THIRTEENTH ANNUAL UNION UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP …

THIRTEENTH ANNUAL UNION UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP SYMPOSIUM

1

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016

Afternoon Concurrent Sessions

Dept. Room Student Presenters Time

Poster Grant Events Amanda Rohde (ART) | Andrew Graham (ART) | Patricia Regalado (ART) 12:30–Displays Center Thomas Griffith (ART) | Emily Traylor (ART) | Karis Kontilis (ART) 1:30 p.m. Sarah-Anne Winchester (ART) | Brittany Vernon (ART) | Samantha Tucker (ART)

Sarah Lawler (ART) | Zac Pankey (ART) Virginia Bantz, Hannah Ku, Esther Kang, and Whitney Thomas (BIO) Benjamin Hubert (CHE) | Drew Wells (CHE) | Kelly Jones (CHE) | Logan Whitt (CHE)

Will Donelson (CHE) | Iulia Coultis (CHE) | Daniel Mathis (CHE) | Grace Hopp (CHE) Abigail Pfenninger, Josh Shoemaker, and Caleb Smythe (EGR) Corbin Anderson, Carson Brown, Angel Claudio, Cory Johnson, Matthew Owen, Abigail Pfenninger, Josh Shoemaker, Riley Welch, and Conner Wilson (EGR) Chelsea Johnson, Nathan Parke, and Erin Picard (EGR) Andrew Ford and Jeremiah Murila (EGR) | Beau Fant and Aaron Hively (EGR) Jeremiah Marcellino, Riley Welch, and Conner Wilson (EGR) Corbin Anderson, Carson Brown, Andrew Edmiston, and Cory Johnson (EGR) Christa Lauren Hamrick (NUR) | Thomas Bryan Barnes (NUR) | London England-Lewis (NUR) Gloria Michelle Patton (NUR) | Shanytel Weathersby (NUR) | Joseph Ethan Simpson (NUR) Meghan Rains Patton (NUR) | Nichelle K. Coleman (NUR) | Manju Thankachan (NUR) Francis Ian C. Bicol (NUR) | Denicia M. Rankin (NUR) | Jancy John (NUR) | Cory Prewitt (NUR) Stacey M. Ortiz (NUR) | Vashti Miller (NUR) | Alftan Turner (NUR) | Belinda Hilliard (NUR) Ashley Burdette (NUR) | Allison Luellen (NUR) | Amanda Camp (NUR) | Andrea Baker (NUR) Josh Donnan (NUR) | Chardae S. Edwards (NUR) | Ashley Weiss (NUR) | Brittany King (NUR) Desiree’ Shammas (NUR) | Jason LaSource (NUR) | Crystal Coulter (NUR) | Mark Dunavan (NUR) Edwin K. Martinez (NUR) | Haleigh Sligar (NUR) | Kristen Hayes (NUR) | Nicole Stivers (NUR) Paul A. Orman II (NUR) | Ashley Craig (NUR) | Casey Ellington (NUR) | Marshe Turner (NUR) Martin E. Rivera (NUR) | Nan Henderson (NUR) | Pelu Ogunyemi (NUR) | Sarah Spraggins (NUR) Abigail Andrews, Mary Crouse, and Tammie Vanstory (NUR) Michael Bowden, Tim Geno, Adam Reinhard, and Tyler Wallace (NUR) Aaron Lewis, Jason Poletti, and Alan Richardson (NUR) Kristen Carper, Juli Johnson, and Alex Maynard (NUR) Scott Awtry, Meagan Gallaher, and Alex Witcher (NUR) Emma Hopkins, Allie Malone, and Morgan Nelson (NUR) John Boileau, Amy Suddeath, Lizan Tofiq, and Leah White (NUR) Amanda Camp, Andrew Donadio, and Vashti Miller (NUR) Cyndi Haynes, Nikole Jackson, and Antoinette Whitcomb (NUR) Ana Dragoiescu, Ashley Reecht, Britley White (NUR) Worthy Walker, Ashley York, and Stephen Cory York, (NUR) Bonna Hardee, Erin Hennesy, Erin Deakins, and Emily Shaw (NUR) Kyle Rowland, Christy Sitlinger, Daniel Watkins, and Casey White (NUR) Bradley Beckstead, Catherine Mask, and Rachel Tonahill (NUR) Brigette Baker, Amanda England, Charity Eskew, and Chuong Nguyen (NUR) Clayton Anderson and John Casilli (NUR) Crystal Cornett, Jason Evans, Jodi Smith, and Ashley Wyse (NUR) Elizabeth Fulmer, Emily Pudlo, and Kayla Yates (NUR) Louis Jones, Erin Morelock, Karlie Roser, Marshall Seals, and Amber Tummins (NUR) Christina McAlaster, Hailey Moore, and Emily Thompson (NUR) Rachel Horton, Mary Joseph, Hannah Porter, Sarah Wade, and Mary Kathryn Williams (NUR) Allison Craft, Hannah Sewell, and Charlotte Spencer (NUR)

THIRTEENTH ANNUAL UNION UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP SYMPOSIUM

SCHEDULE CONTINUED »

2 Thirteenth Annual Union University Scholarship Symposium

Jake Chandler, Grady Johnston, Kevin Lum, and Joe Sudderth (NUR) Angie Eaton, Jasmin Elizarraras, Mitzi McCloud, and Sandra Russell (NUR) Courtney Coleman, Sarah Huffstetler, Jasmine Huskey, and Kendra Reeves (NUR) Gabrielle Cook, Joyce Hipps, and Brynn Roe (NUR) Kip Courtney, Mitch Frank, and Kalyn Thompson (NUR) Katherine Chapman Brown, Christian Haynes, and Ann Kumbani (NUR) Gail Humes, Stacey Labarre-Powell, and Kathy Putman (NUR) Lauren Brown, Lucy Oliver, and Jessie Yu (NUR) Julia Berends, Lindsey Brown, BethAnne Davis, and Linnea Rico (NUR) Louise Manasco, Ruth Minor, Tonya Polk, and Melanie Russell (NUR) Billie Browning, Kelsey Chance, Brent Earwood, and Margaret Whitehead (NUR) Dan Bermea, Megan Ruszczyk, Jazmin Santiago, and Meredith Tatarzycki (NUR) Summer Cross, Grace Fern, Maggie Robertson, and Michelle Undis (NUR) Nathaniel Crum, Mario Johnson, and Brandon Young (NUR) Tiffany Faulkner-Hines, Damani Johnson, and Paige Williams (NUR) Sara Allen, Sarah Nail, Peter Yu, and Patience Whitten (NUR) Kellee Etghayi, Mary Hardin, and Rebecca Moody (NUR) Renee Armstrong, Heather Livingston, and Roletha Pillow (NUR) Shelby Cox, Grace Eaton, Ion McHaney, Kristen Powell, and Laina Willoughby (NUR) Spencer Crihfield, Kellye Glass, Morgan Smith, and Gwen Wolford (NUR) Nadia James, Susan Strange-McClora, and Julie Stuckey (NUR) Hannah Abutineh, Indya Daniels, and Tameka N. Jones (NUR) Yolanda Conners, Wayne Martin, and Cotillion McClain (NUR) Calvin Hocker, Christian Lopez, Cody Pittman, and Chris Wright (NUR) Andrea Markham (PHARM) | M. Damoder Reddy (PHARM) | Abiy Eyakem (PHARM) Lunawati Bennett and Arindam Mondal (PHARM) James Clary and Jasmine Paul (PHARM) Ife Babatunde, Lunawati Bennett, Anthony Duong, and Rene Effoe (PHARM) Daniel Keylon (PHY) Ainsley Hunt, Trey McLemore, Matthew Young, and, Rachel Younger (PSY)

ART/DMS JEN 225 Ashley Akerson (ART) 1:40 p.m.Session Chairs: Katherine Pelley (ART) 2:00 p.m.Steve Halla and Erin Clemmons (ART) 2:20 p.m.Cam Tracy Zach Lancaster (ART) 2:40 p.m. Christopher Hare (DMS) 3:00 p.m. Riley Pope (DMS) 3:30 p.m. Victor Miller (DMS) 4:00 p.m.

BIO WH 101 Robby Spearman 1:40 p.m.Session Chair: Bridgette Wilson 2:00 p.m.Andy Madison Gray Magee 2:20 p.m. Heather Vidal 2:40 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m Carl Chmielewski 3:20 p.m. Dalton Lewis 3:40 p.m. Molly Foster 4:00 p.m. Ryan Scott Grubb 4:20 p.m.

BIO WH 102 Hannah Richardson 1:40 p.m.Session Chair: Breana Benefield 2:00 p.m.William Thierfelder Nicole I. Bantz 2:20 p.m. Nicholas Rivera 2:40 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m. Andrew Bigelow 3:20 p.m. Adam Lang 3:40 p.m. Kevin Luy 4:00 p.m.

SCHEDULE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

3

BUS/NUR BAC-44 Breanne Crain and Blake Hodges (BUS) 2:00 p.m.Session Chair: Mason Ross and Cayman Sanders (BUS) 2:20 p.m.Andrew Tiger Cherish Lo (BUS) 2:40 p.m. Parker Bell, Hannah Conway, Russell Richardson, and Garrett Wilson (BUS) 3:00 p.m. Jenny Main (BUS) 3:20 p.m. Joyce C. Snyder (NUR) 3:40 p.m.

CSC PAC C-13 Ian Wilder 1:00 p.m.Session Chair: Samuel Wills 1:30 p.m.Jim Kirk Joshua Stucky 2:00 p.m. Zachary Cohen 2:30 p.m. Reed McLean 3:00 p.m. Skylar Argo 3:30 p.m. Christopher Ryan Shaw 4:00 p.m.

Panel on Contemporary Ethical Issues:ICS/ENG/ PAC D-54 Cristina Thomas (ENG) 1:40 p.m. LAN/MUS Jack Sayler (ENG) 2:00 p.m.Session Chairs: Elizabel Riggs (ENG) 2:20 p.m.Patty Hamilton & Bethany Malchuk (ENG) 2:40 p.m.Phillip Ryan Clare Williams (ICS) 3:00 p.m. Irene Mine (ICS) 3:20 p.m. Rebecca Dalton (LAN) 3:40 p.m. Katie Bowman (MUS) 4:00 p.m.

EGR/MAT/PHY PAC D-3 Chelsea Johnson and Seth Guiler (EGR) 1:40 p.m.Session Chair: Connor Bailey, Chris Boccarossa, and Levi Hartsfield (EGR) 2:00 p.m.Randal Schwindt David Brewer, Ryan Harris, and Andrew Smith (EGR) 2:20 p.m. Beau Fant and Jonathan Vailes (EGR) 2:40 p.m. Aaron Hively, Jeremiah Murila, and Samuel Wills (EGR) 3:00 p.m. Dillon Lisk, Emily Pace, and Josh Wakefield (EGR) 3:20 p.m. Nathan Parke and Erin Picard (EGR) 3:40 p.m. JonMark Hetrick (MAT) 4:00 p.m. Joshua Stucky (MAT) 4:20 p.m. Joshua Edgren (PHY) 4:40 p.m.

LAN Lang Lab Matt Battistelli, Rebecca Dalton, Caleb Hall, 2:00 p.m.Session Chair: Amy Knack, Melissa Lieffers, Kaylee Lunsford Karen Martin and Hannah Shea (LAN)

ThM JEN 325 Jacob Smith 1:40 p.m.Session Chair: MiKalla Cotten 2:00 p.m.James Patterson Connor Johnson 2:20 p.m. Jameson Winter 2:40 p.m. Zach Clemmons 3:00 p.m. Break 3:20 p.m. Jonathan Eldridge 3:40 p.m. Chris Mimms 4:00 p.m. Ruthie Johnson 4:20 p.m. Caleb Shaw 4:40 p.m. Cliff Thompson II 5:00 p.m.

ThM JEN 212 Phillip Lundy 1:40 p.m.Session Chair: Taylor Brazil 2:00 p.m.George Guthrie Reeves Garrett 2:20 p.m. Daniel Pierson 2:40 p.m. Brennan Kolbe 3:00 p.m. Break 3:20 p.m. Michael Avery 3:40 p.m. Logan Smith 4:00 p.m. Taylor Moore 4:20 p.m. Zach Langley 4:40 p.m.


Richard Avedon: Influence for Modern PhotographyPresenter: Amanda RohdeFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

When Richard Avedon traded his job taking identification photos for the US Marines for staff photography positions at Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and The New Yorker, he completely transformed the world of fashion photography with his seemingly bizarre concepts. However, his unique ideas suddenly became the cultural norm and have shaped modern fashion photography into its current state. Before Avedon, fashion photography was stagnant and motionless. Avedon insisted his models showed emotion and movement and turned fashion photography upside-down – for the best.

The Importance of African American Vernacular Art in the ArtsPresenter: Ashley AkersonFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

Vernacular generalizations of art were invented to justify social differences that eventually led to a cultural subconscious classification of these works as insignificant and inferior. African American vernacular artists thrive off of the rhythm of black culture. Usually these artists are self-taught and not trained in institutional settings. Exploring outside of predefined genres, vernacular artists collect commonplace items to fulfill a God-given desire to create. The process of art making allows African American artists the freedom to be bold in ways that are not otherwise granted in a historically oppressive society. Through the arts, vernacular artists commentate on their personal lives, their communities, and their world. Their art is often created with little descriptions of the process, purpose, or inspiration. While vernacular works often are reserved for their own communities, these works can draw us to those origins and should be appreciated for its tendency to cause us to reflect.

Defining the Allure of Natural Realism for the Casual Art EnthusiastPresenter: Thomas GriffithFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

Throughout the history of art culture, there has consistently been a community of those who live outside the defined ‘art world,’ whose aesthetic tastes differ from those within. While the definite art subculture has changed often and drastically, the culture outside that has remained largely the same – mildly interested in and influenced by the conceptual pieces being produced, but for the most part remaining impressed and inspired by works that display natural realism. This is due to a myriad of factors, including classical idealism and a distinctly Aristotelian view of nature that has persisted throughout the ages; a humanist belief system that promotes the physicality of the universe; and a divinely inspired reverence for creation. This presentation both defends and promotes the creation of art for the layperson, giving credence to their rights and necessity to their affection.

Lotte LasersteinPresenter: Katherine PelleyFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

Despite the various art movements of the Avant-garde in the early 20th century, painter Lotte Laserstein continued to focus on tradition and naturalism. This research investigates this European artist and her interest in figuration and why she decided to paint the way she did. By looking at one of her works and weaving in bits of biographical information, we learn more about her interests and motivations. This paper argues the achievements and worth of Lotte Laserstein and her works involving naturalistic figuration.

The Art of Hand Lettering: An Investigation of the Origins and Trajectory of Hand Lettering Used in Graphic DesignPresenter: Andrew GrahamFaculty Advisor: Melinda Posey

This research project explores the origins, tendencies, and modern trends of hand lettering in the context of graphic design. From the first tendencies of cuneiform to illuminated texts such as The Book of Kells or The Book of Hours, hand lettering has played an important role in the creation of texts. Patrick Cramsie, author of The Story of Graphic Design, distinguishes the difference between the modern understanding of graphic design and the classic understanding of making. Being utilized in graphic design, these differences in understanding have affected hand lettering as well. Modern hand lettering is on a much smaller scale, since printing has become such an integrated and easy process, and focuses less on entire texts and much more on single pieces. This research shows how these modern tendencies have been informed by the tradition and history of hand lettering, and shows what direction the current trend of hand lettering seems to be heading.

Developing Ancient Oriental GlazesPresenter: Zach LancasterFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

Wood and straw ash are primary ingredients in the glazes of Japan and China, with a rich history spanning thousands of years. While the Western potter enjoys the ease of bagged and processed minerals— along with sophisticated glaze calculation software— Eastern potters draw from a tradition that utilizes local raw materials and generations of experience. It is the scope of this project to embrace the Eastern method of glaze creation and showcase the glaze effects possible only through their ancient approach. In order to recreate these glazes, red clay was sourced from the woods behind Union, for its use as a refractory. Both wood ash and straw ash were sourced from nearby barbeque pits and burning local tall grass. A 21-point triaxial grid of ratios between all three ingredients was developed to find a glaze with appropriate fit and other attributes. The ware was fired in a reduction kiln, culminating in a variety of glaze types on a collection of Japanese-styled forms.

ART

5

Pueblo PotteryPresenter: Sarah-Anne WinchesterFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

A brief summary of Pueblo pottery beginning and the influence it has had on potters today. As the Pueblo Indians lifestyle changed from a nomadic one to a sedentary lifestyle allowing them to begin creating pots to carry water and store food. These pots because inherent part of their culture that they still practice today. Their style of geometric, floral, and animal patterns created from black, red, and white slips has had a huge influenced modern day potters as they look back to find inspiration in the pots. From the designs to the method of creating the pot many potters mimic these styles in their own work.

Symbolism of Geometry in Art and Its Relationship to Concepts of Order and PerfectionPresenter: Emily TraylorFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

When discussing the relationship of geometry to visual art, it is common to think about this subject in terms of mathematical ratios and formulas used to create perfect compositions and ideal forms. In contrast, this presentation seeks to discuss the use of geometric shapes in visual art and architecture. More specifically, this project investigates how those geometric forms relate to the concepts of perfection and order. While geometry has been used as a means to achieve perfect forms, the purpose of this research is to show that the geometric shapes themselves can also be vehicles to convey concept and meaning.

From Sketch to Superhero: An Exercise in Character DesignPresenter: Karis KontilisFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

Drawing on a semester’s work of conceptual design for a graphic novel, this presentation will explore the ins and outs of effective, punchy character design. I will focus on one character I developed this spring and include analysis of the design process as well as sketches and drawings at every stage of development.

From the Soil to the Table: The Parallel Processes of Gardening and CeramicsPresenter: Erin ClemmonsFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

Ceramics captivates with its unique glimpse into the beauty of process—the hands’ hard labor without which there is no fruition, and then the waiting and anticipation that follow. We find similar processes in other human interactions with the earth, especially in agriculture. We work (with) the land, and up through the dirt grows food, our source of vital nourishment. We then labor over the food, creating meals to enjoy both the gift of the food and the gift of community around the table. The

process of producing ceramics is basically indispensable for the parallel process of growing and preparing food. Both pottery and gardening are vital ways in which humans connect to earth. In this paper, I intend to dwell on pottery’s role in the broad human endeavor of tending and keeping the earth, particularly its role in our dwelling spaces and patterns of daily living.

The Evolution of the Business CardPresenter: Brittany VernonFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

This presentation will be an exploration of the evolution of the business card. From humble beginnings to mass production, the business card has been through years of change. Created once for personal means of introduction to today’s business driven world, the business card has not lost its value. If anything, more pressure is placed on designing and producing a card that speaks to who you are and what your business stands for in order to establish a strong first impression.


Why We ReadPresenter: Samantha TuckerFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

Fiction takes us to places that don’t exist, and into the lives of people who are not real – and we love it! So why do some of our best friends live in books? My poster will answer this with the psychology of reading. I will begin by laying down the basics of what our brains do when we read and what specific functions, like imagination and mirroring, make it such a vivid experience. Next I will explain how empathy extends to from actual beings to abstract ones. From there I will define archetypes and outline their continuing role in modern literature, and look at what makes certain characters likable. Among my examples, I plan to include quotes about reading from well-known authors.

The Colorist MovementPresenter: Sarah LawlerFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

Colorist painting is characterized as “the use of intense color, which becomes the dominant feature of the resultant work of art, more important than its other qualities.” This movement is recognized most in The Fauve Paintings and French Impressionism, which used intense colors to convey the subject. But there are also Color field painters that paint nothing but color such as Mark Rothko. His work is layers and layers of color and the color is so rich and deep that he believed it transcended into the idea of spiritual things. The Colorist movement is broad and allows many different artist to fit into this category, but all of these artist share a love for color and seek to use colors to intensify the paintings purpose in a way a photograph or more typical “realistic” colors could not.

Computer Animation and the Craft ObjectPresenter: Zac PankeyFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

As machines such as computerized numerical control (CNC) routers and three-dimensional printers have become more popular, craftspeople have debated whether this technology is a help or hindrance to makers. While some argue that technologies such as these expand the scope of maker communities by encouraging the sharing of designs and software, others believe use of these tools removes any notion of ‘craftsmanship’ from the product by way of computer automation. Can craftspeople utilize this technology and retain their title with integrity? Is there any scenario in which a machine-produced object could be considered craft? This research project examines the nuance in the conversation of whether or not computerized technologies should be employed in the production of craft objects.

OrgulloPresenter: Patricia RegaladoFaculty Advisor: Steve Halla

America is one of the most diverse nations in the world. All the different types of ethnicities and race contribute their stories to unify America. The focus on this presentation will be towards the culture of Hispanics and how they contribute to Western Tennessee. According to the 2010 Census, there were 290,059 Hispanic persons in Tennessee, representing 4.6 percent of the population. There are many! In western Tennessee many are not acknowledge or taken in respect. I am a fellow Hispanic, through this presentation I want to reveal their culture and story through a documented video and photographs. I am a Sunday school teacher at “El Shaddai.” It is a Hispanic Church where I teach the age group of 9-12. My first day I taught many of them told me about themselves and stories that brought me many emotions. Most of these kids are Hondurans, Mexicans, Columbians, etc. They spoke about the racism and the prejudice comments they receive in their school most of the time. My desire is for anyone of their own ethnicity to be proud of where they originate. To not have shame and to know the contribution we have in America. Many people in Tennessee need to be more aware and educated on the diversity that is around them. Janna Chance quotes, “There is no neutral race.” It would mean there would be a dominant one signifying it’s superior. We don’t need a melting pot in this country; we need a salad bowl. Where we appreciate the differences. n

ART

7

Inducing Narcolepsy in Hamsters via Immunization with Hypocretin/Orexin and AS03 AdjuvantPresenter: Breana BenefieldFaculty Advisor: Jennifer Gruenke

Narcolepsy is an autoimmune-based disease caused by the destruction of orexin-secreting neurons in the hypothalamus. Symptoms include cataplexy, sudden sleep attacks, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep paralysis. In 2009, an epidemic of narcolepsy occurred among children in Northern Europe following immunizations with the H1N1 Influenza A vaccine Pandemrix. The assumed connection is that Pandemrix contains epitopes that mimic those in orexin-secreting neurons, inducing a CD4 T cell response that destroys the relevant neurons. To test this hypothesis, we immunized Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) with synthetic orexin to induce narcolepsy. To promote T cell migration to the hypothalamus, we weakened the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Although we were unable to induce narcolepsy, hamsters did demonstrate an immune response against the orexin vaccine. Future work will address why narcolepsy could not be induced.

