Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Fine Motor And Handwriting Skills, Anne Weber

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Early childhood years are a crucial time for the development of fine motor and handwriting skills. Research links these skills to success in other academic content such as letter identification and counting skills. Gripping, pinching, and manipulating interventions have been shown to improve fine motor and handwriting skills. A school improvement plan was created to address the lack of time dedicated to these two skills in a rural Iowa public school. A plan to implement fine motor and handwriting curriculums in preschool through first grade is described in detail. With successful implementation, fine motor and handwriting skills will significantly improve.

Yale University Faculty Handbook July 1, 2024, Yale University

Faculty Handbooks

No abstract provided.

Hd-Tdcs Over Left Supplementary Motor Area Differentially Modulated Neural Correlates Of Motor Planning For Speech Vs. Limb Movement, Fatemeh Tabari, Celeste Patron, Hope Cryer, Karim Johari

Faculty Publications

The supplementary motor area (SMA) is implicated in planning, execution, and control of speech production and limb movement. The SMA is among putative generators of pre-movement EEG activity which is thought to be neural markers of motor planning. In neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, abnormal pre-movement neural activity within the SMA has been reported during speech production and limb movement. Therefore, this region can be a potential target for non-invasive brain stimulation for both speech and limb movement. The present study took an initial step in examining the application of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) over the left …

Application Of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy For Hay Evaluation At Different Degrees Of Sample Preparation, Eun Chan Jeong, Kun Jun Han, Farhad Ahmadi, Yan Fen Li, Li Li Wang, Young Sang Yu, Jong Geun Kim

Faculty Publications

Objective: A study was conducted to quantify the performance differences of the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) calibration models developed with different degrees of hay sample preparations. Methods: A total of 227 imported alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and another 360 imported timothy (Phleum pratense L.) hay samples were used to develop calibration models for nutrient value parameters such as moisture, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein, and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Spectral data of hay samples prepared by milling into 1-mm particle size or unground were separately regressed against the wet chemistry results of the abovementioned parameters. Results: The …

Effects Of The Menstrual Cycle And Hormonal Contraceptive Use On Metabolic Outcomes, Strength Performance, And Recovery: A Narrative Review, Hannah E. Cabre, Lacey M. Gould, Leanne M. Redman, Abbie E. Smith-Ryan

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

The effects of female sex hormones on optimal performance have been increasingly recognized as an important consideration in exercise and sport science research. This narrative review explores the findings of studies evaluating the effects of menstrual cycle phase in eumenorrheic women and the use of hormonal contraception (oral contraceptives and hormonal intrauterine devices) on metabolism, muscular strength, and recovery in active females. Ovarian hormones are known to influence metabolism because estrogen is a master regulator of bioenergetics. Importantly, the menstrual cycle may impact protein synthesis, impacting skeletal muscle quality and strength. Studies investigating muscular strength in eumenorrheic women report equivocal …

Wood Ducks And Hooded Mergansers As Interspecific Brood Parasites: An Evaluation Of Parasitic Egg Survival, Dylan L. Bakner, Kevin M. Ringelman, Larry A. Reynolds, Richard M. Kaminski, Scott E. Stephens, J. Brian Davis

Faculty Publications

Conspecific and interspecific brood parasitism are alternate reproductive strategies more pervasive in waterfowl than in any other group of birds. While previous research has measured costs incurred by nest hosts incubating parasitized clutches, few studies have focused on the relative success of parasites. Here, we evaluated the success of wood duck (Aix sponsa) and hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) eggs laid parasitically in Louisiana and Mississippi. We monitored nest boxes, assigned eggs in each nest as host or parasitic, and determined the number of eggs that hatched and failed. Across all study areas (1994–1999 and 2020–2023), we monitored 1750 wood duck …

Toward Concurrent Identification Of Human Activities With A Single Unifying Neural Network Classification: First Step, Andrew Smith, Musa Azeem, Chrisogonas O. Odhiambo, Pamela J. Wright, Hanim E. Diktas, Spencer Upton, Corby K. Martin, Brett Froeliger, Cynthia F. Corbett, Homayoun Valafar

