Now showing items 1-20 of 121

    • The Effects of Using Machine Translators on the Performance of Second Language Learners

      Myer, Kasey (2024-05)
      With the rise of technology has also come the development of various online language translators and artificial intelligence that are often utilized by individuals learning a second language. However, there is a wide range of quality between the different machine translation tools, and many people tend to be under the impression that it is inferior to the quality of interpretations provided by human translators. This paper considers the positives and negatives of machine translation as a tool for second language learning. Variations between the input and output languages on a grammatical and cultural level are analyzed. Machine translation is compared to techniques brought forth by human translators. Online language translator usage in and outside of the classroom setting is examined. It was concluded that cultural context is often left out of machine translation due to a tendency to translate literally from one language to another. Overall, it appeared that rather than replacing human translation with machine translation, professionals prefer to utilize a combined method called machine translation post-editing. However, second language learners are still able to use online language translation to their advantage in practice, such as in conversation with chatbots. It is also suggested that the usage of machine translation impacts professionals in a “real world” setting, such as teachers and speech-language pathologists.
    • Social Media and the Court: Exploring Impacts, Challenges, and Legal Considerations in the Digital Age

      Gruce, Jordan (2024-05)
      Social media has become a greater concern to the judicial system as mistrials and overturned convictions continue to take place because of internet-related juror misconduct. This paper sought to understand the implications of social media on the criminal justice system through its use by jurors, judges, attorneys, and individuals outside of the courtroom. It was found that information regarding criminal cases presented online is often negative, biased, and sensationalized, and frequently contains prejudicial evidence that can undermine a defendant’s right to a fair trial by an impartial jury. Jurors may commit misconduct by researching a case online or by communicating about a case online, both of which hinder their ability to serve as an unbiased party. Judges and attorneys are also at risk of improper personal use of social media, as well as face increased scrutiny online due to social media discourse. This paper also discusses options available to the court to mediate the effects of social media on the trial process and social media misconduct’s greater impact on public perception regarding the integrity of the justice system.
    • “It’s Your Fault”: The Overcriminalization and Self-Fulfilling Prophecy in the Imprisonment of African American Males in America

      Bennett, Jonnishae (2024-05)
      African American men have been subjected to the abuse and neglect of America’s Criminal Justice System for centuries. Such subjection has made them victims of systematic racism and prejudice; however, they have been depicted as everything other than victims. Societies’ continuous rejection of them as anything other than criminal, has forced them into the confines of imprisonment. The basis of their imprisonment can be directly connected to history’s congestion of the African American community. The utilization of the prison system has become a new-found version of enslavement. Labels attached to African American men have remained consistent with America’s overcriminalization of them. Why? Answers to questions relative to the one posed will be studied beginning with the historical development of criminalizing black men post-slavery. Data tables and analysis are provided in addition, to demonstrate the racial disparities and consequences of such overcriminalization. Evaluations of the news outlet’s association with black men and criminality will also be discussed. Effects on the offspring and familial structure will also be considered and morphed into the census of continued repercussions black men are subjected to due to Americanism, and the effects on their families and vulnerability to criminality.
    • The Diet as Medicine: The Power of Lifestyle Habits to Control Autoimmune Diseases

      Huber, Jacob (2024-05)
      Autoimmune diseases are a family of conditions that result from a malfunction in the immune system. The immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissue in the body, causing severe inflammation and pain in the part that it targets. While research of the diseases has come a long way, there are still a lot of questions unanswered about their origins and treatments. There are no known cures for any of the over 80 identified diseases, and treatment involves reducing the conditions activity to as low as possible. Still, autoimmune patients often live with constant levels of discomfort and impaired quality of life. The aim of this research is to determine the efficacy of dietary factors and lifestyle habits to positively impact the state of an autoimmune patient’s condition. This research seeks to observe the ability of lifestyle factors to aid, or potentially replace, current medical interventions and improve the quality of life of autoimmune patients. Subsequently, it was found that an individual’s dietary and lifestyle habits played a large role in the state of their diagnosed condition and had a preventative effect on the development of autoimmune diseases. Specifically, increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber had a large positive effect on numerous conditions. Furthermore, shifting focus away from processed foods to whole, nutrient-dense foods improved disease severity, gut microbiota, and reduced risk. Overall, modifying behavior to emphasize healthy lifestyle habits has both a healing and protective effect on many autoimmune diseases.
    • How Parental Involvement Coincides With Student Achievement: How to Get Parents Involved?

      Farmer, Torrence (2024-05)
      Parental involvement is crucial for a child's education, impacting their academic success and overall development. This research examines how parental involvement affects students' learning, social skills, behavior, and long-term success, particularly focusing on elementary school students. By analyzing varying levels of parental involvement, the study aims to identify key factors contributing to student achievement. Understanding the impact of parental involvement is essential for educators, policymakers, and parents. This research provides insights to develop effective strategies for engaging parents in education. By fostering strong partnerships between parents and schools, we can create a more supportive educational environment that benefits all students. Overall, this study aims to deepen our understanding of parental involvement and provide practical recommendations for optimizing its impact. By promoting active parental engagement, we can enhance student outcomes and create a more enriching educational experience
    • Financial Literacy: Should it be included in high school curriculum?

      DeVore, Callie (2024-05)
      In this paper, there will be a discussion as to why financial literacy classes should be included in high school curriculum. There is a significant issue between lacking financial knowledge and being able to perform financially smart. Throughout this paper, there will be examples of the basic knowledge that adults struggle to understand and how this results in several consequences. These consequences are in several categories such as debt, poor credit scores, a financial generation gap, and the loss of opportunities. There is also a discrepancy with financial illiteracy and different identities such as race, socioeconomic class, and even age. Some other issues that can have a greater effect with financial literacy are the generation gap, student loan debt, and the economic issues that financial illiteracy brings. Lastly, there are several ways that financial literacy can work with the results that a financial literacy program should have. With these programs, there are many strategies that schools can adopt or adapt to facilitate this type of program. Overall, the lack of financial literacy skills is negatively affecting young adults and their transition into adulthood that will result in not being financially healthy and stable.
    • The Utilization of MG-63 Osteosarcoma Cells as a Biocompatibility Model for Bone Regeneration in Manufactured Scaffolds

      Martin, Grace (2024-05)
      When a bone is broken beyond traditional repairs, medical advancements have created a new pathway for bone transplants that involves manufactured scaffolds. These scaffolds can be 3D printed to any size, and donated bone cells can be placed onto scaffolding, and regeneration of the bone will occur. This is due to the scaffold mimicking tissue structures that are naturally found in the body acting as an anchor for the bone cells. The choice of the scaffold material is important to consider in order to help the tissue heal properly while also being able to withstand damages that come with daily life. Graphene-based nanocomposites allow for flexibility in the bone; however, it is necessary to run a biocompatibility evaluation to enhance the scaffolding material and test structure properties to ensure success in treatment later. The osteoblast-like MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line is utilized in bioengineering to test the biocompatibility of a variety of materials due to its cost and ability to behave like a healthy osteoblast. Our lab evaluated the induction of osteoblast-like activity in this cell line when introduced to different supplements. The experiments conducted reproduced similar results to past experiments, indicating that the MG-63 cell line induces the osteogenic marker alkaline phosphatase upon treatment with TGFβ and/or vitamin D supplements.
    • Stimulate The Senses: How the Great Outdoors Affects Mental Health

      Hite, Kayleigh (2024-05)
      Mental health disorders and illnesses are a majority concern in societies across the globe in our current age. This paper examines the impacts and the benefits of the outdoors in relation to mental health. Various aspects of the outdoors, such as connection, nature-based therapies, and specific elements, will be addressed to see what kind of an impact the outdoors can have. Studies on these aspects will be reviewed and compared to determine if it is hugely beneficial and worth trying before starting new medications with a long list of side effects for mental health disorders. The findings have shown that even spending a small amount of time outside each day can have a positive impact on mood and mental health. In addition, the same studies show improvement in overall health and well-being, not just mental health. Informing individuals on this benefit can help treat mental health illness and prevent individuals from spending money on various medications.
    • Cybervictimization and Depression: A Cultural Standpoint

      Heagy, Paige (2024-05)
      The author’s aim was to investigate the relationship between cybervictimization and depression, as well as using peer attachment and culture as moderators by giving questionnaires to 1347 participants (age range = 11-15 years) from India and the United States. Through four questionnaires, adolescents reported their levels of endorsement in either individualism or collectivism culture, levels of cybervictimization, levels of depression/depressive symptoms, and their levels of peer attachment. Adolescents reported that there is a significantly positive correlation between cybervictimization and depression. Differences were found according to culture and peer attachment, as well. Cybervictimization has begun to erupt worldwide as internet usage begins to skyrocket. It is considered to be a widespread, national issue that continues to affect the development and well being of adolescents on more levels than one and has been seen to trigger the development of depression and other maladaptive social skills among adolescents (Wei et al., 2024; Hawker, & Boulter, 2000). As the use of social media continues to increase, cybervictimization can occur more frequently among adolescents and their peers. As adolescents rely predominantly on peer engagement to develop their social skills, cybervictimization can cause adolescents to have lower peer attachment than adolescents who are not involved in cybervictimization (Kamble, 2015; Burton, Florell, & Wygant, 2012). There is little to no research regarding cultural values with cybervictimization and depression among adolescents. To address the gap in research, this study aims to analyze the role of culture and peer attachment with levels of cybervictimization and depression among adolescents in India and the United States.
    • Investigating Outcomes of Emerging Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

