Digital Commons Network^™

A161: Development History, Content Characteristics And Optimization Strategies Of China's Digital Sports Policy, Bin Lu, Jiaming Fei, Wangxing Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Research Purpose: Digital sports policy guides and leads the development of digital sports. Scientific and reasonable policies are crucial to the high-quality development of digital sports in the new era.

Research Methods: We used methods such as the literature data method, word frequency analysis method, and text analysis method to sort out the development process of digital sports policy and analyzed the content characteristics, policy objectives, and selection characteristics of policy tools.

Research Results: (1) The development history of my country's digital sports policy includes three periods: (2005–2015) the initial exploration period; (2016–2020) the slow growth period; and after 2021, …

A165: An Experimental Study On The Influence Of Peer-Mediated Intervention On Social Interaction Of Autistic Children, Shuning Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: Based on theories of human movement development and behaviorism, this study investigated the effects of a peer-mediated physical education intervention on the social interaction abilities of children with autism and provided recommendations for the development of large muscle group movements in children with autism.

Method: This study was conducted in a special education school in Changchun. A sample of 14 male children diagnosed with autism aged 5–7 years with mild and moderate symptoms were selected and paired according to their social and motor performance and familiarity with each other. Seven peer groups were formed for an 8-month peer-intervention physical …

A009: Volume, Accumulation Patterns Of Sedentary Behavior And Physical Fitness Among Elementary School Students, Aijun Cui, Lijuan Wang, Huan Chen, Dan Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Objective: The increase in sedentary behavior in children has become a worldwide public health problem. This study aimed to explore the associations of volume and accumulation patterns of sedentary behavior with physical fitness among elementary school students.

Methods: A cluster sampling method was used to select students from grades 1–5 in Jinhua, Zhejiang province. Accelerometers were used to assess sedentary volume, duration of sedentary bouts (1-4 minutes, 5-9 minutes, 10-19 minutes and ≥20 minutes), and duration of sedentary breaks (1-4 minutes, 5-9 minutes and ≥10 minutes). The scores and good-excellent rate of physical fitness were calculated according to the "National …

A028: Ai And Education: The Impact Of Virtual Physical Education On Physical Fitness Of College Students, Aowei Zhang, Shijun Gong, Dongxiao Liu, Yanxin Wang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: Educational artificial intelligence has been attracting peoples’ attention as a high-profile research topic. At the end of 2022, the boom of ChatGPT raised a trend to discuss whether the best future education is virtual education or AI education. However, the impact of the new education model which tends to cancel school entities still deserves further exploration. Especially, the impact of this new education model on students' physical fitness needs to be studied.

Method: Research data are supported by the physical education academic of Jiaying University in south China. Each year, every Chinese university will complete an annual physical fitness …

A029: The Impact Of Naturalized Players On The Development Of Basketball: A Comprehensive Analysis, Baiyi Yang, Pengcen Du, Aijia Wang, Qing Tang, Jiang Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The globalization of basketball has introduced a dynamic shift with the inclusion of naturalized players, presenting a multifaceted impact on the sport's development. This paper aimed to address the key challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of naturalized players in the realm of basketball, emphasizing the significance of comprehending this phenomenon.

The primary challenge tackled in this study was the nuanced adjustment of team dynamics and playing strategies necessitated by the presence of naturalized players. This study found through a literature survey, historically, traditional team structures have been built around local talent, and the incorporation of foreign players demands …

A030: Promotional Effects Of Exercise On Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Women: A Network Meta-Analysis, Bing Han, Peizhen Zhang, Yaya Duan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background/Purpose: Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have provided substantial support for the positive impact of exercise on the quality of life among individuals with breast cancer. However, there remains a paucity of understanding regarding the optimal exercise interventions within this context. This knowledge gap significantly hinders the capacity of clinical practitioners to accurately recommend suitable exercise regimens for their patients. The aim of this study was to compare and rank the effectiveness of four primary categories of exercise (aerobic, resistance, mind-body, and combined exercise) on improving quality of life in women with breast cancer by network meta-analysis.

