2019 Kent State University Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity
Browse the 2019 - Kent State University Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Collections
Flash Market04/09/2019Kent State students have limited access to affordable, quality food products on the weekends, creating difficulties for students with special dietary needs. Even students with no dietary restrictions struggle to find healthy, responsibly sourced options on campus. We want to solve this issue by incorporating the thriving Haymaker Farmers’ Market on campus. This results in a win-win effect: The Haymaker Farmers’ Market, a collection of local vendors, benefits via a larger space and student commerce; and the student body benefits via healthier, low-cost, food options and an opportunity to promote their own products. We will utilize student, staff, and community interviews to gauge interest and develop a plan of action. Additionally, we will research the logistics of relocating and merging the farmers’ market with the Kent State campus. The ideal outcome would be a vibrant blending of the Kent campus and the local community resulting in a happier, healthier campus and civic environment. |
Food Web Structure in a Constructed Wetland04/09/2019Wetlands are globally important ecosystems known for strong interactions among aquatic and terrestrial animals and plants. While natural wetlands are known for their complex food webs, constructed wetlands are often simpler, containing reduced levels of biodiversity. However, these systems generally reflect similar inter- and intra-specific interactions, with the advantage of having replicate sites. This project assessed food web interactions of macrofauna in ten wetland cells during an 8-week summer period in constructed wetlands at Kent State University. In each wetland cell, fish and amphibian (tadpoles/adults) assemblages were sampled twice/week using modified minnow traps to gain insight into population size and fish/amphibian size distributions. Next, to assess mammal and bird activity and their potential interactions in these wetlands, game cameras were strategically placed around each of the wetlands. Finally, odonates (i.e., dragonflies and damselflies) were also identified and counted in each wetland. Overall, species richness was relatively low, with only two fish species and two frog species captured from the minnow traps. In contrast, multiple mammal, bird, and odonate species were detected at the site in other sampling. Analyses of food web structure suggest a strong, negative relationship between sunfish abundance and frog/tadpole abundance and level of development, likely as a result of predation. The distribution of beavers, green herons, and great blue herons also appeared to be associated with food availability (woody vegetation for beavers, fish/frogs for herons). In summary, while simple, the food web in these constructed wetlands was structured similarly to what we see in natural wetlands. |
Fostering a Semiotic Framework Towards the Conservation of Mexican Gray Wolves04/09/2019The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is one of the most endangered wolves in the world, with approximately one-hundred individuals existing in the wild. Their native habitat, the semi-arid forested environments of New Mexico and Arizona are experiencing ecological degradation resulting from their absence. Effects include herbivory population imbalance, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Restoration of Mexican wolves could potentially cause a trophic cascade, or major ecological revamping of the region's entire ecosystem. Two decades of restoration efforts have not yielded consequential results, suggesting that a new approach toward their conservation is needed. It is asserted that the application of a semiotic or relational approach applying frame theory developed by anthropologist Gregory Bateson and detailed in Semioepistemology by Richard Currie Smith, could direct effective restoration; this successful physical and semiotic return of the wolves would foster latent resilient qualities of self-organization and emergence allowing the ecosystem to regenerate and stabilize. |
Fracture force versus impact durability: controlled experimental tests of chert and obsidian projectile points04/09/2019Why prehistoric hunter-gatherers chose particular raw materials from which to produce their projectile points was dependent on several factors: raw material availability, culture, production skill, or function. Here, via controlled materials science tests and ballistics tests we examine the force required to fracture chert versus obsidian points, and how these two point raw materials fracture upon impact. Using standardized specimens, we control for point size, shape, and hafting type. Our results will have implications for why prehistoric foragers chose these different raw materials in particular contexts, and perhaps why certain prehistoric cultures used both raw materials simultaneously. |
From Cradle to Grave: Apparel Product Life Cycle04/09/2019MERCH There are many factors that go into the apparel life cycle and both manufacturers and consumers contribute to the effects that the apparel industry has on the environment. In order to strike change and better the environmental impacts from the apparel industry it is important to study what is directly affecting the environment and who has a larger impact, the consumers or manufacturers? Manufacturers have a large part due to their large facilities and mass amounts of products they are creating every day, but also once the products are purchased by consumers every small act is multiplied by millions. Laundry habits are a prime example for the consumers behavior based on the fact that millions of people are washing clothing every day, using energy and harsh chemicals. They also disposed of clothing and produce mass amounts of non-compostable waste. The research conducted displays many ways that both manufacturers and consumers need to do their part to better the apparel life cycle and create a more circular system. |
Full Program 201904/09/2019Full Program 2019 |
Genetically Altered Endocannabinoid Receptors: Relationship to Non-Shivering Muscle Thermogenesis04/09/2019Multiple regulatory pathways contribute to obesity and energy expenditure, including thermogenesis. Our research program has that muscle thermogenesis is rapidly induced in rats and mice after exposure to predator odor. Of the many systems contributing to energy balance, we focus on the endocannabinoid system and CB1 receptors, which regulate appetite and thermogenesis. Because endocannabinoids promote weight gain, we hypothesized that mice deficient in CB1 receptor would show an increase in muscle thermogenesis. To test this hypothesis, temperature transponders were implanted into mouse gastrocnemius muscle of three CB1 genotypes (wild-type, heterozygote, knockout); mice were habituated to the experimental environment, and a Biomedical Data System Reader recorded muscle temperatures. After measuring initial baseline temperature in the housing facility, mice were moved to a testing room, all enrichments were removed from the cages, and cages were placed onto elevated stands. Then, a microisolator lid and sheet were placed over the cages and mice were acclimated for 3 hours. A second baseline was recorded before whiffle balls containing predator or control towels were placed into the cages. Subsequently, temperatures were recorded over 4 hours. Against expectations, I found significant suppression of thermogenic induction in mice with genetically altered CB1 receptors relative to wild-type controls. These results led us to develop an alternative hypothesis wherein CB1 receptor suppresses baseline thermogenesis; suppression is relieved upon predator threat. Further studies will test the ability of CB1 receptor agonists and antagonists to alter predator-odor induced thermogenesis, and to replicate the suppression of thermogenesis in a larger group. |
Geology of a Paleogene Garnet Bearing Rhyolite Intrusion, Northern Black Hills Igneous Province, South Dakota04/09/2019The Northern Black Hills Igneous Province consists of a series of 58-50Ma intrusive centers that trends W-NW from Bear Butte in South Dakota to Devils Tower and the Missouri Buttes in Wyoming. The intrusive bodies include laccoliths, sills, and dikes, as well as breccia pipes and diatremes. Hence, this area provides an excellent opportunity to study mechanisms of shallow level magma intrusions and associated volcanism. This study involves investigating a small intrusion located within Precambrian basement rocks. Eleven rock samples were examined in thin section for petrography and microprobe mineral chemistry, and whole rock chemistry using ED-XRF. Petrography and geochemistry classify the rocks as rhyolite (70-74% SiO2) containing up to 2% phenocrysts of plagioclase feldspar, biotite, and garnet in an aphanitic quartzo-feldspathic groundmass. Texturally, the phenocrysts are euhedral to subhedral and are 1-2 mm in diameter. Electron microscope analysis of garnets revealed their composition to be primarily almandine and show no zoning or systematic compositional variability. Metamorphic garnets are usually zoned with respect to Iron, Magnesium, and Manganese and have inclusions. Based on these observations we conclude that these garnets formed by crystallization from magma and therefore are not metamorphic xenocrysts. Almandine garnets form in high temperature and pressure environments and therefore are rare in surface or near-surface rhyolites. We hypothesize a scenario where the garnets were crystallizing in magma at lower crustal depth (720 km) and are preserved in the rhyolite due to rapid ascent to the surface before they had time to equilibrate and dissolve into the magma. |
Glucocorticoids’ Role in the Formation of Enhanced Fear Memories following Chronic Stress04/09/2019Following a stressful event, the Hypothalamus - Anterior Pituitary - Adrenal (HPA) axis mediates the release of the stress hormone cortisol (corticosterone in rodents) (CORT). This CORT response serves to liberate energy and overcome stressors by binding to glucocorticoid receptors (GR); additionally, previous studies have demonstrated it has a modulatory role in memory formation. Under conditions of chronic stress, the release of CORT can be sensitized leading to an increased CORT response to fear conditioning. Rodents exposed to chronic stress demonstrate the formation of enhanced contextual fear memories, and previous research has shown that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a key brain region in the formation of contextual memories. It is currently unknown if the chronic stress enhancement of fear memory is caused by the sensitization of the CORT response. It is hypothesized that CORT is necessary for the chronic stress induced enhancement of fear memory. Therefore, GR antagonist, RU38486, was administered into the BLA 30 minutes prior to fear conditioning. Rats were separated into four treatment groups: chronic stress + GR-antagonist, chronic stress + saline, control + GR-antagonist, and control + saline. Following 2-3 weeks recovery post-surgery, rats in the chronic stress groups were subjected to a 4 day mild chronic stress paradigm that concluded with fear conditioning; 24 hours later rats were returned to the operant box and assessed for freezing behavior. Results are currently pending. Future studies based off collected data will indicate where further investigation of CORT’s role will be directed. |
Golden Flashes Go (Home)!04/09/2019The purpose of this app is to streamline rides home for all out-of-state students. These students have struggled to find reliable transportation, flights, bus routes, or Uber/Lyft rides long enough. It becomes a hassle trying to locate peers from your home state with such a large number of people on campus and no efficient way of connecting with them. Bus routes are far too confusing when venturing to further states, with all the transfers and different routes, not to mention the wait times. Uber and Lyft are very effective for those looking to travel around Kent, but when going anywhere further, it becomes far too expensive. Our group will survey the student body, those who will be affected by this app, as well as different department heads, those who will help us implement and create this app in order to create the most impressive, practical, and cost effective app possible. |
Grassroots Organizations Efforts to Combat Violence04/09/2019This study begins to explore the possibilities of the anti-violence efforts that are under way in high violence communities such as Chicago’s west side. We’ve had success with interviewing 4 leaders/founders of anti-violence organizations and anticipate interviewing 56 more. By interviewing these leaders surrounded by violence, we’re able to get an understanding of the work taking place and the experience of those who engage in these efforts. These programs provide a safe space, mentoring, summer camps, gang outreach efforts, training in nonviolent communication, conflict resolution, peace-keeping practices and more.This research begins to bring light to the fact that there are other people working to help the community in unique ways. It helps inform the public of a broader movement toward justice reinvestment where funds are redirected from the criminal justice system toward more non-profit and grassroot organizations. |
Great grey destructors: how much damage do elephants cause to marula trees and mountain aloes?04/09/2019Elephants are known for being major ecosystem engineers due to their extensive eating habits. We compared adjacent areas with and without elephants in order to assess damage to marula trees (Sclerocarya birrea) and mountain aloes (Aloe marlothii). We hypothesized that plants where elephants are present (Thornybush Game Reserve) would have more damage than plants in areas without elephants (Wits Rural Facility). Marula trees will be shorter, with smaller trunk diameter and higher browse line. Mountain aloes will be shorter and have shorter leaf lengths. We measured marula tree height, trunk diameter and browse height as well as mountain aloe height and leaf length in areas with and without elephants. Because we found no living aloes inside Thornybush Game Reserve, we measured mountain aloes that were located along an adjacent fence line where elephants broke in due to a drought about two years before our study. We also compared the densities of aloes (both dead/de-crowned and alive) in areas with and without elephants present. Our results indicate that the mountain aloes were highly affected by elephant presence because we found no live aloes in the area with elephants. However, we found that the live aloes in the area where elephants had previously broken in were taller with longer leaf lengths (leaf length p-value= 0.0406, height p-value= 0.0002). We also found that the parameters measured regarding the marula trees were not statistically different. |
Greek Music: Then and Now04/09/2019Ancient Greece was a mecca of art, culture, philosophy, and societal change, and luckily many of these great achievements are still standing or are on display. One thing that cannot be found and preserved is the melodic music that filled the streets of Greece in these formative years. Music is essential to any culture, and based on the depiction of music and instruments in various art forms we can assume that this is true of Ancient Greece. In my research I will explore how music affected the culture of Greece, how it influenced their religious traditions, the origins of their instruments, and what musicologists believe the music could have sounded like. Then, during our faculty-led trip to Athens March 23-30 2019, I will be going to onsite research centers, such as the National Archeological Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, among other museums and historical sites and will find pieces of art and artifacts of life and music that substantiate my literary research. The second phase is to find live music of Athens, from street performers to musicians in coffee shops and restaurants to see if there are any ancient influences and if modern music has the same large impact on the culture and atmosphere of Athens today; I will then compare and contrast the old and the new. |
Heartbeat Lifestylewear04/09/2019The purpose of this project was to create garments based on the idea that there are limited options for Muslim women in athleisure wear. We wanted to make a collection that was modest, but still full of color with a fashionable style and print. Due to the collection being made for Cotton Works, the majority fiber for our fabric is cotton. Our collections’ fabric is comprised of cotton spandex, cotton fleece, and cotton ribbed knit. Our chosen brand for the collection was Heartbeat Lifestylewear. The style lines in our garments revolved around the idea of the heartbeat and the curved and straight lines it can make. We incorporated this into the pullovers’ kangaroo pocket, and elastic joggers, the high-waisted leggings, and in the high-necked hoodie jacket. Since our collection is catering to modesty, comfort is of utmost importance. Therefore, silhouettes are loose, airy, and feature longer hems. The few competitors that exist lack variation and color, much like Nike’s Pro-Hijab. We are looking to change that with our collection that features pinks and yellows in order to add a touch of femininity, as well as a floral print to stand out, all while keeping in mind our target market who enjoys “sustainable, bright colorful clothing and the idea of women empowerment” (Heartbeat Lifestylewear). Our collection is geared toward the colder seasons, so we wanted our customer to be warm enough when they are working out outside rather than indoors. That is why we picked Fleece for our hoodie and pullover. |
