Life Sciences Commons^™

A227: Eliminate Or Evolve: Digital Transformation Of Paris 2024 Olympics Under Olympic Ai Agenda, Tong Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been promoting sports digitalization since the early 2000s, with the Olympic Agenda 2020 and the Olympic AI Agenda in 2024 providing strategic frameworks for this transformation. This paper examines how digital and AI technologies were applied at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the first Games guided by the exploration of impact on the Olympic movement and global sports landscape. Method: Using literature reviews and case studies from academic platforms like CNKI, WanFang, and Web of Science, this study analyzes digital transformation examples at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. AI empowering the Olympics under the "Agenda" …

A228: Preservation And Dissemination Of Taijiquan Culture In Digital Perspective, Songqi Wang, Bin Yan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

One of China’s most iconic cultural traditions has increasingly gained: Taijiquned global recognition: Taijiquned. However, rapid digitalization has significantly changed young people's cultural preferences and participation habits, posing challenges to traditional methods of cultural preservation, which often fail to resonate with youth, creating a noticeable disconnect. This study examines the potential of digital communication—especially short videos, livestreaming, and social media—to preserve and disseminate Taijiquan culture through interactive, youth-oriented methods. Specifically, it empirically explores whether digital media strategies effectively improve younger generations’ cultural awareness, participation motivation, and cultural identity, aiming to provide practical insights for digital heritage protection. A randomized controlled …

A224: 15–17-Year-Old Student Swimmers Undergoing High-Altitude Training On Water Load Characteristics, Jiayi Lyu, Yuqi Wang, Xinyi Li

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

With the continuous improvement of swimming competition level, high-altitude training, as a scientific and effective training method, has received attention from swimmers. Both professional teams and amateur sports schools give widespread attention to high-altitude training. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of the three-week high-altitude training load of 15-17 male student swimmers and analyze whether it is effective for competition results. Ten male student swimmers (national level one or above) aged 15-17 years old were selected as the subjects and underwent a three-week high-altitude training at an altitude of 1900 meters. Method: The research method uses …

A207: Ai Era And Sports Equity: A Sociological Perspective, Jieqi Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on sports equity and inclusion, focusing on its use in training, officiating, and talent selection. AI includes technologies like AI-driven training tools and systems, such as VAR. While AI can enhance access to sports resources, it may also worsen existing inequalities. The goal is to examine how AI influences fairness in sports and promotes inclusion, particularly in university sports, while considering its effects on athlete development, decision-making, and fan engagement across social groups. A qualitative approach was used to examine AI in university sports. Participants include sports students, faculty, coaches, and …

A225: Applications Of Digitalization, Ai, And Big Data In Sports Science Research And Practice, Yixiao Zhang, Yue Xu, Zhihua Yin

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The rapid advancement of digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data has revolutionized various industries. In the field of sports and exercise science, these technologies provide comprehensive insights into athlete performance, injury prevention, and personalized training (Smith & Johnson, 2022; Lee, 2021). However, the benefits and applications of these technologies in sports and exercise science remain understudied. Therefore, this study provides a systematic literature review of the impact and applications of digitization, AI, and big data in sports and exercise science. The search strategy followed the PEO framework and the PRESS checklist. Five databases were used for searching: ACM Digital …

A232: The Voice-Inclusive Physical Education Class: Primary School Physical Education Teaching Mode Under New Curriculum Standards, Qing Luan

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Current physical education classes in primary schools face a lot of challenges, such as the low student participation, a dull class environment, and a lack of students’ voice, which has a negative impact on teaching effect and students’ physical and mental health. This study employed the action research method to organize the physical education classes in primary school based on the New Curriculum Standards. The study encouraged primary school students to actively express their understanding and feelings about physical education activities and guided them to enthusiastically participate in the design of teaching content and activities to construct the “voice-inclusive” physical …

A234: The Challenge Of Physical Education Teachers In Primary And Secondary Schools, Ning Li, Jialin Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical health in primary and secondary schools is the foundation for students' comprehensive development, and school sports are an important way to promote students' physical health. The implementation effect of school physical education largely depends on the professional competence and educational ability of physical education teachers. The problems faced by physical education teachers in the new era: the number and structure of physical education teachers; Challenges in teaching philosophy and abilities; The conflict between teaching pressure and the system; the disconnect between professional competence and training needs. Countermeasure: Optimize the construction of the physical education teacher team; Promote the reform …