Method: Articles published …

A041: Experimental Study On Influence Of Pe Creative Teaching On Physical Health And Interest Of Students, Li Zhen, Niu Xiao, Liu Yong, Normah Binti Jusoh, Lan Chunmei

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Research Objective: The study aimed to verify the influence of a new teaching mode, namely creative PE teaching mode, on physical health and interest in sports learning of primary school students.

Research Method: From March, 2002 to June, 2002, 1210 students from grade three to five in 32 primary schools in Chongqing participated in this study, including 550 boys and 660 girls. The creative PE teaching mode was adopted for participating students for 16 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the students’ physical health test of China and the physical learning interest scale of primary school students were used to …

A072: Study On Respiratory Muscle Training Impact On Static Lung Function In Amateur Runners, Guoqing Miao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Objective: Respiratory muscle training (RMT) is a specialized training method targeting the strength and endurance of respiratory muscles, aimed at enhancing lung function and the adaptability of the respiratory system. Common training techniques in RMT include deep breathing, inspiratory muscle training, expiratory muscle training, and diaphragm training. It is generally applicable to athletes, individuals with lung function impairments, the elderly, and those requiring high-intensity respiratory efforts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week RMT on static lung function in amateur runners, comparing the performance between the training and control groups to determine the effectiveness of RMT.

Methods: …

A094: The Impact Of Aerobic Exercise Combined With Intermittent Fasting On Alleviating Chronic Inflammation In Obesity, Tonghui Wei, Lei Zhang, Qingyuan Zhou, Mengdi Yang, Yangxin Xue, Zhengqi Cui

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Research Aim: This study utilized aerobic exercise and intermittent fasting as intervention strategies to investigate their effects on the polarization of visceral fat macrophages and the amelioration of chronic fat inflammation in rats with obesity.

Research Methods: Sixty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, aged 3 weeks, were randomly assigned to either a normal diet group (ND) or a high-fat diet group (HFD). Following a 12-week intervention period, the groups were further subdivided into the normal diet control group (ND), high-fat diet sedentary group (HC), high-fat diet intermittent fasting group (IF), high-fat diet aerobic exercise group (HE), and aerobic exercise combined …

A104: Competitive Dynamics And Self-Curation In Fitness Culture: The Ascendance Of Bodybuilding Athletes, Pei He

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The rising popularity of fitness and bodybuilding in China has not only transformed it into a significant cultural phenomenon but also a competitive arena where hundreds of competitions annually attract dedicated athletes. These athletes strive for physical excellence and simultaneously emerge as emblematic leaders within the rapidly evolving fitness culture. Utilizing Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of cultural capital and field, this article examined how bodybuilders navigate and strategically shape the competitive landscape to accrue status and define their paths to success. This investigation employed a methodological approach combining auto-ethnography, with the author participating as a competitor, and semi-structured interviews with 35 …

A103: The Relationship Between Physical Activity, School Adjustment And Mental Health In High School Students, Yining Hu, Yan Gao, Xiangren Yi, Yuke Yang, Liangyu Zhao, Wenze Sui, Jingquan Hu, Lu Chen, Xiaosheng Dong

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

PURPOSE: School-adaptive behavior refers specifically to the positive and negative behaviors that individuals exhibit in the school environment and can be summarized in terms of both social competence and antisocial behavior. Research has demonstrated that physical activity contributes positively to an individual's physical and mental health and quality of life. It can also improve the adjustment difficulties of adolescents in school and indirectly enhance their school adjustment ability. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and school adjustment behaviors, the mediating role of mental health status, and gender differences among high school students in Shandong Province. …

A136: Association Of Parental Exercise Frequency With Physical Activity, Ssa And Qol In Chinese Adolescents, Liangyu Zhao, Yan Gao, Xiangren Yi, Yuke Yang, Yining Hu, Wenze Sui, Jingquan Hu, Xiaosheng Dong

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: Parental exercise frequency (PEF) may be a crucial factor influencing adolescents' physical activity (PA), school social adjustment (SSA), and quality of life (QoL), but it is little known to those relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parental exercise frequency and physical activity, school social adjustment, and quality of life among Chinese adolescents.

