Nanobodies (Nb) are small proteins derived from the variable region of heavy chain only antibodies of camelids. Nbs can be used as therapeutics and in diagnostics as they can be engineered for high target affinity and their size means they can penetrate tissues more effectively. They can also be produced in E. coli and are therefore cheaper and easier to produce than monoclonal antibodies. Recently, a nanobody degrader was developed that utilizes a miniprotein to deliver a nanobody attached to an E3 adaptor to recruit ubiquitin ligase. The Nb recognizes a target and directs it for degradation. NB91 is a high-affinity PRL3 nanobody previously developed. We are using it to construct a cell permeable degrader that can be used against PRL3 as an alternative to small molecule inhibitors. PRL3 is an established target for various cancers and a PRL3 degrader can be developed for clinical applications.
The purpose of the study was to examine whether instruction on underlying component articulation skills using video models, discrimination training, and TAGteaching can improve the dialect of spoken Spanish in non-native Spanish speakers. Results showed that all three participants improved their articulation and even had growth in sounds non-targeted for intervention.
ABA renewal is a treatment relapse phenomenon in which previously extinguished target behavior recurs upon returning to a familiar context. In renewal, a target response may receive reinforcement in an original context, referred to as Context A, but is extinguished in a separate context, referred to as Context B. Despite extinction, rates of target responding may be observed when the individual is returned to Context A. One method to mitigate renewal is to increase similarity between contexts by programming stimuli across both Contexts A and B. The current investigation had 31 college undergraduate students participate in a three-phase ABA renewal arrangement implementing differential reinforcement of alternative responses in a translational preparation. The results replicated previous research observing ABA renewal phenomena despite differential reinforcement and further observed that renewal may be less robust and more variable when stimuli are programmed using eye-tracking software.
krandall@georgiasouthern.edu, College of Behavioral and Social Science
Dr. Randall is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level and Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University. She earned a Master’s of Education degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. She earned a doctoral degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from... Read More →
West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne vector diseases in the U.S., primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes and maintained in bird reservoirs. It often presents with central nervous system symptoms such as encephalitis, meningitis, seizures, and altered mental status, with no FDA-approved treatment beyond supportive care. This study examined the prevalence of neuroinvasive WNV (nWNV) in New York State from 1999 to 2023, analyzing its distribution across counties classified as Atlantic Ocean (AO)-bordered, Great Lakes (GL)-bordered, or landlocked (LL). Using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with a Poisson distribution, twelve counties, including Bronx, Nassau, and Queens, showed significant associations with nWNV cases (p < 0.01). AO counties had the highest susceptibility compared to GL (β = -2.74, p < 2×10⁻¹⁶) and LL counties (β = -4.11, p < 2×10⁻¹⁶). These findings emphasize the role of standing water in disease transmission and the need for increased public health awareness.
Discrete-trial teaching (DTT), a restricted-operant teaching arrangement, and frequency-building instruction (FBI), a free-operant teaching arrangement, represent two instructional strategies derived from operant conditioning. Researchers and practicing behavior analysts have used both to establish and firm up novel stimulus-behavior relations. Despite the effectiveness of both procedures, few studies have compared the two techniques and assessed the effects on the emergence of fluent responding. The current study extends the research to typically developing college students to directly compare DTT and FBI. We taught participants the numerals 0-10 in unknown foreign languages (i.e., Mandarin, Arabic, and Hindi) using both procedures. Under both conditions, we held constant the number of practice trials and frequency of reinforcement. Results found quicker acquisition under restricted-operant conditions for all participants, though none of the participants met the desired frequency aim prior to the end of the study. We discuss the results of the study in the context of planning for learning across three stages of learning.
Accurately predicting consumer purchasing behavior is a cornerstone of effective inventory management and targeted marketing strategies. The rapid evolution of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), combined with unprecedented access to high-quality, real-time consumer data, has paved the way for more sophisticated and precise predictive models. Leveraging these advancements, this research focuses on developing a cutting-edge predictive model utilizing Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks to assess the likelihood of consumer purchases with high accuracy. Our approach involves analyzing intricate behavioral patterns by tracking a consumer's sequence of interactions leading up to a purchase—or abandonment—using real-world data from an online shopper purchasing intention dataset. By capturing the temporal dependencies within consumer actions, LSTM models enable us to decode subtle decision-making patterns and anticipate purchasing intent with greater precision.
