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Effects of Multi-Sensory Training in Physical Activity on Reaction Time and Fitness in Elementary Students.
No full textAbstract This study examined the effects of multi-sensory Neuroplasticity training (MSNP™) using the ROXPro system on the psychomotor abilities of third-grade students in a Midwestern elementary school. The research aimed to determine whether the integration of interactive sensory-reactive technology in physical education could improve reaction time, agility, and explosive power compared to standard PE instruction. A total of 49 participants were assigned to either a control group or an intervention group, with the latter engaging in six weeks of ROX-based drills. A pretest-posttest design was employed, and data were analyzed using ANCOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and independent t-tests to assess differences between groups while controlling for baseline performance. Results indicated that while the intervention group demonstrated improvement over time, there were no statistically significant differences between the control and intervention groups for any of the measured outcomes. Reaction time and agility scores improved similarly in both groups, suggesting that the ROXPro training did not produce a measurable advantage under the conditions and time frame of this study. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on technology integration in physical education and underscore the importance of consistent movement experiences for young learners. Although the ROXPro system did not result in statistically significant improvements beyond those of standard instruction, its potential remains promising for future applications. Further research with larger sample sizes, longer intervention periods, and the inclusion of cognitive outcome measures is recommended to more fully explore the benefits of MSNP™ in school settings
Multivariate Optical Imaging of the Oxygen-Metabolism Axis
No full textMetabolic reprogramming is a characteristic hallmark of multiple pathologies and promotes disease progression, survival, and severity. Current methods to investigate metabolic reprogramming, however, require reductions of dimensionality both because of instrumentation limitations and analysis tools. This work aims to define a blueprint for high dimensional study of the oxygen metabolism axis to enable more sensitive study metabolic reprogramming. We hypothesized (1) multivariate imaging of metabolic and oxygenation metrics in ex vivo tissue sections would elucidate differences in resistant and sensitive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenografts that traditional uni-variate methods miss and (2) an engineered hyperspectral darkfield microscopy (HSDFM)–autofluorescence intensity (AFI)–fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) microscopy platform would enable longitudinal in vivo study of oxygenation and metabolism directly, without the use of exogenous labelling. In Chapter 3, we performed metabolic autofluorescence intensity (AFI) imaging and FLIM on unlabeled tissue sections and followed on with multiplexed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) to investigate multivariate relationships on both sides of the oxygen–metabolism axis. We detected significant and non-canonical changes in the optical redox ratio (ORR) and HIF-1α of radiation resistant tumor sections. Notably, we observed increased ORR associated with sections of low hypoxia and elevated HIF-1α following therapy, supporting HIF-1α-mediated treatment resistance, possibly through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated stabilization of HIF-1α (p ≪ 0.0001 at 24 hours post-treatment (hr) and p = 0.03 at 48 hr). We also detected a strong trend at the sub-population level—notably, decreased ORR associated with increased HIF-1α at baseline in the resistant tumors (p = 0.0583)—supporting this histogram-based analysis and motivating future work. Toward the goal of engineering a label-free capable system, in Chapter 4, we engineered the first prototype of a combined HSDFM–MPM. Despite meeting many translation challenges from theory, the system showed promise to be sensitive to multivariate changes along the oxygen—metabolism axis. We provide a loose framework for simulation of and in silico validation of custom Monte Carlo lookup table (MCLUT), for robust FLIM phasor analysis with Monte Carlo-based testing of parameter extraction, and for multivariate analysis of label-free oxygenation and metabolism end points provided from this system. The new instrument achieved \u3c 2 µm resolution, while resolving absorption differences in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, all with total image set acquisition times between of around 3 minutes (including HSDFM, AFI, and FLIM). Together, these findings make significant headway in both hardware and software tools to investigate metabolic programming with enhanced sensitivity in vivo, minimizing reductive assumptions, instrumentation, or analysis
Lifetime Stressor Exposure, Race and Ethnicity, and Habitual Stress Processes: An Evaluation of Repetitive Negative Thinking and Hair Cortisol Concentration
