Digital Commons Network^™

Epitope Mapping Novel Monoclonal Antibodies Against Borrelia Burgdorferi Surface Proteins Ospc And Bmpa, Eliza M. Doyle

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In response to the progressive nature of Lyme disease, direct diagnostic testing of Borrelia burgdorferi surface proteins was proposed as a quicker and more sensitive alternative to the current indirect detection methods. To determine the ability of novel monoclonal antibodies to detect the surface lipoproteins BmpA and OspC, recombinant fragments of these proteins were created. These fragments were tested against the putative diagnostic antibodies via western blotting as a means to map the epitope of each of the proteins that the respective antibodies recognize. All BmpA fragments with deletions on the N-terminal end exhibited reactivity, indicating that the epitope is …

Investigating Various Personality Factors As Predictors Of Poor Belief Updating Regarding Controversial Political Issues, Eric E. Haseman Jr

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Belief updating is a research area investigating how individuals refine or fail to refine their preexisting beliefs when confronted with corrective sources. Understanding the various drivers of poor belief updating in a political context is essential to maintaining an informed democracy, as the ideal voter in a democratic nation updates political misconceptions and false beliefs when presented with corrective sources. Despite the importance of this topic, the literature examining potential factors that could contribute to poor belief updating in a political context remains particularly limited. I aimed to address this limitation by recruiting undergraduates from the University of Central Florida’s …

The Effect Of Intermittent Fasting, Caloric Restriction And Exercise On Aging And Longevity: Systematic Review, Romi Hardin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the effects of caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and exercise on human longevity and aging, and explore their practical applications and inclusions into a healthy lifestyle. By reviewing the existing research and studies, this literature review focuses on identifying and explaining the biological mechanism behind these practices and exploring whether combining practices can be advantageous in extending not only lifespan but health span. The results generally indicate that following either caloric restriction or intermittent fasting and participating in regular exercise have immense results on promoting healthy aging in an …

The Role Of Multiteam Systems In Prescribed Fire Operational Incidents, Kevin Llanos

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to study how multiteam systems (MTS) are implicated in prescribed fire operations and enhance an interdisciplinary understanding of occupational demands in the industry to mitigate worsening environmental challenges. We study publicly accessible sources through a mixed-methods approach applying I/O psychology and discuss relevant literature. Land management plan documentation is reviewed to explore the structural and functional components of prescribed fire teams. We apply theory-driven coding to analyze prescribed fire incident documentation as we study MTS system processes and develop thematic findings. Lastly, industry job listing content and occupational demands are reviewed. Through this archival …

Health Equity Policy In Colombia: Improving Equal Access To Health Care Services For Individuals With Low-Income, Marian Marin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In 1993, the last health reform “Law 100” was introduced in Colombia. It has been over 30 years since its implementation, and there have been many changes to the healthcare system in Colombia ever since. The policy increased health insurance coverage to almost 95% of the population, providing better and more affordable patient care. However, increasing the availability of resources does not necessarily make them accessible to all of Colombia’s residents. This study aims to analyze the outcomes of “Law 100” to the system and studies critical obstacles that halt healthcare equity in Colombia, particularly for those in rural and …

Reinforcement Learning From Human Feedback For Ethically Robust Ai Decision-Making, Marco M. Plasencia

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The emergence of reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) has made great strides toward giving AI decision-making the ability to learn from external human advice. In general, this machine learning technique is concerned with producing agents that learn to work toward optimizing and achieving some goal, advanced by interactions with the environment and feedback given in terms of a quantifiable reward. In the scope of this project, we seek to merge the intricate realms of AI robustness, ethical decision-making, and RLHF. With no way to truly quantify human values, human feedback is an essential bridge in the learning process, allowing …

The Effect Of Different Music Genres On Listeners' Emotions, Benjamin N. Rosenberg

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Music has been shown to have definitive effects on the emotions of listeners, but the effects of different genres of music have been less frequently studied. The purpose of this study was to examine three different genres of music (pop, metal, and EDM), and the different effects on listeners’ emotions that they would have. College students (n = 191), completed a questionnaire assessing genre preference and emotions, before listening to a selection of songs from one of the three genres. Afterwards, they reported their emotions once more. Metal music was found to cause an increase in negative emotions, while …

Violence Against Women And Abortion Access: A Content Analysis Of The Impact Of The Overturning Of Roe V. Wade On Victims Of Domestic And Sexual Violence, Salika Vummarao