Methods: The study randomly selected 26,049 adolescents (age 14.35 ± 1.87), 13,404 males (age 14.29 ± 1.87) and 12,645 females (age 14.42 ± 1.87), from 13 districts in Shandong Province, China. All adolescents completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ), the School …

A173: An Experimental Study Of The Effects Of Exercise Intervention On Executive Function In Obese Adolescents, Lingling Hu, Hengchan Yin, Lei Cui, Qiqi Shen

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Background: Executive function (EF) is an important component of cognitive function, referring to a higher-level cognitive process that coordinates and controls various basic cognitive processes when completing complex cognitive tasks. It includes three sub-functions: inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Globally, high rates of overweight and obesity remain a public health issue. Previous studies have shown that, compared to adolescents with healthy weight, adolescents with obesity have poorer inhibitory function in EF. In addition, the effectiveness of the exercise intervention is seen in the normal adolescent population as well as in special adolescents with poor EF. However, there have been …

Cries From The Arroyo, Samyra Perez

Theses and Dissertations

Cries from the Arroyo is a fictional story told from the perspective of the main character Eztli Morales. Eztli derives from a lineage of cursed women, each marked by adversity and loss. The narrative flows between past and present. Her past in her college years, where she tries to escape her cursed legacy through education. While Enrique represents the promise of a normal life, Isandro offers a darker path to defy the Morales curse. The loss of her first pregnancy seems to settle her supernatural debt, but only feeds the generational pattern of suffering. The present revolves around the months …

Cavernous Distortions, Silas Samuel Quintanilla

Theses and Dissertations

This is a collection of short stories in the style of surreal fiction. They are stories about outsiders, powerlessness, communication, isolation, longing, death, and existentialism. They follow in the tradition of parables, fables, and in the shadow of surrealist masters like Franz Kafka.

The Effects Of Livestock On Mosquito Diversity And Abundance In Hidalgo County, Taylor Nicole Moya

Theses and Dissertations

Mosquitoes are detrimental to animals and threaten humans. More information is needed on how farm animal presence may impact mosquito abundance and diversity at farms. My goal in this study is to determine if there is any correlation between animal abundance or diversity on a farm and the abundance and diversity of mosquitoes collected. Hidalgo County, Texas, has a subtropical desert climate, ideal for mosquitoes. I hypothesized that the mosquito abundance and diversity indices would increase as the livestock abundance or diversity increases. Adult mosquitoes were collected using two CO2-baited light traps per farm from Spring 2022 to Fall 2022. …

Understanding The Influence Of Traffic And Noise On The Wildlife Community Surrounding Fm106 And Sh100 In South Texas, Anna Rose Mehner

Theses and Dissertations

In South Texas, highways create landscape fragmentation, habitat degradation, and result in wildlife vehicle collisions. Vehicle collisions are the highest known cause of mortality of the endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), which led Texas Department of Transportation to install nine wildlife crossing structures (WCS) on Farm-to-Market 106 and five on State Highway 100. These highways are along Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, which is the location of the southernmost breeding population of ocelots in the United States. Many other wildlife species including bobcat (Lynx rufus) and coyote (Canis latrans), are present along these highways and …

Structure Modifications And Alternative Monitoring Designs Of Wildlife Road Mitigation Structures, Madison T. Nadler

Theses and Dissertations

Wildlife mitigation structures are designed to keep animals off roadways while providing them safe passage to the other side and not impeding traffic flow. Camera traps are commonly used to assess the success of these mitigation structures, but there are downfalls to both the methods and structures. Alternative mitigation structure designs are needed to better prevent wildlife from accessing roadways in areas where they should be deterred. Additionally, traditional camera trapping methods do not accurately capture the full wildlife communities that may be utilizing these structures and other survey methods are needed, specifically aimed at small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. …

