Digital Commons Network^™

Recommendations For Providers To Improve Quality Of Care & Health Outcomes For Patients With Tick-Borne Diseases, Kayla G. Hugate, Jennifer Hall

Student Scholar Showcase

Background: Healthcare providers lack knowledge about tick-borne diseases related to recognition, diagnosis, treatments, and communication. With the number of ticks and types of tick-borne diseases increasing, it is vital that providers know how to effectively diagnose, manage and treat a TBD patient.

Methods: A mixed method survey was implemented in 2021 with persons diagnosed with a tick-borne disease to explore their experiences with diagnosis, management and treatment. The survey was posted on TBD social media pages and sent through email snowballing. Thematic analysis was used to code results from three open-ended questions.

Results: A total of 434 …

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Prevention And Detection In Covid-19 Patients, Bethany Sloane Melega

Student Scholar Showcase

COVID-19 has impacts on patient health beyond the hospital. The trauma that patients, and families of patients, can experience during an admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) can last long after discharge from the ICU and the hospital in general. The psychological and physical impacts of ICU hospitalization can cause patients to experience Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). PICS is the culmination of symptoms that persist after a critical illness that involve all aspects of a patient’s physical and mental well-being and can significantly affect family life and increase recovery time. Due to the strict personal-protective equipment (PPE) usage …

Animal-Assisted Therapy In The Intensive Care Unit, Amanda M. Pugh

Student Scholar Showcase

This paper will explore animal-assisted therapy used in intensive care units. Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk for developing an array of complications called post-intensive care syndrome, which can negatively affect patients’ psychological, motor, and cognitive abilities. While the widespread use of animal-assisted therapy in the ICU is still in need of improvement, studies have shown animal-assisted therapy can improve depression and anxiety, increase motor function, and strengthen patient participation in treatment. This is significant because the benefits of animal-assisted therapy can counteract the symptoms related to post-intensive care syndrome. The studies will be analyzed, and …

L'Homme Arme: A Tradition Of Contrafactum, Lauren Moseley

Student Scholar Showcase

Contrafactum, the replacement of text in a song, and L’homme Arme impacted music both in the 1450s and today. Although their usage changed and dwindled, musicians never stopped using contrafactum and L’homme Arme in their works. With the intent of improving music pedagogy and performance, the purpose of this research was to investigate L’homme Arme and contrafactum and their usage today. The particular problems of this study were to (1) examine contrafactum and L’homme Arme in medieval and renaissance music; (2) explore the use of contrafactum today; and (3) arrange a piece of music that combines a sacred and a …

Rotoscoping Image Processing, David J. Blackstone

Student Scholar Showcase

I wrote a program to perform rotoscoping image processing. Rotoscoping is an animation technique that is used to turn real images into cartoon images. This is a lengthy process to do by hand, taking hundreds of hours. To make this job easier, I have written a program to do automated rotoscoping. This program uses many algorithms and techniques such as edge detection, blurring, directional detection, and edge tracking. What once would take hours by hand, takes seconds!

Evaluation Of Resting Metabolic Rate Between Sex And Sport Type Of D3 Athletes., Alissa Anderson

Student Scholar Showcase

Introduction: Sex, muscle characaterstics, and training have been shown to affect resting metabolic rate (RMR) of elite level athletes. However, there is little known about the resting metabolic rates of non-elite Division 3 athletes.

Purpose: Therefore the purpose of this research study is to observe differences in resting metabolic rate among different types of various Division 3 athletic male and female teams.

Methods: University of Lynchburg Division 3 athletes between the ages of 18-22 were recruited to have their RMR, body composition, and anthropometrics assessed . 4 athletes were recruited from each of the following teams based on sex and …

From Operetta To Broadway, Katelyn Blue

Student Scholar Showcase

Music compositions transitioned from the performance of operettas to Broadway musicals, as did musical study on a collegiate level. Although Universities did not begin teaching musical theater when the genre originally emerged, Broadway musicals have become a part of “classic” American repertoire. With the intent of improving music pedagogy and performance, the purpose of this research is to investigate the history of the Broadway musical in University settings. The particular problems of this study were to (1) explore the transition from operettas to musicals; (2) trace the development of musical theatere in collegiate study; and (3) to describe the University …

