Abstracts of the conference presentations (some include the paper or Powerpoint)
Browse the 2015 Conference Presentations Collections
Painted Lady Butterflies and the Proboscis04/24/2015Most butterflies and moths consume liquids using a proboscis, which is a conduit composed of different structures. The purpose of this study was to determine if proboscis structures of Painted lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) show allometric growth relationships with body weights and proboscis lengths. We hypothesized that potential differences in structural configurations might affect fluid uptake rates. To test this, we fed larvae different treatments of artificial diet to prompt size differences in adults. We measured six proboscis characters and used the allometric growth equation. There was a significant allometric relationship among the measured characters and body weight and proboscis length; however, there was a lack of significance when fluid uptake rate was considered the dependent variable of measured characters, even though trends indicated positive allometry. Our results indicate the presence of allometric relationships in proboscis structures; however, these changes do not greatly influence fluid uptake rates. |
Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation on a Space Scale04/24/2015It is well-known that solitary waves on shallow water can be modeled by nonlinear KdV and nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equations. These equations may be deduced from the operator Lax equation Ablowitz-Kaup-Newel-Segur proposed to use the matrix version of Lax equation to produce solvable nonlinear equation. This presentation gives the extension of the Lax equation on a time-space scale. Using this extension, we deduce NLS on a space scale. |
Genetic Analysis Associated with Breast Cancer04/24/2015Diseases have been known to mankind since ancient times in history. Some of these diseases can be grouped into multiple categories such as a cancer. Over the years, medications have been improving to either cure or prevent these illnesses. The discovery of genes has given scientists a better understanding of diseases inherited. Genetic testing has helped predict the location of gene mutations. Cancer can be linked to mutations of tumor suppressor genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The Human Genome Project has been very successful on mapping the entire sequence of DNA. The next step is to understand each and every gene in our bodies. As we start to develop better technology, our medications and testing becomes more accurate. |
Gender Roles and the Aging Man04/24/2015The purpose of this study is to examine the ideals upheld by the traditional male role, activities associated with these ideals, and how the ideals and behaviors affect the aging man. It was hypothesized that traditional gender roles have major effects for elderly men. Studies show that men’s behavior is influenced by masculinity within the male gender role. Physical health, mental health and social relationships can all be impacted by prescribing to traditional roles. Furthering the findings from related literature, an in-depth interview was conducted with Michael, 72. Interview reports support previous studies by showing that Mike’s early life choices (smoking, excessive drinking, prioritizing work over family) reflect masculine ideals. Just as literature suggested, the risky behavior Mike engaged in associated with the traditional male role has led him to suffer physically, mentally and socially. It is concluded that traditional gender roles and associated behaviors create negative consequences in physical, mental and social well-being. By exploring the impact of traditional gender roles on the lives of aging men, we will be able to take this knowledge and apply it to methods to prevent or reverse such effects. |
Gathering of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers: Lorraine Bayes04/24/2015Storytelling is a powerful method of communication; it stems from traditional cultures, many of which are represented at the Council of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Photographs have the power to convey emotion and moment, and video has the power to transport the audience to another time and place. In Intro to Video Production, I was able to learn about the 13 Grandmothers, and to choose how to frame the subject, which elements to arrange together, and how to connect them all to visually tell a story. |
Formation of the Rainbow04/24/2015This presentation is devoted to describe the formation of the rainbow. The theory of the rainbow started in the man’s sense of wonder thousands of years ago. About 2,500 years ago, Aristotle suggested the first theories that explain the formation of the rainbow. Many scientists studied and suggested different theories to try to improve the understanding of the appearance of the rainbow. The theories of Aristotle, Descartes, Newton, Fermat, and Snell are specifically described in this presentation. By using several calculus equations, it can be proved that the different colors of the rainbow have different angles of observation. This presentation mainly focuses on the observation angles of red and violet light. The angles of observation for these two colors are also proved to be different in the second rainbow and the third rainbow. Even now in the beginning of the twenty-first century, the formation of the rainbow is not understood in all details. |
Feeding Abilities of Butterflies with Split Mouthparts04/24/2015Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) use specialized mouthparts (proboscis) that consist of two C-shaped galeae that join to act as a conduit for channeling and transporting fluids from pools and wetted surfaces to the gut. Most previous reports assume (via gross morphology) that the proboscis relies on the sucking pump to induce fluid rise, however, recent studies have provided evidence that the proboscis also incorporates capillarity and wettability dynamics for fluid rise. The purpose of this study was to determine if action of the sucking pump is necessary for fluid rise and subsequent feeding. Four treatments of Lepidoptera had proboscises split at different lengths and were submerged (distal region) in a pool of fluid (20% sucrose/ food coloring solution), followed by dissection of the gut to verify feeding. Our results indicated that butterflies with split proboscises retained the ability to feed; however, the amount of fluid decreased with increasing proboscis separation. |
Ending the Silence: Communicating about Mental Health04/24/2015Mental health is usually an avoided topic when conversing with others. Despite countless numbers of research studies that show mental illnesses are common and justifiable, there is still a stigma that looms while many remain silent. The purpose of this presentation is to educate the public about mental health awareness along with what people can do to eliminate stigma and communicate about mental illnesses in a better way. Main points of this presentation will discuss stigma, how someone can communicate they have a mental illness, and how those who know someone with a mental illness can communicate with them. Finding methods to fight stigma and communicate more effectively will help the issue of mental health in America move forward. Nothing is going to change overnight, but small steps can slowly start to change the way people look at mental health as well as help people realize how important it is. |
Empowerment of Women through the Grange04/24/2015By looking at the organizational structure of the Patrons of Husbandry or the Grange, it can be seen that women played a major role in the organization. From day one women were permitted full membership as well as offices in the organization that only women could hold. After looking at the organizational structure, one can see that the organization propelled women to do more than others of the time, as seen through specific examples such as Dora Stockman and others. This was a research paper for the History of Women in the U.S. class that has been reworked to focus more on the impact of the Grange on the women that within the organization, rather than the original purpose of comparison of rural and urban women. Research for this project looked at both primary and secondary sources as well as conducting interviews with a historian and leaders of local Granges and women that have been in the Grange for many years and seeing how it has affected their lives. |
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking04/24/2015Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is a specific sector of human trafficking in which the victims are United States citizens and under the age of 18. This type of trafficking is widespread across the U.S. in every state and every major city. The harms caused by such exploitation is extremely damaging to victims, especially considering a high population of these victims has already faced abuse prior to their trafficking experience. Many of these children that come from abusive and neglectful backgrounds often end up homeless, which makes them especially vulnerable to traffickers. Most victims, if they do escape from the industry, are severely damaged emotionally, mentally, and physically. Therefore, treatment for this population is difficult to provide. The following presentation will propose a prevention program aimed at populations of children at high risk for DMST. This program will have a basis in the building of resiliency, in which children build valuable personality traits and life skills that can help them overcome adversity. This program is theoretical in that it has not been implemented yet, but has groundwork in evidence-based research on similar type programs and the study of resiliency. |