Digital Commons Network^™

Contributing Factors And Interventions For Increased Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (Clabsi) Rates During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review, Brittney Perry

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this literature review is to determine the contributing factors of CLABSI rate increases during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify interventions which restored CLABSI rates to pre-pandemic levels to guide healthcare professionals’ actions during the next pandemic. Background: In the first two decades of the 21^st century, CLABSI rates were reduced in United States hospitals by innovating safer patient care practices. However, there was a significant increase in the annual CLABSI rate in 2020 and 2021, increasing the average length of stay, mortality rate, and cost to the U.S. healthcare system. Methods: An extensive search of CINAHL …

Financial Issues And Trends Among Testicular Cancer Patients: A Review Of Patient-Reported Outcomes, Treatments, And Employment, Staphana Valery Edouard

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The present study reviewed existing literature on the effects of treatment and recovery costs on the multidimensional wellness of testicular cancer (TC) survivors. Peer-reviewed and scholarly articles were systematically searched and analyzed to determine the extent and impact of the overall financial effects of a TC diagnosis. This study aimed to uncover evidence indicating the possible decline in overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to the potential deleterious effects on TC survivors’ financial well-being.

We found that TC survivors’ HRQoL is affected due to the damages of high out-of-pocket treatment costs, possible loss of employment, disability, and any other …

Exploring Evidence-Based Intervention Methods In The Juvenile Justice System, Edgar J. Quinones-Gomez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A large body of research has been devoted to understanding evidence-based interventions (EBI) and their effectiveness in the juvenile justice system. This systematic review examines three commonly used interventions used to reduce recidivism among adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Multisystemic Therapy (MST). The systematic review analyzes findings from prior studies evaluating the impact of CBT, FFT, and MST on recidivism among adjudicated youth. The sample includes 23 peer-reviewed studies that utilized samples of adjudicated youth in the United States and were published after 2010. Findings revealed CBT as the most …

Recognizing Risk Factors Of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia In Neonates ≥ 24 And ≤ 32 Weeks Of Gestational Age, Hannah Tatro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung condition that is diagnosed among neonates who are on oxygen therapy for longer than 28 days. BPD causes insufficient gas exchange due to prematurely developed lungs and is the most common condition that causes morbidity of prematurity. Many risk factors contribute to the development of this condition and relate to care from the delivery room to the first few days of life.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to examine risk factors related to the development of BPD in neonates from the gestational ages of 24 to 32 weeks.

Methods: …

Sars-Cov-2 Infection History Is Positively Correlated With Frequency Of Psychotic Symptoms In Schizophrenia, Jackson D. Beecher

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Previous work in human and animal studies has implicated aberrant insular cortex (IC) activity in the pathophysiology of hallucinations. Of note, the IC overlaps with the olfactory cortex (OC), a region of the brain that receives extensive projections from sensory neurons of the olfactory epithelium. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious coronavirus with a demonstrated ability to cause anosmia; the virus does this by colocalizing with and damaging support cells in the olfactory epithelium, ultimately leading to alterations in olfactory receptor cell signaling to the OC. Given the overlap between OC and IC, we asked the question of whether COVID-19 …

Predicting Willingness To Attain Telehealth Medical Treatment From Personality Variables, Maxwell J. Belshe

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The continued integration of technology into healthcare has made telehealth a vital resource. Yet, factors influencing individuals' willingness to seek telehealth treatment remain relatively underexplored. In this study, I examined the relationship between social media use, personal growth, environmental mastery, and social anxiety, as well as their relationship to college students’ willingness to utilize telehealth services. A sample of 402 participants was surveyed and a multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess these variables' abilities to predict willingness to use telehealth services. The model explained 10.6% of the variance in willingness to use telehealth with social media use and personal …

Elements Of The Criminal Mind, Kelsie A. Esposito Ms.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Studying human behavior and societal dynamics has captivated scholars across time. From ancient philosophers like Plato to contemporary researchers, the quest to comprehend our distinctiveness and the mechanisms that enable harmonious coexistence remains paramount. This thesis examines the enigmatic realm of the “criminal class,” looking at their identity and actions and the cognitive processes underpinning their behavior. Focusing on violent criminal offenders, this thesis seeks to provide greater meaning and understanding of the criminal mind.

Religiosity And Spirituality Among Sexual And Gender Minority College Students, Emily N. Popovetsky

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible relationship between religiosity and spirituality as separate factors and its effects on the sexual gender minority community (SGM) regarding identity distress and identity commitment to aid in SGM identity and religious identity integration. It was investigated whether spirituality could moderator the negative effects of religious rejection for the SGM community regarding identity distress, and identity commitment. A comparison between the non-(SGM) community and SGM was included. This study viewed multiple different aspects of religiosity such as religious rejection, current religious practices, and centrality of religion in one’s life as well …

The Use Of Limiting Screen Time To Reduce Or Eliminate Adverse Mental Health Effects In Adolescents: An Interventional Study, Tiffany Goree

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

The research project "The Use of Limiting Screen Time During the School Year and Summer Seasons to Reduce or Eliminate Adverse Mental Health Effects in Adolescents 11-14 Years Old: A Randomized Control Trial" stemmed from personal experience and concern for adolescent mental health. I took the initiative with my formed project group and facilitated collaborative brainstorming sessions to refine our ideas. Key activities included designing the study, selecting assessment tools like the Profile of Mood States test, and coordinating collaborative sessions to discuss progress and challenges.

