Digital Commons Network^™

Observing Pathogenic Affinity Of Candida And Rhodotorula Under Simulated Moon And Martian Atmospheres, Takara O'Brien, Kaitlyn Nielsen

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Following the trend of continued interest for manned-space missions over the past half-century, the importance of developing an understanding of microbial virulence in extreme environments has become increasingly more fundamental, in terms of efforts to sustain life in outer space. An overview of microorganismal adaptation in space is imperative to understanding the potential impact that invasive microbes will likely have on the human immune system during long-duration space travel and future planetary colonization. In this investigation, two fungal microbes, isolated from the International Space Station (ISS), – Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula sp. (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) – were compared to their terrestrial …

Onesky Crew Fatigue Call Analysisthrough Feature Extraction, Jessica Christa Wira, Krutika Dashrath Shitole, Noa Teed

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

OneSky is a private aviation enterprise that encompasses a network of smaller aviation entities with a specific emphasis on enhancing private aviation through the development of advanced IT solutions. One of the challenges that they face is when the crews make fatigue calls. Crew fatigue calls result in disruption of scheduled flights which in turn costs money and results in damage to the company. Fatigue can also be seen as a major safety factor. To ensure flight safety and efficient flight and crew scheduling, this research will analyze the features that caused crew calling fatigue on a particular day. The …

Study Of Non-Newtonian Fluids And Their Applications, Derrick Tomberelli

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research intends to study the flow behaviors and applications of non-Newtonian fluids. Non-Newtonian fluids show complicated flow behaviors that do not adhere to the linear connection between stress and strain that distinguishes Newtonian fluids. Several categories of non-Newtonian fluids and their distinctive flow patterns (such as fluids that thicken or thin under shear, and viscoelastic fluids) are discussed. Real-world uses for non-Newtonian fluids in the pharmaceutical and oil and gas industries, food processing, and drilling fluids are investigated. Difficulties and problems associated with working with non-Newtonian fluids, (such as the foreseeing and managing the flow behavior as well as …

Relationship Experiences And Parenting Attitudes, Mckayla Overton, Colleen Biri

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Attachment styles are a popular topic of study in psychology. Despite there being a lot of research available on how one’s attachment style as a child influences other relationships, there is a lack of research available on the relationship between one’s attachment style and one’s subsequent parenting attitudes. To study this, an online survey was distributed containing questions about attachment style and parenting attitudes. This study hypothesized that participants with a secure attachment style will score higher on both the warmness scale and rules scale of the parenting attitudes section of the survey. Data was collected from 164 respondents. Results …

General Education Program Revision, Carissa Schultz, Mandy Galli, Robyn Elder

2023 Student Academic Showcase

A general education program is meant to create a foundation of exploratory learning. Professor Melissa Qualls and the GE Task Force are recruiting student and faculty perspectives to develop a more meaningful General Education Program. Lindenwood University introduced Graduate Attributes in the Fall of 2021 with the intention of implementing them into a new General Education Program to better student development. The goal of Lindenwood University’s General Education Program is to produce successful students who are adaptable problem solvers, lifelong learners, effective communicators, analytical thinkers, responsible citizens, ethical decision makers, and global advocates. The Student Assessment Scholars sought student perspectives …

Lindenwood General Biology-Measuring Achievement And Progression In Science (Genbio-Maps), Diego De Gregorio, Madilyn Waters, Robyne Elder

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The General Biology-Measuring Achievement and Progression in Science (GenBio-MAPS) serves as a tool for monitoring and directing departmental progress by assessing student comprehension throughout the duration of undergraduate biology programs (Couch et al., 2019). According to the Vision and Change national report, a biology student should have a firm grasp of the concepts of (1) evolution, (2) structure and function, (3) information flow, exchange, and storage, (4) pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and (5) systems (Aguirre et al., 2013). In turn, the Biological Sciences department at Lindenwood University implemented ways to evaluate how well they are imparting the …

Physiological Measurements Pre/Post Ultra-Marathon Distance Race, Karolina Zavisiute, Scott Richmond, Chad Kerksick, Kyle Sunderland, Petey Mumford

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Endurance running events like 100 miles distance races are becoming more popular. Humans are eager to explore their limits by challenging themselves to run 100 miles distance races. However, there are many research gaps still exist to fully understand the impact on the body that 100 miles endurance event has.

The aim of this study was to measure and analyze the impact of the 100 miles endurance race among recreational runners. Ten male recreational runners (age 36.6 ± 14.1) were screened before and after completing 100 miles distance running event in Missouri. Test screening included VO2 max, RMR, BIA, Ultrasound …

Changes In Hamstring Muscle Thickness And Pennation Angle Following Nordic Exercise In A Post-Surgical Acl Patient: A Case Study, Aaliyah M. Moore, Petey W. Mumford

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This study aims to utilize ultrasound imaging to investigate the effects of Nordic hamstring exercise on a post-surgical ACL rugby patient who had a hamstring tear in the contralateral leg of his ACL tear. The study will also examine any changes in the patient's ACL leg hamstring compared to the torn hamstring leg. The patient's Biodex test results will also be incorporated to determine if there is a correlation between muscle thickness and pennation angle changes. Ultrasound scans were taken 2 months, 4 months and will be taken again at 6 months post-surgery, following biodex assessments. Ultrasound images have shown …

Female Swimmers Exhibit Greater Isometric Force Symmetry Across The Shoulder Girdle Than Male Swimmers, Lyssa Wood, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test was developed to measure force across the shoulder girdle. This test can be used to assess symmetry and potential injury risk in upper-body sports. The purpose was to determine the differences in the supine-to-prone ratio of isometric shoulder force production between male and female swimmers. Forty-five Lindenwood swimmers (F=23, M=22) participated in this cross-sectional study. Athletes performed bilateral isometric shoulder contractions in both the supine and the prone laying position with arms straight and shoulders abducted 135˚ (“Y”). Female simmers had an higher average ratio (76.5%±13.5%) compared to males (68.1%±11.2%) independent of the arm tested. …

Peak Torque Ratios Of Hamstrings To Quadriceps Do Not Differ Between Positions Or Angular Velocities In Female Collegiate Rugby Athletes, Amanda Ware, Ava L. Denner, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The relative strength of hamstrings to quadriceps (H:Q) is an important measure for determining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk, which is more prevalent in female athletes. The purpose was to examine H:Q at varying angular velocities in different position of female college rugby athletes. The dominant leg of forty-seven female college rugby athletes was evaluated via isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s, and 300 deg/s. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q. H:Q was not significantly different between positions. Additionally, there were no significant changes in H:Q at different angular velocities independent of position. These …

Hamstrings To Quadriceps Peak Torque Ratios Are Similar Between Positions In Male College Rugby Athletes, Ava Denner, Amanda Ware, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Decreased hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength (H:Q) is a potential risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose was to determine the H:Q at varying angular velocities in male college rugby athletes. Thirty-eight male college rugby athletes volunteered for this study. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q in the dominant leg with isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s and 300 deg/s. There was no significant difference among position groups in peak torques, regardless of speed. H:Q was significantly lower at 60 deg/s compared to all other velocities. While H:Q does beneficially increase …

Arm Isometric Force Production In Ncaa Softball Players Is Greater In The Dominant Arm Independent Of Arm Angle, Nicole Henson, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Arm Isometric Force Production in NCAA Softball Players is Greater in the Dominant Arm Independent of Arm Angle

N. Henson1, M. Gersch1, K. Sunderland1

1Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, College of Science, Technology, and Health, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO, USA

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test is used to examine strength symmetry between dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Our purpose was to examine shoulder isometric force production in college softball players at two arm angles. Seventeen college softball players performed bilateral isometric shoulder contractions on dual force plates while laying prone with arms straight and shoulders at 135˚ (“Y”) and 180˚ …

Identifying Risk Of Acl Injury In Collegiate Male Rugby Players Across A Single Training Year, Caleb Small, Lauren Tighe

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The purpose of this study to examine collegiate male rugby players’ susceptibility for sustaining an ACL injury over the course of an entire season using the biodex strength assessment, standardized functional movement screen, and Y-balance test. Participants included five male collegiate rugby players who play in the back line ranging from age eighteen through twenty-three. Baseline testing was conducted during preseason training and re-assessed every four weeks throughout the entire season. Assessment measures remained the same throughout all testing trials, in addition to a subjective patient questionnaire. Following data collection, three out of the five participants showed deficiency of hamstring …

Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Addison Haddock, Chad Welsh

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium that has developed resistance to several previously adequate treatments. This is a growing health crisis in the United States, particularly in hospitals where vulnerable individuals are at increased risk of exposure and infection. The scientists challenging this issue are investigating the processes driving the bacterium’s drug resistant nature in hopes of discovering effective treatment strategies. However, as the bacterium continues to evolve and acquire new mutations over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to combat. The emergence and persistent spread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in healthcare settings pose a hazard to society, emphasizing the …

The Effect Of Gibberellin On Millett, Lauren Dale-Derks, Jasmine Ward, Mackenzie Wilson, Chloe Turasky, Michael Fitzgerald, Mackenzie Holmes, Maxwell Mason, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

We are testing the effects of gibberellic acid on millet plants to determine if the mutation that caused them to be dwarf plants are gibberellin deficient or if the gibberellin response system is affected. In order to determine this, we will apply gibberellin solution to the millet plants and observe their growth or lack of growth. The dwarf mutant millet plants that are gibberellin would show growth like those with no mutation, and the millet plants that have a mutation in the gibberellin response system would not demonstrate any growth since they would be unable to process the gibberellin. The …

Dwarfism On Dwarf Millets, Andrew Martin, Anna Carter, Ryan Eckerman, Danian Castillo, Caleb Horton, Mellissa Magathlan, Anthony Landrigan, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Our research team studied the effect of Dwarf mutations on Millet plant growth. To study these effects a plant hormone named Gibberellin was periodically added to the plants. Gibberellin is a hormone used in plants to grow, elongate, and flower the plant stems. With the addition of Gibberellin to millet plants, we compared the elongation of Millet stem length (cm) to the Millet wild-type generations. We hypothesized the implementation of Gibberellin would boost the growth rate and size of dwarf mutated millet.

The Effect Of Gibberellic Acid Treatment On The Growth Of Dwarf Setaria Mutations, Audrianna Torrey, Mariana Gutierrez, Shelby Nolde, Agnes Adams, Andrés Acuña, Maia Busi, Hannah Edwards, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Dwarfism is a common mutation found in many organisms and Setaria (millets) is no different. In millets and other plants, a reduction or complete lack of production of necessary hormones such as Gibberellic acid (GA), auxin, or Brassinosteroid can cause a mutant’s vertical and sometimes outward growth to be significantly reduced when compared to a wild type of the same variety. A typical solution to this mutation is the application of a hormone solution to allow the plant’s cells and organs to have access to the hormones needed to continue growing at an average rate. We decided to test an …

Plant Hormone Addition On Mutant Millets, Taylor Stroup, Michael Mosier, Hannah Appleget, Kat Townsend, Delaney Lentz, Jose Vargas, Liam Bentein, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

In this experiment we tested the effects of adding plant hormones to dwarf mutant millet plants that were either non-responsive to this hormone or did not make the hormone naturally. Measurements were taken on a consistent basis to determine how much growth had been affected by the addition of the plant hormone gibberellins, as well as the growth on our control plants that did not receive this hormone addition. Based on prior research, this hormone as said above is crucial in stem elongation and primary growth of plants. The results of this experiment will help to determine which type of …

The Effects Of Gibberellin On Dwarf Plants, Jacob Matschiner, Ondrej Dusa, Connor Jokerst, Sophia Hungerford, Jacob Matschiner, Taylor Duran, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

In this study, conducted by the students above, gibberellic acid was added to both dwarf and wild-type Setaria Viridis seedlings. Applying gibberellic acid to the dwarf plants was testing to see if there was a direct effect on gibberellic acid to the heights (in cm) of the seedlings. The wild-type seeds were also tested in order to see if there is an effect of them also. Gibberellic acid was applied to a group of dwarf and wild-type seedling, there was an additional group of seedlings that were also just treated to normal conditions (simply just watering) as a control group. …

Gibberellin Application On Dwarf Strains Of Millets, Jadyn Collins, Sydney Rarick, Gabrielle Russina, Micah Duffield, Belle Erhardt, Joaquin Fontan, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Gibberellin is a plant hormone that stimulates cell growth. This hormone was added to three types of dwarf and normal millets, Setaria Viridis, in a 1,000-ppm gibberellic acid form. Dwarf millets are plants that grow at an abnormally shorter stature than the rest of their species. After this was added the dwarf height rate was taken and observed for any change in height. If the dwarf plants had an increase in growth, it is plausible that the dwarf mutation is due to its inability to produce gibberellin. While if there was no difference in plant growth it's plausible that the …

Assessment Of Muscular Anatomical And Physiological Development During Injury Rehabilitation, Nicholas Andrews, Petey Mumford, Lauren Tighe

2023 Student Academic Showcase

After an injury occurs, there are many physiological regressions that occur. These regressions lead to altered muscle thickness, muscle length, strength and power potentials, motor recruitment, and neuromuscular control. These variables are further exacerbated if the given injury requires surgical intervention. Rehabilitation aids in reducing these regressions and is important both pre-surgery and post-surgery when intervention beyond rehabilitation is needed. Ultrasound imaging can be utilized to monitor the progression of a muscle's specific muscles anatomy. The muscles of interest are dependent upon the injury, The purpose of this study is to monitor short-term muscular adaptations to establish their importance in …

The Potential Economic Impact Of The Trans Pacific Partnership: The Relationship Between Free Trade Agreements And Gdp Growth Rates, Kaylee Wilson, Jeanie Thies

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This research proposal intends to assess the relationship between economic growth rate and participation in free trade agreements. The study will examine the potential economic impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership(TPP) by first considering the economic impact of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP). While the TPP presented several challenges for congress, significant evidence reveals the U.S. may now be at a disadvantage for not remaining in the agreement. Within a 4-year time frame, this research proposal will determine if CPTPP participants have experienced considerably greater real GDP growth rates than the U.S. (who did not participate). Drawing comparisons …

