JSU Student Symposium 2024

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  Contextualizing of an Elegy Misinterpreted: A New Historicist Take on "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky"

  Daniel Rich

  Literary critics, in analyzing works of literature, can make judgements on texts’ meanings that greatly influence readers’ perceptions. Stephen Crane’s “The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky,” (1898), originally published in McClure’s Magazine, is a well-known American short story, yet it is often misinterpreted by such critics. Failing to analyze the text through a New Historicist lens – involving examining the historical period a piece was written in and even the life of the author of a work – many critics have found Crane’s piece to merely be a humorous evaluation of American western life. However, through examining external factors outside of the narrative itself, the piece reveals itself as one that asks readers to mourn the passing of the Old West.

  A New Historicist analysis providing often overlooked insight, my presentation, “An Elegy Misinterpreted” reveals how Crane’s work portrays its Western characters as unable to stand in the way of industrial and entrepreneurial change and reflects the historical shift that occurred in the American West. Examining primary and secondary sources regarding the disappearance of the frontier line and growing entrepreneurship in Texas during the late nineteenth-century, my presentation evaluates how such changes effected perceptions of the West and resulted in the creation of a countermyth. Just as vital, I explore how Stephen Crane’s real-life trip westward shaped his ideology and future writings. This examination, using historical truth to interpret a classic piece of American literature, demonstrates the importance of evaluating more than just a text’s narrative.

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  2024 JSU Student Symposium Proceedings

  Shannon Robertson

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  Psychopathy, Machiavellianism, Aggression, and Moral Taboos

  Katherine Robles, Kayleigh Forehand, Richard Sheffield, Rachel Powell, Haley Helms, and Harley Fields

  In the past decade there has been an increased interest in exploring the intricate dimensions of dark personality traits, including psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and sadism and their implications for personality disorders and psychological dysfunction (Curtis et al., 2022; Muris et al., 2017). Researchers have found that those higher in these traits are more likely to have related personality disorders (e.g., anti-social personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder) while concurrently grappling with challenges in interpersonal relationships and moral decision making (Glenn et al., 2009; Graham & Haidt, 2012; Kiehl, 2008). In the current study, we collected data from over 150 undergraduate college students to examine the correlational relationship between two prominent dark traits, psychopathy and Machiavellianism using the Dirty Dozen and SD-4 measures of dark traits (Jonason & Webster, 2010; Paulhus et al., 2021), and self-reports of physical, verbal, and indirect aggression using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (Buss & Perry, 1992). The study further investigates participants’ decisions regarding the monetary value they would associate with violating a spectrum of moral taboos, using the Sacredness Scale (Graham et al., 2009). We hypothesize that college-aged students higher in Machiavellianism will be inclined to assign a lower monetary value to the violation of moral taboos, and students higher in psychopathy are expected to self-report engaging in more aggressive behaviors across the three domains. The integration of these diverse measures allows for a comprehensive examination of the nuanced connections between dark personality traits, aggressive tendencies, and moral decision-making processes in the context of young adulthood. By shedding light on these associations, this study not only contributes to the evolving research on dark personality traits but also holds implications for understanding and addressing potential challenges in the developmental trajectories of young adults. These findings may inform targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the negative consequences associated with these traits, ultimately fostering healthier social interactions and ethical decision-making in this demographic.

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  Ashwagandha in Sports: Investigating Its Impact on Physical Performance and Athletic Enhancement

  Skylar Roy

  The herb Ashwagandha, recognized for its adaptogenic properties and stress-mitigating capabilities, has garnered scientific interest for its prospective role in augmenting physical performance in healthy cohorts. This study presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of extant clinical trials to elucidate the potential ergogenic effects of Ashwagandha supplementation. A rigorous selection process yielded 13 studies that met predefined criteria, each examining the impact of Ashwagandha on various performance indices. Although one study was excluded from the quantitative synthesis, the combined analysis of the residual data demonstrated promising outcomes.