Heavy Rope Exercise on Hemodynamics and Arterial Stiffness in Resistance-trained Individuals04/09/2019PROBLEM: Heavy rope exercise may increase muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength. However, the effects of heavy rope exercise on cardiovascular hemodynamics and arterial stiffness is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of heavy rope exercise on cardiovascular hemodynamics and arterial stiffness. METHODS: Fifteen resistance-trained individuals volunteered to participate. Cardiovascular hemodynamics and arterial stiffness were collected at rest, 15 (Rec1), 30 (Rec2) and 60 (Rec3) minutes after an acute bout of heavy rope exercise. Cardiovascular hemodynamics included heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and total peripheral resistance (TPR). Arterial stiffness was measured via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). The acute heavy rope exercise consisted of six, 15-second exercise bouts, using a double wave pattern, separated by 30-seconds of passive recovery intervals; the pace of the exercise was set at 180bpm. RESULTS: There were no significant main effects of time on MAP or SV. There were significant (p=0.0001) main effects of time for HR, CO, TPR. HR and CO were elevated at all times post-exercise, and was higher at Rec1 compared to Rec2, and Rec3, and was lower at Rec3 compared to Rec1 and Rec2. TPR was reduced at Rec1, Rec2 and Rec3 compared to rest. There were also significant main effect of time for cf-PWV such that it was attenuated at Rec3 compared to Rec1 and Rec2. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that acute heavy rope exercise increases cardiovascular workload for at least 30 minutes. |
Hematological Effects of a Mechanical aid on Muscular Performance and Recovery following Resistance Exercise04/09/2019Hematological Effects of a Mechanical aid on Muscular Performance and Recovery following Resistance Exercise 1Tasia A. Doshak, 1Brandon M. Gibson, 1Joseph A. Laudato, 1Cody S. Dulaney, 1Emily C. Tagesen, 2Cardyl P. Trionfante, 1Adam R. Jajtner 1Exercise Physiology Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 2Department of Kinesiology and Health, University of Miami, Oxford, OH PURPOSE: To examine the leukocyte response to an acute squat protocol while wearing knee wraps versus no knee wraps. METHODS: 7 resistance trained men (22.3±3.6 yrs, 69.1±1.12 in, 77.9±5.4 kgs BW; 1-RM = 153.3±26.8 kgs) completed four experimental visits. Participants were asked to complete 8 sets of 10 repetitions of the squat at 70% of their 1-RM. Blood samples were collected prior to exercise (PRE), as well as immediately (IP), one hour(1H), 24 hours (24H) and 48 hours (48H) after exercise. Blood samples were analyzed via hematology analyzer for leukocyte count (WBC), lymphocyte (LY), monocyte (MO) and granulocyte (GR) number (#) and ratio (%). Data were analyzed using a condition x time repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Significant main effects of time were observed for LY% (pp2=0.1800), LY# (pp2=0.923), MO# (pp2=0.652), GR% (pp2=0.793) and GR# (pp < 0.05), while GR% was reduced at IP compared to PRE, 1H and 24H (pp < 0.05) compared to PRE, 24H, and 48H. GR% and GR# were also both greater at 24H versus 48H values (pp=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Resistance exercise elicits an immediate increase in circulating leukocytes, primarily through increases in LY%. |
Hematological Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training, Sprint Interval Training, and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training04/09/2019PURPOSE: To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), sprint interval training (SIT), and moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) on leukocyte counts and subsets. METHODS: Recreationally active men (n=2; 22±2 yrs) completed a maximal graded exercise test (VO2max) and three exercise trials (HIIT, SIT, and MCT) in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion on a cycle ergometer. HIIT consisted of fifteen 90-second bouts at 85% VO2max interspersed with 90-second active recovery periods. SIT consisted of fifteen 20-second bouts at 130% maximum wattage interspersed with 160-second active recovery periods. MCT was a single continuous bout at 65% VO2max. Each trial lasted 53 minutes, including a 5-minute warm-up and a 3-minute cool-down. Blood was collected before (PRE), immediately post (IP), 30 minutes (30M), 2 hours (2H), 6 hours (6H) and 24 hours (24H) post-exercise. Leukocyte count (WBC), lymphocyte number and ratio (LY# and LY %), monocyte number and ratio (MO# and MO%) and granulocyte number and ratio (GR# and GR%) were analyzed via hematology analyzer. RESULTS: MCT elicited the largest decrease in WBC at 30M compared to the other trials while HIIT led to the largest increase in WBC at IP relative to PRE compared to the other trials. HIIT also elicited the largest decrease in LY# at 2H compared to the other trials. Also, SIT led to a slight decrease in LY# at IP while the other conditions elicited an increase in this subset. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggests that MCT may lead to the largest suppression in WBC comparted to HIIT and SIT. |
High-intensity Heavy Rope Exercise on Pulse Wave Reflection in Resistance-trained Individuals04/09/2019PROBLEM: The effects of high-intensity heavy rope exercise (HI-HRE) on pulse wave reflection are unknown. Therefore, we examined alterations in pulse wave reflection after HI-HRE in resistance-trained individuals (n=15). METHODS: Heart rate (HR), brachial and aortic blood pressure (BP), and pulse wave reflection were collected at rest and 15 (Rec1), 30 (Rec2), and 60 (Rec3) minutes following HI-HRE. During the HI-HRE, participants performed six, 15-second exercise bouts, separated by 30-second seated, passive recovery intervals at a pace of 180bpm. A one-way repeated ANOVA was used to analyze the effects HI-HRE across time (rest, Rec1, Rec2, Rec3). Post hoc analysis utilized paired t-tests with a Bonferonni correction. RESULTS: There were significant (p0.05) main effects of time for brachial or aortic BP. There was a significant main effect of time for central augmentation pressure such that it was augmented from rest to Rec1. There was a significant main effect of time for the Augmentation Index (AIx) such that it was augmented from rest to Rec1. There was a significant main effect of time for the AIx normalized at 75bpm such that it was augmented from rest to Rec1 and Rec2, but was similar to Rec3. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that recovery from acute high-intensity heavy rope exercise has a significant effect on pulse wave reflection lasting up to 60 minutes post-exercise. Keywords: interval exercise, augmentation index, blood pressure, heart rate. |
History of Depression is Not Related to Cognitive Function in Healthy Middle-Age and Older Adults04/09/2019Background/Objective: Depressed middle-age and older adults exhibit higher rates of cognitive impairment and are more likely to have difficulty completing everyday tasks. Less is known about the neurocognitive impact of history of depression, though conceptual models suggest it may also increase risk for poor outcomes. The current study examined history of depression on cognitive function in a sample of healthy middle-age and older adults. Methods: Data from 163 community-dwelling participants (Mage=64.4, +/-5.52) were used for the current analyses. Participants were asked to complete a brief medical history form and the NIH Toolbox cognitive test battery, which includes measures of attention, executive function, and memory. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare persons with and without self-reported history of depression on tests of cognitive performance. Results: Independent sample t-tests showed no significant between-group differences on any measure of cognitive function. However, participants without history of depression trended toward better performance on List Sort task than participants with history of depression (t=1.83, df=161, p=0.70). Discussion: Results showed no effect of reported history of depression on cognitive function in a healthy sample of middle-age and older adults. If replicated in other samples, this finding suggests that current level of depression – rather than past history – is a more significant risk factor for cognitive impairment. Future studies should seek to replicate this effect in a larger sample and asses treatment of depression on these trajectories. |
History’s View of Denise Scott Brown04/09/2019Much of architectural history is dominated by male figures which begs the question whether the disregard of women is due to their lack of production, or to a more nefarious gender bias among architectural historians. Denise Scott Brown, who is an American architect and principal at the firm Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, presents one such case. Together with her husband Venturi, as well as alone, she has authored many of the most significant texts and buildings in postward architectures. However, historians often attribute these texts and buildings solely to Venturi. This provides an interesting opportunity to take a critical look at how historians present and understand the contributions of women to architectural production and discourse in comparison to their male partners. This paper will explore how different historiographic accounts credit and talk about the work produced by Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi, both together and independently, in order to ascertain whether historians have undervalued Denise Scott Brown’s work. It will analyze historiographic accounts including William Curtis’ Modern Architecture Since 1900 , Kenneth Frampton’s M odern Architecture: A Critical History , and more recent articles on their work. Original writings by Scott Brown and Venturi will also be analyzed, including L earning from Las Vegas (1972, Venturi,Scott Brown) and Learning from Pop (1972, Scott Brown) in order to develop a deeper understanding of their perspectives and what they each contributed to the projects mentioned. |
Hitting the Fun Button - Dimensions of Sensation Seeking04/09/2019My name is Haley Warden and I am a senior undergraduate psychology student working with Dr. Timothy Owens investing a semester in the subject of sensation seeking and risk taking behavior. “Sensation seeking” describes a personality trait in which one tends to pursue experiences that are intensely stimulating, and usually risky, as originally theorized by Marvin Zuckerman. Seeking sensation is connected to risk taking behavior like drug use, reckless driving, and extreme recreational activities. My work includes survey and interview of local skydivers, to investigate if individuals who engage in high-risk sports are more likely to be sensation seekers. My project will explore dimensions of sensation seeking and its relationship with innate traits, environment, and behavioral outcomes. |
How Does Time of Day Affect Attentiveness and Participation in Class?04/09/2019Morning versus afternoon undergraduate classes may affect student participation due to fluctuations in brain activity and variations in alertness. Specifically, student participation in class may vary depending on the time of day a class is offered. The current study is an applied, naturalistic observation in which multiple observers go into the field to collect data for educational reasons. In this study, I hypothesis that students who have classes in the afternoon will participate more than students who attend classes in the morning. Data collection is ongoing and will conclude mid-March. |
How roughness and cleanliness of rock mineral surfaces control its wettability04/09/2019To evaluate wettability of geologic minerals and rocks, their surfaces, at first, are subjected to a polishing routine, which involves sequential polishing from a coarse to a fine grit papers. The polishing routine introduces a degree of ‘surface roughness’, which likely affects the surface wettability measurements. Likewise, differences in surface cleaning procedures, such as usage of DI water, Acetone, Ethanol, and plasma cleaning lead to differences in degree of ‘cleanliness’ or contamination, which influences wettability measurements. |
I-motif DNA in Small-molecule Analysis Through Optical Microscopes and Foster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Techniques04/09/2019I-motif DNA is an apocryphal form of DNA, recently discovered to participate in cellular processes. The i-motif structure results to be extremely sensitive to pH changes, making it a perfect instrument to observe cellular-level interactions. In this investigation, i-motif DNA was used to study the G-quadruplex DNA: sequences rich in the Guanine Hydrogen base that makes up DNA. The purpose of the investigation was to study the interaction and changes pH mostly has in G-Quadruplex structures, with an emphasis on small molecules and time intervals. “Small molecules” in this investigation refers to chemical molecules with less than 1 nanometer in width/radius. In order to observe the changes that are desired, FRET imaging is used. This recent imaging technique allows to record small energy differences within a 10nm distance of the molecules binding sites, allowing for high accuracy of experiments. Although I-motif DNA and FRET imaging are recent in scientific experiments and knowledge, their uses are vast. The pH changes studies in this investigation are akin to biological changes and reactions often used as a way to ‘signal’ response to input within cells. These “changes” can be applied and used for inhibitors and conformational switches in cancer research; structural signals on nanoengineering; or simply to extend the knowledge so far obtained in I-motif and G-Quadruplex research. |
Impact of ADP-ribose analog INV-102 on Retinal Ganglion Cell Transport Function in Glaucoma04/09/2019Glaucoma, a pathologic condition associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), affects more than 2.5 million Americans. The increased IOP results from accumulation of aqueous humor in the region between the iris and the cornea. Due to its prevalence and lack of a cure, alternative preventative treatments are necessary in clinical practice. Our lab group aimed to study the potential efficacy of the Invirsa compound INV-102 to preserve the cells impacted by increased IOP, the retinal ganglion cells. An experimental trial was done in a rat glaucoma model consisting of four treatment groups: negative control, treated with PBS qd; positive control, treated with Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution qd; INV-102, 1%, qd; and INV-102, 1%, bid. Measure of therapeutic effect was done by quantifying RGC and axon number, and RGC transport function in retinal tissue, optic nerve, and the superior colliculi (SC) in the brain. Further, mRNA and protein expression of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy-associated genes and proteins [AMPK, PGC-1α, NAD+] were also measured. RGC functional evaluation was done using afluorescent dye known as Cholera Toxin B, or CTB, that was intraocularly injected into each rat, picked up by the RGCs, and then transported anterogradely to the SC. Analyzing sectioned SC allowed for CTB intensity to be calculated, reflecting the transport function of RGCs. Our lab group predicted that rats treated with INV-102 will have less RGC degeneration and improved CTB transport over controls. |
Improving Medical Emergency Services on Campus04/09/2019Kent State University has experienced safety issues in the past that as students, we would like to address and improve. Major events like convocation, commencement, sporting events, concerts, Destination Kent State, and others have experienced situations where a major emergency has occurred, and because of the populated area they were not addressed in a timely manner. We’ve found that the response time for indoor emergencies are less than adequate, especially within populated areas. Addressing and improving our safety measures on campus could potentially help prevent more emergencies from happening or at least make them less severe. We plan to approach this problem by interviewing emergency services on campus, other students who may have experienced safety issues in the past, and research of other college campuses and their safety protocols. A few of our team’s possible solutions include installing emergency buttons inside populated buildings on campus, implementing specific first aid training into FYE courses, and increasing overall safety awareness throughout campus. |
