DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Davis, Clifton; Sawyer, Eric; Szczepanik, Bryce; Vernon, William. SUPPRESSION OF FRAMESHIFT MUTATIONS USING 5-BASE SUPPRESSOR TRNAS TO SOLVE THE SAT PROBLEM.

Our team research goal was to advance the developing field of bacterial computing by harnessing the inherent biological properties of E. coli to tackle computationally challenging mathematical problems from a class known as NP-complete.The Satisfiability (SAT) logic problem was the first mathematical problem proven to be NP-complete. Logical clauses are composed of two (2-SAT) or three (3-SAT) true-false variables connected by OR operators. A series of logical clauses are linked together by AND operators to form a SAT problem. A problem is satisfied if true or false can be assigned to each variable in such a way that the overall value of the logical expression is true.Our system is designed to use frameshift suppressor tRNAs as inputs that can be processed by frameshift suppressor leaders (FSLs) that enable the translation of reporter constructs only when an appropriate combination of inputs is present
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ECKDAHL

Good, Ryan and Uptegrove, Logan. HISTORICAL REVIEW OF DIROFILARIASIS.

Dirofilaria immitis is a common parasitic roundworm that infects canines and occasionally felines, wolves, coyotes, foxes and other mammals worldwide. There have been cases of this species infecting the lungs of humans. D. immitis is a small, thread-like filarial nematode that utilizes the mosquito as an intermediate vector to spread between hosts. (Bowman 2009) The most common pathology associated with the Dirofilaria immitis infection is better known as “Canine Heartworm,” after the adult’s reproductive stage that takes place primarily in the right ventricle of the host where they can live many years cranking out thousands of eggs. It’s this congesting of the right ventricle and impedance of blood flow that result in the most serious problems for the host and can even lead to death.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHELY

Knadler, Angie; Ueligger, John. .

Babesiosis is a tick borne disease that has a life cycle similar to Plasmodium spp. The life cycles are similar in that Babesia spp. and Plasmodium spp. both inhabit the blood of their hosts. Babesia spp. however have a different vector for transmitting the disease, a tick of the genus Ixodes. The species of Babesia most common in human infections is Babesia microti. Babesia microti is a rodent parasite that is responsible for hundreds of infections in the USA. Humans infected with Babesia microti can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. In symptomatic patients the disease can be fatal. The pathology of symptomatic patients includes jaundice, anemia, haemoglobinuria, thrombocytopenia, and occasionally leucopenia. Treatment for Babesia microti infections includes quinine and clindamycin. People who are most susceptible to babesiosis are the splenectomized, the elderly, the immune deficient and HIV-infected patients.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Mills, M.S.,Miller-Tipton,C.C.. EFFECTS OF PARKING LOT RUN-OFF ON LARVAL AMPHIBIAN GROWTH AND SURVIVORSHIP: A PILOT STUDY.

Investigations into the effects of environmental changes and contaminants on amphibians has become essential in light of the reported global decline of amphibian populations. Multiple studies have documented the effects of various chemicals (e.g., herbicides such as Atrazine) on amphibian growth and development; however, none have specifically addressed the effects of the particular combination of substances in parking lot run-off. Thus, we have begun a pilot study to investigate potential effects of parking lot run-off on larval amphibian growth, development, and survivorship. Using forty 3.7-liter glass jars, we have created microcosms using dechlorinated water, sand, tree leaves, and an aquatic plant (Elodea). Microcosms were assembled in early February and filled with 2,000 ml of four treatments of run-off collected from a large campus parking lot on March 8 during a rain shower: 1) dechlorinated water (control), 2) 25% parking lot run-off, 3) 50% parking lot run-off, and 4) 100% parking lot run-off. At the writing of this abstract, we are waiting to collect the eggs of the Western Chorus frog, Pseudacris triseriata, which will be placed in equal numbers in each treatment microcosm. This is a common frog on campus that breeds and lives in ponds that receive this run-off. We plan to follow the growth and development of the tadpoles through metamorphosis in order to measure potential effects of the various concentrations of parking lot run-off.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. MILLS

Reynolds, Brad and Embrey, Dustin. HISTORICAL REVIEW OF GIARDIASIS.