      Halt, Hannah (2024-05)
      Cerebral palsy presents a complex neurological challenge affecting movement and posture, with significant implications for individuals' quality of life. This essay provides a thorough examination of cerebral palsy, covering its prevalence, types, and associated health conditions. It explores current treatment modalities, including constraint-induced therapy, gait focused physical therapy, and cell-based therapies, highlighting their effectiveness and cost considerations. Ethical dilemmas in stem cell research for cerebral palsy are being discussed, alongside ongoing clinical trials and their potential impact. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this essay sheds light on the evolving landscape of cerebral palsy treatment, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention for improved outcomes. Ultimately, it underscores the need for continued research and collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted needs of individuals living with cerebral palsy.
    • The Female Athlete Triad: Understanding the Why and How

      Chaney, Haley (2024-05)
      The Female Athlete Triad consists of 3 disorders that do not necessarily have to happen in a specific order. The 3 disorders that form the Female Athlete Triad are amenorrhea, eating disorder (which coincides with low energy levels), and/or bone mineral density (osteoporosis). An athlete will most likely experience these disorders in a “slippery slope” metaphor, if you will, which we will dive deeper into later in this paper.
    • True Crime Obsession: Analyzing the Effects of True Crime Media from the Past to the Present

      Nirtaut, Brianna (2024-05)
      True crime media has affected the way people perceive the true crime genre from the 1500s until the present day. This thesis will first introduce the popularity of true crime media and describe the important role that true crime plays in today’s society. Historical examples of true crime depictions will be outlined in the first section to display how the true crime obsession has been prevalent for centuries and how the examples compare to present day depictions. Once the history of true crime media is understood, the ethical boundaries that should be kept by podcast hosts and documentary directors is discussed for the purpose of highlighting the positive and negative effects of true crime media. Next, the psychological effects of overconsuming true crime media will be discussed to uncover how a person can become so enthralled with serial killers that they admire them, and act like them. Additionally, true crime stories publicized by new media outlets such as podcasts and documentaries will be analyzed to discover the effect they have on the true crime genre. Lastly, the relationship between law enforcement and the media will be established to connect how true crime media influences the way criminal investigations are conducted.
    • The Impact of Sports Wagering on Collegiate Sports Viewership

      Blackwell, Maddix (2024-05)
      Fan viewership was examined after the legalization of sports wagering. The methods of placing bets were analyzed as well as the in person and broadcasting viewership of NCAA competitions. Fan broadcast and in person viewership has increased since the legalization of sports wagering. The world of sports betting has adapted to new technology to better enhance the user's accessibility. Mobile apps have become the preferred method of sports bettors, due to the capabilities and ease of access the apps provide. Broadcasting networks have played a large role in increasing the appeal of sports betting, through advertisements and deals being offered. The changes that have been made since the legalization of sports wagering have increased the fan interaction levels of NCAA competitions. The projected trajectory of sports betting participants implies an escalation in fan interaction among the collegiate level.
    • A Nursing Point of View: Investigating the Causes of Medical Errors and Strategies for Prevention

      Shillo, Lauren (2024-05)
      Bedside nursing is more of an art then what is seen or heard of from news articles or stories depicting a day in the life of a healthcare worker. “250,000 people die every year from medical errors, making it the third leading cause of death in the United States” (James, 2013). While there is no definitive answer or clear-cut solution to avoiding medical errors within nursing practice, indefinitely, there are possible ways to greatly reduce the effects and harm that accidental human errors have within the world of medicine. Through time, thousands of new policies and protocols have evolved from widely known sentinel events that have aided in kickstarting a chain of greater safety in the workplace and at the bedside within patient care. By directing the issues of medical errors in nursing away from the fault of the nursing staff, a safer healthcare system can be created by learning from deadly mistakes and implementing newer protocols and continuing education.
    • Incarceration and its Impact on Family and Communities

      Hayes, Ti’Anyana (2024-05)
      Incarceration does not just affect the convicted person, it has far-reaching consequences for their families, communities, and society as a whole. This research paper provides a closer insight at the wide-ranging impacts of incarceration. Reviewing interviews, data analysis, and long-term studies provides a clear perspective of how damaging incarceration can be to the incarcerated, their families, friends, and community. The findings show that prison takes a significant toll on someone's mental health, both during their time inside and even after they are released. Yet prisons severely lack adequate mental health support, which is desperately needed. The research also reveals that incarceration creates major financial, social, and long-lasting problems for the families left behind. It causes emotional and money struggles, disrupts relationships, and especially harms the well-being of children. Children with an incarcerated parent face increased risks to their physical and mental health, higher chances of behavioral issues, and are more likely to get involved in crime and end up imprisoned themselves - continuing the vicious cycle. Looking at whole communities, the data shows that high imprisonment rates stifle business growth, job opportunities, and economic mobility in those neighborhoods. Once released, individuals who were incarcerated often cannot access quality income sources/work or housing and lack support systems, making them likely to reoffend and continue the cycle. While more research is still needed in some areas, the evidence clearly shows that incarceration deeply weakens families, communities, and society overall. This reality urgently calls for collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, in and outside the criminal justice system, to come together and pursue reforms prioritizing rehabilitation, support services, and human dignity over punishment that perpetuates marginalization.
    • Ancient Shakespeare: Examining Classical Influence Upon Shakespeare's Plays