Are They Mad At Me? Examining Methods Of Communication And Emotional Attribution, Meagan Fowler

Student Scholar Showcase

Communication via online methods has increased in popularity over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While convenient, there are many downfalls to computer mediated communication (CMC) including an increased risk of misinterpreting a message. The present study aimed to determine the effects of communication medium and speaker gender on tone interpretation and emotional reactions. The medium of CMC (email, phone call, video call) and gender of the speaker (male, female) were manipulated to test for differences in perceptions of tone. Participants also reported their own emotions following reception of the message. It was found that medium has a significant …

Comparison Of Training Load Between Ncaa Diii Tennis Resistance Training, Practices, And Competitions, Lauren Pascadlo

Student Scholar Showcase

Background: There are 7553 NCAA Division III tennis players, who play with less training coordination than elite players. Division III tennis load research is highly underdeveloped with most tennis research focusing on elite players. Additionally, practice training loads must be similar to match training loads so athletes are physically and mentally prepared for competition.

Purpose: To describe the training load in Division III tennis players during strength and conditioning, practices, and competition.

Methods: 7 Male and female division II tennis players attended 2 regularly scheduled practice, competition, and resistance training sessions. Training load was measured as external (GPS data consisting …

"It's Not What It Looks Like!": Motivations And Responses To Infidelity, Jessica C. Cochrane

Student Scholar Showcase

The topic of infidelity is taboo and often perceived negatively, however, it still occurs frequently. What motivates people to commit infidelity? How do people respond to infidelity committed by those they know? This paper takes the opinions of college-aged subjects into consideration through use of paper surveys to discover how young adults perceive infidelity; both why it gets committed and how they would respond to such an act. Subjects were grouped into sex, classification, whether they have committed infidelity or not, and whether they have been cheated on or not. The results that were found were not all expected. It …

Mapping The Impact Of A Trailway System On The Amount Of Trash Present Within Two Watersheds Of Lynchburg City, Virginia, Lillian Smith

Student Scholar Showcase

Transportation of trash debris within water systems is a prominent occurrence which has been linked to natural and artificial processes such as wind, rain, and littering. Recreational areas, such as activities along greenway trails, have been determined to be a source of debris found in waterways. This study examines whether the presence of an established recreational trail system limits trash accumulation in the entirety of a watershed. Trash data collected at Blackwater Creek, which contains an established trail system, was compared to trash data collected at Fishing Creek, containing a non-established trail system, to answer this hypothesis. A distance of …

Acute:Chronic Workload Ratios And Positional Differences In Collegiate Men’S Lacrosse Players, Michael J. Phifer

Student Scholar Showcase

Positional differences in Acute:chronic workload ratios (ACWRs), distance traveled, and activity intensity throughout a season for men’s lacrosse players have not been determined. The purpose of our research was to determine if there were positional differences in ACWRs, distance traveled, and activity intensity in men’s NCAA DIII lacrosse players. We recruited 53 NCAA DIII lacrosse players (age=20.4 years, weight=81.6 kg, height=182.4 cm, Attack=12, O-Mid=14, D-Mid=6, FO=4, Goalie=3, Defense=14) from one team for our cross-sectional study. Sport Performance Tracking (SPT, Melbourne, Australia) GPS units tracked athletes’ACWRs (AU), total distance traveled (m), and intensity (proprietary composite score; AU) for every game and …

The Relationship Between Cervical Spine Range Of Motion And Postural Stability, Victoria Riley

Student Scholar Showcase

No abstract provided.

Parent Perceptions Of Athletic Trainers At The Secondary School Setting, Rebecca Lynn Natoli

Student Scholar Showcase

No abstract provided.