Implementation Of A Marshall-Style Plan For Africa As Part Of U.S. Development Policy And Foreign Assistance, Joselle Mensah, Jeanie Thies

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The purpose of this proposal project is to evaluate current U.S. development policy and foreign assistance, with a specific emphasis on Africa. Recent research indicates that the original Marshall Plan, implemented in 1948 to rebuild postwar Europe through economic aid, provides a framework for future development policies. In order to successfully foster long-term establishment of democratic structures and economic prosperity, this study design, a natural experiment, focuses on pre-selected African countries, studying the implementation of a Marshall-style Plan for Africa. The findings are to be examined in an in-depth analysis and will conclude to what degree U.S. development policy ought …

Personifying Inanimate Objects: A Study Through Movement, Delainey Bailey, Tricia Zweier

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This project explores how inanimate objects can be personified through movement. The chosen item for this work, a kaleidoscope, inspired many of the gestures, energies, and expressions for this original piece of choreography that premiered in the Lindenwood University Winter 2022 Dance Concert. My poster presentation will highlight many components of the kaleidoscope that were used as inspiration in this piece: the colors, patterns, shapes, and pathways. This work, titled “Kaleidoscope,” is centered around eight dancers that travel through circular pathways in a colorful ambiance to find contentment in the perfect patterns of the kaleidoscope. Each of their journeys are …

Doubt, Joshua Rodriguez, Ben Scholle

2023 Student Academic Showcase

"Doubt" follows a depressed and isolated young man who must contend with the physical manifestation of his depression and self doubt. Through this narrative, our protagonist learns truths about the human condition, and the lies that we all tell ourselves to keep us more expanding as human beings. The story follows and details how depression and trauma can flare up at inopportune times and places, and how we must accept ourselves and those around us for our/their flaws in order to grow as people. Strength is looking our failures and insecurities in the eyes and moving forward regardless., despite the …

Hester Prynne, Pi, Tevye Schmidt, Justine Pas

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This project is an exploration of the themes of community investigation and mistrust surrounding sin in Hawthorne's description of the Puritans in The Scarlet Letter. It explores these themes by using a board game as an interpretive device to fill a framework of space, place, and identity that shifts each time the game is played anew. Every interpretation of the actions of each main character will change as the location, identity, and sin committed are shuffled around and re-matched in different combinations as each of these characters seek Hester out to verify their thoughts on the sins being committed in …

Translation As Process, Drew Gvillo, Justine Pas

2023 Student Academic Showcase

My poster presentation is an in-depth explanation and discussion of what translation of languages is. It defines what translation is and what performing a translation entails. It explains how there are many common misconceptions about translations and attempts to disprove them. This in-depth discussion of translation factors such as language identity, culture acceptance, political factors, and much more aid in explaining how translations can be used for good and for bad. Translations can be used to break language and cultural barriers but they can also be used to divide people. It is up to the translator and those in power …

The Female Other: Feminist Existentialism And Crisis In The Great Gatsby, Hazel Denother, Justine Pas

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald tells the story of several unsatisfied characters who try over and over again to achieve happiness, which seems to be forever beyond their reach. In their cycles of dissatisfaction, many of the characters use romance, courtship, and sex as a tool to create fulfilling lives for themselves, but not one of them is successful in these endeavors. The principle female characters, who feel trapped and powerless in the lives they have ended up in, begin their love affairs out of an arguably deeper place of desperation than the male characters. When read through …

Gis Observations Of Missouri Amphibian Diversity, Kat Townsend, Tara Vansell

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Over the past decade, amphibian populations have been noticeably declining. As struggles between climate change, human development, and sustaining healthy ecosystems grows, it is vital to understand how these threats impact amphibians. Missouri has a rich diversity of toads, frogs, and salamanders but some of these species are struggling, such as the spring peeper and Ozark hellbender. Projects such as the St. Louis Zoo’s Frog Watch and iNaturalist observations have been implemented to involve citizens of Missouri in collecting valuable data pertaining to where amphibians are present and establishing where populations are struggling to thrive. The goal of this project …

The Human And Environmental Concerns Of The Ohio Train Derailment Using Geographic Information Systems, Lillian M. Nix, Tara Vansell

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio poses many long term concerns for humans and the environment. Over a hundred thousand gallons of hazardous chemicals were released into the air, soil, and waterways after the train derailed and started a fire. Norfolk Southern performed a controlled burn of the chemicals after residents were told to evacuate. Was this really the best solution? Geographic Information Systems (GIS) datasets and tools can be used to get a better understanding of the impact the accident has had on the community. Overlaying datasets of waterways and cropland onto a map can help …