  The integrity of the research was underscored by an overall low-to-moderate risk of bias across the included studies, lending credence to the findings. Employing advanced statistical techniques, the analysis scrutinized the efficacy of Ashwagandha in enhancing multiple dimensions of physical performance, including muscular strength, power output, cardiorespiratory endurance (VO₂max), and fatigue recovery intervals. The comparative assessment against placebo groups indicated statistically significant improvements in these key performance parameters attributable to Ashwagandha supplementation.

  In a novel approach to data stratification, participant cohorts were bifurcated based on gender and prior training experience, revealing that the benefits of Ashwagandha supplementation transcended these demographic and experiential divides, manifesting in both genders and across varying levels of athletic training.

  Acknowledging the constraints inherent in empirical research, this study underscores the necessity for future investigative efforts. Subsequent research, particularly those integrating structured training programs and focusing on athletic populations, is imperative to corroborate the preliminary findings and refine the understanding of Ashwagandha's ergogenic potential.

  While preliminary, the current findings are promising and suggest that Ashwagandha, in conjunction with a balanced lifestyle and tailored training regimen, could offer a natural adjunct in the quest for enhanced physical performance. This research represents the inception of a more detailed inquiry into the mechanistic underpinnings of Ashwagandha's influence, the optimization of dosage and regimen for maximal benefit, and the delineation of any attendant side effects.

  This study paves the way for a comprehensive exploration into the full gamut of possibilities this ancient herb presents, heralding a new frontier in natural supplements and their role in sports science and physical conditioning.

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  Paul Celan and the Processes of Survival in Post-Shoah Jewish Writing

  Ari Savage

  Many survivors of the Shoah shared their experiences in creative or analytical writing. By studying these works it is possible to discern a pattern of psychological processes experienced by the survivor after the trauma of the Shoah. They experience alienation, individuation, and later integration, though the specific forms of each vary. By examining the poetry of Paul Celan, one of the pre-eminent German-language lyric poets of the post-Second World War era, one can observe unique manifestations of these processes which demonstrate a broad range of possible experiences, which are especially complex concerning integration. References to Elie Wiesel and Nelly Sachs are provided for context.

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  The State of the Science: Wetland Degradation Worldwide and Its Effect on Herpetofauna Biodiversity

  Jalen Scott

  Wetlands are an important part of aquatic systems due to their natural filtration systems, Carbon sequestration, and their ability to provide habitat for thousands of species, including amphibians. Currently, only 50% of wetlands remain globally and are contributing to the globally unprecedented extinctions of amphibian populations, which are dwindling by 3.79% each year. In order for advancements in further conservation efforts, it is critical to compile a summary of existing information in relation to the link between wetlands and amphibian diversity. This will aid the identification of necessary studies to propel the field forward. Therefore, I evaluated research approaches in published, peer-reviewed papers to summarize the state of the science at a global scale. The methods included using keywords such as ‘wetland restoration’, ‘wetland biodiversity’, and ‘amphibian biodiversity’ to select papers that were subsequently compiled into categories. Wetlands were categorized by wetland type, size, health, and conservation, while amphibians were categorized by diversity indices, population size, and recruiting averages. First, I recorded dates of publication and large-scale geographical region, based on the scientific approaches used (survey, empirical-field, field-hypothesis testing, lab hypothesis-testing and modeling. I later found that most papers included information on wetland type, size, health, and conservation management with respect to wildlife diversity, including amphibians, due to them being excellent indicator species.

