Student Creative Arts and Research Symposium | 2021
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/12695
Browse
Browsing Student Creative Arts and Research Symposium | 2021 by Title
Now showing 1 - 20 of 207
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Abilities of Beauty(2021) Werchan, HannahMy process of meticulously handcrafted realism drawings and the context of being a young disabled woman examines the ability to find empowerment in oneself through beauty. Philosopher Denis Dutton describes beauty as a characteristic of Darwinian theory and a tool of survival. Through my self portraiture series, Abilities of Beauty, I’m focusing on the different versions of oneself and using beauty as a coping mechanism and means of survival to find empowerment in life’s circumstances. I explore ideas of using beauty, vanity, and materiality to build self empowerment and how the dichotomy related to me as an artist living with disabilities being able to use a laborious process to create a beautiful product can evoke feelings of empowerment. The goal of this project is to explore the ways we describe, interpret, and execute beauty and additionally drawn to such things.Item Acculturation and the Prevalence of Diabetes in U.S. Hispanic Adults, National Health and Nutrition Survey 2011-2018(2021) Lopez-Neyman, Stephanie; Miketinas, Derek C.The project explored the relationship between acculturation and diabetes among US Hispanic – adul ts. Data from adults (≥20y), participating in the NHANES 2011-2018 were used for analysis. Participants classified as having diabetes: (1) with doctor-diagnosed diabetes or (2) doctor-undiagnosed diabetes with a glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5%. An acculturation score was calculated based on previously developed scales. Unadjusted prevalence diabetes rates were compared across acculturation status using Rao Scott Chi Square tests. The overall prevalence of diabetes for adults was 12.6%, and for Hispanic adults was 13.8%. The unadjusted prevalence of diabetes for each acculturation level was as follows: lowest (10.6%), low (20.9%), high (15.4%), and highest (11.6%), (p < 0.0001). The results are consistent with other studies demonstrating that the risk of diabetes increases with acculturation among Hispanics. The acculturation process is a potential modifier of the interaction between the food environment and biology for future studies.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 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 Aerosols: The Unseen Threat!(2021) Torres, Amanda; Cabrera, Alejandra; Gallardo, Carmen; Galvan, Melissa; Hinojosa, AlexisThe purpose of this study was to measure aerosol containment when various forms of hand-held high evacuation (HVE) were utilized during ultrasonic instrumentation. Trials were completed using ultrasonic instrumentation on a dental mannequin’s anterior teeth. Glo Germ® Gel was placed on teeth. Two-minute ultrasonic intervals were conducted. Slow speed suction with saliva ejector, saliva ejector adaptor used with HVE, HVEsolo®, Purevac® and Safety Suction® were compared. Grid paper positioned 3 inches from the mannequin, 50-degrees to the floor, recorded contamination. A one-way ANOVA was used to examine how the HVE groups differed on the number of contaminated cells. Results indicated that there were significant group differences, F(4, 144) = 22.23, p < .001, eta2 = .38. Post hoc pairwise comparisons indicated that the control group (saliva ejector) had a significantly lower number of contaminated cells than each of the other groups (p < .01). Hand-held HVE revealed higher contamination.Item Analysis of how LiCl inhibits cytomegalovirus, a common herpesvirus(2021) Mbue, Ifeoma; Vazquez, EloisaOver a decade ago, studies found that LiCl can inhibit the replication of some herpesviruses, but how it inhibits was never determined. Recently our lab confirmed that LiCl can inhibit cytomegalovirus replication, a herpesvirus which hadn’t been previously studied with LiCl. When LiCl was added at the time of infection, viral production was reduced 5 logs over 2 days, but if added 24 hours after infection the reduction was only 10 fold. This study investigates whether LiCl acts on the virus or host. We compared the effect of pretreating the cells with LiCl for 4 hours before viral infection and having LiCl present at various time points of infection. If pretreatment leads to a decrease in virus production/proteins then cellular proteins must be a major factor, but if it’s most effective during specific stages of viral replication this can help guide us to what viral proteins may be affected.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 Applied Algebra: Codes and Ciphers in Data Security(2021) Edwards, KahlanCodes and ciphers are an integral part of modern-day security and integrity, having been used throughout history for a similar purpose; ensuring that those who are not meant to have certain information do not get it. The use of codes and ciphers continues to increase, growing more complex as mathematics and technology evolve. Codes and ciphers are an irreplaceable part of data security and data integrity systems; thus, it is important to understand how they work with advancing technology, such as the quantum computer. This presentation provides a brief overview of past and current uses of codes and ciphers in data security. The presentation then focuses on research in mathematics and technologies and their evolving roles in data security and integrity.Item The Art of Autotopography Through Mementos(2021) Selman, Hanna; Ishii, SaraAutotopography is a term coined by historian Jennifer A. Gonzalez that describes the action of utilizing objects to map the “self.” We employ autotopography through the mementos we choose to surround ourselves with. When a person attaches a meaning to an otherwise ubiquitous object that item suddenly becomes spectacular solely to that individual. In this presentation, I will discuss my artwork on autotopography that studies organic and constructive forms of materializing memory. I do