      Fritch, John (2024-05)
      The enduring position of William Shakespeare as the greatest playwright in the English language stems in part from the classical world. This relationship with ancient Greek and Roman literature has sparked scholarly curiosity and conflict in the centuries after his death. The minimal details that are known about Shakespeare’s personal life and experiences make this topic a challenging one. This essay embarks on an exploration of Shakespeare’s engagement with classical themes, characters, and storytelling techniques, as well as the thematic resonances between ancient Greek plays and his own works. Through an examination of key characteristics and themes prevalent in ancient Greek and Roman drama, alongside an analysis of Shakespeare’s adaptations and transformations of these elements, this paper will cover the extent to which Shakespeare knew and used classical plays, myths, and stories to enhance his own work. By scrutinizing the influence of classical sources on Shakespeare’s dramatic imagination and evaluating the validity of claims regarding his classical education that have arisen from contemporary quotes about him, this research seeks to determine the links between Shakespeare and the classical world, ultimately determining the role classical influence played in the timeless appeal and enduring legacy of his works
    • From Bits to Beds: Design and Implementation of a Hotel Booking System A Coding Project

      Gilman, Alexa (2024-05)
      This thesis presents a comprehensive hotel booking system designed and implemented to showcase the transition "From Bits to Beds". There are two main motivations behind this project: firstly, to provide users with a user-friendly and efficient platform for booking accommodations. Secondly, it serves as a great learning opportunity, providing hands-on practice with coding, collaboration with teammates, and exposure to real-world challenges. The system utilizes technologies such as JavaScript, Express.js, and HTML/CSS to offer features like browsing hotels, filtering options, user authentication, and booking management. The implementation of this project demonstrates a successful integration of backend and frontend components, ensuring reliability and scalability. This project provides awareness of the transformative potential of digital solutions in revolutionizing the hospitality industry by streamlining the booking process and enhancing customer service experiences. As we explore the design choices, technical considerations, and future directions of this project, readers can discover where creativity meets inspiration, opening up a digital world full of endless possibilities.
    • AI: Is the Future Robots?

      Fischer, Ruthanne (2024-05)
      The goal of this thesis is to analyze how Artificial Intelligence is actively changing. The newly developed technology that is known as Artificial Intelligence can potentially have implications that are not yet known. Artificial Intelligence impacts the business world in many ways. Things such as ChatGPT and Deepfakes are some of the biggest forms of Artificial Intelligence today. It is important to know how Artificial Intelligence is changing every day because no one knows the true implications of a technology like this. It is crucial for companies to understand how this technology can potentially be harmful to their employees. Artificial Intelligence is a form of deep learning which is compromised of Neural Networks. This thesis will focus on research that has been done to show how employees feel about Artificial Intelligence as well as how Artificial Intelligence is created.
    • PCOS: Comparing Inositol Supplementation to Metformin Treatment

      Liechti-Hawkins, Caitlin (2024-05)
      The purpose of this literature review is to compare the viability of inositol versus metformin for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The research outlines the criteria for diagnosis and the many symptoms associated with the condition. The aim is to discover if inositol should be recommended for PCOS symptoms as a replacement for metformin. It was found that safety and popularity of the two options were important factors for physicians and patients to consider before choosing a treatment. Within these scopes, adverse effects, costs, regulation, and belief of treatment were compared. Findings indicated that inositol supplementation may possibly be an alternative to the prescription medication, as there were many similarities within these scopes such as GI disturbances. However, differences between the two were apparent such as the policies governing the substances’ regulations and the belief between prescription medication versus dietary supplementation. Additionally, ethical considerations for clinical research included debates on the inclusion of minors and pregnant women for which there were no conclusive solutions.
    • Long Term Effects on Health: Analyzing the Lasting Effects of COVID-19 on the Human Body

      Stachelski, Kaylie (2024-05)
      The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding the long-term effects it can leave on an individual’s health. This abstract provides an overview of the emerging evidence of the long-term effects of COVID-19. Research indicates that COVID-19 can lead to acute or chronic health effects, affecting multiple systems in the body. The symptoms that have been known to effect quality of life in patients that have been suffering from long-haul COVID. While the full spectrum and mechanisms of long-term effects are still under investigation, understanding and addressing the long-term health consequences of COVID-19 remain critical for patient care and public health planning.