Improving Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Feasibility: Predicting Turbine Airfoil Performance Via Wind Tunnel Experimentation04/09/2019Vertical-axis wind turbines have a unique advantage over traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines, because they can operate at lower wind speeds. These wind speeds are typically encountered during a majority of days in the Midwest region of the United States, as well as other locations in the world. Vertical-axis wind turbine configurations have some significant advantages over horizontal-axis wind turbines. One major advantage is their size, they are small enough that they can be used in a more densely populated urban area; however, performance challenges prevent these vertical configurations from being widely integrated. One possible design solution is a spherical vertical axis turbine, employing a sequence of airfoils on the struts comprising the sphere. The objective of this research is to measure and assess the aerodynamic properties of different airfoils and predict their performance through one complete rotation. Kent State University's subsonic wind tunnel was utilized to collect the airfoil data on two airfoil shapes: the NACA 0012 and NACA 2412, at two low-speed Reynolds-numbers: 50,000 and 100,000. Conventional correction factors and curve-fitting techniques are applied to the experimental data. Using the resulting data, the optimal airfoil placements can be predicted to create a working model for further testing and implications. It is expected that the results of these experiments will assist in improving the performance of vertical-axis wind turbine configurations over a wide range of wind speeds, thus expanding the operational feasibility envelope of wind turbines as important sources of renewable energy. |
Inclusive Representation of Middle Size Ranges in Fashion04/09/2019In the fashion industry, we often design for two sizes ranges: “plus” and “straight.” However, the line between these two categories is a significant grey area. In many brands there is a size gap, and in many other brands, there is a size overlap. This makes women of sizes eight to eighteen underrepresented in any one size category. They are not specifically targeted in the fashion market, and models of this size often misrepresent their target customer. The inconsistence and misrepresentation within the fashion market makes shopping a considerable hassle for the consumer. When women struggle to find clothing, it takes a significant toll on their self-confidence. It is also likely to prevent them from purchasing merchandise due to this confusion. With this venture, I aim to bring awareness to the “in-between” sized customer by proposing a collection of garments that help to flatter women between sizes eight and eighteen. I believe that awareness and representation of this group can greatly strengthen their self-esteem and overall mental health. Conceptually, I am reflecting on celebrating women’s individuality. My materials will be a symbol for this theme, as I mix several upcycled denim textiles with a variety of patterns. The clash of mixed textiles allows this collection to represent the idea of women coming together in unity, without sacrificing their individuality. The prints I am using have a sense of cheeriness and whimsy to them. I believe these kitschy prints can also add to elevating the wearer’s mood, and evoke happiness when worn. The main motif pulled from these prints is red female lips, symbolizing embracing women’s femininity and the idea of being able to speak up for yourself. |
Influence of Knee Wraps on Force Production during Passive Isometric Quadriceps Contractions04/09/2019Purpose: To observe the effect of wearing knee wraps on passive isometric torque production at varying degrees of knee flexion. Methods: Nine recreationally active men (22.9 ± 3.7 yrs; 177.3 ± 5.7 cm; 84.9 ± 17.4 kg) completed one experimental visit. Prior to testing, participants’ height, weight, body composition (13.9 ± 7.0%) and knee circumference (37.8 ± 2.0 cm) were recorded. Participants then completed a one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the back squat and were considered to be resistance trained after completing a 1-RM of at least 1.5x their body weight. Qualified participants then performed passive isometric force tests on their right leg using a HUMAC Isokinetic Dynamometer. Forces were recorded at 100Hz for nine different angles (70° - 110° at 5° increments, lasting 5 seconds each): two with the right knee wrapped (KW), and two unwrapped (UW). Knee wrap trials were separately wrapped between attempts. Data were analyzed via within-subjects repeated measures ANOVA. Results: A significant condition x angle interaction was observed (F=218.677; p≤0.0001, ηp2 =0.965). Post hoc analyses revealed significant differences between all angles for KW (p≤0.005), and between angles greater than 90° for UW (p≤0.05). Paired samples t-tests revealed significantly greater force production in KW compared to UW at all angles (p≤0.05) excluding 70°(p=0.205). Conclusion: Applying knee wraps significantly increases passive isometric forces at angles greater than 70° of knee flexion when compared to the unwrapped condition. Furthermore, knee wraps produce greater forces as the angle of flexion increases. |
Interactive Communication Extension to Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders04/09/2019Miscommunication can be a frustrating aspect of communicating with others. A difficult kind of miscommunication to work through is an ambiguity or a referent that is open to more than one interpretation. Depending on the severity of this kind of miscommunication, conversational partners may choose to work through the miscommunication or give up altogether. Disorders of social communication such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may inhibit the ability for individuals to work through this kind of miscommunication. Because communication is so vital to life, investigating the influence of various miscommunications for individuals with social communication deficits can be informative to future research in several fields. In this study, the effect of globally ambiguous statements has on the amount of processing effort a listener with ASD puts forth will be explored. By using noninvasive remote eye-tracking methodology, gesture production will be investigated. During the task, participants will be instructed to click on an object and then view feedback about whether her choice was correct. As a part of the design, some of the trials will include ambiguous statements that make choosing an object more difficult. Then, the participant will learn the source of the ambiguity. It is expected that the processing effort of listeners with ASD may be influenced by the source of the ambiguity and the reliability of a message, differently than typically developing (TD) listeners. It is believed that language users with ASD may have a more difficult time judging conversational context and outcomes during communication. |
International Students Social Media Usage and Acculturative Stress04/09/2019Introduction: The United States serves as a leading destination among international students for higher education. According to Kent State’s Office of Global Education (OGE), the university enrolled 2,913 international students as of Fall 2016 and nearly 7.5% of the students attending the Kent campus are international- twice the U.S. average. While our campus welcomes international students with open arms, many of them may experience acculturative stress while they endure the many challenges that come with attending college in a different country. Currently, there is insufficient research on the influence that social media use has on acculturative stress. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap and examine if international students’ usage of social media for the purposes of both giving and receiving support can decrease their experience with acculturative stress. Methods: Using a cross sectional survey design International students at Kent State University will be recruited to complete an online survey. Data will be collected using the Media and Technology Usage and Attitude Scale (MTUAS) and the Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS). Results: At the completion of the study, our results will inform faculty and university staff of the potential importance of access to web-based platforms and the importance of social support through social media for student success and coping with acculturative stress. Key words: Social media, acculturative stress, international students. |
Interpersonal Stress Management04/09/2019Stress is a factor that hinders a majority of college students throughout their academic and personal lives. We have found that the main issue is the availability of counseling for stressed students within Kent State University. This, coupled with the difficulties that students face while adjusting to college life and academics, requires serious attention. At the time of writing, the university offers professional counselors for struggling students at White Hall, Kent Hall, and the DeWeese Health Center, however, availability is sparse throughout the entire semester. Our solution to the problem would be to create an app that allows trained students to converse with those seeking help anonymously. We plan to survey students and faculty to gauge usage of an app in order to best create a design that will be effective. This app can help Kent State University show their dedication to mental health by helping students in need get the support they require. |
Investigation of alpha-toxin secretions in biofilm-conditioned medium as a potential proinflammatory disruptor to macrophages04/09/2019S. aureus biofilm infections, common in patients with chronic wounds or artificial implants, are clinically significant due to their ability to subvert the human innate immune response and to result in persistent illness. Previous investigations suggest that S. aureus biofilms attenuate macrophage-mediated antimicrobial function by disrupting NF-κB-coordinated transcription of proinflammatory intermediates. However, the identity of one or more bacterial molecules responsible for this dysfunction remains unknown. This study investigates the S. aureus-produced protein alpha toxin as a potential disruptor of the complex signaling process that leads to inflammation. In this study, antibacterial receptor agonists for TLR2, TLR9, and NOD2 are used to synthetically stimulate RAW 264.7 macrophages toward an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype while they are co-cultured in conditioned medium from cultured wild-type or alpha toxin-knockout S. aureus biofilms. Using qPCR analysis and an NF-kB reporter assay, the pro-inflammatory response of macrophages in either environment can be quantified and compared to assess the effect of alpha toxin on one or more receptor-mediated pathways. Characterization of this host-microbe interaction can lead to a better understanding of the innate immune response, as well as to the development of targeted therapies to improve healthcare outcomes for patients with S. aureus biofilm infections. |
Is this Lady-like? Portrayals of Single, Career Based Women’s Relationship With Food in American Sitcoms.04/09/2019In this paper, we report the preliminary results of a content analysis of six popular and influential American television situation comedies depicting a single, working woman. We are interested in the main character and the supporting casts eating habits and attitudes toward food. We are also interested in how the female protagonists eating habits and relationship with food changes between the first major TV sitcom starring an employed single woman, That Girl in 1966 and the most recent TV sitcom in our sample, The Mindy Project. Exposure to popular culture is an important dimension of gender role socialization. The literature shows that there are specific gender norms that are reflected in the way individuals of a gender consumes, chooses, and thinks about food (Counihan, 1992, Oakes and Slotterbeck, 2005). Preliminary findings indicate a paucity of food in TV programs portraying single working women, especially in more recent programs. Women are rarely shown eating, and when they do eat, they are shown consuming “feminine foods” such as salads. We observe a change in the portrayal of women’s domestic roles, with a gradual shedding of any domestic roles or skills in more recent programs and an emphasis on role reversal, with men depicted as more skilled in cooking and self-care. We contribute to the literature on the portrayal of women in popular culture and add a new focus by using the lens of eating and domestic roles in TV sitcoms to study gender roles. Keywords: [Women, Food, Qualitative, Sitcom, Feminine, Socialization, Gender, Content Analysis, Sociology of Food, Media] |
Islands of fertility: termite mounds enhance soil and grass richness in South African savannahs04/09/2019Termite mounds are reported to increase soil quality in savannas because termites collect detritus and return it to their mounds. Soil fertility should therefore decrease with increasing distance from termite mounds. This may have consequences for the species and abundance of grasses growing on the site. The intent of this study was to examine soil respiration and grass diversity surrounding termite mounds within the Wits Rural Facility, near Acornhoek, South Africa. We hypothesized that sites closer to the termite mounds would have increased levels of soil respiration along with greater diversity of plant species. We also tested for the relationship between the most abundant grass species, Panicum maximum, and mound distance. The biomass of P. maximum was predicted to decrease with increasing distance away from the mound. After locating three termite mounds, we collected soil samples at increasing distances away from each mound. Soil fertility was assessed by soil CO2 respiration. Additionally, grass biomass and number of plant species was measured at each soil collection site. We found that there was a strong negative correlation (r= -0.66) between soil fertility and distance from the mound. No correlation was found between grass species richness and distance from the mound. However, there was a strong negative correlation (r= -0.80) between the amount of P. maximum and distance from the mound. Our results support our hypotheses that soil fertility and P. maximum abundance would be greater closer to the termite mounds. |
Life Room04/09/2019The title of my project is “Life Room” which incorporates art and music. The music goes through a journey of my most personal feelings and memories, along with the art. Through each original song art is highlighted from beginning to end by artist Noelle and Lacy. In the middle of the performance, there will be a live painting happening while I’m singing and is to be completed by the end of the song. I have a passion for both music and abstract painting. It’s amazing what the two can create combined. I’m passionate about this project because it’s an original concept with the combination of art and music. I think it will be beautiful to create an atmosphere for people to feel at home, inclusive, and inspired. I want them to be very responsive during this performance, it’s a very interactive piece. It’s interactive because of the space itself. I want to have furniture for people to sit on that will be directly on the stage. The rest of the seating in the black box will come in at an angle to make it more intimate. Before entering the space, there will be a white photo backdrop that people can take pictures in front of. On the backdrop it will say “I Am”. My vision is to have sticky notes so people can write different things like “Beautiful,” “Talented”, “Worthy”, something encouraging. Before they walk into the room they will write something they don’t like about themselves anonymously and will take out a random one at the end of the show and rip it up to the last song. Each team member is so important to making this work because each component is just as important with art and music being one. This show is what I think the community needs, it’s healing and I believe will bring people together in a way that’s never happened before. I think this will encourage students to think outside of the box, and if they have more than one passion figuring out innovative ways to tying them together because it can be done. With contributions towards this project, I will be creating most of the music and only a few will be cover songs potentially. The artist will be creating all their pieces from scratch because it will be going along with the music. From beginning to end this process will probably go from February 1st to start getting all the material needed. I would imagine starting rehearsals mid February which could take place in music classrooms, practice rooms. I would like to use the black box for the performance space. I would need to reserve it for April 15th- 17th. The 15th and 16th will be used for set up, lighting, sound, and final dress rehearsal. On the 17th will be the final performance. I’m going to evaluate the process by having a meeting with the team once a week to track our progress, make improvements, and will have a designated recorder to write down everything. I will know how successful this project was through a short questionnaire that people will be able to fill out at the end of the show. At the end of this project, the work can go in the artists’ portfolios and websites. My music could be released, or put on my website. I think this project has the potential to be very powerful, and memorable! |
