Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Stress-Related Hormones On Excitatory Synapse Formation, Autumn C. Garvey

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Stress profoundly influences brain function through neuromodulatory hormones that regulate synaptic plasticity, yet how temporal patterns of hormone exposure shape excitatory synapse formation remains poorly understood. This study investigates how exposure to stress hormones, norepinephrine and cortisol, affects excitatory synapse development. While existing research primarily compares concentration models, real-world stress occurs in variable patterns that may produce distinct neural outcomes. To address this gap, differentiated Neuro2A neuronal cells are exposed to norepinephrine or cortisol under a continuous treatment paradigm designed to model chronic stress conditions. Following treatment, immunofluorescence imaging is utilized to quantify excitatory synapse formation through analysis of presynaptic …

Neighborhood Deprivation Associated With Impaired Sit-To-Stand Performance In Middle-Aged And Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis With Clinical Implications, Kenneth Harrison, Silvia Campos-Vargas, Brandon M. Peoples, Keven G. Santamaria-Guzman, David T. Redden, Michael A. Samaan, Jaimie A. Roper

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

Background: Socioeconomic factors significantly influence health outcomes in older adults, yet their impact on specific aspects of mobility remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between area-level socioeconomic disadvantage and mobility health in older adults.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 110 community-dwelling older adults recruited and collected using voluntary response sampling at eight health fairs across rural Southeast Alabama in 2022–2024 (60 ± 16 years, 80% female). Area-level socioeconomic status was measured using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated composite measure of neighborhood disadvantage. Mobility was assessed using the Instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) test and …

Combining Haptic Feedback With Electromyography To Study Knee Injury In Stationary Cycling, Christopher Kirby

Honors Theses

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is the most prevalent overuse injury in cycling, often linked to altered neuromuscular activation patterns of the quadriceps and hamstrings. While sensory feedback has successfully modified cyclists posture, there is a critical lack of evidence-based interventions targeting the underlying muscle activation imbalances associated with chronic knee pain. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel, real-time biofeedback system that utilizes electromyography (EMG) to trigger vibrotactile cues, aiming to shift muscle onset timing earlier in the pedal stroke to mitigate PFPS-related imbalances. A closed-loop system was engineered by integrating a Delsys EMG system with a SageMotion …

How Effective Is Online Teaching Of Physiology Modules? Perception Of Rwandan Health Sciences Students, Abdullateef Isiaka Alagbonsi, Mojeed Akorede Gbadamosi, Mathieu Nemerimana, Makinde V. Olubiyi, Olufunke Onaadepo, Akaninyene Ubong Ime, Abdul-Rahuf Aderemi Feyitimi, Ruth Wanjiru Mungai, Florent Rutagarama, Simiat Elias

Biomedical Sciences, East Africa

Background: While blended teaching is approved in Rwandan medical education, the perceived effectiveness of online-only delivery for physiology modules remains unclear. This uncertainty limits its continued use. The present study assessed Rwandan health sciences students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of online teaching for physiology modules.

Methods: A total of 528 students from medicine and surgery (n = 300), pharmacy (n = 99), dentistry (n = 89), and clinical psychology (n = 40) programs at the University of Rwanda completed an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis) with corresponding effect …

Understanding Motor Competence In Autism And Developmental Coordination Disorder: From Everyday Performance To Underlying Postural Control Mechanisms, Crystal E. Alvarez

Kinesiology Dissertations

Motor competence plays a foundational role in children’s participation, physical activity, adaptive behavior, and overall quality of life. Although motor difficulties are highly prevalent in autism spectrum disorder (autism) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), these challenges are frequently under-identified and insufficiently characterized, particularly in autistic populations. Existing research demonstrates substantial overlap in motor challenges across autism and DCD; however, relatively little work has integrated caregiver perceptions, standardized motor assessment, and mechanistic postural control measures within the same investigation. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to examine motor competence and postural control in autistic children, children with DCD, and neurotypical …

Joint Associations Of Meditation And Physical Activity With Depression And Anxiety Symptoms In Us Adults: Nhis 2022, Yubing Wang

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Objectives

Physical activity and meditation may each relate to mental health, but their joint associations in U.S. adults are unclear. We examined the separate and joint associations of any past-year meditation and meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines with depression and anxiety symptoms.