A021: Analysis Of The Impact Of Ski Diagonal Stride Technique On Rehabilitation Treatment Effects, Xinming Tang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The ski diagonal stride technique is a crucial component in cross-country skiing, engaging complex muscle coordination, enhancing cardiopulmonary function, and improving balance. In the realm of rehabilitation, traditional methods often face limitations. This study is dedicated to exploring how the physiological factors associated with this technique affect the rehabilitation treatment outcomes. By doing so, it aims to optimize rehabilitation strategies and ultimately enhance patients' physical capabilities and quality of life. Method: Eighty patients between the ages of 30 and 60, all in need of lower-limb rehabilitation, were evenly distributed into an experimental group and a control group. The experiment was …

A036: “The Champion Gene” Actn3 And Cold Adaptation: An Environmental Regression Model And Systematic Review, Mingrui Wang, Mi Zhou, Jianchun Weng, Longtianjiao Liu, Xiaoyu Jiang, Lijun Shi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) genetic polymorphism is a significant research topic in sports genetics, with the XX genotype exhibiting a marked geographical gradient in different populations worldwide. The frequency of the XX genotype is notably higher in cold, high-latitude regions compared to tropical areas (e.g., Sweden 25%, Russia 14.2%, while Kenya 1%). These phenomena suggest that the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism may be closely related to cold adaptation. This study aims to analyze the evolutionary mechanisms, molecular regulation, and potential application of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in winter sports talent selection. Using the genomic database Ensemble and the WWF terrestrial ecoregion …

A053: Research On Adolescent Obesity Experience, Zhenfei Zhu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health challenge. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) identified obesity as a global health priority in 2018, it has evolved from an individual concern to a medical condition requiring intervention, with profound implications for both individuals and society. Adolescent obesity is intricately linked to various aspects of health, including social, emotional, behavioral, and cultural dimensions. There is a notable lack of qualitative research on obesity experiences in China. Conducting qualitative studies to explore the life experiences, motivations, and physical activity patterns of students can deepen …

Analysis Of Lake Toba Ecoliteracy In High School Students, Jesika Aurelia Sianipar, B Manurung, Martina Asiati Napitupulu, Abdul Hakim Daulae

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

The Lake Toba ecosystem is currently experiencing increasingly worsening quality degradation, so that instilling environmental awareness through ecoliteracy has become urgent in the world of education. This study aims to measure the ecoliteracy abilities of students at High School 1 Ajibata and High School 2 Balige by reviewing three main aspects: cognitive, affective, and behavioral. Additionally, it will analyze the differences in ecoliteracy levels between the two schools. The type of research used is ex post facto with a quantitative approach. Data were collected through test instruments for the cognitive aspect and questionnaires for the affective and behavioral aspects. The …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Delivery Of Trauma-Informed Services To Hospital-Based Clients Ot, Frank Czuba

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Hospitalization can traumatize clients and impact overall health outcomes, leading to increased hospital readmission rates and resulting in a negative impact for both clients and providers. Limited information exists regarding how hospital-based occupational therapists evaluate and address trauma, even though incorporating trauma-informed principles into professional practice can enhance the occupational therapy process. The study explored the comprehension and perceived significance of trauma-informed tenets among occupational therapists delivering services in hospital-based settings. A quantitative research study with an exploratory design was implemented to explore how occupational therapists (OT) understand and utilize trauma-informed practices with their clients in a hospital setting. An …

Dataset: The Impact Of External Resource Use On The Validity Of Score Interpretation For A Biology Concept Assessment Administered Out-Of-Class, Tiffany J. Burgess, Crystal Uminski, Gia Alicea, Brian A. Couch

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Instructors use concept assessments to gauge student knowledge and guide course improvement. Many instructors experience time and logistical constraints around administering these assessments in class. For this reason, administering concept assessments outside of class can help increase feasibility. While previous studies have cautioned that the use of external resources (e.g., internet, course notes, peers) in the out-of-class setting may inflate assessment scores, the extent to which undergraduate students access various resources when completing concept assessments is unknown. The current study uses two survey question formats to better understand whether students engage with external resources when taking a biology concept assessment …

From Fog To Function: An Occupational Therapist's Guide To Evaluating And Treating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments, Lauren E. Toner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Cancer – related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common side effect of cancer treatment that interferes with cancer survivors’ occupational performance, independence, and quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, CRCI remains under recognized and inconsistently addressed within oncology care. About 70% of individuals diagnosed with cancer report cognitive changes during or after treatment, yet many do not receive treatment. Occupational therapists are clinically trained to evaluate and treat functional cognition, activities of daily activities, instrumental activities of daily living, and client centered goals, positioning them as key providers in addressing CRCI. However, limited occupational therapy specific resources have hindered …

From Intention To Enactment: Action Planning And Habit Automaticity Distinguish Successful From Unsuccessful Intenders To Engage In Regular Leisure-Time Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity, Yaogang Han, Yubing Wang, Pan Li, Binn Zhang