Evaluation of Growth Regulators in Khaya senegalensis RegenerationPresenter: Kevin LuyFaculty Advisor: Mark Bolyard

The African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) does not reproduce well naturally and is threatened due to logging in its native range. Many native African people rely on this plant as a source of income. Regeneration of K. senegalensis will be attempted using plant tissue cultures. To support regeneration, we used the cytokinin thidiazuron (TDZ), and the auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoyacetic acid (2,4-D) along with Phytoblend agar and Murashige & Skoog medium, to provide the nutrients needed for growth. Varying levels of Murashige and Skoog vitamins and 2,4-D were used to determine the optimal environment for callus formation and regeneration. Shoots did not form but the potential for differentiation was present in the results.

Quantification of Total Antioxidant Capacity and Total Phenolic Content of Various Kombucha TeasPresenter: Nicole BantzFaculty Advisor: James Mahan

Kombucha tea, a fermented sweet tea produced by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts, is reported to be a potent dietary antioxidant source. To test whether the fermentation process of the kombucha culture increases the antioxidant capacity of tea, the total antioxidant capacity and total phenol content of kombucha teas were quantified. Several teas were evaluated, and the effect of heat on the total antioxidant values was determined. Antioxidant potential was measured using a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay, while the phenolic content was estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Heat treatment had no significant effect on the antioxidant capacity of any of the kombucha teas, suggesting that processing methods to increase shelf life does not reduce the potential health benefits of kombucha tea.

Beta-2-Glycoprotein-1 Involvement in Platelet AggregationPresenter: Andrew BigelowFaculty Advisor: Marc Lockett

Beta-2-Glycoprotein-1 (B2GP1) is a potential mediator of platelet activation in the body, however its mechanism of action is not completely understood. Determining B2GP1’s role in platelet biology can contribute to a better understanding of alternative mechanisms of platelet activation. This study was designed to analyze the interaction between B2GP1 and platelets and better understand the signaling process of B2GP1. To quantify the effect of B2GP1 on platelets, two different assays were used to determine the amount of activation occurring. Neither of these resulted in any significant effect on platelet activation by B2GP1, despite the fact that platelets were able to activate in the presence of thrombin, demonstrating the effectiveness of the assays. In order to characterize the mechanism of B2GP1 action of platelets in vitro, an antibody (anti-CD42) to block glycoprotein Ib, which is a potential receptor for B2GP1, was to be used.

Investigating the Presence of Cortisol During Intraspecific Feeding Interactions in Juvenile AlligatorsPresenters: Virginia Bantz, Esther Kang, Hannah Ku, and

Whitney ThomasFaculty Advisor: James Kerfoot

Juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are known to show aggressive behavior during intraspecific interactions such as reproduction and feeding. Aggression in crocodilians corresponds with changes in their cortisol levels, which may increase during stressful competition for a limited food source. The objective of our study was to investigate the stress response of captive-reared juvenile alligators during feeding in the presence of a conspecific. It was hypothesized that there would be a difference in free cortisol levels of individuals feeding by themselves, compared with feeding in the presence of a conspecific. Behavioral observations illustrated that larger individuals displayed aggressive posturing and vocalization during feeding, whereas smaller individuals were more submissive and did not approach the food. Preliminary results of the enzyme immunoassay indicated the presence of cortisol in samples, confirming that cortisol levels are elevated during preserved competition for food as is possible precursor for stress.

Testing the Effectiveness of Scent Lures for Attracting Coyote and Other West Tennessee CarnivoresPresenter: Molly Elizabeth FosterFaculty Advisor: Andy Madison

Many predator species, such as the coyote (Canis latrans) are very abundant throughout West Tennessee and thus greatly impact the ecology of local lands. It is important to measure their populations in specific areas in order to improve land management practices and tailor them to the species’ density. One of the least invasive

BIOLOGY

CONTINUED »


ways to estimate populations is a combination of scent lures and camera traps. This study compared 2 scent lures and a dog food bait to determine which was more effective in attracting coyotes and other predators. The most frequently observed carnivore species were coyotes (Canis latrans), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and raccoons (Procyon lotor). Carnivores were most frequently observed at dog food bait sites, and a preliminary analysis suggests that the frequency of visits at sites baited with scents was no different than the control sites.

Longitudinal Deer Browse Study at Arnold Air Force BasePresenter: Dalton LewisFaculty Advisor: Michael Schiebout

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a widely known herbivore found in nearly every region of the United States. A growing concern among hunters, wildlife managers, and ecologists has developed over the negative impact this species may be having on plant communities. Specifically of interest are the rare, threatened, and endangered plant species. In this study, plant community changes at Arnold Air Force Base in south central Tennessee were investigated during the summer of 2015 following a 15 year period utilizing previously constructed exclosures that prevented the entry of deer. Moreover, a comparison was made of species richness, evenness, and diversity in these exclosures was compared to pre exclosure data. For all the sites, richness and Shannon’s diversity index were not significantly different, but for evenness a significant difference was found (t=1.75, p= 0.045). Areas excluded from deer browse showed less evenness.

Evaluation of 2,4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and Thidiazuron in the Regeneration of Khaya senegalensisPresenter: Adam LangFaculty Advisor: Mark Bolyard

The African mahogany tree (Khaya senegalensis) is an important resource for many countries in central Africa. The African mahogany has naturally poor reproduction rates, a problem exacerbated by excessive logging of this valuable tree. Micropropagation through plant tissue cultures could provide a reliable means of regeneration for this threatened species. Regeneration was attempted using the plant growth hormones 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), thidiazuron (TDZ), and two gibberellins, GA3 and GA4. Varied concentrations of 2,4-D and gibberellins were tested in an attempt to initiate callus formation and eventually regeneration of the African mahogany. Regeneration of the African mahogany was not achieved, but the use of gibberellins to encourage healthy callus growth may prove to be a valuable tool in future research.

The Influences of Conspecifics on the Feeding Behavior of Alligator mississippiensis HatchlingsPresenter: Ryan GrubbFaculty Advisor: James Kerfoot

Intraspecific aggression plays an important role in determining access to limited resources such as food, territory, and mates in animal populations. These aggressive behaviors can lead to dominance hierarchies in many reptilian species, and research has indicated that it is an innate behavior upon hatching for Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator. The objective of this study was to compare the feeding habits of hatchling alligators individually and in the presence of a conspecific. Feeding events were recorded and feeding kinematic variables were measured. Basic trends in data suggested a possible difference in feeding kinematics between treatments based on data collected regarding attack velocity (355.7 mm s-1 vs 303.0 mm s-1). Results indicated the possible difference in attack velocity was insignificant. Collected data suggests that hatchling American alligators might always be aggressive, regardless of conspecific presence or absence, or possibly that feeding behavior is simply not variable.

Evaluation of Napthaleneacetic Acid in Organogenesis of African MahoganyPresenter: Gray MageeFaculty Advisor: Mark Bolyard

The African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) does not reproduce well naturally and is threatened due to logging in its native range. Many native African people rely on this plant as a source of income and for medicinal value. Regeneration of African mahogany has been attempted through plant tissue cultures and organogenesis. A proper ratio of plant hormones called cytokinins and auxins are necessary in order to propagate plants via tissue cultures. Micropropagation of African mahogany using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as the auxin has been used unsuccessfully in previous projects. Various concentrations of NAA were used instead of 2,4-D to determine if NAA better suits callus formation and regeneration of African mahogany. NAA was found to not significantly increase callus quality or size and did not significantly decrease the time for callus formation to occur compared to 2,4-D.

Comparing the Effects of Anitbiotics, Both Singly and in Combination, on a Mixed Bacterial PopulationPresenter: Nicholas RiveraFaculty Advisor: James Mahan and Cathy Huggins

Antibiotics used together on bacterial population will have one of three interactions: the antibiotics will interfere with one another, have no effect on each other, or reinforce each other. If the antibiotics reinforce each other, then it will lead to a greater range of bactericidal efficacy than will be possible if either antibiotic is used separately. This research tests whether a mixed population of six bacterial species is more effectively killed by using antibiotics in combination or individually. The results of this research will help determine the most effective way to combat a mixed bacterial population.

BIOLOGYCONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

9

Purification of Green Fluorescent ProteinPresenter: Hannah RichardsonFaculty Advisor: Mark Bolyard

Research on identifying new anti-coagulating agents has become increasingly popular in recent years. Anti-coagulating agents prevent blood clot formation by inhibiting the coagulation cascade. The cascade naturally activates following any injury resulting in bleeding, especially intense trauma such as surgery. Previous researchers at Union University have attempted to modify Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to detect inhibitors of the cascade enzyme thrombin. Efforts are being made to insert a thrombin recognition sequence into GFP. Previous results support that the sequence can be added to produce modified, but not yet purified, GFP. This research determines the most efficient GFP purification technique, so that future researchers will be able to purify their recombinant protein product. Purification is essential for the practical use of GFP in identifying thrombin activity. Successful protein purification in combination with modification could lead to the development of new anticoagulation therapies with less serious side effects than current treatments.

Intelligence Compared to Digital Dexterity in Procyon lotor and other Animal Species in Solving Puzzle FeedersPresenter: Bridgette WilsonFaculty Advisor: James Huggins

When foraging, many animals rely on intelligence and digital dexterity. The importance of intelligence and digital dexterity in foraging can be compared through the use of puzzle feeders. A puzzle feeder allows animals to solve the puzzle to get food and simulate a foraging experience. This study used video trail cameras to observe various animal species attempting to solve puzzle feeders. The length of each attempt, number of individual attempts per species, and success were recorded and compared to the known mental capacity and digital dexterity of each species. The raccoon, Procyon lotor, was the only species observed to solve the puzzle feeders. After a chi square test for significance, it was concluded that the combination of intelligence and digital dexterity seen in the raccoon was needed to solve the puzzle feeders.

Comparison and Phylogenetic Classification of Quercus margarettae Populations by DNA Barcode AnalysisPresenter: Heather VidalFaculty Advisor: Michael Schiebout

In 2004, based on morphology, a population of Quercus margaretta (sand post oak) was identified for the first time in Tennessee. The goals of this research were to determine if molecular barcode data confirms the morphological identification of this species and to test the efficacy of two barcoding regions to resolve species identification. Specifically, the two DNA barcoding regions, rbcL and ITS2 were isolated and amplified

by PCR from both the Tennessee population and a Florida population of sand post oaks. The PCR products were sent to GENEWIZ for sequencing and partial sequences were obtained for both genes. Sequence alignments comparing the two populations indicate a similarity score of 97.11% for rbcL, and 96.63% for ITS2. Phylogenetic analysis utilizing other Quercus species found in TN locate the identified populations within the white oak group. These results support the morphological classification of the TN population as being sand post oak.

Measuring Anuran Diversity at Agricultural and Non-agricultural SitesPresenter: Robby SpearmanFaculty Advisor: James Huggins

Anurans are widely considered good biological indicators, because their lifecycle involves both an aquatic and terrestrial phase. There has been a decline in anuran abundance throughout the world for many years. In this study, anuran population numbers were estimated from agricultural and non-agricultural ponds in Madison County in Tennessee. Anurans were sampled using dip nets and identified to species. There were 293 frogs collected and 9 different species identified. The most abundant species collected were Northern Cricket Frog, Southern Leopard Frog, Green Tree Frog, Bullfrog, and American Toad. All anurans were toe-clipped before release and the same ponds were resampled several times during the summer for a mark-recapture analysis of population size. The population estimated was based on the mark-recapture data, but not completed. Data obtained were analyzed using a Principal Component Diversity Index and anuran species composition was different.

Feeding Kinematics of Juvenile Alligator mississippiensis Influenced by Seasonal Fluctuations in TemperaturePresenter: Carl ChmielewskiFaculty Advisor: James Kerfoot

The effect of temperature on gender determination, thermoregulation, and digestion in American alligator have been well documented, however, very few studies have investigated its influence on feeding behavior. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of temperature on the feeding kinematics of American alligator juveniles feeding at various temperatures. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference in feeding kinematic variables in juvenile individuals feeding at 20 and 30 ºC. Also, Q10 temperature coefficients were calculated to explore the influence of a 10 ºC change on maximum gape and attack velocities. Individuals were assigned a random temperature treatment order and filmed feeding, three times for each treatment. Preliminary results indicated that only maximum gape velocity was significantly different between temperatures with a p-value = 0.1593 and a Q10 of 1.1990. n


Snapchat DiscoveriesPresenters: Breanne Crain and Blake HodgesFaculty Advisor: Wilburn Lane

With over 100 million users, Snapchat has become one of the major players in the social media world. In the spring of 2015 Snapchat went public, and Wall Street placed a $16 billion evaluation on the company. The purpose of this study is to examine how demographic characteristics and personality types influence whether someone uses Snapchat and what functions of Snapchat they use. While Snapchat has tried to monetize this app via its Discover platform, our research indicates that the Discover platform is the least used feature of Snapchat. This means that Snapchat may have to look for other ways to monetize its business.

Improving the Efficiency of Fantasy Auction DraftsPresenters: Mason Ross and Cayman SandersFaculty Advisor: Andrew Tiger

When doing a fantasy auction draft, there are several events that take place. One hour before the draft starts, there is an order that establishes who gets to nominate players to be up for sale. Each draftee has an allotted time period to nominate players, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. Once nominated, draftees place bids until ten seconds pass after a bid, at which point the player is sold. We focused on finding ways to reduce the total time of the draft by eliminating the nomination period, and reducing the minimum time allowed to bid on a player. We were able to reduce draft times for six teams from 51 minutes to 20 minutes. These results are especially relevant when considering how rapidly attention spans are declining in America.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership: A Malaysian PerspectivePresenter: Cherish LoFaculty Advisor: Colene Trent

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a multilateral free trade agreement, signed on the 4th of February 2016 between twelve Pacific Rim countries. First proposed in 2008, the TPP aims to promote economic growth, innovation, and competition as well as raise the standard of living amongst partner nations through the strengthening of trade relations. Since its announcement, however, the agreement has stirred a great deal of controversy and debate, both in public and academic spheres, and negotiators have struggled for many years to find consensus. This paper aims to present the Malaysian perspective on the TPP and consider the reasons for her interest in becoming part of the FTA as well as the potential benefits and disadvantages of her participation in this FTA.

Beating the Market: The Union University TVA Investment ChallengePresenters: Parker Bell, Hannah Conway, Russell

Richardson, and Garrett WilsonFaculty Advisor: Chris Manner

Union University, along with 24 other schools in the TVA distribution region, participates in TVA’s Investment Challenge Program. This is a unique, hands-on, real world, portfolio management experience where students design and implement investment strategies. As of March 17, 2016, students manage a portfolio worth over $530,000. All decisions related to this 45-55 stock portfolio are made by the students under the guidance of a faculty member. Union University’s portfolio outperformed the S&P 500 by 460 basis points in 2015. The three-year and five-year annualized return for the UU portfolio is 16.47% and 11.36%, respectively.

Work Life Perceptions of American Christian MillennialsPresenter: Jenny MainFaculty Advisor: Emily Lean

Millennials will soon make up more than 75 percent of the workforce. There is extensive research into how to handle millennials—or those born between 1980 and 2000—in the workplace, but many studies generalize this enormous generation. Members of older generations complain of a lack of work ethic amongst millennials, but could there be particular groups of millennials who differ? Religious involvement was common in previous generations, but religion is not an assumed value among millennials. In 2014, only fifty-six percent of millennials were reportedly Christians compared with seventy-eight percent of Baby Boomers. Today, millennials are leaving the Christian church earlier and in greater numbers than any generation before them. There are some millennials, however, who are holding onto their faith and carrying it into their working life. This study aims to determine through surveying Christian and non-Christian millennials if the Christian faith causes a difference in a millennial’s work perceptions and ethic. n

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

11

Analysis of Potential Alcohol Oxidation Catalysis Involving Metal-Quinone ComplexesPresenter: Benjamin HubertFaculty Advisor: Michael Salazar

The oxidation of simple alcohols to ketones and aldehydes by metal-quinone complexes is a well-documented reaction with many applications in industry.1 Research into this area of catalytic chemistry has already begun, focusing mainly on compounds involving chromium (III)-quinone complexes in solution. The ongoing research on dichromium-quinone complexes continues to show promise, however the assembly of the metal-quinone complex and alcohol oxidation take place sequentially because the chromium-quinone complexes are currently unisolatable. Having already constructed complexes allows us to better study the reaction by isolating the alcohol oxidation process though. This method allows for much easier determination of rate laws and gives a better understanding of the oxidation mechanism that occurs in the solution. In this work, isolatable iron and cobalt analogues to the chromium-quinone complexes are synthesized and then analyzed for alcohol oxidizing potential. The results from this research will be reported.

Adsorption Isotherms of Model Surfactants and Long-Chain Ethoxylated Aliphatic Alcohols on Carbon BlackPresenter: Drew WellsFaculty Advisor: Michael Hayes

Adsorption isotherms of dispersant compounds on carbon black are important in a number of application areas. This research focuses on understanding the experimental method behind this adsorption process by measuring the UV absorbance of model surfactants in order to develop a fast, accurate, reliable way to quantify the long chain ethoxylated aliphatic alcohol surfactants of interest. This information will facilitate development of better dispersants.

Progress towards Structure-Based De Novo Design and Synthesis of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Protective Antigen (PA): An Anti-Toxin Approach for Combating AnthraxPresenter: Kelly JonesFaculty Advisors: Randy Johnston and Blake Watkins

The threat to human health posed by anthrax highlights the need for identifying effective ways to combat this fatal disease. Current treatment options are limited to a small number of antibiotics but these fail to eliminate or prevent damage due to anthrax-related toxin. A vital step in anthrax poisoning is proteolytic activation of Protective Antigen (PA) by human cellular proteases. The goal of this project is to synthesize a small molecule library with the potential to bind PA and block its proteolytic activation by furin. We report the concise syntheses of 24 structurally diverse agents.

Mechanism of Simple Alcohol Oxidation by Quinone Complexes of Chromium (III) IonPresenter: Logan WhittFaculty Advisor: Randy Johnston

The oxidation of alcohols into carbonyl functional groups is a process that has many uses in multiple fields of chemistry and biology.1,2 Chromium (III) complexes, when bound to either 2,5-dihydroxy-p-benzoquinone or chloranilic acid, (CrQCr)4+ exhibit the ability to oxidize simple alcohols.3 It has been found that the chromium complexes are capable of oxidizing simple alcohols when chromium has an open coordination site. In an attempt to further understand the mechanism of the reaction, multiple chromium compounds were synthesized which have no open coordination sites when coordinated to a quinone. These compounds are cis-Cr(OH2)2(en)2

3+, cis-Cr(OH2)2(bipy)23+, cis-[Cr(OH2)2(phen)2](NO3)3 and an attempted synthesis of cis-Cr(OH2)2(trien)3+. Subsequent GC/MS data were collected to determine if each CrQCr4+ was successful in oxidizing 1-propanol to propanal. The mechanism implications of these results will be reported.

Manufacturing of a Surface Plasmon Resonance InstrumentPresenter: Will DonelsonFaculty Advisor: Joshua Williams

A very low cost, custom-built Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) instrument was designed and constructed that uses custom-written control and analysis software. Optical alignment procedures and software tools were also developed. Further characterization of instrument performance may be necessary, but initial testing showed the instrument is capable of providing data sufficient for experiments in an educational or research setting. The instrument was created as a low-cost alternative to commercially available instruments.

CHEMISTRY


Comparing Different Affinity Chromatography Resins for the Isolation of Lactate Dehydrogenase from Chicken Muscle and Plant SourcesPresenter: Iulia CoultisFaculty Advisor: David Wing

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that converts pyruvate and NADH to lactate and NAD+. Elevated levels of LDH in both animal and plant tissue are an indication of injury, cancer, or hemolysis. The purpose of this research was to compare the ability of three different affinity chromatography resin columns to isolate LDH from chicken muscle and plant sources. The samples were first purified using a salting-out method, followed by dialysis. The activity of the various fractioned chromatography eluents was then found using an activity assay.

The Esterification and Hydrolysis of Alpha Sodium GlucoheptonatePresenter: Grace HoppFaculty Advisor: Michael Hayes

In an effort to synthesize ester derivatives of alpha sodium glucoheptonate, an Sn2 reaction was developed and tested using short-chain alkyl halides. Six alkyl halides were reacted with the alpha sodium glucoheptonate in water under low heat and stirring for a minimum of 2 hours. Of the six alkyl halides, 3-bromopropene was the only successful esterification reaction. The 3-bromopropene reaction was then tested for Sn2 characteristics

and found to have some, but not all. Isolation and purification of the ester product was attempted without success. After a certain amount of the ester product was synthesized, an acid-catalyzed hydrolysis reaction was attempted with some success.