Honors Undergraduate Theses

On June 24, 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned, effectively eliminating the federally protected right to an abortion. Following the overturning, several state-specific restrictions or bans on abortion were passed, creating increasingly difficult conditions for people seeking an abortion. Research shows that abortion bans and restrictions disproportionately affect victims of sexual and domestic violence. Hence, this study aims to understand the specific impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade for victims of domestic and/or sexual violence by analysis of news articles. This issue has not been researched in depth, creating a gap in our understanding. The database NexisUni was …

Examination Of The Morphological Changes And Genotoxic Effects Of Sodium Benzoate On Neuro-2a Cells In Vitro, Emily S. Larson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Sodium benzoate is a food preservative present in sodas, fruit juices, and other acidic foods and beverages [1]. Its acceptable daily intake is 0-20 mg/kg body weight [2], and it is generally recognized as safe [1, 3]. However, sodium benzoate has been linked to hyperactivity in children [4, 5] and adults [6] and to deficits and behavioral changes in rodents [7-10], indicating potential negative impacts on the nervous system. Sodium benzoate has also induced genotoxic effects in human lymphocytes [11, 12] and Chinese hamster fibroblast cells [13] in vitro and in rat liver tissue in vivo [14]. The effect of …

Investigating Influences On Muslim-American Identity Development, Ruqayyah Adam

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand how the childhood experiences, perceived discrimination, and Islamophobia experienced by Muslim-American college students have played a part in their identity development and overall well-being. Participants completed the RYFF Psychological Well-being Scales, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Centrality of Religiosity Scale, GAD7, Identity Distress Survey, Multi-Ethnic Identity Scale, as well as a narrative questionnaire that asked about their childhood experiences. After carefully analyzing the results of my study, results indicated that while Muslim-Americans faced extra difficulties due to discrimination, Islamophobia, and the integration of multiple cultural identities, they still experienced higher well-being and self-esteem despite …

The Comparative Efficacy Of Ketamine And Esketamine In Treating Anhedonia And Suicidal Ideation: A Meta-Analysis, Yanyi Wu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This meta-analysis examines the efficacy and effectiveness of racemic ketamine (RS-ketamine) and esketamine in reducing depressive symptoms such as suicidal ideation and anhedonia in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder. This review comprehensively looks at six studies: three clinical studies focusing on suicidal ideation and three looking at anhedonia. Across the studies, RS-ketamine and esketamine were associated with a higher resolution of suicidal ideation, risk, and anhedonia. Significant improvements were noted in the suicidal desire and ideation subscale of the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation. The pooled effect size for suicidal ideation (d = 0.533) and pooled …

Does Attention Control Mediate The Negative Effects Online Usage Exerts On College Students' Gpa, Carolina Rodriguez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Online media, especially social media, is a continuously growing area of research which has raised questions about its impacts on academic outcomes. Many previous studies have established a negative relation between social media use and academic performance; however, the mechanism behind this finding is still unknown. The present study investigated whether level of attention control mediates the relation between an individual’s propensity for online usage and grade point average (GPA). Undergraduate students at the University of Central Florida (N=226) were recruited for this study, and their levels of online vigilance and attention control were measured. College GPA was self-reported by …

Breakfast Skipping In College Students And Its Association With Eating Behaviors, Rebekah E. May

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Breakfast is important in maintaining optimal diet quality and decreasing preventable diet-related disease later in life. Breakfast skipping is highly prevalent in the college population, potentially decreasing self-regulation and diet quality and increasing habits of overeating. However, specific eating styles and diet quality have yet to be studied in breakfast skippers.

Objective: To explore and compare the characteristics of eating style, self-regulation, and diet quality among college students between a day when breakfast is skipped and a day when breakfast is consumed.

Methodology: Undergraduate students (n=103) participating in this observational crossover study completed demographics, the Self-regulation of Eating Behavior …

Evolution Of The Artist: The Impact Of A New Medium On Creative Expression, Isabel Y. Balladares

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This paper examines the impact of learning a new medium on artistic expression and creativity. By investigating art made during the learning process of ceramic art, I clarify the influence of initial learning stages in an art medium and their influence on creative thinking and motivation. I use two qualitative research strategies, a narrative analysis of the emotional and technical changes I experienced using clay and ceramic materials, and an examination of the art produced during this process. Data is collected through journal entries and photographs of art as I progress. This paper combines previous research in art education and …

Analysis Of Variations In Flow-Independent Liquid Jet-In-Crossflow Injections, Michael Scott