This study investigates how the progression of a collegiate academic school level could affect academic performance and how the severity of the level of problematic substance use alters the college student’s academic outcome. Previous studies observed that the effects of problematic substance use included negative impacts on cognitive functioning and academic performance. Our findings suggest that academic performance generally improves as students advance through their collegiate years, with a noticeable improvement between the sophomore and junior years. This increase is likely due to developing more effective study habits and time management skills. On the other hand, academic performance was found to be lower among students reporting higher levels of problematic substance use. As substance use severity increased, academic performance, including GPA, tended to decline. These results highlight the need for early identification of substance use issues and intervention to support students’ academic success.
While research on social media use has been extensive, the effects of selfie photo editing remain under examined, particularly regarding racial differences. McGovern et al. (2022) highlighted the need for further research, as most studies have relied on predominantly Caucasian samples. The current study examines racial differences in photo investment and editing behaviors among American college students. This study uses an online Qualtrics survey in which the participants take the The Revised Photo Investment Scale, Revised Self-Photo Manipulation Scale, Body Surveillance subscale of the Objectified Body Conscious Scale, and the Revised Physical Appearance Comparison Scale. Preliminary findings indicate that Caucasian females engage in more self-photo manipulation than African American females, particularly in facial and body modifications. However, no significant racial differences were found in photo investment. Data collection is ongoing, now including male participants, and further analysis will explore factors that may influence racial differences in photo editing behaviors.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Traditional treatments, such as medication and behavioral therapy, have shown varying degrees of success, but the potential benefits of alternative therapies like meditation are gaining attention. This study explores the impact of meditation on ADHD treatment through the analysis of EEG (electroencephalogram) signals. By examining changes in brainwave patterns during and after meditation sessions, we aim to understand how meditation may influence cognitive functions commonly affected by ADHD. Preliminary findings suggest that meditation may enhance attention, reduce hyperactivity, and increase mental focus, as evidenced by altered EEG activity, particularly in the theta and alpha frequency bands. These results imply that meditation could serve as a complementary tool in managing ADHD symptoms, offering a non-pharmacological option for treatment. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and optimize meditation-based interventions.
This presentation looks at how meditation affects autism treatment. We did that by reviewing studies that analyze EEG (Electroencephalography) signal changes in individuals with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Through a literature review, we summarize key findings on how meditation influences brain activity in ASD. The research suggests that meditation can positively change EEG patterns, which may be linked to improvements in focus, emotional balance, and overall well-being. This review helps to organize current knowledge and highlights the need for more research in this area. By presenting these findings, we aim to give a clearer picture of meditation’s role in ASD treatment.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and AI-powered natural language processing (NLP) models, such as ChatGPT and MediSearch, have the potential to improve patient education by providing accessible health information. This study evaluated the readability and similarity of CVD-related responses from ChatGPT Free (GPT-4o mini), ChatGPT Premium (GPT-4o), and MediSearch across three education levels: Lower Secondary, Higher Secondary, and College Graduate. FAQs on CVD were reformatted into user-friendly prompts and entered into each model. Readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Ease Score and Grade Level, while response similarity was analyzed using BERT embeddings with Cosine Similarity. Results showed that readability significantly decreased as education level increased (p<0.001), with ChatGPT Free providing the most accessible responses and MediSearch delivering more complex outputs. ChatGPT models demonstrated greater similarity to each other than to MediSearch. These findings emphasize the need for improved AI-driven medical communication tools.
Traditional nonverbal cues like pitch and pupil dilation are increasingly unreliable, especially for nuanced communication like sarcasm. This study investigates gestural cues in sarcasm perception building on prior research that identifies the mouth and eyes as crucial. Sarcasm, prevalent yet potentially difficult to detect may benefit from nonverbal cues. We hypothesized that participants would better discern speaker intent with both audio and visual, and that eyes and mouth would be primary cues in video-only conditions. Undergraduate participants viewed videos from the RISC database, with or without audio, and identified speaker intent (literal, humor, sarcasm, white lie). They then reported which gestural cues aided their perception: eyes, mouth, eyebrows, etc. Eye-tracking technology was used to validate self-reported cues. We anticipate eye tracking data will support self-reported findings.
This review examines ultrasound elastography’s role in improving breast lesion detection and cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer is a major health concern, making early detection essential. Traditional imaging methods, like mammography and conventional ultrasound, have limitations, often leading to unnecessary biopsies. Ultrasound elastography, a non-invasive technique assessing tissue stiffness, aids in distinguishing malignant from benign lesions. By measuring tissue response to mechanical stress, elastography enhances diagnostic accuracy and reduces unnecessary procedures.