Linking parks to primary care through place-based exercise referrals: Results from a survey of park employees04/09/2019With the growing public health issue of obesity and its associated health consequences, a greater emphasis has been placed on exercise as a method of disease management and risk reduction. Outdoor (green) spaces such as parks or zoos are excellent locations for people to engage in exercise while feeling a part of their community. Consequently, many physicians are interested in, or have given out exercise referrals (prescriptions) to green spaces for their patients. However, there are logistical and systemic challenges that parks face in regard to these exercise referrals. This purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the support that parks require in order to meet the needs of patients with exercise referrals. An electronic, 40-item questionnaire was sent out to all Metro Park employees. The response rate was 99 participants, which was lower than desired 200-employee goal. Descriptive analysis revealed that most of the respondents lacked the knowledge, skills and/or resources to assist those with green exercise prescriptions. In regard to supporting those with exercise referrals, employees felt that being able to provide park/trail informational materials would be the most beneficial logistical resource. Additionally, employees lacked an essential connection with the clinical community on the topic of exercise referrals. As a result of these findings, it is evident that there is a need for health care providers to communicate with park employees so that they can better serve those with exercise referrals. Providing the necessary logistics may increase the use and effectiveness of green prescriptions. |
Liquid Crystal Synthesis Based on Thienothiophenes04/09/2019Aside from the three most common states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas, there exists an intermediate phase of matter between the solid and liquid phase which has been characterized as a liquid crystal. Molecules in this state can flow like a liquid but have solid phase properties such as the ability to be active when placed in an electric field. Liquid crystals exist in phases distinguished by their increasing order between the molecules and include smectic C, smectic A, and nematic with smectic C having the most order. These compounds are used in optical switches, laser tuners, medical technology, but mainly in Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD). One aspect of these materials that has been problematic is their response time when activated by an electric field. These compounds are relatively slow to relax, on the order of milliseconds, however our research is directed toward making this response time much faster, possibly on the order of microseconds. We plan to do this by chemically synthesizing various new sulfur-based liquid crystals called thienothiophenes. These structures, through literature research, have been found to be under-studied, leaving a window of opportunity. Developing a liquid crystal with a faster response time can in fact increase resolution, leading to the development of a more advanced high definition display. The building blocks of these liquid crystals have been synthesized; however, future work will include the addition of various alkyl chains to test the differences in physical properties of these materials. |
Longitudinal Correlation Between Cognitive Decline in Multiple Sclerosis and Rise in Depressive Symptoms04/09/2019Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system caused by inflammation and progressive demyelination, causing biological and psychological issues. Up to 65% of MS patients have cognitive dysfunction that significantly affects their ability to function, and this negatively impacts employment and sociability than cognitively intact MS patients suffering from physical ailments. (Wilken et al., 2003). This disengagement from social activities and employment could be because MS is associated with high rates of depression. The lifetime prevalence for depression in MS is 50% and the annual prevalence of 20% which are very high. (Siegert and Abernethy, 2005). We want to determine how damage to executive planning by MS impacts the level of depression over time. We examined a sample of recently diagnosed patients with MS over the course of 18 months. We tested their cognition with the Tower Puzzle from the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics which measures executive planning. This test was administered at 1 and 13 months. We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale to test the level of depression symptoms. We will use a within-subject t-test to determine if there is a sample-wide difference in performance on the Tower Puzzle; then, we will use a correlation to test if change in the tower score is associated with depression symptoms that were measured with the CES-D scale. This research will help patients that need more support because we will understand how the damage MS does to executive planning may impact future mental illness. |
Magnus Effect Airfoil04/09/2019Keywords: Airfoil, Magnus Effect, Aeronautics, Wind Tunnel An airfoil is a curved, cross-sectional area of a wing in which generates lift, so that humans can fly planes, jets, helicopters and drones. This design was first mimicked by the Wright Brothers, who studied the shape of bird wings, which inspired a typical airfoil we see today. The magnus effect is a force exerted on a rotating cylinder or sphere, in which changes the original path of the object. Such as when someone tosses a hula-hoop with a backspin, it comes back to the spinner. Scientists have tested both airfoils and the magnus effect, observing effects in wind tunnels in which provides an increase in lift. By combining the two phenomena, we get an airfoil with an integrated rotating cylinder. This combination, in theory, may decrease the stall speed on an aircraft, proving to be an innovative asset in the safety of future aircraft. By increasing the lift generated on a wing, aircraft may have an increased rate of climb and a better fuel economy. Wind tunnel data may include generated lift at various angles of attack, various cylinder rpm’s, and will be compared to the original NACA 0012 airfoil for comparison. |
Malicious Intent? A new look at the July Crisis of 191404/09/2019The traditional view is that, of the powers involved in the crisis, Britain was the only one that made a substantive proposal to defuse it. Specifically: Britain proposed a multilateral conference at which the antagonists could compose their differences; Germany, in not backing the proposal, blithely ignored the only real opportunity to resolve the crisis peacefully. My research shows that, on the contrary, it was the proposal itself that in fact ratcheted up tensions. This proposal was rooted in a conversation between Sergei Sazonov, the Russian foreign minister, and Sir William Buchanan, the British ambassador to Russia, on July 25 Sazonov told Buchanan that the crisis, in his view, was not a local affair between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, but that it was an issue in which all European powers had standing. Buchanan then relayed this conversation to his superior, Sir Edward Grey who was the British Foreign Secretary. Grey seizes upon the Russia idea for a conference and decides to make the proposal himself. With Grey proposing the conference, Britain turned the crisis from a crisis between Austria-Hungary and Serbia into a European Crisis. But was Sazonov’s and thereby Grey’s reading of the document correct? In my opinion, no. Using documents from the British Foreign Office, as well as the Five Power Memorandum, I aim to show how Britain escalated the crisis instead of diffusing it. |
Matters Magazine04/09/2019MERCH Matters Magazine is going to be a creative, collaborative, and educational fashion magazine. Created to inform people about things that matter, this magazine will touch on everything mental health. With mental health becoming an increasing problem in today’s society, our team wants to use beautiful visuals and text from Kent students and professionals to inspire others. For people who have never personally dealt with mental health issues, it is almost impossible for them to understand or help someone struggling with it. We hope to be able to help communicate the struggles of mental health through our photoshoots, letting the reader interpret the images in a way that makes go through the same emotional journey. This project will challenge our ability to take a creative concept and bring it to life, portraying the exact message that we want to give. Matters Magazine will encourage us to think outside of the box with not only our images, but our writing as well. It will start a conversation about mental health on Kent State’s Campus. It would bring an exciting new way to get people interested in taking about serious subjects. We believe that just like more people get their news from social media than newspapers, more people will be willing to talk about mental health if there is an entertainment and reliability factor. Our mission is to humanize mental health, decreasing the stigma that comes with it and making students more comfortable with getting help for themselves or others. |
Medusa as an example of Female Sexuality in both Ancient and Present times04/09/2019The myth of Medusa has been viewed through two distinct lenses from the classical period in Greece to present day; the lense of the male gaze and that of early feminism. Through Medusa’s transformation from a beautiful, erotic young maiden into a grotesque gorgon at the hands of Athena, regulation and disregard for female sexuality in ancient Greece is made prevalent. After her rape by the god Poseidon in the Holy Temple of the Virgin Athena, Medusa faces great punishment seen as justified by the goddess through a fit of jealousy of her allure, and rage at the despoiling of her sacred temple, though she had not committed a crime outside of the tragic loss of her virtue. The myth of Medusa is still important in modern day as it highlights issues of sexual assault and its twisted repercussions for both the perpetrator and the victim, taking Poseidon’s lack thereof into consideration. Medusa’s curse is comparable to treatment of unchaste and lustful women in ancient Greek society, as well as suppression of female sexuality compared to male sexuality in both ancient and modern times. Using on site research in Athens, Greece, Articles by Doris K. Silverman and Nancy R. Felson from Studies in Gender and Sexuality Journal, and references to Hesiod’s Theogony, this project will demonstrate the importance of Greek Mythology in maintaining male dominance in ancient Greek culture while simultaneously acknowledging possibility of female empowerment from a Greek woman’s perspective of these myths in the times they were written. |
Mental Health Associations With Juvenile Delinquents04/09/2019Traumas and serious experiences in adolescents is a serious problem. More than half of adolescents struggling with mental disorders will enter adulthood battling the same conditions as they were when they were younger. This is because many of them are overlooked, not handled properly, or written off as negative behavior. Negative behavior and “acting out” can often lead to an adolescent being sent to a detention home and this only leads to an even more negative path for the adolescent. This secondary data analysis study looks at the association between mental health factors and juvenile delinquent behavior. The three behaviors of focus in this study are substance abuse, suicide, and fighting. These were compared to indicators of depression, measured ranging from mild depression to moderate-severe depression, and report of use of mental health services. The data used for this study was from a survey done in a detention home/ facility in Northeast Ohio. The data analysis indicated that youth that reported using mental health services were more likely to abuse substances, participate in fighting, and attempt suicide. And juveniles that had a depression indicator of moderate-severe were more likely to abuse substances, participate in fighting, and attempt suicide. |
MERCH04/09/2019In today’s apparel industry there are many concerns regarding sustainability. Because there is a rising number of textiles produced due to fast fashion, the industry depends on the world’s water sources for apparel production. Out of all the fibers used throughout the world, cotton is one that uses a considerably large amount of water to produce. This has contributed to an increase in water scarcity throughout the world and has the potential to become dangerous if sustainable practices are not implemented to produce cotton goods. The purpose of this case is to determine how consumers react to cotton products that are made through sustainable practices opposed to cotton products that are not sustainable. To find this data we will observe consumers feedback and responses on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will specifically be looking for responses made between the years of 2016 and 2018. . Through the data that we collect, we expect consumers to have an overall better awareness of cotton sustainability. From this knowledge it is believed that they will have a positive reaction to sustainable cotton, and a greater willingness to buy sustainable cotton versus non sustainable cotton. In conclusion, this study aims to investigate consumer perceptions about the cotton products that they may purchase and the effect this has on their purchasing decisions. |
Metaheuristic applications in architectural topology optimizations04/09/2019Metaheuristics is a method of optimization approximating solutions to problems with high levels of complexity. Solutions are generated through multiple iterations of trial and error derived through randomly generated inputs optimizing outputs through diversification and intensification or, exploration and exploitation. The goal of the application of a metaheuristic function is to generate feasible solutions within an acceptable time scale. This investigation is intensified focusing on metaheuristic algorithms and their application to the field of architecture in a method explore the relationship between inputs of physical parameters such as forces, and the output of physical form. Through a case study using a plug-in in Grasshopper employing bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization, the study discusses how to address challenges to apply metaheuristic algorithms in architectural design including available data, quality of data, and time. |
Methods to Enhance Contrast in MRI Using Targeting Probes04/09/2019Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans use a combination of radio waves and magnetic fields to create an image of tissues within the body. While MRI is proven effective it only has limited use as to which tissue structures can be accurately resolved. Using contrast agents in MRI, it is possible to gain enhanced detail in acquired images to help resolve disease symptoms and tissue activity and improve the signal of tissues during a scan. Contrast agents are used in patients with Multiple Sclerosis to detect lesions in brain tissue. Issues with current contrast agents is their lack of specificity and toxicity at relatively low doses. Recently, a new nanoparticle, a gadolinium-based nanoparticle (GdNP). GdNP is approximately ten times stronger than typical contrast agents allowing it to provide the same contrast enhancement with ten percent of the typically required concentration. Targeting agents further decrease the number of molecules needed for desired image enhancement by binding to specific areas of the tissues being studied. This research is based around developing and evaluating nanoparticle-targeting agents as contrast enhancing probes with tissue specificity. The albumin binding protein, Evans blue (EB), have been attached to contrast enhancing nanoparticles. EB targets serum albumin (SA) in the blood vessels when injected intraperitoneally. We present in vivo MRI and microscopic data detailing development of this new probe designed to enhance signal from the neurovasculature of a mouse brain. |
Minority College Students and Philosophy04/09/2019What barriers do minority college students identify with respect to becoming philosophically educated? “Minority College Students and Philosophy” addresses the problem that philosophy is largely directed by white males; the majority populations responsible for the vast majority of philosophical ideas predominantly do not represent minority populations. As a result, philosophy risks—without input from minority populations—becoming stagnant in a world in which diversity is becoming increasingly important. This study examines the barriers that undergraduate minority students—women, ethnic minorities, and the LGBTQ population—at a mid-sized midwestern university in the United States identify in pursuit of philosophical education. The goal of this study is to better understand what barriers exist and why these barriers exist, so we may learn how to make philosophy more diverse and inclusive. When given a survey comprised of multiple-choice and short answer questions, 16 out of 21 students identified one or more barriers between themselves and philosophical education. Based off of these results, I anticipate that students from minority populations will identify cultural barriers, linguistic barriers, social barriers, and financial barriers more frequently than students from majority populations. This study pinpoints several concrete obstacles with respect to philosophical education, identified by students themselves, which future research may utilize to better understand how to make philosophy more inclusive. Two areas for future research are how these findings may be implemented concretely, and why the obstacles that minority students identify differ from those that students from majority populations identify. |
