Digital Commons Network^™

Smoothing Out Smart Tech’S Rough Edges: Imperfect Automation And The Human Fix, Christian Katzenbach, Christian Pentzold, Paloma Viejo Otero

Human-Machine Communication

In this article, we take issue with an idea of autonomous and efficient automation that is upheld through the paradoxical conjunction of a flawed vision of the technological fix and the under-acknowledged human work required to fill in the gaps between machines and users. Our argument is based on two case studies that sit at opposite tails of automation processes: the front end of self-service checkouts and the back end of content moderation. This juxtaposition allows us to surface three themes on how the hype around automation is enabled by human interventions: the ad-hoc sociality in situated practices of automation, …

Quacking For Noggin: Farm Animal Assisted Therapy For The Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Alex Sargsyan

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

The Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Animal Assisted Therapies with Farm Animals (AATF) with domesticated ducks on depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) . Furthermore, the following hypothesis was tested:

Engaging in AATF with domesticated ducks will be associated with decrease in depression, anxiety, and an increase in self-efficacy.

Methods

The study examined the effects of AATF on anxiety and depression among patients with TBI. Time series quasi-experimental design structure was utilized. At the beginning of the study participants received Hospital Anxiety and Depression Survey (HADS) and General …

Integration Of Mental Health And Enabling Services In A Rural School-Based Setting: An Evidence-Based Initiative, Kim Ferguson, Teresa Carnevale

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

The Rural Expansion Program for At-risk Communities to Promote Health Outcomes through the Integration of Mental health and Enabling services in an Existing Primary Care School-Based Setting (REACH ME) program was established to increase access to mental health services at two existing school-based health centers (SBHC) in rural Hancock County, TN. These SBHCs are among the most unique in the nation, holding designations as federally funded qualified health centers - proving primary care services in a geographically isolated, rural, and medically underserved area. The aim of the project is increasing the number of patients receiving mental health and enabling services …

Optimal Control Of Coefficients For The Second Order Parabolic Free Boundary Problems, Ali Hagverdiyev

Mathematics Colloquium Series

In this talk I will discuss Inverse Stefan type free boundary problem for the second order parabolic equation arising for instance, in modeling of laser ablation of biomedical tissues, where the information on the coefficients, heat flux on the fixed boundary, and density of heat sources are missing and must be found along with the temperature and free boundary. New PDE constrained optimal control framework is employed, where the missing data and the free boundary are components of the control vector, and optimality criteria are based on the final moment measurement of the temperature and position of the free boundary. …

Nursing Burnout: The Impact Of Fatigue On Patient Outcomes, Leah Mccloud, Kera F. Putnam, Dylan Zeller, Pressley Davis

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Introduction & Background: Nursing burnout is caused by high stress that leads to lack of motivation. Our goal is to review the literature to evaluate the impact of nurse burnout on nursing care.

Purpose Statement & Research Question: The purpose of this literature review was to find the impact on nursing care in response to nursing burnout.

Literature Review: These articles were derived from a variety of databases, including PubMed, JSTOR and CINHAL from the last 5 years by entering search criteria such as: “nursing burnout impact on patient care,” “nursing burnout”, “registered nurses”, “effects of burnout”, “consequences”, “turnover,” “nursing …

Health Literacy And Diabetes Outcomes In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes In Southwest Virginia, Casandra Reyes Arellano

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: To determine if a quality improvement project involving individualized, one-on-one Diabetes education will improve health literacy and Diabetes outcomes in adults with Type 2 Diabetes in a rural primary care clinic. Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting the United States with 9.6% of Virginia’s population living with Diabetes.

Aims: To improve patient’s Diabetes literacy scores, BMI, and Hemoglobin A1c levels through Diabetes education.

