscription-based magazine that digs into the different elements of music, art, photography, and fashion of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The word "Anemoia" is a brand new term that is defined as "nostalgia for a time or place one has never known" (Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows). The creation of the magazine was accomplished through extensive research of Whalebone, a subscription-based magazine focusing on spreading positivity, as well as researching the different eras and what made them each unique and powerful. Through the use of online historical databases and books, substantial research was crafted and combined. The final deliverables include a logo design, advertising, product design, business collateral (business cards, letterhead, and envelope), and digital collateral (social media and website).
This senior thesis research paper uses two types of research: descriptive and secondary. The first method is explanatory research, which "aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when and how questions, but not why " (Scribbr). Descriptive research provides a good understanding of the problem and sheds light on different examples. To provide real-world examples, the case study method was used, which is defined as describing "the characteristics of a specific subject (such as a person, group, event or organization)" (Scribbr). The first case study conducted in the thesis was an overview of Whalebone magazine's business model, social media, advertising, and brand identity. Whalebone is a modern-day subscription-based magazine that spreads positivity through creative design, photography, illustration, and writing. They have achieved great success since their company launched in 2010 and have continued to grow and become a well-established brand. Secondly, three case studies were conducted on the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Within these broad case studies are more specified case studies, which include breaking down the cultural ways of the time, the music and album art, photography, and fashion trends. Throughout these studies of these generations of great art, inspiration is taken and applied to the magazine Anemoia. Lastly, the second type of research conducted in this thesis is secondary. Secondary research is described as "research that analyzes or describes prior research" instead of gathering new data and analyzing that (Illinois Tech). This was completed using books featuring famous photographs or record covers of the era studies. Additionally, the physical magazine of Whalebone has been used to understand the layouts and better understand the brand identity
Energy Absorption Contribution and Return to Sport Scale After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Young Adult Athletes
No full textResearch Question: 1) Do young athletes who returned to preinjury sport following primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction differ in the biomechanical loading distribution of energy across their lower extremity joints at the time of release from physical therapy compared to athletes who did not return to sport? 2) Can the ACL-Return to Sport Index (ACL-RSI) be used to predict a young athlete’s ability to return to pre-injury sport following primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction?Background and Significance: ACL reconstruction is a common injury in young athletes competing in sports that involve cutting and pivoting. This injury can pose significant physical and psychological barriers to return to sport. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of biomechanics and psychological factors on the ability to return to pre-injury sport following primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in young athletes.Materials and Methods: A cohort of 39 athletes aged 13 - 25 who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with the intention of returning to preinjury sport. Biomechanics were evaluated with a jump-landing task and isokinetic quadriceps strength testing at the time of release from physical therapy to determine energy absorption contribution of the lower extremity joints. Psychological factors were evaluated using the ACL-return to sport index (ACL-RSI) at the time of release from physical therapy. Participants were followed up with at least 12 months after release from physical therapy and asked whether they returned to preinjury sport.Results: Of the 39 participants, 28 returned to preinjury sport (RTS) and 11 did not (NRTS). There was a significant difference in peak ground reaction force between the groups in both the involved and uninvolved limbs (p=0.04). The involved hip in the RTS group had a significantly greater energy absorption contribution (EAC) (p=0.03). The NRTS group had a significantly higher EAC in both the involved (p=0.04) and uninvolved (p=0.03) ankles. There was no significant difference in the RSI score between the groups (p = 0.41).Conclusion: Participants who returned to preinjury sport demonstrated altered biomechanical energy absorption compared to those who did not return to sport. ACL-RSI at the time of release from physical therapy may not be fully predictive of an athlete’s ability to return to sport at 1-year post-assessment
An Observational Study to Assess the Ability of Low-Vision Multi-Parameter Test (LVMPT) to Evaluate Functional Vision
No full textResearch Question: For patients with ultra-low vision, it is difficult for clinicians and researchers to evaluate visual function.Background and Significance: While there are several established tests meant to test single parameters of vision for these patients, functional vision requires multiple parameters. For accurate evaluation of true visual ability, multiple parameters need to be evaluated to assess a patient¿s visual ability, both for the detection of disease, and the evaluation of treatment effectiveness. Vision disorders are extremely impactiul both for individual patients, but also society at large. If clinicians and researchers are able to develop treatments for patients who have significant visual impairment, there needs to be a simple and effective way to evaluate functional vision. Our project aims to answer the following question: Does the 2nd generation 3D Low Vision Multi-Parameter Test (LVMPT) accurately assess visual function in ultra-low vision patients, and how does it compare to established tests such as the logMAR eye chart?Materials and Methods: Our study separated our participants into two cohorts based on their logMAR scores. We then evaluated each participant using the LVMPT that Nanoscope Technologies has created. The parameters tested by the LVMPT were 3D shape recognition under different light conditions. These measurements were then compared with Visual Acuity (VA) and Visual Field (VF) for each patient.Results: The results of the study include the LVMPT having a Pearson¿s Correlation Coefficient of -0.9 for participants in both groups when compared to their logMAR eye chart scores. The LVMPT also had a correlation of -0.921 when compared to their Humphrey Visual Field test.Conclusion: This study provides evidence the LVMPT can be an effective tool to measure vision in patients with ultra-low vision by showing its correlation with established evaluation tools. More research needs to be done to determine how effective it is in determining functional visual ability