Giardiasis is a disease state found in mammals and birds, and is caused by a protozoan species belonging to the genus Giardia. Giardia lamblia is the only member of the genus which infects human beings and is the most prevalent intestinal parasite in our species. Small children are especially susceptible to this disease. Found worldwide, this protozoan lives within the small intestines and can cause severe gastrointestinal problems. Diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal cramps, and dehydration are some of the more common symptoms. In many cases, however, the infected individual presents no symptoms at all. Only G. lamblia cysts are infective and are transmitted by a fecal-oral route, usually through contaminated food or water. Although the disease will eventually run its course, treatment with the drug Metronidazole is usually recommended.
Faculty Sponsor:

Reynolds, Leanne; Stone, Abby. ENTEROBIUS VERMICULARIS.

Pinworm infections are caused by the parasite Enterobius vermicularis, an intestinal nematode ranging in size between 2-13 mm long. This is the most common helminth infection found in temperate regions. While commonly asymptomatic, some symptoms include itching around the rectum, disturbed sleep, and irritability. Secondary infections can occur. These symptoms are due to transmission. During resting periods, female pinworms migrate to the anus to lay eggs onto the skin. Transfer of infected eggs can occur by contact of infected hand, bedding, clothing, or other article to the mouth. The eggs are then swallowed and become adults. This allows the infection to spread easily in places of overcrowding, like daycares and homes. Diagnosis of pinworms infections is done by identifying pinworm ova soon after awakening. If an infection is diagnosis there are several medicines, one being Mebendazole. Several precautions should be taken in order to prevent the spread of existing infections like changing linens and clothing of the infected person, washing the hands, and bathing daily.\r\n
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Historical Papers

Anderson, Tara Arn, Lauren. A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF LEISHMANIASIS.

Leishmaniasis is a disease that has affected the people of in Mexico, South America, India and the Middle East for centuries. The causative agents are the members of the Leishmania genus, including species donovani, tropica, mexicana and brazilensis. They may cause visceral or cutaneous leishmaniasis, which are characterized by Chiclero’s ulcer, enlagrment of the spleen or liver and other symptoms. Drugs may be employed to treat this parasitic infection but the best strategy is to control the vector involved in its lifecycle: the sandfly. Limiting the insect’s ability to feed on humans would help to stop the spread of the parasite itself.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHELY

Anglemyer, Ethan; Doty, Jennifer. SCHISTOSOMIASIS: A HISTORIC REVIEW.

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by the human infection of flatworms and was first discovered at an African hospital in 1851. The species responsible are Schistosomiasis mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum. As adults these worms enter the human circulatory system where they cause both acute and chronic conditions to the host. Eggs are transported out of the host through the digestive system and later find an intermediate snail host where they continue a short life cycle. After exiting the snail, another human host is infected by direct skin contact. Treatment and control programs are in effect against factors surrounding Schistosomiasis. Although this isn’t present in North America, besides the Caribbean, Schistosomiasis is a persistent problem in South America as well as the continents of Asia and Africa.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Brown, Travis and Justin, Emily. THE BRAIN EATING AMOEBA.

Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis is a devastating disease caused by a typically free-living parasite, Naegleria fowleri. N. fowleri is a thermophillic free-living amoeba which colonizes warm bodies of water throughout the world. On rare occasions, amoebae may infect humans through the nasal cavity, where they then travel along the olfactory nerves, settling into the brain and central nervous system. Ingesting blood cells and nervous tissue of these areas, N. fowleri are appropriately referred to as the “brain eating amoeba”. Symptoms of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) set in 1 to 14 days after infection, starting with headaches, changes in taste or smell, nausea, and/or vomiting. These symptoms then quickly progress to hallucinations, confusion, seizures, and then ultimately coma followed by death in a matter of days if gone without proper identification. As public education is an important step to avoid further infections, over 95% of documented cases of PAM are fatal and of the 5% of cases that are curable, early diagnosis is vital. Therefore, further study and public awareness of this disease is crucial towards early detection of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis before it is too late.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Delaney, Brody Slavin, Caylin. DRACUNCULUS MEDINENSIS.

Dracunculus medinensis is a nematode member of the Dracunculoidea family. Larvae are ingested by copepods, who are then ingested by the definitive host. After full development of the parasite within the definitive host, the female releases larvae into the environment through ulceration of the skin. Ancient methods as well as new age drugs are used in the treatment of Dracunculiasis. The control of this disease can be as simple as providing a clean water supply to the entire world, but that isn’t as easy as it sounds. Thus, Dracunculiasis is a parasitic infection that has almost been eradicated but is still an issue within certain communities of the world.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Feger, Emily, Krull, Hillari. LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS HISTORICAL REVIEW.

Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease of the lymph system. It is caused by three different species of worm, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. This disease is mostly found in Asia, the tropics, and the Western Pacific. Many species of mosquito are acceptable for filariasis vector transmission such as; Culex spp, Anopheles spp, Aedes spp, and more less common genera of mosquito1. Once a heavy infection of worms has been acquired the infected person may start exhibiting some pathology that may include pain, kidney failure, lymph node swelling and maybe a slight fever. This can be managed by a yearly dose of DEC which kills adult worms in the blood stream; however it does not cure the person but keeps the disease from spreading5.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Weis, Jenna and Miller-Tipton, Christopher. A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF ONCHOCERCIASIS.

River blindness is second leading cause of human blindness worldwide. With an estimated quarter of a million people suffering from river blindness, it is essential that this neglected parasitic disease and its prevention become known to humans. Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is cause by the filarial worm, Onchocerca volvulus. This nematode’s primary vector is the black fly, which lives near rivers. The fly transmits the parasite when it takes a blood meal on a human, the definitive host. Once in the human host, the worm develops and the adult resides in nodules near prominences in the body. The larva of the worm migrates to the cornea of the eye, where it causes the inflammatory response that leads to blindness. Prevention of the disease can be attempted by spreading insecticides, removing the nodules containing adult worms, and administer Ivermectin, the drug of choice.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE MATH AND PHYSICS

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Howe, Rachel. HONEST ANSWERS: AN APPLICATION OF RANDOMIZED RESPONSE MODELS.

When a survey asks a potentially incriminating question, the responder is more likely to give a dishonest answer. In order to get more accurate results, a surveyor can use various randomized response techniques to ensure anonymity for the respondents. This work presents the results of commonly used RRT's and an analyzes their effectiveness.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. POET

Hughes, Austyn. ADJUSTING ESPN.COM’S CY YOUNG PREDICTOR EQUATION.

This project will use weighted values to improve the Cy Young Predictor equation, other prominent sabermetric values will be used to accomplish this.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. POET

McKay, Ryan. USING MATH MODELING TO PREDICT THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPION.

By selecting nine major statistical totals from Offensive, Defensive, and Pitching categories (three from each), looking at them for the eight playoff teams of a given season, and then using this information to form a function to predict the World Series champion based on varying weights for the value of each stat.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. POET

Morrison, Kurtis. UTILIZING VARIATIONAL CALCULUS FOR DETERMINING MOTION EQUATIONS.

The Lagrangian differential equations are used frequently to minimize time dependent functions. A useful aspect of these differential equations is the ability to determine the motion equations of a system, given only the potential and kinetic energy functions for that system. This project determines the behavior of several systems governed by different forces and models previously recorded data or known physical laws for each.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. JEFF POET

Stevens, Jeff. A MODEL OF ALLELE FREQUENCY.

I will use mathematics to model allele frequencies of a gene. This gene will be similar to the gene that is believed to cause Sickle Cell Anemia.
Faculty Sponsor:

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND JOURNALISM

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Stancliff, Rachel. VALUE PROPOSITIONS IN THE WILD.

My project looks at the value propositions or "sales pitches" used by technical communicators to convince employers that technical communication services add value to projects and to companies. My goal was to analyze the websites of independent technical communicators to see if they are demonstrate their value with value propositions that fall into the categories suggested by previous research or if value propositions in practice are different from those proposed by researchers. I analyzed the websites of 20 technical communication consultants, contractors, and agencies, and concluded that of these most mention their expertise and experience and the implied value that these bring. The standard value-added or "return on investment" value propositions proposed by researchers that I looked for were not commonly used on these websites and oftentimes were not even obviously stated.
Faculty Sponsor:

Wood, Lucy. ACCESSIBLE DESIGN.

This project uses guidelines put forth on the website Accessibility: Principles of Accessible Design to examine the qualities that make a web site accessible. The poster uses the guidelines to evaluate a website that does not use the guidelines set up for visual impairments. Recommendations for developing accessible web sites will be included.
Faculty Sponsor: ADKINS,KAYE

Empirical Projects

Newhart, Kait. PLAIN LANGUAGE .

