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Cardinal Scholar is the University Libraries Institutional Repository for archival and scholarly research produced at Ball State University.
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Item Adult scoliosis and exercise: a survey instrument pilot study(2024-12)The relationship between scoliosis pain and exercise is described in the literature as inconsistent and highly subjective to each patient. Researchers cite a lack of understanding about the true nature and etiology of scoliosis pain, often referring to it as a “structural deformity (only).” This survey instrument pilot study aims to better understand scoliosis pain, filling in the gaps left by existing scales on scoliosis and chronic pain. The scale also aims to assess experiences and attitudes about utilizing scoliosis for pain relief. The 18-item survey instrument was distributed to a sample (n=95) of individuals who self-reported having adult scoliosis for 10 years or longer, who experience scoliosis pain, and who exercise. Reliability and exploratory factor analyses (EFA) were run on several scale subsets, with pain-related subsets and items showing higher reliability than exercise items. The most compelling result was the 3-factor solution that emerged to describe possible latent pain variables - mobility, neurological, and stress effects. This small, initial pilot study is the initial step in a planned long-term research mission to help establish evidence-based recommendations that can potentially help a large population of adults with scoliosis who experience long-term, chronic pain and disabilityItem Agree or disagree: are women emotionally suited for politics? A classification analysis using cart and random forest(2024-12)There is no shortage of research exploring the link between gender stereotypes and politics. The present study attempted to contribute to this scholarship by using recursive partitioning algorithms (CART and Random Forest) to identify the most important variables in classifying whether someone agrees or disagrees that men and women differ in their emotional suitability for politics. Using data from 251 respondents to the 2022 General Social Survey (GSS), results revealed that traditional gender role ideology, as well as attitudes towards immigration and abortion, are the most important variables for classification. The implications for voting— and the underrepresentation of women in politics more generally— is a matter for future research. Caution is advised when interpreting these results, given the weaknesses of the model discussed herein.Item Assessing the role of hearing impairments and socioeconomic disparitites in grade retention during the covid-19 era(2024-12)This study investigates the predictors of grade retention among school-aged children, with a focus on the role of hearing impairments, socioeconomic status, and demographic factors, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2017-2022, logistic regression models were employed to analyze the effects of these variables. Significant predictors of grade retention were identified, including hearing impairments (OR = 2.20, p < 0.001), older age (12-17 years, OR = 1.67, p < 0.001), and lower income levels. In addition, females were found to have lower odds of retention compared to males (OR = 0.70, p < 0.001). The COVID-19 period was associated with a decrease in retention likelihood (OR = 0.78, p < 0.01), suggesting policy changes during the pandemic may have influenced educational outcomes. The study concludes that while the pandemic influenced overall retention rates, comprehensive policies and targeted support are needed to address the systemic factors contributing to grade retention.Item Synergistic effects of MSCS and IPSCS in myocardial regeneration(2024-12)Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality, creating an urgent need for regenerative solutions that can restore functional heart tissue. This proposal aims to explore the co-culture of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes to enhance cellular maturation and functionality. Extensive literature review has guided the selection of a Wnt-modulated differentiation protocol. It is anticipated that the co-cultured cardiomyocytes will exhibit significant increases in cardiac markers, with Troponin T levels expected to rise from 200 in iPSCs alone to 350 in co-culture, and α-Actinin from 150 to 300, suggesting enhanced cardiac differentiation. Functional assessments are projected to reveal notable improvements, with spontaneous beating frequency expected to increase from 50 beats/min on day 0 to 150 beats/min by day 4, and contraction amplitude from 5 μm to 25 μm. Statistical analyses will assess these expected outcomes, supporting MSC co-culture as a potential strategy for cardiac tissue regeneration and advancing regenerative medicine.Item Fear of commitment in college students: the role of perfectionism and student achievement(2024-12)This study aims to examine the interplay between perfectionism and student achievement, and its contributory effect on fear of commitment. This work aims to find out whether perfectionism and student achievement play a role in individuals' fear of commitment that is expressed through indecision, indecisiveness, and lack of satisfaction after decision making. In addition, this study highlights connections between perfectionism, student achievement and fear of commitment to understand why students have trouble in making career decisions and committing to it. The study was conducted with a Secondary data collected from 350 students who responded to the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and Fear of Commitment Scale item on a 1-7 Likert-scale ranging from not at all true of me (1) and very true of me (7). Relationship and predictive effect between the variables were examined using regression analysis. Also, for this study student achievement was measured using the student GPA. Concern over mistakes (COM) a dimension of perfectionism had a significant effect on fear of commitment. Student GPA alone did not predict difficulty in decision making however, there was an interaction effect between the dimension of perfection, Personal standard (PS) and GPA on fear of commitment experienced by students. This result will help improve our understanding of perfectionism and student achievement, their roles and contributory effects towards fear of commitment. Educators, counselors, parents, and health professionals will gain helpful insights on how to identify and handle issues pertaining to career indecision and commitment. The result will also inform on coping strategies which will help individuals to better make career decisions and manage fear of commitment.
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