Predicting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality, Deasha Manns

Student Scholar Showcase

Research has shown CPR quality degrades over time, but little research has been conducted exploring other factors that alter cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality. The purpose of this study was to determine if CPR chest compression quality differs overtime when controlling for various factors. 18 CPR certified participants (age=27.88±7.13 years, height=172.51±11.36 cm, mass=77.85±23.12 kg, Body Mass Index (BMI)=26.7±4.71) volunteered. Prior to testing, participants completed multiple fitness tests; Queens College Step test (predicted VO2max), handgrip strength assessment (muscular strength), and maximum push-ups completed in 1 minute (muscular endurance). Participants completed CPR for 7 min on a stimulation manikin (Laerdal QCPR, Stavanger, Norway) …

Effects Of Environmental Conditions, Core Temperature, And Hydration Status On Women’S Soccer Performance, Abigail G. Poague

Student Scholar Showcase

This study aimed to discover the effects of hydration status, core temperature, sleep data, perceived exertion, and environmental conditions affected the GPS-tracked performance of women's division III soccer players. The results of this study support the association between internal load, hydration status, and environmental conditions with external load.

What’S In A Vote? Voter Choice In The 2008, 2012, 2016, And 2020 Presidential Elections, Matthew Gillett

Student Scholar Showcase

Perhaps the most important question in American politics asks what motivates a candidate on Election Day? Voter’s decisions affect the direction of our country over the next four years. A long running debate in political science deals with the rationality of voters, concerning itself with the main indicators of vote choice, which include party versus policy. The paper advances these debates to the 21^st century, addressing the results from the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 general elections using data sets from the ANES Data Center. The data sets were analyzed using a logistic regression to operationalize each explanation.

The …

The Impact Of Female Militia Units On Women’S Rights In Society, Grace Ball

Student Scholar Showcase

The question raised is, can women gain equality within the government, society, and culture due to their participation in militia units during times of revolution. This thesis evaluates the case study of Syrian Kurdish women fighters between the time frame 2011 to 2021. In particular the paper will analyze the Women’s Protection Unit which is composed of female Kurdish fighters, who fought against ISIS and the Syrian government. Previously, Kurdish women have a documented history of oppression due to their gender. In their society, culture, and government, females have been suppressed from equality. The study will analyze if women can …

The Effect Of Ethanolic Echinacea Purpurea Root Extracts On The Production Of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators In Raw 264.7 Murine Macrophages, Trey T. Nguyen

Student Scholar Showcase

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as the purple coneflower, is utilized in medicinal preparations due to potential immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Present bioactive metabolites such as alkamides, polysaccharides, and caffeic acid derivatives provide pharmacological elements essential to mitigating symptoms produced by upper respiratory illnesses. The chemical composition of E. purpurea holds medicinal value, but there remains controversy surrounding the efficacy of its use in medicine. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of an 75% ethanolic E. purpurea root extract on LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Treatment groups included ethanolic E. purpurea extract (3µL, 15µL, 30µL), …

Carbonyl Iron Vs Ferrous Sulfate On Blood Iron Markers In Male Division Iii Cross-Country Athletes, Sam Gunter

Student Scholar Showcase

Competitive distance runners are often predisposed to developing iron deficiency. This study aimed to determine if carbonyl iron was more effective at maintaining blood iron markers and minimizing overall fatigue and GI stress than ferrous sulfate. In this randomized, independent groups study, 7 male, division III cross-country athletes were supplemented with either carbonyl iron or ferrous sulfate for 6 weeks. Blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, subjective GI distress, subjective fatigue, and relative exertion of recent training were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks. Results will be analyzed via a detailed analysis of variance to determine significant differences in outcome measures. Statistical …

Effects Of Exercise On Fear Behavior In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Tyler Kuni

Student Scholar Showcase

The experiment shows the response of zebrafish when they are exposed to environments stimulating fear and how exercise will affect the behaviors of the fish in those environments. It is predicted that the behavior of fish receiving exercise before fear conditioning will show less behaviors associated with fear and anxiety. The subjects were exercised in a large water pump apparatus that creates a current for the fish to swim against, and then they were used in a classical fear conditioning protocol. Zebrafish behavior is recorded before and after fear conditioning is conducted. The speed of the subject’s swimming along with …

The Effect Of Quantitative Easing On U.S. Stock Prices And Wealth Inequality, Griffin W. Phillips

Student Scholar Showcase

My thesis will investigate and try to find a casual relationship between Quantitative Easing, or “QE”, and the U.S. stock market since 2003. The secondary effects will then be investigated to see if stock prices impact wealth inequality. To find the causal relationship between the two a regression model will be used. It predicts the magnitude of effects for QE and other variables that may impact stock prices. Since 2007-2009, the Federal Reserve has used QE as a means to spur economic growth. This expansionary monetary policy has impacted many financial markets including the U.S. stock market. Finding the extent …

