21334 research outputs found
Sort by
Thermal effects on metabolic and developmental rates in lizard embryos
No full textMany ectotherms inhabit large latitudinal ranges with environmental factors, such as temperature, creating gradients to which species must adapt. Adaptations may result in phenotypic gradients with phenotypes, such as developmental time and metabolic rate, interacting to compensate for the shifting environmental conditions. Adaptive responses are thus complex coadaptations with both plastic and evolutionary mechanisms that must be examined simultaneously to elucidate how trait interactions occur on both proximate and ultimate scales. This study investigates adaptations associated with embryonic development in Prairie Lizards (Sceloporus consobrinus) across a latitudinal thermal gradient. Gravid adult females were collected from three latitudinally distinct populations. Eggs from each clutch were randomly assigned to two temperature treatments (25°C and 31°C) in a split-clutch design and checked daily for hatchlings to determine developmental time. Embryonic metabolism was measured as both respiration and heart rate at respective incubation temperatures. Results show the expected proximate response of warmer temperatures decreasing development time with increases in respiration and heart rates. Populations differed, however, in how developmental time, heart rate, and respiration rate collectively responded to temperature treatments, suggesting evolution has occurred in these traits. As we continue to witness climate change, understanding the effects of temperature on ectotherms and their physiology becomes crucial to conserving these species and their communities
Enhancing the Character Strength of Leadership in Children Through Read-Aloud Kids’ Books on Leadership
No full textThis presentation will focus on the identification of children’s books that reflect the theme of the VIA Character Strength of Leadership. I will explain the general VIA taxonomy of 24 strengths before focusing on the meaning of Leadership. Prior research suggests that utilizing character strengths optimizes overall well-being and enhances overall quality of life. While many previous studies emphasize the importance of character strength utilization in adults, I am interested in which approaches enhance character strengths in children. For this research-based service learning project, my research team and I have partnered with 3rd-grade teachers at Brownell Talbot to qualitatively assess whether read-aloud children\u27s books involving themes of leadership can enhance leadership traits in children
Changes In Effective Connectivity Within the Motor Cortex in Children with Upper Limb Reduction Deficiency Before and After an 8-Week Intervention
No full textChildren born with upper limb reduction deficiency (ULRD) are characterized by a missing portion of one or both upper limbs, ranging from the fingers to the shoulder. Current research suggests that individuals with ULRD are much more likely to reject using a prosthesis compared to individuals with acquired amputations. While prosthesis rejection can be due to factors such as weight, functionality, and comfort, recent data suggests that individuals with ULRD have altered brain activity during the use of their prosthesis. This altered brain activity is often exhibited by bilateral activation within the motor cortex. To further understand these abnormalities in motor cortex activation and how it may plastically change due to consistent prosthesis use, we have measured the effective connectivity of the motor regions in children with ULRD during prosthesis use, before and after an 8-week prosthesis training intervention. Effective connectivity defines the influence a neural group has on another group. This imbues investigators with a diagram of how the traffic of information flows or is stunted from one brain region to the next. We hypothesized that at baseline, children would display many positive but weak connections, and after the intervention, strong focalized connections between the motor and pre-motor areas would emerge as a result of the training. Brain activation was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as participants performed the Box and Block test using their prosthesis. Effective connectivity was measured using Dynamic Causal Modeling. The intervention that occurred between collections involved using the prosthesis for various naturalistic activities, such as paper folding, block stacking, and tray carrying. After the intervention, we found significant increases in task performance, and significant increases in connectivity from the lateral motor cortex to the medial motor cortex and from the supplementary motor area (SMA) to the lateral motor cortex. Additionally, the number of suppressive connections increased after the intervention. We propose that the strong connection from the SMA to the motor cortex may be a marker of increased motor planning efficiency
IoT in Banking - Factors influencing Customer Experience among Digital Banking users.
No full textThe digital revolution has transformed the banking sector. The most notable change that has taken place in recent years is the movement towards digital banking. The number of digital banking users in the United States is forecasted to reach almost 217 million by 2025. Traditional banks are investing heavily in digital technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) to create services that will enable digital transformation. The digital banking services facilitated by IoT i.e., ‘Bank of Things,’ are a focused area of IoT that could potentially transform all operations of banking. Making a successful banking IoT service requires customer-centric thinking and careful planning. By identifying the factors that enhance the customer experience, banks can develop better services and gain competitive advantage. Based on the literature review a research model was derived, and a survey was conducted to identify the factors that are important in enhancing the customer digital banking experience. This study extended the theoretical model to include two additional factors – reliability and perceived risk. Results from our study are based on 112 respondents around the world who participated in the survey via LinkedIn. Key findings reveal that firm reputation, reliability and ease of use are key predictors of positive customer experience, while perceived risk had a negative influence and was least significant. The results indicated that when customers perceive a bank as trustworthy, reliable, and having good services, they tend to feel more confident in their decisions and less apprehensive about potential risks. The high availability and usage of digital banking services, including digital wallets, biometric authentication, chatbots/virtual assistants and wearable payments, showcased the evolving nature of the banking industry and increasing acceptance of these technologies. This study concludes by highlighting the fact that while seamless user experience, reliability and trustworthiness continue to remain foundational in positive user experience, banks should continue to prioritize technological innovation and invest in customization of services to remain competitive
Debussy through the Ears of Falla
No full textClaude Debussy had a long fascination with the country of Spain, not unlike many of his countrymen. However, though he only visited Spain once, several composers saw Debussy as embodying the spirit of Spanish music better even than many Spanish composers. One such composer, Manuel de Falla, studied under Debusssy and had a fascination with his works. As such, upon Debussy\u27s death Falla wrote a tribute to his friend and mentor, titled Homenaje a Debussy.
This lecture recital will explore Debussy\u27s foray into Spanish music, and how Falla drew inspiration from Debussy in his own works, with a specific focus on Falla\u27s only solo guitar work. This piece is titled Homenaje a Debussy, and it comes from a collection of homages to Debussy known as Le Tombeau de Claude Debussy, compiled and commissioned by Paul Dukas. We will explore how Falla not only pays tribute to Debussy in this piece, but how he also brings out his own Spanish Nationalism within the piece. While this piece is dedicated to Debussy, it is a decidedly Spanish piece. We will explore both the influences and quotes of Debussy in Falla\u27s guitar work, as well as elements of Spanish music that are exemplified in this piece. At the end of the presentation will be a performance of the piece
Interfacing Neuroscience with Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs and Droids: The Story of PowerWoman
No full textI took a Neuroscience class called Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs & Droids where I designed an original superhero character and explained the character’s abilities using neuroscience principles. I designed a superhero named PowerWoman and I wrote her story describing every ability in detail. Her real name is Dr. Serena Smith. She was once a brilliant neuroscientist who was driven by her passion to understand the mysteries of the human brain. Serena dedicated most of her time in a hidden laboratory in the basement of her house and researching information on how the brain functions and to understand the theories of a human brain connected to life. One night an experiment went awry, and as a result she gained superpowers. Her abilities include telepathic reach, enhanced neurosensory perceptions, and cognitive ability to manipulate the neural pathways of others. I created my superhero as a woman because our fictional entertainment media lacks female representation. This project was a new experience for me. It allowed me to explore my creativity and thoughts. This course taught me neuroscience concepts related to nervous system structure and function. It impacted me as a student by allowing me to combine neuroscience hypotheses to explain fictional character’s powers and behaviors. This course was a meaningful experience that expanded my knowledge. It is a wonderful opportunity for other students to take this course in the future to showcase how creativity, innovation, and science are interconnected
Gait mechanics of treadmill and overground walking in children with cerebral palsy following fixed knee flexion deformity surgery