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Liquid fuel injection is a critical mechanism for the deliverance of liquid fuel in contemporary aircraft propulsion combustion systems due to its outsized influence in providing optimal combustion conditions and improving overall aircraft efficiency and performance. Despite this, these liquid jet in crossflow (LJIC) systems are highly variable due to conditions in the jet and the surrounding airflow, leading to variability in performance behavior and inconsistency in fuel mixing and combustion efficiency. This has prompted the introduction of solid pintile obstructions of novel designs to provide a more flow-independent fuel injection scheme and decrease variability of the jet properties against …

The Relationship Between Creative Activity And Physiological Symptoms Of Anxiety, Amanda G. Solivan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between creative activity and physiological symptoms of anxiety. It was hypothesized that an increase in participation in creative activity would be related to a decrease in physiological symptoms. For this study, 250 participants were recruited through social media and SONA, and were prompted to complete surveys reporting how frequently they engaged in creative activities and the degree to which they experienced physiological symptoms. Results found that there was a significant relationship between two of the variables of interest (arts and crafts and sports) and somatic symptoms. Participants who reported higher …

Identifying Contributing Factors For Legal Placement Status In Involuntary Commitment And Voluntary Commitment In Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Brianna R. Perry

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Psychiatric hospitalization of children and adolescents can be carried out either voluntarily or involuntarily. The aim of this form of inpatient hospitalization is to provide treatment for those who cannot manage the symptoms of their mental illnesses on their own. However, psychiatric hospitalizations of children and adolescents are costly and could lead to outcomes such as worsened mental state in former patients and distrust of the system in caregivers. It is crucial to have a solid understanding of specific components that lead to the hospitalization.

Purpose: To identify potential trends in patient admission data through the analysis …

The Relationship Between Resistance Training On Depressive Symptoms, Coping Self-Efficacy, And Quality Of Life In Female College Students, Katherine B. Tran

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Current studies have found a higher risk of depression, coping self-efficacy, and quality of life, specifically among female college students and predominantly pharmacotherapy or cognitive therapy intervention have been adopted to improve depression or depressive symptoms, however, current research suggests an alternative strategy, such as exercise, may be an effective approach. Understanding the relationship between exercise, such as resistance training (RT), and other psychosocial outcomes such as depressive symptoms, coping self-efficacy, and quality of life may show the potential of utilizing RT amongst this understudied population and can provide insight on alternative or supplemental treatment options for depression. Methods: …

The Efficacy Of Vitamin D Supplementation In The Treatment Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Paola N. Delacerda

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder commonly affecting women of reproductive age. Diagnostic criteria include abnormal menstrual cycles, elevated androgens, and cystic ovaries, although insulin resistance is also common. PCOS puts patients at an elevated risk for complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, so proper management of this condition is essential. It has been found that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among the PCOS patient population, therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation as a treatment for PCOS. A meta-analysis was performed using six randomized, placebo-controlled trials that each examined …

Individual And Organizational Challenges To Implementing Prolonged Exposure Therapy In The Military Health System: A Systematic Review Of Client And Provider Perspectives, Paris R. Cloutier

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Military veterans and active-duty service members face high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a chronic and debilitating condition that is comorbid with other negative psychological and social outcomes. PTSD symptomology in military careers is attributed to unique organizational factors and risks both during and post-deployment. Delivering modern, effective PTSD treatments derived from evidence-based research to the military population is a multi-faceted effort. Among these interventions, prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is a safe and effective trauma-focused treatment for veterans. To yield higher rates of PE success, common challenges faced by both military clients and their clinicians that may be impairing …

Exploring The Integration Of Reggio Emilia-Inspired Practices In U.S. Early Childhood Settings, Petra K. Nguyen

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis investigated how United States (U.S.) educators apply a Reggio-inspired approach in U.S. early childhood settings. The Reggio Emilia Approach is a specific early childhood strategy that sees children as capable humans with extraordinary potential. This study’s purpose was to research further and better understand how early childhood educators in U.S. classrooms implement Reggio-inspired practices. Through analyzing four selected articles that identified as implementing Reggio-inspired practices into U.S. early childhood settings, the thesis examined how each program implemented each of the seven components of the Reggio Emilia early childhood philosophy [the Image of the Child, The Hundred Languages of …

Need For Cognition, Empathy, And Self-Esteem As Predictive Factors Of Modern Media Selectivity, Alfredo J. Hurtado Jr.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Personality traits often drive media selectivity, as individuals seek out specific types of media and media genres for gratification. To further understand selectivity in a modern context, this study examined the personality factors of need for cognition, self-esteem, and empathy in relation to engagement with social media, literature, music, podcasts, video games, and tabletop games, with their associated genres. Analyses of 328 participants revealed that personality traits provided minimal to mild influence in media and genre selection, suggesting that the mechanisms behind media selection are comprised of other psychological and sociological factors.