Synthesis of Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate Via Amide Bond FormationPresenter: Daniel MathisFaculty Advisor: David Wing

Amino acid based surfactants are of great interest in the field of surfactants research, mainly because of their environmentally friendly character. In this research, sodium cocoyl glycinate, a common surfactant in many personal care products, was synthesized using various amide bond formation methods. The first method was a high yield non-acylchloride route using methyl esters and amines in the presence of glycerol to form an acyl amino acid surfactant and an alcohol that can be reused. The second method was a synthesis method using coupling esters, a range of primary amines, and an air-stable adduct of trimethylaluminium. Reactions can be run without requiring the exclusion of atmospheric oxygen or the drying of solvents in this method. The third method reacted sodium glycine, a triglyceride, and a sodium methoxide catalyst at high temperatures to produce the amide bond. The effectiveness of each method and purity of each product was analyzed via IR, 1H NMR, and TLC techniques. n

CHEMISTRY

COMPUTER SCIENCEShowcasing the Unreal Engine 4 through 3D Game DevelopmentPresenter: Ian WilderFaculty Advisor: James Kirk

Unreal Engine 4 is a complete suite of game development tools that can be used to create a wide variety of games. In addition, it allows the creation of high end photorealistic renderings. In the past year, it has been released to the public as a free tool to develop and design their own games as well as an educational tool for students to gain a fundamental introduction to both programming, design, and animation. While the main focus will be on the visual quality of the engine, this project will also explore the capabilities of the engine in a 3D game as well as the customization it offers using C++ and C# code.

A Lego Mindstorms API for the uArm Robotic ArmPresenter: Joshua StuckyFaculty Advisor: G. Jan Wilms

SparkFun’s uArm is an Arduino-powered, 4-axis robot arm that has been modeled after industrial pallet packing and car building robots. Each uArm is equipped with three digital servos at the base to control the basic movement of the arm and an additional mini servo attached to the end-effector that moves and rotates the object you are lifting with your chosen manipulator. The uArm robotic arm kit can be used in a wide variety of applications to help teach basic to advanced robotics. Before students take their first professional programming language (CSC125: Java), freshmen learn to implement algorithms in CSC115 using Lego Mindstorms, which uses a visual programming environment that allows the students to concentrate on logic without being bogged down by syntax issues. The goal of this project is to create an Application Programming Interface (API) for the uArm so that it can be programmed through the Lego Mindstorms visual programming environment. n

13

Augmented Reality SandboxPresenter: Zachary CohenFaculty Advisor: James Kirk

The goal of this research project is to create a real time system that allows a user to create topography models in sand that are scanned into the computer and then projected back into the sandbox using a variety of simulations and graphical effects. This will be done by implementing existing software and making my own modifications. There will be a Kinect camera along with a projector mounted above the sandbox that will take in and produce the images. A computer alongside the sandbox will receive the data from the camera, run the calculations in real time, and send the output through the projector. The end product will be a hands on tool that can be used to educate users about topography maps.

An Exploration of Procedural Generation in GamingPresenter: Reed McLeanFaculty Advisor: James Kirk

This presentation will explore the various approaches and contexts in which the process of procedural generation can be used in video games. The project will culminate in the completion and presentation of a text-based rogue-like game that includes many of the discussed ideas. Elements of the game that are procedurally generated include the map structure and shape, the contents of

each location, the NPCs encountered, the loot collected, and quest elements. The presentation will also include a history of procedural generation in gaming, as well as a discussion of where this game fits into the history and trends of the gaming industry.

Pinball Game in HTML5 and JavaScriptPresenter: Samuel WillsFaculty Advisor: James Kirk

This project implements a virtual pinball machine. The program, called Pinball HTML5, will run on a web browser using HTML5 and JavaScript. It will implement 3D graphics using the three.js library, and models will be created in Blender. The physics will either be custom designed by the student, or taken from an existing physics engine. One goal for this project is to get the program to randomly generate fun, working pinball machines. For the random pinball machine generator to work properly, there will need to be a subprogram that determines what paths the ball is able to take when hit by the flippers. If implemented, this will allow the main program to determine where to put different pieces of the pinball machine.

Google Glass: ‘Hand Free’ GamingPresenter: Skylar ArgoFaculty Advisor: James Kirk

This project examines Google Glass, how it works, and what it can be used for. In particular, this presentation will explore the implementation of Glass in a party game setting. The final result is a gaming environment that gives the user a word or phrase to act out to an audience. The audience will then be able to guess the gesture, similar to charades. The app will have a point system to keep track of each gesture guessed correctly. At the end of the time limit, the app presents each gesture, whether the gesture was guessed correctly or incorrectly, and total points earned.

Vehicle Maintenance Application for Jackson Energy AuthorityPresenter: Christopher Ryan ShawFaculty Advisor: James Kirk

The goal of this project is to develop a web application using C#, SQL, JavaScript, and Microsoft’s cloud, Azure. Jackson Energy Authority commissioned this web application for their vehicle maintenance program so that they can increase the efficiency of maintenance processes by keeping track of work orders through a first in, first out methodology. This project will feature login functionality for three different types of users: basic users, mechanics, and administrators. Basic users will only be allowed to submit work orders for the mechanics to work on. Mechanics are allowed to manage work orders, but are not able to elevate to administrator nor change crucial information about the order (i.e. owner of the ticket, etc.). Administrators have full jurisdiction of the information: what kind of user, what ticket goes where, and finalization. n

COMPUTER SCIENCE


SVGs and CSS3 Animation in the User InterfacePresenter: Christopher Hare Faculty Advisor: Cam Tracy

The Scalable Vector Graphic was introduced in 1999, and it changed the way developers and designers view digital shapes. Today, the SVG is also showing its worth in the realm of web design, particularly as sites are designed responsively. CSS3 animations were introduced to help animate elements on the web - adding interesting, if not interactive, options to the designer’s toolbox. In the past several years designers have seen the value of web animations in relation to user experience. This project will explore the value of CSS3 animations when paired with SVGs and will demonstrate how they can be used in an optimal way in a responsive user interface.

Exploration of 360 Degree Video for Use in the Commercial WorldPresenter: Riley PopeFaculty Advisor: Cam Tracy

Video sharing online has exploded in the last 10-15 years, and the introduction of 360 degree video has added an exciting interactive option to the marketer’s toolbox. 360 degree videos are being used for video tours and many other commercial applications of virtual reality on common multimedia platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. While this technology has been around for a few years, the introduction of this video format option to these platforms has made it convenient for the average user to experience it. This project will involve the creation of multiple 360 degree videos of the Union campus that will be integrated into the university’s online campus map. It will additionally compare and contrast user perceptions of 360 degree panoramic stills with the video counterpart.

Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP): An Approach to Web Speed in a Growing Mobile EnvironmentPresenter: Victor MillerFaculty Advisor: Cam Tracy

Due to declining mobile interaction with webpages because of load times, this research project is an examination of Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP). AMPs are a new initiative put forth by Google in an attempt to make pages load faster and increase interactivity when consuming pages on mobile devices. The goal of AMPs is not to change the content of the page but rather to build more commonality between pages to speed up load times. With nearly 1.8 billion mobile users preferring mobile browsing to desktop browsing, we can’t afford to ignore this growing market. This project will involve the implementation of a series of AMPs for existing traditional pages with the goal of comparing load times and user interactivity. n.

DIGITAL MEDIA STUDIES

15

Filters in a Circuits Kind of WayPresenters: Abigail Pfenninger, Josh Shoemaker,

and Caleb SmytheFaculty Advisor: Jeannette Russ

The goal of this project is to investigate the applications of filters in a circuit, including both active and passive filters. A passive filter is made completely of passive components, and is the simplest form filters, which may include a combination of resistors and capacitors. And active filter includes both active and passive components, thus allowing for an op amp, for example, to be used. We will use these types of filters to demonstrate how they work.

Applications of Solar Power: Cookies and Hot WaterPresenters: Corbin Anderson, Carson Brown, Angel Claudio,

Cory Johnson, Matthew Owen, Abigail Pfenninger, Josh Shoemaker, Riley Welch, and Conner Wilson

Faculty Advisor: Georg Pingen

Solar energy can be harvested to power a variety of devices. The three teams from Thermo-Fluid Sciences used this principle in their final projects. Groups 1 and 2 built separate solar ovens to bake the best cookie. Group 3 worked with a team of seniors on their solar hot water heater to be installed at Orphanage Emmanuel Honduras during spring break to reduce their power consumption. These tasks were completed using the concepts learned in the class. Each team will outline and present their analysis and prototypes.

Soil Moisture Control Design with a Variable Speed PumpPresenters: Chelsea Johnson, Nathan Parke, and Erin PicardFaculty Advisor: Jay Bernheisel

Water is a precious and crucial resource for developing nations. Its use in agriculture is often governed by instinct rather than science. When water is scarce, this method can often result in less than optimal use of the resource for crops. By implementing soil moisture sensors in fields, water can be used most efficiently. This test setup uses moisture sensors and a variable speed pump to distribute water in a small sample of soil, illustrating how the larger concept can benefit agriculture in developing countries.

Design and Implementation of a Solar Water Heater for Orphanage EmmanuelPresenters: Seth Guiler and Chelsea Johnson Faculty Advisor: Georg Pingen

Orphanage Emmanuel has a need for lower power consumption. The 50 hot water heaters currently in use consume approximately 28% of the total power usage. By replacing the traditional electric water heaters with solar powered water heaters, the orphanage could save up to $5,000 per month in electricity costs. As an initial prototype, a solar water heater was designed, constructed and tested in the U.S. A copy of the prototype will be

constructed and installed at the orphanage by the GO Honduras team and Guiler over spring break. Testing will be conducted in Honduras and adjustments made to the design if needed.

Sample Coffee RoasterPresenters: Connor Bailey, Chris Boccarossa,

and Levi HartsfieldFaculty Advisor: Joy Moore

In the coffee industry, roasters generally order large amounts of unroasted (green) coffee beans from farmers. Roasting machines are then used to produce large amounts of roasted coffee at one time. Since smaller batches of beans do not roast properly in bigger machines, a large batch must always be used for testing purposes. Sample roasting machines exist to provide roasters with a means to try out new coffee beans without having to purchase a large quantity of the beans. These smaller size roasters also allow people to refine their roasting technique on a particular kind of bean. Current sample roasters on the market are either extremely expensive or do not roast well. The goal of this capstone project is the design and fabrication of an affordable sample size roaster which maintains quality roasting functions, including good temperature control and good heat distribution.

Poly Pellet AutomationPresenters: David Brewer, Ryan Harris, and Andrew Smith Faculty Advisor: Randy Schwindt

Our project, sponsored by General Cable, is to make the process of moving the poly material, which is used to make the plastic wire jackets, from storage to the manufacturing lines leaner. Lean manufacturing is utilized by manufacturers to stay competitive in today’s market and is primarily based on making processes more efficient and minimizing waste as much as possible. Currently, each line operator must use a forklift to transport a Gaylord (a large open-topped cardboard box) full of poly material to the designated production line. Our project, using a piping system, will replace this current manual method with an automated system to bring the needed poly material to the production line, thereby saving General Cable time and money.

Rectangular and Cylindrical WaveguidesPresenters: Andrew Ford and Jeremiah MurilaFaculty Advisor: Randy Schwindt

The intent of this project was to research and delve a little bit deeper into the realm of transmission lines and make a few discoveries of our own. Waveguides are a very unique form of transmission line because their design looks deceptively simple while their applications are quite intricate. Waveguides are considered higher order transmission lines for one particular reason: waves that propagate in waveguides have at least one significant field component in the direction of propagation. TEM transmission lines do not have any field components in the direction of propagation.

ENGINEERING


Process Optimization through Sensor InstallationPresenters: Beau Fant and Jonathan VailesFaculty Advisors: Don Van and Randy Schwindt

Streamlining industrial process can lead to better reliability, decreased downtime, and increased profits. In an attempt to achieve these goals for a local company, modern digital sensors were installed on a machine used for an existing process. Previously, this process was monitored manually and operator error or distraction could lead to process failure resulting in loss of time and money for the company. In order for proper calibration of the sensors, the new process layout had to be redesigned to fit in the old system. Calculations were necessary to verify that the sensors would perform properly in the new design. The addition of digital sensors allows for the continuous monitoring and storage of process conditions. By having more information easily accessible to the operator, process failure can be reduced.

Honduras Photovoltaic SystemPresenters: Nathan Parke and Erin PicardFaculty Advisor: Randy Schwindt

This project is the design of a photovoltaic system (aka solar panel system) for Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras. Orphanage Emmanuel currently faces a monthly power bill in excess of $20000. Our goal was to introduce solar power to the orphanage and get them started in the direction of reducing their external power consumption. This project involved researching and choosing the proper solar panel, inverter and other components, as well as determining the specifics of mounting and installing the system. This project will culminate in a trip down to the orphanage over Spring Break where we will install the PV system on site.

ENGINEERING

17

Electronic Filters: Sound Cancellation HeadphonesPresenters: Jeremiah Marcellino, Riley Welch,

and Conner WilsonFaculty Advisor: Jeannette Russ

The purpose of this project is to learn and demonstrate electronic filters: what they are, how they work, and how we can use one in application. We used PSpice analysis to explore different types of electronic filters. The three specific filters we are working with for this project are high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass. After using PSpice, we analyze and design our specific filters with hardware. A specific application that the filters can be used for is shooting ear protection. This is ear protection that has microphones and amplifiers that allow you to hear everyday noise and conversation, but blocks out loud and intense noises such as gunshots. This can be used for shooting hobbyists, competitors, or military and police.

ABB Gas-Detector-Relay Design Change ProjectPresenters: Aaron Hively, Jeremiah Murila, and Samuel WillsFaculty Advisor: Randy Schwindt

This project aims to improve a product produced by ABB, a company that produces technologies in the power and automation industries. The product is a gas-detector-relay (GDR), which detects gas buildup and sudden pressure changes in a transformer in order to prevent transformer explosions. The team’s job is to redesign part of the device to make it easier to calibrate a very important pressure switch in the device. This particular switch is designed to trip whenever there is a surge in pressure in the transformer. When this happens, the switch cuts the power to the transformer, which stops the pressure buildup. Some other goals of this project are to make a mathematical model of the pressure switch system, to improve the 3D part models of the switch system, and to do an economic analysis of the new design compared to the old one.

Filters: Design and Technological ApplicationPresenters: Corbin Anderson, Carson Brown, Andrew

Edmiston, and Cory JohnsonFaculty Advisor: Jeannette Russ

Our project involves designing and building a filter and using it in a specific application. A filter is an electronic circuit that, depending on the desired output, uses certain frequencies and omits others. The applications of filters are many and varied. For example, they are often used in the music industry to enhance studio recordings, or they can be used in image blurring technology. Also, with the aid of filters, computers and other machinery can be programmed to respond to certain sound frequencies, so that, for instance, a light comes on when you clap. For our presentation, we will present the specifics of our prototype, discuss the calculations that optimize the design, and demonstrate a special application of the technology.

Pneumatic Nail Gun Shot Detection Presenters: Dillon Lisk, Emily Pace, and Josh WakefieldFaculty Advisor: Randy Schwindt

The goal for this project was to develop a nail shot counter for Stanley Black & Decker that can accurately detect when a pneumatic nail gun fires. The first of two major components of this project was to develop software to sift through thousands of pressure measurements and pick out the pressure drops indicative of a nail being fired. The program then outputted the times that these pressure drops occurred. The second major component of this project was to design a pressure reading collection and processing device based on a Raspberry Pi and compare it to a pressure sensor logger constructed by Stanley Black & Decker. The best design was then utilized by Stanley Black & Decker to better design their air compressors.

The Smith ChartPresenters: Beau Fant and Aaron HivelyFaculty Advisor: Randy Schwindt

Transmission lines are developed so that a particular load is given the correct matching network. This keeps the power supplied across the line from being wasted. During the first World War, a chart was created so regardless of any load value a match can be quickly found. The four types of matching networks are a stub, a shunt, a lumped element, and a quarter wavelength. Given the value of the line impedance and load impedance, a unit impedance can be plotted on the Smith chart to solve for any topology. Each topology has its own rules as to solving for its matching network. n


Free at Last: An Examination of Racial Biases Affecting the Criminal Justice SystemPresenter: Cristina ThomasFaculty Advisor: Patricia Hamilton

“Free at Last” explores the racial biases that pervade today’s criminal justice system. Based on research done by authors Michelle Alexander and Alice Goffman, the paper explores brutality and bias on the part of a predominantly white police force practiced against people of ethnic minorities. Beginning with a lack of observance of arrest protocol, to unethical treatment in prison, to post-prison discrimination, Goffman and Alexander’s research unveils the fact that people of ethnic minorities suffer dire and unethical consequences for crimes which white people are committing just as often, if not more often, with impunity. The paper emphasize the tragic realities that racial discrimination, far from being eradicated, has only been reformatted and that danger abides in a system where those privileged enough to not be affected by its problems are not made aware of them, and those who suffer from them cannot vote to change them.

A Christian Perspective on Eating MeatPresenter: Jack SaylerFaculty Advisor: Patricia Hamilton

Given the significant media coverage of the factory farming industry over the past decade, consumers pay more attention to the source of their meat more than ever. There seem to be primarily two reasons for this: some are apprehensive about potential health risks of ingesting factory farmed meat, while others might be more concerned with the rights of the “food animals” (species that are primarily raised for meat or dairy). Animal rights is, of course, nothing new, being a philosophical concern since Aristotle. It has, however, received more public attention since PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was founded in 1980 and began exposing the cruelty the skin, fur, and factory farming industries show towards animals. But how should Christians respond to these atrocities? This paper seeks to answer this question by positing on theological grounds what constitutes as mistreatment of animals and proposes why we ought to be more concerned with where our meat comes from.

The Pay GapPresenters: Bethany Malchuk, Elizabel Riggs, Jack Sayler,

and Cristina ThomasFaculty Advisor: Patricia Hamilton

The essay investigates the pay gap, which is the wide discrepancy between the paychecks of men and women. After looking at the history of the pay gap and particularly the attempts at rectification through the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the paper will examine the current situation where little has changed in fifty-three years and the average pay gap is 21%. As the reality of the pay gap is still debated, both sides of the argument will be discussed. The paper will close with a look at the different solutions that are being debated today and what steps can be taken to bridge the divide in the meantime.

Julie Otsuka’s When the Emperor Was Divine: The NamelessPresenter: Elizabel RiggsFaculty Advisor: Patricia Hamilton

This essay compares the lack of names in Julie Otsuka’s novel, When the Emperor Was Divine, with the use of names in Japanese culture and the implementation of ID tags in the Japanese internment camps during World War II. The sacred nature of names in Japanese culture coupled with the uniqueness lent to the naming process in the Japanese language suggests that Otsuka connects the characters’ namelessness in the novel with the nameless existence they faced in the internment camp. The essay discusses historical data from the U.S. Department of the Interior on the use of ID tags, current artwork done by Wendy Maruyama featuring the tags used during internment, the historical foundation of names in Japanese culture conducted by Herbert E. Plutschow, and an interview with Otsuka about her novel for The Big Read. n

ENGLISH

19

Finding the Disappeared: Memory, Identity, and Art in Latin America and SyriaPresenter: Clare WilliamsFaculty Advisor: Cynthia Jayne

Los desaparecidos is a term used to describe the victims of enforced disappearances at the hands of violent military regimes in Latin America throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Though classes of “the disappeared” are a global phenomenon, los desaparecidos have become key markers of Latin American identity in the 21st century. Artists in every medium are engaged in projects that seek to explore the cultural impacts los desaparecidos have had within their societies, as well as represent and reclaim the identities of those who disappeared. The work of these artists is connected to memory studies and the psychological concept of collective memory, which addresses the way in which individuals, as a part of a larger group, recall and remember the perceived reality of their experienced history. This relationship between memory, identity, and art has developed into a rich dialogue that speaks not only to current Latin American culture but also Syrian culture, where the civil war has resulted not only in enforced disappearances but also an erasure of the physical landscape. Emerging artistic representations of this architectural and societal disappearance reveal implications for the impending identity crisis in Syria and may offer new insights about the way people negotiate memory, identity, and the disappeared.

Japan and Great Britain: Parenting, Education, and Children’s Identity DevelopmentPresenter: Irene MineFaculty Advisor: Cynthia Jayne

Japan, a country with a highly collectivistic culture and Great Britain, a country with a highly individualistic culture, are located on opposite sides of the globe. Both are island countries, which historically have had less cultural interaction with neighboring countries compared to that of continental neighboring countries. For this reason, island nations’ civilization and culture tend to be relatively uniform and their society relatively stable over a long period of time. Japan and Great Britain, like other island nations, each developed a distinctive culture and unique national character. Raised by a Japanese father and a British mother, I have personally experienced the differences between the two cultures in their approaches to raising children. Children develop their identity within their cultural context, and learn cultural norms from shared situations, human interaction, and by emulating adults, especially parents and teachers. Examining the differences in parenting and education of each country will allow us to see how parenting and education affect a child’s identity development and give us an understanding of how cultural differences are perpetuated. n

INTERCULTURAL STUDIES


LANGUAGEThe Impact of Collective Violence on the Well-Being and Academic Success of Children in Juarez, MexicoPresenter: Rebecca DaltonFaculty Advisor: Phillip Ryan

This presentation will explore the lasting impact of prolonged exposure to collective and community violence on the overall well-being and academic success of children for the purpose of determining how educators can better understand and aid their students with a background of collective violence. I specifically examine the situation in Juarez, Mexico, as a framework for violent spaces around the world and investigate the underlying conditions that cultivate this culture of accepted violence. In doing so, I share some of my experiences as a teacher in Juarez, where I witnessed the presence of collective violence within the classroom and its impact on my students, but principally synthesize existing research and case studies on this theme in a variety of disciplines.