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

The characterization of human behavior in real-world contexts is critical for developing a comprehensive model of human health. Recent technological advancements have enabled wearables and sensors to passively and unobtrusively record and presumably quantify human behavior. Better understanding human activities in unobtrusive and passive ways is an indispensable tool in understanding the relationship between behavioral determinants of health and diseases. Adult individuals (N = 60) emulated the behaviors of smoking, exercising, eating, and medication (pill) taking in a laboratory setting while equipped with smartwatches that captured accelerometer data. The collected data underwent expert annotation and was used to train a …

Isocaloric Replacement Of Ultraprocessed Foods Was Associated With Greater Weight Loss In The Pounds Lost Trial, Qisi Yao, Carolina D. De Araujo, Filippa Juul, Catherine M. Champagne, George A. Bray, Frank M. Sacks, Maya K. Vadiveloo

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objective: Higher intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is associated with obesity. We examined whether replacing UPFs (NOVA 4) with minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients (NOVA 1 + 2) was associated with differential weight change in this secondary prospective analysis of the Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS) Lost trial. Methods: We estimated percent energy intake (%kcal) from the four NOVA groups using 24-h dietary recalls in a subset of 356 participants. Multivariable-adjusted substitution models examined whether replacing %kcal from UPFs with NOVA 1 + 2 was associated with greater weight, body fat percentage, trunk fat, and waist circumference …

Sleep And Fundamental Movement Skills In Primary Schoolchildren: The React Project, Jean Philippe Chaput, Sara Pereira, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Donald Hedeker, Tiago V. Barreira, Rui Garganta, Cláudio Farias, Fernando Garbeloto, Go Tani, David F. Stodden, José Maia

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objective: Whether sleep is related to fundamental movement skills (FMS) in the pediatric population is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the association between sleep characteristics (duration, efficiency, regularity) and FMS proficiency levels in school-aged children. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 996 children (mean age: 8.3 ± 1.2 years) from 25 of the 32 primary schools in Matosinhos, northern Portugal. Data collection occurred between January and June 2022. Sleep was assessed using an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer worn on the wrist for 7 consecutive days. FMS proficiency levels were assessed in the schools with a new digital …

Background, Rationale, And Methodological Overview Of The React Project—Return-To-Action On Growth, Motor Development, And Health After The Covid-19 Pandemic In Primary School Children, Sara Pereira, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Donald Hedeker, Tiago V. Barreira, Rui Garganta, Cláudio Farias, Fernando Garbeloto, Go Tani, Jean Philippe Chaput, David F. Stodden, José Maia

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objectives: The REACT project was designed around two main aims: (1) to assess children's growth and motor development after the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) to follow their fundamental movement skills' developmental trajectories over 18 months using a novel technological device (Meu Educativo®) in their physical education classes. In this introductory article, the first of the Journal's special issue dedicated to REACT, our goal was to present the project rationale, its methodology, training and certification of the team, statistical approach, quality control, governance, and study management. Methods: We sampled 1000 children (6–10 years of age) from 25 of the 32 primary …

A Multivariate Multilevel Approach To Unravel The Associations Between Individual And School Factors On Children's Motor Performance In The React Project, José Maia, Carla Santos, Sara Pereira, Donald Hedeker, Tiago V. Barreira, Rui Garganta, Cláudio Farias, Fernando Garbeloto, Go Tani, Hugo Cruz, Jean Philippe Chaput, David F. Stodden, Peter T. Katzmarzyk

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objective: The aim was to (1) estimate the relationship between physical fitness (PF) and object control fundamental movement skills (FMS), (2) identify child characteristics that relate with PF and FMS, and (3) examine associations between the school environment, PF, and FMS. Methods: The sample included 1014 Portuguese children aged 6–10 years from the REACT project. PF was assessed via running speed, shuttle run, standing long jump, handgrip, and the PACER test. Object control FMS were assessed with stationary dribble, kick, catch, overhand throw, and underhand roll. Test performances were transformed into z-scores, and their sum was expressed as overall PF …

Associations Of Obesity, Movement Behaviors, And Socioeconomic Status With Fundamental Movement Skills In Children: Results From The React Project, Priscyla Praxedes, José Maia, Carla Santos, Fernando Garbeloto, Donald Hedeker, Tiago V. Barreira, Rui Garganta, Cláudio Farias, Go Tani, Jean Philippe Chaput, David F. Stodden, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Sara Pereira