Processes: There are pre- and post-education phases. Data to be collected at the end of both phases consist of DNT15 scores, BMI, and A1c. In the pre-education phase, BMI was obtained, DNT15 was administered, and Diabetes …

Implementation Of Provider-Made Follow-Up Appointments For Depression In Primary Care, Rebecca Vaughn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Implementation of provider-made follow-up appointments for depression in primary care

Rebecca Vaughn

College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University; Whitson Hester School of Nursing, Tennessee Technological University

Author Note

Rebecca Vaughn https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0731-3316 College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University

There are no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Corresponding concerning this manuscript should be addressed to Rebecca Vaughn

108 Reed Mill Lane Monroe TN 38573

[email protected]

Abstract

Depression is a common condition diagnosed and managed in primary care.

Follow-up is inconsistent and low in these settings, creating a gap in care that

impacts management, adherence to treatment, and patient outcomes. The …

Best Practice: Peripheral Iv Flushing And Catheter Changes, Adrianna Fransman, Joseph Callahan, Madelyn Liudahl, Anna Dewitt

Celebration of Research

A literature review between August 2023 and November 2023 took a closer look into antibiotic peripheral intravenous line flushing and tubing changes. Ten articles were reviewed: five relating to antibiotic line flushing and five relating to peripheral intravenous catheter changes. This review aimed to determine the best and most effective practices related to PIV antibiotic flushing and peripheral intravenous catheter replacement which in turn decreases the risk of infection, injury, and medication errors, along with increased medication efficacy. The evidence for interventions that promote the most effective outcomes in patients with peripheral intravenous lines is presented.

Clinical Relevance Of Adolescent Ocp Use And Depression Risk, Rachael Shafer, Kaitlyn Waldner, Anne Reuter

Celebration of Research

Prevalence of depression within the United States has risen significantly in recent years.1 Depression in females has increased by 12 percent compared to 3.8 percent in males between 2009 and 2019.3 Hormonal contraceptives are widely used by women throughout the world and often started as early as menarche. Traditionally intended to prevent unwanted pregnancies, contraceptives are frequently used in the symptom management of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in females.2 Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) are a popular choice for adolescents due to their ease of use, formulation varieties, and ability to be used long-term. Considering the widespread use, the adverse effects can …

Peer Support Breastfeeding Programs, Charli Bomgaars, Madison Blankespoor, Owen Kolste, Grace Twelmeyer, Macay Van't Hul

Celebration of Research

Research and analysis were done between August 2023 - November 2023 to explore the use of peer-support programs for anticipated and active breastfeeding women. Ten research reports were utilized to explore peer-supporting breastfeeding programs' use and potential success. The goal was to determine if peer support breastfeeding programs were impactful on breastfeeding mothers associated with Spencer Hospital. We present the benefits of peer support breastfeeding groups and their influence on maternal perceptions of breastfeeding, maternal confidence in sustaining breastfeeding, and the ability of mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Phun With Phages: Discovering Novel Bacteriophages In The Soil, Julia Kutz, Ryan Dodds, Logan Dykstra, Taylor M. Rentschler, Emma Steinhardt, Megan Vangarven, Jacie Vanderwaal, Shayler Vangelder, Byron Noordewier, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

We used three bacterial hosts: Mycobacterium smegmatis, Microbacterium foliorum, and Gordonia terrae, to isolate novel bacteriophages from soil samples. We named these phages, created high titer lysates, and purified their DNA genomes. We have archived the high titer lysates at Northwestern College and the University of Pittsburgh. The genomes of three of our phages were sequences at the University of Pittsburgh and we will be sequencing the remaining genomes this summer. Additionally, we are planning to image our phages with transmission electron microscopy at the University of Iowa or Nebraska yet this semester.

Searching For Atlanticus: Isolating Bacteriophages Infecting Marinobacter, Anneka Sterk, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. They have a considerable effect on ecosystems (Focardi et al., 2020). Scientists believe phages are present virtually everywhere, although marine bacteriophages have remained largely undiscovered and understudied. Using ocean water samples from various parts of the United States (Figure 1), protocols adapted from the SEA-PHAGES program (site Discovery Guide), and a flocculation protocol (John, et al 2011) we are attempting to isolate bacteriophages that infect two species of marine bacteria, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus and Marinobacter atlanticus.

Cost-Effective And Efficient Screening Guidelines For Diagnosing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Emma Montenegro, Katelyn Ten Pas, Connor Van Peursem, Chelsea Thurm

Celebration of Research

A literature review was conducted between the months of August 2023-November 2023 to research current guidelines for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that were both cost effective and efficient in the adult population. The purpose of this review was to provide current guidelines that could be applied in practice to screen Promise Community Health Center’s patients for the presence of NAFLD. In the review we provide guideline recommendations that are both cost effective and efficient for Promise to apply to their adult population.

Association Between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Amyloid Heart Disease May Assist With Early Detection And Reduced Morbidity And Mortality, Kayla Nachbar, Nicole Kirk, Jaclyn Freese

Celebration of Research

Carpal tunnel syndrome may help identify more systemic issues than previously thought. Multiple research studies establish an association between carpal tunnel syndrome and heart disease, most specifically cardiac amyloidosis. This link is of importance as it requires alternative treatment choices to extend life expectancy for those diagnosed with the disease. Based on this analysis of multiple studies, there may be an indication for a screening criterion in those with carpal tunnel syndrome to identify a previously illusive disease before it progresses. History and certain clinical features may add to the utility of this finding to be applied as a screening …

Gender Bias In The Hiring Process: The Sexism You Don’T See, Jessica Nibbelink

Celebration of Research

Men and women have often been seen as opposite sides of a spectrum. The tension between masculinity and femininity is created through forced stereotypes. These gendered stereotypes along with implicit gender bias work together to enforce gender discrimination. An area of society that is impacted by this gender discrimination is the workplace. The current study looks to investigate the gender discrimination that is found in the workplace, and more specifically in the hiring process. Through the use of fake gendered resumes, participants report employer perception scores which are used to dissect gender favoritism in the hiring process. Though this study …

The Last Moon: Delving Into Philippine Culture In A Disney Perspective, Thea Angelee Davis

Celebration of Research

Disney’s cultural movies have undeniably impacted the world, with films like Moana and Encanto introducing specific cultures to the global audience and receiving widespread recognition. Inspired by this influential way of cultural storytelling and noticing the lack of animated movies that represent my native country, the Philippines, I created The Last Moon as a project in ENG250LC. The creation process involved extensive researching into Philippine legends and developing those in a story and storyboard scenes. Ultimately, I designed all the visual graphics that resemble Disney’s iconic style. By integrating elements of the Philippines into a familiar Disney storytelling framework, I …

Prepplates: Meal Prep For Busy Lives, Alec Coronado Garcia, Luc Roelofs, Kade Fey

Celebration of Research

PrepPlates is an innovative meal idea based in Sioux County. Our purpose is clear: to transform the way people approach mealtime by providing not only nourishment but also a comprehensive dining experience suited to their preferences and lifestyles. Our business venture aims to revolutionize the meal kit industry by providing convenient, affordable, and high-quality meal solutions tailored to the preferences and lifestyles of our demographic. Through research and strategic planning, PrepPlates emerges as a beacon of innovation in the competitive landscape of meal preparation services. Rooted in a comprehensive understanding of demographic and market trends, our business model is tuned …

Dementia Worry In A Young Adult Population: Investigating Its Relationships With Anxiety, Coping Strategies, And Memory, Anneka Sterk

Celebration of Research

Dementia worry is a specific form of health-related anxiety in which individuals worry about or fear developing or having dementia. To a severe degree, this may affect their psychological well-being. Previous literature has only studied dementia worry in middle-late aged adults. This study investigated dementia worry in a young adult population and focused on its relationship with possible correlates, coping skills, trait anxiety, and memory. A multiple regression analysis was performed in which only subjective memory and trait anxiety showed significant, positive correlations. All other variables included in the regression analysis showed no significant correlations. There were no significant differences …

Annotation Of Three Actinobacteriophages: Tuktuk, Shamu, And Megatron06, Lauren Fisk, Kylie Foss, Khloe Hester, Yuki Kobayashi, Madelin Kvatek, Elsie Larson, Joshua Lewis, Madilyn Manary, Laura Nelsen, Thomas Ostrem, Cayli Penner, Sydney Rehmke, Taylor Rentschler, Adriana Sandbulte, Dane Shoenborn, Jonas Tiensvold, Shayler Van Gelder, Kallie Van Kley, Megan Vangarven, Brianna Winford, Byron Noordewier, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

We annotated three newly discovered bacteriophages. TukTuk and Shamu were isolated on the host Microbacterium folorium and Megatron06 on Mycobacterium smegmatis. Based on based on gene-content similarity (GCS) of 35% or higher to sequenced bacteriophages present in the Actinobacteriophage database, phagesDB, TukTuk was assigned to cluster EB, Shamu to cluster EA, and Megatron06 to Cluster H1. Here we report a summary of our annotation findings along with one in-depth analysis of an aspect of our annotation for each phage.

Metabolic Characterization Of Porcine Hepatocytes, Sophie Swart, Ainslie Robinson, Daiki Jonouchi, Marcus Blankespoor, Kip Cullinan, Zachary Varpness, Ryan Schulze

Celebration of Research

No abstract provided.

How Culture And Language Impact The Way We View Healthcare, Linsy Gonzalez

Celebration of Research

The United States is a growing multilingual and multicultural country. Although beautiful, it does present challenges in different areas of life particularly in the healthcare system as there are differences in language and/or cultural beliefs and practices. This leads to asking how cultural differences can impact how we think of healthcare. To challenge and understand this question more, a qualitative study was conducted based on interviews from two different healthcare facilities located in the same town of Sioux Center, Iowa—Promise Community Health Center (PCHC) and Sioux Center Health (SCH)—with interpreters, patients, and providers to understand the role each person has …

H(Hydrogen)-Alpha Spectral Imaging Of Z>5 Quasars, Pratik Paudel, Mari Hirota, Hyunsung Jun

Celebration of Research

We aim to measure the H-alpha line excess over the photometric continuum for distant quasi-stellar radio objects, or quasars. Supermassive black holes grow in mass through accretion of stars or gas nearby, often outshining the total stellar light of the galaxies they reside in, for quasars. On the other hand, the structure of these active galactic nuclei are hard to resolve, where we often rely on the relationship in between different light emission regions to better understand the geometry and emission mechanisms. In this work, we measure the H-alpha luminosity of 44 quasars at z>5 (light coming from less …

A Shift Towards Informed Decision Making: Hormonal Contraception Versus Natural Cycle Tracking, Lauren Jurrens, Sydnee Isom, Deann Jelsma

Celebration of Research

Females participating in the wide array of birth control options are continuing to expand. With that, more females are expressing concerns about potential adverse drug reactions and side effects of hormonal birth control. While general side effects do occur, the risks for venous thromboembolism (VTE) vary depending on the hormone taken, and cancer risks are minimal to even nonexistent.^3,4,7,15 Yet, many females are turning to natural cycle tracking to avoid synthetic hormones, common side effects, and potential poor health outcomes. Both options can provide comparable efficacy when used appropriately. Therefore, providers must be knowledgeable in all contraception options to …

Muscle Activation Frequency Relationship With Cost Of Transport At Increasing Walking Speed Reveals Interplay Of Both Active And Passive Dynamics, Grace Van Namen

