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Evaluating The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Guideline Adherence In Rotc Cadets, Sheyla Leon, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Stella L. Volpe, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Limited data exist on the overall and sports nutrition knowledge among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets across different body mass index (BMI) categories. PURPOSE: We compared the general and sports nutrition knowledge of ROTC cadets across BMI groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 184 ROTC cadets were analyzed using questionnaires like PBHE, FCQ, and REAPS. BMI grouped cadets: underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), healthy (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), and obese (≥30.0)—normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk for underweight, overweight, obese; Kolmogorov-Smirnov for healthy) assessed data distribution. Due to deviations from normality, Welch’s ANOVA tested group differences, with Games-Howell post hoc. Effect sizes were measured by eta squared (η2): 0.01 small, 0.06 medium, 0.14 large. Pairwise BMI differences were presented as mean differences with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Differences were noted among BMI groups (as tallied totals and percentages) in knowledge of general nutrition (p=0.026; η2 = 0.071), fluid intake (p=0.048; η2 = 0.064), and sports nutrition (p=0.048; η2 = 0.056). Games-Howell post hoc …

Beyond Age And Fitness: Modeling Metabolic And Vascular Predictors Of Vo₂Max In Firefighters Using Glm And Gam Approaches, Yuhang Liu, Michael J. Conner, Newman Brian, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While aerobic capacity (VO₂max) is vital for cardiovascular and metabolic health, limited evidence exists on how physical performance, body composition, and biochemical markers jointly predict aerobic fitness in firefighters. Combining these indicators may improve understanding of VO₂max variability and aid strategy development to reduce cardiometabolic risk. PURPOSE: This study investigates how body composition, physical performance, and blood biomarkers relate to VO₂max in firefighters, with the aim of developing predictive models to optimize health and performance. METHODS: 170 firefighters were analyzed. Variance inflation factors (VIFs) were used to check predictor independence. General linear …

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 2 – Body Composition Profiles, Nathaniel D. Rhoades, Michael J. Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton E. Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to aging, job-related stress, and irregular physical activity. Years of experience (YXP) in the fire service have been shown to have a unique impact on FF health and performance; however, profiling the differences between those with less or more YXP has not yet been assessed. PURPOSE: To examine YXP-related differences in conventional body composition parameters among firefighters. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 male firefighters were analyzed (33.4±8.6 years; 29.3±4.1 kg/m2; 38.8±6.9 mL/kg/min). Groups were considered to be those with <5 YXP and >5 YXP. General linear …

Do Body Composition And Cardiovascular Fitness Differ By Gender In Firefighters?, Giuliet L. Kibler, Kelly Hines, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steven E. Martin, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) endure substantial cardiovascular stress during their occupational tasks; yet, males and females differ in cardiovascular fitness (CRF) due to biological factors. The differences in body composition (BC) and CRF among FFs remain unclear. PURPOSE: To compare gender-specific outcomes in body BC and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) of FF. METHODS: BC assessments via BIA and CPET on a cycle ergometer for 509 FF were analyzed from annual clinical testing. Gender was self-reported as follows: female (n = 29), male (n = 476), or other (n = 4). BC metrics, including body fat, lean body mass, skeletal muscle …

How Do Firefighters Differ Between Years Of Fire Service Experience: Part 1 - Physical Fitness Profiles, Ian Bivins, Michael J. Conner, Jacob A. Mota, Payton Miller, Steven E. Martin, Lisa C. Colvin, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters (FF) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to aging, job-related stress, and irregular physical activity. Years of experience (YXP) in the fire service have been shown to have a unique impact on FF health and performance; however, profiling the differences between those with less or more YXP has not yet been assessed. PURPOSE: To examine years of experience-related differences in conventional physical fitness parameters among FFs. METHODS: Archival data from annual clinical testing of 142 FFs were analyzed. Groups were defined as those with 5 YXP. General linear models (GLM) were used for multivariate …