Technical Potential And Challenges For Agrivoltaic Development In Nigeria, Ifeoluwa Ezekiel Babarinde

Theses and Dissertations

The co-location of agriculture and solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure, known as agrivoltaics, is an increasingly popular practice that offers co-benefits like reduced plant drought stress and improved yields of shade-tolerant crops, particularly in water-scarce agricultural regions. Despite its global growth, knowledge on the technical potential, opportunities, and challenges for agrivoltaic development remains limited in the Global South. Here we address this knowledge gap for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, by identifying high-potential regions based on the premise that agrivoltaic co-benefits are generally most pronounced in arable lands with both high solar irradiation and water stress. We find that northern regions, …

Guiding Wildlife: Evaluating Wildlife Exit Designs And Sensor Lights For Safer Highways In South Texas, Rupesh Maharjan

Theses and Dissertations

Roadside exclusionary fencing is more prevalent on highways to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. Although it can mitigate wildlife road mortality by limiting their access to the road, it can also create a barrier for wildlife stranded within the right-of-way. In State Highway 100 of Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation installed ten wildlife exits to allow wildlife to escape the fenced roadway, and a pair of sensor lights on 13 wildlife guards (WGs) to scare off target species (bobcats and coyotes) from crossing the guards and accessing the roadway. In this study, the effectiveness of three wildlife exit (WE) designs were …

Implementing Organic Fertilization Practices To Improve Aloe Vera Growth And Soil Health In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Isaiah Edward Jaramillo

Theses and Dissertations

Aloe vera (L.) (Aloe) Burm. f., is valued for its applications across the cosmetic, medicinal, and food industries due to its leaf gel. In the aloe industry, the extraction of gel from leaves generates significant quantities of organic waste, which presents an opportunity to repurpose this material as an amendment in aloe cultivation. While Aloe is renowned for its resilience, understanding the feasibility of using these organic shavings as a soil fertility amendment in aloe production is critical. This research aims to identify sustainable fertilization methods for Aloe that can maintain and/or improve crop yield while enhancing soil health. This …

Proof Of Concept: Simulating Drone Tracking In A Border Security Context, Jose Ruben Espinoza

Theses and Dissertations

Worldwide availability of drone technology has risen to unprecedented levels within the past century due to its commercial availability. While there has been various positive applications of such technology, it has additionally found usage within security critical contexts. Specifically, there have been reports of illegal drug smuggling along the Mexico-United States border in which quadrocopter based drones have been used. Within our research we aim to showcase, as a proof of concept, that autonomous drone technology can be leveraged within a defensive approach via the usage of reinforcement learning and object detection for security critical contexts. To promote the importance …

Evaluation Of Polymerization Condition Reactions Of Methyl Vinyl Ketone For Hydrogen Storage, Rituborna Ghosh

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen is widely regarded as one of the most promising clean alternative fuel sources; however, its widespread adoption has been hindered by significant challenges related to storage and transportation. Various storage methods have been proposed and developed, with continuous advancements being made to address these issues. Among the most effective solutions is the utilization of polymers, which serve as safe and efficient hydrogen storage media. This work investigated the polymerization of methyl vinyl ketone using different ratio of monomer: initiator and monomer: crosslinker using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator in a free radical polymerization mechanism. …

Thank You For Your Service, Dwayne Vega

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis offers an intimate exploration of my experiences as a soldier during two deployments to Iraq, describing everyday realities of military life. Rather than glorifying the battlefield with warrior myths, I focus on the emotional toll, survival, and the complex relationships among soldiers. My narrative traces the gradual development of PTSD and my eventual reliance on drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. Through this personal lens, the thesis seeks to challenge common misconceptions about the soldier's life, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of service, trauma, and the lasting effects it had on my life.