Celebration of Research

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between metabolic cost and muscle activity, with a focus on frequency of EMG signals during walking at different speeds. The findings will be valuable in rehabilitating individuals who suffer from gait-related disorders. Nine participants were recruited. In the first session of data collection, each participant performed a ten-meter walk test determining their average walking speed. Using these average walking speeds, six more speeds were subsequently established during the second session. In the second session, subjects walked for four minutes at each of the six speeds while EMG data was collected …

The Impact Of Blood Flow Restriction On Heart Rate And Muscle Activation, Janaya Battles, Rajat Singh, Daniel Swier

Celebration of Research

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) is a rehabilitation technique used in physical therapy to improve muscle growth in patients. The technique involves using blood cuffs on the limbs to occlude blood flow within the muscles, thus limiting the buildup of muscle growth inhibitors. The current literature provides information regarding these aspects but is limited in providing information regarding the impact of BFR on neural muscular coordination. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how various pressure levels of the BFR cuffs can impact the muscle activation of the restrained muscles and heart rate. Our results have shown that a …

Pediatric Perceived Pain In Emergency Department Settings, Emma Jenness, Ana Dekruyter, Jackson Henry, Emily Miller

Celebration of Research

A literature review between September 2023-November 2023 examined the numerous nonpharmacological interventions employed in the Emergency Department setting to reduce perceived pain in the pediatric population during painful procedures. This review explored

current research for decreasing perceived pain for children using nonpharmacologic methods and to suggest evidence-based practices that meet the needs of the patient. We suggest several nonpharmacologic interventions that assist in decreasing pain during painful procedures in the Emergency Department setting for the pediatric population.

Jewish Liturgics In Christian Worship: A History Of Jewish Festal Liturgics And A Proposed Recession Of The Christian Liturgical Year Into The Larger Judeo-Christian Calendar, Josiah Troutner

Celebration of Research

Though a Judaic religion, Christianity quickly abandoned many of the ceremonial, festal, and liturgical practices of its parent religion. In this paper I argue this to be primarily due to an Augustinian reading of Torah in the Pauline epistles in which it is seen as a tyrannical force that can be distinguished into moral, ceremonial, and judicial components, only the moral of which must still be observed by Christians. In this paper, I will discuss the historical, cultural, and religious background of several Jewish holidays in advocation of their theological value for the larger Judeo-Christian community. I will also seek …

The Gut Microbiome In Chronic Diseases, Emily Mcdonald, Katlyn Bombei, Madelyn Weber

Celebration of Research

Cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and various mental health conditions have been shown to be associated with gut microbiota alterations that may contribute to the development and pathogenesis of those diseases. Cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes have been associated with a lack of butyrate- producing bacteria which are responsible for lowering blood pressure, limiting atherosclerosis, abdominal pain, and lowering insulin resistance. Medications for individuals with schizophrenia may decrease bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties. Potential research avenues may be directed at investigating the di@erences between gut microbiomes between men and women to cultivate unique and targeted treatment and prevention …

Deaths Of Despair In Rural Populations, Tirzah Wittenberg, Dr. Pam Hulstein

Celebration of Research

A literature review was conducted between August 2023-November 2023 to explore deaths of despair in rural and urban populations. The ten articles reviewed center around revealing the prevalence of substance abuse and suicide within different population densities. The purpose of examining this research is to create a foundation of understanding that can then be utilized when making changes on the micro and macro levels in access to health care resources. In this literature review, the prevalence of deaths of despair in rural populations is revealed, along with suggestions for future health care resource investments.

Tranexamic Acid, Jett Skrien, Evan Lins, Kaleb Myhrwold

Celebration of Research

TXA administration has shown promising results in reducing blood loss resulting in a potentially life-saving measure. Early TXA administration has been shown to be most effective when administered within 3 hours of the incident. After the 3-hour window has passed, its effectiveness is negligible. At this point in time, no single superior means of administration or dosage has been agreed upon. Based on the evidence presented, TXA has a notable safety profile and has been proven to be a low-cost and effective way to reduce detrimental blood loss in trauma and surgical settings.