This collection houses capstone projects completed by undergraduate students in the Honors College.
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Neurosteroids for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Chronic Pain (Paper)
Meghan Haan
Neurosteroids are endogenous steroids within the brain that act as modulators in neurotransmission. Among their targets are the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which are responsible for inhibitory signaling in the brain. The interaction between neurosteroids and GABA receptors is complex, influencing mood regulation and pain perception. Endogenous neurosteroids have been used in conditions such as postpartum depression (PPD), where fluctuation in neurosteroid levels contribute to the onset of depressive systems. Conversely, exogenous neurosteroids, such as brexanolone and zuranolone, have emerged as therapeutic agents for PPD. These compounds act as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) on GABA receptors, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission and alleviating symptoms of depression. In addition, neurosteroids and GABA receptors can influence chronic pain pathways. There is a shared neurobiological substrate between major depressive disorder (MDD) and chronic pain, involving the dysregulation of GABAergic neurotransmission. Brexanolone and zuranolone offer a dual mechanism of action for treating both MDD and chronic pain. In conclusion, the modulation of neurosteroids and GABA receptors presents a novel therapeutic avenue for addressing the complex process between MDD and chronic pain. Agents like brexanolone and zuranolone offer a targeted approach to alleviate symptoms in both psychiatric and pain management domains.
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An Overview of Women’s Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hannah Kleinschmit
Women’s hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has greatly improved treatment options for women suffering from infertility and menopause-related osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and vaginal atrophy. The contrivance of HRT transpired in the early 20th century, beginning with the discovery and isolation of well-known hormones estrogen and progesterone. These breakthroughs produced a flurry of new research and a budding, new branch of medicine. With its increasing popularity, HRT faced scrutiny and controversy. Research trials, beginning in the 1980s, began to reveal devastating side effects of estrogenic HRT such as increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and breast cancer. In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) released its hormone therapy trials that once again showed an increased risk in these aforementioned side effects. This set of trials gained rapid publicity, and consequently, the use of HRT plummeted. In response to the growing fear of the public and infamy of HRT, more studies were performed that demonstrated the existence and verification of the “Timing Hypothesis”, which states that HRT will be less likely to cause increased risks of stroke, heart disease, and breast cancer depending on the period of time in which the patient begins HRT after menopause. This allowed for a better understanding of HRT and quelled fear regarding treatment. Rising HRT rates has allowed for the creation of HRT guidelines and for potential advancements within the field. Current researchers are studying the potential for selectively activated prodrugs, ovarian tissue transplant, and advanced use of plant-based tissues.
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A Masterpiece Amid Musical Suppression: An Analysis of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5
Matthew Dulas
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was a 20th century Soviet-era composer. He is considered to be amongst the greatest classical composers of his time. Some of his most famous works include his string quartets, symphonies, and piano works. Despite his success and popularity, Shostakovich did not have an easy livelihood. His tensions with the Soviet government, particularly under Joseph Stalin, plagued him for most of his life. He fought a constant battle of creating music that was true to himself and that which would satisfy the Soviet officials. Shostakovich often had to adjust his composing style in order to maintain good standing. One famous example of this is his Symphony No. 5. At a time when Shostakovich was under serious threat of being arrested or killed, the Fifth Symphony allowed him to regain the respect of Soviet authorities. One might wonder what kind of impact such hardships could have on the creation of this piece. The aim of this research study is to assess the influence of political pressure on Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony while taking into consideration other factors that played a role in his composition. An additional topic that will be addressed is whether or not Shostakovich can be considered a dissident or a supporter of communism. An issue of great controversy, scholars have spent decades trying to interpret the true meaning behind Shostakovich’s works. The Fifth Symphony is brought up often during these debates. This study will take a look at evidence for both viewpoints.
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Where Does the Church Stand in Today’s Mental Health Landscape?
Noah T. Mursu
Religious involvement in care for those living with mental illness has been going on for centuries, and perspectives on it have changed throughout the years. This literature review evaluates the place of religious groups, mainly Christian churches, in today's mental health situation by considering past and present involvement. It incorporates sources regarding different eras of mental hospital reform, modern perspectives of mental health clinicians and clergy, and the current gaps in mental health support among a variety of groups, including veterans, African Americans, and people in developing countries. This review then considers potential future involvement, especially considering how these gaps have been widened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In utilizing these sources, this review finds that effective collaborations are culturally rooted and driven by mutual respect. The results of these are collaborations that not only consider the holistic health of an individual, but also reach a population who may not otherwise receive care for their psychological needs.