Tertulia literaria: Lecturas y mesa redonda del taller de escritura creativeFaculty Advisor: Karen MartinPresenters: Kaylee Lunsford: “Obras de la vida americana:

Los deportes, la escuela y las armas” | Rebecca Dalton: “Reflexiones de vivir, sufrir y agradecer” | Amy Knack: “Pensamientos de una joven” | Caleb G. Hall: “Obras diversas de un angstrovertido” | Matt Battistelli: “Obras de exageración y contemplación” | Melissa Lieffers: “Consideraciones de estar mal de hígado y la naúsea existencial” | Hannah Shea: “Los escritos fantásticos de la chica en las sombras”

Literary Tertulia: Readings and Roundtable from the Spanish Creative Writing Workshop will showcase the work of the Spring 2016 Creative Writing in Spanish course, a full-semester collaborative immersion in the process of creating both prose and poetry in Spanish. Students will share their original poetry, satirical pieces, and brief nonfiction writing in Spanish, and time will be allotted for a question and answer session in English or Spanish with the authors. n

21

MUSICChromatic Mediant Key Relationships in the Late Chamber Music of Joseph HaydnPresenter: Katie BowmanFaculty Advisor: Daniel Musselman

In the Classical Era (1750-1820), the middle movements of multi-movement works were typically composed in closely-related keys (such as V, vi/III, or IV). Joseph Haydn paved the way for Beethoven and the Romantic Era through his use of unusual key relationships. These distant key relations are most prominently found in his smaller works, such as string quartets and piano trios, but can occasionally be found in his later symphonies as well. Seven of both his final twelve string quartets and piano trios use chromatic key relationships for entire inner movements. These chromatic mediant key relationships were not prepared in the movement(s) preceding them. This direct approach and their surprising presence gives the entire work a new color. Even when he uses this key relationship within a movement these modulations are almost always direct, with no pivot chords for preparation. This project will examine Haydn’s use of these chromatic mediant key relationships and also draw some observational comparisons from some of his contemporaries. n

“Gödel’s Theorem: A Proof of the Incompleteness of Arithmetic”Presenter: JonMark HetrickFaculty Advisor: Bryan Dawson

In 1931, Kurt Gödel introduced a mathematical theorem to the world that revolutionized how mathematicians understood mathematics. In the midst of a conference directed towards understanding the foundations of mathematics, Gödel

presented his incompleteness theorem. By using a complex system of encoding, he brought all of arithmetic into a single, comprehensive system. In this system, he constructed a sentence that was represented by what is called the Gödel number. This sentence makes a bold claim: it asserts itself unprovable. My presentation will take a brief look into the context of the mathematical world in which Gödel presented his incompleteness theorem and a look into how he built his system to be able to construct the Gödel sentence. I will conclude with some clarifications on the implications of this theorem in and outside the realm of mathematics.

Irrationality of Certain Infinite SeriesPresenter: Joshua StuckyFaculty Advisor: Bryan Dawson

There exist many varieties of the proof that e is irrational, most of which rely on the same line of logic. In fact for many irrationality proofs, the strategy is the same: ifαis the sum of a convergent series, first assume to the contrary thatαis rational. Then, through the use of auxiliary functions, show that some number that must be an integer must also be strictly between two consecutive integers. As an example, a simple proof for the irrationality of e is provided. The purpose of this presentation is to generalize this proof strategy to different orders of hyperfactorials, as well as to examine another theorem concerning the irrationality of certain infinite series. n

MATHEMATICS


Effect of Maternal Warming During Cesarean Section: An Integrative Research Review Presenters: Abigail Andrews, Mary Crouse,

and Tammie VanstoryFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Hypothermia is a major complication that can occur during surgery due to thermoregulation mechanism disorders. Perioperative warming is recommended for surgery with patients undergoing anesthesia, however, there is a question whether it is beneficial for mothers undergoing cesarean section. The purpose of the integrative research review will be to examine the evidence on the risks and benefits of perioperative warming during cesarean sections. Question: In pregnant mothers, how does administration of perioperative warming affect maternal hypothermia in cesarean sections? Electronic databases reviewed: PubMED and EBESCO. Key terms: hypothermia, spinal anesthesia, cesarean section and shivering. We foresee that the findings related to perioperative warming in the mother requiring a cesarean section will bring positive results for both the mother and the infant; however, this is still an ongoing research experiment. We expect perioperative warming to have a decreased incidence of maternal hypothermia during cesarean sections.

Propofol SyndromePresenters: Michael Bowden, Timothy Geno,

Adam Reinhard, and Tyler WallaceFaculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic agent used in both inpatient and outpatient surgeries and as a sedative agent for mechanically ventilated patients. The purpose of this study to equip nurses with the knowledge to adequately recognize Propofol Syndrome in order to improve patient outcomes in patients suffering from this condition. Propofol Syndrome is a very serious, often life-threatening condition characterized by rhabdomyolosis and acute bradycardia progressing to asystole and possibly, metabolic acidosis, hyperlipidemia, and enlarged or

fatty liver. The mechanism is poorly understood but is believed to be related to either direct mitochondrial chain inhibition or impaired mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism. Clinical features include a high dose and long duration of propofol (maximum dose should be 4mg/kg/hour), increased inotrope support, green urine, and cardiovascular collapse. Those most at risk include patients with head trauma, severe burns, sepsis, renal failure, pancreatitis, and status asthmaticus. If propofol syndrome is suspected, discontinue the drug immediately and focus on hemodynamic stabilization.

Reduction of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSI’s) and Associated Costs with Use of Antimicrobial-impregnated Central Venous Catheters—An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Aaron Lewis, Jason Poletti, and Alan RichardsonFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Central venous catheters are the number one cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in the United States. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters in preventing blood-borne infections and minimizing additional costs related to infections in comparison to standard catheters. In hospitalized patients, is there a decrease in the number of HAI’s to justify the upfront cost of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters compared to standard catheters? We will search electronic databases CINAHL and EBSCO for the terms “antimicrobial-impregnated catheters,” “hospital acquired infections,” “central line infections,” and “catheter-related bloodstream infections.” This research is a work in progress. However, we believe that the research will show a decrease in the number of CRBSI’s and the potential costs acquired by hospitals through increased length of stay and non-reimbursement with a use of antimicrobial-impregnated central venous catheters. If so, our recommendations would be to use exclusively antimicrobial-impregnated venous catheters in hospitals.

Dominican Republic Healthcare SystemPresenters: Kristen Carper, Juli Johnson, and Alex MaynardFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

In 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked 191 countries according to their overall healthcare system performance; the Dominican Republic (DR) ranked number 51 (WHO, 2000). Compared to the United States, the DR spent 5.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP), while the United States almost doubled this figure (WHO, 2016). The DR recently underwent a healthcare reform in 2010. Prior to this reform, the Dominican people had many out-of-pocket expenses. The Family Health Insurance, which is the new law under the healthcare reform, aims to fund most healthcare services (WHO, 2010). This International Healthcare Comparison seeks to explore and present the payer system, financing, reimbursement, production, provider choice, and challenges within the Dominican healthcare system.

NURSING

23

South Korea Healthcare SystemPresenters: Scott Awtry, Meagan Gallaher, and Alex WitcherFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

According to Young Joo SONG, “in 2000, all health insurance societies of South Korea were integrated into a single insurer, the National Health Insurance Program” (SONG, 2009, p. 207). This establishment led to insuring the majority of South Korea’s population. “In 2006, 96.3% of the total population had coverage” (SONG, 2009, p. 207). The Korean health care system has additionally set in place an action to reduce the financial burden to the younger population in order to blunt the increasing cost of the country’s largest growing age group. Over 90% of South Korea’s medical facilities and physicians reside in urban areas. Although, Korean patients are permitted to be seen by any doctor or medical institution; they must abide by the two step referral system that employs an arrangement set up by a primary care physician (PCP) who will diagnose the patient and prescribe a referral to a specialist if necessary.

Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for the Perioperative Management of Obstructive Sleep ApneaPresenter: Alftan TurnerFaculty Advisor: Melissa Lefave

Anesthesia providers use practice guidelines to integrate up-to-date evidence-based recommendations that will assist them in providing superlative care in clinical practice. The purpose of this proposal is to explain the appraisal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Task Force’s updated practice guideline for perioperative management of patients with OSA using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II. Evaluation of this guideline using the AGREE II tool assessed the quality of the guideline and appraised what and how information should be delivered; appraisers were able to address issues of variability by assessing the methological rigour and transparency in which this guideline was developed. The appraisers’ judgment of the quality of the guideline rated the overall quality score as 6, and supports its recommendation with revisions for use in practice. This tool establishes the best practices for perioperative care of “at risk” patients related to OSA.


Critical Care Nursing for SepsisPresenters: Emma Hopkins, Allie Malone, and Morgan NelsonFaculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Sepsis occurs when infectious microorganisms enter the bloodstream. If not detected and treated early, it will progress to systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Once all tissues are involved and are hypoxic to some degree, sepsis is severe. This leads to septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction and death. The major cause is a bacterial infection that escapes local control. More than 750,000 cases of sepsis and septic shock occur annually and result in over 200,000 deaths. This project will show that early recognition and management of sepsis is essential to improve outcomes. It is the nurse’s responsibility to take every measure to prevent potential complications such as pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, aspiration pneumonia, the progression to MODS, as well as caring for the patient’s psychosocial needs.

Comparison of International Health Care Systems: New ZealandPresenter: Allison LuellenFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

New Zealand citizens have access to a wide array of health and disability services that are mostly funded by public taxes and managed by government (Mossialos, Wenzl, Osborn, & Anderson, 2015). “District Health Boards [DHB] are held formally accountable to the government for delivering efficient, high-quality care in hospitals, as measured by the achievement of targets across a range of indicators” (Mossialos, Wenzl, Osborn, & Anderson, 2015, p. 108). In 2013 the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported New Zealand’s total health spending was just under average at $3,328 US dollars/capita spent (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development website, 2013). The Health Policy & Economics course provides a review of current economic and political issues faced by the United States. This presentation will analyze the following information regarding New Zealand’s healthcare system: Payer System, Financing, Reimbursement, Provider Choice, Challenges, World Ranking, and Gross Domestic Product spent on Healthcare.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of the Use of a Smart Phone App in Adults with Primary InsomniaPresenter: Amanda CampFaculty Advisor: Patsy Crihfield

Insomnia is one of the most common complaints reported in primary care. Clinical evidence has shown the benefits of benzodiazepines for short term treatment of insomnia; however, little evidence supports the efficacy of other treatments for long term use. Recently, evidence has shown that prolonged use of benzodiazepines may attribute to long term memory loss. This study looked at the efficacy of the phone application Sleep Well by Surf City Apps as a sleep aid in 50 adult subjects

with primary insomnia in the adult population in lieu of prescription medication over a two week period. A significant p-value <0.0001 indicated we can reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a difference in the mean Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index scores before and after the smart phone application intervention. We can confidently show medical providers that alternative therapies exist besides medications, for patients complaining of insomnia.

Effect of Acupuncture on Pain Outcomes in Treatment of Adults with Lower Back Pain: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: John Boileau, Amy Suddeath, Lizan Tofiq,

and Leah WhiteFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Lower back pain is a leading cause of adult disability worldwide, resulting in over 100 million workdays lost per year. Current practice for pain management has focused primarily on the use of pharmacologic methods. The purpose of this integrative research review is to evaluate the patient’s perception of pain when acupuncture is introduced as a therapy for lower back pain. In adults with lower back pain, how does the use of acupuncture affect the patient’s perception of pain? Databases used will be CINAHL, Medline and PubMed. Keywords searched will be “acupuncture”, “lower back pain”, and “adults”. This is a work in progress. We anticipate current literature will support the theory that acupuncture will be a successful therapy to reduce patient perception of lower back pain. Further studies should be performed to determine which types and how much therapy is needed to optimize pain relief.

NURSING

25

Postoperative Vision Loss and Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Adults Undergoing Prone Spine Surgery: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Andrea BakerFaculty Advisor: Brian Foster

Background: Postoperative vision loss (POVL) is a rare, but devastating complication associated with spine surgeries in the prone position. It can be caused by several mechanisms: external ocular injury, cortical blindness, retinal artery ischemia, and ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), of which ION is the most commonly seen. Purpose: This integrative research review focuses on ION, seeking to identify contributing factors and potential preventative measures. Methods: A systematic search of the literature utilizing electronic databases and hand searches of article references yielded 10 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Results: The literature identifies factors directly correlated with POVL as surgical time over six hours and blood loss over one liter. Factors thought to contribute to the risk of POVL include blood pressure management, balanced crystalloid/colloid administration, management of anemia, positioning, and anesthetic administration. Conclusion: More research is needed and there is a great need for an effective tool to monitor intraoperative vision.

French Healthcare SystemPresenters: Amanda Camp, Andrew Donadio, Vashti MillerFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

Ranking number one (in 2000) in overall efficiency of WHO member states (Tandon, Murray, Lauer, & Evans, 2000), the French Ministry of Health manages a universal system of healthcare for more than 65 million people (“France,” 2014). Combining a mix of public and private hospitals, the French system “delivers a higher aggregate level of services and higher consumer satisfaction with a significantly lower level of health expenditures, as a share of GDP, than in the United States” (Rodwin, 2003, p. 32). This level of care however does not come cheaply; 21 percent of all workers’ income is funneled into the system to pay for care. Unlike other European countries, France’s system of medicine is not ‘socialized’. It is a hybrid system of private and public providers (Shapiro, 2008). As the United States changes its healthcare system, we must ask ourselves if there are aspects of the French system that can be utilized in the United States, or are the differences in the countries too vast.

Integrative Research Review: Effects of Dietary Omega-3-fatty-acids on the Development of Breast Cancer Presenters: Cynthia Haynes, Nikole Jackson,

Antoinette WhitcombFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women. Diet may influence cancer development, while omega-3-fatty-acids have been associated with reduced cancer cell growth. The

purpose of this integrative research review will be to assess the effectiveness of omega-3-fatty-acids in preventing breast cancer. Question: In high-risk populations, does increased dietary intake of omega-3-fatty-acids prevent breast cancer? The criteria for high-risk populations was established using databases Medline, EBSCOhost, and Science Direct. Search terms were “breast carcinoma,” “prevention,” and “omega-3-fatty-acids.” A work in progress; however, preliminary findings indicate that omega-3-fatty-acids are effective in preventing breast cancer in high-risk populations. Daily intake amounts for therapeutic outcomes require further evaluation.

Effects of Anesthesia on Tumor Cell Proliferation: An Integrated Research Review of Outcomes of Cancer Patients Following Anesthetic InterventionPresenter: Ashley BurdetteFaculty Advisor: Melissa Lefave

Objectives: To examine current evidence and assess outcomes of cancer patients following anesthesia care, specifically responses to volatile gases, propofol, and local anesthetics. Background: Recent study has revealed anesthetic drugs may suppress the immune system and promote negative outcomes in cancer patients undergoing anesthetic care. Design: Integrative research review. Methods: Searched databases: ScienceDirect, CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed. Inclusion criteria: publication within last ten years (2005-2015); population being cancer patients undergoing anesthetic care with general or regional anesthesia; outcomes following anesthetic care including metastasis, recurrence, or survival included in study. Results: The results indicate that volatile agents may negatively affect outcomes through suppression of the immune system. Local anesthetics may promote positive outcomes through decreased use of opioids and volatile agents. Propofol does not suppress the immune system and may prohibit proliferation of cancer cells. Conclusions: More study is needed before practice can be decisively changed.

Improving Provider Confidence in Regional Anesthesia through Cadaver Anatomy Instruction: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Ashley CraigFaculty Advisor: Brian Foster

The demand for regional anesthesia has increased over the last decade as surgeons and hospitals push to improve patient satisfaction, decrease post-operative pain, and reduce length of stay. However, many newly trained anesthesia providers report an education proficiency ratio for peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) lower than that of neuroaxial blocks. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the use of cadaver anatomy instruction to improve provider confidence in regional anesthesia. Eleven articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Findings support the utilization of cadaver anatomy instruction to improve provider confidence in regional anesthesia.


Switzerland Healthcare SystemPresenters: Ana Dragoiescu, Ashley Reecht, and Britley WhiteFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

The purpose of this paper is to examine the health care industry of Switzerland and explain the country’s proceedings in health care finance, policy and practice. Switzerland’s performance in health care is among the best amidst countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with high levels of patient satisfaction and a life expectancy that’s near the highest in the world (Biller-Andorno & Zeltner, 2015). Universal health coverage has accommodated for 99.5% of Swiss citizens to have health insurance in a government-regulated insurance market while, achieving low health care spending and privately-managed health care (Biller-Andorno & Zeltner, 2015). Government spending on health care in Switzerland is only 2.7 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), by far the lowest in the developed world. A poster with this information will be presented to compare the healthcare system in Switzerland with other countries.

Paravertebral Block to Decrease Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Women Undergoing General Anesthesia for Breast Surgery: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Ashley WeissFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of a paravertebral block can decrease the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in women undergoing general anesthesia for breast surgery. Postoperative nausea and vomiting negatively affects 50% of women undergoing general anesthesia for breast surgery. An integrative research review was conducted using CINHAL, Cochrane, EBSCHOhost, MEDLINE, OVID, and Science Direct. Woman of all ages and types of surgeries were included if there was a comparison between a paravertebral block and general anesthesia effects on postoperative nausea and vomiting. This resulted in 10 articles for inclusion. Results of the study determined there is implication for paravertebral block use in practice as 7 of the 10 articles noted a reduction in postoperative nausea and vomiting when a paravertebral block was performed. Limitations of this study included a lack of standardized antiemetic schedule and inclusion of studies with different breast surgeries. Additionally, two articles had small sample sizes. While the use of a paravertebral block can be used to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting in women undergoing general anesthesia for breast surgery, additional research should be conducted to fully understand its implication in practice.

Mexico’s Healthcare SystemPresenters: Worthy Walker, Ashley York,

and Stephen Cory YorkFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

In 2000 the World Health Organization took on the task of ranking the world’s best healthcare systems with Mexico ranking

at sixty-one (Chapman Communication, 2009). Mexico has had changes in their health care system due to lack of coverage for many Mexicans. Around 25% of the indigenous Mexican population reported having no health insurance before the introduction of Seguro Popular in 2003 (Leyva-Flores, Servan-Mori, Infante-Xibille, Pelcastre-Villafuerte, & Gonzalez, 2014). The goal was to help in reducing the gaps in coverage between Mexicans with Social Security and those citizens without (Leyva-Flores et al., 2014). Seguro Popular achieved a reduction in the out-of-pocket expenses (Leyva-Flores, et al., 2014). The Mexican expenditure for healthcare was 6.24% of the GDP with a per capita expenditure of $603.7 in 2010 (Trading Economics, 2016). This poster presentation will examine an overview of the challenges, payer system, financing, reimbursement, and provider choice of the Mexican healthcare system.

Best Methods in Cardiovascular PreventionPresenter: Belinda HilliardFaculty Advisor: Laurie Bagwell

The leading cause of death in modern society is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for every 1 in 4 deaths, resulting in about 600,000 deaths annually (CDC). Each year, the United States spends approximately $108.9 billion dollars due to cardiovascular disease (CDC). This includes health care services, medications and lost productivity due to the illness. Cardiovascular disease develops over time from high cholesterol levels. Due to the slow development of cardiovascular disease, it could conceivably be prevented. Screening individuals early for cholesterol and identifying preventative measures could be implemented early rather than later after disease and damage has occurred. Preventative measures would include lifestyle modifications and initiation of medications. Knowledge about lipids and cardiovascular disease has been developing and advancing over many years. Despite the advancement in lipidology, it has created controversy, confusion and frustration over which is the better way to manage lipids.

Nursing Care of the Patient with Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)Presenters: Bonna Hardee, Erin Hennesy, Erin Deakins,

and Emily ShawFaculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a complication of receiving heparin therapy. It can be life threatening if untreated. Nursing care with HIT involves prevention and early identification and treatment. Heparin is an anticoagulant that is commonly administered parenterally in the health care setting. The symptoms of HIT include: bleeding, pain or swelling in the legs, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sweating, anxiety, and rapid irregular heartbeat. Risk factors for HIT include the following: the frequent need of heparin, the unpredictability of the occurrence of HIT, and the uncertainty regarding diagnosis and treatment. The nursing process will be used to assess, diagnose, and treat the occurrence of HIT.

NURSING

27

Determination of Optimum Time for Intravenous Cannulation after Inhalational Induction with Sevoflurane and Nitrous Oxide in Children Premedicated with Oral MidazolamPresenter: Brittany KingFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

Background: Studies have shown that early placement of intravenous cannulation after inhalation inductions can lead to laryngospasm development. The proposal of this study focuses on determining the optimum time for intravenous cannulation after inhalational induction specifically with sevoflurane. This review will also examine different time frames and developing components among the pediatric population with factors based on movement, coughing, or laryngospasm occurring during intravenous cannulation. Factors will be addressed based upon the type of inhalational agent utilized, anesthesia delivery technique, and if the patient was premedicated with any medicine prior to the inhalation induction. The objective is to determine the optimal time for IV cannulation without the development of laryngospasms from the stimulation.

Variables Associated with Initiation of Substance Abuse Among Nurse Anesthesia Providers: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Casey EllingtonFaculty Advisor: April Yearwood

Initiation of substance abuse solely among nurse anesthesia providers has not been well described. Substance abuse is the chief occupational hazard among this population. There are many risk factors that exist in the nurse anesthesia population. Examples of risks include environmental, genetic, and neurobiological factors. Few studies exist that delineate the effect these risk factors have on substance abuse. Examples of abused anesthetics include opioids, benzodiazepines, and volatile anesthetic agents such as nitrous oxide and sevoflurane. This is an area in the nurse anesthesia profession that is critical to safe practice, yet still void of vital information.

Propofol Infusion Syndrome: The Nursing ProcessPresenters: Kyle Rowland, Christy Sitlinger,

Daniel Watkins, and Casey White Faculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Propofol is a highly potent sedative that is often used in adults. Propofol is commonly used because of its rapid onset and short half-life allowing for easy maintenance of sedation. Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PRIS) is a rare occurrence that is often fatal. PRIS is characterized by three main components—rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis, and cardiac failure. Common laboratories include increased creatine kinase, increased creatine, and increased troponin 1. Some risk factors

include large dose (greater than 4mg/kg/hr) and long duration (greater than 48 hours). Prevention is the best treatment, because there are no evidence-based treatments at this time. This project will review the nursing process with regard to Propofol Infusion Syndrome and how to prevent it.

Economic Review of the Russian Federation’s Healthcare SystemPresenters: Bradley Beckstead, Catherine Mask, and

Rachel TonahillFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

Russia has undergone significant changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union, moving from a central economy towards a more market-based economy. The Russian Federation inherited a centralized healthcare system; one based on government responsibility for health, universal access to free services, and preventative approaches to social diseases. The government was quick to reform health financing by adopting a mandatory health insurance (MHI) model. While the health system has evolved and changed significantly since the early 1990s, the legacy of having been a highly centralized system focused on universal access to basic care remains (Popovich et al., 2011). Our DNP class of Nursing Health Policy and Economics, NUR 725, has examined political and economic factors that influence healthcare in the United States. To enhance our worldview, we will present a poster reviewing Russia’s healthcare. Our poster will include payer system, financing, reimbursement, provider choice, challenges, world ranking, and gross domestic product spent on healthcare.