The research question posed in this literature review is, “Does the plain language movement benefit the people of United States?” Throughout my research I have established that plain language, as defined by Joan Locke author of “A History of Plain Language in the United States,” is “communication [in which] the audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. It enables the reader to find what they need, understand what they find, and use the materials they have found” (2004). All of the literature I have discovered portrays plain language standards and the implementation of them in a positive light. The main goal of plain language is effective communication. The use of plain language allows the reader to better understand the material and apply it in daily life.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ADKINS

Puett, Sarah. IN OTHER WORDS: PRINT VS. ONLINE WRITING.

This research outlines and analyzes the differences in the fundamental design of print and online writing. Further, the research is analyzed to indicate the differences in the degree of usability between younger and older users.
Faculty Sponsor: KAYE ADKINS

Reese, Sarah. WRITING AT THE POSITION OF ATTENTION.

The goal of this paper is to identify the different phases of the Marine Corps class from planning through the writing of the class itself as well as the purpose of each step throughout each phase. Great emphasis is placed on the influence of Robert Gagne on the development of the structure of the Marine Corps class and the principles that structure adheres to. Gagne’s emphasis on the learner, or audience, is directly reflected in the classes that are created today. That audience centered focus is a key principle of technical writing and relates directly to the technical writing field.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ADKINS

Literature Reviews

Keiffer, Alex. WHAT IS INFORMATION DESIGN, AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?.

What is information design, and what is it used for? The purpose of this project is to explain the general purpose of information design; the types of information it is used for, what designs are used for what types of information, etc. There will be several examples of various graphic organizers which are associated with information design.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KAYE ADKINS

DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Gifford, Elizabeth. WHY WOMEN AT THE YWCA DO NOT ATTEND GROUPS.

This study focuses on the effectiveness of groups at the YWCA, and the reasons for not attending. The research question I am raising is why women aren’t attending groups at the YWCA women’s shelter. The literature focuses on the benefits from attending self help groups, especially if a woman goes and actively listens and self-discloses at times. Self help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are less expensive that inpatient therapy and seem to be just as, if not more, effective. There were 20 respondents, all women who reside at the YWCA. The research showed that a majority of the women don’t attend group, and for a various number of reasons. Some of the reasons the residents are not attending groups are because they feel that they have been to enough counseling and therapy, they attend other groups outside of the YWCA, or because they feel it is not related to what they are struggling with.
Faculty Sponsor: DR, KAMALI

Mooney, Megan. GERIATRIC DEPRESSION.

Depression is a common and disabling disorder in the geriatric population. Many studies have been conducted on this topic and it was found that medical conditions and lack of social interactions contribute to depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of geriatric depression with the focus looking at certain medical conditions (CHF, hypertension, diabetes, stroke and cancer) and lack of social interactions among the depressed geriatric population. This study used data from the Missouri Health Net Health and Wellness Program. Information was collected from their data bank of members who are 65 or older, and who have a diagnosis of depression. In addition, after initial screening, each participant was interviewed via phone. They were given a survey to measure their social interactions. In sync with the hypothesis, it was found that time spent with friends does combat ones depression and that when one does not have this kind of social interaction they are more likely to be depressed or have depression recurrence. Also, it was found that there is a relationship between hypertension, cancer and depression. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\n\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\n
Faculty Sponsor:

Mooney, Megan . GERIATRIC DEPRESSION.

Depression is a common and disabling disorder in the geriatric population. Many studies have been conducted on this topic and it was found that medical conditions and lack of social interactions contribute to depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of geriatric depression with the focus looking at certain medical conditions (CHF, hypertension, diabetes, stroke and cancer) and lack of social interactions among the depressed geriatric population. This study used data from the Missouri Health Net Health and Wellness Program. Information was collected from their data bank of members who are 65 or older, and who have a diagnosis of depression. In addition, after initial screening, each participant was interviewed via phone. They were given a survey to measure their social interactions. In sync with the hypothesis, it was found that time spent with friends does combat ones depression and that when one does not have this kind of social interaction they are more likely to be depressed or have depression recurrence. Also, it was found that there is a relationship between the above stated medical conditions and depression.
Faculty Sponsor:

Moore, Sarah. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NURSING HOME COMPARE.

