Student Creative Arts and Research Symposium | 2021
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/12695
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Item Spastic Dysarthria Secondary to Cerebral Palsy within the Pediatric Population(2021) Pham, SarahCerebral palsy is a neuromuscular disorder that affects movements and posture as a result of brain damage or abnormal development of the brain. The muscular weakness and dyscoordination common in cerebral palsy also affect the muscles required for verbal communication, resulting in a disorder called dysarthria. Dysarthria could present with oral motor dysfunction that causes changes in speech characteristics and intelligibility. The author studied one type of CP, namely, the spastic type. The poster presentation starts with an overview of CP, relevant communication disorders, and various treatment methods. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) is becoming an increasingly used approach to increase vocal intensity. Recent studies have shown that LSVT is effective in improving verbal communication in children with spastic dysarthria.Item Obesogenic diet can affect behavior and body weight in MeCP2 Knockout Mice(2021) Frayre, Priscila; Na, Elisa; Frayre, Jessica; Ponce-Rubio, KarenPrader-Willi syndrome is characterized by morbid obesity in children and has been linked to a disruption in Methyl-CP-G binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) gene function. Understanding how the disruption of MeCP2 affects behavior and body weight is still not completely understood. In order to examine this, MeCP2 was knocked out in mice. These MeCP2 knockout (KO) mice were subjected to a conditioned place preference test and operant conditioning. These tests assess food preferences and evaluate the impact of food reward. Body weight and high fat (HF) food intakes were also recorded to examine the effects of MeCP2 KO after exposure to an obesogenic diet. Our current data suggest that MeCP2 KO mice have a substantial preference for high fat food but showed less motivation to work for their food reward. MeCP2 KO mice also displayed higher body weight than WT mice even though they ate nearly the same amount of HF food. This indicated that MeCP2 disruption may phenotypically make KO mice more sensitive to obesogenic diets and increase preference for high fat food.Item Where's Walden? - A Dance Film(2021) McAlister, Barbara“Where’s Walden?” is a dance film that seeks to bring the viewer behind the camera to experience the work of creating a work - the exertion, exhaustion, disappointment, and sometimes futility involved in unfolding an idea from imagination toward fulfilment. Throughout the work, the artist can be seen in-process: toting her tools, taking documentation, and traversing the beach with her ladder in tow as she scouts locations to set up shots from a variety of angles. Using the natural progression from enthusiasm and energetic pursuit toward physical exhaustion and a building sense of futile frustration in her relentless trek across soft sand, this work traces the artist’s shifting relationship with her tools and environment as she attempts to bring to bear her original idea while confronting realities of feasibility and physics.Item The Wage Gap in America for Minorities: Gender and Race(2021) Lazarus, Bethany; Moyle, Liliana; Kuruvilla, KevinThe majority of white men in America typically earn more than men and women of any other race such as Hispanic, Black, Native American women, etc. For instance, given that both the women and men have the same occupation and set of qualifications, it is noticeable that both of them get paid differently. Women of color in STEM careers overall only earn a percentage of a white man's salary. Black women in the United States are more prone to being paid less than 21% less on average than white women. Hispanic women get paid on an average of about 55 cents for every dollar paid to a white and or non-Hispanic man. Native American women are being paid about 60 cents for every dollar a white and or non-Hispanic man makes. There are programs that will be explored to solve this problem.Item The Cost of Isolation: Moral Distress in Critical Care Nursing during COVID-19(2021) Soteres, BethanyCritical care (ICU) nurses caring for patients diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID- 19) are at risk of facing emotional challenges in the clinical setting. These challenges have led to discussions regarding moral distress. With IRB approval, the Measure of Moral Distress—Healthcare Professionals (MMDHP) survey will be provided to ICU nurses in the Dallas area to evaluate the level and frequency of moral distress in daily practice. Using the conceptual framework, the Wilkinson Equation Model of Moral Distress, this study aims to determine if ICU nurses experience moral distress in the context of COVID-19 and if there is a correlation between levels of moral distress, job retention, and demographic information. The data gleaned from this study, entitled, The Cost of Isolation: Moral Distress in Critical Care Nurses During COVID-19, will provide insight into the presence of moral distress and ultimately lead to strategies to improve the welfare