Lateral Violence in Nursing and Interventions to Decrease its Incidence: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Chardaé S. EdwardsFaculty Advisor: Cynthia Powers

Bullying and lateral violence is a serious, and yet, unrecognized reality in the workplace for many nurses. This recurring issue has created such extreme consequences that both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Joint Commission (JC) have added standards requiring “employers to establish a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards” and which addresses conflict management between employees and disruptive employee behavior (JC, 2007). Affecting patient outcomes and increasing occupational stress and staff turnover, lateral violence in nursing is a complex problem and calls for implementation of interventions to improve the work environment. Creating a hospital-wide understanding of lateral violence, being able to recognize disruptive behaviors, and fostering a climate of communication, safety, and teamwork all serve as the foundation to which lateral violence can be reduced to improve employee and patient satisfaction (Weinand, 2010).


Anesthesia Care for the Neonate with a Ductal Dependent Cardiac Lesion: An Integrated Research ReviewPresenter: Christa Lauren HamrickFaculty Advisor: Melissa Lefave

Objectives: To determine appropriate treatment of neonates with various ductal dependent lesions. This study will attempt to educate anesthesia providers on the importance of early detection of neonates with ductal dependent lesions, explain the physiology of various ductal dependent lesions, and provide recommendations that may help providers detect and properly manage this specific patient population during the preoperative period. Background: Many neonates are brought into the hospital within the first two weeks of life with critical ductal dependent heart lesions that may be mistaken as pulmonary diseases or sepsis and can receive improper care leading to very critical conditions, even death. Design: The research was an integrated research review. Methods: The databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar were searched for articles within 2005 to 2015 that were relevant to the care of neonates with ductal dependent cardiac lesions and were in English. Results: The results showed that there are only a few protocols available and there are no articles specifically written to address the preoperative care of neonates presenting with ductal dependent lesions. Conclusions: Articles should be published specifically on the preoperative care of neonates with ductal dependent cardiac lesions. Development of protocols from cardiac care centers and a national guideline would benefit

neonates who have these lesions. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Neonates with undiagnosed ductal dependent cardiac lesions present in primary care centers and emergency departments in critical condition many times and are misdiagnosed and receive care that is detrimental to their condition. The healthcare providers that respond to these situations need access to information that explains the diagnosis and management of these neonates before they receive corrective surgery.

Use of a Single Corticosteroid Injection for the Symptomatic Treatment of Adults with Upper Respiratory InfectionsPresenters: Brigette Baker, Amanda England, Charity

Eskew, and Chuong NguyenFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

A controversial treatment for upper respiratory infections is to give is a single injection of corticosteroid aimed at relieving nasal congestion. The purpose of this integrative research review is to determine if a single corticosteroid injection provides relief of nasal congestion for the duration of symptoms. Question: In adults with acute upper respiratory infections, does a single corticosteroid injection effectively relieve symptoms? A complete search of electronic databases MEDLINE and EBESCO were used with the search terms will be “corticosteroids” and “upper respiratory infections” and “nasal congestion”. Findings: The evidence will report that a single corticosteroid injection is effective in the symptomatic treatment of acute upper respiratory infections. Recommendations: Until a RCT experiment can be conducted to evaluate the duration of relief provided, a corticosteroid injection can be administered to relieve nasal congestion resulting from upper respiratory infections.

Insulin Pump Therapy (IPT) Versus Multiple Daily Injections (Mdis) Therapy for Controlling Glucose Levels in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): An Integrative Research Review (IRR)Presenters: Clay Anderson and John Casilli Faculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

T1DM can cause complications from hyperglycemia that decreases a lifespan by five to eight years. Keeping A1C below 7% can help prevent diabetic complications. It is anticipated that after reviewing the literature, there is a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of IPT in reducing A1C compared to MDIs. The purpose for this IRR is to identify if IPT is superior to MDIs for lowering A1C. In children with T1DM, does IPT compared to MDI therapy decrease A1C levels more effectively? We will be using CINAHL, PubMed, Up-To-Date, and the American Diabetes Association as electronic databases. Keywords: “type 1 diabetes,” “children,” “IPT,” “MDI,” and “A1C.” This is a work in progress, but the anticipated results will show IPT is more effective at decreasing A1C. IPT will help to decrease A1C levels and decrease diabetic complications. This will lead to a decrease in national health expenses by reducing complications in T1DM.

NURSING

29

The Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Internal Jugular Catheterization Compared to Traditional Anatomical Landmark Approach in the Pediatric Population: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Cory PrewittFaculty Advisor: April Yearwood

Objective: To determine in pediatric patients undergoing internal jugular (IJ) cannulation whether the ultrasound guided (UG) approach is more effective in successful placement compared to the traditional landmark (TL) approach. Methods: An integrative research review (IRR) was conducted to find current (2005-present) research studies focused on the previously mentioned objective. Results: Twelve studies were discovered through an exhaustive literature review that overwhelmingly favored the use of UG technique over TL technique in IJ cannulation procedures of pediatric patients. Conclusion: UG is the most efficient and successful technique when placing and IJ catheter in pediatric patients.

Significance of Baseline Neuropsychological Testing on Effective Concussion Diagnosis and Management in High School Athletes—An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Crystal Cornett, Jason Evans, Jodi Smith, and

Ashley WyseFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Every year, millions of high school athletes are at risk for sports-related concussions. Healthcare professionals are responsible for clearing athletes to return-to-play. When inappropriately managed, concussions can lead to permanent neurological disability. The intention of this integrative review is to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-concussion clinical assessments in

diagnosing and managing concussions. In high school athletes, does baseline neuropsychological testing prevent misdiagnosis and offer better management of concussions? A search will be performed using MEDLINE and CINHAL. Terms to be searched will be “concussion diagnosis”, “concussion management”, “high school athletes”, and “baseline neurological testing”. This is a work in progress; however, research is anticipated to show that conducting a neurological test prior to a concussive incident should demonstrate efficiency in diagnosis and management. Knowledge of a patient’s baseline neurological performance is significant in minimizing potential misdiagnoses. Further research is needed to interpret the reliability of the administration of neuropsychological testing.

An Integrative Research Review of the Teratogenic Effects of General Anesthesia on the Fetus for Parturient Undergoing Non Obstetrical ProceduresPresenter: Crystal CoulterFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of a general anesthetic can increase the incidence of any significant change in brain function or formation of neonate secondary to non-obstetrical procedures where general anesthesia was utilized. Results of the studies determined that nitrous oxide has teratogenic effects, benzodiazepine use shows an association with cleft palate and cardiac anomalies, but that most other anesthetic medications have a good safety record for use during pregnancy. Collectively, these articles show that there is an association between the use of certain general anesthetic medications and the outcome of the newborn. As yet, there is no one predictor that clearly separates effects to the fetus/newborn due to maternally administered medication. While newer technologies show some promise, additional research should be conducted to fully understand its implication in practice.


Appraisal of Post-Operative Pain Management. In: Guidelines on Pain Management Using the AGREE II Assessment ToolPresenter: Denicia M. RankinFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

Post-operative pain management continues to be a major challenge for health care professionals to accomplish. It is imperative that healthcare professionals are properly trained on managing pain to improve patient outcomes. Adequate pain management decreases post-operative adverse events, increases patient satisfaction rates, and reduces hospitalization times. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss how a team of three advanced practice nurses appraised the Post-operative pain management. In: Guidelines on pain management using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE) II instrument. The Agree II instrument is a tool that assesses the validity and quality of clinical practice guidelines and verifies their applicability to practice. The AGREE II scores validated the need to include external reviews to ensure best clinical practices and pain management for chronic and neurogenic pain.

Discontinuation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors Preoperatively Due to Hypotension upon Induction of Anesthesia: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Desireé ShammasFaculty Advisor: Brian Foster

Angiotensin converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are prescribed for the treatment of hypertension and coronary artery disease. The purpose of this project is to determine the significance of hypotension upon induction of anesthesia in patients taking an ACE inhibitor prior to surgery. Multiple studies were utilized (systematic review with random-effects meta-analysis, case-control study, randomized, single-blinded, clinical research, case report, retrospective, prospective, observational, chart review, randomized, and hypothesis-generating study). The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, and TOXLINE. The search terms were as follows: ACE inhibitors in the preoperative period, hypotension upon induction of anesthesia with ace inhibitors, and ACE inhibitors prior to surgery. Thirteen out of the sixteen studies that met the inclusion criteria concluded that ACE inhibitors are the cause of moderate to severe hypotension upon induction of anesthesia.

Appropriate Intravenous Antibiotic Administration Timing for Lower Extremity Surgery Prior to Inflation of Tourniquet in ASA I and ASA II Patients: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Edwin K. MartinezFaculty Advisor: Brian Foster

Background: The occurrence of surgical site infections of patients undergoing lower extremity surgery where a tourniquet is utilized

to exsanguinate the extremity requires diligent timing of the initiation of the prophylactic intravenous antibiotic medication. Surgical site infections account for 14-16% of all nosocomial infections. As a result, surgical site infections are the most common nosocomial infection within this population of patients. The costs of surgical site infections due to inadequate tissue levels of antibiotic account for millions of healthcare dollars each year. This integrative research review was conducted to evaluate the timing of the infusion of the intravenous prophylactic antibiotic medication with respect to the timing of the insufflation of the tourniquet in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery. Objectives: This integrative research review will evaluate the appropriate timing of the infusion of the prophylactic antibiotic with relation to the insufflation of the tourniquet for exsanguination of the extremity. Postoperative surgical site infections resulting in further treatment and hospitalization due to inadequate tissue levels of antibiotic will be reviewed. Data Sources: Data sources were obtained from the Logos Library at Union University. Databases searched included Biomed Central, CINAHL, Health Reference Center Academic, Medline (Ovid), Medline (Ebsco), Medline Plus, and Ovid resources. Study Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion criteria included American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification I and II patients. The studies included patients undergoing a variety of lower extremity surgical procedures with the use of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to surgical incision. Additionally, the use of a tourniquet during surgery is also required for inclusion eligibility. Participants: The included studies involved patients that were not diagnosed with underlying comorbidities that included renal, hepatic, major cardiac, or major respiratory dysfunction. Additionally, the studies included those undergoing elective lower extremity surgery without existing complications. Complications included trauma, pre-existing infection, prior history of ulcers, and open fractures. Interventions: The studies included patients that were given Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime, and Cefazolin intravenously prior to the inflation of the tourniquet. Conclusions: Patients that are undergoing surgical procedures of the lower extremities with the utilization of a tourniquet should receive prophylactic antibiotics 30 minutes to 60 minutes prior to inflation of the tourniquet in pursuance of achieving adequate bone and tissue antibiotic levels. Patients that receive antibiotic therapy in this model are expected to experience decreased occurrences of surgical site infections and thus a reduced possibility of requiring further hospitalization for treatment of the infection.

India’s Health Care SystemPresenters: Elizabeth Fulmer, Emily Pudlo, and Kayla Yates Faculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for 21% of the world’s global burden of disease (India, 2013). With a population of approximately 1,296,200,000, India is the second largest country in the world that lacks the resources or providers to care for its citizens (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). In the World Health Organization’s

NURSING

31

last global ranking, India ranked 112 out of 190 in the world’s health care systems while the United States ranked 37 (World Health Organization, 2000). The purpose of this presentation is to evaluate India’s health care system while comparing it to the United States. Information gathered will include: payer system, finances, reimbursement, provider choice, challenges, world ranking, and gross domestic product spent on health care.

Review of Current Evidence-Based Research: Early Identification of Multiple Organ Dysfunction SyndromePresenters: Louis Jones, Erin Morelock, Karlie Roser,

Marshall Seals, and Amber Tummins Faculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) is the presence of altered organ function in acutely ill patient so that homeostasis cannot be maintained without intervention. This usually involves two or more organ systems; this condition usually results from infection, injury, hypoperfusion, and hypermetabolism. The primary cause triggers an uncontrolled inflammatory response and sepsis is the most common cause in operative and nonoperative patients. In the absence of infection, a sepsis like disorder is termed systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Both SIRS and sepsis could ultimately progress to MODS. Respiratory failure is common in the first 72 hours after the original insult. This presentation provides insights about new evidence-based research concerning early identification of sepsis. A Heparin-Binding Protein has been discovered as a strong predictor of disease progression to severe sepsis within 72 hours.

Strategies in Decreasing the Incidence of Propofol Self-Administration among Anesthesia Providers: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Francis Ian C. BicolFaculty Advisor: April Yearwood

Propofol is an intravenous drug widely used for inducing and maintaining anesthesia. The first documented propofol abuse was in 1992, by an anesthesiologist, and since then the incidence of propofol abuse among anesthesia providers has increased. For this integrative research review, the author has used the five-step process: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis, and presentation. The purpose of this is to present a synthesis on propofol abuse incidence, risk factors, and strategies to prevent this said occupational health hazard among anesthesia providers. Synthesis of seven studies revealed that there are several strategies, which can be implemented to prevent and or decrease the incidence of propofol abuse. The author recommends multilateral approach: preventative education, early intervention, aggressive treatment, and control of drug access; and further research needs to be conducted to determine the association between psychiatric disorders and propofol abuse.


The Effectiveness of the Continuous Intercostal Block in Comparison to Systemic Opioid Administration in Patients with Multiple Rib Fractures: An Integrated Research ReviewPresenter: Gloria Michelle Patton Advisor: Brian Foster

Background: Rib fracture pain is a common cause for hospitalization. One of the most important factors in the treatment of rib fractures is pain control. Objective: An integrative research review was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the continuous intercostal block and systemic opioid administration on pain control in the rib fracture patient population. Study Selection: Studies that met inclusion criteria included patients who sustained greater than two rib fractures and had been treated with the continuous intercostal block or systemic opioid administration. Ten studies out of one thousand five hundred fifty met inclusion criteria. Methods: Multiple study designs were reviewed during this literature review (case report, prospective non-randomized, pilot non-randomized, non-randomized, randomized controlled trial, and retrospective study). Results: Results reveal that the continuous intercostal block could provide more effective pain control than systemic opioid administration in the rib fracture patient population. Six of the studies included in the review of literature concluded that the continuous intercostal block provided effective pain control in the rib fracture patient

population. Three of the reviewed studies conclude that systemic opioid administration in the rib fracture patient population is related to increased pain scores and decreased respiratory function. Conclusion: The continuous intercostal block provides more effective pain control in the rib fracture patient population when compared with systemic opioid administration. However, further research comparing the two interventions is recommended.

Nursing Care of the Donor PatientPresenters: Christina McAlaster, Hailey Moore,

and Emily ThompsonFaculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

In 2014, more than 8,500 deceased donors made possible approximately 24,000 organ transplants according to Donate Life America. For the nurse caring for a potential donor, ethical issues arise for when to discontinue lifesaving efforts and when to initiate preparation of the patient’s body for organ donation. Organ donation creates a complicated, emotional situation for the family as well as the nursing staff. This project explores the different roles of the nurse within this process, including the criteria for donation and brain death, communication with the family and the interdisciplinary team, physical care of the patient, and finally the psychological effect on the nurse.

Reentry into Practice for Anesthesia Providers after Rehabilitation for Substance Misuse: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Haleigh E. SligarFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

Objective: To evaluate whether recovery can be maintained and successful reentry back into anesthesia a possibility. Background: Anesthesia professionals practice in a unique setting that requires strict self-discipline and constant vigilance but also puts them at a higher risk for developing addiction. Substance misuse among anesthesia providers has been an ongoing and dangerous issue within this specialty that has given rise to several unfortunate consequences to both provider and patient. Design: An integrative research review. Methods: Searched databases included Google Scholar, CINAHL with full text, PubMed, and Science Direct with the inclusion criteria of peer-reviewed articles published from 2004-2015. Results: The results indicate that successful reentry of the addicted anesthesia provider can be accomplished with the assistance of several different modalities that must be used in conjunction with one another in a long term manner. Conclusions: Evidence is lacking when specifically focusing on anesthesia providers reentry. Gaps in literature concerning reentry methods must be filled by discipline specific data and transitioning the focus on unique relapse prevention. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Despite the minimal amount of empirical evidence regarding this subject, the importance of understanding addiction is key. Focusing on discipline specific addiction behaviors, awareness, and treatment is vital when attempting to reenter the field.

NURSING

33

DIC Score: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the DIC Score in Diagnosing Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Assessing its SeverityPresenters: Rachel Horton, Mary Joseph, Hannah Porter,

Sarah Wade, and Mary Kathryn Williams Faculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Disseminated intravascular coagulation, also known as DIC, is a syndrome that is acquired secondary to tissue damage, vessel damage, or infections. DIC begins as an inappropriate activation of the clotting process within the body; this activation leads to hypercoagulation which is then followed by excessive bleeding. This syndrome is seen in approximately 1% of those patients who are hospitalized and between 30% and 50% of patients with sepsis. In order to objectively identify DIC and determine its level of severity, the DIC scoring system was developed. This scoring system takes into consideration the platelet count, PT and fibrinogen levels, and the FDP/D-Dimer results of the patient in question; these factors are then scored in such as a way as to determine the presence and severity of DIC. We aim through this project to determine the effectiveness of this score in diagnosing and assessing the severity of DIC in order to provide the most effective treatment for this condition.

The Importance of Nursing Education on Quality of End-of-Life Care in the Acute Care SettingPresenters: Allison Craft, Hannah Sewell,

and Charlotte SpencerFaculty Sponsor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

The purpose of this literature review is to illustrate research findings regarding the impact of nursing education as it relates to the dignity of patients receiving end-of-life care. A review of varying research methods in nursing literature showed that

allowing student nurses to care for dying patients and learn a comprehensive care plan related to end-of-life concerns will increase their ability to grant patients dignity and comfort when categorized as terminal. Educating student nurses and providing continuing education for acute care nurses on effective therapeutic communication with the patient and their family, the legal parameters of advanced directives, and the transition from curative to palliative care, according to research, provides these nurses with the preparation necessary to foster holistic care and dignifying nursing practice.

Ultrasound Peripherally Inserted IV Compared to Traditional Techniques: Integrative ReviewPresenters: Jake Chandler, Grady Johnston, Kevin Lum,

and Joseph Sudderth Faculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Peripheral intravenous (PIV) access is integral to many medical therapies, but can be difficult to obtain causing delays in care, taxing resources (people, time, supplies), and resulting in unnecessary placement of central venous catheters (CVC). Traditional PIV insertion is by landmarks and palpation, but ultrasound (US) is now being used as well. The purpose of the integrative review will be to compare use of US for PIV placement versus traditional technique on patient outcomes and complications (defined as patient satisfaction, number of attempts to cannulation, time to cannulation, and frequency of CVC placement). EBSCO and CINHAL will be searched for these terms: ultrasound, peripheral intravenous catheter, traditional, and complications. This is a work in progress, but the anticipated results will show use of US will improve outcomes and complications as previously defined. Expected findings will show use of US for PIV placement should be increased in hospitalized patients.


Appraisal of ASRA Guidelines on Treatment of Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity Using the AGREE II Assessment ToolPresenter: Jancy JohnFaculty Advisor: April Yearwood

Local anesthetics are used for multiple purposes such as pain management and anesthesia for minor to major surgery in the health care settings today. As its use increases, the complication such as Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST) should be treated very carefully and effectively. There are hospitals that do not use a guideline and algorithm to manage critical events such as LAST. The purpose of the project was to appraise the guidelines that was recommended by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management (ASRA). Three appraisers used AGREE II tool to appraise the guidelines. The appraisal of guidelines for the management of LAST by ASRA suggests that it is safe to be used in the clinical settings as long as new evidence would continue to support its recommendations.

Integrative Research Review: Daily Bathing of Critical Care Adults with 2% Chlorhexidine versus Soap and Water to Reduce Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) and Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)Presenters: Mitzi McCloud, Sandra Russell, Angie Eaton,

and Jasmin Elizarraras Faculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

CLABSI and CAUTIs caused by multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) increase length of stay, mortality, and cost. The purpose of this integrative review would be to compare daily chlorhexidine bathing in adult critical care patients to routine soap and water baths, and assess the effectiveness of chlorhexidine in preventing CLABSI and CAUTI. Studies reviewed suggest that the incidence of hospital acquired infections has been significantly decreased by using chlorhexidine baths on a daily basis. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, CDC website, Science Direct website, and National Academy of Sciences website. We anticipate that the results of the literature review will be that chlorhexidine is superior to soap and water bathing in decreasing CLABSI and CAUTI in adult critical care patients. This would be a substantial finding in health care if it can decrease in patient’s length of stay, mortality, and financial impact.

Effects of Maternal Obesity on Congenital Heart Defects: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Courtney Coleman, Sarah Huffstetler,

Jasmine Huskey, and Kendra ReevesFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

The prevalence of obesity in reproductive aged women has increased from 7% in 1980 to 31% in 2012. The prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHD) among infants is 6-13 per 1,000 live births, making this the most common congenital disorder.

The objective of this integrative research review is to examine the effect of maternal obesity of all levels on the development of CHD. In pregnant women, how does maternal obesity of all levels affect the incidence of CHD? Electronic databases UpToDate, Pubmed, Medline, and CINAHL will be used. Search terms will be “pregnancy”, “obesity”, and “congenital heart defects”. Based on the preliminary review, it is expected that maternal obesity will have an effect on the incidence of CHD.