The purpose of this study was to determine if Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had created an effective tool for measuring and comparing nursing home care. CMS’ system is known as Nursing Home Compare. This system uses a five star rating which is based on three main areas of concern, being; health inspections, nursing home staff, and quality measures. Nursing Home Compare is based on strictly quantitative data; therefore, research was done addressing the qualitative side of nursing home care which was collected through individual tours of 10 nursing facilities within north central Missouri. The data was scored and assigned a five star rating and compared to CMS’ five star rating.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Internship/Practicum Experience

Clay, Angela . DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS.

Domestic Violence Intervention courses are available in most cities. The offender is mandated to complete 26 to 52 weeks of classes. It was hypothesized that offenders who attend classes and successfully complete treatment will have lower scores on the post-test. In order to study the effectiveness of the program offered at Addiction Awareness, 30 participants that had successfully completed the program was examined. This study mainly focuses on men, even though women can be domestic violence offenders as well. Treatment programs need to change the offender’s negative attitudes, and the beliefs that the offenders hold towards their partners.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Davis, Dawn. CLIENT SATISFACTION AT LEGAL AID OF WESTERN MISSOURI.

This research looked into client satisfaction with representation provided by Legal Aid of Western Missouri. Surveys sent in by clients at the close of their case were used to collect data. Demographic data was also collected. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS. Through this research, the researcher was able to analyze how clients felt about the services of Legal Aid.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI, PH.D.

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY PHILOSOPHY AND GEOGRAPHY

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Feger, Emily; Schlueter. GREENING WESTERN'S CAMPUS: A MORAL DUTY AND ECONOMIC REQUIREMENT.

This project is aimed at the moral and economic implications of using double-sided printers. The acquisition of double-sided printers by Missouri Western State University is not only an economically sound decision but a morally sound decision as well. It would save MWSU a prospected $11,000 per year on paper costs alone. Based on a deontological theory of morality that is deeply rooted in respect and leadership, which are two very important characteristics for MWSU, the University should go to double-sided printers. Another reason they should go to double-sided printers is because it would be virtuous and lead to a lot of good press and higher student enrollment.
Faculty Sponsor: JIM OKAPAL

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Yeh, Pi-Ming; Lawson, Lisa; Anderson, Mallory; Richter, Krystle. FACTORS INFLUENCING FAMILY CAREGIVER BURDEN .

The purpose of this study was to examine the influences of patients’ ADL dependency, family caregivers’ psychological well-being, quality of the caregiver-patient relationship, and family support on their family caregiver burden when providing care to a hospitalized family member with cancer. Fifty-one elder-family caregiver dyads were recruited. A correlational research design was used. There were significant positive relationships between patients’ADL dependence and impact on finance and between lack of family support and family caregiver burden, impact on health, and schedule. There were significant negative relationships between quality of relationship and impact on health, between psychological well-being and impact on health.
Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

Empirical Projects

Alexis Bryant, Heather Runde. THE IMPACT OF NURSING STUDENTS' PERCEIVED SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ON FUTURE PATIENT CARE.

Patients in the United States have historically and continue to embrace spiritual and/or religious beliefs. The American Nurses Association views patient care as holistic practice including body, mind and spirit. Researchers examined nursing students (N=97) from all four semesters from a mid-sized Midwest University to understand their perceived spiritual (existential) and religious beliefs using Ellison's Spiritual Well-Being Scale. Results demonstrated high spiritual well-being scores. Subscores were comparable for both spiritual and religious beliefs. Scores were slightly higher than previously reported normed scores. The conclusion was nursing students have the ability to address the spiritual and religious needs of today's patient.
Faculty Sponsor: GRETCHEN QUENSTEDT-MOE RN, MS, PHD

Kinkead, Molly; Lambert, Allyssa; Stock, Whitney; Wyatt, Hayley. APGAR SCORE AND PAYER SOURCE.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether payer source has an effect on 5 minute APGAR scores of infants born in 2009. Data was gathered from a medium sized Midwestern hospital birthing logs. We randomly selected four months out of 2009 to collect our data to determine whether payer source had a significant impact on 5 minute APGAR scores. We examined the association of payer source, which consisted of private insurance and Medicaid, to 5 minute APGAR score of newborns.
Faculty Sponsor: ALICIA SINDT

