Gc-119-134 Pipeline For Vr Embodied Lecture Authoring And Ai Gesture Refinement, Rishi Kiran Aiyatham Prabakar

C-Day Computing Showcase

While Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive educational opportunities, its pedagogical success relies heavily on a genuine sense of "instructor presence". This project presents a hybrid pipeline that automatically refines presenter 3D avatar gestures using semantic AI. Our non-VR recording system captures high-fidelity facial tracking and MediaPipe for upper-body pose estimation via standard RGB video. For emotion recognition, a local Large Language Model analyzes audio transcripts to generate a timestamped emphasis track. This semantic engine, intelligently exaggerating gestures during critical lecture moments. The captured motion and AI-enhanced gestures are synthesized and replayed on a virtual lecturer within an VR environment for …

Gc-126-148 Allies Connect- Georgia's Nonprofit And Volunteer Coordination Platform, Molly Calhoun, Takeshia Banks, David Castro, Ryan Hanrahan, Tarik Davis

C-Day Computing Showcase

Georgia's nonprofit services face an issue of discoverability. While many nonprofits have the resources to help their community members succeed, they have trouble actually connecting to members of the community that need their support. Connecting with these resources is challenging for community members because their avenues of communication are spread across the internet. Some have their own websites, some have a Facebook page where they post events, some rely on word of mouth and fliers, and others rely on phone chains to keep their community members informed. This means that community members seeking support need to be able to access …

Gc-130-160 C-Day Explorer: A Domain-Aware Platform For Discovering And Extending Ksu Student Projects, Rohan Jonnalagadda, Sanketh Chapaneri

C-Day Computing Showcase

C-Day showcases some of the strongest computing projects at KSU, but once each event ends, past work becomes scattered across semester pages, posters, PDFs, and videos, making it difficult to see long-term trends or build on prior ideas. C-Day Explorer addresses this gap with a centralized, domain-aware web platform that aggregates project records from 21 semesters of C-Day archives, KSU Digital Commons, winner pages, and YouTube presentation videos. The system organizes 1,286 projects into 11 computing domains with high abstract coverage, poster and video links, and similarity-based connections that help users quickly find related work and promising directions for extension. …

Grm-083-218 Wise: Whitebox Importance-Based Subnetwork Extraction And The Privacy-Preserving Properties Of Model Compression, Mason Pederson

C-Day Computing Showcase

WISE (Whitebox Importance-based Subnetwork Extraction) is a structured compression algorithm which extracts task-specific subnetworks by instrumenting a pretrained networks with learned gates on transformer components and optimizing on task loss and L0 sparsity regularization. WISE maintains high task performance at high sparsity levels (81-88% accuracy at 85%) where other SOTA methods collapse to near random chance. We present the first evaluation of model compression along privacy dimensions: attribute inference resistance, training data memorization, and extraction attack vulnerability. Structured compression via learned gates produces subnetworks with favorable privacy-utility balance without any explicit privacy mechanism. WISE masks also transfer to fresh models …

Grm-153-198 Safecircle: Ai And Micro-Radar-Based Remote Monitoring For Patients With Ad/Adrd, Awan-Ur- Rahman, Soarov Borty, Gowtham Ankolu

C-Day Computing Showcase

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) are irreversible and degenerative neurological conditions that severely impacts neurons, resulting in cognitive decline and memory loss. This study explores a mHealth system, including a SafeCircle iOS prototype, a novel solution that combines artificial intelligence with cutting-edge micro-radar technology. The platform offers a variety of features, including management of patient and caregiver profiles, real-time alerts in case of emergencies, emergency contact lists, one-touch SOS support, sharing of live locations, and recording of unusual events in video. It is a responsive and reliable care assistant that optimizes patient safety while reducing caregiver burden.

Grm-156-153 Finding Top-K Assignments For Multi-Hypothesis Tracking, Tyler Hood, Rakshak Gurung

C-Day Computing Showcase

Multi-Hypothesis Tracking (MHT) is a framework for solving the data association problem in multi-target tracking by maintaining multiple possible assignments between observations and targets over time. Rather than committing to a single solution, MHT explores a set of competing hypotheses, allowing it to handle noise, missed detections, and ambiguous measurements. In practical systems such as radar, LiDAR, and vision-based tracking, MHT is commonly implemented using algorithms like Murty’s algorithm to generate multiple high-quality assignment solutions from the Hungarian algorithm. In this work, we instead propose an assignment-tree-based approach, where hypotheses are incrementally constructed and prioritized using a structured search strategy. …

Grm-157-180 Precision Engineering: Using Ai To Design Nanoparticles That Target Malignant Cells, Rakshak Gurung, Nino Tkabladze

C-Day Computing Showcase

The challenge of predicting nanoparticle distribution remain a significant hurdle in nanomedicine. This research presents a computational framework for the inverse design of nanoparticles, utilizing ML models to optimize drug delivery systems for tumor targeting. By analyzing the relationship between nanoparticle compositions and biological accumulation, the model identifies optimal configurations to maximize therapeutic efficacy. The results demonstrate that AI-driven inverse design can significantly streamline the development of precision nanocarriers, reducing the need for exhaustive experimental trials.

