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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 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.Item Esports: past present and future(2024-12)Esports, or electronic sports, has transformed from a niche activity into a global phenomenon that reshapes entertainment, culture, and education. This paper explores its origins, key milestones, and future potential. Competitive gaming’s roots can be traced back to the 1972 Stanford Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics, widely regarded as the first gaming tournament. The event offered a Rolling Stone magazine subscription as the grand prize, as oppose to the multimillion-dollar competitions of today. In 1981, Atari’s Space Invaders Championship attracted over 10,000 participants across the United States, demonstrating the potential appeal of competitive gaming and its potential to unite players nationwide. By the late 1990s, South Korea had embraced esports as a national pastime, dominated by the success of StarCraft. The rivalry between KT Rolster and SK Telecom T1 became legendary, and televised matches on OnGameNet drew massive audiences, solidifying esports as a cultural juggernaut. Meanwhile, Major League Gaming (MLG) emerged in the mid-2000s in the United States, hosting tournaments for games like Halo and Call of Duty. Though initially limited in scope compared to South Korea’s scene, MLG laid the groundwork for professional leagues in the Western world. The early 2010s marked esports’ ascent into mainstream culture, driven by the popularity of games like League of Legends (LoL). Its World Championships set new standards for viewership and production, with the 2013 finals surpassing the NBA Finals in global audience size. The rise of collegiate esports programs, starting with Robert Morris University in 2014, further legitimized the industry, bridging gaming and academia. Celebrities such as Rick Fox and Shaquille O’Neal also brought esports into the mainstream through investments and endorsements, connecting competitive gaming with traditional sports and pop culture. Today, esports face both immense growth and significant challenges. Issues of equity and representation have created organizations like GameHers and Women in Gaming, aiming to increase diversity and inclusivity within the industry. High-profile controversies, such as sexual harassment lawsuits involving major companies, have spotlighted systemic issues and the need for reform. Meanwhile, educational programs at the high school and middle school levels highlight the role of esports in developing critical thinking, teamwork, and career skills. The Esports World Cup, inspired by international sporting events, represents both opportunity and controversy. Hosted by Saudi Arabia, the inaugural event faced criticism for alleged sportswashing and ethical concerns tied to its funding. This sparked debates over the ethical responsibilities of an industry with growing global influence. Figures like Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, considered the greatest esports player of all time, demonstrate the storytelling potential of esports, while industry insiders like Vansilli emphasize the importance of navigating controversies to drive reform and growth. As esports continues to integrate with education and expand its global reach, it will redefine modern entertainment, offering a unique blend of competition, culture, and connection in the digital age.Item Evaluation of support leg mechanics during kicking based on leg preference(2024-12)Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is a looming presence for soccer players due to its prevalence and devastating nature. Biomechanical tendencies that put athletes at a higher risk for ACL injury have been identified in general sport movement. These risk mechanisms have not been applied to sport-specific movements such as kicking. The purpose of this project was to a) review existing literature surrounding biomechanical risk factors for ACL injury in soccer players and b) to develop a protocol to examine the effects of leg preference on support leg mechanics and stability in female soccer players during an unstable kicking task. Existing literature has identified that a more erect posture in the lower extremities and torso during landing could indicate a greater risk of ACL injury. This posture often corresponds with increased peak ground reaction forces and anterior tibiofemoral shear forces at initial contact. Posture during kicking may be influenced by neuromuscular planning tendencies. Soccer players often have a strong leg preference when it comes to kicking. This can place different demands on the preferred kicking leg compared to the preferred support leg. Previous studies have primarily focused on the kicking leg, leaving gaps in evidence surrounding demands on the support leg. The current protocol was designed to evaluate support leg mechanics in female soccer players based on leg preference by collecting kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography (EMG) data during maximal effort instep kicking. These variables would be assessed on the preferred and non-preferred support leg for risk factors and mechanisms of ACL injury. Pilot studies demonstrated that the protocol is effective to collect kinematic and kinetic variables during a sport-specific task. EMG collection posed a challenge and should be adjusted in future studies. Pilot participants demonstrated different follow-through approaches. Further investigation is indicated to categorize and evaluate style of follow-through. This protocol could be used to gain a better understanding of soccer-specific movement patterns. Results from future studies should be utilized by practitioners and coaches to adjust training programs for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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