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The effect of body composition on subendocardial viability ratio
No full textINTRODUCTION: This study investigated the relationship between body composition and
subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), a noninvasive index of myocardial oxygen supplies relative
to demand, in healthy adults. The primary objective was to assess whether increased body mass
index (BMI) is associated with reduced SEVR. METHODS: Sixty adults (30 males, 30 females)
aged 24–75 years were classified into normal weight (NW; BMI <25 kg/m²) and overweight/obese
(OW; BMI ≥25 kg/m²) groups. Central arterial hemodynamics were measured using pulse wave
analysis to derive SEVR, and CRF was quantified via cardiopulmonary exercise testing to
determine VO2max. RESULTS: The NW group (34.7 ±12.48 ml/kg/min) exhibited significantly
higher VO2max values compared with the OW group (25.6 ±9.56 ml/kg/min), reflecting superior
fitness levels. A nonsignificant statistical trend indicated SEVR values were higher in NW
individuals (160.6 ±33.91%) relative to OW counterparts (147.1 ±26.38%). CONCLUSION:
These findings suggest that obesity may detrimentally affect myocardial perfusion. Excess visceral
fat is thought to impair endothelial function through the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and
by promoting arterial stiffness, thereby limiting coronary blood flow. In addition, obesity-induced
insulin resistance may exacerbate these vascular changes. The observed differences in CRF further
associate fitness as a modifiable factor that could mitigate the adverse cardiovascular effects of
obesity.M. S
Action for animals: the development of social content and branding for non-profits
No full textAction for Animals is a small 501(c) non-profit in Muncie, Indiana. Through the
development of a three-month content calendar for the organization, a more strategic social
presence can be established. By breaking down and reevaluating what makes social media
content successful, a comprehensive structure can be created to provide a benefiting service to a
local non-profit. The primary focus of this project is on the development and production of social
platform content in the form of static graphics, video, branding, and instructional guidelines
while also providing valuable experiences on client-based work and the management of a
production. The following project resulted in the development of six video assets, 43 static
graphics, three branding assets, and two educational guidelines for internal organization use.M. A
Examining ADHD symptoms as a predictor of listening performance in children with suspected listening difficulties
No full textThe aim of this study was to examine whether listening performance in certain contexts
could be better predicted by students demonstrating ADHD symptoms. To address this aim, I
used a sample of 38 children referred to the Audiology Clinic for an evaluation and conducted a
Classification Tree Analysis. Results demonstrated that ADHD symptoms were helpful in further
dividing the groups but that this seemed to only distinguish between the listening performance of
the different groups of students in the Ideal Condition. Future directions of research were
discussed.M. S
Predicting mathematical outcomes: analyzing German PISA cases
No full textThis study explores the primary predictors of math performance among German secondary
school students, utilizing the 2022 PISA dataset in order to do so. The analysis focuses on three
ability-based groups—below average, average, and gifted students—and investigates how
factors such as math anxiety, math efficacy, teacher-student relationships, and math
persistence influence student performance. The results imply that for below-average students,
higher math anxiety and teacher support, along with increased math efficacy, are associated
with lower performance. Interestingly, math persistence emerged as the only statistically
significant positive predictor for below-average students. For average and gifted students, math
anxiety and efficacy show similar negative relationships with performance, with the effects
being weaker for higher-performing students. Teacher-student relationships and familiarity
with mathematical terms yielded mixed results. The findings suggest that while math anxiety
and overconfidence in abilities can hinder performance, perseverance/persistence could offer a
modifiable pathway for improving outcomes, in particular for lower-performing students. The
study highlights these complex relationships and has a call to action for further research, so
that researchers can better understand how specific forms of teacher support and efficacy
impact students of varying abilities.M. S
A case study of social inclusion in special olympics team sports
No full textThis study explored how athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
and coaches in Traditional Special Olympics (SO) team sports understand and practice social
inclusion. While prior research identified five themes of social inclusion in Unified SO sports
(McConkey et al., 2019), little is known about their relevance in Traditional settings. Using
semi-structured interviews and observations of 11 athletes and five coaches, this study applied
deductive and inductive content analysis and found that the five Unified themes of social
inclusion also applied in Traditional SO environments. Additionally, inductive analysis revealed
a new theme, Call for Community Action, highlighting the desire for greater community
involvement to enhance inclusion. The study discusses implications and future research
directions for promoting social inclusion in Traditional SO contexts.M. S
Are we doing enough?: How security measures influence the likelihood of school shootings
No full textSchool shootings are a tragedy that all of America invests hundreds of thousands of dollars into preventing. Considering not only financial investment involved but the safety of our children, understanding how effective the security measures implemented are. The following study utilizes factorial analysis and data mining methods to create a predictive model that determines how effective security measures utilized by the public school system are in at predicting whether shootings will occur. Exploratory factor analysis determined that two factors are present in the security measures utilized. These factors represent two approaches to security: One being minimizing risk of shootings and the other mitigating damage. Previous research indicates that methods that are proactive and address the reasonings for school shootings are more effective in the prevention than methods that are designed to intimidate potential shooters. The data mining methodology utilized was random forest, which produced results that align with previous research. That being security efforts that minimize risk are more effective than security efforts mitigate damage. Unfortunately, due to the small number of shootings in the data, not enough variance was obtained to determine if any security measures are effective in preventing school shootings.M. S
Vertical coalescence: a mixed-use affordable housing solution for Chicago, Illinois
No full textThis thesis explores how a high-rise residential model can function as a vertical
city, embedding community, wellness, and ecological aspects into its design.
It prioritizes affordability and shared spaces in neighborhoods that span the
vertical structure, challenging conventional notions of high-rise hierarchies. This
thesis seeks to create a more humane residential model in which essential daily
needs are seamlessly integrated throughout the building, reinforcing the idea
that high-rise housing can function as a self-sustaining community.
Situated in downtown Chicago, this design demonstrates how high-density
housing can be restructured to better support human needs, providing a
more enriching framework for future urban living. Groups of residential units
encourage communal living and strengthen the sense of community with shared
kitchens and dining areas. Ecological strategies including light wells, wind
chambers, green spaces, and rainwater collection are embedded within the
design, enhancing both environmental performance and occupant well-being.
By redefining the high-rise as a vertical city, this thesis challenges outdated
residential models, demonstrating how affordable urban housing can foster both
environmental responsibility and a stronger sense of community.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Generate, degenerate, regenerate
No full textGenerate, Degenerate, Regenerate is a multimedia exhibition that explores life cycles, the intersection of the natural environment, human emotion, and connection through a collection of 6 necklaces and a cabinet of curiosities. Inspiring this work are creators such as Laurel Fulton, Ashley Blanton, Eileen O’Shea, and Becky McDonah. My work combines natural and found materials like hair, copper, bone, and glass to reflect on the passage of time and the interconnectedness of the body and environment. Using ephemeral and aged materials, patinas, and magnifying lenses invites viewers to experience shifts in perception and to reconnect with the small and overlooked. This exhibit emphasizes appreciating the current moment, encouraging a tactile and emotional engagement with materials that carry both memory and potential for regeneration. This work is both a reflection on mortality and a celebration of the resilience found in the natural world and within ourselves.B.A.School of Ar
BMA of IRT models from simulated data
No full textBayesian Model Averaging is a known tool for model selection, estimation, and
prediction, which is known to be of lower risk than the common practice of choosing a single
model (Fragoso and Neto 2015). Simulated data of 2000 participants were used for IRT models
which were then compared using BMA. Predicted Person Scores from each model were then
compared as predictors to the True Scores that were simulated and thus known. Person scores
and SEs were computed using R code from Rights et al., (2018), with BMA done via R package
as suggested by Starkweather (2011). IRT summaries are provided and IIC and ICC plots are
supplied in appendix for reference. BMA allows us to consider all models simultaneously and is
a reasonable choice since we have multiple viable models present (Hinne et al., 2020).
Ultimately, RASCH and 1pl IRT models seem more appropriate for prediction of Person Scores
than 2pl or 3pl models, at least for our simulated sample with 5 items.M. S
Fluid connections
No full textCreative expression, through art and food, has the ability to shape architectural
spaces that foster spontaneous interactions and strengthen community
connections. This thesis explores how architecture can integrate artistic and
interactive programs to create environments that encourage engagement,
collaboration, and shared experiences. By blurring the boundaries between
public and private spaces, the design strives to re-interpret the negotiation of
those spaces in order to promote organic encounters, inviting individuals to
connect through creativity.
Located in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, a historically industrial area that
has transformed into a hub for innovation and culture, this project proposes a
spatial framework that embeds creative expression of the neighborhood through
the years into a mixed-use housing design. Through open-concept gathering
spaces, live-work environments, and communal venues, the building fosters
opportunities for community interaction, exchange, and co-creation.
By utilizing architecture as both a canvas and a catalyst for interaction, the
project reimagines the role of built space in creating dynamic, inclusive,
and socially vibrant environments that push the boundaries of how people
traditionally interact with one another in shared architectural spaces.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin