Gait development in African elephant calves

Most descriptions of elephant locomotion recognize only one gait: the lateral sequence walk. In contrast, several studies on African elephants (Loxodonta africana) have indicated that elephants use at least two other gaits: an amble and a trot. Other animals modify their gaits over the lifespan, but there is no published research on the gaits of elephant calves. The present study examines gait development in African elephant calves born at the Indianapolis Zoo between 2000 and 2015. I conducted frame-by-frame analysis on the gait samples of six calves across two time periods: Early (zero to six months of age) and Late (two to three years). I analyzed 90 gait samples and combined them with archived data on the same calves in order to have sample sizes sufficient for meaningful comparison. Gait diagrams, on which the variables “Duty Factor” and “Phase Lag” are plotted, showed that the calves exhibited two gaits: Lateral sequence walks and walking trots. Comparisons between the two time periods indicated 1) the relative frequency of trotting was similar at both ages, 2) the mean lateral sequence Phase Lag was similar at both ages, 3) a decrease in the Phase Lag variability of lateral sequence gaits, and 4) consistent with the increase in body size, the mean stride duration was longer in the Late period. Since the frequency of trotting was similar in the Early and Late periods, the reduction in trotting typical in adults must occur at a later age

Senior Recital: Alexander Trull, tenor

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Mr. Trull studies voice with JanaYoung.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/1195/thumbnail.jp

Engine Oil Filter Test Stand

For the current test stand, the cleaning time is too long. There is no way to run different types of filters. These problems negates them from collecting more data to compare various filters in various sizes

Senior Recital: Timothy Nathaniel Marshall, bass-baritone

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Mr. Marshall studies voice with Oral Moses.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/1049/thumbnail.jp

Junior Recital: Brandon T. Austin, trumpet

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Mr. Austin studies trumpet with Doug Lindsey.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/1501/thumbnail.jp

UC-400 Electric Vehicle Team

The KSU Electric Vehicle Team is developing a fully autonomous electric go-kart to compete in the Autonomous Karting Series (AKS). Our team will be making two programs for the kart’s software stack. These programs include a race line optimizer, which can take the centerline of a track and generate a minimum curvature path for it to follow to get around the track faster, as well as a race controller which can switch navigation algorithms automatically based on the current conditions of the race

Reactive Archey Target Design Team Mimic

This design project will aim to provide archery hunters with a platform to simulate shooting at string jumping deer. String jumping refers to a spooked deer hearing the snap of a bow string and instintivly ducking up to ten inches. This often results in wounded or missed deer. We will design and build a control system that uses the sound of a bow string as a trigger to operate a mechanical target system. A sound sensor will mimic a deer’s hearing in close range hunting and then send a signal to the mechanical system to replicate the dropping motion of the spooked deer. If successful, the system will allow hunters to improve their marksmanship and minimize missed or wounded deer that result in lost time, money, and resources

Characterizing Participation and Perceived Engagement Benefits in an Integrated Digital Behavioral Health Recovery Community for Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Research suggests that digital recovery support services (D-RSSs) may help support individual recovery and augment the availability of in-person supports. Previous studies highlight the use of D-RSSs in supporting individuals in recovery from substance use but have yet to examine the use of D-RSSs in supporting a combination of behavioral health disorders, including substance use, mental health, and trauma. Similarly, few studies on D-RSSs have evaluated gender-specific supports or integrated communities, which may be helpful to women and individuals recovering from behavioral health disorders. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the SHE RECOVERS (SR) recovery community, with the following 3 aims: (1) to characterize the women who engage in SR (including demographics and recovery-related characteristics), (2) describe the ways and frequency in which participants engage with SR, and (3) examine the perception of benefit derived from engagement with SR. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey to examine the characteristics of SR participants. Analysis of variance and chi-square tests, as well as univariate logistic regressions, were used to explore each aim. Results: Participants (N=729, mean age 46.83 years; 685/729, 94% Caucasian) reported being in recovery from a variety of conditions, although the most frequent nonexclusive disorder was substance use (86.40%, n=630). Participants had an average length in recovery (LIR) of 6.14 years (SD 7.87), with most having between 1 and 5 years (n=300). The most frequently reported recovery pathway was abstinence-based 12-step mutual aid (38.40%). Participants reported positive perceptions of benefit from SR participation, which did not vary by LIR or recovery pathway. Participants also had high rates of agreement, with SR having a positive impact on their lives, although this too did vary by recovery length and recovery pathway. Participants with 1 to 5 years of recovery used SR to connect with other women in recovery at higher rates, whereas those with less than 1 year used SR to ask for resources at higher rates, and those with 5 or more years used SR to provide support at higher rates. Lifetime engagement with specific supports of SR was also associated with LIR and recovery pathway. Conclusions: Gender-specific and integrated D-RSSs are feasible and beneficial from the perspective of participants. D-RSSs also appear to provide support to a range of recovery typologies and pathways in an effective manner and may be a vital tool for expanding recovery supports for those lacking in access and availability because of geography, social determinants, or other barriers

Senior Recital: Cameron Austin, jazz percussion

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Mr. Austin studies jazz percussion with Justin Chesarek.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/1789/thumbnail.jp

Senior Recital: Jason Kaplan, saxophone

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music in Performance. Mr. Kaplan studies saxophone with Sam Skelton.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/1264/thumbnail.jp