No full textCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability in juveniles occurring in 3.3/1000 live births. Children with CP have impaired gait due to muscle weakness and altered kinematics; key mechanisms decreasing walking efficiency. Aquatic exercising has demonstrated improvements in spatiotemporal variables in children with CP. Combining aquatics and treadmill training is a promising rehabilitation method that alters bodyweight support, passively increases resistance on the lower limbs, and assists postural stability. However, there is limited investigations of the effect aquatic locomotion has on muscle activation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of treadmill environment and walking speed on lower limb muscle activation in children with CP. Five children with CP (4M:1F, age: 12.0 ± 3.03 yrs, height: 1.5 ± 0.15 m, weight: 49.7 ± 25.4 kg, GMFCS Level I) completed walking trials at three speeds in two environments while lower limb muscle activity was recorded. Aquatic treadmill walking reduced muscle activation of all tested muscles. This is speculated to result from the buoyancy of water reducing the weight-bearing and propulsive force compared to dry treadmill walking. Aquatic treadmill walking seems to attenuate muscle activation waveforms for all muscles, except for the rectus femoris. Rectus femoris waveform differences may result from the hydrodynamic drag in water required to extend the leg during swing. A similar trend was observed in typically developing children. Preliminary results suggest aquatic treadmill walking can potentially be used to target specific muscles (specifically the RF) and reduce mean variability durin
The Effect of Sleep on Athletic Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic
No full textClinical Scenario: Collegiate athletes often face a demanding schedule that includes rigorous training sessions, frequent travel for competitions, and academic responsibilities. Sleep is a critical factor in an athlete’s performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Inadequate sleep has been shown to correlate with athletic performance, so the purpose of this study is to determine if sleep quality has an effect on athletic performance. Clinical Question: Does Increasing Sleep Duration Among Collegiate Athletes Lead to a Measurable Improvement in their Overall Performance? Summary of key findings: A cross-sectional study, a questionnaire, and an observational study were all included for this critically appraised topic (CAT) finding that there was a strong correlation between sleep quality and all performance indicators, indicating that athletes who enjoy good sleep quality tend to perform at their best. Clinical bottom line: Improving sleep quality in athletes has been shown to optimize athletic performance. However, mood, travel times, napping times, and sleep enhancers can play a big role in sleep and athletic performance as well. Strength of recommendation: All our research articles included were a level 2 level of evidence and were all rated “good” on the PEDro scale (6-8)
Interfacing Neuroscience with Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs and Droids: Earth 262: Project Unity
No full textThe final assignment for the course I took during J-Term called Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs, and Droids was to use neuroscience to create a super character and explain their story. My story revolved around twin superhumans named Viscera and Ardor, created through “Project Unity,” an initiative devised by an international society of scientists on Earth 262 to unite their post-apocalyptic world. After The Final War, the newly self-named Starstruck desired more power and convinced Viscera to help her take control. When Viscera planned to defy Starstruck due to her abuse of power, they were exiled to Earth 2764. The neuroscience researchers of the lab Viscera crashed behind felt compelled to help and engineered a nanobot to amplify their powers; these included mass telepathic communication and physical synchronization, made possible through a biological equivalent to a Brain Computer Interface, intensive group bonding through release of the “love hormone,” a.k.a. oxytocin, and morally obligated courage, a phenomenon occurring in groups so bonded that they become one entity. Viscera and the citizens of Earth 2764 joined forces and became an entity named “The Beholden,” meaning to owe a debt of gratitude or be duty-bound. As a student, this project was a good reminder of the innovative ways that fiction and science can be combined for creative purposes; I enjoyed the challenge of creating a fictional world through the application of neuroscientific principles. For future students: this course is what you make of it: seek understanding, ask questions, and try your best
Effects of Cognitive Load on Postural Sway and Pupillary Response
No full textPostural control allows the body to maintain balance and has traditionally been considered an automatic task. However, research suggests that cognition plays a role in postural control. Simultaneous performance of both a cognitive and postural task results in dual-task interference and leads to performance deficits due to capacity limits. Changes in pupil diameter have been shown to be a measure of cognitive load. The aim of this study is to determine changes in postural sway and pupil diameter while conducting a cognitive task with increasing levels of task difficulty. We hypothesize that as cognitive load is increased, we will observe an increase in both pupil diameter and postural sway. Healthy subjects aged 45-90 years old who are free of neurological disorders and orthopedic problems will participate in this study. Seated and standing trials will be performed both with and without a cognitive task. The cognitive task that we will use is an N-back test. This test is a letter sequencing test in which the participant must determine if the current letter matches the letter “N” items ago. N-back tests with increasing difficulty levels (1-back and 2-back, respectively) will be performed. A wearable sensor attached to the lumbar region will be used to measure postural sway during the standing postural sway trials. Further, measurement of the pupillary response via eye-tracking glasses will be used to gain insight into cognitive load as the pupil diameter increases with cognitive demand. Preliminary analysis of 13 individuals reveals increases in pupil diameter with increasing task difficulty. Notably, postural sway did not consistently increase with increasing cognitive load and task difficulty in all subjects. Finally, we observed pupil diameter to be increased with greater postural sway, which confirms our initial hypothesis