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  The Relationship Between Moral Disengagement, Schadenfreude, and the Dark Tetrad

  Richard Sheffield, Rachel Powell, Haley Helms, Katherine Robles, and Kayleigh Forehand

  Moral disengagement happens when normal people circumvent their own moral standards by alleviating themselves of responsibility for harmful behavior or by psychologically removing the moral component from behavior (Bandura, 2016). Schadenfreude goes a step further by finding pleasure in other peoples’ misfortunes, especially when they are perceived to have deserved the misfortune (Greenier, 2018). A step further still are the dark personality traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and especially psychopathy and sadism, in which people find pleasure in others’ both deserved and undeserved pain and suffering (Anderson & Marcus, 2019). In the current study we examined the correlation between moral disengagement, schadenfreude, and the dark tetrad personality traits. Over 150 college students filled out a variety of questionnaires, including The Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale (Moore et al., 2012), which consists of 8 items designed to assess concepts related to moral disengagement such as moral justification, advantageous comparison, displacement of responsibility, etc. Schadenfreude scenarios were created by our research group for use in this study, but were based on those created by Johnson (2021). These consist of short scenarios where someone receives something they deserve (e.g., a mean manager who gets embarrassed in front of his boss) and participants are asked to rate how happy/amused they are by the situation. These take place in the workplace, academics, and the social domain. Finally, the dark tetrad traits were assessed using the SD- 4 (Paulhus et al., 2021). We hypothesize that all of these scales will be moderately to strongly correlated with one another.

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  The Geographical and Historical Influence on the Hymn How Great Thou Art

  Anna Grace Silvey

  NOTE: Video of this presentation is not available.

  This presentation explores the intricate historical, geographical, and cultural influences that have shaped "How Great Thou Art," one of the world's most renowned hymns. This multidisciplinary exploration will trace the hymn's origins from Carl Boberg's Swedish verse to its global recognition, highlighting its journey across continents and its adaptation within various cultural contexts. The presentation will use PowerPoint and video for visual and contextual depth to interweave musicological analysis and geographic mapping to illustrate the hymn's widespread impact. This narrative is enriched by arranging and performing my version of the hymn on the piano, showcasing how these diverse influences have melded into the hymn's enduring legacy, thus providing a unique perspective on the intersection of music, culture, and geography in hymnody.

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  Got Any Plans? How AI Represents Plans Using Hierarchical Task Networks

  Jakob Skipper

  For an artificial intelligence to be able to solve real-world problems, it must be able to represent knowledge about not only the domain in which it is working, but also knowledge about its own approaches that it derives. When these approaches are complex enough to necessitate planning before any action is taken, the AI has to decompose the space of possible solutions into granular tasks and reassemble them into a structure forming the correct path. One method of accomplishing this is through implementing hierarchical task networks, where the network resembles a tree structure with the addition of preconditions allowing non-linear solution paths to be formed as necessary. This presentation will explain the benefits of this form of knowledge representation for planning and describe some of its successful applications in online safety.

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  What Are the Preventative Care and Rehabilitation Techniques for Stress Fractures in Collegiate Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

  Chase Smith

  Context

  The two greatest concerns for stress fractures are the loss of practice and competition time and deconditioning due to physical inactivity. The athletic population is one of the most common to experience this type of injury. While lifetime prevalence within the athletic population is approximately 10% for stress fractures, this number is greatly increased to 21% within the collegiate athlete population. This critically appraised topic examines the preventative care and rehabilitation techniques for stress fractures in collegiate athletes.

  Methods

  A computerized search was conducted in October 2023. The search terms used were “stress fracture”, “bone stress injury”, “medial tibial, stress syndrome”, “prevention”, “rehabilitation”, “return to play”, and “epidemiology”. Electronic databases used were SportsDiscus and PubMed through the Jacksonville State University online library and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria included articles written in the English language, peer reviewed articles, and studies focusing on return to play protocols. Exclusion criteria included articles written before 2003, studies regarding medial tibial stress syndrome, and articles concerning preadolescent and professional athletes. Validity of the selected studies was determined using the PeDRO scale, STROBE scale, and AMSTAR 2 scale. One author independently reviewed the studies, scored each paper, and reviewed the completed appraisals to come to a consensus on the study quality.