Theoretical Insights And Analysis Into Luneburg Lens, Aram Flores

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in wireless communications necessitate innovative antenna designs for radar systems and satellite communications. The Luneburg lens, theorized by Rudolf Luneburg in 1944, is a gradient-index lens capable of focusing electromagnetic waves onto a point on its surface, offering potential improvements in antenna gain and performance. Access to the lenses, courtesy of Assured Space Access Incorporated, enabled me to research the lenses response, and specific design details remain confidential. Practical assessments of 3D-printed Luneburg lenses of varying sizes are limited, including factors such as lens alignment and focal point offset. This study investigates the performance of 6-inch and 13.25-inch Luneburg …

Examining The Impact Of Body Esteem And Cyberbullying Victimization On Mental Health Outcomes In College-Aged Women, Lorena Victoria Houghton

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the role of cyberbullying victimization, body image constructs, and social anxiety on depression and suicidal ideation among 396 college-aged women. The researcher hypothesized there would be an indirect relationship between various body image-related constructs and depression/ suicidality through cyberbullying victimization and that the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression/ suicidal ideation would be moderated by social anxiety. Moderated mediation analyses via bootstrapping revealed cyberbullying victimization significantly mediated the relationship between various body image-related constructs (appearance-related social media consciousness, body esteem, and internalization of body ideals) and suicidal ideation while social anxiety served as a moderator between cyberbullying …

Study Of Temperature Effects Of Glucose And Microwave Dielectric Dispersion Model, Ethan Grant Boone

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the temperature effect of dielectric properties in various aqueous solutions containing glucose are examined. A design for a new testing chamber is introduced to provide improved conditions for testing to ensure accurate and precise measurements. A N-SMA Adaptor is used when obtaining dielectric characteristics of glucose solutions ranging 100-300mg/dl. Dielectric parameters are obtained adopting a modified Debye dispersion model. MATLAB is used to confirm coaxial dimensions are suitable fabrication designs using fixed dielectric parameters of air and water. Simulations and design models were implemented utilizing ANSYS High Frequency Structure Simulator and 3-D Modeler software to develop the …

Bayesian Lasso Regularized Quantile Regression And Its Applications, Priscilla Kissi-Appiah

Theses and Dissertations

Since the pioneering work of (Koenker and Bassett Jr 1978), quantile regression has been a popular regression technique that helps researchers investigate a whole distribution of the response variable. In addition, due to the quantile check loss function, it is robust against outliers and heavy-tailed distributions of the response variable and can provide a more comprehensive picture of modeling via exploring the conditional quantiles of the response variable. In this research, we study the lasso regularized quantile regression from a Bayesian perspective. We develop an efficient sampling algorithm to generate posterior samplings for making posterior inference by using a location-scale …

Examining Hispanic Beginning Farmers And Ranchers In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Community Capitals Framework, Perla Kimberly Schrock

Theses and Dissertations

While existing literature addresses the experiences of beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR), there is a notable gap in research focused on Hispanic beginning farmers and ranchers (HBFR). This study aimed at exploring the unique experiences of HBFR in a predominantly Hispanic region, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), employed the Community Capitals Framework (Flora et al., 2016). I conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with HBFR and local nonprofit organizations and federal employees, complemented by participant observations. Through thematic and content analysis of the interview transcripts, findings revealed valuable insights into the livelihoods of HBFR. Despite HBFR facing significant challenges, this study demonstrated …

Leveraging A Community Of Practice To Advance Stem Education Reform And Promote Teacher And Student Self-Efficacy, Ruth Renee Colyer

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the impact of the CREST-MECIS community of practice on K-12 STEM teachers and undergraduate and graduate students, addressing the urgent need for innovative approaches in science education to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The study was grounded in response to three primary problem statements: 1) the significant learning losses and socio-emotional challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) the inadequacy of traditional instructional methods in post-pandemic classrooms, and 3) the need for culturally relevant and inclusive teaching practices that acknowledge students’ lived experiences. Data were collected through pre- and post-interviews, survey analyses, and qualitative feedback …