this through the creation of sculptural ceramic mementos which I glaze onto ceramic concrete topographical maps; thus, grounding the symbolic objects in a particular place and time. Through my work, I aim to engage my viewers in appreciating the authenticity of autotopography and its unique role in each person's life.Item The Association Between Disfluencies and Secondaries in Adolescents with Stuttering(2021) Dhakal, Melina; Hancock, Kelsey; Kirby, Michelle; Starling, Mikaela; Bharadwaj, SnehaPast studies exploring the relationship between anxiety and stuttering have led to conflicting findings. The purpose of this proposed study is to examine the association between anxiety and stuttering behaviors in adolescents with moderate to severe developmental stuttering. Twenty adolescents (12-14 years) and twenty adolescents (15- 17 years) will be recruited for this study. Participants will complete a self-report to rate situations that range from least to most anxiety-inducing situations. Conversational and reading speech samples will be video-recorded in two fluency-inducing situations: the least and most anxiety-inducing situations. Fluency Profile Assessment will be administered to evaluate disfluencies and secondary behaviors in younger and older groups of adolescents in the two situations. Analysis of Variance will be conducted to examine group differences in disfluencies and secondary behaviors. It is predicted that older adolescents will demonstrate more fluency disruptions and secondary behaviors in comparison to younger adolescents in anxiety-inducing situations.Item Balancing Money Madness(2021) Traffanstedt, Chloe; Gallardo, Vianey; Austell, Hayes; Allen, BritainyAs future educators, our goal is to teach our students to become good members of the community. For that to happen, they must be able to develop financial responsibility. This skill can be taught using manipulatives, pictorial representations, and abstract models. To teach financial responsibility, we used pictorial models of everyday life examples that represent balancing a checkbook. Students were given opportunities to interact with real-world financial situations that allowed them to solve problems involving purchasing items and depositing funds as they used financial terms such as deposit, withdrawal, debit, balance, and transfer to complete tables. Our main goal was to help students use learned skills to solve financial conflicts so that they can be prepared for the application of these skills in real life.Item Barriers and Facilitators of Engaging Pregnant African American and Hispanic Women into Research(2021) Shanahan, Sierra; Woo, JenniferAfrican American and Hispanic pregnant women are underrepresented in research and at a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes and of COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate factors affecting pregnant African American and Hispanic women’s participation in research and assess social media as a recruitment tool, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods included creating a 63-item survey tool asking pregnant African American and Hispanic women about their perception of research in the midst of the pandemic. A total of 100 women were recruited through social media alone. Participants showed more interest in non-invasive studies. 94% reported they have access to COVID-19 testing. However, 75% do not have access to childcare and 57% do not have access to transportation. Results from this detail the barriers of recruiting pregnant African American and Hispanic women in research: lack of knowledge, limited access to resources, and concerns of safety during COVID-19.Item Building a butterfly garden pollen database and its practical application to the plant-pollinator studies(2021) Rumpa, Mafia Mahabub; Maier, CameliaPollination is a mutually beneficial process for both plants and pollinators. Plants provide pollen, nectar, and other feeding and nesting resources to pollinators. Most crops are pollinated by multiple pollinators including species of bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and others. TWU had initiated native plant butterfly gardens to attract and sustain pollinators such as Monarchs and many other butterflies, bees, and native bumblebees whose populations are in decline. The goal of this project is to study the plant-pollinator relationships. The objectives are to build 1) a database of pollen morphologies using microscopy techniques and 2) a network of native plant-pollinator relationships. Scanning electron microscopy of pollen collected from garden plants and pollinators will serve the purpose. This research will offer data for restoration and conservation activities as well as advice to gardeners and farmers on plant resources they need to enhance both the pollinator populations and crop yields.Item Building and Blooming(2021) McKeever, KeatanMy recent work explores the relationship between humanity and nature through the use of collage, printmaking, and painting. The featured works include serigraphs depicting mirrored and abstracted buildings, ranging from skyscrapers to apartment housing which are represented as pots or vases, with blossoming flowers held inside. Elements of handpainted organic forms are also used alongside the screen-printed flowers to suggest an organic and natural energy to them in juxtaposition to the geometrical buildings. In my presentation, I explore the concepts of bio-architecture and biomimetics, which is the interpretation or copying of living nature, and the theory of Symbolic Interactionism, which investigates the social relations between people through repeated interactions. I aim to explore these concepts in my work through the idea that while buildings and structures are the architecture of humans, flowers are the architecture of nature. Therefore, there is a relationship between our own and nature’s growth and development.Item Can You Hear Me Now?