This review explores current research on elastography’s benefits and limitations. Studies suggest combining it with conventional ultrasound improves lesion characterization and diagnostic confidence. Future research should refine techniques, integrate machine learning, and conduct large-scale trials to validate effectiveness. Advancing elastography in breast cancer imaging could significantly enhance early detection and patient outcomes. Continued research and technological development are needed to maximize its potential.
Camp Blue Skies was created to provide an enriching camp experience for adults with developmental disabilities, such as individuals with Williams Syndrome. Campers can socialize, learn, and have fun through various recreational and skill-building activities. Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects development, causing strong social and verbal skills but challenges with cognitive function, social boundaries, and spatial reasoning. Volunteers play an essential role in the success of camp operations and enhancing the campers’ experience. As students studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, we will reflect on our service-learning experience supporting campers with Williams Syndrome to highlight observed communication challenges and personal insights. Ultimately, we will discuss effective communication strategies and interventions to assist this population and those who interact with them.
Air pollution is a growing risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet its impact on cardiovascular mortality in Georgia remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between air quality and cardiovascular-related death rates across Georgia counties. Using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data, we will analyze yearly average Air Quality Index (AQI) values from 2019-2021 and compare them to age-adjusted cardiovascular mortality rates (ages 35+) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Counties will be categorized into low-, moderate-, and high-pollution groups based on AQI percentiles, and regression analyses will assess air pollution as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. Adjustments will be made for demographic and socioeconomic factors, including income, smoking, obesity, and healthcare access. By mapping trends at the county level, this study aims to provide data-driven insights to inform public health policies and environmental regulations to reduce air pollution-related cardiovascular deaths in Georgia.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) is an overlooked plant native to Southeastern Georgia that has commercial uses like brewing tea. It is well-established that plant-microbial relationships are beneficial for plant health and resilience. Here, I will characterize the bacteria types present in Yaupon Holly roots. DNA was extracted from replicate root samples collected from 36 plants subjected to different nutrient levels and shade regimes at Temples Farm, Metter GA. From the DNA, the bacterial 16S rRNA genes were PCR amplified. Gel electrophoresis was performed to confirm the presence of bacterial DNA. Replicate PCRs from the same plant were pooled for Illumina DNA sequencing. 16S sequences will be analyzed to determine whether the bacterial composition varies with shade and nutrient levels. This will be the first study that examines the Yaupon Holly microbiome. This will provide foundational information that could lead to the development of agricultural probiotics to benefit Yaupon farmers.
Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) hatch success (e.g., % eggs that hatch) is lower in Georgia than worldwide. Microbial infection of eggs during incubation is one threat sea turtles face. During deposition, eggs exit the mother’s cloaca, a mucus-lined orifice that also releases digestive waste. The egg surface, therefore, is coated with intestinal microbes that potentially influence egg health. Here, we seek to characterize the bacterial cloacal microbiome composition. Over 10 years, between 2013 and 2023, cloacal mucus was collected by swabbing 19 nesting loggerheads on Wassaw Island, GA. DNA was extracted from swabs and subjected to PCR targeting the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. PCR products were subjected to Illumina-based DNA sequencing. DNA sequences will be analyzed to identify bacterial groups most frequently detected among turtles. Ultimately, this project will lead to a better understanding of the loggerhead microbiome and its contribution to egg health.
The improvement of stability of engineered proteins is an important area of research given the several applications of proteins that require them to be very stable. It is known that there is a generally inverse relationship between protein stability and flexibility. Proteins move around in solution and have intrinsic flexibility, which, in turn, is critical for their functionality. In this way, the relationship between stability, function, and dynamics is very complex, and the underlying principles governing this relationship are yet to be fully elucidated. Engineered, highly stable, homeodomain DNA-binding proteins have been designed to retain their functionality and, in some cases, have higher affinity to their cognate DNA partners than their natural counterparts. This project compares the stability and function of a consensus homeodomain, natural homeodomains, and rationally-designed mutants to lay the foundation for studying the complex relationship among these properties of proteins.