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Applying the Student-Athlete Success Wheel: Examining the Academic and Social Experiences of Intercollegiate Student-Athletes
Noah Roerig
The present study investigated how different elements of the Student-Athlete Success Wheel play a role in helping intercollegiate athletes at a Midwestern Division I university to be successful in both their roles: student and athlete. Student-athlete participants (n=63) were asked to rate the influence of the 10 ‘spokes’ of the Student-Athlete Success Wheel on their daily lives. Additionally, respondents provided qualitative feedback about the most beneficial aspect of the Student-Athlete Success Wheel and made suggestions on how to improve the student-athlete experience. After analyzing the data, the results indicated that the three elements most valuable to student-athletes were motivation, relationship building, and mentors. Potential reasons justifying the three most valuable ‘spokes’ were provided, as well as recommendations for how to improve areas that were not rated as highly. Because this is the first academic study that applies the Student-Athlete Success Wheel, more research is needed to confirm the results of this study.
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Ghanaian Healthcare Research and Reflection (Paper)
Alexandra Bladholm
Objectives: The primary objectives of this extended literature review were to provide a basic overview of the Ghanaian healthcare system and breakdown some of its complexities, analyze what aspects of the Ghanaian healthcare system are effective with specific focus on accessibility, affordability, increased education, and government involvement, and recognize room for improvement within the Ghanaian healthcare system with specific focus on major disparities, barriers in rural areas, and government involvement.
Background: The healthcare system in Ghana is quite complex as there are many different routes for patients to seek care. This can be done via public health facilities through the NHIS, private health facilities, or traditionalists/herbalists. Each route presents benefits and challenges depending on patient demographics. Conclusions: The Ghanaian healthcare system while complex does offer coverage to an expansive patient demographic. Increases in health literacy and coverage for maternity care has resulted in positive health outcomes. Yet, accessibility and affordability for the core poor and those in rural areas is still lacking. Further changes and a shift in focus for the entire system is necessary in order to reach those who are underserved. -
CFD Simulation of Varying Fuel Jet Placement of Mach 2 Flow (Paper)
Sara Broad
Supersonic flow is a concept that has been researched heavily for the past twenty years. It has many applications, with the most notable one being for the defense industry. This project specifically is based off a model that is being currently used for Air Force research. With supersonic flow, where the Mach number is larger than one, there has been continual research specifically on flameholders. Flameholders involve the discussion of the mixing, ignition, and combustion of the fuel that is released into the lower cavity of the scramjet. There is a current standard for the placement of fuel jets, but very little data as to why this is the best choice. The objective of this research is to prove that the current placement of the fuel jet is optimal and to use computational fluid dynamics software to visualize the fuel/air mixing of various nozzle placements. Five nozzles were created and ran in Star-CCM+ and conclusions were drawn by use of the passive scalar function. As final conclusions were made it was determined that the current fuel jet placement is optimal and similarities between it and other referenced findings was noted. Even though this project was constrained by time, there is an ending discussion on how this project could be continued for further research.
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Multiculturalism in Advertising: A Look at Non-Diversification and Stereotyping in the Advertising Industry.
Elise Heesch
If a surveyor was to ask, how does advertising make one feel, would the responses depend on the participant’s disposition, race, and gender? All the responses would potentially be different depending on whether a white male, young Indigenous person, or black female answered. Advertising contributes a significant portion of what society is exposed to. The general population takes advertisements for granted but the message is there to sell a product. Consumers do not always realize the fabricated messages that are present in most advertisements. Desensitization has taken place in response to the strategies that the marketers use. Numerous stereotypes are embedded in advertising which people assume as accurate. Briefly reflect on recently published advertisements. If one were to break down the ad into sections; the setting, the topic, the cast, and the product being pushed, a common theme arises. What is displayed as a way of marketing a product, whether that be alcohol, cleaning items, or even clothing comes at the expense of multiple group identities and shows a lack of representation in the advertising market.
Over the centuries, advertising has evolved and methods of distribution have changed. What was once just reading a newspaper or magazine ad went to billboards and television which then led to us having a computer with instant access to all advertisements- twenty-four seven. But, for all the expansion and evolution in the advertising world, one major problem still remains. For many, no second thought is taken to reflect on advertising being shown to society. To the large majority that make up the minority, advertising being pushed out of agencies is controversial.
Advertising has unfairly represented many minorities. This deep- rooted problem bogs the advertising industry. From both a consumer’s point of view and an agency’s point of view, the industry has misrepresented and been palpably exclusive, excluding people of different races, disposition, gender, and even sexual orientation.
This paper aims to educate the public on both sides of production. It takes into consideration which people have been excluded from getting management jobs in the advertising industry and people who are not included in the ads consumers see as a result of the undiversified management. In addition to little diversity, is stereotyping in creation. Women, disabled, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, African American, Asian American, and Latino communities encompass the minorities covered. Also discussed is a brief background of advertising, as well as progressive approaches and suggestions for advertising.