Natural High-Tech: Engineering Natural Fibers04/09/2019MERCH This project aimed to study consumer attitudes towards GM cotton used in their apparel. This study was conducted in three parts. The first part consisted of literary research. The second was based on data collection and research from consumers through various internet platforms. The third part of our research consisted of a survey meant to determine consumer attitudes towards GM cotton and possibly determine reasoning for these attitudes. We found that consumers tend to have a negative view on GM cotton when they consider the politics surrounding it. People are also quite concerned with the safety of GMOs in general. The survey results were interesting because it showed an overwhelmingly neutral attitude towards GM cotton and a general lack of knowledge which somewhat contradicted the comments we found which were more so negative. There were several differences between the survey and comments. However, we were still able to make a few connections to hypothesize the majority of people’s attitudes towards GM cotton. We found that the majority of consumers knew very little about GM cotton. We believe that the knowledge of the consumer must be changed in order to create an overall more positive attitude towards GM cotton. |
Nightlife Cotton and Denim Based Anti-Theft Garments04/09/2019The purpose of this project was to create clothing for young, traveling women who often participate in nightlife activities. Through these garments, women should not only feel stylish and trendy, but, feel safe from pickpocketing and theft while they are out. Often, women are targeted at night clubs when they use their phone or set down their purse or personal belongings on a table. These issues are very present in large cities in which nightlife is extremely popular, “NYPD reports 3,000 pickpocket incidents a month in New York City.” (Safes International). These numbers steadily increase in European cities and even more incidents are left unreported to police. Many Kent State University student have experienced these issues first hand while studying abroad in Florence or New York City. Overall, the goal of this collection is to protect young adults when they participate in local nightlife whether they are home, or traveling to a foreign country. Pickpocketing and theft have become increasingly more popular throughout the past few years. Using different design aspects such as hidden pockets, retractable phone reels, and RFID cards will ultimately protect our wearer from losing their personal belongings. While most pickpocket protection clothing are not meant for their looks, this is something that we focused on. Young adults do not realize how much danger their belongings can be in while they are out or traveling. Our intentions were to create clothing with these protectants that will be more desirable to be worn by a younger target market. |
Nutritional Management of Pediatric Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome04/09/2019Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) and associated nutritional deficiencies result from massive bowel resection. The most common causes of SBS are necrotizing enterocolitis and intestinal atresia, but the condition may be caused by any condition that results in necrotic bowel tissue. Significant research exists regarding the nutritional management of these patients in the immediate post-operative period via total parenteral nutrition and regarding the transition to enteral nutrition for short-term management. Other nutritional and psychological research shows that oral feeding should be the long-term goal for these patients due to the psychological and social benefits of oral feeding. In the long-term management stage of SBS, oral feeding and enteral feeding are comparable in maintaining nutritional status. Despite the mass of literature regarding types of nutrition management, little to no research exists regarding the transition from enteral nutrition to oral nutrition. This research project proposes additional study of the long-term impacts of oral nutrition on SBS patients and the optimal transition from enteral to oral nutrition. |
Optimizing Soil Grinding to Measure Soil Manganese Content04/09/2019Varying levels of the resource Manganese can have many different effects such as chlorosis of the leaves, plant mortality, and increased decomposition of leaf litter. Red maple saplings were planted in different soil types and grown in a greenhouse in order to measure manganese uptake into the tree leaves. My objective for this project was to analyze soil samples from the different treatments, containing either manganese dissolved in water, manganese oxides, manganese in pyrite-containing shale, or a control group with sand and peat. My role in this project is to grind the samples with a SPEX 8000M mixer/mill, press them into pellets, and analyze them using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer to measure soil chemistry, including the total Mn concentration. |
Perceptual Learning of Spectrally Degraded Speech may be Impaired by Auditory Distraction in Adolescence04/09/2019Adults must attend to spectrally degraded (noise-vocoded, NV) speech to learn to understand it but attention develops throughout childhood, and therefore this requirement may not be the same for older children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of attention in adolescents’ learning to comprehend NV speech. Listeners aged 10-17 years were exposed to a series of 6-band NV sentences. All listeners completed a five-sentence pre-training test and a 20-sentence post-training test, during which they listened to the sentences and repeated them aloud. During the training phase, listeners were divided into three groups: two groups heard 15 NV sentences simultaneously with a series of amplitude-modulated noises. One of these groups was instructed to detect a target amongst the noises while another group repeated back the NV sentences. The third group served as control listeners and played a video game in silence. Preliminary data show that the adolescents who attended to the NV speech in training did not benefit from that experience, suggesting that the presence of irrelevant sounds may have prevented their learning. This outcome indicates that immature auditory attention may interfere with adolescents’ perceptual learning abilities. All three groups improved over the 20 sentences of the post-training test, indicating that learning was possible when the NV sentences were presented alone. If this preliminary result holds, it suggests that adolescent listeners adjusting to new hearing aids or cochlear implants may benefit most from listening to speech in environments with few distractions. |
Personality Perceptions Based on Body Type04/09/2019MERCH Weight discrimination has been identified as one of the most common forms of discrimination in American society today. The purpose of this research was to identify if this discrimination extends to assumptions regarding the personalities/attributes of individuals. This research used a quantitative survey to investigate whether negative assumptions are made about overweight women’s personalities based on their body shape/size. In addition to determining whether these assumptions are made at all, the study distinguishes some of the assumptions most commonly made based on weight. This research serves to inform people on what assumptions they are making about overweight individuals they encounter, consciously or subconsciously. Once these subconscious prejudices have been brought to light and some of their potential sources investigated through background research, steps can be taken to help assuage the problem of weight discrimination and personality assumptions made about overweight women. |
Pillars of Knighthood: The Evolution of English Knights, 1066-168504/09/2019“Pillars of Knighthood: The Evolution of English Knights, 1066-1685” follows how knights in England changed as a class from the Late Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Knights started as a militaristic aristocracy, as their main contribution to the kingdom was their martial prowess and they were aristocracy because they owned land. Over time, their role in the military decreased as they became more important as status symbols of nobility. They did not stop fighting completely, as tournaments became increasingly extravagant and significant. The research looks at three pillars of knighthood: chivalry, armor, and nobility. These each have their own section within the paper and use their own sources to show the evolution of the pillars. The section on chivalry uses Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory from 1485, a romantic work of literature that focuses on King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to show how society of the time thought of knights and chivalry. The section on armor highlights the differences in armor by using images of armor from the Cleveland Museum of Art. And the nobility section uses a list of the members of Parliament from England to determine that, as time went on, knights became members of Parliament; which means that their role as nobility larger than their role as a militaristic aristocracy. |
Plants Have Superpowers Too04/09/2019Lantana camara is an invasive plant species that has spread quickly across South Africa. This bird-dispersed plant suppresses surrounding plants through allelopathy. I examined the dispersal of L. camara under and away from tree canopies in a highly populated communal area and an adjacent conserved area with low human density. I hypothesized that L. camara would be more common in the communal area because of the higher grazing pressure than in the conserved area. Additionally, I hypothesized that this allelopathic plant would inhibit or retard the germination rate of two plant species. The dispersal hypothesis was examined by surveying subcanopy and intercanopy environments near Acornhoek, South Africa. The number and diameter of L. camara stems were recorded, as well as the presence of adjacent L. camara plants. The allelopathy hypothesis was examined by germinating radish Raphanus sativus and Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon seeds in soil collected from under L. camara bushes and in open areas. We recorded germination over a span of five days. L. camara was most common in the conserved area in the subcanopy and in the communal area in intercanopy environment. We found that R. sativus seeds had a higher average germination rate in open-area soils (95%) than in L. camara soils (84%), while the opposite was true for C. dactylon seeds (84% vs. 90%). These results suggest that birds are important dispersers of L. camara seeds and that allelopathic effects vary between plant species. |
Pluviophile04/09/2019Pluviophile: A Lover of Rain Natalie Mills, Maya Efrat, and Margaret Busche Kent State University Key Words: Transformable, Weather-proof, Cotton, Contemporary Design Statement The purpose of this project was to create a cohesive collection based upon business plans created by Kent State University Sophomore Merchandising students. The business plan the designers chose was called Cotton the Rain. The business plan proposed “developing a new look for the raincoat through environmentally friendly approaches and to encourage consumers to be eco-friendly shoppers.” The ‘company’s’ mission statement is to “reduce waste of cotton and to use environmentally friendly dyes to produce sustainable, high quality raincoats and jackets.” We incorporated these practices by using one-hundred percent organic cotton fabrics. The garments created in this collection were designed to transform either within itself or into varying sizes of bags. This design project shows the designers interest in the ways of transformable and functional garments while remaining a contemporary design aesthetic. Through this design process, designers were able to create a fresh take on weather-proof garments through sustainable fabrics and creative uses of hardware. Cotton the Rain features rain jackets that use a multitude of vibrant colors to allow freedom of self expression. The jackets are made of one-hundred percent organic cotton as a way to make these garments sustainable. According to Sarah Kennedy (2015), “organic cotton has a 98% lower water pollution rate than the non-organic alternatives.” The seeds of organic cotton are “GMO-free and not treated with hazardous synthetic fertilizers. This means organic cotton farming actually produces 94% less greenhouse gam emissions” (Kennedy, 2015). Organic cotton can only be considered one-hundred percent organic as long as the soil and fertilizers are considered organic and natural. That being said “organic soil becomes a ‘carbon sink’,which removes CO2 from the atmosphere,” meaning organic cotton reduces the carbon footprint (Kennedy, 2015). Through the use of organic cotton the rain jackets will be sustainable. The three designers each had a different approach to the transformable aspect of their garments. Natalie Mills wanted to go an entirely different route from her fellow designers. She created a jacket that could be worn two ways: as a dress or an outer garment. Not only that, but the jacket can collapse within itself through a kangaroo pocket that features another pocket that can be closed with a reversible zipper. Margaret Busche’s knit top with drawstrings is zero waste. It can be worn oversized or if the drawstrings are pulled the silhouette becomes more fitted. The jeans have a separating zipper in the lower leg so that they can become culottes. For convenience, the jacket can transform into a hobo style bag. The bottom zips together to create the bag and the sleeves snap together to create the strap. Through the use of snap, the jacket's hood is also detachable. The first garment Maya Efrat designed for this collection is a white corduroy dress with an invisible zipper closure in the center back seam and a drawstring at the hem to give it more of a balloon shape if desired. The second garment is a two-toned denim jacket that separates to create a cropped jacket and a bucket bag also using a drawstring. The two parts are connected with snaps. Kennedy, S. (2015, September 09). Which Big Brands are Using More Organic Cotton? Retrieved October 10, 2018, from https://goodonyou.eco/big-brands-are-using-more-organic-cotton/ |
Police Cadet Preparedness of Ability to Cope with the Nature of the Job: An Assessment04/09/2019Police officers face many difficult and stressful situations that require rapid judgement decisions. Training is one strategy of helping cadets deal with these inevitable situations. Consequences of poor training can be police violence, mental health problems among officers, and rapid turnover. This study examined police cadets in training and is one of the first studies to do so. I sought to answer: “Are current police training methods sufficient to prepare police officers for their job?”. Data were collected at a police training institute in Kentucky during cadet training using surveys over the span of one year; and achieved an 87% response rate for a total of 379 participants. The sample analyzed was primarily white and male with fourteen years of education and high social support. The dependent variable in this study was perceived job threat, derived from the Critical Incident History Questionnaire measuring expected job stress. Results showed that social support and exposure to past traumas were significantly correlated with perceived job threat to a cadet. Gender had a moderate correlation with perceived job threat. These results are consistent with the literature that social support is a key social factor used to cope with stress (Pearlin, 2009; Thoits, 2010) and that women anticipate a harder time in this line of work. Ultimately the results show that current police training methods do moderately well at preparing cadets for police work but could seek to improve upon gender disparities in the workplace and add more training in keeping social support strong. Keywords: [Police Training, Social Support, Stress, Trauma, Mental Health, Coping, Workforce, Quantitative, Police] |