Evaluating Self-Reported Dietary Habits And Barriers Among Rotc Cadets Across Body Mass Index Classifications, Sarah E. Johnson, Sheyla Leon, Michael Conner, Lisa Colvin, Steven Martin, Stella Volpe, Drew Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Limited data exist on the overall and sports nutrition knowledge among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets across different body mass index (BMI) categories. PURPOSE: We aimed to study ROTC cadets' dietary habits and barriers across BMI groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 184 ROTC cadets regarding validated questionnaires, such as the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating (PBHE), Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Short Version (REAPS). The cadets were stratified into body mass index (BMI) groups: underweight (RESULTS: Chi-square analyses showed BMI-related differences in responses to REAPS' breakfast skipping question (χ²=14.289, p=0.027, V=0.199), …

Evaluating The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Guideline Adherence In Rotc Cadets, Emily C. Holbrook, Sheyla Leon, Michael J. Conner, Lisa C. Colvin, Steve E. Martin, Tabbetha Lopez, Stella L. Volpe, Drew E. Gonzalez

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

There is limited research on the nutrition knowledge of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets compared to their adherence to recommended dietary guidelines. PURPOSE: We assessed the nutrition knowledge of ROTC cadets and examined its association with dietary intake. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 206 ROTC cadets regarding sports performance and nutrition supplementation knowledge via the validated paper-based questionnaire, Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes (NKQA), and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants [shortened version] (REAP-S). The questionnaire data were analyzed with a Chi-Square test for overall response in the NKQA and REAP-S. The correct responses (as percentages) for …

A Comparison Of The Abdominal Contraction Bracing Method (Cbm) And The Glass Cup Abdominal Bracing Method (Gcm), Michael H. Bellot, Daniel Chilek, Shannon Jordan

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Anterior contraction of the core muscles for bracing and creating spinal stiffness has existed for centuries. This method of bracing, called Valsalva, referred to as Abdominal Contraction Bracing Method (CBM) in this study, is widely accepted and used for nearly any type of lifting. As CBM primarily contracts the Rectus & Transverse Abdominus, a newly developed bracing form called the Glass Cup Method (GCM) contracts the Rectus & Transverse Abdominus, External & Internal Oblique, and Quadratus Lumborum against strong Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP) via inhaling in specific mannerisms during the 6-step bracing process. PURPOSE: To compare electrical activity in muscles …

Acute Effect Of A Proprietary Blend Of L-Arginine And Antioxidants On Glp-1 Release, Katelyn M. Harnen

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a key gut hormone regulating glucose homeostasis and satiety. L-Arginine has previously shown to elevate GLP-1 levels, which correlated with improved glucose tolerance and reduced energy intake. PURPOSE: This triple-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled randomized study aimed to assess the impact of a proprietary blend of L-arginine and antioxidants on active GLP-1 concentration postprandially, satiety, and meal intake. METHODS: 16 participants with overweight or obesity completed the 3 conditions: a Placebo, a Low-Dose, and a High-Dose. Serum samples were collected at 8 time points over 2h to assess active GLP-1 levels. Supplements were consumed at time 0, …

Assessing The Influence Of Electrode Placement On Body Composition Measures From Bioimpedance Technologies, Carina M. Velasquez, Christine M. Florez, Christian Rodriguez, Madelin R. Siedler, Matthew T. Stratton, Patrick S. Harty, Ainsley E. Way, Madison H. Sullivan, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A variety of laboratory-based methods have been utilized to assess body composition. However, technical and physiological variations can influence the estimates from these devices. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the within- and between-day reliability of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SFBIA), with varying electrode placement, for estimates of body fat percentage (BF%), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM). METHODS: Eighteen healthy young adults (mean ± SD; age = 25.7 ± 7.5 years; BMI = 22.4 ± 2.3 kg/m²) completed two visits to the laboratory for BIS and SFBIA …

Can The Uk, Australia, And India Master The Defence Against Dark Patterns? A Comparative Study Of Jurisdictional Approaches, Swetha Meenal Ananthapadmanaban, Jeannie Marie Paterson

Indian Journal of Law and Technology

This paper examines how the United Kingdom (the ‘UK’), Australia, and India approach the regulation of one of the most pressing issues in contemporary digital markets – Dark Patterns. Taking the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (‘DMCC’) in the UK as a potential benchmark, it evaluates the structural strengths and shortcomings of Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, in India and the proposed grey list of unfair trading practices in Australia. Through case studies of Amazon Audible’s subscription cancellation flow and Epic Games’ in-app purchase design, the paper illustrates how identical practices receive uneven legal …

Administering Sustainability: How Trust In Government And Managerial Support Strengthen Green Core Competence And Organizational Advantage, Mohammed Hassan, Nassr Mohammed Ali, Methaq M. Alisaa

AUIQ Humanities and Social Sciences

This study examines how green core competence contributes to competitive advantage in Iraqi firms, and how this relationship depends on both organizational and governance conditions. Drawing on the Resource-Based View, the Job Demands–Resources model, and stakeholder theory, the study tests a mediation–moderation model in which positive mental health mediates the effect of green core competence on competitive advantage, while trust in government and top management support strengthen key links in the process. Using survey data from top-management respondents in Iraq and partial least squares structural equation modeling, the results show that green core competence is positively associated with competitive advantage, …

Behavioural–Personality Framework For Adaptive E-Learning, Hisham Al Ghunaimi

AUIQ Humanities and Social Sciences

Purpose: This study examines the limited integration of behavioural theory—specifically the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)—in the design of e-learning systems. MBTI is considered because personality variation influences learner motivation, engagement, and behavioural responses, yet most digital platforms rely on uniform instructional strategies. The study focuses on higher-education e-learning, where behavioural disengagement and psychological strain are increasingly reported.

Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative conceptual content-analysis approach is used to synthesise secondary evidence from peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and institutional reports (2015–2024). The analysis identifies three theoretical categories—behavioural reinforcement, personality-based differentiation, and adaptive learning interaction—which shape the proposed behavioural–personality framework.

Findings: Three core patterns …

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Macroeconomic Forecasting: A Systematic Literature Review, Thura J. Mohammed, Xinying Chew, Khai Wah Khaw

AUIQ Humanities and Social Sciences

Macroeconomic forecasting remains difficult because aggregate dynamics are nonlinear, regime-dependent, and increasingly informed by high-dimensional, mixed-frequency data, conditions under which traditional econometric models often lose accuracy, especially around turning points. This study systematically reviews how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to address these challenges and what reliable evidence exists on its forecasting value. Using a PRISMA-aligned protocol, we searched Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, identifying 1,627 records; after de-duplication and multi-stage screening, 178 studies were retained for qualitative synthesis. The review develops an evidence-based taxonomy of AI model families in macroeconomic forecasting and synthesizes their motivations, performance patterns, …

Grove Scholars Endowment Honors Development Officer, Bill Dabney

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi alumni Johnny McRight, of Greenville, and Renvy Pittman, of Los Angeles, have established an endowment to honor an Ole Miss development officer admired for helping launch the Grove Scholars program and many other financial-assistance initiatives to benefit students.

Stress-Induced Bandgap Modulation In Semiconductor Quantum Wells, Saurabh Singh, Fuqian Yang

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Strained semiconductor quantum wells have been an active area of research for more than three decades. However, a major part of the reported literature has shown a core focus on the theoretical and experimental investigations of their energy band structures under different internal and external perturbations, taking strain parameters as the basis and studying their resulting effects on various optoelectrical properties of the strained quantum wells. However, since stress parameters can be measured more easily and with an enhanced level of accuracy compared to strain parameters, developing a stress-based analytical framework offers distinct advantages. This study focuses on the theoretical …

Positive Solutions For Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations With A Disturbance Parameter On An Infinite Interval, Zhaocai Hao, Lu Song, Martin Bohner, Qianqian Gu, Panzhen Liu

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper studies a class of integral boundary value problems of fractional differential equations with a disturbance parameter on an infinite interval. By applying the upper-lower solution method and fixed point index theory, the influence of the disturbance parameter on the existence of positive solutions is rigorously analyzed. We have obtained that the boundaryvalue problem admits at least twopositive solutions, one positivesolution or no solution. An example is provided to validate the results. The results of this study provide a significant complement and refinement to some existing findings.

Adalimumab Therapy For Crohn’S Disease And Axial Spondyloarthritis In Latent Tuberculosis: A Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Review, Nyimas Maida Shofa, Nurike Setiyari Mudjari, Rusdiyana Ekawati, Arianti Arianti, Annisa Zahra Mufida, Budi Widodo, Titong Sugihartono

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

The management of Crohn’s disease (CD) using anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy in tuberculosis (TB)-endemic regions poses major clinical challenges due to the risk of latent TB infection reactivation. This bibliometric–systematic literature review synthesised evidence from 17 peer-reviewed studies (2020–2025) evaluating adalimumab administered with concurrent prophylactic antitubercular therapy. Thematic synthesis and bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer demonstrated that adalimumab achieved 60–85% clinical remission in moderate-to-severe CD and axial spondyloarthritis while enhancing mucosal healing. However, 1–3% of patients developed active TB despite appropriate screening and isoniazid prophylaxis, revealing false-negative diagnostics and partial chemoprophylaxis protection. These findings highlight the need for region-specific frameworks integrating …

Advances In Hpv Vaccination In People Living With Hiv: A Review, Megan Mooberry, J Brooks Jackson, Mary B Rysavy

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is a leading cause of cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. This review summarizes the epidemiology of HPV and the immunogenicity, clinical efficacy, and current HPV vaccination recommendations among people living with HIV (PLWH). PLWH experience a disproportionate burden of HPV-related infection and HPV-related malignancies. Although HPV vaccines have been shown to be highly effective, vaccination coverage among PLWH remains suboptimal, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Barriers to vaccination include extended dosing schedules, limited awareness of the vaccine, and misinformation. Evidence indicates HPV vaccines are safe and …

Airway Secretory Cells Contain Both A Perinuclear Golgi Ribbon And Dispersed Golgi Satellites, Oanh N Hoang, Colin E Chan, Joshua M Brenner, Denisse Leza-Rincon, Ana M Jaramillo, Brendan Dolan, Adam W Aziz, Rodolfo A Cardenas, Gerardo J Cardenas, Eduardo D Galvez, Joshua B Hales, Emilia S Nunez-Pena, Boxuan Yang, Reid T Powell, Leoncio Vergara, Harry Karmouty-Quintana, Jesper M Magnusson, Gunnar C Hansson, Roberto Adachi, John D Dickinson, Christopher M Evans, Justin A Courson, Alan R Burns, Michael J Tuvim, Burton F Dickey

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Rationale: Finely tuned production and secretion of the polymeric mucins MUC5AC and MUCB are required for lung health, but knowledge of many details between their translation and their packaging into secretory granules is lacking.

Objective: To analyze the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, a key site of mucin glycosylation, folding, polymerization and packaging, in airway epithelial secretory cells.

Methods: Lung tissue was obtained from mice stimulated or not with IL-13 to upregulate mucin production, and from normal human lungs. Golgi elements in mouse and human tissue were imaged by high-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. Tissue from mice …

Development Of Professional Identity In Medical Students Through Interprofessional Simulation: A Qualitative Study, Louis Fiander, Marie Bryce, Thomas Gale

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundProfessional identity development in doctors is associated with confidence, resilience and alignment with professional values. Empirical study has found that Interprofessional Simulation-based Education (IPSE) is associated with professional identity development in medical students but does not demonstrate how. An IPSE curriculum is in place within the University of Plymouth medical curriculum. Using reflexive thematic analysis of participating medical student's interview data, subsequently triangulated with theory from sociological and psychological literature, potential mechanisms of professional identity development through IPSE are discussed and implications for educational design explored.MethodsA qualitative approach was adopted utilising semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 …

Internships As A Strategy To Strengthen Character Education At Realfunrainbow Kindergarten Salatiga, Maryani Maryani, Nurkolis Nurkolis, Muhtarom Muhtarom

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Character education in early childhood is a crucial foundation for shaping personality, attitudes, and future behavior. This study investigates the role of school leadership in strengthening character education at TK Realfunrainbow, Kota Salatiga, with particular emphasis on the implementation of internship (life-skills practicum) as a strategic approach. The objectives were to examine planning, organizing, mobilizing, and controlling functions of the principal in character education reinforcement. Using a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. Informants included the principal, teachers, parents, and internship partners, selected purposively and snowball. Data analysis employed Spradley’s ethnographic model with …

Comparing Outcomes Of Virtual Versus In-Person Delivery Of An Evidence-Based Fall-Prevention Program, Tamara H. Herrick, Sarah A. Hallen, Kirsten A. Dorsey, Jessica J. Bolduc, Heidi R. Wierman

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: The A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls Lay Leader program (MOB) is an in-person, evidence-based, fall-prevention program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase physical activity in older adults. MaineHealth adapted the MOB for virtual delivery (MOB-V) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This retrospective analysis compared the effect of MOB versus MOB-V on participant outcomes for fear of falling, falls self-efficacy, and increasing activity levels using data submitted to the Healthy Aging Programs Integrated Database (HAPID) from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022. Results: There was a reduction in the perceived fear …

The Inaccessibility Of Scientific Writing And Science Denial, Emma Eisen

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The inaccessibility of scientific writing causes an increase in science denial. The frustration experienced by nonscientists due to the exclusivity, both in language and cost of subscriptions to scientific journals, often results in the rejection of scientific consensus and acceptance of the more accessible and understandable alternative perspectives presented by science deniers. Through the analysis of demographic studies on the relationship between native language and access to higher education and attitudes toward vaccines, this presentation further discusses how these marginalized demographics are excluded from scientific consensus leading to an increase in science denial.

The Dangers Of Science Denial: Creationism And Cult Organization, Elizabeth Sherman

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

In this research, my evaluation of my evidence led me to claim that the same factors that contribute to poor mental health outcomes in former cult members are present in the Young Earth Creationist(YEC) movement, suggesting that former YEC members may face similar mental health risks. I concluded this claim by evaluating to what extent the YEC movement’s organizational structure compared to that of cults, as defined by social psychologist Alexandra Stein, in order to evaluate if the same structures that led to negative mental health outcomes in cult members existed within the YEC movement. My evaluation led me to …

Scrolling For Meaning: How Social Media Influence Young People’S Spirituality And Trust In Scientific Authority, Archna Yadav

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This project examines how social media and secular digital culture influence the spiritual growth, moral values, and trust in science among young people. My claim is that social media acts like a parallel source of authority, shaping ideas about meaning, morality, and truth. Evidence from studies shows that many young people now form personal belief systems by blending religious ideas, secular practices, and even pseudo-scientific claims. The warrant is that online algorithms, influencers, emotional content, and identity-based communities strongly guide what youth believe. As a result, spiritual and moral formation is increasingly shaped by digital platforms rather than traditional institutions.

Religious Beliefs And Organ Donation: Investigating Religious Beliefs And Their Positions On Donation, Alejandra Penaranda

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The worldwide demand for organs is not being met, creating the Organ Crisis. A common belief is that religions are against the practice of donation and transplantation of organs. This presentation will dive deeper into the different religious beliefs of the most populated religions to determine their stances on the issue.The evidence used was religious websites and articles, journals, and news articles. Through this research, the positive opinions that religions have regarding organ donation will come to light, suggesting that something else is to blame when people are choosing against donating their or a loved one’s organs.

Misinformation In The Digital Age: How Social Media Fuels Science Denial And Ways To Stop It, Jocelyn Morales

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This paper examines how social media platforms contribute to the spread of science denial and explores strategies to combat misinformation. The rise of digital platforms such as Twitter (now X) and Facebook has transformed how information is shared, but it has also created fertile ground for the rapid diffusion of false or misleading content. Research by Harman et al. (2025) demonstrates that science denial has far-reaching social consequences, delaying policy responses, undermining collective action, and increasing societal vulnerability. Lanier et al. (2022) further reveal how hashtags like #plandemic and #scamdemic on Twitter amplified COVID-19 misinformation, fueling pandemic denial and anti-public-health …

Manufacturing Doubt: How The Conservative Movement Shaped American Climate Denial, Bjorn Anderson

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The American conservative movement has used its power to spread climate change denial through organizational infrastructure, psychological exploitation, and sustained messaging campaigns, producing measurable polarization in public opinion. I reference articles which document the organizational infrastructure of the movement, which study psychological mechanisms that explain conservative receptiveness to climate denial, and which detail the resulting shift in societal beliefs through data analysis and polling. These sources establish a relationship between the deliberate campaign from corporations and conservative leaders and resulting increases in climate change denial.

A Gooder Way To Say More Fun, Ethan Scofield

Fresh Voices: Composition at Cal Poly

No abstract provided.