Mathematical Information Retrieval: Search and Question Answering

Mathematical information is essential for technical work, but its creation, interpretation, and search are challenging. To help address these challenges, researchers have developed multimodal search engines and mathematical question answering systems. This monograph begins with a simple framework characterizing the information tasks that people and systems perform as we work to answer math-related questions. The framework is used to organize and relate the other core topics of the monograph, including interactions between people and systems, representing math formulas in sources, and evaluation. We close by addressing some key questions and presenting directions for future work. This monograph is intended for students, instructors, and researchers interested in systems that help us find and use mathematical information.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/facbooks/1699/thumbnail.jp

Population dynamics, life history characteristics, and environmental drivers of Neomysis americana in the Damariscotta River estuary

Mysid shrimp (Neomysis americana) play a pivotal role in estuarine food webs by linking primary producers to higher trophic levels and serving as an important food source for commercially valuable fish. Despite their ecological significance, mysids are often under sampled, leading to gaps in our understanding of their population dynamics and life history traits. My study investigated N. americana over a full year (June 2023 to May 2024) in the temperate Damariscotta River Estuary in Maine. My research focused on how environmental factors such as temperature, turbidity, salinity, chlorophyll-a, and zooplankton biomass affect mysid density and reproduction. Temperature emerged as a key factor, with warmer temperatures leading to higher mysid density. My results also indicated distinct overwintering cohorts, highlighting that at least a portion of the population remains in the estuary year-round, with seasonal shifts in size distribution. These findings enhance our understanding of N. americana\u27s ecological role in temperate estuaries, building on previous research of this important species

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching For Improving Hamstring Flexibility in Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Introduction/Clinical Scenario During a clinical rotation as a graduate athletic training student, I worked with collegiate-level football athletes. A common issue frequently observed was hamstring tightness, which often presented with discomfort during activity, limited range of motion, or reduced performance in activities like sprinting, cutting, or kicking. Traditional static and dynamic stretching was part of the daily warm-up routines, but many athletes continued to demonstrate limited hamstring flexibility. In a therapeutic exercise course, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, specifically the contract-relax technique, was introduced as a method to improve flexibility by targeting both the contractile and reflexive components of muscle tissue.1 2 Hamstring flexibility plays a crucial role in athletic performance and injury prevention. Limited hamstring flexibility has been associated with altered biomechanics, reduced functional performance, and an increased risk of strain injuries.2 This Critically Appraised Topic aims to evaluate the current evidence on the effectiveness of PNF stretching in improving hamstring flexibility in athletes, and to inform clinical decision-making in athletic training settings

The Inclusion of Goal Setting in Promoting Exercise Adherence in Adolescent Athletes Who Sustained a Concussion: A Critically Appraised Topic

Introduction/clinical scenario: Almost 2 million youth in the US sustain a concussion every year with several of them experiencing persistent post concussive symptoms. Past intervention has suggested that rest until symptom free is the best approach, while current findings suggest this approach is outdated and early exercise can help with a faster recovery. Several studies have researched the effects of goal setting strategies in different populations however there is a need for study in adolescent athletes. Focused clinical question: Is goal setting beneficial in promoting exercise adherence for adolescent athletes who sustained a sports related concussion? Summary of key findings: Three studies assessed the effectiveness of different goal setting strategies in exercise adherence for athletes recovering from a concussion. Several strategies include the use of a smartphone app in achieving both short and long term goals. Clinical bottom line: Based on this research, creating both short and long term goals throughout the rehabilitation process can help the athlete adhere to exercise and reduce the effects of long term concussion symptoms. Strength of recommendation: There is grade A evidence to include goal setting in promoting exercise adherence in athletes recovering from a concussion. Keywords: Concussion, Adolescent/pediatric, Exercise adherence, goal setting, persistent post concussive symptom

USM Teaching Symposium 2025_23

https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/usm-faculty-teaching-symposium-gallery-2025/1022/thumbnail.jp

The Isle of Slaohs

Created by a 6th grade student from York Middle School in York.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1277/thumbnail.jp

Stranger Things Island

Created by a 6th grade student from York Middle School in York.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1266/thumbnail.jp

No Title

Created by a student from Oxford Elementary in Oxford.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1182/thumbnail.jp

Lizard Isle

Created by a 4th grade student from Great Falls Elementary School in Gorham.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mapmaking-contest-2025/1221/thumbnail.jp