Political influence in the 1970’s in Spanish architecture04/09/2019Spanish Architecture in the 20th century not only conveyed the artistic and functional aspect of their society, but it also was fueled by the political nature of the economy at the time Spain’s architecture was struggling to strive. This research goes into further investigation and explains how changing political or social factors are reflected in Spanish architecture. According to Jonathan Glancey of the Guardian, “Renaissances in architecture and design, occur when certain cultural and political fuses are lit; for a while these have gone out in Italy, although probably not forever” (Glancey, 2008). When Spanish dictator and general Generalissimo Franco died, the country began a very long-awaited struggle to reclaim its power and for a stable economy. By doing so, they have been able to ascend to the respected democratic monarchy that it is today. There was a lot of Architects had to do because of the dictatorship period where there was neglect in the cities. This abstract discusses Architect Rafael Moneo’s Town Hall designed between 1973 and 1974 in the area of the new Logroño on a site previously occupied by army barracks. In my opinion, Moneo’s Town Hall in Logrono is an appropriate case study for this research because it is proof on the relationship between politics and architecture in the 1970’s. In Moneo’s works, Moneo claims to have created a building "content in its role as spectator, without seeking the status of protagonist held by the cathedral and the palace." The political involvement in Spanish architecture has led to numerous findings and this paper aims to unveil the pros and cons of the which politics had to play in Spanish architecture and why it is important to understand that before using as a reference in this present modern technological world. In the early ’80s before the prime of the evolution of Spain, the country was relatively underdeveloped and focused mostly on traditional and menial activities that diminished their economy’s power. Agricultural productivity was relatively low and financial institution suffered from the economy. The shifts in political power and the royal dynasty that led to the political instability of Spanish architecture in the 2oth century. The likes of Franco and native-born architects all had a part to play in the beginnings of political instability and Spanish architecture. My primary sources would be scholarly journals and Spanish architects who really understood the situation based on evidence and secondary would be the critics and articles that help us understand the extent of the situation. |
Price Elementary - Mini Public Health Fair04/09/2019Childhood obesity and mental health stigma are two preventable issues that are continuing to skyrocket in the United States. The Interventions II class at Kent State University was determined to make an effort towards change. As a class we partnered with Price Elementary in Cuyahoga Falls and planned a mini public health fair. On the night of February 26th, we have organized interactive activities and guest speakers to teach children and adults the importance of physical activity, proper diet, and mental health. There will be opportunities for adults to practice meditation, learn how to balance meals, and exercise with their children. For the K-5th grade students, they will be able to learn about My Plate, unhealthy sugars, and easy ways to exercise at home. There will also be stations for people to get their blood pressure taken, participate in trivia, win prizes, eat healthy snacks, and take some community resources home. Our goal is to enhance the community education with fun and easy activities in hopes of preventing childhood obesity and mental health stigma. We would also like it to be known where available resources are for anyone who may need extra help. All observations from the event will be recorded and a post-event survey will be handed to all attendees. Those will be used to evaluate our efforts and make changes for upcoming years. If successful, our class plans to turn this mini public health fair into an annual event and expand our resources to the community. |
Promoter evolution of ADAR genes and consequences for RNA editing04/09/2019The 2015-2016 epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) resulted in many ZIKV-infected mothers giving birth to infants with neurological defects, including microcephaly. While the causes of such defects remain unknown, one hypothesis links the birth defects with dysregulation of activity of RNA editing enzymes, ADARs, that in addition to their antiviral role also play a key role in neural transcriptome diversification. ADAR family consists of three genes, ADAR1, ADAR2, and ADAR3, with ADAR1 and ADAR2 catalyzing the hydrolytic deamination of adenosine (A) in pre-mRNA to inosine (I), which is then read as a guanine (G). ADAR editing activity is linked with the immune system via interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) in the promoter of ADAR1 gene, which in response to viral infection - such as ZIKV - activates expression of ADARp150 isoform. While mice are used as model organisms to study many biological phenomena, ZIKV infections in mouse require knocking out the interferon pathway, which in turn disables the ISRE-ADAR link. To find a better-suited animal model we performed an evolutionary analysis of ADARp150 core promoter region to identify sequence similarities. Results show that genomic sequences from larger mammals such as sheep and pig are more similar to that of human than those from smaller animals like mice traditionally used in a lab setting. We also examined sequence conservation patterns of ADAR2 genes and explored the links between ADAR1 and ADAR2 variants and human diseases. |
Quantitative Assessment of Consumer Resonance With Respect to Responsibly-Sourced Cotton Initiatives04/09/2019MERCH This research focuses on examining consumers awareness, perception, and resonance towards responsibly-sourced cotton initiatives across the demographic scope of fashion consumers. After relevant exploratory literature research, content analysis of online articles relating to sustainable sourcing was conducted, and a subsequent online survey administered. The data were then analyzed, giving rise to several conclusions. Consumers have moderate awareness of responsibly-sourced cotton initiatives, and this awareness correlates with a positive notion of trust. Additionally, consumers are most sensitive to quality, price, and environmental impact (in that order). Lastly, there exist surprisingly few differences in priority and likelihood of purchasing between younger and older generational cohorts. |
Reductions in Vagal Tone After Acute Resistance Exercise Are Similar Between Resistance-Trained and Untrained Individuals04/09/2019PROBLEM: Only a handful of studies have evaluated differences in autonomic modulation between resistance-trained (RT) and untrained (UT) individuals in response to an acute bout of resistance exercise (ARE). Therefore, we sought to compare alterations in vagal modulation during recovery from ARE in RT (n=18) and UT (n=8) individuals. METHODS:Vagal modulation was assessed using heart rate variability [log transformed high-frequency power (lnHF)], as well as heart rate complexity [Sample Entropy (SampEn) and Lempel-Ziv entropy (LZEn)]. Data were collected at rest, 15 minutes (Rec1) and 30 minutes (Rec2) during recovery from ARE. The acute bout of resistance exercise utilized 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 75% 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and 2 minutes of rest between sets and exercises on the chest press, leg press, lat pulldown, leg curl and leg extension. RESULTS:The groups were similar (p>0.05) for age, and height, but not weight. The total volume lifted during the acute bout of resistance exercise was significantly different between groups. At rest, all measures of vagal modulation were similar between groups with no 3-way interactions. There were significant time x condition interactions for lnHF, SampEn, and LZEn. Each of these variables were reduced at Rec1 and Rec2 compared to rest, with similar responses between the resistance-trained and untrained groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that both resistance-trained and untrained individuals respond similarly to an acute bout of resistance exercise using weight machines. 231/250 |
Relationship Between Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, Isometric Squat, and Back Squat 1-RM04/09/2019Purpose: To establish whether measurements obtained from the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) or isometric squat (ISQT) relate to performance of a dynamic one-repetition maximum (1RM) for the barbell back squat. Methods: Eight resistance trained men (22.9±3.7yrs; 177.3±5.7cm; 84.9±17.4kg; 1RM: 1.89 ± 0.29x body weight) completed two separate visits: a preliminary visit, during which participants completed a 1RM of the back squat, and IMTP and ISQT familiarization. At least 72 hours later (Day 2) participants completed the IMTP and ISQT. Prior to all testing, participants cycled for 5-minutes at a submaximal intensity followed by 10 bodyweight squats and 10 walking lunges. Briefly, participants were fitted for the IMTP at 110° at the hip and at 75% of their standing stature for ISQT. Participants completed 3 maximal effort, 6-second attempts of both IMTP and ISQT, with each attempt separated by 3 minutes of seated rest. Isometric force and rate of force development (RFD) were recorded at 1,000Hz, and correlated with 1RM values with a Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between the peak RFD of ISQT and 1RM load (r=0.746, p=0.034). No other significant correlations were observed between force production or RFD for IMTP or ISQT. Conclusions: The peak RFD for ISQT had the greatest relationship with 1RM, however, the results of this project are preliminary and likely require data larger sample size. |
Road Salt Runoff in Freshwater Constructed Wetlands: A Year in the Life04/09/2019Road salts, brines, and other de-icers are used to melt snow and ice on impervious surfaces. Runoff resulting from this process is high in salt ions such as sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These ions end up in our waterways, and contribute to the problem of increasing salinity in freshwater ecosystems. In this study, two constructed freshwater wetlands near Kent State University were monitored for one year by measuring conductivity with in situ conductivity probes, concentration of road salt ions in surface water samples, and salt content in plant tissue. We assessed seasonal trends in road salt runoff as well as estimated a mass balance for road salt ions in these systems. We found that the wetlands were a considerable sink for road salt ions over the course of the year. Moreover, the degree to which each wetland retained the ions was not the same. The wetland with continuous flow and comparatively less pore space retained less salt than the intermittently flowing, deeper wetland. This notable imbalance in the salt budget of these wetlands, despite their differences in flow regime, is symptomatic of unsustainable road salt practices in these and similar watersheds. Should this pattern continue, it could result in a large release of saline water into downstream freshwater ecosystems. Long term studies like this are critical to addressing these issues, and these findings can be used to inform management decisions not only in Kent, Ohio, but also in any city to better balance ecosystem function with public safety. |
Seating Position In Relation To Classroom Participation04/09/2019Previous researchers have reported that students who sit in a specific spot in the classroom tend to participate more in class. We hypothesize that students who sit in the front of the classroom will participate more in class than students who sit in the back. We will be using naturalistic observation to examine how often students in the front of the classroom participate. Ten observers will collect data over a period of five weeks in ten undergraduate classes. This research is ongoing and data collection will continue through mid-March. |
Seedz of Revolution: an ethnographic look at the African diaspora04/09/2019As a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, colonialism, and other long-standing structural systems that maintain white supremacy, people of African descent, have always imagined and created liberation and revolutionary change. People across the African diaspora have expressed this change through their cultures, in ways that differ from one another. With my research I sought out to find the connection to liberation or revolution that lives within all people across the African diaspora. During the summer of 2018 I went into communities such as Akron, Youngstown, and Cleveland to explore descended African people’s various expressions of liberation and revolution. Using an ethnographic approach I naturally let the participants of my research guide my study. With questions such as, “how do you define revolution?” or “how do you express liberation?” I allowed my participants the chance to ponder over the idea of what those terms meant to them. This research project acted as a platform by allowing the “four seasons of ethnography” to naturally give my subjects the space necessary to express themselves openly. My presentation is a compilation of photography and direct quotes from some of the subjects in the project. My research is only but a small fragment of a bigger research and film documentary series titled Seedz of Revolution. Using visual imagery and historical context, Seedz of Revolutionaims to use critical questions and concepts to document and examine ways young people throughout the African diaspora experience, perform, and create liberation and revolution for themselves and their communities. |
Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Peroxynitrite Using Bis-(4-amino-aryl)-selenide Modified Interfaces04/09/2019Azeroual Sami1, Haitham Kalil2, Mekki Bayachou2,3, and Farid Fouad4,* 1Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44240 2Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 3Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 4Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University at East Liverpool, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920 In this work, we present the synthesis and grafting of 4,4'-diaminodiaryl selenides on graphite and indium-tin oxide electrodes for peroxynitrite sensing interfaces using voltammetry and dose-response amperometry. Modified interfaces are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The selenide modified electrodes showed a significant enhancement in peroxynitrite oxidative current compared to controls. The enhancement in peroxynitrite signal is the result of an electrocatalytic mechanism where the grafted selenide compound at the oxidized state mediates the oxidation of peroxynitrite at the electrode surface. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a selenium-based compound electrochemically grafted at an electrode surface is used for catalytic detection and quantification of peroxynitrite. |
Separation of Acid Mine Drainage Colloids by Centrifugation04/09/2019Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a common issue in areas of historic coal mining, resulting in acid and toxic metal-rich runoff which can severely impact local ecosystems. Huff Run watershed, near Mineral City, Ohio, is currently affected by mining operations abandoned decades ago. Chemical breakdown of pyrite through oxidative dissolution is the primary source of AMD, releasing Fe3+ and sulfuric acid and subsequent precipitation of Fe-oxides. Weathering of coal mine spoil transports colloidal pyrite suspended in runoff into nearby streams. A crucial area of colloid-facilitated transport study is the isolation of the colloidal fraction (1-1000 nm) of the soil. The current study used centrifugation to separate the colloidal fraction from the bulk sample of two sites to examine particle composition and morphology during transport. Dynamic light scattering analyses from two field sites showed a bimodal distribution of particle sizes after centrifugation, with average particle sizes of 299 ± 42 nm and 2,293 ± 269 nm (site 1) and 290 ± 75 and 3,338 ± 2,040 nm (site 2). The smaller values are the most important, as they indicated a clear separation between particles in the colloidal size range and residual soil particles. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)analyses indicated the presence of pyrite attached to grains of aluminosilicates and the presence of sulfur-rich colloids. This is an important discovery as it shows the colloidal fraction of soils (containing the pollutant transport) has the potential to be consistently isolated in a soil sample. |
Share the Slopes04/09/2019This project examines the lack of diversity in the outdoor industry. It includes statistics that show the demographics that participate in outdoor recreation regularly, as well as reasons that minorities participate less. The project aims to make outdoor recreation more accessible to minorities by providing modular apparel so that people can purchase one garment rather than two or three. Share the Slopes also examines the positive mental and physical effects spending time in nature has, and why it is important for people to get outside. |