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objective: To investigate the relationship of biological characteristics (age, sex, and obesity), movement behaviors (physical activity and sedentary time), and family socioeconomic status with fundamental movement skills (FMS) in primary school children. Methods: This cross-sectional study sampled 1014 children (537 girls) aged 6 to 10 years from 25 primary schools in Matosinhos, north of Portugal. Five object control skills (dribbling, kicking, catching, throwing, and underarm rolling) were assessed with a categorical scale using the Meu Educativo® platform. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and transformed into z-scores. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time were monitored with accelerometry (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) …

Statistical Analysis Of The Longitudinal Fundamental Movement Skills Data In The React Project Using The Multilevel Ordinal Logistic Model, Donald Hedeker, Sara Pereira, Fernando Garbeloto, Tiago V. Barreira, Rui Garganta, Cláudio Farias, Go Tani, Jean Philippe Chaput, David F. Stodden, José Maia, Peter T. Katzmarzyk

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objectives: The REACT project was designed around two main aims: (1) to assess children's growth and motor development after the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) to follow their fundamental movement skills' developmental trajectories over 18 months using a novel technological device (Meu Educativo®) in their physical education classes. In this article, our goal is to describe statistical analysis of the longitudinal ordinal motor development data that was obtained from these children using the multilevel ordinal logistic model. Methods: Longitudinal ordinal data are often collected in studies on motor development. For example, children or adolescents might be rated as having poor, good, …

Is There An Association Between Proficiency In Fundamental Movement Skills And Mderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity In Childhood On Weekdays And Weekends? The React Project, Fernando Garbeloto, José Maia, Tiago V. Barreira, Donald Hedeker, Jean Philippe Chaput, Rui Garganta, Cláudio Farias, Ricardo Santos, David F. Stodden, Go Tani, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Sara Pereira

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objective: The present study probes into the association between children's fundamental movement skills (FMS) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during weekdays and weekends. Methods: This cross-sectional sample included 1014 children aged 6–10 years from the REACT project. Physical activity was assessed with accelerometry, and five FMS (stationary dribble, kick, catch, overhand throw, and underhand roll) were assessed with the digital platform Meu Educativo®. Three groups were formed based on the frequency of FMS that each child mastered: group 1 (wizard level in four or five FMS); group 2 (wizard level in two or three FMS); and group 3 (wizard level …

Individual And School Correlates Of Body Mass Index And Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Primary School Children From The React Project: A Multivariate Multilevel Analysis, Sara Pereira, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Fernando Garbeloto, Jean Philippe Chaput, Donald Hedeker, Tiago V. Barreira, Renata Borges, Rui Garganta, Carla Santos, Cláudio Farias, David F. Stodden, Go Tani, José Maia

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objective: This paper examines the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) using a multivariate multilevel approach and investigates the links between individual and school-related correlates with children's BMI and CRF. Methods: This cross-sectional sample included 1014 children (6–10 years) from 25 Portuguese primary schools. BMI was calculated, and CRF was assessed with the PACER test. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) included five object control tasks. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sleep, and sedentary time were assessed with the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer. Socioeconomic status (SES) and school variables were also obtained. A multivariate multilevel model was used, and alpha …

Validity And Reliability Of Meu Educativo®: A New Tool To Assess Fundamental Movement Skills In School-Aged Children, Fernando Garbeloto, Sara Pereira, Go Tani, Jean Philippe Chaput, David F. Stodden, Rui Garganta, Donald Hedeker, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, José Maia

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Objectives: There is evidence showing that children's proficiency in fundamental movement skills (FMS) is positively related to weight status, physical activity, fitness levels, cognitive development, as well as academic performance. Yet, the feasibility of FMS assessment is challenging, especially with relatively large samples of children. This article presents a new tool named Meu Educativo® to assess children's FMS levels, including its validity and reliability. Methods: We relied on the validity evidence approach based on test content to develop the FMS assessment checklist and the rating system with a team of experts. In this article, we used five FMS (stationary dribbling, …

Absence Of Quantization In The Circular Photogalvanic Effect In Disordered Chiral Weyl Semimetals, Ang Kun Wu, Daniele Guerci, Yixing Fu, Justin H. Wilson, J. H. Pixley

Faculty Publications

The circularly polarized photogalvanic effect (CPGE) is studied in chiral Weyl semimetals with short-range quenched disorder. Without disorder, the topological properties of chiral Weyl semimetals lead to quantization of the CPGE, which is a second-order optical response. Using a combination of diagrammatic perturbation theory in the continuum and exact numerical calculations via the kernel polynomial method on a lattice model, we show that disorder perturbatively destabilizes the quantization of the CPGE.