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

University students often intend to exercise regularly but fail to translate intention into action. The present study tested which post-intentional processes distinguish successful from unsuccessful intenders in self-reported regular leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) enactment. Chinese undergraduates from 10 universities completed a three-wave survey administered at roughly two-week intervals. Habit automaticity was assessed at Wave 1, intention together with action planning and coping planning at Wave 2, and self-reported regular-exercise status at Wave 3. Because the dependent variable was assessed using a single stage-based self-report item, the findings should be interpreted as explaining self-reported regular-exercise status rather than objectively measured …

Factors Affecting Diet Selection In Sheep Fed Endophyte-Infected Toxic Fescue, Jordan Thomas, Ronelson Stinfil, Kenneth P. Coffey, Christine C. Nieman, Derico Setyabrata, Shawna Weimer

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) infected with toxin‑producing fungi can induce fescue toxicosis in grazing ruminants, reducing performance and altering forage intake. Chemical compounds in red clover (Trifolium pratense), such as biochanin A, have been proposed to mitigate these effects by improving palatability and blood vessel relaxation. This study examined whether the inclusion of ground red clover (GRC), either alone or in combination with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), affected voluntary diet selection in lambs offered toxic fescue. Thirty‑three lambs were housed individually and assigned randomly to one of four diets: (1) toxic …

Interest, Self-Efficacy, And Belonging In Classroom Learning, K. Ann Renninger, Lux K. Barton , '21, Gia Bautista , '23, Mary Garcia-Barrios , '24, Iyinoluwa Ogunyinka , '24, Kathryn R. Riley

Educational Studies Faculty Works

Students’ interest, self-efficacy, and belonging are considered essential for classroom learning, as each has been shown to promote sustained engagement and school achievement. However, our review of the literature suggested that research on interest, self-efficacy, and belonging is largely siloed. To address practitioner questions about supporting classroom learning by working with the three variables, we added a mixed-method pilot study to the review process. Pilot participants were Black, middle-school-age youth living in a low-income community, who were enrolled in a five-week, inquiry-informed science workshop facilitated by a Black professor. Findings showed that during learning, interest, self-efficacy, and belonging were increasingly …

Course Revision To Enhance Preservice Student Knowledge Of And Engagement Within Collaborative Learning Communities, Emily M. Jones, Oscar Nunez Enriquez, Zack Beddoes, Dan Phelps, Deborah Garrahy

Faculty Publications - Kinesiology and Recreation

This article shares a collaborative approach to refining an upper-level physical education teacher education seminar course. The primary goal of this refinement was to thoughtfully consider the existing course structure, content, and relevance to the evolving needs of schools. The approved course content focused on sociopolitical issues in education, strategies to navigate the complexities of professional roles in schools, and the transition into the teaching workforce. Through this process, the use of professional learning communities (PLCs) was considered as a viable approach to support preservice teachers’ learning and engagement in course content. Furthermore, by embedding PLCs into the course, the …

First-Job Contract Review Cheat Sheet, Johanna Jones-Morris, Ashlee Martellacci

Teaching and Learning Resources

This cheat sheet helps first-time employees understand what to review before signing an employment contract. It highlights job duties, compensation, scheduling, employment terms, benefits, restrictive clauses, worker classification, and common red flags so that individuals can ask informed questions and recognize potentially unfair or unclear terms.

Eat With Understanding: A Um Student Guide To Food Systems, James Deacon, Cora Johnson, Lucas Dymit, Kaeli Rackham, Elsie Danyo

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

The industrialized food system creates environmental harm, reduces food sovereignty, and contributes to growing food insecurity. These problems oftentimes are overlooked in higher education. To address this gap, our project examines how access to sustainable food education and campus-community partnerships can improve well-being and informed decision-making amongst University of Montana students. This collaborative project connects partners within UM Wellness, PEAS Farm, the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center, and the Big Sky Culinary Institute. Our research includes applied learning with these organizations by hosting a variety of speaker series presentations and coordinating a cooking workshop. We collected quantitative and qualitative …

Examining Any Differences Between Genders’ Activity Levels During Recess, Kara M. Wells

2026 Honors Symposium

Physical activity in children is significant for all aspects of their development, including cognitive, physical, emotional, and social aspects. Recess is important for children to be given a designated time to exercise and get physical activity. For some children, recess is the only time they get to exercise in a day. This study aims to examine differences in activity levels between genders at Leverett Elementary School. It is important to know if there is a disparity between boys and girls at recess, so that educators, parents, and administrators can work to bridge any gaps and ensure that all kids are …

Between The Rails: Experiential Education And Its Impact On Compliance And Consistency In Racetrack Surface Management, Heather Mackenzie

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

Recent regulatory requirements within the Thoroughbred racing industry have increased expectations for consistent collection and reporting of racetrack surface data. Despite clear standards, implementation in daily operations remains inconsistent, highlighting a gap between regulation, knowledge, and practice. This study examined the impact of an experiential education curriculum on racetrack personnel’s self-efficacy and reporting consistency.