  Results

  The literature search retrieved 517 articles and 511 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, resulting in six studies. One article found that athletes with severe stress fractures were more susceptible to longer return to play times. Furthermore, another study found that female athletes suffered prolonged and more painful return to play. In addition, athletes with stress fractures can greatly decrease their return to play time by going through a gradual increase in impact followed by a gradual return to play. Additionally, a study concluded using preventative care such as knowing and individual athlete’s threshold, limiting overuse activity, breaks in an athlete’s schedule, and later starting age in athletics prior to an injury, can decrease the injury's severity.

  Conclusions

  Stress fractures are a common occurrence in collegiate athletes and can interrupt competitive season, whiles have a traumatic effect on practice and competition times. Our critically appraised topic found that the higher the severity of the stress fracture and females have a longer return play time. By using a gradual increase in activity levels and prevention strategies can decrease interruptions in a collegiate athlete’s season and practice times.

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  Graphic Design | Madison Spencer

  Madison Spenser

  Graphic design entry for 2024 Student Symposium -- winning entry.

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  Does the Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis Reduce Post-Surgical Rotational Instability with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: A Critically Appraised Topic

  Rian Stephens

  Context: Anterior cruciate ligament tears have become more common over the past 20-years, with an increase of 12 times the amount of surgical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Athletic individuals are the most at risk for these injuries, as well as re-injury. The lateral extra-articular tenodesis is a surgical procedure that takes a piece of the iliotibial band, looping it under the lateral collateral ligament, and securing it at Gerdy’s tubercle. Therefore, the purpose of this critically appraised topic is to determine whether adding the lateral extra-articular tenodesis to an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction will decrease the amount of rotational instability post-operation.

  Methods: A computerized search was conducted in October 2023. The search terms used were “lateral extra-articular tenodesis,” “anterior cruciate ligament tears,” “rotational instability,” and “rotational instability post-operation.” Electronic databases used were Google Scholar, PubMed, and SportDiscus. Inclusion criteria included articles that were written after 2010 in the English language and articles about anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the addition of the lateral extra-articular tenodesis. Exclusion criteria included studies with cadavers or individuals older than 60 years of age. Validity of the selected studies was determined using the PEDro scale and the COSORT checklist. One author independently reviewed the studies, scored each paper, and reviewed the completed appraisals to come to a consensus on the study quality.

  Results: The literature search retrieved 5,300 total articles and 5,296 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, resulting in four studies. All cited studies used the following special tests: Pivot Shift Test, Lachman Test, and patient-reported outcome measures to determine rotational instability. The results demonstrated that when using the Pivot Shift to assess rotational instability, the lateral extra-articular tenodesis decreased the amount of rotational instability post-operation with 81% of Pivot Shift tests being negative post-operation. When using patient-reported outcome measures, patients reported more pain with the lateral extra-articular tenodesis as compared to an isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

  Conclusions: Patients who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the lateral extra-articular tenodesis demonstrated a decrease in rotational instability post-operatively. Applying this knowledge to the athletic training population can better assist athletic trainers to understand the positive attributes and the inclusion of the lateral extra-articular tenodesis surgical technique will allow athletic trainers to understand if their patient would or would not be a good candidate for the procedure.

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  Too Passionate: The Destructive Nature of Overpowering Emotion

  Callie Stewart

  This paper seeks to analyze how an emotion that is often viewed as positive can be detrimental when it overpowers an individual’s morality. Through the analysis of the characters Madea and Procne, women who murder their children in order to gain revenge against their husbands, and the idea of Orientalism, which seeks to label Eastern people groups as inherently “less than” Western people, passion’s ability to lead to destruction is evident. Because the evidence of overpowering emotion leading to negative consequences spans across both fictional and real-life scenarios, over centuries of time, it is evident that this is an issue that needs to be recognized and addressed. While the positive aspects of deeply felt passion, or any emotion, are not ignored, the potential dangers of allowing emotion to overcome morality are addressed and investigated in this analysis.