Links Between Optical And X-Ray Light In Cygnus X-2, Alexander B. Igl, R. I. Hynes, K. S. O'Brien, E. L. Robinson, C. T. Britt

Faculty Publications

We observed the low-mass X-ray binary Cyg X-2 for a total of 18 nights over two observing runs in July and September of 2006, using the Otto Struve Telescope at McDonald Observatory and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. Using discrete cross-correlations, we found peaks occurring at near-zero lags in the flaring branch of the colour-colour diagram, which could signify reprocessing, in addition to an anticorrelation within the normal branch. When comparing optical flux to the system's placement on the Z track, two distinct behaviours were seen: (1) a state with no correlation, and (2) a multivalued (horizontal and normal branches)/correlated …

Grb 180128a: A Second Magnetar Giant Flare Candidate From The Sculptor Galaxy, Aaron C. Trigg, Eric Burns, Oliver J. Roberts, Michela Negro, Dmitry S. Svinkin, Matthew G. Baring, Zorawar Wadiasingh, Nelson L. Christensen, Igor Andreoni, Michael S. Briggs, Niccolò Di Lalla, Dmitry D. Frederiks, Vladimir M. Lipunov, Nicola Omodei, Anna V. Ridnaia, Peter Veres, Alexandra L. Lysenko

Faculty Publications

Magnetars are slowly rotating neutron stars that possess the strongest magnetic fields known in the cosmos (10¹⁴-10¹⁵ G). They display a range of transient high-energy electromagnetic activity. The brightest and most energetic of these events are the gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) known as magnetar giant flares (MGFs), with isotropic energies Eiso10⁴⁴10⁴⁶ erg. Only seven MGF detections have been made to date: three unambiguous events occurred in our Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds, and the other four MGF candidates are associated with nearby star-forming galaxies. As all seven identified MGFs are bright at Earth, additional weaker …

An Ixpe-Led X-Ray Spectropolarimetric Campaign On The Soft State Of Cygnus X-1: X-Ray Polarimetric Evidence For Strong Gravitational Lensing, James F. Steiner, Edward Nathan, Kun Hu, Henric Krawczynski, Michal Dovčiak, Alexandra Veledina, Fabio Muleri, Jiri Svoboda, Kevin Alabarta, Maxime Parra, Yash Bhargava, Giorgio Matt, Juri Poutanen, Pierre Olivier Petrucci, Allyn F. Tennant, M. Cristina Baglio, Luca Baldini, Samuel Barnier, Sudip Bhattacharyya, Stefano Bianchi, Maimouna Brigitte, Mauricio Cabezas, Floriane Cangemi, Fiamma Capitanio, Jacob Casey, Nicole Rodriguez Cavero, Simone Castellano, Elisabetta Cavazzuti, Sohee Chun, Eugene Churazov, Enrico Costa, Niccolò Di Lalla, Alessandro Di Marco

Faculty Publications

We present the first X-ray spectropolarimetric results for Cygnus X-1 in its soft state from a campaign of five IXPE observations conducted during 2023 May-June. Companion multiwavelength data during the campaign are likewise shown. The 2-8 keV X-rays exhibit a net polarization degree PD = 1.99% ± 0.13% (68% confidence). The polarization signal is found to increase with energy across the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer’s (IXPE) 2-8 keV bandpass. The polarized X-rays exhibit an energy-independent polarization angle of PA = −25.°7 ± 1.°8 east of north (68% confidence). This is consistent with being aligned to Cyg X-1’s au-scale compact radio …

Out Of Time Order Correlation Of The Hubbard Model With Random Local Disorder, Chakradhar Rangi, Juana Moreno, Ka Ming Tam

Faculty Publications

The out-of-time-order correlator (OTOC) serves as a powerful tool for investigating quantum information spreading and chaos in complex systems. We present a method employing non-equilibrium dynamical mean-field theory and coherent potential approximation combined with diagrammatic perturbation on the Schwinger-Keldysh contour to calculate the OTOC for correlated fermionic systems subjected to both random disorder and electron interaction. Our key finding is that random disorder enhances the OTOC decay in the Hubbard model for the metallic phase in the weakly interacting limit. However, the current limitation of our perturbative solver restricts the applicability to weak interaction regimes.

