Digital Commons Network^™

A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment And Its Impact On Physical Activity, Academic Performance, And Quality Of Life Among Bellarmine University Students, Orlando Exposito Nuñez

Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), …

Video Tracking As An Effective High Throughput Method For Mtbi Detection, Julie Mcintyre, Julie A. Semon

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Ally Confrontation On Target Outcomes, Sophie Firle, Gemma Flores-Olivas

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Rapid Serial Visual Task Assessment Performance In Response To Training In A Central Vision Loss Model, Hrinmai Manikandan

Expo Student Presentations

2025 Spring Expo Poster Presentation

• Biological & Life Sciences
• Health Sciences & Health Professions

Stress-Induced Neural Activity In The Pvt And Its Role In Binge Eating Behavior, Julia Tucker, Sierra Miller, Lauren Assaf, Sofia Beas

Expo Student Presentations

2025 Spring Expo Poster Presentation

• Biological & Life Sciences

2025- The Twenty-Ninth Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the 29th Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 16-18, 2025. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

Civically Engaged 4-H Ambassadors: A Program Designed To Bridge Youth Leaders With Local Policymakers, J. "Clay" Hurdle, Sage V. Eichenburch, Megan Kershner

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Early Motor And Language Development In Infants At Elevated Likelihood For Autism, Natalie C. Deal

Senior Theses

During the early stages of infant development, various emerging skills set the foundation for more complex abilities. One such connection is the development of motor skills, which play a crucial role in influencing language outcomes later in the infants' first year. Although these developmental cascades are well understood in typically-developing populations, less is known about the cascade in infants at elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many infants who are later diagnosed with ASD have motor delays or language delays, suggesting that the cascade from motor to language may not be typical in this population. Additionally, little is known …

The Analysis Of The Comt Gene Contribution To Schizophrenia, Elaine Vanterpool, Caelyn Mukorombindo

Student Posters

The COMT gene, also known as the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene, plays a role in breaking down the neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine. Dopamine plays a role in behavior and mood; as a result, the COMT gene can influence traits like mental illnesses and disorders. COMT has a variation called Val158Met, where a change in the DNA sequence affects the efficiency of dopamine breakdown. Those who have the variant have lower COMT activity, which results in dopamine levels being high in the brain, which affects their ability to deal with stress and to show signs of aggressive behavior. This gene has …

An Analysis Of Lamb3 Variants Associated With Amelogenesis Imperfecta, Elaine Vanterpool, Aaliyah Ruddock

Student Posters

The disease researched in this study was Amelogenesis Imperfecta. Those infected may experience mild to extreme the enamel formation which results in tooth brittleness and discoloration (brown and yellow). Being an X-linked recessive inherited disease, it is more detrimental to males than that of females. Individuals with this disease are also more susceptible to dental caries caused by bacteria such as streptococcal mutans. Overtime, this bacteria can demineralize the teeth by metabolizing sugars that can produce acids. These acids can cause severe unrepairable damage to the tooth. This disease can also result in psychological issues including mental health disorders due …

Female Beluga Behavior During Breeding Season - It's All About The Males, Alondra-Sophia Martinez, Heather Manitzas Hill, Katie Kolodziej

Posters - 2025

This poster was created for the 5th annual Research Showcase. From the poster:

The current study examined the behavior of adult female belugas during courtship/breeding.

Creatine Supplementation Is Safe, Beneficial Throughout The Lifespan, And Should Not Be Restricted, Richard Kreider, Andrew Jagim, Jose Antonio, Douglas Kalman, Chad Kerksick, Jeffrey R. Stout, Robert Wildman, Rick Collins, Diego A. Bonilla

Faculty Scholarship

As researchers investigating creatine supplementation, we have become increasingly concerned about reports that government agencies are attempting to restrict the sale of dietary supplements, including dietary supplements containing creatine, to children and adolescents. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell in the human body that plays a critical role in cellular metabolism. The daily turnover of creatine is about 2–4 grams/day, depending on muscle mass and physical activity levels (1, 2). About half of the daily need for creatine is synthesized in the body from amino acids (arginine, glycine, methionine) and stored as free creatine or phosphocreatine …

Training The Brain For Better Aging, Abby Martin

Honors Projects

Aging is associated with natural changes in brain function, but certain interventions can help sustain cognitive health and mitigate risks of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This presentation explores the significance of brain fitness as a non-pharmacological approach to enhancing cognitive function. It covers the normal aging process of the brain, key indicators of abnormal aging, and the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, including genetic predispositions and current treatment limitations. Emphasis is placed on brain training exercises, such as puzzles, board games, video games, and nostalgia-based activities, which have been shown to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the role …

Food For Thought: The Impact Of The Gut-Brain Axis On Mental Health, Emily S. Miiller

Honors Thesis

Research regarding the role of the human microbiome has grown over the years as professionals develop a better understanding of the gut-brain axis. New studies and expanding knowledge on the relationship between the nervous system and gut microbiome promote a deeper understanding of the impact of diet on mental health. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between the gut and the brain. Incorporating nutritional modulators, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins, is crucial for supporting the gut-brain axis by influencing neurotransmitter production, managing inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. On the other hand, …

Acute Effects Of High-Intensity Functional Training On Cognitive Function, Kelvin Wu, Gary Guerra

Presentations - 2025

CrossFit, a high-intensity functional training program, has gained widespread popularity for its physical fitness benefits, but its acute effects on cognitive function are not well understood. This study investigated the immediate impact of a CrossFit workout on cognitive performance, compared to a resting condition. Twenty experienced CrossFit athletes participated in two conditions: (1) a 12-minutes high-intensity CrossFit session and (2) a resting session involving 12 minutes of seated magazine reading. Cognitive performance was assessed using a flanker task, measuring reaction time and response accuracy as indicators of cognitive processing and inhibitory control.

Results revealed significantly better performance in the flanker …

Playful Paws: Are There Sex Differences In Playfulness With Freshwater Otters?, Julianne Pena

Posters - 2025

Personality is crucial for understanding the lives of species because it affects how they survive, the way they move, reactions to diseases, and much more (Merrick & Koprowski, 2017; Wolf & Weissing, 2012). The importance of this research is to understand how biological sex may interact with otter personalities through social interactions amongst other otters, the physical world, and humans. Female and male otters vary in the way that they play, with males playing more rough than females (Green, 2000). Play, which is associated with rock juggling, decreases as otters mature (Alliston et al., 2020). Females used object play more …

Is Less More, Or More Better? Behavioral Insights From Bottlenose Dolphins During Dolphin Interaction Programs, Megan E. Davis, Alicia Virthe, Heather Manitzas Hill, Kathleen Dudzinski, Michelle Samm, Buck Lyman, Kelly Flaherty Clark, Todd Robeck

Posters - 2025

This poster was created for the 5th annual Research Showcase. From the poster:

Using video recordings collected during randomly selected human-dolphin interaction programs (2022-2023), 19 target dolphins were assessed for their behavioral repertoire, correct and incorrect responses to trainer/guest-given cues, and the total number of unique requested behaviors.

Obstacles And Opportunities In Marine Mammals Care And Welfare: Insights From Trainers, Alicia Virthe, Heather Manitzas Hill, Sabrina Brando

Posters - 2025

This poster was created for the 5th annual Research Showcase. From the poster:

The aims of the study included:

Identifying obstacles faced by caregivers

Exploring beliefs hindering the promotion of animal care and welfare

Highlighting the opportunities that caregivers perceive to maintain and enhance animal welfare and care

Many Otters Project - Coding Analysis Of Otter Behavior With Foraged Puzzles, Isaiah Charles, Andres Vega

Posters - 2025

The study of long-term memory and the cognitive abilities of otters is not extensively documented. This research consisted of the use of foraging puzzles, which are different containers with food inside such as fish, squid, and oysters. This research project, named ManyOtters, takes inspiration from the foraging puzzle techniques exhibited in separate studies (e.g., Saliveros et al., 2022; Ladds et al. 2017). Based on the studies, foraging puzzles have shown to draw engagement for several otter species. The species focused on in this study were Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) and African spotted-necked otters (Hydrictis maculicollis) housed at SeaWorld San …

Think Like An Otter: Behavioral Problem-Solving In Fresh-Water Otters, Madison N. Vale, Miranda C. Ibarra

Posters - 2025

This study examines problem-solving in Asian Small-Clawed Otters (ASCOs), focusing on their cognitive processes during puzzle-solving tasks. The sample included two social groups of four otters: Eleanor and Dustin in one group, and Saki and Wonton in the other. Both groups were presented with a series of puzzles, and their responses were video recorded for coding. The relationship between sex and social learning was explored, but no significant findings were observed. Additionally, it was tested whether the number of strategies used and engagement duration predicted success; neither factor was a significant predictor. Overall, the results were inconclusive, offering no clear …

Novel Approaches To Analyze Consumer Behavior And Policies To Promote Sustainable Consumption, Bhagyashree Katare, Xuejian Wang, Shuoli Zhao, Jacqueline Yenerall

Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Technological advancements, such as online grocery shopping, have significantly transformed consumer retail environments and experiences. Effectively studying consumer behavior in these new environments requires the use of novel methodological approaches, which will also aid in developing interventions to encourage sustainable consumption. This paper begins by providing an overview of the current literature on novel approaches to analyzing consumer behavior, then provides an empirical application by examining consumer decision-making pathways within an online grocery shopping platform. Specifically, the paper focuses on exploring the consumers’ digital footprints, such as page visits, product additions and removals, and interactions with information labels to identify …

The Association Between Parent’S Mobile Device Use And Physical Activity, Sydney Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Background. The rapid increase in mobile technology has allowed smartphones to be used almost anywhere, but a potential disadvantage of these mobile devices is the displacement of physical activity. Parents of young children are already struggling to reach higher intensities of physical activity and mobile devices might make this worse. However, most existing research on similar topics look at adults without children or uses subjective measures only. Therefore, this study aims to (1) quantify objective mobile device use from a sample of parents with preschool age children; (2) describe the duration and intensity of parents’ physical activity and inactive behavior; …

Growing South Dakota (Spring 2025), College Of Agriculture, Food And Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Keeping South Dakota's food supply safe
[Page] 6 Controlling environmental listeria
[Page] 8 Inaugural 2+2 vet program class graduates
[Page] 10 Faculty honored for excellence
[Page] 12 New leader for agronomy, horticulture, plant science
[Page] 14 Students spend spring break in South Africa
[Page] 16 Hadacek offers advice to fellow graduates
[Page] 17 Park Interpretation and Management Club starts
[Page] 18 On the front lines with invasive species
[Page] 22 Director Karla Trautman retires
[Page] 24 Helping navigate precision ag
[Page] 26 Growing bigger, better beef
[Page] 28 Jackrabbits Then and Now

An Exploratory Study Of Disclosure Of X-Linked Conditions Between Mothers And Daughters, Madge Isabella Stuhlreyer

Theses and Dissertations

Carriers of X-linked conditions, both asymptomatic and symptomatic, face unique challenges regarding their experiences navigating the healthcare system and understanding implications of their carrier status. Studies show that mothers are known to be the main communicators of genetic information within their families, but in families affected with X-linked conditions, communication between mothers and daughters are hindered by factors such as lack of knowledge about the condition and reproductive implications, lack of emotional support, anxiety, and uncertainty about how to initiate these conversations. The purpose of this study was to explore the motivations behind mothers' decisions to initiate conversations with their …

An Evaluation Of Exercise-Related Self-Efficacy Metrics Following A Resistance Training Program In Individuals Treated For Cancer, Kayla S. Adler

Senior Theses

As the number of cancer survivors grows, managing treatment side effects and promoting healthy behaviors like physical activity is crucial. Low exercise self-efficacy, an individual's belief in their capability to perform exercise, is a significant barrier to physical activity adherence. This study assessed if an 8-week supervised resistance training program could improve self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) and outcome expectations of exercise (OEE) in individuals treated for cancer. Participants (n=25) attended twice-weekly, one-hour sessions. SEE and OEE scales were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results indicated a significant increase in SEE scores (mean difference = 8.96 ± 19.87, p = 0.041), demonstrating …

Gastroesophageal Reflux And Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery In Adolescents: An 8-Year Follow-Up Analysis, John B Rode, Suhail A Zeineddin, Jane C Khoury, Todd M Jenkins, Stephanie R Sisley, Anita P Courcoulas, Justin R Ryder, Marc P Michalsky, Thomas H Inge

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Importance: Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most commonly performed metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) procedures in adolescents and adults. Despite their safety and effectiveness, there is concern over postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), especially gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS), in those undergoing VSG.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term prevalence of GIS in adolescents who underwent RYGB or VSG.

Design, setting, and participants: This is a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study at five academic referral centers in the United States. Patients were enrolled from February 28, 2007, through December 30, 2011. The analysis included 228 adolescents: 161 …

Enhancing Topical Drug Delivery Of Apremilast Through Niosomal Gel Formulation: Ex Vivo Skin Permeation And In Vivo Evaluation For Psoriasis, Megha Shyam Matlapudi, Anka Rao Areti, Yukti Jaiswal, Veeresh Bantal, Raghavender Medishetti

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Psoriasis is a dynamic and chronic disease characterized by inflammatory changes and an increased rate of keratinocyte proliferation leading to the formation of erythematous scleroderma plaques with a silvery sheen. The existing therapies come with shortcomings in terms of effectiveness and leave behind a trail of side effects. Hence, there is a need of alternative therapeutic measures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of Apremilast Niosomal Gel (APR Nio Gel) in treating psoriasis, comparing its effectiveness with conventional gel (APR Gel) and oral suspension (APR Oral) formulations. Materials and Methods: Apremilast niosomes were prepared by thin …

The Intensity Of 10-Minute Classroom Physical Activity Breaks In Elementary School Children, Jeffery J. Honas, Amanda N. Szabo-Reed, Joe Sherman, Anna Rice, Robert Montgomery, Ken Murfay, Richard A. Washburn, Joseph E. Donnelly

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study examined the intensity of different physical activity (PA) breaks for elementary school children in a simulated classroom setting. Researchers compared the energy expenditure (Kcals/min, METs) of PA breaks developed for the Physical Activity Across the Curriculum (PAAC-3) program, delivered via video or in-person, to commercially available GoNoodle^© videos. 71 children (age 9.0 ± 1.1 yrs., 47 males, 24 females, 18% minority) participated in 10-minute PA breaks. The intensity of activity breaks was assessed using a COSMED® K5 portable indirect calorimeter (weight ~ 1 kg) (COSMED®, Rome, Italy) and and portable accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+; ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL) …

Critical Thinking Skills: Improvement Through Learning Ownership-Pbl Approach On Students, Ulfa Risqillah, Dwi Listyorini, Sitoresmi Prabaningtyas, Siti Salina Mustakim

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Through a method called "Learning Ownership," students actively participate in the educational process and comprehend the context, objectives, and applications of the content they have learned. A learner can customize each educational encounter to align with their present and future learning goals once they have control over their learning processes. The skills and practices required for ownership are highly versatile and applicable in various educational environments. The aim of this study was to unveil the effect of the learning ownership-PBL model on students' critical thinking skills. The sampling technique used in this research was random sampling, which consisted of 2 …

Psychological Influence Of Acne Vulgaris Among Female Students Of University Of Poonch Rawalakot Azad Jammu And Kashmir, Pakistan, Faryal Hanif, Ahmed Hussain, Ehsan Ali, Muhammad Rasheed

Journal of Bioresource Management

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of acne vulgaris among female students at the University of Poonch, Rawalakot, and to evaluate its impact on their quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to August 2022, involving a total of 2000 female students. Out of these, 400 individuals were clinically diagnosed with acne vulgaris, indicating a prevalence rate of 20 %. The participants completed the DLQI questionnaire, which evaluates the psychological and social effects of dermatological conditions. The data obtained were analyzed to assess the influence of acne on various …