Treating Depression With L-Methylfolate: A Review Of Evidence, Marianna G. Pettit

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Introduction & Background: Depressive disorders have many different causes. Folate deficiency can sometimes be behind these disorders, due to this vitamin’s role in neurotransmitter synthesis. Some research suggests that supplementing with an active form of folate improves depressive symptoms with and without antidepressant use. Purpose Statement Question: For individuals with depressive disorders, does supplementation with L-methylfolate (LMF) reduce symptoms of depressive disorders with or without use of an antidepressant? Literature Review: A manual literature search for sources published within the past 7 years revealed 557 documents from four different databases. Key search words included, “depression,” “treatment,” …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Prenatal Care In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery Phd, Cnm, Aprn, Shelby Greene Bsn, Rn, Lauren Griffin Bsn, Rn, Destiny Lewis Bsn, Rn, Lauryn Lewis Bsn, Rn, Bryleigh Newberry Bsn, Rn, Brittany Scott Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: This paper examines the historical development of prenatal care in the United States, tracing its evolution from informal, home—based management to structured, evidence-based systems that are central to maternal and fetal health.

Aims: The specific aim of this project was to determine how prenatal care evolved in the United States.

Methods: A historical methods approach was used. Historical documents were reviewed using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to find relevant resources. Relevant articles were reviewed by the research team and analyzed for components regarding the development of prenatal care. All members of the research team reviewed the articles and …

Nurse-To-Patient Ratios In Adult Medical-Surgical Units, Kayleigh A. Runion, Emily G. Barnette, Maddison K. Wood, Jeremy Walker

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Nurse-to-patient ratios in adult medical-surgical floors vary across healthcare settings and have been linked to patient safety and quality outcomes. Nurse-to-patient ratios of 1 to 6 or greater are most common in practice settings, despite the growing evidence that higher nurse workloads are associated with increased mortality, longer length of stay, higher readmission rates, mistakes, and miscommunication in nursing care. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to examine whether applying safer nurse-to-patient ratios, 1 to 4 instead of 1 to 6 or higher, improves patient safety outcomes. Using the Johns Hopkins Evidenced-Based Practice Model, a project was put …

Does Time Matter? Comparing 8- And 12-Hour Registered Nurse Shifts., Ava P. King, Abby L. Goodall, Cheryl L. Goodall, Makayla B. Ramsey, Imari K. Golden

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

This project analyzes the effect that registered nurse's shift length has on patient outcomes and quality of care. The research specifically explores a well-debated healthcare issue; are 12-hour shifts associated with poor patient care due to fatigue? By comparing errors made in 12-hour and 8-hour shift lengths of registered nurses, it can be determined if a trend can be seen in declining patient care. Not only will this research shed light on nurses' fatigue and burnout, but it will also showcase the patient dangers associated with overworking. Overall, the goal is to bring awareness using statistical data that explains why …

Historical Development Of Vaccines And The Public's Response, Kristen Montgomery, Samantha Prince Bsn, Rn, Melissa Ealey Bsn, Rn, Jarrad Morelock Bsn, Rn, Shelby Johnson Bsn, Rn, Kokeshia Crosby Bsn, Rn, Stephanies Himes Bsn, Rn, Theresia Hinton Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Vaccines, which have become one of the most important medical accomplishments in the prevention of communicable diseases, have a history that dates to the use of variolation as early as the 11th century. The purpose of this study is to explore the historical development of vaccines and to determine the characteristics that emerged when new vaccines were developed.

Aims: The specific aim of this study is to understand if all vaccines have been received about the same by the general public or if there are certain different or diverse characteristics associated with the introduction of different vaccines.

Methods: A …

A Systematic Literature Review On Alternative Treatment Modalities In Adults With Treatment Resistant Depression, Brian Miller

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

            Currently, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) often defer to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for individuals with TRD who fail to achieve resolution of their disorder. However, many individuals do not meet criteria for ECT or decline the treatment due to side effects and associated risks. To synthesize potential alternative treatments and address the current gap in literature that does not include first-line preferred electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA 2020). Databases searched for this review included the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature …

The Impact Of Social Interaction On Patient Well-Being With Transition Into Long-Term Care Settings: A Review Of Interventions For Improved Patient Outcomes, Helen Whitney Harmon

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Purpose: When individual patients are transitioned from home or acute care settings to more long-term care environments such as skilled nursing units or assisted living facilities, the residents are at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness, which is linked to depression, anxiety, and increasing cognitive decline, and other detrimental outcomes.

Aims: Combinations of peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative research studies were analyzed to determine what factors contributed to changes in patient well-being, mental health and overall quality of life during these transitions.

Methods: One article focusing on preventable healthcare transitions in patient population was able to link higher medical acuity …

Does Mandated Paid Maternity Leave Affect Postpartum Depression?, Amaya S. Hall, Shay Y. Bullwinkel, Loran M. Hurley, Sara Cook

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

This project analyzes the effects that paid maternity leave has on postpartum depression. Upon reviewing multiple studies, it has been demonstrated that unpaid maternity leave is associated with postpartum depression. Throughout researching postpartum depression rates, it has been proven to be much higher in unpaid leave compared to paid maternity leave. Mothers that have the burden of staying home with their infants and having to juggle time off work, without being compensated, are at an increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. It has been shown that when a mother is able to focus on her child and her healing after …

The Alarming Rise Of Constitutional Illiteracy In America, Christine Johnson

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Epistemological Skepticism, Certainty, And How Knowledge Is Still Possible, Dominic Attiliis

Liberty University Research Week

This paper evaluates epistemological skepticism and its implications for the concept of knowledge. Philosophers such as David Hume have advanced skeptical challenges that call into question the possibility of knowledge, while others have sought to resist his conclusions. At its core, this debate concerns the nature of certainty in epistemology. I argue that, when properly understood, epistemological skepticism does not undermine knowledge; rather, it introduces a necessary intellectual humility. First, I clarify a working definition of knowledge as employed in contemporary philosophical discourse. I then examine classical arguments for skepticism to demonstrate the seriousness of their challenge. Following this, I …

The Secret Society Of British Prisoners Of War At The Albemarle Barracks, Ethan Hope-Ogden

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

American Phoenix: The Rise Of J.D. Vance, Isaiah Ingram

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Choreographed Confession: Plath’S Engineered Extremity And Technical Voice, Emma Heagney

Liberty University Research Week

Sylvia Plath’s poetry is frequently interpreted through the framework of confessionalism, encouraging readings that equate emotional extremity with spontaneous self-disclosure and psychological crisis. This presentation challenges that assumption by arguing that the intensity of Plath’s late poetry is not an eruption of uncontrolled feeling but a deliberately engineered aesthetic effect. Drawing on Plath’s journals and letters alongside close readings of poems from Ariel, the project demonstrates that Plath conceived of poetry as a disciplined, technical practice involving control, revision, and precision rather than unmediated expression. Her private writings repeatedly emphasize ordering, manipulation, and the importance of sound, revealing a poet …

Winston Churchill's Crucial Role In Developing The Tank, Wesley Jones

Liberty University Research Week

The tank was a top-secret project in World War I and played a key role in helping put the war to an end. Its debut was not perfect as many had doubts on whether it could be a weapon of war in the future like the airplane had cemented itself to be. However, few people like Winston Churchill saw the tank project’s potential and was key to its development. As a result, the steps that it took for the tank to be a symbol of modern warfare that it is today would not have happened the way it needed to …

“The Inspiration Of Woman’S Genius:” The 1893 Columbian Exposition And Its Recognition Of Women, Olivia Mares

Liberty University Research Week

Women’s history was globally recognized as worthy of note in 1893, and its main representation and voice at the Columbian Exposition belonged to the Board of Lady Managers, which gained surprising respect from many and paved the way for the future of women’s activism, rights, and global representation. This research aims to analyze the scale and impact of the Board of Lady Managers and the work of women on display at a global event. Additionally, this research seeks to deepen our understanding of the beginning of widespread public recognition and appreciation of women’s achievements and history have developed in the …

The Role Of Nurses In Robotic-Assisted Surgery, Tehya Wiedemeier, Gretchen Faith Grambow, Ella Froehlich, Whitney Anna Holmes

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

The research examines the evolving role of nurses in robotic-assisted surgery. As the technology advances, the nursing role is expanding beyond the traditional responsibilities. The method of literature review for this study was completed through deductive content analysis based off three data bases called Science Direct, PubMed (Medline), and Scopus. Current research is working towards trying to bring educational awareness to the role of nurses within the robotic surgery environment and what new skills they will have to acquire.  For nurses to successfully fit into the role of assisting within robotic surgery, they will need to obtain a higher level …

Mindfulness-Based Therapy For The Treatment Of Anxiety In Adolescents, Alicia Lemaster