No full textHabitual stress processes are thought to influence acute stress reactivity and stress-related disease. Habitual stress processes have been shown to adapt in response to stressor exposure experienced across the lifespan. The current study seeks to explore whether two habitual stress processes, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and repetitive negative thinking (RNT), were associated with lifetime stressor exposure (self-reported and objective neighborhood-level stressors). Additionally, the current study attempts to quantify how this process may be moderated by race and ethnicity. Participants (N = 134, Mage = 18 [SDage= 1.69], 56.7% female) consisting of White (N = 52), Black (N = 37 ), Latinx (N = 45) young adults, completed a battery of questionnaires including the Stress and Adversity Inventory (STRAIN), Repetitive Negative Thinking Questionnaire (RNTQ-10), Experiences of Discrimination Scale (EODS), and a residential history to estimate cumulative neighborhood- level stressors (linked to Area Deprivation Index). Participants were also asked to provide a 3- cm hair sample for analysis of hair cortisol concentration (HCC). Separate multiple linear regressions were conducted to assess the independent and interactive effects of stressor exposure and race and ethnicity on habitual processes (HCC and RNT). No significant main effect emerged for lifetime stressor exposure or cumulative ADI on RNT or HCC. No interaction effects of race and ethnicity were found. EODS scores were significantly associated with RNT. Race and ethnicity did emerge as a significant predictor of HCC, with Black and Latinx participants displaying significantly greater HCC than their white counterparts. The findings from this study suggest that lifetime stressor exposure (both individual and neighborhood-level) may not be related to HCC or RNT. While no moderating effects of race and ethnicity were found, results did show that racial and ethnic differences in HCC occur and may be driven by factors other than lifetime stressor exposure
Engineered Interfaces for Enhanced Transient Liquid Phase Bonding in Electronics Assembly
No full textGrowing applications in transportation make power density a key optimization target in the power electronics industry. More power in a shrinking environment leads to high heat flux and junction temperatures that damage silicon-based switching devices. Temperatures approaching 175℃ can result in false triggering of the device’s activated state, resulting in short circuits. Developing wide bandgap semi-conductors, such as gallium nitride and silicon carbide, are less susceptible to this complication as the energy from elevated temperature is a smaller fraction of what would be required to trigger the device. These devices are projected to function reliably in environments of up to 800℃. Thus far, such applications have been held back by packaging and passives technology. This work seeks to advance the knowledge and applicability of copper-tin transient liquid phase bonding technology by accelerating, simplifying and enhancing the process. Transient liquid phase bonding is a diffusion-based technology, highly dependent on length for processing speed. In electronics, thin bond lines lead to reliability concerns and process complications. Utilizing patterned copper substrates, the effective bond length can be maintained while the bond line thickness increases. Such a structure resembles a unidirectional lamina as defined by composite theory, affording the opportunity to tune bond properties by controlling the shape and density of substrate patterns. In this work copper-tin transient liquid phase bonding is demonstrated in atmosphere, using SAC305 solder on nanowire populated substrates. Demonstrations show up to 99.78% acceleration in the rate of bonding compared to a substrate without any surface structures. The bonding prosses is then refined for repeatability. Thermal and electrical conductivities are examined, and bond stability is evaluated using high temperature storage testing. Results show an average shear strength of 29.4 MPa that does not change with any statistical significance over 72 hours at 175℃. Additionally, thermal conductivity measurements demonstrate thermal conductivity up to 89.9 W/mK
Effects of Flavonoids on Reducing Colon Cancer Risk via Macrophage Polarization
No full textColorectal cancer is one of the most fatal diseases in the United States. Chronic tissue inflammation can cause cell proliferation, which leads to tumor formation and cancer development. Macrophages are responsible for maintaining tissue homeostasis and for inflammatory responses. M1 macrophages exhibit proinflammatory responses while M2 macrophages exhibit anti-inflammatory responses. Imbalance between M1 and M2 macrophages is closely related to inflammation-associated disease development. The anti-inflammatory effects of apiaceous vegetable constituents, specifically flavonoids, have been studied for their preventative effects towards reducing disease risk. However, sufficient evidence is lacking on the mechanisms by which flavonoids impact M1/M2 macrophage polarization. RAW 264.7 cells were pre-treated with apigenin for 2 hr prior to applying lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon γ (IFNγ) for M1 macrophage polarization or interleukin-4- 4 (IL-4) for M2 macrophage polarization. After 22-hr incubation, culture media was used for nitric oxide (NO) quantification, and the cells were used to quantify gene expression, and the expression and nuclear translocation of proteins. We screened nine polyphenols for their effect on NO production in M1 macrophages. Among them, apigenin was the most effective in reducing NO production in LPS/IFNγ-induced M1 macrophages. Apigenin downregulated mRNA expression of M1-related genes, including TNFα, CD86, and IL-6 in M1 macrophages but had no effect on IL-1β and iNOS. Apigenin reduced IL-6 and IL-10 cytokine production in LPS/IFNγ-induced macrophages but had no effect on IL-1β and TNFα. Apigenin did not induce M2 marker genes such as CD163, CD206, and IL-10 in M1 macrophages, which indicates apigenin does not repolarize M1 macrophages toward M2 macrophages. Apigenin also suppressed M2 macrophage polarization by downregulating M2 gene expression of Arg-1, CD206, and IL-13 in IL-4-induced M2 macrophages. Apigenin suppressed M1 macrophage polarization by inhibiting phosphorylation of p65 and STAT1, downstream targets of LPS and IFNγ, respectively. These are major transcription factors regulating M1 macrophage polarization. Although nuclear translocation of p65 was not influenced, apigenin inhibited NF-κB transcriptional activity. Taken together, apigenin inhibited M1 macrophage polarization through suppression of LPS/IFNγ signal transduction, implying that apigenin could be a promising anti-inflammatory polyphenol for preventing inflammation-associated diseases and might play a critical role in colon cancer development