Through this project, I learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and effective communication in …

Ula Reflections Within Specialized Chemistry — Trace Evidence, A Forensic Science Course, Jiyeong Hong, Laura Hilario Garcia, Brooke Bass

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

This presentation is to display our experience as a ULA in a specialized chemistry course within the forensic science program, Trace Evidence. This course is an upper-level chemistry course that requires a strong foundation in organic and analytical chemistry and is required for all tracks in the forensic science undergraduate program. Trace Evidence also utilizes team-based learning and a flipped modality. We were tasked with helping students during active learning activities regarding the current content by using guiding questions. We learned the best way to help students was to ask open-ended questions, enhance their motivation, and understand their frustrations or …

Social Media In Schools, Lily Cring, Olivia Skvarenina, Brianna Philips, Rachel Blank, Joshua Carrizales

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

For our service-learning project for our final semester as part of LEAD Scholars Academy, we dove into deliberative dialogue. In our class, we research 2023 Florida State Bill 52. This bill requires public schools to provide education on the social and emotional impacts of social media, limiting social media usage during schools hours, and limiting cell-phone usage on school property as a whole.

Through this project and the interactions we had in class we learned just how powerful social media is, and the importance of awareness around the negative impacts it can have, especially on youth and teens.

Impact Of Senate Bill 1580: Medical Conscience In Florida, Rishi Nair, Nicholas Mistry, Vishanth Murugesan, Hunter Burtha, Douglas D'Amelio

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 1580 (SB 1580), which enshrined protections of medical providers’ conscience into law. Upon enactment, proponents have hailed the bill’s leadership in enabling providers to uphold their personal values and refuse to provide care on such grounds. Opponents have questioned SB 1580’s ability to ensure accessible healthcare by enabling personal beliefs to potentially overshadow the scientific consensus. We analyzed the benefits and drawbacks of this new law in relation to existing research on the impact of medical conscience on health outcomes. SB 1580 draws upon affirmations of the Hippocratic Oath and moral practices …

Chm2045c: The Hurdle, Benjamin F. Cherkasskiy, Kira Garvey, Abigail David

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

Many undergraduate students at UCF are required to take chemistry classes and the chemistry pathway to fulfill their major conditions. As ULAs for one of the first college chemistry courses that students will take, we have witnessed students struggle when being introduced to the content. This contributes to lower motivation among students and an overarching feeling of “I can’t do this”. We aim to help alleviate the assumption that chemistry is “hard” or “impossible” by personally working with students and utilizing the strategies we learned in our Pedagogy class (CHM 4942). Throughout the semester, we have worked one-on-one with students …

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 …

Social Media And Kids: An Issue Guide, Timothy A. Mcallister, Mekhai Ryan, Connor Sands, Matthew Turman, Spencer Friedberg

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

Our goal with this project is to foster civil discourse on issues relating to kids and social media, examining both the potential benefits and harms they may experience. We used HB 1: Online Protections for Minors as a starting point, as a relevant example of regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding children online.

Throughout our project, we've learned a lot to deeply understand the various perspectives on this issue. From concerns about the detrimental effects on mental and physical health to considerations of privacy and freedom of speech, we have definitely expanded our own knowledge on the topic while completing this …

Taylor Davis - Eportfolio, Taylor Davis

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

The purpose of my ePortfolio project is to serve as a digital collection of the many and various experiences that I have had the privilege of accumulating throughout the last several years as an undergraduate student. Through the process of creating this ePortfolio, I was given the opportunity to reflect on a comprehensive recollection of all of these experiences, gaining a more insightful approach and examining how these events will influence my future endeavors. Key activities included compiling a variety of materials including photos, videos, proposal documents, certifications, and more to create an all-encompassing portfolio of experiences. This compilation helped …

Providing Oral Healthcare Access For The Uninsured Via American Muslim Community Clinics, Diego J. Bodden

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

American Muslim Community Clinic is a non-profit clinic responsible for providing the best healthcare care services at no cost to uninsured community members of Central Florida. They offer various health services, including primary care, dental care, and other specialist services. At AMCC, my responsibility was explicitly to the dental side of the clinic, where I was responsible for assisting the dentist with dental procedures, x-rays, and patient communication. My purpose is to impact the community positively and serve the underserved with authenticity and hardworking intentions to benefit the community. AMCC has taught me a lot about communication and ensuring people …

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 …

History Of Injustices And The Current Interim Government Actions In Bangladesh, Kazi S. Salsabil

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

The project illustrates the knowledge I obtained through the U-LEAD global leadership course and the research project assessing global issues. This illustration will discuss the past and current situation of Bangladesh. It has only been 53 years since Bangladesh became independent. Unfortunately, the country has a long history of political struggles. The country is recovering from the destabilized government left by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The purpose of this project is to assess the political and societal obstacles faced by Bangladesh.

