Digital Commons Network^™

Stem Cells And Alzheimer's, Matthew Kercheff

Capstone Showcase

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a challenging disease as a whole: not only are there challenges in terms of treatment, but also understanding how the disease progresses is difficult in it by itself. Current on-market drugs can only provide symptomatic relief, and do not tackle disease progression. Luckily, stem cell therapy has emerged as a new way of tackling the disease, possessing the potential to address the pathology and improve the neurodegenerative decline. Still, stem cells have challenges imposing on the progression of their research. These challenges range from diagnostics hindrances to ethical concerns, and as a result often lead to …

Online Technologies And Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Workshop Presentation Slides, Daniel Matishek

Open Educational Resources

The workshops address online technologies such as learning management systems, screen capture tools, communication tools, online teaching pedagogy, and online learning assessments. Additionally, through an emphasis on culturally responsive pedagogy, participants will explore how knowing students' values and experiences can be used to inform teaching, selecting curriculum content with students in mind, using student-centered teaching techniques, and creating a supportive environment online.

Interpretation Of The Hurricane Ian Cone Forecast Impact On Evacuation Decision Making Of Individuals Aged 55 And Older, Jack Gulisano, Rashida Jones, Elizabeth Dunn, Maria Paula Ibarcena Woll

Weather, Climate, and Society REU

Pinellas County, which has a large percentage of 55+ adults (42.5%) was affected by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The Forecast cone changed paths many times in the days leading to landfall (Figures 1-4). At one point Pinellas County was forecasted to be the area of landfall for Ian at major hurricane strength, but forecasts shifted south before landfall. By definition of the National Hurricane Center, the cone represents the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone, its designed so that two-thirds of historical official forecast errors over a 5-year sample fall within the cone. Research conducted by Scotney …

Mitigating The Effects Of Excessive Heat In Hillsborough County's Vulnerable Neighborhoods, Paige Burchell, Robin Ersing, Beverly Ward

Weather, Climate, and Society REU

In 2023, Hillsborough County faced a particularly hot summer. Maximum daily heat indices in Tampa reached at least 100°F for 90 days, 55 of which had heat indices of at least 105°F, and 26 of which had heat indices of at least 108°F.

Hillsborough County is home to over 1.5 million residents, and it is composed of various types of communities. While the entire county faces excessive heat, some populations within the county are more at-risk of heat-related complications than others. Physically vulnerable populations include older adults, young children, pregnant females, and people with asthma or other disabilities that make …

Emerging Unconventional Therapies For Glioblastoma Multiforme, Danielle Morang

Capstone Showcase

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor occurring in adults with a median survival of less than two years. It is a highly invasive tumor characterized by genetic heterogeneity, angiogenesis, and rapid proliferation. Patients undergo a multimodal treatment regimen consisting of surgical resection and chemoradiation therapy, yet GBM tumors almost always recur with a worsening prognosis. The molecular and genetic complexities of GBM pose a significant challenge for developing effective therapeutics. Thus, it is imperative to identify new therapeutic targets and explore novel treatment strategies to improve patients’ overall survival time and quality of …

Impact Of Sleep Deprivation On Stress And Performance In Students: Best Interventions, Brianna Crowley

Capstone Showcase

Sleep is an essential part of physical and mental well-being, yet, many individuals underestimate its importance.^1,2,4 Sleep deprivation can lead to a variety of detriments including memory loss, disorganized thinking, and mood changes.^3,6,7 Because of this, academic performance can be directly impaired as well, which further perpetuates a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation and increasing stress.⁸ Interventions to help improve sleep include adequate sleep hygiene, appropriate physical exercise, lifestyle changes, practicing mindfulness, and using pharmaceutical aids. Providers must continue to address this common issue among patients as it truly impacts various aspects of life and follow good …

Examining The Efficacy Of Treatments For Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Michael Podcasy

Capstone Showcase

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a disease that affects the sensory, motor, sudomotor, vasomotor and trophic systems of patients. The pathophysiology is currently unknown and the diagnostic criteria that is used, the Budapest criteria, has its own shortcomings. This had led to hurdles in the research of the disease and well as a lack of high-quality studies on the efficacy of the many treatments currently being used to treat CRPS today. This poster explores those concepts.