Comparing Intrathecal Lidocaine in the Lithotomy Patient as Compared to the Patient Receiving Intrathecal Lidocaine in the Non-Lithotomy Position: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Jason LaSource Faculty Advisor: Molly Wright

Background: Lidocaine has been used for spinal anesthesia since 1948 without cause for concern until reports started appearing in the 1980s that linked the use of this drug with Cauda Equina Syndrome. AIM: The purpose of this study is to present the information from several different studies that linked the use of Lidocaine during spinal anesthesia in the lithotomy position to an increased occurrence of Cauda Equina Syndrome as compared to the non-lithotomy position. Methods: In this Integrated Research Review, 10 studies were used, most of them being randomized controlled trials that were retrieved from several databases including CINHAL, PUBMED, OVID, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. The total number of patients from the combined studies totaled 5359. The two categories of surgical positions that were used in the studies were lithotomy and non-lithotomy position. Results: The research concludes that a combination of lidocaine with surgical position or leg manipulation during surgery might be a major contributing factor in the development of Cauda Equina Syndrome. Implications: Several studies have reported linked lidocaine spinal anesthesia with lithotomy position or leg manipulation.

The Effectiveness of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Blocks in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery to Decrease Post-surgical Opioid Requirements: An Integrated Research ReviewPresenter: Joseph Ethan SimpsonFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

Post-operative side effects relative to increased opioid consumption utilized for pain control in patients undergoing Cesarean delivery can be detrimental. Increased respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, and elevated levels of sedation are all potential negative impacts of opioid consumption in these patients. The objective of this integrated research review was to peruse the literature for information relative to the effectiveness of TAP blocks in patients undergoing Cesarean delivery to decrease post-surgical opioid requirements. Overall results of the synthesis of said studies demonstrated reductions in overall opioid consumption, increased time to request for first analgesia,

NURSING

35

and improvements in pain assessment scores and overall patient satisfaction. Future practice implications for anesthesia providers and their Cesarean patients include the efficacy and safety of TAP block utilization as a multimodal anesthesia adjunct to decrease post-Cesarean opioid supplementation, promote better patient outcomes, and foster increased patient satisfaction.

Low-Dose Ondansetron for Post Operative Nausea and Vomiting: Can it Cause QT Prolongation Cardiac vs. Non-Cardiac Patients: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Josh DonnanFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a very common occurrence in the surgical setting. It can be a hindrance to a perceived good anesthetic and it can be the worst part of the surgical experience for someone undergoing surgery. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such as Ondansetron are used quite frequently before, during, and after successful anesthetics. The Unites States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a black box warning on 32mg of Ondansetron as it may cause fatal arrhythmias such as Torsades de Pointes in prolongation of the QT interval. Studies have been conducted on whether or not this QT prolongation occurs with the use of perioperative

doses such as 4mg. Studies have also been conducted on what patient population is affected by this, particularly cardiac patients versus non-cardiac patients.

Investigating Graduate Education as a Barrier for Nurse Practitioners in the Recognition and Treatment of Patients with Spiritual Care NeedsPresenter: Joyce SnyderFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

Despite the fact that nurse practitioners and governmental agencies recognize addressing spiritual care needs in patients leads to optimal health and recovery, spiritual care needs for patients are not being met. A prominent barrier for nurse practitioners providing spiritual care to patients is insufficient spiritual care education in graduate programs (Vincensi, 2011). The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact spiritual care education delivered through graduate curriculum to nurse practitioners made on their recognition of spiritual distress cues, and on the implementation of spiritual care interventions in patient care. Nurse practitioners polled in this study show areas of improvement in spiritual assessment techniques, and opportunities for future research on assessment and treatment of patients’ spiritual care needs.


The Effect of Taking a Drug Holiday verses Continual Bisphosphonate Therapy on Bone Density Levels in Women with Osteoporosis: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Gabrielle Cook, Joyce Hipps, and Brynn RoeFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zolia Vichot Sánchez

Osteoporosis is diagnosed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, revealing a low bone density indicated by a T-score of < -2.5. The first-line pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis is bisphosphonates. There is a lack of evidence revealing an increase in T-scores associated with a drug holiday after 5 years of bisphosphonate therapy. The objective of this integrative research review is to evaluate the effect of taking a drug holiday after 5 years compared to ongoing use of bisphosphonates on bone density levels. In women with osteoporosis, how does taking a drug holiday verses continuation of bisphosphonates affect bone density levels? Electronic databases including CINHAL and UptoDate will be used to search: bisphosphonates, drug holiday, bone density, and women. This is a work in progress, but preliminary findings indicate that women who take a drug holiday from bisphosphonate therapy will have higher T-Scores than those taking bisphosphonates continuously.

Japan Healthcare SystemPresenters: Kip Courtney, Mitch Frank, and Kalyn ThompsonFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

Japan achieved universal health care in 1961 and the World Health Organization (WHO) once recognized their Social Healthcare Insurance as the best (Shinjo & Aramaki, 2012). There are 127.3 million Japanese people dependent on the four tiers of insurance plans, which include 3500 plans (OECD, 2016a; Ikegami et al., 2011). Currently, Japan’s Healthcare system is associated with high co-payments, long hospital stays, high drug consumption, and physician shortages (Shinjo & Aramaki, 2012). The life expectancy in Japan is 83 years, but when questioned about health status only 30% of Japanese citizens report good health (OECD, 2016b). In 2013, the average expenditure on health per capita in Japan was $3,741 compared to $9,146 in the United States. Furthermore, Japan’s healthcare cost accounts for 10.3% gross economic activity, referred to as gross domestic product (GDP) while the United States healthcare cost 17.1% GDP (WHO, 2016).

China Healthcare SystemPresenters: Katherine Chapman Brown, Christian Haynes,

and Ann KumbaniFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

Due to the changes in the political structure, technology, and globalization in the Republic of China, the healthcare delivery system has undergone much transformation (Ungo & Thomas, 2008). This presentation will examine the Chinese healthcare system, including access to care, supply and demand, challenges to the delivery of care, as well as the economic impact of the

healthcare system on the growing Chinese economy. The recent economic progress in China has resulted in an increased demand on the healthcare delivery system (Ma, Chen, Wang, Lyman, Qu, Ma, Song, Zhou & Zhao, 2015). In 2009, the central government of China implemented healthcare reform aimed at improving public access to healthcare facilities by establishing government subsidized insurance programs, expanding public health insurance, and implementing hospital reforms (Ma et. al, 2015). The purpose of this presentation is to examine China’s healthcare model and disseminate the information to the public.

Egyptian Healthcare SystemPresenters: Gail Humes, Stacey LaBarre-Powell,

and Kathy Putman Faculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

According the World Health organization (WHO) (World Health Organization, n.d.), the Egyptian health care system in multifaceted. The system is directed by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) (Haley, Adel, Bég, & Sobh, 2010). Because of the different public and non-public entities, the MOPH faces several challenges in improving the health of the Egyptian people (Haley & Beg, 2012). The Egyptian health care model is presented so that it can be compared alongside other global healthcare delivery models. The following topics will be presented; challenges, financing of care, gross domestic product spent on healthcare, payer system, provider choice, reimbursement and world ranking (Haley & Beg, 2012; Haley, Adel, Bég & Sobh, 2010; World Health Organization (n.d.)).

NURSING

37

Examining Barriers for Nurse Practitioners in BRCA1/BRCA2 Genetic Testing on Patients with Familial History of Breast Cancer in WomenPresenter: Kristen HayesFaculty Advisor: Laurie Bagwell

Having a mutation in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene can increase the risk of contracting breast cancer by 50-80%. There is a little evidence on how these genes are handled by nurse practitioners when encountering a patient needing testing, resulting in the need for a closer look in this area. Data was analyzed on 30 nurse practitioners responses to a survey sent out, questioning the knowledge and use of BRCA 1 and 2 genetic testing. 50% of respondents had ordered the test, but most ranked themselves as less confident on the genetic testing, and 83% requested more information. Various barriers to the testing were identified, and only 4 respondents selected all appropriate indications for testing. These results show that more education is needed to provide the best care possible to patients at high risk of having this mutation. Further research with a larger study population is needed.

United Kingdom Healthcare SystemPresenters: Lauren Brown, Lucy Oliver, and Jessie YuFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (Grosios, Gahan, & Burbidge, 2010). Healthcare in the United Kingdom is free of charge for all residents and paid for through the National Health Services (NHS) by taxation on residents (National Health Services, 2015). Insurance contributions also help provide funding for the NHS (Grosios, Gahan, & Burbidge, 2010). A few services including prescriptions, vision, and dental may still have a charge. Patients are allowed to choose providers and hospitals in the area they live (Boyle, 2011). However, challenges do exist within this healthcare system such as a delay in treatment for elective procedures (Boyle, 2011). The United Kingdom’s health system ranks 18 out of 191 countries (Tanon, Murray, Lauer, & Evans, 2000), and health expenditures account for 9.1% of the total GDP (World Health Organization, 2014).

Improving Patient Outcomes in Disseminated Intravascular CoagulationPresenters: Julia Berends, Lindsey Brown, BethAnne Davis,

and Linnea RicoFaculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a clotting disorder that is prevalent in the ICU and has a shockingly high mortality rate of 45-78%. In DIC, hypercoagulation of the blood causes organ failure due to decreased blood supply, while the patient simultaneously begins to lose massive amounts of blood due to the consumption of clotting factors from the massive coagulation. It is extremely important for nurses to identify symptoms of DIC early and know the plan of treatment so they

can act quickly in the event that DIC occurs. The purpose of this project is to emphasize the need for educating nurses on the signs and symptoms of DIC as an opportunity to lower the mortality rate. Education is key to improving patient outcomes in DIC.

The Use of Tranexamic Acid in Adolescent Idiopathic Spinal Fusion Surgery: An Integrated Research ReviewPresenter: London England-LewisFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

Posterior spinal fusion is often used to repair adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. During this procedure large amounts of blood loss can occur resulting in perioperative complications. The aim of this integrative research review was to examine the use of tranexamic acid in the adolescent posterior spinal fusion and its efficacy at reducing blood loss, blood transfusions, and their subsequent complications at varying loading and infusion dosages. This review studied participants between the ages of 10-23 years with a diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and undergoing posterior spinal fusion. Seven studies totaling 532 participants were included in the review. The results of the review consistently revealed the use of tranexamic acid decreased transfusion requirements and perioperative blood loss. Overall, the results of this integrative research review suggest that the routine use of TXA is effective at reducing blood loss, blood transfusions and their subsequent complications in adolescent idiopathic posterior spinal fusion surgery.

Effectiveness of Teach-back Method versus Traditional Instructions in Reducing Congestive Heart Failure Hospital Readmissions and Increasing Patient Knowledge: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Louise Manasco, Ruth Minor, Tonya Polk, and

Melanie RussellFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zolia Vichot Sánchez

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic, costly health condition and is the leading cause of hospitalizations. With a 30-day readmission rate of 21%, it is imperative to determine the most effective means of lowering readmission rates by improving patient knowledge. Teach-back allows providers to gauge a patient’s learning by asking them to recall information in their own words. The purpose of this Integrative Research Review is to synthesize evidence to determine if teach-back or traditional methods of patient education are more effective in reducing CHF readmission rates and increasing patient knowledge about their care. Databases reviewed CINAHL, Medline, and EBSCO. Search terms used: congestive heart failure, teach-back, readmission rates, and patient knowledge. This study is a work in progress; however, based on preliminary review, the use of teach-back is more effective in increasing patient knowledge and reducing readmission rates than traditional instructions.


A Comparison of the Effects of Midazolam versus Dexmedetomidine in Reducing Emergence Delirium Related to Sevoflurane in Post-Operative Pediatric Patients: An Integrated Research ReviewPresenter: Manju ThankachanFaculty Advisor: April Yearwood

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) or emergence agitation is a complication associated with the use of sevoflurane anesthesia. ED is very common in post-operative pediatric patients and can result in self- injury, the need for extra staff, delay in discharge time, and an increase in the cost of health care. Midazolam and dexmedetomidine are the most commonly used drugs to prevent emergence delirium. Objective: The objective of this integrated research review is to compare the effectiveness of midazolam and dexmedetomidine in the reduction of sevoflurane induced emergence delirium in post-operative pediatric patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies focused on the effectiveness of midazolam and dexmedetomidine in the reduction of emergence delirium in post-operative pediatric patients. The online databases were searched from the year 2005 to present which includes Medline (Ovid), EBSCO, Medline Plus, PubMed, CINAHL with full text, and Science Direct to obtain studies relevant to the topic. Search terms used are ‘emergence delirium’, ‘sevoflurane’, ‘midazolam’, dexmedetomidine, and ‘postoperative pediatric patients’. Peer reviewed journal articles were selected. Manual search from journals is also used. The PRISMA tool is utilized to assess the quality of studies that are included in the review. Nineteen articles that met the inclusion criteria was selected for the study and analyzed the results of individual studies. The results were compiled in a data abbreviation chart and compared the effectiveness of midazolam and dexmedetomidine in the reduction of emergence delirium. Results: Sixteen randomized controlled trials and three meta-analyses were evaluated, and the results were compared. Dexmedetomidine has sedative,

analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. It does not cause respiratory depression and has better hemodynamic stability. Adjuvant drugs are not necessary with the use of dexmedetomidine to reduce emergence delirium. Dexmedetomidine can be used in the preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative period to reduce ED. Midazolam is also effective in reducing ED. Midazolam does not have analgesic property, and can cause respiratory depression and thereby delay the discharge of the patient. Conclusion: The integrated research review concludes that dexmedetomidine is a promising agent in the reduction of sevoflurane induced emergence delirium in postoperative pediatric patients.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Random Drug Testing and Electronic Medication Surveillance in the Detection of Drug Diversion among Anesthesia Providers: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Billie Browning, Kelsey Chance,

Brent Earwood, and Margaret WhiteheadFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Drug diversion among anesthesia providers is a multifactorial problem that persists despite attempts to detect and treat those affected. The purpose of this study is to review the current state of scientific knowledge comparing the effectiveness of random drug testing to electronic medication surveillance, including dispensing, wasting, and assaying controlled substances administered by anesthesia personnel. How effective are random drug screens and electronic medication surveillance in the detection of medication diversion among all anesthesia providers? The data will be collected through PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid, and Medline using the search terms: anesthesia provider(s), medication diversion, detection, electronic medication, and random drug screening. This is a work in progress, and preliminary findings suggest that random drug testing is more common than electronic medication surveillance, but that electronic medication surveillance may be equally as effective.

Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus Versus Continuous Epidural Infusion Combined with Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia for Labor Analgesia: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Mark DunavanFaculty Advisor: Brian Foster

Regional analgesic techniques are the most effective modalities of pain relief for the parturient during labor (Toledo, 2011). During the last fifteen years, there has been a transition to maintenance of analgesia with a continuous epidural infusion (CEI) combined with patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) (George, Allen, & Habib, 2013). Continuous infusion of analgesics into the epidural space avoids the peaks and valleys of intermittent administration and results in a smoother analgesic experience for the parturient with fewer medical interventions. Recently there has been a new interest in programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) administration that can be provided by newer

NURSING

39

epidural pumps (Capogna, Camorcia, Stirparo, & Farcomeni, 2011). The role of PIEB has not yet been well established. The results of this integrative systematic research review could be used to improve the way anesthesia providers provide patient care and pain relief to laboring patients.

Healthcare Providers’ Attitudes toward Initiating Hepatitis C Treatment in HIV Co-infected PatientsPresenter: Marshe TurnerFaculty Advisor: Laurie Bagwell

Initially, treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infected patients were considered less complicated and yielded higher response rates than patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). With the release of newer, more efficient HCV medications, an environment has been created where treatment response rates of HIV/HCV co-infected patients is equal to that of HCV mono-infected patients. Soon HCV/HIV co-infection may no longer be considered a special population. This study surveyed the behaviors that motivate providers to initiate HCV treatment in a HIV positive population. Physicians and nurse practitioners from the Shelby County region of Tennessee participated in an anonymous survey. Data was analyzed to identify relationships between self-reported provider knowledge, years of experience, sources of HCV information, referrals patterns, number of HCV patients, as well as number of HIV/HCV co-infected patients. This is an optimal time for providers to examine their current practice behaviors in order to move more co-infected patients towards treatment.

A Retrospective Chart Review Evaluating the Effects of Tranexamic Acid on Postoperative Hemoglobin Levels and the Need for Transfusion after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty, Total Knee Arthroplasty, and Revision ProceduresPresenter: Martin E. RiveraFaculty Advisor: Brian Foster

Background: Tranexamic Acid (TXA) is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine causing an antifibrinolytic effect, the result of a substance that prevents the breakdown of fibrin in blood clots. This effect is achieved through the reversible blockade of lysine binding sites on plasminogen molecules—proteins found in many tissues and body fluids important in preventing fibrin clot formation (Dunn & Goa, 1999). Methods: This was a retrospective chart review evaluating hemoglobin concentrations/ levels up to 72 hours on patients receiving Tranexamic Acid following primary and/or revision of Total Hip Arthroplasty or Total Knee Arthroplasty at Phelps County Regional Medical Center (PCRMC) from January to December 2014. Results: This retrospective chart review quantifies the effectiveness of our dosing schedule in our patient population. Conclusions: The incorporation of TXA regimen should be adopted in cases involving primary and/or revision of Total Hip Arthroplasty or Total Knee Arthroplasty at PCRMC.

Blood Transfusion vs. Colloid AdministrationPresenter: Meghan Rains PattonFaculty Advisor: Melissa Lefave

Objectives: To evaluate the most appropriate method of volume expansion for improving morbidity, hemodynamic variables, and long-term survival in adult patients undergoing heart surgery. Background: Adult cardiac surgery patients frequently have comorbidities, which cause them to be at higher risk for blood transfusion associated complications. Dilutional anemia produces compensatory increase in cardiac output, eventually resulting in decreased tissue perfusion. Comparing the risks of homologous blood transfusions with the risks of dilutional anemia from colloid infusions can support decisions in choosing the best fluid resuscitation methods for adult cardiac surgery patients during the operative and postoperative period. Design: The research was an integrative research review. Methods: Searched electronic databases included Ebscohost, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, OVID, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. The following inclusion criteria were used: articles written in English from 2000 to 2015, with the exception of included landmark studies from 1961, 1993, and 1999. Results: Overall, the evidence found within the review does not support or oppose the practice of blood transfusion or colloid administration as providing reduced morbidity and mortality in adult cardiac surgery patients. However, long-term mortality and morbidity were increased in association with intraoperative bleeding and other surgically associated complications. Conclusion: Independent predictors of increased mortality and morbidity were found to be confounded when blood transfusion and dilutional anemia were present. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Goals of anesthesia providers should focus on optimizing the cardiac surgery patient both preoperatively and intraoperatively to allow for the best postoperative outcomes.

Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Daniel Bermea, Megan Ruszczyk, Jazmin

Santiago, and Meredith TatarzyckiFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

A common postoperative complaint among surgical patients is sore throat due to endotracheal intubation. There are several evidence based ways to prevent postoperative sore throat including drug therapy and tube size; however, identification of effective methods would be beneficial to anesthesia providers. The objective of this integrative research review is to identify effective prevention techniques for postoperative sore throat. In surgical patients, what are effective treatment methods for preventing postoperative sore throat? The electronic databases that will be searched include CINAHL, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. Search terms will include preoperative, pain, sore throat, and postoperative. This review is a work in progress. The results are hypothesized to be that all interventions are effective preoperative treatments for preventing postoperative sore throat.


Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS): An OverviewPresenters: Summer Cross, Grace Fern, Maggie Robertson,

and Michelle UndisFaculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a nonspecific process that can be caused by a variety of diseases or problems. It can result from ischemia, trauma, infection, inflammation, sepsis, pancreatitis, surgery or a combination of any of these. It can compromise various organ systems leading to multiple organ system failure and death. SIRS is defined as two or more of the following symptoms: body temperature greater than 38 degrees Celsius or less than 36 degrees Celsius, white blood cell count greater than 12,000 or less than 4,000, tachypnea (respiratory rate of more than 20 breaths per minute), and heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute. The earlier SIRS is caught the better the prognosis will be.

Compassion Fatigue in Pediatric Critical Care Nurses: An Integrative ReviewPresenter: Nan HendersonFaculty Advisor: Cynthia Powers

Nursing is an art, science, and skill. Nurses enter the field to help others at their most vulnerable times. In this helping of others, they often go without helping themselves. Nurses face moral and ethical dilemmas continually throughout their nursing career. These dilemmas are the basis for the moral distress that builds overtime causing the phenomenon of compassion fatigue (CF). Pediatric critical care nurses care for the young and vulnerable with severe illness, trauma, non-accidental trauma (abuse), post-operative complication, etc., along with caring for the parents and families creates an atmosphere that lends to CF on a daily basis. Nursing leaders have an obligation to identify ways of measuring quality of life, CF and moral distress and offer strategies to help cope or combat these phenomena. In appraising 32 articles, this review of literature revealed nurses experience CF and moral distress on a large scale, which can influence their nursing career and work-life balance. A paucity of research or data show proven strategies for improving these phenomena. More information is available in the adult setting than in the pediatric setting. There is a need for further research to identify strategies to support nurses on de-stressing and coping with the day-to-day situations that they face. Also needed is a way to identify which strategies for combating CF would be beneficial for pediatric critical care nurses.

German Healthcare SystemPresenters: Nathaniel Crum, Mario Johnson,

and Brandon YoungFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

Currently, the United States faces one of the most historically turbulent and challenging times in our healthcare history. Subsequently, international comparisons are more relevant than

ever before. Germany, 25th in the World Health ranking, utilizes a different structure than the United States, but remains 3rd in the world for GDP expenditure (WHO, 2016). Garnering a thorough understanding of the successful, and unsuccessful, areas of the German healthcare system will assist in plotting a path to a universally fair, and financially sound, system in the United States. Here, we have evaluated the healthcare system of Germany, assessing the following: payer system, financing, reimbursement, provider choice, challenges, world ranking, and gross domestic product spent on healthcare. A poster presentation was prepared to illustrate the aforementioned topics, allowing for an organized, methodical display of the information compiled.

An Integrative Research Review of Continuous Intraoperative Endotracheal Electromyography to Prevent Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury after Total Thyroidectomy Presenter: Nichelle K. Coleman Faculty Advisor: Melissa Lefave

Objective: To understand the effects of continuous intraoperative IONM to prevent RLN injury during thyroidectomies. Background: Most injuries to the recurrent laryngeal nerve are unilateral and transient, and recovery occurs in a few weeks. Nonetheless, permanent injury can occur which may cause incapacitating dysphonia (Sanabria et al., 2013). Other symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include hoarseness, dyspnea, stridor, and dysphagia (Lorenz et al., 2013). Design: The research was an integrative literature review. Method: Research was conducted using several databases with the search terms recurrent laryngeal nerve, thyroid surgery, and nerve monitoring to determine the efficiency in utilizing continuous intraoperative electromyography in efforts to prevent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Results: The results indicated that continuous nerve monitoring did not significantly reduce the rate of RLN injury. Conclusion: Further research should be conducted to establish variables associated with RLN injury and the reason surgeons are opposed to continuous EMG monitoring. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Healthcare professionals such as certified registered nurse anesthetist must be aware of the potential complications associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroidectomies.

Anesthetic Implications for Electroencephalography Monitoring: A systematic ReviewPresenter: Niki StiversFaculty Advisor: Brian Foster

The aim of this paper is to illustrate what the anesthesia provider may do to provide the best conditions for intraoperative adult electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring and EEG reliability. In the multifaceted environment of the operating room, anesthetic providers need to appreciate the unique requirements for atypical monitoring or uncommon procedures. Neuromonitoring techniques include electrocortiography, electromyography, somatosensory-evoked potentials, motor-evoked potential,

NURSING

41

direct nerve stimulation, brainstem mapping, and EEG (Jameson & Sloan, 2012). Knowledge of anesthetic influence on EEG is necessary when utilizing that monitoring technique intraoperatively when making treatment decisions. The literature identified for review were determined using a systematic approach to improve reproducibility and limit bias of the results. 12 articles were selected and reviewed for the purpose of this paper. The EEG can be utilized to enhance the anesthetist’s understanding of how specific patients react to an anesthetic in real time, reducing medication consumption and enabling the delivery of a tailored anesthetic (Sleigh, Scheib, and Sanders, 2011). Additionally, an understanding of how anesthesia medications such as propofol, nitrous oxide, halogenated inhalational agents, opioids, benzodiazepines, and alpha-2 agonists affect the EEG enhances the ability of the monitoring to have increased reliability and encourages medication delivery techniques allowing proper utilization of the findings by the anesthetist. Further investigation into the cost effectiveness, efficiency, reliability, and resulting patient satisfaction is warranted.

Effect of Ondansetron on QT Interval: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Tiffany Faulkner-Hines, Damani Johnson, and

Paige WilliamsFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Ondansetron is a first-line prophylactic anti-emetic therapy. Literature suggests a strong correlation between Ondansetron and adverse arrhythmias, but current recommendations are inconsistent regarding best clinical practices. The purpose of this integrative research review is to investigate the effects of intraoperative prophylactic Ondansetron administration on the QT interval in

adult surgical patients. Question: What is the incidence of QT prolongation during the intraoperative through post-anesthesia recovery periods after administration of routine intraoperative prophylactic intravenous Ondansetron in the adult surgical patient with a history of post-operative nausea and vomiting? A complete search of electronic databases will be utilized with search terms including: Ondansetron, Zofran, QT prolongation, and QT interval. Findings: The evidence is expected to support a strong correlation between Ondansetron and prolonged QT intervals. Conclusions: Results will support recommendations for continuous intra/post-operative EKG monitoring, careful medication selection, increased awareness, and further research.

An Integrative Research Review: The Use of Electronic Devices to Increase Patient Medication Compliance in the HIV PopulationPresenters: Sara Allen, Sarah Nail, Patience Whitten,

and Peter Yu Faculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

HIV positive patients are prevalent throughout the world. Their disease is chronic and must be managed medically. The purpose of this integrative research review is to evaluate the evidence showing the efficacy of electronic devices by increasing compliance in the HIV population. Databases used were CINAHL and Medline with the search terms being “HIV”, “compliance”, and “electronic devices”. We anticipate that the results will show that the use of electronic devices will have a positive impact on therapy compliance in the HIV population. This study is a work in progress. Preliminary review of several research studies indicate an increase in medication compliance with the use of electronic devices.


Continuous Noninvasive Hemoglobin Monitoring in Patients Undergoing Anesthesia in the Surgical Setting: An Integrated Research ReviewPresenter: Paul A. Orman IIFaculty Advisor: Melissa Lefave

Objectives: To review studies on the continuous noninvasive hemoglobin pulse oximeter in the surgical setting to determine if the evidence supports its use in clinical practice. Background: Currently the only means of obtaining a hemoglobin value on a patient is to draw blood and have it analyzed in a laboratory or at the bedside by blood analyzing machines. This is costly, time consuming, and invasive. This leads to a delay in decision making for patient treatment, which could be potentially be eliminated with the use of continuous noninvasive measurement of hemoglobin. Results: The continuous noninvasive hemoglobin pulse oximeter is accurate in limited circumstances in the surgical setting excluding situations where perfusion may be low, there is a potential for excessive blood loss, or where large amounts of fluids are infused. Conclusion: Further refinement of the noninvasive hemoglobin pulse oximeter is necessary before it can be implemented in any clinical situation in the surgical setting.

Analyzing the Accuracy of Electroencephalogram versus Cerebral Oximetry Monitoring in Identifying Cerebral Ischemia in Carotid Endarterectomy Surgery: An Integrated Research ReviewPresenter: Pelu OgunyemiFaculty Advisor: April Yearwood

Objective: Several reports have attested to the value of electroencephalography as the gold standard of neuromonitoring devices during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) surgeries for patients at risk for cerebrovascular accidents. However the use of cerebral oximetry (rSO2) has gained popularity amongst anesthetists because it is less expensive and simpler to operate than its counterparts. Cerebral ischemia is a very real threat during CEA; it affects approximately 2% percent of patients undergoing this procedure. The objective of this study is to preform an integrative research review comparing the efficacy of cerebral oximetry with EEG to determine its accuracy and its ability to be substituted for EEG during CEA. Methods: The authors performed a thorough integrative review of published CEA studies that analyzed the perioperative effectiveness of EEG, cerebral oximetry, and /or compares the two monitoring methods to determine accuracy. Reports included in this study were experimental, observational, and retrospective. Results: Overall the evidence shows that cerebral oximetry is an accurate form of neuromonitoring during the perioperative period. However, its lack of absolute critical values of which to determine cerebral ischemia makes it a unsatisfying as the sole method of neuromonitoring. The literature suggests that a relative decrease of >20% from baseline values is highly suggestive of neurological complications but it is not an absolute definition. Although cerebral oximetry revealed cerebral ischemia and the need for

carotid shunting with similar accuracy as EEG; its high rate of false positives (>50% in most cases) over exaggerated the need for carotid shunting and may have led to the use unnecessary shunts in some patients. Overall the literature suggests that cerebral oximetry is accurate and effective however it is potentially dangerous alone as it may lead to missed ischemic events and unnecessary shunting when compared to EEG.

Australian Healthcare SystemPresenters: Kellee Etghayi, Mary Hardin, and Rebecca MoodyFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

Australia has one of the longest life expectancies and lowest infant mortality rates worldwide (The World Bank, 2016; World Health Statistics, 2014). The Commonwealth Fund Study of 2014 ranked 11 nations on health care quality through four measures, and found Australia fourth in the ranking (Keast, 2015). Australia enjoys universal health insurance, whereby the current structure is a combination of publicly financed health coverage and private insurance, subsidized by the government (Hall, 2015). However, citizens must pay considerable out-of-pocket expenses (Carpenter, Islam, Yen, & McRae, 2015). Because of the public’s outcry regarding private expense, Australia’s financial crisis, and controversy related to government subsidies paying for private insurance, Australia is continuing to consider healthcare reform (Hall, 2015; Keast, 2015). Therefore, this presentation will take a deeper look at the payer system, financing and supply, reimbursement, production, provider choice, challenges, world ranking, and gross domestic product spent on healthcare.

Spain’s Healthcare SystemPresenters: Renee Armstrong, Heather Livingston, and

Roletha PillowFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

The Spanish healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Spain is currently ranked 7th in the world (WHO, 2016). Spain offers a combination system of universal state health care and private insurance. Universal coverage is free to those living and working in Spain, as well as others qualifying for coverage: children, state pensioners, and others receiving state benefits (Expatica, 2016). This poster will exhibit the unique makeup of the Spanish healthcare system, including the payer system, financing, reimbursement, provider choice, challenges, WHO ranking, and gross domestic product expenditures. It will also afford an opportunity for comparison to other presentations on Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

NURSING

43

Comparison of International Health Care Systems: DenmarkPresenter: Shanytel WeathersbyFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

The Danish health care system has taken great strides to continue delivering quality patient care outcomes. Although health services are regulated by the national government, the health care system faces the challenge of decreasing socioeconomic health inequalities with obesity, alcohol and tobacco use being the top risk factors (Olejaz, Nielsen, Rudkjobing, Birk, Krasnik, & Hernández-Quevedo, 2012). Recently, mandatory health agreements were implemented promoting the use of electronic health records to continue the delivery of quality patient care outcomes (Mossialos, Wenzl, Osborn, & Anderson, 2015). The Health Policy & Economics course provided a review of current economic and political issues in the United States. This presentation will identify the following information regarding the Denmark healthcare system: Payer system, Financing, Reimbursement, Provider Choice, Challenges, World Ranking, and Gross Domestic Product spent on Healthcare.

The Use of Dexamethasone to Increase the Sensory Block Duration of Brachial Plexus Blocks: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Sarah SpragginsFaculty Advisor: April Yearwood

Brachial plexus blockade increases patient satisfaction and decreases requirements of narcotic administration. In turn, this decreases sedation, nausea, and vomiting and hastens hospital discharge. Single shot administration of local anesthetic with adjuvant therapies offers the most direct and simplistic method to prolong regional brachial plexus blockade. The purpose of this study was to examine if the addition of dexamethasone to local anesthetics increases the duration of brachial plexus sensory blockade in adults undergoing upper extremity surgery. Between January 2003 and December 2014, twenty randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses on sensory duration in brachial plexus blocks with the use of adjuvant dexamethasone were included based on study eligibility criteria, specifically adult participants receiving brachial plexus block for upper extremity surgery with the comparative addition of dexamethasone. The inclusion criterion was not limited to race, religion, or culture; however only articles published in English and less than 12 years old were included. The intervention received was local anesthetic +/- dexamethasone 4-10mg. Two studies evaluated the administration of intravenous dexamethasone simultaneously with the brachial plexus block placement. In all studies, the result was an increased duration of sensory blockade with the adjuvant administration of dexamethasone, either perineurally or intravenously. The use of dexamethasone for perineural administration has not yet been approved in the United States. The ability to show its effects and function in these blocks allows practitioners to make informed decisions on the inclusion of this medication to provide extended pain relief to patients in the postoperative period.


Effect of Music Therapy on Short-Term Pain in the Hospitalized Oncology Patient: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Spencer Crihfield, Kellye Glass, Morgan Smith,

and Gwen WolfordFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Implementation of music therapy has been shown to reduce short-term pain in hospitalized patients with cancer. Interventions to date have been primarily focused on pharmacologic methods. The purpose of this Integrative Research Review will be to evaluate the self-reported effectiveness of music therapy in the hospitalized oncology patient. Question: In hospitalized oncology patients, how does the implementation of music therapy affect self-reported, short-term pain reduction? Databases to be used are MEDLINE, CINAHL, and UpToDate. Search terms will be “music therapy”, “pain”, and “cancer”. This study is a work in progress. Based on preliminary reviews, music therapy will be effective in reducing short-term pain in the hospitalized oncology patient.

Examining the Causative Factors Associated with Post-operative Sore Throat after Placing an Endotracheal Tube: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenter: Stacey M. OrtizFaculty Advisor: Molly Wright

This is an integrated research review on the causative factors of post-operative sore throat (POST). Post-operative sore throat (POST) is a common discomfort many patients experience after endotracheal intubation when undergoing general anesthesia. This integrated research review specifically evaluated patients over the age of 17; comparative studies and interventions to prevent sore throat were evaluated. Study designs ranged from systematic reviews, meta-analysis, randomized control trials, secondary analyses and quantitative studies. The aim of this integrative research review is to examine the causative factors associated with post-operative sore throat. Aside from injury to teeth, the most common complication of endotracheal intubation is postoperative sore throat. Although the symptoms of post-operative sore throat are discomforting, they are often short lasting in the early post-operative period. The incidence of POST varies in different studies. Preventative measures of this uncomfortable phenomenon is significant for healthcare providers to acknowledge, be mindful and attentive to in order to decrease this common peril.

Comparison of International Health Care Systems: CanadaPresenters: Nadia James, Susan Strange-McClora,

and Julie StuckeyFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

This presentation will examine economic and political factors of the Canadian Health Care system. The Medical Care Act of

1968 was the beginning of the Canadian federal governments national health insurance referred to as Medicare (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2013, p. 65). Perceived health is a “reliable and valid measure, associated with functional decline, morbidity, and mortality” (Government of Canada, 2016, p. 1) with 88.7% of Canadians perceiving their health as good (OECD Better Life Initiative, 2015, p. 1). Seven domains and their subcategories will be analyzed to include the Canadian payer system, financing, reimbursement, provider choice, challenges, world ranking, and gross domestic product spent on health care.

Intensive Care Psychosis: Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment Presenters: Shelby Cox, Grace Eaton, Iona McHaney, ,

Kristen Powell, and Laina Willoughby Faculty Advisor: Kathy O’Connor Wray

Delirium, defined as the disturbance of consciousness and cognitive function that develops rapidly and changes over time, is a phenomenon prevalent in the Intensive Care Units of hospitals and is known as ICU psychosis. The ICU environment creates both overstimulation and under stimulation of the nervous system. This juxtaposition of stimulation causes a state of cognitive impairment. Many health care workers do not recognize the severity of this disability, and their lack of concern leads to a negligence of the many screening tests that can be done to diagnose and prevent severe delirium. Delirium is often wrongly associated with dementia, side effects of drugs, and depression, which delays the diagnosis and treatment of delirium. There are several subsets of this disorder – including hyperdelirium and hypodelirium. Each subset has potentially lasting, neurological effects on the patient when they are discharged from the ICU, preventing a full recovery. ICU workers need to be further educated in the screening processes for ICU psychosis, so each patient will receive individualized care and avoid deterioration into delirium. This project is designed to provide basic education on ICU psychosis, how to recognize it in a patient, and the steps to prevent it.

Effectiveness of Barcode Technology with Electronic Medication Administration: An Integrative Research ReviewPresenters: Hannah Abutineh, Indya Daniels,

and Tameka N. JonesFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Research publications have shown that medication errors account for 78% of serious medical errors in the hospital, however, registered nurses are reluctant to incorporate new technologies into daily practice. The purpose of this integrative research review will be to assess the effectiveness of barcode technology in preventing medication errors. In hospital settings, does the use of barcode technology reduce medication errors? Databases used were CINAHL and Nursing and Allied Health Collection. Search terms were “barcoding” and “medication

NURSING

45

error” “medication error prevention” “hospital”, “acute care settings”. This study is a work in progress. Preliminary review of the literature has shown that barcode technology reduces medication errors in inpatient settings when used properly. The use and implementation of barcode technology has been shown to reduce medication errors in the hospital.

The Swedish Healthcare SystemPresenter: Thomas Bryan BarnesFaculty Advisor: Shari Wherry

Sweden holds a title for a country with one of the finest healthcare systems in the world. It is predominantly government funded and accounts for the country’s largest expense. There is a limit on the amount funded by the individual; however, no one is denied medical care. Sweden ranks at the top with having one of the lowest rates with infant mortality being only 5%. (Anell, GlennGard, & Merke, 2012)

The healthcare system is decentralized into three groups: national, regional, and local. At the national level principles and guidelines for care are established and regional and local levels are supervised. The local healthcare group is responsible for maintaining a healthy environment, social welfare, post discharge care for the elderly and mental health services. This presentation will identify the following information regarding the Swedish healthcare system: Payer system, Financing, Reimbursement, Provider Choice, Challenges, World Ranking, and Gross Domestic Product spent on Healthcare. (Thompson, 2014)

Abstract of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Guidelines for Primary Care PracticePresenter: Vashti MillerFaculty Advisor: Darel Davis

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multi-drug resistant bacterium which can cause a variety of infections. It can be acquired in the community (CA-MRSA) or in the healthcare setting (HA-MRSA). Within the community, CA-MRSA often causes painful skin and soft tissue infections that may have accompanying abscesses. Within the healthcare setting, HA-MRSA can cause infections such as pneumonia or infections to areas of recent trauma and/or surgery that could potentially be life-threatening.

Skin and soft tissue infections cost society, insurance companies and the healthcare system as a whole nearly 1 billion dollars a year. These infections are seen in the primary care setting in increasing numbers and treatment guidelines need to be followed to ensure that patients are treated accordingly. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) have developed guidelines for practitioners to follow when treating patients with MRSA using evidenced based practice (EBP). Not treating these infections according to guideline can lead to worsening of symptoms and possible increase in resistance to antibiotics as well as increased cost to healthcare, insurance companies and society.

An Integrated Research Review: Why Is There Such a Big Buzz with Preventing CAUTIs in Hospitalized Geriatrics?Presenters: Yolanda Conners, Wayne Martin,

and Cotillion McClainFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

Catheter acquired urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in the geriatric hospitalized population, ages 65-80 years old, are well recognized problems. Utilization of Foley catheters are essential for several different reasons but have become a significant source of hospital-acquired infections which increases their length of stay, the cost of care, and manpower hours. The intent of this integrated research review is to compare restrictions on catheter placement versus educational intervention guidelines for initiation of the Foley catheters. A search of electronic database CINAHL, EBSCO, and Google Scholar will be used. The following key terms will be used during the search “urinary catheter insertion bundles” and “prevention of UTI with Foley catheters in geriatrics.” The anticipated evidence will suggest that shorter catheterization time and institute restrictions on catheter placement will decrease the number of CAUTIs.

An Integrative Review of Intraoperative Modifiable Risk Factors of Postoperative Delirium in the Elderly PopulationPresenters: Calvin Hocker, Christian Lopez, Cody Pittman,

and Chris WrightFaculty Advisors: Connie Cupples and Zoila Vichot Sánchez

The incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) is a complication within the elderly population. Intraoperative modifiable risk factors, such as hypothermia, dehydration, and over sedation have been associated with an increased risk of POD. The purpose of this integrative research review will be to identify intraoperative modifiable risk factors associated with POD in the elderly. Databases to be utilized include MEDLINE and EBESCO. Search terms will be “postoperative delirium” and “older adults”. Our anticipated findings should indicate that detection and modification of associated risk factors among the elderly population will decrease the incidence of POD. We believe the reviewed evidence will exhibit a decrease in mortality, morbidity, length of hospital stay, and healthcare cost by modification of the associated risk factors. Further studies will need to be conducted on the modification of intraoperative risk factors preoperatively and the effects on POD. n


Pharmacogenetic-based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Plasma and Intracellular Concentrations of Efavirenz on Adult Ethiopian HIV and TB/HIV PatientsPresenter: Abiy EyakemFaculty Advisor: Joel Owen

The population pharmacokinetics of efavirenz (EFV) in plasma and intracellular (IC) was investigated. From 313 patients, 1811 steady state plasma (n=1132) and corresponding IC (n=679) EFV concentrations were analyzed after 600mg per day. Demographics, baseline organ function and pharmacogenetic markers were explored as covariates. CYP2B6*6 alleles were included in the base model. A two-compartment model, plasma as central (Vc/F=93L; CV=36%) with first-order absorption and Alag and IC as peripheral (Vp/F=130L; CV=65%), described the data well (Figure 1). IC clearance followed a nonlinear transfer rate (CLp/F=32L/h; Vmax=25µg/mL/h; Km=4.1µg/mL). The estimated CL/F for CYP2B6*1/*1, CYP2B6*1/*6 and CYP2B6*6/*6 were 18, 14 and 8.7 L/h, respectively. Among

the covariates tested, CYP3A5*1 showed significant effect on CL/F (∆OFV = 8.259, df =1, α = 0.01), contributing for 1% CL/F inter-individual variability (IIV). In conclusion, EFV accumulated to higher concentrations in IC than plasma and was well described by zero-order transfer rate from peripheral cells to the plasma. Besides CYP2B6*6, CYP3A5*1 contributes minimally for IIV CL/F.

PHARMACY

47

Emerging Vitality of Pharmacogenomics in Health Care ManagementPresenter: Andrea MarkhamFaculty Advisor: Lunawati Bennett

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetic variation can impact individual response to the drug. As medication experts, pharmacists are well-positioned to ensure genetic data are used safely and effectively to tailor dosage for targeted therapy according to the individual genetic makeup, so predictions of response and adverse events can be prevented. Several pharmacogenetics testing has been done on the drug’s use to treat certain cardiovascular disease, oncology, pain management and psychiatric Diseases. At this time, pharmacogenetics testing has not been implemented in the USA regularly due to high cost. This presentation is a review from different journals sources that discusses cost-effective analyses, pros and cons of pharmacogenetics testing in respect to implementation into current prescribing practices.

Resveratrol Synergistically Enhances the Efficacy of Sorafenib Mediated Apoptosis via ROS, apaf-1 and Caspase 3 in Human Breast Cancer Cells Presenters: Arindam Mondal and Lunawati BennettFaculty Advisor: Lunawati Bennett

Breast cancer is one of the main causes of cancer related death among women worldwide. Our aim is to investigate if resveratrol (RSV) has synergistic apoptotic efficacy when combine with sorafenib (SF) and to explore the pathway of this apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF7 cells. We performed MTT assay, DNA fragmentation assay, Hoechst33342, H2DCFDA, Rhodamine123 staining and Western Blot analysis. MCF7 cell viability decreased in the combination treatment than that of RSV or SF alone. Change in morphology, Hoechst staining and DNA fragmentation suggested that combination treatment has higher apoptotic efficacy. Elevation of intracellular ROS and P-53 levels, modulation of Bax/Bcl2, decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, higher expression and cleavage of apaf-1, caspase 9, caspase 3 and PARP indicated involvement of oxidative stress related mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. RSV can be considered as chemo-enhancing adjuvant to improve SF efficacy in breast cancer treatment.

Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Arylation of C(sp3)-H Bonds of α-Cyano Aliphatic Amides Presenter: M. Damoder ReddyFaculty Advisor: Blake Watkins

Pd(OAc)2-catalyzed arylation of C(sp3)-H bonds in α-cyanoα-methyl aliphatic amides is achieved in the presence of 8-aminoquinoline, as a removable directing group, using Mn(OAc)2 and Na2CO3. The current strategy enables the

placement of an aryl/heteroaryl group at the β−position of α-cyano aliphatic acid derivatives for the first time. Wide functional group tolerance and easily accessible starting materials provide an efficient protocol for the synthesis of arylated α-cyano amides. Furthermore, the synthetic utility of the products has been demonstrated by their efficient conversions to medicinally important α, α-dialkylated acid and β−amino acid derivatives.

Vitamin C Effect on Lung Cancer and Breast Cancer Cell Lines Presenters: James Clary and Jasmine PaulFaculty Advisor: Lunawati Bennett

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated death in the world. Patients with lung cancer are usually given combinational antineoplastic such as pemetrexed and cisplatin that cause undesirable adverse events. Breast cancer is the most common diagnosed among women worldwide. Despite being a significant part of standard treatments in improving survival, doxorubicin is associated with cardiotoxicity that offset the benefit. High doses of vitamin C had been shown to have effect on certain cancers. The present study aims to identify pemetrexed and vitamin C in MSTO and doxorubicin and vitamin C in MCF7 human breast carcinoma, respectively using cytotoxicity sulforhodamine B assay. The finding from this study showed that adding high dose of vitamin C to certain anti neoplastic might be useful to increase chemo toxicity effect while having no detrimental effect on non-tumor cells.

Effect of High Dose Vitamin C and Sorafenib on Neuroblastoma, Hepatocarcinoma, and Kidney Cell LinesPresenters: Lunawati Bennett, Ife Babatunde, Anthony

Duong, and Rene EffoeFaculty Advisor: Lunawati Bennett

Sorafenib is a multi-kinase inhibitor that was approved for the treatment of renal, hepatocellular, and thyroid carcinomas. High doses of vitamin C had been shown to have promising results as an antineoplastic agent. The proposed mechanism by which high dose vitamin C may have antineoplastic activity including the generation of H2O2 and ascorbyl radicals in the extravascular tissue which are detrimental to cancer cells. The present study aims to identify the cytotoxic effect of sorafenib and high dose vitamin C on SHSY5Y human neuroblastoma, HEK 293 embryonic kidney, and HEP G2 hepatocarcinoma cells. High dose vitamin C at 5mM and 2.5 mM had toxic effect like sorafenib at 100 µM, while low dose vitamin C favors cell survival. This finding showed that adding high dose of vitamin C to sorafenib might be useful to increase chemotoxicity to tumor cells while having no detrimental effect on non-tumor cells. n


Computational Light-Matter InteractionsPresenter: Daniel KeylonFaculty Advisor: Geoffrey Poore

In Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, researchers often study light-matter interactions. Lasers are used to probe the energy structure of atoms to determine relative electron populations. However, experiments can be time consuming to set up with parameters that are difficult to vary during runtime. The goal of this project is to build a software package to autonomously build and solve the theoretical equations that predict population evolution. This software can be used to quickly test different experimental setups and identify experimental parameters that could produce interesting results. The initial version of this program focuses on solving the population evolutions of Rubidium and Rubidium isotopes.

*Special thanks to the NSF for funding this research and to Kansas State University for hosting the program.

Characterization of the IPG6-BPresenter: Joshua EdgrenFaculty Advisor: Geoffrey Poore

The Inductively heated plasma generator (IPG6B) at the Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics, and Engineering Research (CASPER) at Baylor University provides valuable insight into the nature of high-enthalpy plasma flows in helium, argon, and nitrogen. The diagnostics of this device have yet to be fully determined. In order for the device to be useful for reentry simulations or for fusion reactor materials testing, a thorough map of its behavior at a wide range of pressures and gas flows will have to be investigated. For this reason various experiments have been performed with a cavity calorimeter in order to determine the plasma power at distinct parameters. Although there is

considerable work yet to do, the results have demonstrated trends in the devices behavior which will allow optimal operating conditions to be inferred. Additionally over the course of the analysis of these experiments, a Matlab algorithm was written to isolate stable regions of data and extrapolate equilibrium values and time constants from them. This quantifies the time required for experimental measurements to reach equilibrium after experimental parameters have been changed. n

PHYSICS

PSYCHOLOGYStress Reduction for the College Student through a Guided Art ExperiencePresenters: Ainsley Hunt, Trey McLemore, Matthew Young,

and Rachel YoungerFaculty Advisor: Jinni Leigh Blalack

Research indicates that stress and anxiety is prevalent, and even increasing, in college-age populations. Different forms of creative art exercises, including coloring, have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Twenty-six student volunteers from two upper-level psychology courses participated in a coloring exercise

during three scheduled class test days. Biofeedback cards were used to measure skin temperature as an indicator of anxiety and acute stress. In addition, students completed the Perceived Stress Scale at the beginning and end of the semester as a pre and post comparison of anxiety and long term stress. The results of this class project demonstrated that coloring relieved acute stress but did not significantly reduce long-term stress. Additional studies should continue to explore coloring benefits alongside other forms of expressive therapies in order to increase likelihood of significant results in long-term individual stress reduction for the college student. n

49

The Church and TransgenderismPresenter: Caleb ShawFaculty Advisor: James Patterson

Transgenderism is riding a cultural wave of exposure and acceptance in the wake of Caitlyn Jenner’s very public change and TIME’s article, “The Transgender Tipping Point.” The church is once again facing the challenge of addressing an emotional and culturally-accepted issue from a biblical worldview. So what are we to do? What are we to do if a transgender person comes into our church this Sunday and wants to serve in the church? Caleb Shaw, under the guidance and direction of Dr. C. Ben Mitchell, presents research about and offers suggestions on what the church’s position on transgenderism should be and how pastors and church leaders should address transgender individuals within their own churches.

Does God Allow Suffering?Presenter: Chris MimmsFaculty Advisor: James Patterson

Is suffering part of God’s plan? If so, does God have a direct hand in suffering? The purpose of my paper is to explore the nature of biblical suffering, and to seek to determine whether or not God intends for people to suffer or causes people to suffer. I will start

my discussion with a basic definition of suffering in order to gain a grasp on what suffering truly is. I will then take a look at several forms of suffering, including suffering on a large scale and suffering on a more personal front. Then I will take a look at the typical human response to suffering, and then how we as Christians should respond. Through doing this I hope to have a deeper understanding of suffering in relation to God’s purpose for us and to determine whether or not God has a direct hand in such suffering.

Theology of ClothingPresenter: Connor JohnsonFaculty Advisor: James Patterson

Clothing plays an important role in the Biblical narrative, from coverings of fig leaves and animal skins in Eden to white robes for waiting martyrs. This research provides relevant entry level sociocultural and linguistic investigations in identity and positioning theory, and compares modern perceptions of clothing with those of the ancient Near East. Following this historical and modern background overview, exegesis of key Scriptural pericopes marked with the clothing motif will construct a basic theology of clothing. This theology of clothing will include points of entry into fuller systematic theologies, as well as suggestions for practical application for evangelism, worship, and the spiritual disciplines.

THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS


The Who, Why, and When of the Resurrections Recorded in Matthew 27:52¬¬–54Presenter: Jacob SmithFaculty Advisor: Paul Jackson

Matthew shares a significant amount of material with the other evangelists, but verses 27:52–54 stand out as one of the most glaring examples of a solely Matthean account. Essentially, three principle questions (who, why, and when the dead saints were raised) dominate the exegetical conversation over this text that, in turn, answer a larger one (did it really happen). While historical veracity will be assumed throughout the argument, the final conclusions will indicate the very likely chance that this account is factually accurate. Historical-Cultural context becomes particularly important, as the propagandized tale of Julius Caesar’s apotheosis bears a striking resemblance to Matthew’s account. It is becomes clear that a strong connection exists between these two accounts. However, while such an assertion might troublesome, this by no means is an example of interpolation, but of specific divine condemnation.

Why Students of Theology Ought to Study MathematicsPresenter: Jameson WinterFaculty Advisors: James Patterson and Matt Lunsford

This presentation explores the unique benefits that students of Christian theology gain through the study of mathematics. These two specific disciplines and their interrelation demonstrate how important it is for believers to study a wide scope of topics in order to appreciate them and learn more about God. After briefly addressing the historical tradition of mathematics and its relation to theology, the focus turns to what mankind can see about the very nature of God through mathematics. Investigation into the specific areas of infinity, fractal geometry, and dimension, will rest at the center of this argument. By seeing the unique beauty and truth in these areas of mathematics Christians can understand more of the ways in which God has revealed himself. Hopefully attendees, having heard a compelling argument, will leave with a desire to explore the rich world of other disciplines in a pursuit of better knowing God.

Exegesis of Titus 1:1-4Presenter: Jonathan EldridgeFaculty Advisor: James Patterson

The introduction to Paul’s letter to Titus is examined in detail with its relationship to the rest of Scripture and to Christian theology. In these four short verses, Paul deals with many diverse theological topics, including election, Gospel truth manifested as godliness, the eternal destiny of the people of God, the honesty of God, the eternality of God, and more. These themes set up much of what Paul talks about in the rest of the letter and are heavily related to many of the themes in the letters to Timothy. Application will be given for the church and for individual Christians.

Created to Create: Why Do We Create?Presenter: MiKalla CottonFaculty Advisor: James Patterson

Why do we create? Scripture tells us that “In the beginning, God created…” and since we are an image of our Creator, we continue to create. Whether we paint, draw, sculpt, write, sing, play, dance, or photograph, we do so not out of our flesh but from the outpour of our Creator. We were created by a creative God who gives each of our hearts a passion to create in a way that points the world to His glory. This research project focuses on a biblical background of creation, the concept of the image of God, and covers case studies of various well-known photographers focused on their background for creating.

Verbal Aspect in New Testament Greek: A Study in the Greek Text of GalatiansPresenter: Phillip LundyFaculty Advisor: Mark Dubis

Developments in both New Testament Greek studies and the broader field of linguistics have necessitated a reassessment of the traditional tense-prominent model for Greek verbs in light of the grammatical concept of verbal aspect. Rather than a tense-prominent model, this thesis looks to present and defend an aspect-prominent model for the Greek verb that is fundamentally grounded in morphology, cognizant of the impact of contextual factors, and useful for exegesis. I will give an overview of the history of verbal aspect studies, explain the theory behind the aspect-prominent model, develop my own categories for verbal syntax based on an understanding of aspect, and apply the aspect-prominent model to the Greek text of Galatians, testing it for its explanatory power and exegetical value.

He Has Made Him Known: An Exploration of the Relationship between the Incarnation and Divine Revelation in the Johannine ProloguePresenter: Reeves GarrettFaculty Advisor: Ray Van Neste

For centuries, Christians have debated the nature and purpose of the incarnation of the Son of God. The apostle John recognized the need to defend the full divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ in his gospel account. As the Church has settled disputes concerning the nature of Christ, many theologians and interpreters have appealed to the Johannine prologue, and their appeals have resulted in robust interpretations of the text. Unfortunately, these interpretations often overlook the key to understanding John’s cohesive presentation of the incarnate Christ—God’s special self-disclosure. For John, the incarnation serves as the climax of God’s revelation of himself in history, a climax anticipated in the Old Testament and witnessed in the New Testament. The eternal Son of God became a man, according to John, in order to reveal the Father in a way superior to any other form of divine revelation.


51

PrécisPresenter: Ruthie JohnsonFaculty Advisor: James Patterson

I have chosen to write my thesis on remembering and its importance as it pertains to raising godly children. I will title it “Lest We Forget,” because the most dangerous thing we can do as a church is forget what God has done throughout the narrative of scripture, and raise a generation of children who are unaware. We are called to “take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children” (Deuteronomy 4:9). We are called to remember. I will begin by exploring God’s plan for his people to remember throughout the Old Testament, focusing specifically on the Passover in Exodus 12, the Israelites building a memorial in Joshua 3-4, the Shema in Deuteronomy 6. After I establish why we as a church should remember, I will talk about why people should remember what God has done for them and their own families personally. I will then relate this to raising children to not only remember what God did in the narrative of scripture, but also their spiritual heritage, and specific times God moved in the lives of their family members. Children should be taught to remember the covenant stories of scripture, their own salvation experiences, God’s sovereign works throughout history, and His faithfulness to their own families. The goal of raising our children to remember is that they will grow in their knowledge and love of God, that they will believe that He truly is faithful and keeps his promises, and that they will be able to share about God’s redemptive story as it relates to scripture and their own lives.

Reviving the Life of the World: Evangelicalism and the Sacramental Theology of Alexander Schmemann, or, Why the Body of Christ Needs the Body of Christ Needs the Body of ChristPresenter: Zack ClemmonsFaculty Advisor: Nathan Finn

My thesis will study the sacramental theology of Alexander Schmemann, especially as presented in his For the Life of the World, and put it dialogue with the sacramental theology (or lack thereof) in contemporary evangelicalism. The first part of the paper, drawing on Hans Boersma and Schmemann’s For the Life of the World, will look at the pre-modern sacramental ontology in which Orthodox theology is still steeped, and how its loss in the modern world (in which the Reformation was fermented) helped ground some of the de-sacramentalized theology of the Protestants. The second part will dive deeply into Schmemann’s more specific sacramental theology, inseparable from his liturgical theology, specifically looking at three major Sacraments—the Church, Baptism, and the Eucharist. I will then ask whether appropriation of Schmemann’s sacramental vision is possible in the evangelical context, considering the benefits and/or drawbacks of such an appropriation for evangelical worship and theology.

The Lord’s Prayer as a ModelPresenter: Daniel Scott PiersonFaculty Advisor: George Guthrie

In this paper, I explore prayer in the life of a Christian. I look at the Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 as a model prayer. I break it down into four main themes: recognition of God’s sovereignty, dependence on God, forgiveness from God for sin, and strength to resist sin. These four themes are found not only in the Lord’s Prayer but also in Old Testament prayers as well. I look at Psalms 13 and Job 42:1-6 as prayers and show how these Old Testament prayers carry the same themes as the Lord’s Prayer.

A Theology of Creation in Augustine’s De TrinitatePresenter: Brennan KolbeFaculty Advisor: Brad Green

Primarily using Augustine’s De Trinitate, I am examining his doctrine of creation in an ontological and devotional sense. His De Trinitate typically goes unnoticed as one of his treatments of creation yet constitutes a primary text regarding the Creator-creature relationship. Specifically, my thesis states that De Trinitate provides a framework for our understanding of Augustine’s thoughts on creation and the God-world relation through his principles concerning God’s providence over creation, creation’s revelation of God illumined by faith, and the creature’s participation in the divine life. The paper examines a number of secondary academic sources and also seeks to provide a fair and thorough close-reading of Augustine’s own writings in De Trinitate. Augustine’s work offers a rich resource to the church concerning worldview, vision, and theological method. De Trinitate offers a model of theology that displays Augustine the seeker burning to know and love God more and more through the purification of faith, the illumination of the Scriptures, and the revelatory means of the created order.

United to His Person: Comparing the Nature of Union with Christ in Paul and CalvinPresenter: Michael Avery Faculty Advisor: Brad Green

This project primarily seeks to compare and contrast the nature of union with Christ presented in the epistles of the Apostle Paul and the later Reformer John Calvin. Throughout their respective ministries and writings, in articulating the different facets of salvation, Calvin ultimately does justice to the witness of the Pauline corpus by maintaining that the nature of union with Christ is a Spirit/faith union in which Christ reaches the whole of man and brings the Christian into intimate fellowship and communion with the whole of God, not confounding their essences, though allowing for real change in the nature of the Christian. Both in Paul and Calvin, union with Christ is best seen, discussed, and applied in the context of word pictures and metaphors. Here I look through some of Calvin’s key texts regarding the issue in his Institutes, sermons, and commentaries, while also comparing his conclusions with exegetical insights from Paul.


Matthew 16:13-20 and the Authority and Foundation for Church PlantingPresenter: Logan SmithFaculty Advisor: George Guthrie:

There is a strong drive for church planting in fulfilling the Great Commission found both in the Bible and, thankfully, in our contemporary church setting more recently. However, with the essential emphasis on church planting comes important questions: What distinguishing marks make a church a true church? What foundation is the church – universally and locally – built upon? What authority does the Church have to plant new churches? In Matthew 16:13-20, after Simon Peter confesses belief in Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus declares Simon “Peter” to be the rock upon which he will build his church and gives him “the keys of the kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus appears to be initiating the creation, foundation, and authority of the Church itself, and ties this specifically to Peter. As such, this has long been a very important and controversial passage concerning the nature and foundation of the Church. In my paper, I exegete this passage in order to explore what it tells us about the nature, foundation, and authority of the Church universally as well as for the manifestation of the local church. By taking an exegetical approach, I start by establishing an understanding of the main message of the passage and thoroughly exegeting verses 17-19 in particular. With a clear exegesis of the text in place, the text is applied to our modern understanding of the foundation and authority of the church and the practice of church planting. A right understanding of this passage offers essential, though not exhaustive, insight into the authority the church has in church planting, as well as the nature and marks of the true church.

The Revelation of the Divine NamePresenter: Taylor MooreFaculty Advisor: George Guthrie

Throughout Scripture, the biblical authors have called God by a plethora of different names. In light of the ancient Hebrew custom of placing a good deal of significance, and meaning, in the names they give their children, the names of God must especially bear significant insight into His nature and character. Furthermore, since all knowledge of God must be revealed by God, the meanings and contexts of the divine names provide further insight into the way God’s relationship with His people develops throughout the biblical narrative. In this paper, I will discuss the most prominent divine names used in Scripture roughly in the order that they appear within the narrative. I will start in the Old Testament with Elohim and a few of the El compounds (namely El Shaddai), discussing how they convey the general idea of who God is. Then I will talk about Yahweh and its compounds (namely Yahweh Sabaoth), which conveys a decidedly fuller and more personal picture of God. From here I will move into the New Testament by discussing Jesus, or Immanuel. Finally, I will discuss the title of Christ and how it indicates that Jesus is the fulfillment and culmination of God’s self-revelation to His people.

Discourse Features of the Greek Article: A Cognitive-Functional Linguistic PerspectivePresenter: Taylor BrazilFaculty Advisor: Mark Dubis

Against the backdrop of centuries-long confusion about the precise function of the Greek article, Dr. Stephen Levinsohn and his followers have proposed a linguistically informed explanation of both the article’s presence and absence in any given scenario. This paper seeks specifically to test this theory against the article’s usage and non-usage with nouns and nominalized adjectivals in the text of Galatians. When limited to these two categories, Levinsohn’s theory can be summarized in three propositions. First, the article functions as a command from an author for recipients to treat the referent of the articular constituent as “cognitively identifiability.” Second, constituents are typically introduced anarthrously. Third, when an author presents an already introduced constituent anarthrously, the absence of the article serves to mark either focal or thematic prominence. I survey numerous texts in Galatians in order to defend the theory and demonstrate both its explanatory power and exegetical relevance.

The Shema and Spiritual FormationPresenter: Zack LangleyFaculty Advisor: George Guthrie

In Deuteronomy 6:4–9, known as “the Shema Prayer,” God gives one simple command with specific consequences in the lives of His people: “Love the LORD your God with all you heart with all your soul and with all your strength.” But why was it so important that God’s people remember this one command? Is there any correlation between God’s instructions in the Shema prayer and the approach toward spiritual formation today? In this presentation, I will argue that the Shema provides a necessary foundation for the spiritual growth of God’s people across the generations by looking at it contextually in both the Old Testament and New Testament, and then apply that foundation to the Church’s approach to spiritual growth today.

The Changing Ministry: Pastors and the Community at LargePresenter: Cliff Thompson IIFaculty Advisor: James Patterson

The role of pastors within the community has changed significantly throughout church history, which has implications for modern ministry. Important historical trends with regards to how pastors interact with the community are explored. Modern developments are also discussed with special attention to how contemporary pastors can manage a community role which again threatens to drastically change. n


The Thirteenth Annual Scholarship Symposium is sponsored by the Union University Research Program

RESEARCH GRANT RECIPIENTS Fall 2015

Undergraduate

Lee Benson and Sarah-Ann Winchester “Baltimore Clayworks Workshop”

Mark Bolyard and Hannah Richardson “Modification and Purification of Green Fluorescent Protein to Detect Thrombin Inhibitors”

Jennifer Gruenke and Breana Benefield “Development of a Hamster Model of Autoimmune Narcolepsy”

Marc Lockett and Andrew Bigelow “Beta-2-Glycoprotein-1 Involvement in Platelet Aggregation”

Michael Schiebout and Heather Vidal “Comparison of Quercus Populations by DNA Barcode Analysis”

Wilburn Lane, Breanne Crain, and Blake Hodges “The Impact of Demographics and Personality Traits on Snapchat Usage”

G. Jan Wilms and Joshua Stucky “Creation of Application Programming Interface Between Robotic Arm and Lego Mindstorms Visual Programming Environment”

Georg Pingen, Seth Guiler, and Chelsea Johnson “Development of an Appropriate Solar Water Heating Solution for Orphanage Emmanuel”

Randy Schwindt, Nathan Parke, and Erin Picard “Honduras Photovoltaic Project”

Graduate

Sean King, Virginia Schwindt, and Stephanie Coley “An Educational Strategy to Enhance the Inter-professional Learning Readiness of Pharmacy Students”

EXCELLENCE-DRIVEN CHRIST-CENTERED PEOPLE-FOCUSED FUTURE-DIRECTED

Documents

THIRTEENTH ANNUAL UNION UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP …