Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of Mitochondrial Distribution Across Neuron Types In C. Elegans, Reggie Joseph

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present

Parkinson’s disease is known to have a greater impact on dopaminergic neurons when compared with other neurons. Dopaminergic neurons regulate muscle movement and coordination, and mitochondria supply the energy needed for that function in the form of ATP. Along with ATP production, mitochondria play an essential role in various other cell processes, and it is quite plausible that neurons of different functional and neurotransmitter types have different dependencies on mitochondria. To further investigate this possibility, mitochondrial distribution was analyzed in different neuron types in electron micrographs of Caenorhabditis elegans. Mitochondria were longest (1.65±0.12 μm) in cholinergic interneurons, and shortest in …

Do Sponges Niphates Digitalis And N. Erecta Survive A Multi-Year Coral Reef Bleaching Event?, Alexandra Perez

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present

The 2014-17 El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) created a multi-year thermal anomaly that had a severe global impact on coral reefs; however, it is unknown if all reef organisms were negatively impacted. Previous studies suggest that sponges (phylum Porifera) utilize their regenerative capability to survive stress-inducing conditions; however, it is unknown if they employ this ability to survive multi-year thermal stress. This honors thesis determined if populations of the conspicuous Caribbean sponges, Niphates erecta and Niphates digitalis, were affected by the 2014-17 ENSO event in Florida, Broward County Reefs, and evaluated if sponges utilize their regenerative ability under extreme thermal …

Unraveling The Mysteries Of Undiagnosed Disorders With Drosophila Crispr Mutants, Rishiraj Bandi

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present

Worldwide, the medical community struggles to identify undiagnosed diseases in nearly 25 million patients per year. Even with advances in medical research, physicians cannot determine the mechanisms by which these disorders progress within patients, resulting in a lack of proper treatment. A recent study identified patients who passed away with symptoms of hypotonia and lactic acidosis while having specific mutations in the mitochondrial enzyme, malate dehydrogenase (MDH2). Yet, little is known about the way in which such disorders arise from MDH2 mutations. Intriguingly, the mutations led to destabilization in hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). Using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique, we …

Feature Selectivity Of Hippocampal Ca1 Neurons During Memory Encoding, Aden Eagle

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present

The hippocampus is central to the formation of episodic memories, or memories of personally-experienced events. Episodic memories, in turn, are crucial for navigation along familiar pathways as they can encode information about both external sensory events and internal understandings of position and behavior. The contributions of individual cells in the hippocampus to episodic memory formation and recall during navigation, however, are not well-understood. We recorded the activity of hippocampal CA1 neurons as mice were trained on a particular navigation task which required running a specified distance on a treadmill and then licking on a lick port. Using gradient-boosted decision trees, …

Ethnic Differences In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptomatology: Comparing Symptom Profiles Of Asian-American, Caucasian-American, And Hispanic-American Groups, Tristan Stinchcomb

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present

This study investigated whether there exist variations in the presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptomatology across ethnic boundaries and, if so, what these differences are. Padua Inventory and Disgust Emotion Scale scores were collected from Asian-American, Caucasian, and Hispanic individuals. The results showed that the Asian-American and Hispanic groups both had significantly higher mean obsessive-compulsive symptom and trait disgust scores than the Caucasian group. Additionally, Asian-American obsessive-compulsive total scores were significantly higher than Hispanic scores. This study replicates and extends previous findings by comparing the Padua Inventory scores of these three groups with larger samples, and suggests that the overall severity …

Assessment Of A New Mouse Model For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Studies Of The Viral Mimetic Poly I:C On Biochemical Measures Of Brain Inflammation And Serotonin Signaling, Tiffany Zhang

Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating, multisystem disease characterized by severe fatigue without medical explanation. Due to the complexity of the disease, treatments only partially alleviate symptoms and currently there is no cure. To develop more effective treatments and better understand its etiology, valid preclinical models need to be developed. Evidence suggests infection and serotonin homeostasis plays a role in the development of ME/CFS. Therefore, I aimed to examine whether a viral mimetic (Poly I:C) triggers long-term fatigue behavior and neuroinflammation in a mouse model. C57 and CD1 male mice were treated with Poly I:C and only CD1 …

Institutions Implementation Of Trauma-Informed Care Practices For Sexual Assault Survivors, Calli Ackels

Masters Projects

The purpose of this research is to understand the importance of trauma-informed care practices on college campuses for sexual assault survivors. The empirical research surrounding institutions implementation of trauma-informed care practices for sexual assault survivors discusses the prevalence of individuals who have experienced trauma, the importance of trauma-informed care education, and the need to utilize community resources. These findings determine the need for trauma-informed care practices as well as important tools for implementation. In order to improve institutions implementation of trauma-informed care practices for sexual assault survivors, much of the research suggests increased professional development dedicated to becoming informed on …

Defining Functional Shoulder Range Of Motion In Middle-Aged To Elderly Populations To Guide Shoulder Surgical Treatment, Tyler Sargent, Justin Smith, Christie Smith, John Krauss, Michelle Jankowski, J Michael Wiater

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Functional range of motion (ROM) is defined as the minimal required mobility of a joint to complete activities of daily living (ADL). Defining functional ROM will allow surgeons to decide which aging patients would benefit from surgical intervention aimed at improving shoulder functionality.

Exploration Of Chemical Space With Partial Labeled Noisy Student Self‑Training And Self‑Supervised Graph Embedding, Yang Liu, Hansaim Lim, Lei Xie

Publications and Research

Background Drug discovery is time-consuming and costly. Machine learning, especially deep learning, shows great potential in quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) modeling to accelerate drug discovery process and reduce its cost. A big challenge in developing robust and generalizable deep learning models for QSAR is the lack of a large amount of data with high-quality and balanced labels. To address this challenge, we developed a self-training method, Partially LAbeled Noisy Student (PLANS), and a novel self-supervised graph embedding, Graph-Isomorphism-Network Fingerprint (GINFP), for chemical compounds representations with substructure information using unlabeled data. The representations can be used for predicting chemical properties such …

Oxidized, Ashley Smith

Graduate Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

Redbird Buzz Episode 1: President Terri Goss Kinzy, May 2, 2022, Rachel Kobus, Terri Goss Kinzy

Redbird Buzz (2022-2025)

Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, 20th president of Illinois State University, joins Redbird Buzz as the podcast's first official guest. She shares her excitement for the University’s spring commencement, she discusses how her curiosity to learn led her into the field of biochemistry, and she talks about the journey she took to become the first female president of ISU. Kinzy also gives advice on the importance of support and collaboration, and she shares a bit about some of her favorite things (hint: she loves a good mint chocolate chip ice cream).

The Modern Keyboardist In Commercial Music, Cooper R. Thompson

Recital Papers

This paper provides an understanding of the skills and knowledge needed for the modern keyboardist to successfully function in commercial music. An overview of multiple keyboard instruments is presented and includes a brief history of each instrument, performance techniques specific to that instrument, and sound replication options available to the keyboardist. This paper also shows the influence of keyboards in commercial music.

A Cohort Study Of The Impact Of Covid‐19 On The Quality Of Life Of People Newly Diagnosed With Dementia And Their Family Carers, B Hicks, S Read, B Hu, S Banerjee, Et Al

Peninsula Medical School

Introduction COVID-19 has impacted people with dementia and their family carers, yet little is known about effects on overall quality of life. Methods In a UK cohort study, pre- and post-pandemic data were collected from 114 carers and 93 recently diagnosed people with dementia. Latent growth curve modeling examined change in quality of life. Results Carers reported significant decline in quality of life, although no change was demonstrated by people with dementia. In multivariable analyses, higher levels of cognitive impairment, deprivation, study site, and lower number of memory clinic contacts were associated with greater decline in carer quality of life. …

Service User Experiences Of Occupational Therapy In Acute Mental Health Settings: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis, Kevin Steede, Rebecca Gough

School of Health Professions

The inclusion of service user perspectives in the development of acute mental health services is recommended in policy. Therefore exploration of their experiences in this setting is merited. This study synthesized qualitative research on service user experiences of occupational therapy in the acute mental health setting using thematic synthesis. The synthesis shows the unique role of occupational therapists in the setting. Service users identified the impact of the profession through environmental transformation, therapeutic relationships, and occupation-focused interventions. Issues of accessibility and availability of interventions were identified. Further research on this topic in a wider range of cultural contexts is recommended.

The Burden Of Mental Health Conditions In Children With Ckd., Katherine L. Kurzinski, Darcy K. Weidemann

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

“Onq”: Contextual Information Design, Sally Boniecki

Theses

There is a countless amount of entertainment media available to a single viewer, and the internet makes that media easily accessible. However, keeping up with the rules, objectives, backstory, or culture of each one is difficult, and confusion hinders enjoyment. My thesis, “OnQ” dismantles the barrier of information in broadcast sports, viewership of which has been declining for 10-20 years. By exploring the flow of information, user interaction, user multitasking, and graphic design via on-demand explanations and statistics on top of live video, “OnQ” takes existing multitasking behavior and integrates it onto the same screen as the broadcast. Instead of …

Utah Farmers Market Snap Toolkit, Regan Emmons, Bridget Stuchly, Gina Cornia

All Current Publications

Utah State University Extension provides research-based programs and resources with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families and communities throughout Utah. USU Extension manages Create Better Health, Utah’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (known as SNAP-Ed), and provides nutrition education and obesity prevention services to SNAP recipients and other eligible low-income individuals. Create Better Health (SNAP-Ed) offers a variety of classes to expand participants’ knowledge of nutrition, budgeting, cooking, food safety, and physical activity. This toolkit outlines how farmers markets can implement a SNAP program and help combat food insecurity in their communities.

Helium-Like X-Ray Line Complexes Show That The Hottest Plasma On The Zeta Supergiant Puppis Is In Its Wind, David H. Cohen, Ariel M. Overdorff, Maurice A. Leutenegger, Marc Gagné, Veronique Petit, Alexandre David-Uraz

Earth & Space Sciences Faculty Publications

We present an analysis of Chandra grating spectra of key helium-like line complexes to put constraints on the location with respect to the photosphere of the hottest (T greater than or similar to 6 x 10(6) K) plasma in the wind of the O supergiant zeta Pup and to explore changes in the 18 yr between two sets of observations of this star. We fit two models - one empirical and one wind-shock-based - to the S XV, Si XIII, and Mg XI line complexes and show that an origin in the wind flow, above r approximate to 1.5 R*, …

Cardiorespiratory, Hemodynamic, And Perceived Exertion Responses To Seated Chair Exercise, Ryan Khemraj, Cristian Solano, Neesirg Patel, Roger Sacks

Posters

INTRODUCTION
The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its sequelae in the United States population has led to escalating health care expenditures. To favorably modify cardiovascular outcomes, exercise physiologists have developed varied exercise programs that are associated with mortality reduction, symptom relief, improved exercise tolerance, favorable risk factor modification and improved psychosocial well-being. For patients with significant disability and deconditioning, chair-based exercise may provide an alternative method of achieving the relative cardioprotective benefits of traditional exercise.

Dog Behavior And Aggression, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

An extensive study of the genetics of dog behavior (including individual dog personality) and appearance (physical traits) has just appeared in the major academic research publication, Science. The research team reviewed the behavior and genes of 2,000 dogs who had had their entire genomes sequenced. An additional 16,000 dogs, including mixes and pure breeds (128 represented), were also reviewed for behavior traits. The study reported that less than a quarter of the differences in dog personality could be explained by genetics. In contrast, at least 80% of the physical traits were closely tied to the dog’s DNA. These findings are …

How Can Blockchain Contribute To Developing Country Economies? A Literature Review On Application Areas, Tom Gillpatrick, Semra Boğa, Oncel Aldanmaz

Business Faculty Publications and Presentations

Blockchain technology originally finding applications in Fintech and supply chain management is rapidly expanding applications to other industries as well as the public sector. “Blockchain has been compared to the invention of the internet and its comprehensive impact on almost every industry.” R. Beck and B. Markey-Towler (2017) A recent study by PWC (2020) found that, “Blockchain technology has the potential to boost global gross domestic product by $1.76 trillion USD over this decade.” It has been argued that the digital revolution has favored more developed nations and that has helped create a “digital divide” with less developed nations. Business …

Insufficient Sleep Following Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Correlates With Neurocognitive Dysfunction, Bailey Hull, Patrick Karabon, Neal Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Sleep disturbance of any nature is reported in more than half of all mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients. The pathophysiology of sleep disturbance following an mTBI is associated with structural and functional disruptions of sleep circuitry and circadian rhythm. Specifically, in the pediatric population, untreated sleep disturbance has been shown to delay mTBI recovery and compound other morbidities including neurocognitive dysfunction. It was our goal to further analyze the impact sleep disturbance has on neurocognitive function in children recovering from an mTBI.