Evaluating The Pathogenesis And Treatment Algorithms For Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Nimra Nasir

Capstone Showcase

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastrointestinal condition that is characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort and altered bowel habits. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is thought out to be a multifactorial disorder that involves GI dysmotility, symptomology, altered gut microbial environment and alteration of the CNS with mental health manifestations including depression and anxiety. Many theories of the pathophysiology of IBS have been put forward, however the exact etiology remains unclear to this day. IBS is diagnosed based on the Rome IV Criteria that represent one of the four subtypes; 1) IBS with constipation (IBS-C), 2) IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) 3) …

Early Onset Colorectal Cancer: Research, Trends & Challenges, Sarah E. Smith

Capstone Showcase

Early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) incidence and mortality are rising in a global trend, contrasting with improvements seen in late-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC). EOCRC appears to differ in presentation, histology, and pathology from LOCRC painting concerns of a more aggressive tumor profile. With incidence steadily climbing, there is still lacking awareness and guidance on screening for EOCRC. This article aims to provide background on EOCRC including epidemiology, risk factors, and traits, as well as to explore methods for adjusting provider screening criteria to combat this concerning trend.

A Thoughtful Approach To Weight Loss Management, Zachary Brock

Capstone Showcase

As a student preparing to graduate PA school, one of the areas I hope to improve upon is my ability to educate patients in a comfortable, caring, encouraging, and effective manner. In my experience, the topic of weight-loss is often handled in ways that are insensitive, making patients feel shameful about their condition and less inspired to change. The goal of this article will be to address the current literature on how to medically manage obesity in patients and combine resources that offer more effective, encouraging, and subtle approaches that will help lead to a more effective, shame-free treatment of …

Migraine Treatment In Primary Care, Vivian Tran

Capstone Showcase

Migraines are a common problem that medical providers encounter, especially in primary care, neurology, and the emergency department. Given that 15% of the population suffers from migraines annually, it is important for providers to know how to diagnose migraines. Migraines may also present as a symptom of another disorder, so being able to recognize whether symptoms are alarming is crucial to start the correct workup. The mainstay abortive therapy for migraines is ibuprofen, and for prophylactic therapy is topiramate. However, CGRP targeted medications like gepants and CGRP mAbs may be the new treatment of choice for abortive and prophylactic treatment …

Cme: Pcos Diagnostic Criteria, Lindsay R. Phillips

Capstone Showcase

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal imbalance that can affect females of reproductive ages and is described as women having high androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and small cysts on one or both ovaries. PCOS is difficult to accurately diagnose since the diagnostic criteria are vague and the disease falls on a wide spectrum of symptoms, leaving women underdiagnosed. Previous research has shown marked improvement in the diagnostic criteria for PCOS over the years. However, due to the vagueness in symptoms, most of the criteria has been created through expert opinion based on subjective data vs objective data. …

Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Radiculopathy In Athletes, Elizabeth G. Massel

Capstone Showcase

Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), commonly referred to as intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, is the second most common cause of neck and back pain, and most common cause of radiculopathy. The purpose of this CME article is to provide guidance on the medical management and secondary prevention of HNP in athletic populations, and highlight the pathophysiological process of mechanical overload putting athletes at a proportionately higher risk of the disease. It will address the unique pathophysiology of overuse-related HNP, as opposed to underuse, with the mechanical overload on vertebral discs associated with many sports. It will also review, with more emphasis …

Water Quality Considerations In Landscaping, Tom Swenson

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Lifestyle Redesign: The Franciscan Sisters Of Little Falls, Mn, Seth Crocker