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  Predictive Analysis of Health Risk Indicators Using Machine Learning Models and Classification

  Ethan St. John

  In this research project, we aim to perform predictive analysis on the Diabetes Health Indicators Dataset. This dataset contains healthcare statistics and lifestyle survey information about individuals, along with their diagnosis of diabetes. The dataset consists of 27 features, including demographics, lab test results, and survey responses in which the target variable for classification is the health status of each patient, categorized as having diabetes, being pre-diabetic, or being healthy. To conduct predictive analysis on this dataset, we will explore various machine learning algorithms suitable for both categorical and integer feature types. We will preprocess the data by handling missing values, encoding categorical variables, and scaling numerical features if necessary. For the classification task, we will evaluate the performance of algorithms such as logistic regression, decision trees, random forests, and outlosupport vector machines. We will use appropriate evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score to assess the performance of each model by utilizing both Microsoft machine learning studio as well as the coding language R to perform our analysis. To enhance the predictive power of our models, we may also consider feature selection techniques to identify the most relevant features for classification. This will help in reducing dimensionality and improving model efficiency. The results of the predictive analysis provide insights into the factors that contribute to diabetes and pre-diabetes, and help in identifying individuals at risk. This information can be utilized for preventive healthcare interventions and personalized treatment strategies. Overall, this research project aims to leverage the Diabetes Health Indicators Dataset to develop accurate predictive models for classifying individuals' health status based on various demographic, lab test, and survey features. The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the field of healthcare analytics and improve patient care and management.

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  A Review of Freshwater Quantity and Quality Challenges and Effects on the Conservation and Regulatory Needs in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

  Christian Strachan

  The common characteristic of small island developing nations (SIDS) is their socioeconomic and environmental susceptibility to natural catastrophes and climate change. They frequently lack the resources necessary to provide freshwater supply services. As industry, agriculture, and population expansion continue to raise their needs, the present estimate of available water per head of population will gradually decline. Several studies have been conducted, however as of right now, this issue has no known answer. Many islands have no surface water resources and rely on limited groundwater resources in the form of thin freshwater lenses. The purpose of this research is to provide light on this diminishing resource, examine the numerous variables that contribute to its depletion, and determine what must be done to assure a sustainable supply of water.

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  Physical Activity in Epileptic Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic

  Victoria Tillman

  Context: Epilepsy is a brain disorder that is caused by imbalanced electrical rhythms that can result in various seizure types. Signs and symptoms of epilepsy can affect a patient’s physical performance during activities of daily living and sporting events. The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to examine whether physical activity in epileptic patients will increase or decrease the signs and symptoms of seizures.

  Methods: A computerized search was conducted in October 2023. The search terms used were “epilepsy,” “physical activity,” “seizure,” and “sports.” Electronic databases used were PubMed, Medline, JSU Library, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: Articles published between 2009-2023, randomized controlled blind/double-blind trials, systematic reviews, observational studies, meta-analyses, or peer-reviewed articles, and be written in English. Exclusion criteria: Cohort studies, animal models, qualitative studies, or articles published over 15 years ago. Validity of the selected studies was determined using QUADAS, PRISMA, and STROBE scales. One author independently reviewed the studies, scored each paper, and reviewed the completed appraisals to reach a consensus on the study quality.

  Results: The literature search retrieved 375 total articles, and 370 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, resulting in five studies. The included studies determined that physical activity can influence exercise adherence in epileptic patients. Furthermore, one study found that signs and symptoms of epilepsy occurred during exercise, specifically ball games, jogging, and hiking. In addition, another article refers to sudden cardiac death symptoms present in active individuals with epilepsy, could be misdiagnosed as ventricular arrhythmias or arrhythmogenic syncope, which also found sudden unexpected death in epilepsy can be prevented through seizure-management practices. Healthcare providers should take a detailed past and current medical history to support the risk of sudden cardiac death, and regular exercise in persons with epilepsy can provide mood benefits. For example, one study describes how a four-week exercise program in persons with epilepsy improved mental state, social skills, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life (QOL). However, one study concluded that PWE faces barriers to safe and confident exercise, which can negatively impact disease management.