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Adolescent anxiety disorders represent a significant and growing public health concern, with increasing prevalence and associated functional impairment. Traditional treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacologic interventions, are effective but often limited by barriers such as access, stigma, and adherence. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a promising alternative or adjunctive approach to address anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured mindfulness-based therapy programs in reducing anxiety symptoms among adolescents compared to usual care. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, focusing …

Improving Glp-1 Ra Initiation In Primary Care Through A Paper-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool, Carissa R. Bowery, Karen Carver

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Title: Improving GLP-1 RA Initiation in Primary Care Through a Paper-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool

Authors: Carissa R. Bowery, MSN, FNP-C; East Tennessee State University College of Nursing. Karen M. Carver, PhD, APRN, FNP-C; East Tennessee State University College of Nursing

This quality improvement project focuses on improving evidence-based pharmacologic management of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity through implementation of a paper-based clinical decision support (CDS) tool in primary care. The aim is to increase initiation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) among eligible patients and improve provider adherence to current clinical guidelines.

Processes: This …

A Systematic Literature Review Examining Suicide Risk Factors In Older Adults, Carolyn Bivens

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Introduction & Background: Suicide in older adults is a increasingly prevalent tragedy worldwide, and rates in North America have uniquely increased over the past two decades. The context of the cultural environment of North America and population-specific factors in the elderly must be explored to protect this vulnerable group.

Purpose Statement Question: In older adults living in North America, what experiences and risk factors influence the development and severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors?

Literature Review: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart guided the search of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature …

Postpartum Psychosis Risk In Women With Bipolar Disorder, Rachel R. Lay

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Psychiatric relapse and postpartum psychosis pose vital psychological threats to women with bipolar disorder. The phase after delivery implies a great number of biological, psychological, and social alterations that might predispose to mood fluctuations and extreme psycho-psychiatric behavior. A systematic literature review assessed the recent literature on postpartum relapse risk, contributors, and maternal outcomes in women with bipolar disorder. Systematic search of three electronic databases, CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO, revealed 168 studies dating back to 2022. Title and abstract screening of 124 articles was carried out after elimination of duplicates and other eligibility criteria. Eighteen articles were full-text reviewed, and …

Adolescent Depression, Telepsychiatry, And Access, Dustin Strickland

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Adolescent depression is prevalent, undertreated, and associated with long-term morbidity if left untreated. Several structural barriers impede timely access to specialty mental health care in this age group. Telepsychiatry, including therapist delivered videoconference psychotherapy and internet delivered cognitive behavioral therapies (ICBT) have been developed to expand access and continuity of care for adolescents. This modality, however, has not been thoroughly evaluated to determine the effectiveness of telepsychiatry in improving access to services and its ability to reduce depressive symptoms in adolescence. A structured literature review identified six primary studies and four complementary systematic reviews evaluating this topic. Randomized trials show …

Hazard Vs Risk: Scientific Considerations On The Eu Clp Approach To Mocs And Whole Essential Oil Classification With Tea Tree Essential Oil As An Illustrative Example, Cecile Bascoul, Dakota Carter, Joseph Dawson, Tim Valentiner, Russell J. Osguthorpe

Oxford ICSB

The ongoing revision of the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation represents a critical development for the essential oil industry. A provisional derogation has been introduced for plant-derived, non-chemically modified Multi-Constituent Substances (MOCS), including essential oils, following sustained advocacy efforts. However, the European Commission is required to deliver, by the end of 2029, a scientific report reassessing the validity of this derogation based on scientifically and regulatorily accepted safety evaluation approaches. In the absence of such a derogation, essential oils could be classified solely on the basis of individual constituents exceeding regulatory thresholds, irrespective of the whole oil safety …

Building The Nursing Leadership Pipeline: Outcomes Of A Statewide Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowhip, Kathleen Kinser Dnp, Aprn, Belinda J. Fleming Phd, Christie Manasco Phd, Monaco M. Briggs Edd, Yan Cao Phd, Jennifer Hitt Phd

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Healthcare systems increasingly require skilled nurse leaders to address workforce shortages, quality improvement demands, and complex care environments. However, many nurses transition into leadership roles without formal preparation. In this quality improvement project, nurse scientists Kathleen Kinser DNP; Belinda Fleming, PhD; and Christie Manasco, PhD, from the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement (TCNA) evaluated outcomes of the Emerging Nurse Leader Fellowship developed to strengthen foundational leadership competencies among novice nurse leaders. Guided by transformational leadership theory, the fellowship was a statewide, cohort-based, instructor-led, asynchronous online program emphasizing practical leadership development and application in clinical settings. Two cohorts participated and completed …