Additionally, psychological well-being and accessibility to resources will be evaluated. For this project, I used Google Forms to …

Showing Kindness To Children With Special Needs Through Buddy Break, Alexis Williams

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

The purpose of this project was to discuss the organization Nathaniel's Hope and their Buddy Break opportunity. Buddy Break provides parents of children with special needs with a break while also providing the best day ever to children with special needs. This organization has left an important impact on the community as it has allowed both families and children to connect with one another.

Pathways To Potential: Guiding Middle School Students Through Career Exploration, Megan Rhodes

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

Megan partnered with a local middle school to supplement their curriculum through career development small groups and class lessons, focusing on soft skills and learning about the self. She worked with sixth graders in small groups, and a mix of all grades for classroom lessons. The goal of these interventions is for students to feel more confident in their knowledge about themselves, and to be more equipped with knowledge about their different interests and strengths. The focus of each intervention includes skills, grit, Holland codes and interests, community helpers, and effort. Megan learned how to confidently communicate to students in …

Pathway To Purpose: College And Career Exploration For 11th Graders, Maranda L. Henderson

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

The purpose of my project was to help 11th grade student discover what they want to do as a future career and what steps they would need to take to get to where they want to be. I took students on college tours, brought in special speakers to talk about their career path, helped student apply for scholarships, helped student participate in career exploration, and so much more. One key thing I learned was that not all students are the same and not all of them have the same path to success.

Paralysis Rehabilitation At Nextstep Orlando, Ben John

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

My project at NextStep Orlando was to support the rehabilitation of individuals living with paralysis, aiding them in achieving improved mobility and quality of life. Paralysis affects 1.7% of the U.S. population, profoundly changing the lives of those impacted. At NextStep Orlando, we focused on helping clients maintain physical activity, prevent muscle atrophy, and foster a sense of independence. My key activities included assisting clients with rehabilitative exercises, which targeted muscle tone and enhanced mobility. These exercises allowed clients to feel more in control and hopeful about potential physical improvements, with some projected to walk again with consistent effort.

One …

"Addressing Sexual Abuse: Unveiling Hidden Realities", Shanzida Toha

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2024

My inspiration was from my IDS 4939 course where we had to present about a topic that we are devoted towards. It could be conveyed through PowerPoint, video, etc. but for me I chose to write a research paper about the indiscriminate circumstances that influence Sexual Abusers behavior, and how it profoundly directs their course of action. After an endless time spent on gaining data, this sensitive topic sent me to a black hole of no return. With boundless sources of support with the help of the internet I was feeling guilty as to what I could do with this. …

Slow Glycolysis Exercise Responses On The Body When Fueled By Short-Term Differing Carbohydrate Levels, Skylar Gayman

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

Dieting fads have been a fascination across America for many years. “Have you tried the keto diet?” “What about a low carb diet?” But what many people may not know, or consider, is the physiological effects that these may have on the body. Dieting faddists often find themselves in “bad moods” or “irritable”, lacking the energy necessary to maintain physical activity. Weight loss, although necessary for borderline obese and obese populations, has become a hyper fixation of our population. Often leading us to find “quick fixes” to the very simple, yet well-disciplined answer of a healthy diet and exercise to …

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 …

Unlocking The Path To Psychology: A Guide To Building A Career In The Field, Kazi S. Salsabil

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

The Psychology 3074: Career Readiness 2 course offers an integrative learning experience aimed at enhancing students' professional development. This project reflects my journey as a student in building a solid foundation in professional communication, self-presentation, job market navigation, and the continuous growth fostered by embracing feedback. Throughout the course, we developed essential career readiness skills, including refining resumes and cover letters, participating in mock interviews, cultivating resilience in response to feedback, and crafting compelling elevator pitches. Additionally, resources such as the UCF Writing Center and Handshake played a pivotal role in advancing my resume, cover letter, and interview preparation, contributing …

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 …

Disability Representation In Contemporary Playwriting, Caroline Hull

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Is it possible for a playwright to authentically capture the disabled experience without it becoming privy to stereotypes or utilized as a catalyst for the plot? The thesis aims to challenge the prevalent notion that making the disability intrinsic to a theatrical plot is essential for authentic representation, and instead asserts that authentic portrayal of the disabled experience can exist independently of making the disability a central plot device. To support this claim, In Chapter One, I engage with relevant work in the field of playwriting and narrative media studies, such as the workshop "Inaccessible: Writing Plays with Characters who …

Theatrical Tools To Support The Community Agreement, Bethany E. Post

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

When working with a new group of people, it is common practice to create a Community Agreement in pursuit of quality outcomes. This tool uses dialogue to methodically outline the desired educational or creative environment, democratically articulating the commitments and expectations to remain in place throughout the duration of the group's existence and setting all participants in accord with the work to come. However, the Community Agreement can fail to support individual participants during moments of inevitable tension. In such moments, participants may experience unplanned emotional or physical reactions in response to triggering material or ideas. To navigate these reactions …