  Conclusions: Persons with epilepsy have been discouraged from participating in contact sports due to an increased risk of fatigue, repeated head injuries, hyperventilation, and metabolism changes because these are common triggers for epilepsy. Epileptic patients can participate in physical activity with decreased signs and symptoms of seizures, but there are prohibited activities, such as scuba diving, motor vehicle riding, and rock climbing. Healthcare providers should obtain medical history to educate their epileptic patients, as regular exercise can benefit mood, reduce the risk of disease, manage weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve cardiovascular function. Persons with epilepsy are encouraged to participate in physical activity due to a sedentary lifestyle and increased QOL.

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  Navigating New Horizons: A Strategic Analysis of Walmart's Prospective Entry into the Southeast Asian Market, with a Spotlight on Indonesia

  Jeren Tolegova

  This presentation offers a comprehensive case study exploring the strategic considerations surrounding Walmart's potential entry into the Southeast Asian market, with Indonesia as the focal point. As Walmart contemplates expanding its global footprint, the analysis delves into the multifaceted landscape of Southeast Asia, examining key factors that may influence the success or challenges of such an endeavor. The presentation will include information and analysis on Economic Overview, Indonesian Domestic Consumption, Market Entry Strategy, Financial Analysis and Benefits and Risks. The presentation will commence with an overview of the Southeast Asian market dynamics, providing insights into economic trends, cultural nuances, and regulatory environments unique to the region. By honing in on Indonesia, one of the largest and most diverse economies in Southeast Asia, the audience will gain a granular understanding of the market intricacies that Walmart must navigate. Emphasizing a strategic perspective, the presentation will evaluate market potential, consumer behavior, and competitive forces specific to Indonesia. Drawing on relevant data and market intelligence, attendees will be guided through a structured analysis, identifying opportunities and potential obstacles that Walmart might encounter in this dynamic and culturally rich market. Furthermore, the presentation will address the significance of financial analysis in entering the market in Indonesia. Considering the new financial and economic environment, the data will be gathered and compared to the competing companies in Indonesia.

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  JSU Meets the Vikings: Unearthing Archeology of an Icelandic Dwelling

  Evie Vaughn

  This presentation describes archeological excavations at Kotid, a small Viking Age dwelling site in North Iceland. The presenter will describe the history of the project, a brief analysis of the buildings excavated at Kotid, the data collected from them and their experience as a JSU student working on this archeological excavation. The presenter will also share an artistic representation which is a part of an extended project they will present later in the spring at the Society for American Archaeology’s 89^th Annual meeting. This rendering of the Viking Age turf dwelling at Kotid demonstrates how this structure differs from previously excavated turf dwellings in Viking Age Iceland.

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  Graphic Design | Nicolas Gruimaraes Vieira

  Nicolas Guimaraes Vieira

  Graphic design entry for 2024 Student Symposium

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  Graphic Design | Sydney Wetzel

  Sydney Wetzel

  Graphic design entry for 2024 Student Symposium

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  Exploring the Pathogenicity of a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated INSR Missense Variant of Uncertain Significance through Daf-2 in the C. elegans Model