The increasing global prevalence including overweight and obesity during pregnancy presents a significant challenge in managing both healthy pregnancy and smooth delivery. Methods: Odds ratios were used to measure (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) GDM prevalence across BMI (Body Mass Index) categories. The researchers performed a meta-analysis to establish trends in obesity-related GDM risk such as dietary treatment, pharmacologic treatments, and lifestyle changes during pregnancy. Results: Results show a strong link between obesity and the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Metanalyses show that the chance of getting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) goes up significantly with higher (BMI). This supports earlier research that found that being overweight during pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance and other metabolic issues. Conclusion: Pregnant women who are at risk of obesity during pregnancy need to receive individualized interventions for weight management, to protect the health of the baby and the mother.
In penetration testing, efficiently identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities is crucial for effective risk management. Traditional methods often rely on manual assessments or static scoring systems, which can be time-consuming and inconsistent. This research project implements an AI-driven framework that automates vulnerability prioritization and remediation recommendations, enhancing penetration testing efficiency. The system leverages data from the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), processing vulnerabilities based on their Common Vulnerability (CVE) scores and descriptions. It scans a target system and presents the user with a ranked list of the most critical vulnerabilities for immediate attention. Additionally, the tool integrates AI to provide detailed remediation guidance for each identified issue, offering actionable, context-specific advice on mitigation. This powerful dual approach accelerates decision-making, empowering security teams to swiftly neutralize the most critical threats with precision while leveraging expert-driven intelligence for maximum defense effectiveness.
Nanobodies (Nb) are small antigen-recognizing proteins derived from the heavy chains of camelid antibodies. They can be generated by immunization of camelids followed by isolation of competent antibodies and sequencing of the variable domain. High affinity nanobodies are then selected by ELISA or similar techniques. Another strategy is the use of synthetic libraries such as yeast surface display platforms. Using the NbLib platform, we are developing nanobodies that bind the protein tyrosine phosphatase from S. pyogenes, SP-PTP. Our strategy involves enrichment of binding-competent Nbs from the library using magnetic-activated cell sorting followed by identification of high-affinity nanobodies by ELISA. These Nbs can be used as inhibitors of SP-PTP, a virulence factor in S. pyogenes, or as tools to probe their roles inside the bacteria or host cells.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid carcinoma. Its appearance differs depending on the variant present and the imaging modality utilized. The multiple modalities to diagnose and treat PTC, include computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), and nuclear medicine. A combination of imaging modalities is often used throughout the course of evaluation, treatment, and management. Ultrasound and CT are often used to aid in the diagnosis of PTC, while nuclear medicine, thermal ablation, and surgical resection are forms of treatment. Due to the many possible pathways for the combined diagnosis and treatment of PTC, additional research is required to determine the most effective imaging modality or combination of imaging modalities for PTC cases. Optimal treatment plans for different variants of PTC after initial diagnosis is another area in need of further exploration.
Polyaspartic acid (PAA) is a biodegradable polymer synthesized from the naturally occurring amino acid, aspartate. PAA is widely used in crop production as a biostimulant, and studies have reported that it enhances plant growth and yield. However, the mechanisms of PAA mode of action, its dynamics and degradation in soil and plant systems remain poorly understood. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of polymer size on plant growth using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition, we will look into the dynamics of PAA in the growing media, its interaction with plant roots and how this influences plant growth. To address this objective, plants will be grown in agar-based media under sterile conditions with continuous lighting. The plants will be treated with PAA of different lengths, specifically 14,000 and 27,000 Da and growth parameters will be assessed. The expected results will provide insights into PAA’s role in nutrient acquisition and its potential applications in crop production systems.
Although photo editing has been found to correlate with problematic symptoms/experiences, the lack of experimental research hinders a determination of causality. This is an experiment on the effects of selfie editing on evaluation of one’s natural appearance. Undergraduates select a task from an envelope that purportedly contains a range of aesthetic tasks. However, all participants select a task involving selfie taking. Participants rate the attractiveness of their image. Next, they are instructed in the use of FaceTune and are asked to make their image as attractive as possible and then rate its attractiveness. Participants then rate the attractiveness of a series of images in a slideshow, embedded with the unedited or edited selfie. We expect participants’ ratings of the attractiveness of their unedited selfie will decrease after selfie editing. If photo editing causes a decreased appreciation for one’s natural appearance, there is a potential pathway to more lasting effects of appearance dissatisfaction such as seeking of cosmetic procedures.