Lawson, Lisa; Anderson, Mallory; Richter, Krystle. FACTORS INFLUENCING FAMILY CAREGIVER BURDEN.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influences of patients' ADL dependency, family caregivers’ psychological well-being, quality of the caregiver-patient relationship, and family support on their family caregiver burden when providing care to a hospitalized family member with cancer. Fifty-one elder-family caregiver dyads were recruited. A correlational research design was used. There were significant positive relationships between patients’ ADL dependence and impact on finance and between lack of family support and family caregiver burden, impact on health, and schedule. There were significant negative relationships between quality of relationship and impact on health, between psychological well-being and impact on health.
Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

Literature Reviews

Allison, Breanna; McDowell, Barb; Reynolds,Erin; Westhoff, Matthew. HEALTH LITERACY: BARRIERRS THAT IMPACT COMMUNICATION.

The research literature concerning the topic of health literacy is overwhelming. As defined by the World Health Organization, health literacy is, "cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health" (Ishikawa & Yano, 2009, p. 113). Therefore, it is widely recognized that patients' knowledge of health literacy must be examined in order to provide them the most beneficial healthcare. According to authors Chang and Kelly (2007), "effective patient/family teaching and documented evidence of learning are essential to improved health outcomes for patients, particularly in this era of ever-increasing patient acuity and ever-decreasing length of inpatient stay or service provided" (p. 411). The question we sought to investigate using the Star Model of Knowledge Transformation (Stevens, 2004)was,"which barriers impact patient-physician-nurse communication and inhibit optimal health literacy?"
Faculty Sponsor: DEB ELLIS, RN,MSN,NP-C

Barry, Stephanie, Edmundson, Tegan, Hutchcraft, Jean, Shilt, Lacey . PROPHYLACTIC MASTECTOMY: NEW CHOICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER.

Prophylactic Mastectomy (PM) is a promising alternative to a diagnosis of breast cancer for many woman. It is designed to remove a breast that is not known to contain breast cancer, for the purpose of reducing an individual's cancer risk. The Ace Star Model of Knowledge Transformation (Stevens, 2003) was used to guide this project. This is a model that helps nurses identify the research evidence on a topic and translate new knowledge into the practice environment. The model consists of 5 phases; discovery, summary, translation, integration and evaluation. Evidence-based recommendations for nursing practice(Houshmandet al, 2000) include; Nurses must become aware of the issues related to prophylactice mastectomy to better inform and support patients facing these decisions, nurses need to recognize psychosocial issues related to this topic and nurses must analyze the risk-benefit ratio for each individual patient considering prophylactic mastectomy as an option to prevent breast cancer.
Faculty Sponsor: STEPHANIE CORDER

Conard, Demi; Trammell, Katrina; Mitchell Diedre. PREVENTION OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME.

Using the ACE Star Model we found that the major risk factors for SIDS are infant sleep positions, environmental factors and genetic factors. Emerging research shows that serotonin levels may play an important role in the incidence of SIDS. The key factor for preventing SIDS is education. The Back to Sleep campaign is aimed at educating new parents about the importance of placing their baby in supine position while sleeping to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Faculty Sponsor: CRISTI CAMPBELL MSN DNP

Lindsey, Christie. MANAGEMENT OF HEART FAILURE.

This research project will examine the current evidence related to the management of heart failure utilizing a model of evidence- based practice (EBP) as a guiding framework. Hupecy, Penrod and Fogg (2009) states, "the number of Americans with heart failure is on the rise, affecting more than 5.3million people" (p.531). This means that heart failure is becoming an increasing problem in our society. The question this paper will address: What is the most effective management of heart failure (HF)? For the discovery of this question the ACE Star Model will be used. This model provides a framework for systematically putting evidence based practice proccesses intp action. An evaluation of the management of HF presents evidence to the positive effects angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers(ARBS), digoxin, beta blockers, diuretics, lifestyle changes, smoking cessation and diagnosis with echocariography.With the proper management of heart failure we can expect that the patients affected by the disease will have a higher quality of life with fewer exacerbations and less hospitalizations. Our research has lead to the conclusion that there are multiple studies and reviews on pharmacological management of heart failure but not the same can be said about the lifestyle changes that need to be adhered to.
Faculty Sponsor:

Hillyard, Anthony, Murdock, Lee, Sperl, Sean. MALE CIRCUMCISION RECONSIDERED.