Method

We analyzed data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey Sample Adult file (n = 24,927). Exposures were meeting PA guidelines, any past-year meditation, and their four-level combination (Neither, PA only, Meditation only, Both). Outcomes were moderate-to-severe depressive and anxiety symptoms (PHQ-8/GAD-7 >= 10). Survey-weighted modified Poisson models estimated prevalence ratios (PRs), with interaction, sensitivity, and post …

Integrating Self-Determination Theory And Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Promoting Youth Development Among Campers With Type 1 Diabetes, Eddie Hill, Bethany Arrington, Taylor Harvey, Alexis Barmoh, Rowan Williams, Laura Hill

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of this cohort study was to evaluate participants’ general self-management and experiences of autonomy while attending diabetes camp using quantitative and qualitative data collection. Through a partnership, an outdoor diabetes camp was designed to assist youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in their management. The REACH Teen program conducted a week-long summer camp for youth with T1D. The study was designed through Outcome-Focused Programming grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to meet campers’ needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Campers participated in outdoor activities and diabetes education designed to increase healthy behaviors. Twenty-three campers completed a 24-item pre- and …

The Effects Of Physical Activity Timing And Adherence To Physical Activity Guidelines On Sleep In Children With Adhd, Xiao Liang, Mengping Zhao, Li Su, Justin A. Haegele, Richard H. Xu, Jingjing Li, Andy Choi-Yeung Tse, Shirley X. Li

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Regular physical activity (PA) has been shown to benefit sleep. However, the effects of PA timing and adherence to the WHO's recommended 60-min moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guideline on sleep are unclear, especially for children with ADHD who often experience sleep problems. This study examined whether timing of MVPA influenced objectively measured sleep, including sleep latency (SL), sleep efficiency (SE), total sleep time (TST), and wake after sleep onset (WASO), among children with ADHD. This cross-sectional study involved 253 children with ADHD (Mage = 8.60 ± 1.31 years, 81% boys). MVPA timing was categorized as more than 8 h before …

Chinese Athletes’ And Parents’ Motivations For U.S. Collegiate Sports Participation, Wenting Sun, Russell D. Ravert, Simran Kaur Sethi

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

To gain an understanding of international student recruitment and retention in collegiate athletics, this study examines the motivations and decision-making processes of Chinese high school athletes and their parents in pursuing U.S. collegiate sport opportunities. Using the push–pull framework and an ecological perspective, it explores how individual aspirations, family priorities, institutional resources, and national policies shape transnational mobility. Semistructured focus group discussions with 10 athletes and eight parents revealed six key motivational themes and highlighted the influence of recent collegiate sport-related policy changes in China. The findings suggest that while both groups value U.S. sport pathways, athletes and parents may …

Balancing Inquiry Based Learning And Direct Instruction, Sharon Liu , '26

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

No abstract provided.

Reconnecting The Body With Nature: Inspired By Advances In Biomimicry, Elyse M. Orosa

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Reconnecting the Body with Nature: Inspired by Advances in Biomimicry will visually address the symbiotic relationship between nature and humans. The drawing series is inspired by the growing design field of biomimicry and its technological and architectural innovations influenced by nature’s systems and physical adaptations. Just as nature is limited by human misuse, humans are physically and neurologically limited by the state of the environment, and with this, form and function of both nature and humans will be equally represented and explored throughout the body of work presented. Biomimicry can help solve environmental issues such as rising CO2 emissions and …

Adolescent Development Of Pubertal Hormones, Reward Neurocircuitry, And Externalizing Behaviors And Internalizing Behaviors, Amber Jared

2026 Research Poster Competition

Title: Adolescent development of pubertal hormones, reward neurocircuitry, and externalizing behaviors and internalizing behaviors Authors: Amber Jared & Josiah K. Leong  Background: Adolescence is a period of rapid biological and brain development during which changes in pubertal hormones and neural reward systems may increase vulnerability to emotional and behavioral difficulties. Although prior research has documented widespread brain maturation during adolescence, less is known about how specific subcortical reward pathways develop and how these changes relate to hormones and behavior.  Methods:         Using longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, this project examines developmental changes in two key brain …

Disrupted Circadian Rhythms Affect Hallmark Pathologies In Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Mouse Models, Valeria Buzinova

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease with two hallmark pathologies: extracellular amyloid-b (Ab) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Ab is proteolytically processed from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by b-secretase and g-secretase as a monomeric peptide prone to aggregation. Eventually, the aggregate-prone monomers will form dense plaques that are difficult to break down and remove. These plaques begin to deposit into the cortex decades prior to the formation of NFTs and the onset of cognitive decline. NFTs are comprised of hyper-phosphorylated tau. Tau is a protein that serves to promote and stabilize the formation of microtubules. The formation of …

Predictors Of Stigma And Their Relation To Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitude In College Students, Esiquil Lara

2026 Research Poster Competition

Stigma remains a significant barrier for college students seeking mental health services, yet its predictors and impact are still not fully understood. Mental health problems are a large issue in public health, specifically college age adults are one of the most likely groups to develop such issues. This study examines key factors contributing to stigma and its relationship with help-seeking attitudes among undergraduate college students. We hypothesize that students who identify with minority ethnic groups, identify as male, and who are not seeking a career in mental health services will have higher rates of stigma and therefore be less likely …

Effectiveness Of Occupational Recommendations In Maintaining Cognitive Function Under Hot-Dry And Warm-Humid Conditions, Zane Garner

2026 Research Poster Competition

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations dictate heat safety practices in occupations throughout the United States. Currently, the effectiveness of these recommendations is unknown. Likewise, there is a lack of consensus regarding the effect of combined heat and exercise stress on cognitive function. PURPOSE: To examine the effectiveness of NIOSH heat safety recommendations in maintaining cognitive function after moderate work in the heat, alongside whether the type of heat has any effect. METHODS: A counter balanced, repeated measures, randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate differences in cognitive function in two distinct environments. Participants completed two experimental …

Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Implants And Nanobubble-Based Delivery Systems: Integrated Strategies For Bone Loss Treatment With Cytocompatibility Evaluation, Lucas José Martinho Bizuti

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis intends to investigate the development of different multimodal therapeutic strategies for combating bone loss. Most specifically, this paper will emphasize the utilization of Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Implants (MMNC) and Nanobubble-Based Delivery Systems as options for future treatment focus. The effects of biodegradable magnesium implants were evaluated for cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility via Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Masson’s Trichrome staining, as well as radiological images. The Nanobubble-Based Delivery System is being developed and optimized as a delivery system to target osteoclast activity. This paper focused on optimizing experimental parameters, which include Rotational speeds for nanobubble stimulation under microgravity conditions …

Hybrid Model For Phishing Website Detection Using Transfer Learning, Atul Dubal, Mansi Subhedar, Santosh Dhamala, Manasi Patil

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The rapid digitization of human activities has intensified reliance on internet-based platforms, creating fertile ground for cybercriminal exploits such as phishing. Despite advancements in detection mechanisms, phishing attacks continue to evolve, leveraging sophisticated visual mimicry to deceive users. This paper proposes a robust vision-based phishing detection system using ensemble deep learning to analyse webpage screenshots. The framework integrates transfer learning with pre-trained VGG16 and DenseNet121 models, extracting complementary low-level texture features (edges, gradients) and high-level hierarchical patterns (logos, layouts). These features are fused through a custom classifier with dropout regularization to mitigate overfitting. A balanced dataset of 3,000 webpage screenshots …

Impact Of Social Media On Acne Treatment Practices In Egypt, Hadeer Fathy, Moheiddin Fakhry Alghobary, Nada Mohmed Elhadidy, Sara Hamdy Fouad

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Acne is one of the most prevalent global diseases, affecting up to 85% of adolescents and young adults and contributing to significant psychological burden. Despite available treatments, many patients rely on social media for guidance, where misinformation and unauthorized drug promotion can negatively influence Acne Vulgaris management.

Aim: The aim of this research is to determine the influence of social media information on the selected treatment method of Egyptian patients with Acne Vulgaris

Patients and methods: This is cross‑sectional study targets Acne Vulgaris patients aged ≥15 with current or past AV who use social media. Data was collected through …

Patellar Morphology In Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients With Unexplained Pain, Mohammed Ahmed Abdelkhalek Abdelrazek, Adham Elsharkawey Elgeidi, Yasser Youssef Abdelrahman Abed, Kamel Mohamed Ahmed Ahmed Youssef

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: An effective surgical procedure for treating end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee (OA) is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Pain is the main reason why many patients are still unhappy with their results following TKA. Patients who did TKA may experience anterior knee pain (AKP) with or without patellar resurfacing. Research has indicated that the morphology of the patella or trochlear geometry affects the stress on the patellofemoral joint.

Objective: To determine whether clinical scores and pain after TKA without patellar resurfacing were correlated with patellar shape. Methods: This retrospective case control study included 70 cases. We retrospectively assessed patients with …

Assessment Of Serum Adropin In Erectile Dysfunction Patients And Its Correlation With Disease Severity, Ahmed M. Eltohami, Sh. Fouad, Khadiga M. El-Hamaky, Abdel Khabir A.

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be considered an indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adropin is identified to be accompanied by insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism, so we aimed to investigate serum adropin levels in ED cases compared to healthy controls (HC). Methods This case control study included 50 men with ED and and control group of 25 agematched, sexually active healthy men with normal erectile function. Cases group was divided into two groups (25 each) as ED patients with and without type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Validated Arabic version of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 was used to evaluate …

Outcome Of Conservative Management Of Placenta Accreta Spectrum In Mansoura University Hospital, Nasra Hassan Mohamed, Mohamed Mohamed Eltotongy, Maher Elesewi Kamel Elgaly

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) represents a significant global health challenge, with its incidence rising in parallel with the increasing prevalence of cesarean sections (CS). While cesarean hysterectomy is traditionally considered the standard treatment, conservative management offers a fertility-preserving alternative in carefully selected cases. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of conservative treatment for PAS at Mansoura University Hospital over a two-year period.