The protein tyrosine phosphatase from Streptococcus pyogenes, SP-PTP, is an important regulatory protein in this human pathogen. Studies have shown that SP-PTP regulates as much as 50% of genes involved in virulence of S. pyogenes. Because of this, it is important to study its function and interaction with potential inhibitors. Recombinant SP-PTP was expressed in E. coli and purified through affinity and size exclusion chromatography. The phosphatase activity was characterized using a synthetic substrate, para-nitrophenylphosphate. Kinetics parameters were determined by monitoring the production of dephosphorylated substrate. Inhibition by known protein tyrosine phosphatase, sodium orthovanadate, was also characterized. SP-PTP shares a very similar structure with the human low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase, LMW-PTP. As only the open conformations of both are currently available, a vanadate-bound structure will reveal more about the mechanisms of both proteins. Finally, LMW-PTP inhibitors will also be characterized for their potential ability to inhibit SP-PTP.
TAGteach (Teaching with Acoustical Guidance) is an instructional technology that provides learners with immediate feedback to reinforce correct responses during skill acquisition. TAGteach relies on use of an acoustical marker (e.g., a click sound) to signal correct behavior, thereby minimizing or eliminating the need for verbal feedback. By presenting a distinct auditory stimulus to act as a marker, instructors can provide precise and immediate feedback on specific skill components. The purpose of this literature review included systematically examining the existing research on the use of TAGteach for acquiring novel behaviors and skills. We evaluated its effectiveness as an intervention by calculating Tau-U effect sizes and summarized key descriptive variables. Further, we analyzed procedural variations across studies to identify any commonalities and differences in TAGteach implementation. This poster will highlight findings from the review and discuss recommendations for practice/future research.
TAGteach (Teaching with Acoustical Guidance) represents an intervention package that has been found effective for the development of skills in areas such as dance, golf, yoga, and surgical skills. TAGteach simplifies the targeted skill into several steps, called tag points. The instructor states the tagpoint to the learner (e.g., the tagpoint is…) and marks correct responses using an acoustical stimulus that produces a “click” sound. Given that TAGteach represents an intervention package with multiple components, it is unknown whether its effectiveness lies in the complete package or if variations of its components are sufficient for skill acquisition. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare two different variations of the TAGteach intervention by teaching college students how to make origami figures. We aimed to investigate the effects of using the verbal cue (e.g., the tagpoint is…). Findings and implications for practice will be presented.
Resurgence refers to the reemergence of destructive behaviors after an intervention, particularly when an alternative response, learned during treatment, is exposed to worsening conditions. Identifying predictive variables for resurgence, such as impulsivity, is key to reducing its impact. Impulsivity involves choosing smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed ones. Understanding impulsivity’s role in resurgence may guide more effective interventions. This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of a modified Progressive Interval Assessment (PIA) for measuring impulsivity in individuals with developmental disabilities exhibiting problem behaviors. Researchers assessed participants' sensitivity to varying rewards to develop the modified PIA, identifying the breakpoint at which individuals reverted to problem behavior after delays in receiving larger rewards. These breakpoints were examined for their predictive value for resurgence during Functional Communication Training (FCT), which teaches alternative communication responses. A second modified PIA assessed shifts in impulsivity following FCT, contributing to a better understanding of impulsivity as a behavioral marker for resurgence.
krandall@georgiasouthern.edu, College of Behavioral and Social Science
Dr. Randall is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level and Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University. She earned a Master’s of Education degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. She earned a doctoral degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from... Read More →
Procedural extinction in the context of behavioral interventions directly refers to the reduction of problematic behavior. This is achieved by withholding or stopping the reinforcement that the participant’s problem behavior is contingent upon (Iwata et al., 1994). Although there has been research evaluating procedural extinction’s effectiveness and ways to mitigate its known side effects, there is limited research on the social validity of the intervention and how this impacts its application. In the current study, we inquired about clinicians’ experience, perception, and application of extinction across behavioral health settings. This was done initially by replicating and extending survey instruments and procedures to accurately gather data from responding clinicians (Roscoe et al.). In addition, we asked the survey pool and a wider audience to participate in a choice-based task to determine the likelihood of selecting an extinction behavior reduction intervention versus a non-extinction-based reduction intervention with delays to efficacy.