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Outdated Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts and their Effects on Quality of Life: An Interdisciplinary Study
Emma Hilario
Though many people in the medical field are aware of patients having a low quality of life from ventriculoperitoneal shunts not having updated material and technology, many choose to look at the problem through only one disciplinary perspective. In light of this issue, the sole purpose of this study was to use an interdisciplinary perspective on how outdated ventriculoperitoneal shunts affect quality of life as well as express technology advancement recommendations through this type of analysis. This study involved extensive interdisciplinary work on the causes and symptoms of intracranial pressure, types and advancements of shunt valves, and surgery outcomes and lasting effects. The research in these areas of study identified why ventriculoperitoneal shunts are out of date, as well as the affects on quality of life in a patient from multidisciplinary perspectives. The literature review included previously established biopsychology, physiology, and technology discipline analysis to better understand the issue. This study reviewed these three disciplines and used an interdisciplinary approach to expand and organize their individual perspectives to properly analyze how outdated ventriculoperitoneal shunts affect quality of life. Through interdisciplinary analysis, the information developed in the research of multiple disciplines produced the proposal of adding biopsychology to improve overall treatment plans, and enhance the manufacture of technological advancements for ventriculoperitoneal shunts and, most importantly, create a better quality of life for patient with hydrocephalus.
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Peer Education: Perceptions of Student Learning in Online and In-Person Tutoring Sessions
Alexia Stumpf
Post-secondary peer education provides both academic support and employment opportunities for students. Traditionally, this valuable resource has been held in person at specified tutoring centers on college campuses. Recently, in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for online academic support options is higher than ever. This study surveyed both tutors and students who taught or attended tutoring through both in-person and online formats throughout their time at South Dakota State University (SDSU). Twenty-six tutors and forty students completed this survey to generate both quantitative and qualitative data. Results of both the tutor and student survey showed that an in-person peer education format is overwhelmingly preferred. This can be explained by technology issues, lack of student engagement online, and the challenge of transitioning previously successful teaching strategies to an online format. All parties agree that going forward, a combination of both online and in-person tutoring offerings, or solely in-person tutoring, will best meet students’ needs and expectations.
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Honors College Retention in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental
Sadie Vander Wal
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) has the second lowest Honors College student enrollment compared to all other colleges in the university. This study explores factors that deter CAFES students from enrolling or continuing with Honors and potential opportunities to encourage enrollment and retention. A QuestionPro survey and focus groups were utilized in collecting responses from first-year CAFES students on their awareness of the Honors College’s automatic enrollment, factors that deter students from pursuing Honors, and opportunities. Survey responses (n=59) were reported as percentages. Randomized focus groups were created from the pool of survey participants and split into Honors and non-Honors sections. Data from both surveys and focus groups indicate the main factors deterring CAFES students from pursuing Honors include class schedule concerns, a lack of necessity for Honors in their intended career paths in agriculture, and a lack of CAFES-specific Honors courses. Furthermore, a gap in knowledge about the Honors College and its enrollment qualifications exists amongst CAFES students; a majority of students would potentially pursue Honors if more opportunities within CAFES were offered, such as informational sessions and Honors-specific CAFES courses. This supports the proposed curriculum requirements the Honors College is in the process of obtaining approval for and suggests that adding CAFES-specific Honors courses may help improve Honors College participation by CAFES students.
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Going for the Goal: Identifying Relationships among SDSU Student Leaders’ Goals and Successes
Madison Dulas
Because today’s collegiate student leaders will be the leaders of the future, it is important to measure and ensure they have the tools needed to accomplish set goals. This study examines the relationship between South Dakota State University student leaders’ traits, time management abilities, ability to say “no,” and their impact on goal attainment. Surveys were distributed to students in the LeadState program, a co-curricular leadership development program, and a control group. Quantitative analyses, including independent samples t-tests and bivariate correlations, were conducted. Analyses revealed weak, positive relationships between leadership traits (i.e., integrity, self-confidence, synergy, and morality), time management abilities, the frequency of saying “no” and the likelihood of pursuing an originally set goal. The results of this study can provide tangible feedback to the LeadState program for future curriculum development, but it also identifies important areas to consider for collegiate student development.
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Development of a Software for the Optimization of Mechanical Structural Elements
Joshua Gross
The goal of this software is to develop the framework for the optimal design of a mechanical structural element that minimizes the total part volume while maintaining the induced stress below an acceptable level. The software starts with input from the user, which is a set of ANSYS APDL commands that include constant dimensions, applied force, and initial values for the variable dimensions. Then, a MATLAB script modifies the variable dimensions, and the output is analyzed by the nonlinear programming solver known as Sequential Gradient-Restoration Algorithm. Finally, the solver converges on the dimensions that produce a structurally viable element with the minimum volume, which should correspond to the lightest weight. This paper outlines this process in greater detail and shows experimental results and final geometry from a competed run of the software.
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Diabetes Distress Assessment as an Intervention
Rachel Hewitt and Karin A. Emery
Diabetes Distress (DD) is a major concern in the diabetes community due to the negative associated outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of consistent DD screening (PAID scale and supplemental questions), as an intervention to reduce DD in diabetic patients. This study uses a single blind experimental design at a Midwest U.S. Endocrine clinic. The sample size for study will be 100, with roughly 50 samples for each group. Individuals that will be included are: 18 years or older, diagnosed with T2DM, and able to speak and read English. Data collection will occur at already scheduled provider appointments and potential subjects will be identified by clinic staff, evaluated for eligibility, and scheduled for follow up clinic visits. Study staff will make random allocation cards using computer generated random numbers. Subjects assigned to the intervention group will have HbA1c obtained, will self-administer the PAID scale, and clinic staff ask three additional questions. The control group will have HbA1c obtained and will self-administer the PAID scale. No additional questions will be asked by the clinic staff for the control group. Unfortunately, this intervention study was put on hold for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in a moratorium on research. Because the study was unable to be conducted at this time, the use of the DD Assessment as a patient-tailored intervention, requires further research in order to determine its clinical effectiveness in reducing DD.
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Diabetes Distress Assessment as an Intervention (Poster)
Rachel Hewitt and Karin A. Emery
The aim of this study was to:
- Determine the effectiveness of consistent DD screening by administering the PAID scale along with supplemental questions, as an intervention to reduce DD in diabetic patients in the clinical setting.
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Benefits of the Snakemake Workflow Management Software in Comparison to Traditional Programming (Paper)
Josh Loecker and Patrick Ewing
Tools surrounding bioinformatics have increased data acquisition and accuracy significantly, especially with near-real time results using nanopore DNA sequencing. With large amounts of data, reproducibility is of high importance, and long workflows can become convoluted. Snakemake, built on the Common Workflow Language and Python, aims to alleviate this with readable formatting, reproducibility, and portability for any machine. Using 97 fastq files, the usability of these three traits were compared between a Bash and Snakemake workflow using a range of one to twelve threads. In every test, Snakemake was faster than Bash. At its fastest, Snakemake was 27% faster than Bash. Reproducibility of both workflows was verified using an MD5 hash of results. The hashes differed between the workflows; this may be a result of executing the workflows in two different terminal environments. Despite this, it is a valid method of validating reproducibility between tests within individual workflows. Outside speed tests, Snakemake offers quality of life features that allow it to pull ahead from Bash. Containerization of workflows using Conda is one example of this. The ability to require specific versions of software within a workflow boosts reproducibility. Additionally, portability is increased because the container can be deployed almost anywhere, and the required software can be downloaded on an as-needed basis. With readability comes maintainability. Snakemake will almost always pull ahead of Bash in this regard with its simple input, output, and shell fields. The field of Bioinformatics is moving very quickly, and it can be difficult for traditional Bash scripts to keep up in certain aspects. While Bash is paramount in the execution of some software, more powerful tools like Snakemake are required to handle the execution of an entire, complex workflow.
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The Effect of Freezing as a Storage Method on Anthocyanin Concentration in Blueberries
Marin E. Plumb
Blueberries are rich in a water-soluble class of pigments known as anthocyanins which are known antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent many diseases by stabilizing free radicals, but are prone to losses in food during storage. The goal of this study was to test the effect of freezing as a storage method on anthocyanin concentration and antioxidant activity over time. Blueberries from Canada and Argentina were frozen for up to 5 months and periodically tested for anthocyanin concentration and antioxidant activity. Anthocyanins were extracted using a mixture of methanol, acetic acid, and water, and evaporation under vacuum. They were separated using column chromatography. The concentration was determined by absorbance at 538 nm and the Beer-Lambert law, and antioxidant activity was measured using absorbance at 515 nm and DPPH free radical. Anthocyanin concentration ranged from 3.32 ± 0.40 mg/g in fresh berries to 8.89 ± 3.56 mg/g in berries frozen for 133 days. Concentration directly correlated with the antioxidant activity of anthocyanin on DPPH free radical in that 55.37 and 39.07% DPPH remained after 2 hours of antioxidant/DPPH reaction for the fresh and 133 day samples, respectively. Country of origin did not appear to impact anthocyanin concentration but did play a role in how the anthocyanin reacted with the free radical. Freezing appears to be an acceptable form of storing blueberries for up to 66 days (about 2 months) depending on ice crystal formation.