  Brittany White and Trinity Elston

  Type 2 diabetes mellitus is hallmarked by insulin resistance, with the INSR gene identified as a key player in this condition. This gene is known to harbor genetic variants with a wide range of clinical significance from pathogenic to variants of uncertain significance (VUS). This project investigates a VUS identified through ClinVar. The missense VUS was located at INSR c.1628C>T (p.Thr543Met). PolyPhen-2 predicted this variant to be probably damaging, assigning a HumVar score of 0.954. The ortholog VUS loci was identified in the C. elegans at daf-2 c.2084C>T (p.Thr698Met). Evolutionary conservation of the VUS loci was confirmed through multiple sequence alignment in Benchling. The mutation induces a class change from the polar, hydrophilic amino acid threonine to the nonpolar, hydrophobic amino acid methionine. Utilizing SWISS-MODEL, homology-based protein models were generated for both wildtype and VUS mutant proteins. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis in PyMOL revealed an RMSD value of 0.001. The affected amino acid resides in the extracellular alpha subunit, which may contribute to its potential pathogenicity. To understand the in vivo implications of this structural alteration, we will observe phenotypic differences between a wildtype N2 C. elegans strain and a CRISPR-Cas9 engineered variant strain carrying the daf-2 mutation. Expected phenotypic variations encompass dauer formation, enhanced stress resistance, and increased lifespan. This research aims to elucidate the functional changes of the INSR variant and provide valuable insight into its role in the context of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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  Mastering Nutrition in Ultramarathon Training and Racing

  Kylee Williams

  Pushing the limits of human endurance, single-stage ultramarathons necessitate an intricate nutritional strategy. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Position Statement explores evidence-based nourishment guidelines vital for training and race day triumphs. Establishing a robust performance foundation is paramount, which can be achieved by satisfying energy requirements. This is crucial for attaining peak recovery and maintaining rigorous training regimens. Adopting a periodized nutritional plan, emphasizing whole-food consumption, caters to the elevated caloric needs and mitigates gastrointestinal issues often accompanying endurance training. Adopting a "food-first" mindset promotes metabolic adaptations, optimizing fat oxidation and enhancing gastrointestinal resilience to various training fuels. This ensures effective recovery and consistent performance.

  For ultramarathoners, mastering fat utilization is pivotal as it's a significant energy source. Commencing a tailored carbohydrate intake strategy early, preferably within the moderate-to-high range (60%), is instrumental in countering fatigue, supporting high-intensity performance, and restoring glycogen reserves. Nonetheless, incorporating strategic low-carb sessions is essential but should be approached judiciously to prevent any detriment to performance. Protein consumption is equally critical, playing a key role in preserving muscle mass and aiding recovery from exhaustive training. The daily recommended protein intake stands at approximately 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, with an allowance for increase during periods of intense training. Prioritizing proteins rich in essential amino acids, particularly leucine, promotes muscle repair and synthesis, further elevating performance levels.

  Addressing the formidable race day involves a nuanced fueling strategy to sustain energy levels and avert calorie deficits. Athletes should target a caloric intake between 150-400 calories per hour, incorporating a balanced mix of 30-50 grams of carbohydrates, 5-10 grams of protein, and an assortment of calorie-dense, palatable foods. Hydration is equally critical, with a recommended fluid intake of 450-750 milliliters per hour to thwart dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance. Ensuring adequate sodium intake (>575 milligrams per liter) is vital under hot and humid conditions. Strategic caffeine consumption during later race stages can bolster performance and heighten alertness. Moreover, gradual gut training and integrating a low-FODMAP diet (fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol) can significantly diminish gastrointestinal distress, a prevalent issue among ultramarathon participants. While the efficacy of ketogenic diets and ketone esters in enhancing performance is still under scrutiny, ongoing research may illuminate their potential benefits.

  By adhering to these well-founded nutritional guidelines, ultramarathoners can fine-tune their nutrition, build endurance, and confidently navigate the demanding race terrain. This comprehensive guide is a navigational tool, charting the course from the foundational training phase to the triumphant moment of crossing the finish line.

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  OVR Society (Business Plan)

  Nick Williams

  In today’s society, numerous people feel a disconnect with society. This could be due to several reasons like mental health, trauma, or even just being a deep thinker. Some of these people are considered introverts, and not many talk about it. According to Harvard education, more than 60% of young adults feel a serious sense of loneliness. OVR Society will provide clothing that appeals to those who have a disconnect with society. At OVR SOCIETY, our goal is to relay a message through our clothing. “Embracing Individuality, Empowering Authenticity”. When choosing OVR Society, you are not just choosing to wear clothing, you’re choosing empowerment, acceptance, and a brighter future. We offer high-quality and affordable clothing that is up to date as well.

