Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Minimizing Musculoskeletal Injury Risk In Health Care Professionals With Education On Safe Patient Handling, Aubrey Graves

Honors College Theses

Introduction: Nursing is a high-risk occupation for musculoskeletal injuries due to the strenuous activity of patient handling. These tasks include, assisting a patient in bed, moving a patient from the bed to a wheelchair, and assisting with walking. These work-related tasks can create a large amount of stress on the body, especially the back if proper technique is not utilized and/or if excessive loads are applied. The purpose of this study is to examine if teaching proper body mechanics and the dangers of not performing the tasks properly is an effective way of reducing musculoskeletal injuries.

Methods: The NUR 202 …

Senior Nursing Students’ Confidence In Communicating And Providing Patient Teaching, Carmen Bandy

Honors College Theses

In the field of nursing, effective nurse-patient communication and teaching are among the most important indicators of patient satisfaction. Research shows that improved communication can result in more favorable patient outcomes and compliance with treatment. Additionally, improved communication with other members of the healthcare team can create a better work environment and result in increased patient outcomes, as well as decreased errors. The aim of this thesis is to assess the confidence of seniors in the Murray State University Nursing program in communicating with patients and other healthcare professionals and in providing thorough, accurate teaching to patients. Strategies to improve …

How Community Engagement And The Power Nine Impact Health, Lindsey Shelton, Lindsey V. Shelton

Honors College Theses

The Blue Zones are five different places around the world where people are proven to live healthier and longer lives. In these places, they all share 9 unique habits that are attributed to helping achieve these healthier lives called the Power Nine. In Calloway County, a barrier survey was conducted by five different Murray State departments to see what stopped the residents from achieving their healthiest lives. Community engagement was found to be an important aspect of the Power Nine and was analyzed to see how it can impact one's health.

The Effects Of Covid-19 On The Service Delivery Of Speech And Language Therapy: A Literature Review, Hanna Hill

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the effects of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the service delivery of speech and language therapy services in schools, early intervention, and outpatient settings. This analysis examined various service delivery settings in the realm of speech-language therapy that were affected by COVID-19. Per guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), worldwide governing legislatures, and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), many measures were put into place throughout the spread of COVID-19. Quarantine, the use of various protective tools, and social distancing interrupted face-to-face services that are essential to …

Development Of Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Using Kudzu Starch As A Partial Fat Replacement Ingredient, Saabirah Carr

Honors College Theses

The prevalence of kudzu has risen in the United States since its introduction in 1876. Though its invasiveness may play a negative role in our ecosystems, its roots have been used nutritionally in China for over 2,000 years because of their high starch content. In the United States, the use of kudzu starch as food products is limited. This study compared the moisture content and spread of reduced-fat gluten-free cookies prepared with kudzu starch-thickened aqueous mixture to similar gluten-free cookies prepared with rice flour and gluten-containing all-purpose wheat flour sugar cookies with kudzu starch, to gluten-containing sugar cookies (control). Moisture …

Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy And Applied Behavior Analysis Forming An Interdisciplinary Bridge For Positive Patient Outcomes, Rachel Ann Vaughn

Honors College Theses

Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis work within the pediatric population and are used to help children reach milestones throughout their development. This survey is meant to assess the amount of interdisciplinary collaboration that is occurring within these disciplines. The research team believes that this interdisciplinary collaboration could be beneficial to the pediatric population, but understands that this survey is a baseline and needs further research. Through a survey, there were 29 total participants, 22 PT/OT and 7 ABA therapists. The survey showed evidence of ABA techniques being used within PT and OT sessions for betterment of the …

In The Midst Of A Pandemic: Exploring Nursing Students' Attitudes And Beliefs Toward Their Training And Education, Harper C. Lewis

Honors College Theses

During Spring of 2020, didactic and clinical courses for nursing students at Georgia Southern University transformed to virtual platforms due to COVID-19. Student nurses learn their profession with experiences in both classroom and clinical settings. Clinical setting helps students strengthen psychomotor skills learned during simulated laboratory work. While all health profession students expressed stress as a major factor for well-being, student nurses seemed to experience more stress. Stress threatens nursing students’ sense of control over present and future performance. Competently performing skills required of newly graduated nurses greatly determines new graduates’ ability to secure employment as a registered nurse in …

Molecular Analysis Of Mchm Toxicity In Zebrafish, Cassandra Pelton

Honors College Theses

In early 2014 Freedom Industries, located in Charleston, WV, leaked approximately 10,000 gallons of 4-methylcyclohexane methanol into the Elk River. This river serviced approximately 300,000 people as a source of municipal water. Its effects on the people and surrounding wildlife is largely unknown.