An important decision that parents have to make after their male child is born is whether or not to have him circumcised. There is much speculation and misinformation pertaining to the circumcision of a newborn. Questions that are often asked by the parents are: Does it reduce the risk of infection? What are the risks? Will the child have traumatizing pain? Also, what are the complications from this procedure? Using the ACE Star Model as our framework we propose the purpose of this research is to review the current research, present the findings and discuss the future of circumcision regarding male neonates. It is the nurse’s role to work with the physician and explain the pros and cons of circumcision to determine what is best for the child. Male circumcision (MC) is one of the oldest surgical procedures and is common among Muslim and Jewish people and in some ethnic groups from Africa (Weiss, Thomas, Munabi, Hayes, 2006). Circumcisions in America peaked in the later part of the century, from about 30% in the 1930s to 80% in the 1970s. The prevalence of MC gradually declined over the next couple of decades with current rates at 61% to 65% of male newborns currently being circumcised. This decline is believed to have been a direct result of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ decision that there was no existing scientific evidence to support routine circumcision (“Male neonatal circumcision,” 2007). New research is questioning that conclusion.
Faculty Sponsor: ALICIA SINDT

Lentz, Bryan, Peters, Dana, Barton, Jacob. VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA.

The prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major clinical challenge affecting critical care units in hospitals worldwide. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the most common hospital infection among patients requiring mechanical ventilation (Ruffell 2008). This results in higher expenditures by the patient and the hospital and raises the mortality rates of the patients affected by VAP. Ventilator-associated pneumonia occurs with patients that have been intubated for more than 48 hours, without the presence of pneumonia at the time of intubation. Nearly 10 – 20% of patients receiving this care acquire VAP in the intensive care unit (ICU). There are many ways nurses can help in the prevention of VAP. By applying prevention strategies in hospitals today the probability of acquiring VAP can be greatly decreased. With proper education and promotion of the VAP bundle along with aggressive oralpharyngeal protocols for patients in the ICU a reduction in rate of VAP could be attained. Long-term reduction still relies on continued education, research and practice to shape the future prevention guidelines and treatments for VAP.
Faculty Sponsor: HEATHER KENDALL

Miller, Tina Strathman, Joy Justice, Audra . SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AS IT RELATES TO CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON NURSING PRACTICE.

Childhood Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic among the middle and lower socioeconomic classes. School nurses can play a vital role in early detection and screening for childhood obesity. Discussion: With the number of obese children on the rise the school nurse can be utilized as a primary resource for lower income families. The school nurse can help identify those at risk, implement strategies and make community referrals. Summary: There is an overwhelming trend in the data regarding childhood obesity. Early identification of those children at risk for becoming obese and early intervention is imperative to help future generations live healthier lives. It is the responsibility of the school nurse to provide resources to all children, particularly children in the lower socioeconomic class.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. MARY JO GAY

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Alfred,Latashia; Armilio, Michelle; Frazier, Alyson; Henton, Markesha; Kempf, Jennifer; Shinn, Cole. EFFECT OF EMOTICONS ON PERCEIVED EMOTIONALITY AND MEMORY FOR WORDS.

Electronic communication has increased substantially and along with it the use of emoticons. But, there has been little research investigating the impact of emoticons on cognition. We paired neutral words with positive, negative and neutral emoticons to determine if emoticons affect memory for and emotional responses to words. Results indicate that emoticons influence participants’ self-reported emotional response to neutral words when they are displayed with an emoticon: words with negative emoticons were rated as more negative while words with positive emoticons were rated as more positive than words paired with neutral emoticons. There was no effect on memory for or participants’ emotional ratings of words that had been presented with emoticons. Therefore, it appears emoticons may communicate emotion, but they do not have lasting effects.
Faculty Sponsor: MARY L. STILL

Arnold, Dane; Bolten, Jamie; Everall, John; McGuire, Vanessa; Peters, Jillian; Rose, Robin . BATTLE OF THE PRESENTATIONS: ORAL VS. POSTER GRADES.

Prior research has examined what criteria affect undergraduate presentation grades, however none of the studies directly compared poster and oral presentation scores. This study found no statistically significant difference in presentation grades when comparing 66 students who presented a poster at an undergraduate conference, and 51 students who gave oral presentations. There was a moderate correlation between each of the 14 criteria and the total score of the presentation grade, with some criteria correlating higher than others. Implications and limitations to this study are discussed.
Faculty Sponsor: RUSSELL PHILLIPS