Identifying Quality Hispanic Children’S Literature For Use In Kindergarten Through Second Grade, (2000-2024), Alexandra Isabel Serrato

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study focuses on identifying quality Hispanic children's literature suitable for use in kindergarten through second grade from 2000 to 2024. It aims to explore key characteristics that define high-quality literature in this genre, considering cultural relevance, educational value, linguistic accuracy, and representation of diverse Hispanic experiences. By reviewing books published during this period, the research evaluates how these works support language development, multicultural understanding, and early literacy skills among young readers. The study also highlights the importance of selecting books that reflect authentic Hispanic voices and experiences, promoting inclusivity and diversity in early childhood education.

Influencers Endorsement Advertising Methods On Different Social Media Platforms, Sophia R. Annaloro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Social media marketing has opened a unique spot for Social Media Influencers. With their fame comes a lot of power over their follower's actions. Many things are at play when an influencer works with a brand to create promotional content for a product. Flow theory suggests that an abrupt advertisement does not match the pace or aesthetic of the content they are currently consuming. When one's viewing is abruptly interrupted by an advertisement, the consumers are now aggravated by the product. Distinctive characteristics of different platforms are likely to develop flow differently. This study analyzed how passive versus active product …

The Role Of Micrornas In Cellular Senescence, Inflammation, And Cancer Induced By Childhood Obesity, Sarah S. Siddiqi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Childhood obesity has escalated into a major public health crisis with serious implications for long-term health. As obesity rates among children continue to rise globally, it is crucial to understand its effects on cellular aging and inflammation—key processes that underpin many metabolic diseases. Obesity not only directly contributes to various metabolic disorders but also disrupts fundamental cellular mechanisms, accelerating aging and fostering systemic inflammation. By examining the impact of obesity on cellular aging and chronic inflammation, as well as the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in these pathways, we have been able to identify critical biomarkers and molecular mechanisms involved …

Estimating Change Over Time In Catfish Size As A Proxy For Prehistoric Resource Use At Cape Canaveral, Otis Fields

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The Ais who lived on Cape Canaveral are no longer present to tell their stories, but they left behind artifacts that can help us learn how they managed their environmental resources. Ongoing zooarchaeological analyses from multiple prehistoric sites at Cape Canaveral have revealed a heavy reliance on marine catfishes (Ariopsis felis and Bagre marinus). This study estimates the size and weight of catfish using allometric equations from measurements of dorsal and pectoral spines and otoliths. Analyses will identify potential changes in size over time and preference in size of fish that were kept to evaluate the sustainability of …

Lobbying As A Means For Expanding The Communication Instructional Base In Higher Education Iii, Craig Newburger, Patricia L. Donat, Sherwyn P. Morreale

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

Based on several national mandates, this essay examines the support for and importance of active advocacy among our discipline members in framing the conversation about oral communication proficiency, leading instructional design, and assessing student learning on our campuses. Recommended action involves the development and implementation of a coordinated strategy for engaging both institutional accreditors and those charged with the development and modification of individual campus general education requirements regarding the importance of communication scholars and instructors as principal designers of learning goals, subsequent learning activities, and the corresponding assessment of oral communication instruction on college campuses.

Effective Communication For Department Chairs: Thinking Like A Leader, Acting As A Colleague, Mark Hickson Iii

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

This is the third essay in a three-part series that the author has been working on. The first and second parts appear in earlier volumes of the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration.

Student Engagement In The Communication Classroom: An Intervention To Encourage Student Success, Jay Baglia, Elissa Foster, Kendra Knight, Stephanie Grau

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

Universities implement a variety of interventions to address student engagement and retention. This is especially true post-pandemic as faculty attempt to return to a pre-pandemic structure. Emerging adulthood aligns with the personal responsibility demanded of college students as well as changes in personal growth. In the current climate, stress has been shown to negatively impact executive functioning, the cognitive processes necessary for academic success. This essay describes an intervention encouraging student self-reflexivity around processes for engagement, academic success, and retention. Communication Fundamentals for College Success—a 5-week, two-credit workshop—was developed and delivered by the authors. Curriculum focused on time management, study …

Navigating And Thriving In Leadership: Practical Advice For Elected And Appointed Association Leaders, Tiffany R. Wang

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

Elected and appointed association leaders face circumstances that can make professional service challenging. This essay offers practical advice for how association leaders can navigate and thrive in leadership roles as they fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Current and past association leaders offer observations and recommendations for success.