Simvastatin enhances Th1 mediated cell death in pancreatic cancer cell lines04/09/2019Recent clinical trials utilizing autologous dendritic cells for the treatment of early stage breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ; DCIS) induced strong immune responses characterized by production of Th1 cytokines including Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). About 30% of vaccinated subjects showed complete regression of tumor by the time of surgery. Follow-up in vitro studies showed that two principal Th1 cytokines, IFN-γ and TNF-α, were capable of inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines, thus suggesting that Th1 cytokines are at least in part responsible for the tumor regression seen in vivo. Furthermore, recent data shows that combinational therapy using small-molecule inhibitors could enhance Th1 mediated cell death in breast cancer. Thus, we hypothesized that simvastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that also interferes with Ras oncogene activity, could enhance the apoptotic effect of Th1 cytokines in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Each cell line was cultured either without treatment, with cytokines only, with simvastatin only, or with both for 3 days. Metabolic activity via the Alamar Blue assay, vital staining with Trypan Blue, and Flow cytometry-based apoptotic cell death assays indicated strong additive effects between cytokines and Simvastatin. |
SlimFit Activewear04/09/2019Leonitia Mason, Teloria Vega, Bohuai Jiang Keywords: Performance wear, Technology, Shapewear Design Statement: For this project, we chose to create a collection of performance wear out of the three possible categories. We also wanted to incorporate specialization and technology to benefit the customer. The business plan we chose to go with for this project was heartbeat lifestyle wear. We thought about how we help women of all sizes feel comfortable and shaped in our collection. We decided to name this collection SlimFit. We decided to make a collection that included some sort of shaping technology in the clothing. To achieve this, we added a layer of compression fabric that would synch a woman in and smooth out the body for a slimmer fit on the outside. This can be seen in the waistband of the joggers and leggings and in the interior of the body suit. We also wanted to help with an issue that women with bigger thighs have which is chafing between the legs. To help with this in our design we inserted a gel padding between the thighs that helps to keep the thighs from rubbing together and prevent wearing and tearing in that area from the fabric. The fabrics we chose were a cotton jersey for the leggings, sports bra, and bodysuit. Which we dyed ourselves to black, pink and green. And we created two different prints for the same type of fabric. One the prints containing a logo for the SlimFit Collection. For the windbreaker, we used a cotton canvas and for the hoodie and joggers we used a brushed fleece. We also incorporated a neon cording for the hoodie and sports bra for detail. |
Something Old, Something New, Something Greek, Something Blue04/09/2019While the collective human ideas of decoration and the creation of beauty have been present throughout time, the process of creation can be one that also includes defacing the world around us. The presence of graffiti and street art has been apparent since ancient times with examples being unsurfaced in the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These subsects of art have always existed alongside and within urban areas. Now it cohabitates alongside the antiquated streets of Athens, Greece and the numerous fantastical creations of the ancient Greeks. Art in many of its different forms has looked to the Classical Greeks for inspiration for thousands of years. By incorporating both the ancient and modern forms of art found in Athens, a piece can be created that embodies the essence of this ancient city. This piece will include three main pieces: a dress, a wig, and a pair of earrings. The wig will be created with research into the techniques and styles used by the ancient Greeks. The dress takes much of its inspiration from printed research of the construction of garments, prior research of both sculpture and architecture, and pieces found while studying abroad in Athens (March 23-30). The earrings will take their inspiration from examples of ancient art and the modern people of Greece. The piece will mainly feature airbrushed art inspired by examples of graffiti found in the streets of Athens and will be primarily in white and blue. |
Sound Beyond Music: The Use and Perception of Creative Sound Beyond Musical Thought and Pedagogy04/09/2019The most traditional use of creative sound is music. Beyond practice and performance, the traditional pedagogy of the western harmonic and engraved systems of music molds how we hear and envision the use of sound. I explore the creative uses of sound beyond that of only music; explaining how artists implement and perceive sound to benefit the aesthetic choices within their mediums. Through a comparative analysis, I compare western thoughts on musical systems against thoughts on sound from a non-musical, artistic perspective. Aesthetic choices and the use of sound can vary from being used as a tool for manipulation, to audio design, ambience, and environmental imitation. I also analyze the use of sound and harmonic variables in nontraditional sound mediums, such as sound sculpture, sound installation, sonified imagery, and futurist urban instruments. To move beyond the compartmentalization of sonic art from being only music is necessary to have a better grasp on sound as an art form as well as having a better understanding of sound as it relates to physics, acoustics, acoustic imitation. |
Species identification of root samples using gene sequencing04/09/2019Tree species are typically identified using leaf and bark traits but identifying species by roots is extremely challenging and would not be feasible by morphological features. Currently, our lab is in the process of identifying roots from mixed species forests to compare belowground productivity between species. We will be using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing to identify tree root presence. Four different genes (Matk, psb-trn, Rbcl, and ITS) have been identified as possible candidates for PCR identification. To test these genes, sequences have been downloaded from NCBI and compared using BioEdit. Not enough sequences were found for psb-trn in NCBI, so tests were unable to be run on this gene. Matk had very poor distinguishing ability and therefore was excluded from further testing.Using a single gene, Rbcl had the best ability to distinguish between species alone. There was one genus, Carya, could not be distinguished. Using a combination of ITS and Rbcl for single tree specimen samples 35/41 species could be identified. Four of the six that were unidentifiable were within the genus Carya. These results will be validated by sequencing our own tree samples with primers Rbcla-F and Rbcla-R, ITS-p5 and ITS-u2, and psbA3 and trnHf_05. Results for psb-trn genes will then be able to be compared with Rbcl and ITS. This information will then be used to test our larger hypothesizes to better understand positive and negative feedback loops within different tree species. |
Stonewall 50+: Building the Wall04/09/2019This coming year will be the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal point for LGBTQ+ rights. As such, a group of students and faculty here at Kent State began plans for a play. As the project developed, ideas began to form for ways that there could be a set or even prop to bring the planned play to life. This project started as a prospective set, and grew into it’s own entity. A wall, not to close people out or even blockade progress, but as a path to invite change and cooperation. To show that students, that people can leave an impact in many ways. This wall will represent Kent State, students and faculty alike, as well as any allies or LGBTQ+ people who worked on it. After the show closes, the wall will separate into two halves and become an art installation, to inspire and support LGBTQ+ individuals. A way to show that we, as students and people, won’t forget those who came before us, those alongside us, and those after us. One of the key challenges is designing and building something that will be a set for a play, something sturdy yet pliable, allowing for an interactive feeling for the actors and audience, and then taking that set and finishing it so that it will be a permanent structure. Then the challenges of developing and learning different ways to make the wall a reality, from using varying techniques and alternative paths to achieve a final structure. |
Strive for balance: Deviation from a balanced time perspective mediates the relationship between lifetime trauma exposure and self-esteem04/09/2019Most individuals will experience a traumatic event within their lifetime, such as the unexpected death of a loved one or unwanted sexual attention. This study assessed direct and mediated relationships between lifetime trauma exposure and self-esteem, with deviation from a balanced time perspective as a potential mediator. Participants were 133 undergraduates (87% Caucasian, 84% female; mean age 23.76, SD = 8.61) who completed online surveys. Lifetime trauma exposure was assessed using the Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire (TLEQ; Kubany et al., 2000; e.g., life-threatening illness). Time perspectives were assessed using a modified version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI; Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999; e.g., “Painful past experiences keep being replayed in my mind.”). Self-esteem was assessed with the revised Self-Liking/Self-Competence Scale (SLSC-R; Tafarodi & Swann, 2001; e.g., “I am highly effective at the things I do.”). A majority of participants (89%) reported experiencing at least one traumatic event (range 0 to 12; mean = 3.62, SD = 2.83). Regression coefficients were utilized to establish mediation according to Baron and Kenny’s (1986) guidelines, and mediation was confirmed with the Sobel test of mediation. Results indicated that deviation from a balanced time perspective partially mediates the relationship between lifetime trauma exposure and lower self-esteem (Sobel’s test statistic = -2.02, p = .043). Overall, more lifetime trauma exposure was related to greater deviation from a balanced time perspective, which likely resulted in lower self-esteem. Encouraging individuals to strive for balance may be one way to help those adjusting to challenging life events. |
Sustainability and Laundering in the Consumer Use Phase of the Apparel Life Cycle04/09/2019MERCH According to recent life cycle assessment data, the consumer use phase has significant harmful effects on the environment, and there is a critical need to assess consumers’ awareness and current perceptions of their role in the apparel life cycle. In this study, we used the content analysis method and a survey to determine consumers’ awareness of various topics such as laundering and drying practices, microplastics, and sustainable detergent alternatives. After reviewing the data, we concluded that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how various aspects of the laundering process affect the environment and some have even adopted more sustainable habits, though their reasons are not necessarily because of environmental conservation. |
Sustainable Dining04/09/2019Kent State Dining Services throws away hundreds of pounds of food each day. This food goes to landfills and can never be decomposed. We would like to expand the university community garden to have more sustainable food options in the dining halls and Campus Kitchen while fertilizing campus grounds with compost made from leftover food. Collectively, this will decrease the University’s impact on the environment while providing healthy, fresh options for students. This sustainable option will be implemented through compost bins within the dining halls that will be transported to a garden near Eastway. Produce from the garden will be harvested and given to nearby dining halls and Campus Kitchen. This process will be tested using the Nixon Community Garden and be further implemented across campus. |
Tentacles of Violence from the Most Well-Organized Gang in the World04/09/2019Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, is a gang formed in Los Angeles, CA, by mostly Salvadoran inmates during the 1980s. Due to the high rate of violence inside the prisons where they were incarcerated, many were deported to their home country where they soon emerged as organized gangs without control from the State. Since then, this criminal organization has highly corroded the Salvadoran society and spread to other Central American countries, such as Honduras and Nicaragua. In recent decades, MS-13 has emerged in various other parts of the world like the US, the Middle East and Spain. An example of their criminal actions in the U.S. is the case of the gang member Brenda Paz, from Virginia, who tried to leave the gang. Despite being granted witness protection in exchange for her testimony against the gang, she was assassinated immediately after the gang members found out about her collaboration with police. Florida International University conducted a survey to 1200 prisoners in El Salvador. 58 percent responded that the church was the only place where the gang’s members could rehabilitate and then leave the organization; but they were strongly advised not to release any compromising information. The governments from the affected countries have been trying to find ways to eliminate these criminal organizations. Some have only partially succeeded; and others not at all. Considering the rapid growth of MS-13, will this criminal organization ever come to an end? |
Testing the Efficacy of Gallium Complexes to Treat Staphylococcus aureaus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections04/09/2019Bacteria in the Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas genuses have developed into antibiotic-resistant strains that have caused increases in infections and deaths in the United States. Gallium nitrate was just approved by the FDA to treat these infections; however, our group discovered that Pseudomonas develops drug resistance to this treatment in as little as four days of consecutive treatments, possibly due to the cationic nature of the gallium species and Pseudomonas control over its ion channels. In this research, we studied the effects of other gallium complexes, namely gallium acetylacetonoate, on Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas bacteria. We tried different methods of solvating gallium complexes, and then tested the effectiveness of these complexes in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) resistance studies. |
Th1 cytokines sensitize human pancreatic cancer cell lines to treatment with Lapatinib04/09/2019In 2018 approximately 56,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Prognosis is dismal, with a 5-year survival rate of only 7% making this cancer the 2ndleading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Despite advances in chemo-, radiation and surgical therapies, survival rates have not improved in over 40 years. Alternative treatment options therefore need to be explored to improve outcomes. Immunotherapy is emerging as viable option to traditional cancer treatments. A recent clinical trial to treat early breast cancer showed great promise by using autologous dendritic cells to promote activity of T lymphocytes of the “Th1”helper phenotype, and directing them against a tumor-associated protein called HER-2. These Th1 cells appear to work in part by producing soluble factors called cytokines, including Interferon-gamma and TNF-alpha. These cytokines have been shown to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the breast cancer cell lines. We thus hypothesized that a similar vaccine approach may work for pancreatic cancer, which can also express HER-2 and other HER-family proteins. To leverage the anti-cancer effect of vaccination, we are also exploring the addition of targeted drugs including the HER-family antagonist, lapatinib. Using a variety of in vitro techniques, we show that Th1 cytokines in combination with lapatinib work togeter in vitro to maximize markers of apoptotic cell death in several human pancratic cell lines. These studies represent pre-clinical data suggesting the exploration of Th1-polarizing vaccines and small molecule inhibitors in clinical vaccine trials for pancreatic cancer. |
The Effect of Heat Exposure on Heart Rate and VO2 during Time to Exhaustion Exercise04/09/2019Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of heat exposure on heart rate and VO2during a time to exhaustion (TTE) exercise bout. Methods:Eleven college-age men completed 3 experimental trials: a VO2max test and cycling trials at 90% VO2max in 22°C (MT) and 35°C (HT). The TTE exercise followed a 60-minute steady state at 60% VO2max and continued until volitional fatigue. Heart rate and VO2were measured continuously during the TTE. PRE, MID, and POST time points were calculated for each participant based on their individual TTE. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results:There was a significant interaction for heart rate (F=6.180, p=0.024, h2=0.382). Heart rate increased from PRE to MID to POST for both MT and HT (p<0.001). In addition, heart rate was significantly greater in HT (159.82 +17.47) compared to MT (146.09 +20.70) at PRE (p=0.031). There was also a significant interaction for VO2(F=4.312, p=0.030, h2=0.324). VO2also increased from PRE to MID to POST for both MT and HT (p< 0.05). In addition, VO2was significantly greater in MT (3.30 +0.52) vs HT (3.05 +0.33) at POST (p=0.025). There was a significant difference in TTE between conditions (p=0.008) with MT (303.00 +121.20 seconds) being significantly longer than HT (174.00 +54.41 seconds). Conclusions:This data suggests that the participants were able to perform at a higher intensity and for a longer duration in MT compared to HT. |