Chemicals in surface runoff have the potential to induce aquatic animal trait changes, such as altered movement and feeding, that can ultimately alter predator-prey dynamics in aquatic systems. However, chemicals with high potential to enter aquatic systems, like 4-methylcyclohexane methanol (MCHM) used to clean coal, were tested using only short-term, single-species studies prior to use. Data from …

Roles Of A Bradykinin Storm And A Cytokine Storm In Covid-19 Cases, Nouha H. Odeh

Honors College Theses

In the light of recent events, it is imperative to understand the key inflammatory response elements that appear to be the source of more severe ailments resulting from a SARS-CoV-2 viral infection known as Covid-19 The more severe cases of Covid-19 are characterized by a severe inflammatory response resulting in tissue damage. My research proposal aims to investigate the two possible culprits of this response: a bradykinin (BK) storm and an interleukin-6 (IL-6) mediated cytokine storm. In both systems respectively, the excess release of these signals subsequently signals the production of even more of the same response element, resulting in …

The Effects Of The Mckenzie Method And Strengthening/Stabilization Exercises In Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain., Lufei Harder

Honors College Theses

Background & objective: Low back pain is a frequent problem that the majority of people will face at some point in their lifetime. Exercise has been advocated as an effective treatment for chronic nonspecific low back pain; however, there is a lack of consensus on the best form of exercise treatment. This review was designed to compare the effectiveness of the McKenzie Method against stabilization/strengthening exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods: A literature review examining McKenzie and stabilization exercises for chronic nonspecific low back pain were identified from three databases.

Results: A total of nine articles …

Abhd5 Induced Morphological Changes On Model Membrane Systems, Nasser S. Junedi

Honors College Theses

Proper regulation of neutral lipid storage (lipogenesis) and release (lipolysis) are critical molecular processes localized to an organelle called the Lipid Droplet (LD). The LD consists of a core with neutral lipids such as triacylglycerols (TAGs) and sterol esters surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer. Dysregulation of the processes localized to the LD are involved in the pathology of various diseases such as Neutral Lipid Storage Disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer. The non-enzymatic protein ABHD5 (α-β Hydrolase Domain-Containing Protein 5), is thought to play a key role in the process of lipolysis by forming homo-oligomers on the surface of the LD …

Investigating Media Influence On Canine Breed Popularity And Increasing Prevalence Of Genetic Linked Disorders, Callie Anderson

Honors College Theses

This study is focused on influence of social media on dog breed popularity, and if an increase in popularity leads to an increase in the prevalence of genetic-linked disorders observed in specified breeds in a clinical setting. This study was conducted by comparing an in-depth analysis of past research investigating the influence of popular culture on the trends of dog breed popularity as it relates to trends in media and fashion, with the results of a survey of clinical observations by veterinarians practicing in the area surrounding Murray, Kentucky. The results of the literary analysis revealed that humans are greatly …

The Disparities Of The Marginalized: Focusing Race And Queerness In Science And Medicine, Kearby Stiles

Honors College Theses

The United States is an immensely diverse country in which certain groups have been—and continue to be—marginalized in society because of their differences. Science and healthcare are areas in which marginalized peoples are negatively affected by a society that punishes difference and diversity. This is an immense problem because in biological and medical school education, in clinical research, and medical practices, little attention is given to marginalized populations. In this paper, I focus on the disadvantages faced by people of color, trans, and intersex people. I decided to focus on race because the history and current state of racism in …

Equitable Distribution Of Covid-19 Vaccines: Can Data Visualization And Optimization Help?, Zhennan Wang

Honors College Theses

Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is known as an infectious disease that has a bigger impact on urban areas with high-density populations. In New York City, however, there are huge differences in the impacts of Covid-19 at the neighborhood level. In addition, there is a negative correlation between the Covid Case Rate and the Vaccination Rate, and areas that are affected the most have poor socio-economic conditions. To better address the equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, I collected social and economic data from Community Health Profiles as well as Covid-19 data from NYC Health. Using this data I created visualizations in Tableau …

S.O.S. For Covid-19 (Subjective And Objective Screening): Are Asymptomatic Cases Truly Without Warning Signs?, Nathan Hughes

