The Ethical Implications of Pharmaceutical Price Gouging in Appalachia

Pharmaceutical price gouging presents a significant ethical dilemma in Appalachia where economic hardship and high rates of chronic illness amplify its consequences. Those utilizing the utilitarian framework deem this issue as unethical due to the contradictory behavior of benefiting a small margin of individuals, shareholders, rather than the greater good. However, when taking this issue under a mindset like Milton Friedman\u27s, price gouging follows all ethical codes by supporting a company\u27s profit margins and shareholder\u27s returns. Ultimately, this ethical dilemma is seen as unacceptable amongst many facets of ethical principles and can be argued as inexcusable in nature. For this paper, we study the frameworks of utilitarianism and Milton Friedman capitalist’s morality mindset. Utilitarianism is a strong advocate for negating the use of price gouging. While it presents the ideology of delivering the greatest good to the greatest amount of people, it will be seen through many case studies and research on how pharmaceutical companies are veiling themselves from this ethical framework. Rather, these companies are enforcing the capitalistic approach by utilizing Friedman\u27s mindset of the company\u27s only social responsibility being to make as much profit as possible. We conclude that utilitarianism is the lens pharmaceutical companies should be judged. Instead of allowing price gouging to be socially acceptable amongst these mega pharmaceutical companies, we argue that the lack of an ethical foundation is the root of the problem. As many Appalachian communities continue to be financially exploited, we propose that all pharmaceutical companies should develop a utilitarian complex and leave the capitalistic approach behind

Canine Lymphocytic Response to Borelia burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, triggers complex immune responses in canines. This study expands on previous research by analyzing white blood cell (WBC) dynamics in Lyme-positive dogs, using a larger sample size and refined methodologies, including hemocytometer-based WBC counts and detailed granulocyte differentiation. Blood samples from a diverse canine population were screened for B. burgdorferi using the ELISA SNAP 4Dx test. Differential blood smears were prepared and stained using the Diff-Quik method, followed by precise hemocytometer-based cell quantification. The study examined fluctuations in neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils in relation to Lyme-positive and Lyme-negative test results. Results confirmed a significant increase in total WBC counts in Lyme-positive canines, particularly driven by elevated neutrophil and monocyte levels, suggesting an active innate immune response. Lymphocyte counts also showed moderate elevations, consistent with adaptive immune activation. Contrary to initial hypotheses, eosinophil levels did not display a consistent pattern, indicating that Lyme disease does not induce eosinophilia as a hallmark response. Basophil counts remained within normal ranges across all subjects. These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of the canine immune response to B. burgdorferi infection. The expanded dataset strengthens the correlation between Lyme disease and elevated WBC counts, particularly through neutrophilic and monocytic activity. Future work should explore cytokine profiling and immune modulation over time to better characterize the chronic phase of Lyme disease in canines. This research enhances diagnostic accuracy and contributes to improved veterinary management of Lyme-infected dogs

Adaptive Algorithms for Motion Detection and Classification

Adaptive Algorithms for Motion Detection and Classification We explore a 4-dimensional vector approach to detecting motion through use of a Sensor Logger on an iOS device which records coordinates like orientation (quaternion and Euler angles), gyroscope, and accelerometer. These 4-dimensional vectors explain 3-dimensional rotations in space. We present methods of research and analysis to detect and measure simple rotations. We apply statistical analysis techniques to classify these rotations as motions, including walking, jogging, or jumping. We conclude with a description of how these results lead to analyses of more complex movements such as a baseball pitch, a hitter’s swing, or a gymnast routine

The Path to Better Solar Cells: Column Chromatography

Solar energy provides a fundamental basis for advancing clean, green energy. However, its current developmental process requires extensive research to be competitive for the race for clean energy. By incorporating a metal complex into an experimental solar cell, the efficiency of the solar cell can be increased. This study aims to use a zinc porphyrin complex solar cell to increase effectiveness. To begin this task, the reagent required for porphyrin complexing, methyl 5-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, must be synthesized and purified through column chromatography. By increasing the efficiency of the synthesis and purification of 5-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, a sufficient portion was collected and analyzed. The next step will be to obtain enough methyl 5-formylfuran-2-carboxylate to form 5-(5-Methoxycarbonyl-2-furyl)-10,15,20-tris(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)porphyrin. As a result, the porphyrin synthesis can be fine-tuned for solar cell experimentation and data collection can provide information for solar power research

February 14, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the February 14, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting

The Derivatization of Taurine via HPLC

When you think about what drinks you might see the most on a college campus, the main ones would be soda, coffee, and energy drinks. The one thing found only in energy drinks and none of the others is an amino acid called taurine. While that explains what taurine is and where you will find it, there is one thing that it does not answer. How much taurine is found in an energy drink? That question was what caused this study to begin. The goal of this study was to first derivatize taurine, to ensure absorption occurs at a wavelength of 254 nm. The chemical reaction that takes place during the derivatization process will be shown via chromatograms produced by the HPLC. These chromatograms will be shown in comparison to ones from other studies involving taurine derivatization. Then the future of this research project for the next semester

Parasite infections and immune system dynamics in rodents

Parasitic infections can significantly alter host immune responses, particularly through changes in white blood cell (WBC) populations. Ectoparasites such as ticks and mites are common in rodents and are known to elicit immune reactions, which are often characterized by an increase in eosinophils, granulocytes specialized in responding to parasitic infections. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ectoparasite infestations on rodent WBC counts, with a focus on eosinophil levels. Blood samples were collected from wild rodents via submandibular bleeding, and manual differentials were performed using Diff-Quik and Wright-Giemsa staining techniques. Initial findings revealed no significant increase in eosinophils, potentially due to the low number of rodents exhibiting heavy mite or tick infestations. Lymphocytes were the predominant white blood cell observed. Due to the limited sample size, further research is needed to determine whether ectoparasite burden correlates with eosinophil levels. Future studies will involve tagging rodents for recapture, allowing for longitudinal tracking of parasite burden and immune response over time and standardized ectoparasite grading (0-4+) will be implemented to assess infestation severity

Business Plan - ClimbHub

ClimbHub is an emerging outdoor recreation venture dedicated to transforming how individuals, families, and teams connect through nature-based experiences. Located in Kentucky’s renowned Red River Gorge, ClimbHub offers guided rock-climbing services that promote physical wellness, emotional renewal, and genuine human connection. With offerings tailored to diverse skill levels—including beginner experiences, advanced multi-pitch climbs, and immersive weekend retreats—ClimbHub meets the growing demand for accessible, engaging, and meaningful outdoor activities. Backed by a capable leadership team and informed by market research identifying 7,500 annual climbers in the region, ClimbHub is uniquely positioned to serve families, adventurers, corporate groups, and fitness enthusiasts. The company combines a passion for climbing with a commitment to community integration, environmental stewardship, and regional economic development. ClimbHub seeks $160,675 in investment to fund initial operations, marketing, and infrastructure, setting the stage for a successful launch and long-term growth in the outdoor recreation market

Prophetic Dreams: Influence of Dreams on Perceived Probabilities

Can dreams forecast the future? Dreams are central to human experience. Additionally, dreams have long been seen as sources of guidance. We investigated whether dreams influence expectations and emotions about future goals. Student participants read three relatable goal vignettes (exam, romance, road trip), each involving uncertainty and lack of control. Vignettes were randomly assigned to include a positive, negative, or unrelated dream regarding the goal. Participants then used information in the stories to judge the likelihood of positive/negative event outcomes and emotions. Notably, we found that goal-relevant dreams influenced optimism and pessimism. Comparatively, positive dreams fostered more hope and negative dreams increasing doubt—despite the events being characterized as no longer controllable. This is consistent with a belief (implicit or explicit) in prophetic dreams and/or supernatural influence. Results could also be explained by the availability heuristic, in which easily imagined events are judged more likely

Development and Implementation of Smart Robot Assistant Swimming Coach

This research project focuses on the initial stages of developing and implementing a smart robot assistant swimming coach. Our work focuses on successfully implementing a swimmer detection system and establishing the groundwork for swimmer tracking functionality. We have created a detection system to identify swimmers in various pool environments by integrating commercial minicomputers with artificial intelligent algorithms. Our preliminary work on the tracking component shows promising results for following swimmer movements throughout training sessions. The completed detection system addresses the first critical challenge in developing automated swimming feedback. While the comprehensive coaching functionality remains under development, this initial phase represents an essential foundation for future work. The swimmer detection system we have developed demonstrates the feasibility of the broader vision to provide swimmers with real-time feedback, setting the stage for continued innovation in sports technology for competitive swimming