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have a wide scope of practice due to the versatility of the profession. Some OT practitioners practice in traditional healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools, while other therapists find locations that are considered less conventional. The utilization of OT in nontraditional practices is an opportunity for practitioners to expand their scope of practice and benefit more people within the community. No matter the setting, OT practitioners provide services to promote patient health, independence, and quality of life. A specific factor that can negatively affect these areas is age progression. One way to combat this …

Using An Lms To Restructure Etd Submission: A Five-Year Review, Teri M. Robinson, Danny D. Davis

Presentations and Posters

At Mississippi State University, theses and dissertations are reviewed and approved by the Office of Thesis and Dissertation Format Review (OTD). OTD is a part of the University’s Library and works closely with the Graduate School to set submission standards. In 2019 OTD began using Canvas, the University’s learning management system (LMS), for all thesis and dissertation submissions. Students are expected to enroll in a required course during their final semester to gain access to the submission modules in Canvas. All forms and documents are submitted in Canvas, making the process entirely electronic. While the Canvas course has proved to …

Impacts Of Self-Diagnosing And The Role Of Social Media, Sara Steffens

A with Honors Projects

This poster explores outcomes of self-diagnosing mental illness/disorders and how social media factors in.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion And How Black Women Contributed To America, Valencia Crosby

A with Honors Projects

For this project, I chose to read the novel, No Better Time by Sheila Williams. This novel was published and distributed in 2024 and has had raving reviews from countless magazines/journals such as Writer's Digest, The Root, Historical Novel Society, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Rats And Emperors: The Justinianic Plague And A Shaken Empire, Miranda Allaire

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

For this research proposal, I decided to analyze the question of how the Justinianic Plague affected Eastern Roman politics. The benefits of taking a Research-Intensive class are easy to see, especially as a History major. Through constructing this research proposal, I noticed how my skills of critical thinking, source analysis, and comprehension of evidence improved. By participating in this project, this has continued to confirm my desire to pursue even higher education.

Unraveling Molar Wear Patterns Of San Pedro Maya: Exploring Dietary Correlations And Oral Health, Julie M. Alvarez, Emily Boutin

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

This study investigates the oral health and dietary practices of the historical San Pedro Maya population in Belize. By analyzing the wear patterns on their molars, we gained insights into their past diet and oral health conditions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and health of the San Pedro Maya in ancient times. This research illuminates the connections between diet and oral health among this indigenous group, offering valuable historical insights into their well-being and contributing to our understanding of ancient Maya civilization. We hope to add to what is known about the Maya of San …

The Impact Of Behavioral Modification Therapy On Addiction Recovery In Young Adults, Claire Belin

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

View Claire's project at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VuVRD6p-HkvcdQdb8_9KBbP7SNvDwDAx/view?usp=drive_link

In this presentation, I discuss my proposal for research addressing the impact of behavioral modification therapy on addiction recovery in young adults from ages 20 through 30. My PowerPoint presentation overviews background on the subject, gaps in the literature that demand further research, a study design, my proposed method of behavioral modification treatment, a potential sample and method, and an analysis to assess the data.

The purpose of my presentation is to address a real problem we experience in our communities that could affect even the people in our lives that we cherish most. With …

The Special Olympics Florida: A Service Learning Experience, Brooke M. Leggiero

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

In serving with the Special Olympics Florida to provide sports and training to athletes with intellectual dissabilities, there were three key insights learned. The first is that unexperienced willingness is more valued than unengaged talent. Then, communication is the road that good leadership travels on. Last, organization and preparation are important, but flexibility makes them golden. Each of these key insights is important in having good citizenship as a leader. Being willing is an essential piece to taking responsibility for your community. Communication allows you to lead as a community member, not just a solo leader. Flexibility allows you to …

Comparison Of Gender Ideology Between Persons Who Lived In A Single-Parent Vs Two-Parent Household, Cecili Stanley

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

Purpose of this project was to review the influences of gender ideology. It is noted in today's social sphere, there is an ongoing debate regarding gender roles in and outside of the home. The research was intended to review the effects of gender role ideology between single-parent and two-parent households and verify if male dominance influences gender ideology. On the contrary, the results suggested religion having a greater influence on gender ideology.

The Association Between Disease Burden And Alzheimer's Hospitalization Rates In Older Adults., Autumn Johnson

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

Dementia refers to symptoms that impair daily life, including social and intellectual abilities, with memory loss being a key feature. Conditions such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Huntington’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are major causes of memory loss. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder that deteriorates memory and thinking skills, characterized by withdrawal from social activities, mood changes, and confusion about time or place.

Age is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer’s, alongside non-modifiable factors like genetics and family history. Modifiable factors include physical activity, smoking, education, and social engagement. The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2024 fact sheet emphasizes the need for more research …

Examining The Utility Of The Early Childhood Development Index (Ecdi) Among 3- To 4-Year-Olds In The Nigeria Context, Ngozi V. Enelamah, Smitha Rao, Margaret Lombe, Mansoo Yu, Chrisann Newransky, Melissa L. Villodas, Andrew Foell, Von Nebbitt

Faculty Publications

An estimated six million of over 31 million children under five years old are at risk of not reaching their full developmental potential in Nigeria. There is a need for culturally appropriate and context-specific measures to track child development and facilitate intervention planning. This study assessed the utility of the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI), see Table 1, used in the 2016/2017 round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) to track development among 3- to 4-year-old children (n=11,073; 3-year-old, 51%; female, 49%).

Universal Data System To Increase Staff Buy-In, Renee L. Morris, Nathan Smith, Michael Thompson, Cynthia James, Nicole Tubner

Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference

Although PBIS has been implemented in many schools across the state, there is still a concern of making the system universal to help increase staff buy-in. Therefore, it is crucial that schools include the entire staff with the behavior expectations for all students in the school. It is also important for students to be rewarded for putting forth their best effort.

Research shows that there are several products that can be purchased to allow a school to collect the data, reward points or implement incentives. However, there are cost efficient ways of implementing a school-wide data system. One strategy is …

Avoiding Burnout: Newsletters That Promote Special Education Teachers Well-Being, Kayler Knott

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

With the alarming rate of teachers leaving the educational field, there is a definitive shortage of people entering the field of special education. Educators need access to different tools and resources that will allow them to know about other things that can help limit or reduce the strain of things causing teacher burnout. By sending out these resources to educators and informing them of different tools they can use, we can help alleviate teacher burnout, keep more educators in the fields, and stop losing our young teachers just entering before they have even completed student teaching experiences. Each of these …

Optimizing The Pass Program: Using Improvement Science To Enhance Holistic Support For First-Year Medical Students, Suzanne Mosko

Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Symposium

No abstract provided.

Frozen In Time: The History Of Frozen Food In America During The 1940s To 1950s, Mahyoub N. Gobah

The Exposition

Frozen foods are a powerhouse when it comes to the food industry. In 2020 Frozen foods registered $65.1 billion in US retail sales, which marked a 21% increase when compared to the previous year. Frozen foods have always been big and popular, and they are available in most stores around the world. The history of frozen foods can explain how they became a powerhouse in the present day. Frozen foods history started with the Clarence Birdseye. Clarence Birdseye is considered the founder of the modern frozen food industry; he was able to invent a new way to freeze food. The …

A Co. 1-169 Command Aviation Company (Cac) Mobilization, William Lewis Fish Iii

M. S. in Project Management

The threats to the homeland and the strategic priorities of the United States have grown over the last two decades. The resources in the active duty component of the US Army are at maximum capacity requiring the Department of Defense to utilize its combat reserves. As a result, the operational tempo and deployment cycles for the National Guard (NG) have increased in quantity and intensity.

Mobilization for federal deployments have become a way of life in the NG. With resources less abundant, it is imperative that every resource is used efficiently over the project’s lifecycle. Traditional methods of project management …