Methods: This retrospective analytical study included 132 women diagnosed with placenta accreta who underwent conservative management. Patient data, including obstetric history, degree of accreta, bleeding episodes, timing of delivery, and the specific uterine-sparing technique …

Predictors Of Outcomes Of Adult Mandibular Fractures: A Prospective Study., Norhan Yahia El-Henawy, Mohamed Ali Mahgoub, Mohamed Radwan El-Hadidy, Ahmed Hassan El-Sabbagh

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Mandibular fractures not only cause physical disfigurement and functional impairments but also significantly affect the patient’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Predictors are variables that may influence or explain variation in the outcome of mandibular fracture. Aim of work: To evaluate demographic, clinical, radiological, and psychosocial factors associated with early postoperative complications and postoperative depressive symptoms following surgical management of adult mandibular fractures. Methods: A prospective study evaluated patients who will undergo treatment for surgical mandibular fracture/s at Mansoura Emergency Hospital, DK, from August 2023 to July 2024. The patients were assessed by history taking, clinical picture, radiological tools, …

Multi-Omics Analysis Of Immune-Metabolic Adaptation To Direct-Fed Microbial Supplementation In Newly Weaned Beef Steers, Adekunle Odunayo Ajiboye

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Immune and metabolic disruption during weaning represents a major challenge to health and productivity in beef cattle. This dissertation tested the hypothesis that supplementation with multi-strain direct-fed microbials (DFMs) modulates immune regulation and metabolic pathways associated with adaptation to weaning stress. To address this, whole-blood transcriptomics and plasma metabolomics were used to evaluate molecular and metabolic responses in newly weaned beef steers during the receiving period. Transcriptomic analysis identified differential expressions of genes associated with immune signaling and inflammatory regulation, indicating modulation of immune-related pathways without changes in growth performance. Metabolomic analysis revealed alterations in circulating metabolites related to amino …

Utilizing Plethodontid Occupancy To Assess Initial Ecosystem Responses To Invasive Plant Control Treatment In The Central Hardwoods, Maree Guinevere Dieterich

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Invasive plants are a growing concern for land managers, impacting ecosystem resilience and outcompeting native vegetation. To combat this, invasive plant control treatments can assist in reducing the impacts and spread of damaging, non-native plant species. However, intensive treatments completed at large scales have the potential to negatively impact ecosystem services as well. To monitor these impacts, I utilized a well-known indicator in the Central Applachian region, Plethodontid salamanders, to assess impacts of invasive plant control treatments in the Central Hardwood forests. I completed 12 visual samples across 60 sites in West Virginia, USA during Spring and Fall of 2025 …

Cross-Cue Reactivity Of Nicotine And Cannabis Vaping Products, Madeline Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

SIGNIFICANCE. The rewarding properties of nicotine increase when administration is paired with external stimuli, or “cues”, including those related to vaping products. Given the visual similarity between nicotine vaping products (NVPs) and THC vaping products (TVPs), exposure to one product may elicit reactivity (e.g., craving, urge to use) to the other. The present study aimed to develop a set of cues capable of differentiating NVPs from TVPs to inform investigations of cross-cue reactivity. METHODS. Images (n=61 NVPs; n=64 TVPs; 7=unspecified) were obtained via an online search using both generic (“vape”, “vape pen”) and product-specific (e.g., “nicotine vape”, “dab pen”) keywords …

From Needs To Action: Designing Inclusive Writing Workshops For Academics, S. Alison Bolling, Julie Hicks Patrick

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

Being productive in academic writing is a critical component of success for graduate students and faculty, yet many scholars report persistent barriers that interfere with successful writing (Kaslow et al., 2025, Sweet et al., 2017). Few faculty and graduate students receive formal training on the art of writing and those who have attended writing programs vary in success (Dankoski et al., 2012). The present study reports results from multiple institutions to inform workshops on writing needs of graduate students, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars.

Data was collected online through a Qualtrics survey distributed by WVU listserv. Participants (N = 26) included …

Scientific Kenyon: Neuroscience Edition (Full Issue)

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

My Brain Didn't Get The Memo That It Was Virtual, Samantha Ofori

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Epigenetic Hangovers: Your Brain On Alcohol, Cindy Chen

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Losing Yourself To Find Yourself: The Neuroscience Ego Dissolution, Mike D'Eletto

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.