krandall@georgiasouthern.edu, College of Behavioral and Social Science
Dr. Randall is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level and Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University. She earned a Master’s of Education degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. She earned a doctoral degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from... Read More →
Functional communication training (FCT) is a function based intervention which increases communication responses that functionally replace abhorrent behaviors. The intervention utilizes differential reinforcement of alternative response procedures to establish alternative responses as a treatment for severe problem behaviors. FCT can involve a variety of communication topographies, and has been implemented with individuals diagnosed with various developmental disabilities. FCT pre-training, the initial training phase, involves placing abhorrent behavior on extinction while using various prompting methods to establish the functional communication response (FCR) in the individual’s repertoire. Establishment of the FCR in the initial phase is critical for response generalization, and maintenance. In a systematic review of behavior analytic literature FCT is commonly used as an alternative response intervention, however much of the literature does not sufficiently report on FCT Pre-training. Literature review findings, implications for future research, and grounds for future research are to be discussed.
krandall@georgiasouthern.edu, College of Behavioral and Social Science
Dr. Randall is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level and Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University. She earned a Master’s of Education degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. She earned a doctoral degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from... Read More →
Social networking sites (SNS) like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have been integrated into Americans' lives and facilitated social engagement, leading to self-presentation effects where individuals emphasize desirable versions of themselves. The rise of photo editing applications reflect this desire for ideal self-representation. McGovern et al. (2022) highlighted the need to study the effects of social media usage and photo editing on identity and self-image, suggesting research be conducted on the relationship between photo investment, manipulation behaviors, and variables like appearance dissatisfaction, body surveillance, and perfectionism. This study utilized a revised Self-Photo Manipulation Scale to explore correlations between various editing behaviors and potential correlates, including concerns about body size and facial appearance. Findings are expected to reveal significant gender differences and also relationships between photo investment and editing and issues such as body surveillance, physical appearance comparisons and dissatisfaction, and perfectionism, ultimately aiding in developing effective interventions for photo editing behaviors.
Despite studies showing the benefits to mentored trainees, particularly women, minorities, and non-traditional students often find their voices overlooked in larger student bodies, and their specific needs are not always addressed by traditional programs, limiting their full potential. This has contributed to their underrepresentation in surgical specialties, especially otolaryngology (ENT). This study is survey and interview-based, involving residents and faculty across various otolaryngology programs, in which their responses will be analyzed to identify patterns that define valuable mentorship experiences. Five preliminary themes have emerged, with "Communication," "Connection Outside the Workplace," and "Similarities Matter but Aren't Everything" being the most recurring and impactful. All participants shared that they were both informal mentors and mentees, and they emphasized the value of mentorship in both their personal and academic life at all stages.
Losing a parent during adolescence is an emotional experience shaped by social factors like family support, community resources, and financial stability. Adolescence is already a time of major change, and parental loss can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and academic struggles. However, not all teens experience grief in the same way. Access to financial and emotional resources, such as supportive families, schools, and communities, may help adolescents cope better. Teens in under-resourced areas often struggle due to fewer financial resources and trouble accessing mental health care. Grief is not just a personal struggle; this literature review examines the social factors influencing grieving and healing. Improving access to resources can help ensure that all grieving adolescents receive the support they need.
This study investigates how intertidal Spartina alterniflora terrestrial arthropods community diversity changes with zonation from the terrestrial saltmarsh edge to the aquatic edge. There will be three 10-meter transects at both sites (Butterbean Beach and Priest Landing) running parallel to the water line: one in the middle of the Spartina patch, one on the higher edge of the patch as it transitions into a terrestrial habitat, and one on the lower edge of the Spartina patch which transitions into an aquatic habitat. Specimens will be sampled along these transects twice using sweep-nets at low tide, and weather conditions (temperature, clouds, wind) will be measured to try and keep conditions consistent between samples. The specimens will be used to measure species richness, abundance, and diversity between transects and sites.
Recent data suggests a concerning increase in mental health challenges among college students. Untreated mental health conditions can have significant negative consequences on college students’ lives such as poor academic performance, hindered social relationships, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of substance abuse. Yoga may offer a potential option to help tackle mental health problems among college students. TAGteach (Teaching with Acoustical Guidance) offers an intervention package that has been shown to improve performance in areas of sports and athletic activities. The current study systematically replicated Ennett and colleagues (2020) by examining the effects of TAGteach to teach beginner yoga poses to college students. We compared two error-correction procedures: standard TAGteach and TAGteach with reduced practice, to assess the impact on skill acquisition, maintenance, and generalization. This presentation will discuss results and provide practical recommendations for applying TAGteach within health and wellness programs, as well as provide directions for future research.