Generational Harmony Saves The World: How The Power Of Generation Theory, Gen Z Youth, And Activism Can Mitigate The Climate Crisis, Ryan Hill

Undergraduate Scholarship and Creative Works

This paper explores generations as a concept for understanding and explaining the relationship between major sociohistorical events and societal members, posits generation succession as a way in which long-term social change occurs, compares and contrasts the perceptions of the major generations (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials) created by popular media and scholarly research, illuminates characterizations of the youngest and still-emerging Gen Z, discusses what major sociohistorical events during the time of their adolescence have folded Gen Z into a distinct group with a common generational consciousness, outlines how anthropogenic climate change is a real phenomenon with harmful consequences already affecting …

Exploring Social Media Usage And Its Effects On College Students' Mental Health: A Mixed-Methods, Intervention Study, Kimanh Le

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Background: Social media can cause detrimental effects to college students’ mental wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to examine UT Tyler students’ social media usage and its effects on mental health such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and the fear of missing out (FoMO). The researcher wanted to see if one specific social media site, Instagram, had more deleterious effects compared to other social media platforms and if reducing time usage would help improve mental health.

Methods: A mixed-methods, intervention design was used. An online quantitative survey link, which contained questions about demographics, social media usage, and mental health …

A Mixed Methods Study Of Cultural Competence Among Nursing Students In Kenya, Sylvia Waweru

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Significance and Background: Kenya has been experiencing an increase in cultural and ethnic diversity. As a result of cultural differences, health disparities among ethnic groups in Kenya are increasing. A component of patient centered care involves the incorporation of cultural aspects of health and illness in the delivery of nursing care. Understanding cultural competence of nursing students will provide guidance on educational needs related to cultural competence.

Purpose:. The purpose of this study was to assess nursing students’ cultural competence (CC) in the areas of cultural awareness, knowledge, sensitivity, skills, encounters and desire. Nursing students’ views on caring for …

Gabriel(Le) Et Marcel(Le): La Fluidité Du Genre Dans Gabriel (1839) De George Sand Et Madame Adonis (1888) De Rachilde, Elisa Rodriguez

French Honors Papers

George Sand and Rachilde, two important French female writers of the 19th c, discuss androgynous characters and borderline homosexual relationships in their works. They are part of a larger literary trend obsessed with liminal characters who are neither masculine nor feminine, or maybe both? This project studies the ambiguity of gender in Francophone literature in the 19^th c, specifically in George Sand’s Gabriel (1839) and Rachilde’s Madame Adonis (1888). Through a close study of two characters - Gabriel(le) and Marcel(le) -, we will discuss sex, gender and sexuality, and explore the ways in which the protagonists maneuver gender boundaries …

Covid-19 And The Subsequent Change On Buyer Behavior, Chloe J. Chadwick Miss

Honors Capstones

The purpose of this Honors Capstone research project is to gain insight and understanding into how buyer behavior may or may not have changed after by the COVID-19 Pandemic through the perspectives of sales professionals, marketing professionals, and consumers themselves. This research project compared data from literary based research, 1:1 interviews, and three unique mass surveys dispersed on LinkedIn to gather information from multiple touch points. There were limitations to this research given the Pandemic is ongoing and there continues to be adjustments to this global phenomenon. Additionally, data collection from interviews and surveys was strictly voluntary and survey responses …

The Black College Student: How Success On A College Campus Is Influenced By Race, Jeffon F. Stubbs

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the racial identity of Black and African American students at Rowan University impacts the success of those students. Success was evaluated from three perspectives - academic success, social aptitude, and emotional wellness. In addition to conducting a comprehensive review of literature related to this topic, an independent research design was carried out to assess how student success is affected by race. A qualitative survey was constructed and distributed to residential students at Rowan University who identified themselves as either Black or African American. The survey asked questions to ascertain the experiences …

May 2, 2022 - First Reading - Resolution To Update Policy On Sexual Harassment And Other Sexual Misconduct, Ohio University Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Resolutions

No abstract provided.

“Willfully Defiant: Understanding The Role Of Authority And Racialized Punitive Burdens”, Riley Mccoy

Honors Thesis

“Willful defiance” describes a type of student behavior that intentionally disrupts classroom order against a teacher’s direct commands. In 2013 the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education reduced the use of willful defiance suspensions as it was the disciplinary category with the largest racial disparities. Despite initial positive outcomes following the policy change, LA Unified still maintains a racial disparity in its expulsion rates and use of willful defiance. In this thesis, I investigate the remaining racialized outcomes through a structural analysis of behavioral discipline policies. Willful defiance policies represent a direct interaction between the structure of the classroom, student …