How Does Social Media Consumption Impact Ncaa Division Iii Athletes' Sleep Quality, Anxiety And Perception Of Performance?, Meredith Vetter

Student Scholar Showcase

In the past decade, social media usage in college-aged students has grown exponentially and has affected students both positively and negatively. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand the overall effect that social media usage has on NCAA Division III athletes' sleep quality, anxiety levels, and perception of their own performance. A cross-sectional study was conducted measuring University of Lynchburg female student-athletes and University of Lynchburg male student-athletes. Data was collected by using a series of 5 surveys: Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire, Subjective Performance Questionnaire, Performance Satisfaction Questionnaire, and a Social Media Usage survey. I …

Effect Of Knowledge On Perception Of Others’ Disordered Eating Behavior, Allison I. Robinson

Student Scholar Showcase

The purpose of this study was to determine if educational interventions on eating disorders impacts individuals ability to detect eating disorders in others. This study also examined the eating attitudes of athletes and non athletes. One hundred and thirty three undergraduate college students were randomly assigned to a condition, either receiving education on eating disorders or student athletes. After the educational condition, participants were asked to complete the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT; Garner & Garfinkel,1979). Participants then read a vignette of a student athlete which described an athlete suffering from disordered eating behaviors, participants were then asked questions to determine …

The Benefits Of Reading For Pleasure, And How To Instill A Lifelong Love Of Reading In Students, Anna-Catherine Kueng

Student Scholar Showcase

Reading for pleasure has countless benefits for people of all ages, including social, emotional, and intellectual growth. However, one’s love for reading does not appear spontaneously; it is something that is cultivated inside and outside of school. From being read to by parents, to including literature-based social media activities in the classroom, there are many factors that make students enjoy reading. This research explores specific factors that make people want to read and how K-12 teachers can use this knowledge to become better teachers. As the title suggests, the essence of this research is to answer the question: how can …

The Effects Of Wearing A Sports Mask Compared To A Standard Surgical Face Mask During The Forestry 5 Minute Submaximal Step Test, Christian Kumar

Student Scholar Showcase

The rise of the COVID-19 global pandemic has forced the introduction of wearing face masks when in public spaces or in near proximity to others. Fitness facilities, rehabilitation clinics, and exercise-related gatherings have encouraged the use of a facemask during exercise in light of the increased expiration and ventilation that occurs during exercise. The purpose of this study is to determine the physiological effects and perceptions of wearing a sports mask compared to a standard surgical face mask during exercise. Male and female subjects ranging between 18-55 years of age completed the 5-minute Forestry Step Test wearing either an Under …

The Plant And The Pathogen: Elucidating The Relationship Between Root-Knot Nematodes, Ph Levels, And Arabidopsis Thaliana Development, Rachel Garnett

Student Scholar Showcase

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) within the Meloidogyne genus are considered one of the largest threats to plant health and subsequent crop yield and profit (Forghani and Hajihassani 2020; Bernard et al. 2017). As a pest that presents global consequences, its mitigation through sustainable interventions may confer results for the treatment of similar plant pathogens. A member of the Brassicaeae family, Arabidopsis thaliana, was chosen for this study to determine plant responses to RKN-standard pH media. pH was varied between control and experimental groups, and phenotypic variables of primary root length and plant height were observed and analyzed. Wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana …

Investigating Alternative Induction Of The S. Aureus 80a Prophage, Jody Caretti

Student Scholar Showcase

Widespread antibiotic resistance has quickly become one of the most concerning crises affecting modern medicine, especially in cases of Staphylococcal infections, which have become resistant to all ��-lactam antibiotics. As a result, research into alternative forms of treatment for bacterial infections is a top priority. Bacteriophage therapy is a popular candidate for replacing antibiotics, due to the way the viruses interact with the bacteria. The 80�� prophage integrates its DNA into Staphylococcus aureus strain 10616 via the lysogenic cycle, and replicates with the bacterial cell. When stressed, the bacteria stop replicating and the prophage stimulates the lytic cycle, activating transcription …