(2021) Corbett, Lauren; Yacoub, Rita; Davenport, Hannah M.Having a hearing loss can be detrimental for a student’s success in school and can impact their quality of life, which is why it is important to inform the public about hearing health. When you are continuously exposed to loud and harmful sounds, you are at risk for developing a Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. Partaking in activities like attending loud concerts, listening to music at a high volume through earbuds, or riding motorcycles are some of the few examples that could result in a Noise-Induced Hearing Loss that is irreversible. Many hearing losses can be prevented with accurate knowledge and resources. For this reason, we propose to create an online module that could be integrated into high school science classes. This online module would include information over hearing losses, how to prevent hearing losses, where to go to receive a hearing screening, and other necessary information for hearing health.Item Changes in Nursing Student Pre-Exam Preparation Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic(2021) Kelley, Maggie; Magner, DionneThe purpose of this project was to gather data on college students’ pre-exam psychological preparation practices pre and post the initial COVID-19 pandemic period. The pandemic caused an unexpected shift toward fully online learning, leaving students and faculty unprepared for the changes in online testing and related environmental factors affecting students’ anxiety and stress levels. Data collected through an anonymous survey at the end of the Spring 2020 semester showed differences in preexam self-care practices employed by 62 baccalaureate nursing students at a multicampus university in the U.S. Results showed immediate pre-exam practices during the pandemic differed from strategies pre-pandemic. Students reported effective strategies to overcome barriers, such as exam environment and increased time availability. This presentation will describe how this honors capstone research led to the development of new student success resources on one campus which are now expanding across all of the university’s campuses.Item Characterizations of Multiple Polymorphs of Copper Acetonitrile-Quinoxaline Complexes Synthesized(2021) Kouadio, Halima; Jawaid, Ramsha; Rawashdeh-Omary, Manal; Olivares, Ayari; Kouadio, Fatima; Dias, EzequiasCoinage-metal complexes are of modern interest in all fields of Chemistry due to their fascinating applications. Particularly, coordination polymers composed of Gold, Silver, or Copper (+1)-cations with organic molecules to form sophisticated mono-ligand or mixedligand coordination polymers capable of photophysical properties like absorbing or emitting light, or forming metal-organic-frameworks that can store various molecules like benzene or ammonia for storage and separation. In this research, copper acetonitrile and quinoxaline complexes with the formula [Cu(CH3CN)y(Quinoxaline)x]BF4 were synthesized with variations in the molar ratios. Green syntheses were conducted using mechanical grinding to reduce the usage of traditional solvents. Typically reactions require environmentally hazardous organic solvents. For this reason, Green Chemistry principles of seeking more environmentallyfriendly alternatives to create equally-efficient compounds are used. Comparisons and characterizations were made of the several products from various techniques like melting point, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR),Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Spectrofluorometry.Item Coexistence and Extinction of species of Competition Model(2021) Khan, Shafeena T.Ecosystems consist of numerous species all going for the same resources. This delicate existence can be represented by the competition model where two similar species are in constant struggle to attain the same means of survival. On the African grasslands, lions and hyenas both go after prey species and will fight one another for food and territory. Due to their interspecific competition, the organisms can be placed in a Lotka-Volterra competition model where the effect of one individual species on another species population growth can be determined using nondimensional methods (α & β). This paper will solve for stability of the system by using conditional, dimensionless parameter analysis to calculate if interspecific species can coexist or go to extinctions using the principle of competitive expulsion.Item The Color of Money: Pay Equity and Race(2021) Legan, Nykieya; Lopez, Victoria C.; McIntosh, Nicholas C.In this paper, we plan to present statistical facts and figures on how money is given differently depending on who you are. We plan to engage in college degree rates based on women and women of color, the average white male’s salary compared to women of color, and job performance in men versus women, and high-performing men versus women. For this reason, we wish to open the audience's eyes to the gross misconduct that has plagued the American workforce. Hopefully, by the end of this paper, we will have depicted another aspect of today's current workplace in America. To help express our point, we will use graphs and statistical data demonstrating this inequality.Item Combating World Issues with Lab Grown Food(2021) Grimaldi, Karla G.; Canales, Natalie; Wilson, TaMia; Miles, Jaelyn; Short, GraceAs we face issues such as world hunger and a debilitating environment, new solutions such as lab-grown foods have offered an opportunity to combat these issues. What are lab grown foods? Lab grown food is flesh grown outside of an animal’s body. Because the cells that are made to create the food are not always modified, they are not considered a GMO. Lab grown food is more eco-friendly compared to regular meat and dairy as it eliminates the need for livestock. This new solution created in order to combat consumption issues provides many new job opportunities and is an environmentally friendly option that may provide food to those around the world struggling in poverty or hunger. Because of these reasons, lab-grown has created an opportunity to end hunger and grow as we grow. With research, integrating lab grown foods could aid in solving some of our food-consumption issues.