of ICU nurses.Item Protein and Amino Acid Composition of an Agaricus bisporus Powder and A. bisporus Protein Concentrate(2021) Davila, Mindy; Du, XiaofenWith land and protein shortages predicted by 2050, there is a great need for efficient plant protein sources. This study aims to develop an A. bisporus protein concentrate with physiochemical and food functional characterization. A. bisporus mushroom powder was analyzed for 25 free and 24 protein amino acids (Phenomenex GC/MS EZ:Faast kit; HPLC), moisture (gravimetric), and protein (Kjeldahl) content. Powder moisture and crude protein content were 5.59% and 23.56%, respectively. Per 100mg on wet basis, total free and protein amino acids were 304.0mg and 2262.1mg. A powder protein extraction (pH 12.0, 1:59 powder:water, 60 min., 60°C) resulted in a supernatant and pellet, with protein (Kjeldahl) and total fiber (Sigma Aldrich TDF Kit) contents quantified. Extraction supernatant contained 71.62% of the total protein and was 4.98%fiber, while pellet contained 21.55% of the total protein and was 61.68%fiber. These findings are significant due to the annual protein yield advantage of A. bisporus (7,941.42 lbs. protein/acre) over soy (390.05 lbs. protein/acre).Item How Lack of Representation in Medicine Harms Minority Communities(2021) Smith, Mariel; Coleman, Daniyah; Soree, MatthewMedical Racism: How Lack of Representation in Medicine Harms Minority Communities Members: Daniyah Coleman, Mariel Smith, Matthew Soree Faculty Advisor: Dr. Junalyn Navarra-Madsen Our goal in this paper is to analyze prevailing racism in the field of medicine. By briefly going over the history of false racial science in medicine, examining common racially biased medical practices still present in society, determining harm caused by racism in medicine to minority communities, and pinpointing the different barriers of entry for minorities into the medical field, we hope to spread awareness of an often overlooked facet of institutional racism in America. Racism in medicine stems from subconscious biases held by professionals, to patently false racial science still being taught. In offering relevant health statistics, literature on the subject, and primary medical sources, we hope to paint a picture of a flawed, racially biased, healthcare system, but also offer hope that as multiculturalism in STEM increases, we can alleviate health problems for minority communities.Item Adolescent Expectations Regarding Disclosure: The School Counselor's Perspective(2021) Sohne, KathrynParental knowledge is a significant protective factor for adolescents associated with less engagement in antisocial and delinquent behavior, and lower levels of internalizing and externalizing issues. Adolescent disclosure is the primary method of attaining parental knowledge, but parents and their offspring often experience a disconnect in communication during these formative years. This poster provides insight to better understand why an adolescent might choose to disclose to a school counselor rather than a parent, focusing on the adolescent’s expected responses to disclosure. The school counselor provides a unique and significant perspective because parents and adolescents often share information with a school counselor that they do not share with each other. The information provided in this poster is most helpful for parents, school counselors, and other family practitioners who would like to strengthen their communication with adolescents.Item A qualitative analysis of the international sport exchange program between India and United States(2021) Manjunath, Sandhya; Picariello, ManuelaInter-nation sports programs are becoming common with the intent to foster cultural awareness and develop youth programs. Although many Sport For Development (SFD) programs have a significant impact on society, in many cases, they hardly provide scientific evidence about their effectiveness. International Basketball Exposure Program (IBEP) is an SFD program that sought to increase basketball skills, cultural experiences, and other personal development benefits for Indian players. The IBEP was conducted in collaboration with an NBA team's youth academy in the United States of America. The players attended multiple camps conducted by institutions and organizations affiliated to the NBA and NCAA. The purpose of this paper is to examine if this program aligns with the major components of Lyras’ (2007) Sport For Development Theory (SFDT) by conducting a qualitative research. Semi-structured interview questions will be used to understand the participants’ experiences and the impact of the program on their lives.Item Minoritys v. Stem(2021) Orozco, Abner; Neupane, SunilIn this paper we will discuss the possible reasons why minorities are underrepresented in the STEM fields Additionally, we will describe what causes this, and what can be done in order for this problem to be resolved. We suggest workshops that promote minority groups to join the STEM fields. Another way to help minorities become more involved in STEM fields is to introduce, develop, and cultivate interest of talented minority groups in the humanities and arts, and to emphasize that these non-STEM fields can be connected to STEM fields. The last solution that we give in the paper is to give minority groups access to a mentor so that they have someone they can go to for help and also have someone that can keep them motivated. In conclusion we hope that these solutions can provide the necessary tools to bring more minority groups into the STEM fields.Item What's Changed?(2021) Kuriakose, Hannah; Kelly, KathrynIt's been 101 years since the 1918 flu pandemic. It was one of the most devastating outbreaks in recent history, infecting more than a third of the world’s population, killing 50 million people. Many have drawn connections to the Coronavirus-19 pandemic, which has yet to show signs of stopping in the United States. Both spread throughout the country, finding their way to Denton, Texas. Did knowledge gained during the 1918 flu pandemic affect TWU's 2020 Covid response, and, if so, in what ways? We will examine information from the Center for Disease Control, TWU records, medical journals, and national and local news reports to seek the answer to this question.Item Testing Female Candidates Coverage In The News(2021) Ayala, JisellaThis paper studies the way female candidates are covered in the news to investigate if there is a difference in how male and female candidates are portrayed. By looking at the coverage for 20 male candidates and 20 female candidates in The Washington Post and the New York Times, this paper breaks down articles looking specifically at 7 different categories to get a well rounded look at the differences in candidate portrayal. The study found that the differences in media portrayal between female candidates and male candidates in the 2020 Presidential Primaries were relatively small.Item Racial Diversity and Discrimination in STEM Fields(2021) Garza, Giselle; Giri, AlishaThe main aim of the research paper is to describe the importance of fair treatment of minorities in STEM thereby making STEM education more welcoming for underrepresented minorities. The ratio of minorities is less than whites in STEM fields. If STEM workers feel welcomed and valued, then there will be inclusion and diversity in the workplace. By the end of the paper, we discuss the probable causes and reasons for light engagement of minorities, although they have degrees in STEM. We hope to understand how and why minorities are viewed so differently and why each minority faces different prejudices. We also hope to understand how we, as minorities, need to prepare ourselves for biases, prejudgments, and injustices in future STEM careers.Item Achondroplasia as a Genetic Basis for Dwarves in Folklore(2021) Goyco, Maria; Gumienny, Tina L.Dwarves are a prominent part of folklore in many world cultures. They are characterized by short stature, large heads, coarse facial features, and curved spines. This project explores a possible genetic cause for the dwarf throughout our folklore tradition. We propose that a genetic disorder called achondroplasia provides a basis for accounts of dwarves in folk tales. Achondroplasia causes short stature, shortened arms and legs, bowed legs, enlarged head (macrocephaly) and frontal bossing, and spine curvature. It affects <1 in 15,000 newborns annually worldwide, making it a very rare but observable and noteworthy occurrence. Achondroplasia is caused by mutation of the FGFR3 gene, which over-activates a protein that helps regulate cell growth and division, most notably bone growth. This genetic disorder is now known to be the most common cause of dwarfism and is a likely natural cause for the presence of dwarves in our ancient, enduring legends.Item New Mothers Experiences of Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum during Covid-19 in the U.S.(2021) Collins, KileyThe coronavirus brought many unknowns and fears to people in the United States in 2020. This study is a mixed method study looking at the experiences of women in the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum stages of pregnancy and how COVID-19 affected them. Two surveys will be sent to participants with the first survey collecting demographic data.The second survey has been developed from the Coronavirus Perinatal Experiences Impact Survey and will provide insight into the impact the pandemic had on these women’s experiences. From the survey participants, a smaller group of women will be interviewed using open-ended questions. The interviews will be coded, compared, and common themes identified. The number of interviews used will be determined by the saturation of information. The results of this qualitative study will be published and disseminated to aid new mothers during COVID-19 and any pandemics that follow.Item Do Literacy Activities Lead to Better Bilingual Language Outcomes?(2021) Brown, Rebekah; Rivera, Paola; Arevalo, Esly; Aguilar, Glendelia; Bharadwaj, SnehaThe purpose of this proposed longitudinal study is to examine the impact of early literacy activities conducted in one versus two languages on language outcomes in bilingual children. Participants will include 50 Spanish-English speaking bilingual children between the ages of 4-6 years and their caregivers. Participants will be randomly assigned to group 1 (Spanish only) or group 2 (English-Spanish). Predetermined literacy materials and training in book reading will be provided to all families. Children will receive 30 mins of literacy activities in Spanish only or in English and Spanish five times a week for 6 months. The Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals Preschool-2 in Spanish and English will be used to assess language before and after the training. It is predicted that the group that received literacy training in both languages will demonstrate a greater growth in language when compared to the group that received training in Spanish only.Item Dualities of Silence(2021) Wasson Eagan, KimThere are many reasons we find ourselves, at home, alone for extended periods of time. During these times, feelings of isolation, solitude, sadness, missing loved ones and recalling distorted memories may take place. In my work Dualities of Silence, I explore my space in the quiet and bittersweet, as well as the magical moments that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. This photographic study is informed by German philosopher, Edward Husserl’s theory of Phenomenology, which is the study of the structures of experience and consciousness, by studying my own environments’ essential qualities and inter-connectivity. I’m also inspired by French philosopher, Gaston Bachelard’s poetic metaphors of the home. I explore my own spaces, objects and lights contribution to the scenes. I use multiple cameras and image sizes to reflect the domestic and non-linear characteristics of the work in hopes of encouraging viewers to closer observe and explore their own spaces.Item CRISPR-Cas9: Gene Technology’s Sharpest Tool(2021) Dang, Mary; Angers, Kelsey L; Roy, Annastasia; Roma, Rebecca A; Brown, Damon L; Muleta, Mekdelawit; Ginegaw, Alexys; Anderson, MaryIn 2020, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna for the discovery of a gene-editing system, CRISPR-Cas9, with the power to change the very fabric of our existence. CRISPR-Cas9 allows researchers to reconstruct DNA of living cells with the highest degree of flexibility and precision. Originating from an ancient defense mechanism in archaea bacteria, CRISPR-Cas9 has been effectively used to induce targeted mutations in multiple genes, create conditional alleles, and generate endogenic tagged proteins. This method differs from other geneediting techniques; it is low-cost and reduces the process from a number of years to a matter of weeks. Today, CRISPR-Cas9 is utilized in fields ranging from agriculture to medicine. However, in gaining access to such a powerful genetic tool, serial bioethical concerns were brought to the forefront within genome editing. Here, we discuss the various applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and ethical issues related.Item Anti-proliferative Effects of Lentinan, a Beta-glucan from Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)(2021) Sombuor, Titus; Broughton, K. Shane; Bergel, MichaelCancer is one of the most significant health challenges worldwide. Lentinan, a betaglucan from shiitake mushroom, Lentinula edodes, has been demonstrated to have an inhibitory effect on selected cancer cells but results are inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-proliferative effect of lentinan on breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7), prostate carcinoma (DU-145) and ovarian carcinoma (SKOV3) using MTS assay, and explore possible mechanisms of action of this compound. Treatment of DU-145 cells with different doses of lentinan resulted in up to a 42% inhibition in cell growth. In SKOV3 cells, lower doses of lentinan promoted cell proliferation by 170% – 250%, however 1.6 mg/ml inhibited cell proliferation significantly. In the MCF-7 cells that were used as a positive control, Lentinan inhibited growth by 94.3%. Our findings suggest that the ability of lentinan to inhibit or induce cancer cell proliferation depends on the type of carcinoma.Item From Taboo to Accepted: Increasing Gun Safety Counseling in Pediatric Primary Care(2021) MacFarlane-Okongo, ShaunaFirearm injuries are a leading cause of death among the pediatric population. Previous studies have shown that proper safe storage of firearms can reduce pediatric firearm injuries. Effective interventions, such as pediatric primary care health care providers (HCPs) doing firearm injury prevention (FIP) counseling while giving anticipatory guidance during a well child check, combined with providing a gun lock, can have a strong impact on decreasing the number of firearm injuries. The evidence-based practice project will use an existing evidence-based bundle approach to train HCPs from primary care clinics within a large pediatric health care organization to consistently offer FIP counseling during well child checks (WCC). A pre-intervention survey distributed to HCPs will be used for baseline measurements, with a bundled educational intervention, handout resources for providers and families, and provision of a gun lock, and post-intervention survey 4 weeks later to assess for anticipated increased confidence, self-efficacy, and frequency in providing FIP counseling. Based on the findings of the project, recommendations will be determined for ongoing FIP training for HCPs.