The Chemistry Of Heavy Elements: Probing Relativistic Chemical Bonding, Barbara Maria Teixeira Costa Peluzo

Chemistry Theses and Dissertations

The bottommost part of the periodic table has a unique chemistry, where the high velocities of the inner-shell electrons prevent their description by the usual Schrödinger equation. The resulting so-called relativistic effects have numerous chemical implications, on both macro and microscale, ranging from physical properties to reactivity. However, experimental probes on these intriguing atoms are limited by their natural availability and, more importantly, the danger associated with their radioactivity. Quantum chemical calculations, on the other hand, face the challenge of far more complex algebra, which demands substantial computational resources. Relativistic Hamiltonians, which act over all electrons in the system, are …

Reducing Cesarean Sections With Peanut Ball Use: A Quality Improvement Project, Alexi Rivera Bsn, Rn

DNP Projects

Cesarean sections, although sometimes medically necessary, carry multiple risks and complications. Movement and frequent repositioning throughout labor has been shown to support the natural physiologic process of birth, leading to less medical intervention and increased incidences of vaginal deliveries. The peanut ball is a variation of a birthing ball that assists women with this movement and repositioning. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to see if increasing nursing knowledge on peanut ball benefits, risks, and proper technique would reduce cesarean section rates. It is expected that peanut ball use throughout labor would decrease cesarean sections and increase the …

Lawrence, Spring/Summer 2024, Lawrence University

Alumni Magazines

No abstract provided.

Virginia History Standards And Inclusivity, Laura Byers

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

Diversity in the Commonwealth of Virginia is increasing rapidly and there is some concern among citizens that the Social Studies Standards of Learning are not accurately representative of the student population. The purpose of this study was to analyze and assess the current Standards of Learning for diversity and inclusion. The research study was a content analysis of the 2023 Social Studies Standards of Learning. It was found that the standards do not currently reflect the diversity of the student population. The results of this research study highlights gaps in diversity and inclusion of racial/ethnic groups and genders in Standards …

Uni Schedule Of Classes: Policies And Procedures, Summer 2024, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Schedule of Classes

A listing and schedule of the courses being taught as well as policies and procedures concerning attending classes at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Blessed Assembly: Irreplaceable Physical Co-Presence In Worship And Healthy Hybridity Reimagined After The Pandemic In The Digital Age, Yvette, Ying Wai Lau

Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses

Because of the unprecedented and unexpected force of the pandemic since 2020, most churches around the world have experienced some online worship during the lockdown of their cities or the mandated closure of the church buildings. For many people, online worship seems to be an equivalent, if not better, alternative for gathering together—a physical co-presence in worship—even after the pandemic has ended. As necessary and vital as online worship experiences have been for Christians during the pandemic, the witness of the church from Pentecost throughout Christian history indicates that gathered worship in physical spaces is irreplaceable for faith formation and …

Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates In Adults Aged 45-49 At An Urban Fqhc: A Quality Improvement Project, Meredith Gentes

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends that colorectal screening begins at age 45 rather than 50. The purpose of this QI project was to improve colorectal cancer screening rates in adults to prevent diagnosis, promote earlier detection, and reduce mortality from colorectal cancer.

Local Problem: This QI project was completed at a large urban federally qualified health center (FQHC) that served a diverse and underserved population. Its colorectal cancer screening rate for adults aged 45 to 49 was low compared to older adults (50-75) and national standards.

Methods: A literature review identified technology-based outreach …

Imperfect Insanity And Diminished Responsibility, E. Lea Johnston

UF Law Faculty Publications

Insanity’s status as an all-or-nothing excuse results in the disproportionate punishment of individuals whose mental disorders significantly impaired, but did not obliterate, their capacities for criminal responsibility. Prohibiting the trier of fact from considering impairment that does not meet the narrow definition of insanity contradicts commonly held intuitions about mental abnormality and gradations of responsibility. It results in systemic over-punishment, juror frustration, and, at times, arbitrary verdicts as triers of fact attempt to better apportion liability to blameworthiness.

This Article proposes a generic partial excuse: Diminished Responsibility from Mental Disability. This excuse could be asserted as an affirmative defense at …

Property And Energy Law—Pay To Play: The Effect Of The Brine Conservation Act’S Statutory “In-Lieu” Royalty Provision On The Long-Term Economic Viability Of Arkansas’S Brine-Lithium Industry, Tyler Gillespie

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

No abstract provided.