The Role of Managerial Human Capital in Resource Acquisition and Deployment: A Study of the Japanese Anime Film Industry
No full textIn order to integrate resource and capability perspectives, prior literature has examined the interaction between managerial human capital (HC) and unit-level human capital resources (HCRs). A substantial body of research has demonstrated that managerial HC enhances the deployment of unit-level HCRs, thus generating synergistic values beyond those realized in their isolation. Previous literature, however, has largely overlooked the role of managerial HC in acquiring unit-level HCRs, neglecting strategic factor market theory and becoming susceptible to endogeneity issues. To address these theoretical and empirical issues, this study draws on the theoretical framework of human capital resource combinations—and proposes three distinct mechanisms of managerial influence on competitive advantage: HCR acquisition (an indirect pathway), HCR deployment (an interactive pathway), and managerial HC primacy (a direct pathway). Furthermore, I propose the concept of HCR orchestration—a form of moderated mediation—in which HCR acquisition and deployment are not separate but simultaneous and interdependent processes. To test these hypotheses, this study utilizes creators and movie information in the Japanese anime industry, thereby providing new insight into managerial roles within the strategic human capital literature
Design, Modeling, Control, and Analysis of a Modular Two-Wheeled Self-Balancing Robotic System
No full textTwo-wheeled self-balancing robots have garnered substantial attention within the realms of research and innovation in academia and industrial settings. In particular, advances in control algorithms, machine learning, reinforcement learning, and sensor technologies have played a pivotal role in their development. Although primarily recognized for their utility in personal transportation in the commercial sector, these robots possess potential applications across various domains, including search and rescue, healthcare, material handling, logistics, etc., due to their active stabilization and exceptional maneuvering capabilities. A particular area of interest lies in the creation of modular self-balancing robots designed for seamless reconfiguration and enhanced human interaction. Hence, this dissertation aims to conceive a modular self-balancing robot that employs advanced control strategies to effectively tackle the challenges associated with parametric uncertainty, ensuring that it maintains equilibrium and navigates adeptly even in dynamically changing environments. The proposed modular robot design incorporates key components such as microcontrollers, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), motors, motor drivers, and interchangeable components, such as storage units, sensory modules, and actuation modules, allowing for swift reconfiguration tailored to specific applications. This modular approach amplifies the adaptability and versatility of the robot, enabling it to excel in various scenarios. This dissertation places emphasis on the development and implementation of advanced control strategies, which encompass adaptive control and reinforcement learning, to effectively manage uncertainties that stem from variations in parameters such as mass, friction, and center of gravity. The development of a modular self-balancing robot attempts to highlight the significance of modularity and adaptability in the design of robotic systems that must operate in dynamic and uncertain conditions
The Law of Hard Times: What Today’s Lawyers and Policymakers Can Learn from the Farm Crisis of the 1980s
No full textIt is undeniable, the United States is experiencing another farm depression similar to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. While every era is different, knowledge of the case law developed during the farm struggles of the 1930s and 1980s, and the statutory and regulatory reforms that arose from advocacy during those difficult times will be helpful to today’s agricultural lawyers and policymakers. As farmers and ranchers again find themselves, due to circumstances beyond their control, in financial distress, they will contact attorneys, state secretaries of agriculture, state attorneys general, agriculture organizations, and state and federal policymakers. The information presented in this article will help attorneys and policymakers rapidly respond to the needs of farmers and ranchers. The 1980’s Farm Crisis may serve as the foundation from which solutions may be created and implemented to solve today’s farm economy crisis.
We begin the discussion by contextualizing the farm economy of the 1980s and explaining the immense hardships farmers faced that led to such a high number of farm foreclosures across the country. Next, we turn our attention to four major reforms born out of the struggles of the 1980’s Farm Crisis, which include improved National Appeals Division (“NAD”) appeal procedures, the creation of Farm Credit Administration (“FCA”) Borrower Rights, the creation of state mediation programs, and increased utilization of Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings. Then, we provide practical solutions and approaches to handling the current farm crisis, divided into advice for attorneys, attorneys general, commissioners and secretaries of agriculture, policymakers, and agriculture organizations. Finally, we conclude by highlighting the eerie similarities between the 1980’s Farm Crisis and present day