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Body Composition and Self-Image: Exploring the Impact on Exercise Motivation and Behavior
No full textThis study examines the relationship between body composition, self-image, and exercise motivation among college students. With growing concerns about physical and mental well-being, understanding how individuals perceive their bodies and how these perceptions influence exercise behaviors is crucial. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through self-reported surveys measuring body satisfaction, exercise frequency, and motivational factors, alongside objective body composition metrics. Statistical analyses conducted using JASP revealed significant associations between negative body image and appearance-driven exercise motivation (r = 0.331, p \u3c .001), while positive self-image correlated more strongly with intrinsic, health-related goals such as stress management (r = 0.378, p \u3c .001) and enjoyment of physical activity (r = 0.331, p \u3c .001). These findings highlight the psychological dimensions of exercise behavior and suggest that fostering body positivity may encourage more sustainable, health-centered fitness habits. This research contributes to the broader conversation about mental health and physical activity, offering insights for healthcare providers, fitness professionals, and educators working to support student wellness
Could fungal associates of flowering plant species have roles in local ecological success and general species diversity?
No full textWhy do some flowering plant lineages (e.g. legumes) contain numerous species and other lineages (e.g. are by comparison species depauperate? And do fungal associates of flowering plant species promote local plant diversity? To address the first question our team has been engaged in a collaborative effort with colleagues at the University of Kentucky in screening a set of seeds from \u3e1900 flowering plant species (obtained from the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science) and from Dr. Jerry and Carol Baskin of the University of Kentucky, representing \u3e 200 families) for the presence of fungal associates. A sample of seeds for each species were mechanically disrupted and arrayed into separate receptacles in a 96-well plate. Genomic DNA was isolated from the arrayed seeds and fungal-specific PCR primers for the Internal Transcribed Spacer region to detect the presence of fungal associates. Gel electrophoresis was used to determine the presence of fungal mycelia on the seeds. Approximately 30% of the sampled seeds yielded positive PCR results. Preliminary assignment of the fungal nucleotide sequences to specific genera was done through BLAST searches using the sequenced PCR products as queries in the NCBI database. Six of the novel sequences could represent previously undescribed species and one fungal isolate could represent a new fungal genus. Representatives of the plant family Ericaceae (genus Rhododendron) possessed two unique genera of fungi that were absent from the other sampled families
What Does ChatGPT Have to Say About It? Integrating ChatGPT Into Classroom Discussions
Full text linkGenerative artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, can yield new content, setting it apart from traditional expert systems that primarily process existing data. This article discusses how ChatGPT was integrated into class discussions so that students can observe how information is generated and determine whether the information should be used
Integrating Research and Writing: When Librarians Work with Faculty to Reimagine First-Year Writing
Full text linkWriting instructors and librarians redesigned a research and writing course, ENG 102. Interweaving information literacy and composition practices, they use a flipped model to transform classroom instruction and library lessons into authentic learning experiences that help students synthesize research into multigenre projects, meeting WPA and ACRL learning outcomes for research
Building Inclusive Classrooms: Identifying & Addressing Subtle Acts of Exclusion
Full text linkInclusive classrooms require us to identify and address subtle acts of exclusion (SAE) or microaggressions. This includes learning to recognize our implicit biases and helping students explore intentional and unintentional words and actions that exclude others. Using the R.A.V.E.N. technique, we can address SAE, improve classroom dialogue, and enhance learning environments
A Call to Better Prepare Undergraduate Women to be Working Mothers
Full text linkWomen make up the majority of university enrollment in the United States. While curriculum equips students with technical expertise to be contributing members of their future organizations, more needs to be done to prepare women to navigate a career while maintaining life responsibilities outside of the workplace, especially motherhood
The Unique Advantages and Disadvantages of Film Production in the Rural Southeast
No full textThis article aims at uncovering the unique advantages and disadvantages to film production in the rural southeast. It does this in two ways: by conducting interviews with film production professions who have experience with film production in the rural south and by looking at outside sources of information related to the topic. This article then connects the two and finds that many of the outside sources strengthen the claims and opinions made by the film professionals. Some of the claims made by these professionals with backing by outside sources include: stereotypes about the rural south are prevalent in films and TV shows created about the region by outsiders, one of the main advantages to film production in the rural south are state tax incentives, and it can be difficult for films and tv shows to be funded and distributed in the rural southeast. By looking at all the evidence provided, we are able to conclude that there are unique advantages and disadvantages to film production in the rural south. We cannot, however, say for sure what the future of film production in the rural southeast will look like
Too Old for Dolls? Assessing the Efficacy of Doll Therapy in Reducing Major Neurocognitive Disorder Symptoms to Alleviate Caregiver Burden
No full textDementia, formally known as major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD), is a complex condition that disables the independence of a person in completion of daily activities. This disorder results in the need for assistance from several caregivers to ensure that their needs are properly met. As their condition declines, the volume of needs increases, placing more responsibility on the caregiver, increasing their stress, and leading to a complication known as caregiver burden. Doll therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that focuses on alleviating certain behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. It is the aim of this literature review to determine the efficacy of doll therapy as a means of relieving caregiver burden through alleviating the symptoms that contribute to its development. This review also addresses limitations to the intervention as well as discussion regarding its implementation in various care settings. Through determination of its efficacy, it is the hope of this investigation to reduce the incidence of caregiver burden more quickly and efficiently to ensure optimal symptom relief and care for the client with dementia
Taking Advantage of Rural Families: How the Opioid Epidemic Targeted Appalachian Communities
No full textSince the opioid epidemic began in the 1990s, it has caused over 500,000 deaths and left thousands more with lifelong addiction struggles, but this tragedy was not evenly distributed throughout the US. The damage caused by the opioid epidemic was specifically felt in Appalachia and other rural regions like it. This thesis describes the factors present in both the Appalachian community and the opioid epidemic that resulted in this crisis being so devastating to the region. The reliance on labor-intensive blue-collar work, close family bonds, and the high presence of poverty in the region made it a sought-after target of the higher-ups of Purdue Pharma. The marketing strategy and the ease in which the pills were prescribed during the peak of the epidemic were used to target this rural area. The epidemic was able to thrive in this region specifically because of the lack of care that is given towards Appalachia, due to its rural characteristics. This research focuses on expanding on these correlations and explaining why this travesty was so successful
Enhancing Intraprofessional Collaboration in Occupational Therapy: Evaluation of an Online Course for Canadian OT and OTA Students
No full textAn environmental scan conducted in 2022 highlighted a need for enhanced preparation for collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) in Ontario, Canada. In response, an online course was developed to disseminate knowledge needed for effective OT-OTA intraprofessional collaboration (IntraPC) in the Canadian context. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the online course to improve perceived preparedness among Canadian OT and OTA students for OT-OTA IntraPC. Participants were Master’s-level OT students and diploma-level OTA students studying in Canada (N = 136), who were invited to complete the course by their program instructors. The course incorporated an integrated consent procedure and a retrospective pre/post-test survey, including the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS), to assess changes in participants\u27 self-perceived collaborative competence following course completion. Results indicated a significant increase in self-perceived knowledge in and competence for OT-OTA IntraPC after completing the online course. The findings suggest that the online course effectively supports OT-OTA IntraPC preparation in Canada, marking a critical step toward enhancing collaborative practices in occupational therapy. While the course was effective, an online course alone is insufficient and additional scaffolded opportunities are needed to support OT-OTA IntraPC preparation and competence in real-world practice