Using a quantitative design, data were collected through pre- and post-surveys measuring self-efficacy and records of the number of days surface data were entered. Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, and effect size analyses were used. Results showed a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy (p < .001) with large effect sizes, indicating meaningful gains in confidence and comfortability. Reporting consistency did not show a statistically significant change (p = .885).

Overall, experiential education …

Sae For All: Curriculum Guide, Emily Carpenter

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Faculty Publications

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is a critical component of agricultural education, designed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. The SAE for All model ensures that every student participates in meaningful experiential learning tailored to their interests and career goals. By integrating SAE into the curriculum, students develop technical skills, career readiness competencies, and an understanding of real-world agricultural applications. This guide includes a teaching plan and a comprehensive set of assignments.

Balancing Inquiry Based Learning And Direct Instruction, Sharon Liu , '26

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

No abstract provided.

From Needs To Action: Designing Inclusive Writing Workshops For Academics, S. Alison Bolling, Julie Hicks Patrick

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

Being productive in academic writing is a critical component of success for graduate students and faculty, yet many scholars report persistent barriers that interfere with successful writing (Kaslow et al., 2025, Sweet et al., 2017). Few faculty and graduate students receive formal training on the art of writing and those who have attended writing programs vary in success (Dankoski et al., 2012). The present study reports results from multiple institutions to inform workshops on writing needs of graduate students, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars.

Data was collected online through a Qualtrics survey distributed by WVU listserv. Participants (N = 26) included …

Interacting With Ideas: How To Engage Stem Students In Active Learning Of Theory Using Technology, Jessica Elizabeth Whitney, Keith Brian Morris

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Concurrent Session Papers

STEM education in the modern age has been subject to much reform – from the integration of technology to an emphasis on student-centered teaching strategies, such as active learning. However, in the wake of virtual and blended-learning environments, student engagement and teacher assessment of student success have been challenged. Tools such as KAHOOT! and iClicker have been promoted to foster an active learning environment while sometimes falling short in regards to student retention of course material. In light of this technological educational revolution, instructors need to be able to determine the most effective tools for their discipline to aid in …

Research In Progress. Why Physiology Feels Hard: Supporting The Transition To Self-Directed Learning In Post-Secondary Physiology, Jaelyn Zoe Rohrbaugh, Mark Paternostro

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

Physiology is widely recognized as one of the most challenging courses for STEM students. Contributing factors include the discipline’s inherent complexity, instructional methods, and student preparedness, with both faculty and students identifying the nature of the discipline as the primary challenge. Many undergraduates enter college having experienced predominantly teacher-directed, pedagogical instruction, whereas success in college-level physiology requires self-directed, andragogical learning strategies. We hypothesize that students’ difficulties arise more from a lack of self-directed learning skills than from content complexity alone. To investigate this, we administered an anonymous survey to 340 students spanning freshman to professional levels, achieving a 93% completion …

Bringing Real Research Into Large-Enrollment Biology Labs, Katrina Klugh Stewart, Mathilda Corbett

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

Hundreds of WVU students in a large-enrollment introductory biology laboratory course (BIOL 115L) participated in an authentic research experience through the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE) Project. This national crowdsourced research initiative engages students in generating environmental DNA data to identify potential antibiotic resistance hotspots. For the Fall 2025 semester, we designed a multi-week lab module to implement a cost-effective, scalable version of the PARE model suitable for a course serving approximately 900 students annually.

The three-week sequence integrates core scientific practices, including hypothesis generation, field sampling, DNA extraction, PCR amplification of antibiotic resistance genes, gel electrophoresis, …

Dataset: Participation Versus Points: Examining The Impact Of Grading Conditions On Student Resource Use During An Out-Of-Class Biology Concept Assessment, Tiffany J. Burgess, Crystal Uminski, Brian A. Couch

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Instructors use concept assessments to collect diagnostic information regarding student learning and to inform decisions surrounding instructional interventions and course modifications. Administering concept assessments out-of-class helps preserve already limited instructional time, but instructors still must consider whether to apply a lower-stakes (i.e., participation) versus higher-stakes (i.e., correctness) grading scheme. An increase in stakes is likely to prompt additional effort, but it may also increase undesired behaviors and inadvertently prompt external resource use, such as students leveraging their notes, the internet, or their peers. In the present study, we compared student self-reported resource use on a biology concept assessment administered under …

Letter From The Faculty Editor, Beth Kegley

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.