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  Unveiling Curcumin's Role in Enhancing Athletic Performance and Recovery

  Steven Williams

  This comprehensive review meticulously explores the role of curcumin, a polyphenolic compound predominantly found in turmeric, in enhancing sports performance and physical activity. Recognized for its medicinal benefits, curcumin's potential extends beyond its traditional use as a spice, particularly noted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The analysis delves into a diverse range of studies, meticulously examining the effects of curcumin supplementation on individuals engaged in various forms of physical exertion, encompassing both male and female athletes across different age groups and disciplines.

  Significant findings from the review highlight curcumin's capability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, factors crucial in improving muscle recovery and overall sports performance. The studies scrutinized encompass a wide spectrum of physical activities, including endurance and resistance training, indicating curcumin's versatility as a supplement. Its efficacy is particularly pronounced in post-exercise recovery, aiding athletes in managing muscle damage and soreness, facilitating quicker return to training and improved performance.

  Moreover, the review underscores curcumin's appeal as a safe supplement option. Unlike many performance-enhancing substances, curcumin supplementation has not been associated with adverse side effects. It is preferred for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking natural ways to boost their physical capabilities and recovery processes.

  In summarizing the evidence, this review sheds light on curcumin's potential as a potent supplement in sports and physical exercise and sets the stage for future research. It calls for more nuanced studies to unravel curcumin's impact on various aspects of physical performance and establish standardized dosing regimens. The promising results thus far pave the way for curcumin to be recognized as a culinary ingredient and a key component in the dietary regimen of those committed to achieving peak physical performance.

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  The Developmental Effects of the Time and Duration of Exposure on Xenopus laevis Embryos by Sodium Selenate

  Shelby Wolfram

  Amphibians play critical roles in the environment's wellbeing. Selenium (Se) can be found in organic and inorganic forms in nature. Many different fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides have sodium selenate in them. The range selenium has between deficiency and toxicity is narrow, meaning excess exposure could cause various adverse effects in aquatic organisms. From previous experiments using Xenopus laevis embryos with sodium selenate after a 4-day exposure to 100 mg/L concentration had a 100% mortality rate that occurred at day 4. Xenopus laevis is a standard model for developmental toxicity due to being minimal maintenance, cost efficient, and having transparent embryos. The observation of mortality occurring suddenly on day 4 of the experiment lead to the question of why, was it accumulation of sodium selenate or possibly related to developmental stage. The objective in this study is to determine if accumulated exposure to sodium selenate or developmental timing was most important in explaining why mortality did not occur till day 4. This was investigated by exposing 4 petri dishes of 20 embryos each to 8 mls of 100 mg/L. Each set of 4 petri dishes contained either 100 mg/L Se and were exposed to 7 various times and exposure lengths and 1 set of negative controls. A single experiment used a total of 640 embryos. The experiment was repeated three times for a total of 1,920 embryos. For each experiment a different pair of frogs were used to account for genetic variation. Mortalities were counted for each day. Mortalities and malformations were counted on the last day of the assay and embryo length were measured. Results showed that embryos exposed for 48-96 hours perished. The time of development within the embryos that were exposed for 24 hours at a time played a role in mortality that occurred. Embryos that were exposed for 24 hours between days 2-3 and 3-4 were deceased and severely malformed. Malformations such as stunted growth, edemas, loose gut, hemorrhages, bent notochords, and kinked tails were seen throughout each experiment. Embryos that were exposed for 24 hours between days 0-1 and 1-2 barely showed any mortalities or malformations.

  Overall, time of exposure / developmental stage seemed more important than duration for the developmental toxicity to Xenopus laevis. The sodium selenate impacted the embryos more at the 2-3;3-4 day exposure than the 0-1;1-2 day exposure. Future testing could pinpoint what part of the embryo is developing at certain times to determine what is being affected by the sodium selenate.