Honors College Theses

This study investigates the usefulness of five objective signs, evaluates relationships between objective signs with symptoms of COVID-19, and assesses the accuracy of ambient forehead temperature with tympanic temperature. Data were collected at Wayne State University. Blood oxygen levels and blood pressure were measured via pulse oximeters and blood pressure cuff. Body temperature was measured with a thermometer via the temple and the forehead. Smell was tested with two scented markers. None of the 29 participants confirmed a positive COVID-19 test. Therefore, only relationships between vital sign measurements were reported. No significant correlations were revealed upon analysis. Infrared and temporal …

Intelligence Of Bearded Dragons, Sydney Herndon

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to study and explain the intelligence of bearded dragons. Bearded dragons (Pogona spp.) are a species of reptile that have been popular in recent years as pets. Until recently, not much was known about their intelligence levels due to lack of appropriate research and studies on the species. Scientists have been studying the physical and social characteristics of bearded dragons to determine if they possess a higher intelligence than previously thought. One adaptation that makes bearded dragons unique is how they respond to heat. Bearded dragons optimize their metabolic functions through a …

Mental Health Among Nursing Students Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic, Cheydan Crump

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the current pandemic on the mental health of nursing students at a rural university. This study examined various risk factors and potential indicators for mental health, such as changes in physical activity, sleep behaviors, and differing perceptions of support they have received from the nursing program and the participating university, throughout the spread of COVID-19. This study was a non-experimental, analytical study conducted in a rural university in the southern region of the United States. This convenience sample consisted of 21 students, all of which were enrolled in the …

Suicide Risk And School Related Stressors In Veterinary Students, Deanna Nicole Arnold

Honors College Theses

Compared to the general population of the United States, veterinarians are at an increasingly higher risk for suicide. This is commonly associated with stressful work environments, long work hours, poor work-life balance, client demands and complaints, and large amounts of euthanasia procedures. While many studies have been performed to confirm the above statements, few to no studies have been done on students currently enrolled in veterinary school to assess their mental health. This study will survey graduate school students in this field and will evaluate their mental health state and risk factors towards suicide. Through comparing the results of this …

Black Maternal Mortality In The United States, Grace Phelps

Honors College Theses

Black maternal mortality is a looming issue in the United States as the rate of Black maternal deaths is 3-4 times higher than the average rate for White women. Research establishes that this is a multifaceted issue of care quality, preexisting health, biases and racism, and structural inequalities. This study aims to discuss the statistics, contributing factors, and possible solutions to the issue of Black maternal mortality. Specifically, this study aims to educate nursing students on the matter and test the implications an educational session has on knowledge about Black maternal mortality and how health care professionals can be part …

Obesity Bias: Bachelor Of Science Nursing Student Perceptions, Ashlyn Nicole Beasley

Honors College Theses

The National Institutes of Health identifies that one in three adults is obese. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above. Patients with obesity may deny themselves healthcare due to the mistreatment and mistrust they may develop within the healthcare system. If the prejudice against obese patients is addressed, it could prevent future issues for patients and healthcare providers. Not only can bias against obese patients lead to injury, but it can also lead worsening conditions. When a patient perceives the stigma of a weight bias from a caregiver, it can cause them to withdraw …

Perceptions Of Covid-19 In College Students: Effect On Emotional Well-Being, Mikayla N. Murphy

Honors College Theses

This study explores the connection between emotional well-being of college students and the COVID-19 pandemic. Many physical distancing practices have negatively affected emotional well-being, such as increased time alone and screen time. A purposive sample of convenience was utilized to collect information on the emotional well-being of a selected group of students at two time points: January through March 2020 and January/February 2021. Students from the Honors College were selected as the study population. The survey questions were administered electronically through Qualtrics software, Version: February 2021. Of the 101 survey responses obtained between January 27 and February 22, 2021, 89 …

The Relationship Between Optimism And Perceived Health In Generation-Z An Explanatory Investigation, Natalie D. Woodward

Honors College Theses

Research has found possible links between optimism, happiness, and perceived health in past generations (Peterson & Bazio, 1991). Little research has been found examining these variables within Generation Z. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between optimism, happiness, and perceived health in Generation Z. A secondary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between optimism, happiness and perceived health between genders and races. A third purpose of this study is to predict happiness by examining optimism, perceived health, and sleep within Generation Z. 2287 Generation Z participants took the Life Orientation Test, the …

Differentiation Of The Can F 1 Allergen In Hypoallergenic Dog Saliva Compared To Shedding Dog Saliva, Rose Miller

Honors College Theses

Dog saliva contains a large variety of proteins, each with specific functions throughout the body. While some aid in digestion, others provide immune support for the body. In the case of human dog allergies, dog skin dander has been proven to cause allergic reactions to those who are sensitive to the allergens in the dogs. However, past studies have shown a difference in allergic reaction to specific breeds, breaking dog breeds into two main categories: hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic. Within these groups, there are different hypoallergenicity levels, but overall, the hypoallergenic dog group does not cause an allergic reaction, whereas non-hypoallergenic, …

Heart Health: Lifestyle Factors That Influence Cardiovascular Well-Being, Holly K. Sawyer

Honors College Theses

Each year, one in every four deaths in the United States is a result of heart disease. As the leading cause of death among women and men from various ethnicities, heart disease may be overlooked when making everyday life decisions. As a group of genetic and behavioral conditions, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. This may be due to the typical Western diet and daily life choices such as drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco. Heart diseases including atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease kill ten times more women than breast cancer (Lewis, et al., 2017). White men have …

Exploring The Impact Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On Children’S Literacy Skills In Speech-Language Interventions, Samantha Wingate

Honors College Theses

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that uses therapy dogs to improve the clinical goals of individuals who need rehabilitative support. While AAT research within the health professions is developing, there is support showing that this type of milieu therapy has potential benefits when working with children with literacy concerns. Within the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD), AAT can be used by speech-language pathologists to establish goal-directed therapy sessions to improve children’s literacy skills. This paper will highlight current literature that explores the use of AAT within literacy interventions, the use of evidence-based measures, and the feasibility …

Substitution Of Kudzu Starch For Cornstarch Results In Dairy-Based Vanilla Pudding With Similar Texture And Consumer Acceptability, Carissa D. Ingram

Honors College Theses

Kudzu, also known as kuzu, is a rapidly growing, vine invasive in the Southeastern United States following introduction for soil erosion control in the late 19th century. Native to Southeastern Asia, its roots are rich in starch which has been used in traditional Eastern cuisine as a sauce thickener. Use of kudzu starch in Western cuisine is limited. This study compared the consistency, percent sag, and consumer acceptability of whole milk vanilla pudding prepared with kudzu starch to vanilla pudding prepared with cornstarch, a more commonly used thickening agent in the United States (control). The consistency (Bostwick Consistometer; 50°C) and …

Examining The Mechanistic Roles Of Integrin Alpha-6 In Cancer Metastasis., Chase T. Clark

Honors College Theses

Metastasis- the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to the surrounding tissues- is responsible for 90% of cancer deaths. Integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6) is a specific transmembrane cell surface protein that functions in cell surface adhesion and signaling. ITGA6 is upregulated in many types of cancers and promotes the migration and invasion of cancer cells to surrounding tissues. It is my objective to determine the mechanism through which ITGA6 facilitates the migration of cancer cells through the extracellular matrix (ECM). These experiments helped to establish the role of ITGA6 in tumor development and provide focus for possible chemotherapeutic treatment. …

Different Effects Of Static And Vibrating Foam Rollers On Plantar Flexor’S Flexibility And Torque Production Capacity, Tanner Cormier

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this research was to determine if there were different effects on the range of motion and muscle contraction force in the plantar flexors of the ankle when implementing vibrating foam roller treatment in comparison to static. The study included 15 female swimmers within the age range of 18 to 28 years old without neuromusculoskelatal pathology within the last six months. Each testing session consisted of four conditions, conditions A and B were static rollers and conditions C and D were vibrating rollers. To ensure reliability the order of the conditions was randomly selected and resting flexibility and …

Does Religious Belief Affect Attitudes Towards Mental Illness?, Robert B. Conway

Honors College Theses

There has been an increase in recent years in the effort to raise awareness of mental health issues, particularly suicide. However, awareness does not equate to understanding and there has been little in the way of public education. One of the biggest obstacles faced by those suffering from a mental illness is the public stigma associated with it. Given the high percentage of the population in the South who identify as being religious, this study looked at the relationship between religiosity and public stigma towards mental illness. Two hundred forty-two university students drawn from undergraduate biology and nursing classes completed …

Effects Of Static Stretching On Proprioception And Muscle Power Production, Eva Alyss Blais

Honors College Theses

With widespread use of pre-exercise stretching methods in many sports, recent studies have questioned how effective these implications are (Kay, Blazevich 2012, Cramer, J. T., et al.2005, Curry, B. S., Chengkalath, D., Crouch, G. J., Romance, M., & Manns, P. J. 2009). It has been found that certain types of stretching before performance negatively impact muscle power production. However, the reasoning behind why stretching is doing harm to athletes’ performances is still unanswered. The purpose of this study is to explore how stretching affects proprioception, and how this in turn affects muscle power production. Using the Biodex 2 dynamometer, passive …