The Effect of Heat Exposure on the Inflammatory Response during Exercise04/09/2019The Effect of Heat Exposure on the Inflammatory Response during Exercise Jessica Sankovic1, Kylene Boka1, Jeremiah A. Vaughan1,2, Brittany N. Followay1,3, Ellen L. Glickman1, Adam R. Jajtner1 1Exercise Physiology Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 2Department of Human Performance, Sport and Health, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN 3Exercise Science Department, Ripon College, Ripon, WI PURPOSE: Examine circulating levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ra and TNF-α during exercise and heat exposure. METHODS: Twelve college-aged men completed three experimental conditions; VO2max test and cycling trials in 22°C (MT) and 35°C (HT). Cycling trials consisted of 60 minutes at 60% VO2max, 15-minute rest, time to exhaustion at 90% VO2max, and 60-minute recovery. Blood was analyzed for concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, IL1-ra and TNF-α before exercise (Pre), after 60% VO2max (60), 90% VO2max (90), and recovery (Rec). Data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: An interaction was observed for IL-6 (F=5.883, p=0.003, ηp2= 0.395), with significant increases from Pre to 60 to 90, and return to baseline at Rec for both conditions (pp2=0.340), with increases from Pre to 90 for both conditions (pp2=0.636) and condition (F=9.539. p=0.011, ηp2=0.488) were observed for IL-1ra, with greater IL-1ra concentrations in HT than MT (p=0.011), and increases from Pre, 60, and 90 to Rec (pp2=0.337) was observed, with increases from PRE in HT (pCONCLUSIONS: The increase of these cytokines during exercise indicates activation of the inflammatory response. The response of IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1ra to heat exposure suggests the exercise-induced anti-inflammatory response is greater than a pro-inflammatory response to the heat. |
The First Sectional Crisis: The 1844-1845 Texas Annexation Debate04/09/2019The topic of this paper is the Texas annexation and the role of sectionalism. Looking at Texas as the start the sectionalism issue within America and connecting with political scholars that discuss the sectional crisis within this annexation. Where I differ is that I view this as not just another sectional crisis but the first. Looking at the Missouri Compromise as the act that began to split America along ideological and geographical divides. To see this, this paper engages first four prominent voices from within the Democrat and Whig parties. Using them allows you to see how the ideologies that they support. With the Democrats you see how the prominent men are Southern and pro-slavery and their speeches and letters support slavery in a way that slave owners have. The Whigs prominent members are Northern and anti-slavery. The last section looks at four men who are key to understand sectionalism. You have one who losses the support of a region by not supporting their ideas. Another tries to be moderate and is forced by his state to support the regions ideologies. The last two defied their party to vote for what their region supported and resulted in the Texas annexation. Understanding Texas as the start of the sectionalism crisis it gives a clearer understanding of events to follow. Events such as the Mexican American War, Bloody Kansas and the Civil War. |
The janitors of the savanna: dung beetle diversity in three habitats in South Africa04/09/2019We studied dung beetles in the South African savanna to determine whether dung beetles show habitat preference or specialization within this biome. Traps were set up to capture beetles in three habitats (grassland, woodland, and ecotone between grassland and woodland). The numbers of beetles of each species and species richness were determined and compared based on the specimens found in the traps. We hypothesized that a grassland habitat will show the highest species diversity and the highest number of individuals due to the dung produced by the higher diversity of grazing ungulates (eat grass only) than browsing ungulates (eat woody plants only) in South Africa. The study was conducted in the Wits Rural Facility outside Kruger National Park, in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Although we found no significant differences among the numbers of individuals per habitat (p = 0.582) or species richness per habitat (p = 0.117), some beetles were found to have distinct habitat preferences and four species were found to be endemic to a single habitat. Our results were partially consistent with our hypothesis that grassland would have the most species and individuals since the grassland had the most individual but not the most species. This indicates that habitat specialization is not a significant cause of South African dung beetle diversity. |
The Macià Plan: A Modernist Revision of the Cerdà Plan04/09/2019The Eixample district of Barcelona gained notoriety as an “architectural playground” in the early 20th century. Behind the design of the Eixample district was the Catalan civil engineer Ildefons Cerdà. Rather than continue the haphazard urban dynamic of the old city, Cerdà proposed an extension that spread out the urban fabric; implementing 113m square chamfered blocks and introducing shared space into the public realm. Almost 70 years later, Le Corbusier, after making a name for himself as an architect, began to develop his theories in urban design and planning. Shortly after his seminal work Ville Radieuse, Le Corbusier designed the Macià plan for Barcelona, one that directly implemented his urban theories, while simultaneously acknowledging and challenging the physical manifestation of Cerdà’s Eixample extension. This paper will examine how Le Corbusier’s Macià plan serves as both an understanding and questioning of Cerdà’s plan and an early implementation of Le Corbusier’s modernist planning. Specifically, this paper will look at the similarities in design between the two plans, the challenges Le Corbusier proposes in contrast to Cerdà’s plan, and the physical insertion and connection between the Macià plan and the Cerdà plan. This paper will consult the original plans and documents of both Cerdà and Le Corbusier, specifically referencing the Foundation le Corbusier and GATEPAC as primary sources, to directly examine each of the planner’s theories behind their proposal. Furthermore, the Athens Journal of Architecture will provide insight into the relationship of the plans, specifically investigating how Le Corbusier questions Cerdà’s urban plan. |
The Ohio Company of Virginia’s impact on the Seven Years War and the Ohio Region Native Americans04/09/2019This project focuses on the Ohio Company of Virginia and the impact it had on the Seven Years War. Along with the difficult circumstances the Ohio Company forced the Ohio region Native Americans into. The Ohio Company of Virginia was established in 1748, by a bunch of wealthy Virginians trying to establish territory, establish trading routes, and finally to make a lot of money. The Ohio Company of Virginia impacted the Seven Years more than they get credit for. When in reality the Ohio Company should get credit for one of the main causes to the Seven Years War. Also they should get credit for speeding up the process of leading up to the Seven Years War. The War was going to happen regardless, but it happened a lot sooner because the Ohio Company forced the French to start exploration in the land West of the Appalachian to try and keep up with the British a lot sooner than it would have if there was no Ohio Company of Virginia. Also the Native Americans were forced into difficult circumstances because they had to decide who to trade with the Ohio Company or the French? The question of who were they going to trade with eventually led to who are you fighting with in the Seven Years War? The Native Americans in the Ohio region had to pick who to fight with over a war where they were fighting over their land but would receive no benefits or their land back in return. |
The Promise of the Great Migration: Cleveland's Road to School Desegragation04/09/2019My project examines Cleveland’s struggle to provide adequate education to the public school district. This issue is caused primarily by the improper implementation of desegregation within the school district. During this time Cleveland’s population changed significantly and the “great migration” occurred, again. The civil rights movement within Cleveland and Northeast Ohio was more of a struggle than many know, and that struggle had leaders like Dr. King engaged along the way. One of the most telling points in assessing Cleveland’s history pertaining to Civil Rights is the way in which the city school district went about handling the integration of schools. This process took over forty years, from 1954-1996, and the effects of the handling of this process can still be seen till this day. The African American population within Cleveland grew heavily during WWII. From 1940-1960, the population grew from 85,000 to 251,000, and within the 1960’s the African American population made up thirty percent of the city. The African American Community within Cleveland wanted better education, and preferred “integration”, as opposed to “desegregation”. These questions are significant because the help set the stage for what we consider Cleveland public schools today. They also give a new viewpoint and look through the African American families experience while going through desegregation of local schools. My research says that Northern Cities were more complex to integrate due to the already set cultural segregation. I will prove this through analyzing Cleveland’s past; its riots, CMSD Boards attempts at integrating, and many reports dating back through the city’s struggle with its racial make-up. |
The Re-Invention of the American Worker: Race, Masculinity, and the Decline of Unions in the U.S., 1964-198204/09/2019The decline of unions from the years 1964 has often been attributed to external forces such as anti-union culture among growing corporations, hostile legal and political policy, or the natural progression of globalization as its’ effects hampered union presence and influence. However, another significant facet of union decline is the rapid deterioration of the concept of solidarity within the union apparatus as the union demographic began to change. As union identity underwent transitioning from a collective consciousness to an individual-rights based consciousness, fragmentation permeated the union structure, weakening its’ efficacy during turbulent social and economic years. This fragmentation is most represented in the change of identity in the white male union worker, abandoning the democratic platform, and back lashing against the elevated social status of women and minorities. |
The Relationship Between Modern Chaceon Decapods and Ancient Chaceon Decapods, Kent, Ohio.04/09/2019Modern decapods of the Chaceon genus are known as deep-water crabs and are distributed worldwide (Pinho et al., 2001). Modern decapods are known to exhibit visible trends in claw, carapace, and leg morphology with respect to their environment and predatory behaviors (Silva et. al., 2017). Schenk and Wainwright (2000) noted a correlation between the function and diet of the decapod claw. However, little research has been published on ancient decapods of the Chaceon genus. Comparing the physical characteristics of the ancient Chaceon specimens with modern specimens could provide insight on their habitat, diet, and evolution. The hypothesis was that ancient and modern species of the Chaceon genus would be morphologically similar but exhibit differences in claw, carapace, and leg morphology. In comparison of the carapace of both the ancient and modern specimens, the ancient specimens exhibited less proportion than the modern specimens which exhibited strong proportion. The mean claw length of the ancient specimen was significantly shorter than the mean claw length of the modern specimen. Results indicated this species displayed significant morphological variations in both their carapace and claw dimensions. The results provided evidence that these decapods most likely fed on different types of prey (Silva et. al., 2017). The differences in claw and carapace morphology between ancient and modern species provides key insight into the dietary habits of the Chaceon genus, indicating different lifestyles in different environments. In future analysis of this genus one could measure leg length in order to better understand the environmental differences between the two species. |
The Role of BHMT in the Progression of Neurodegenerative Symptoms04/09/2019Causes of neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), have been attributed to an increase in oxidative stress, and this increased level of stress leads to the downregulation of the folate-vitamin B12 pathway. This downregulation inhibits gene expression by disrupting the methionine metabolism cycle, decreasing the amount of methylation occurring in cells. A possible mechanism that could be utilized to reduce the progression of MS is the induction of a separate methylation pathway independent from the folate-vitamin B12 cycle by using the enzyme betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), which methylates homocysteine back to methionine with betaine. BHMT is found in the nucleus of both primary neurons and oligodendrocytes and can influence gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we sought to examine how different treatments affect the way BHMT binds to chromatin to obtain a deeper understanding of how this alters gene expression. Specifically, we wanted to see the ways in which BHMT binding was altered through exposure to varying degrees of oxidative stress. This allowed us to identify which treatments caused BHMT to bind more tightly to the chromatin and therefore determine which of the conditions play the most important role in chromatin remodeling. Our data suggest these changes in gene expression are involved in MS pathology. |
The Role of Mindfulness in Relationship Satisfaction04/09/2019Previous literature has defined mindfulness as open awareness to what is taking place in the present, both internally and externally, and observing with non-judgement. Recent research has found that mindfulness may facilitate greater romantic relationship satisfaction. Yet, why mindfulness may facilitate greater romantic relationship satisfaction remains unclear. What mechanisms of mindfulness facilitate greater romantic relationship satisfaction? Is it that greater mindfulness predicts greater responsiveness to a romantic partner? How is mindfulness associated with daily and overall stress? Does the effect of mindfulness on daily stress play a role in predicting greater relationship satisfaction? In order to examine these questions, we recruited 100 undergraduate students currently involved in romantic relationships at Kent State University, who completed a one-hour intake questionnaire and a 10 minute survey each evening before going to bed for the next 12 days. Participants were on average 20.3 years old (range 18-29), 76% female, 23% male, and 1% self-reported as binary. Analysis is currently being performed on the collected data. We expect to find that greater levels of mindfulness will facilitate greater levels of overall and daily responsiveness, which will then facilitate greater levels of relationship satisfaction. We also expect to find that greater levels of mindfulness will facilitate lower levels of overall and daily stress and will, therefore, facilitate greater levels of relationship satisfaction. The results will be presented, and implications of the findings will be discussed. |
The Role of Rumors in Sparking the French Revolution in 178904/09/2019The French Revolution has many widely-accepted causes that range from discontent with an absolutist monarchy to a series of economic hardships that led up to the late 1780s. This paper examines another influence on the revolution’s inception in 1789: rumors. Much of the current historiography concerning rumors and the French Revolution studies the role of rumors during the middle of the revolution—especially around the mid-1790s—rather than addressing their significance in the beginning of this period. Thus, this paper addresses the role of rumors in 1789 by examining the causes of the French Revolution, the rumors that arose from said causes, and how these rumors drove France’s commoners to revolt in 1789. This paper’s argument is that rumors were not necessarily a cause of this uprising, but they did build upon the tensions created by the aforementioned causes to drive France’s lower orders to revolution. The support for this assertion derives from a series of journals and letters of contemporaries who witnessed the behavior of the revolutionaries in France during 1789. The evidence found in these sources not only demonstrates people’s preoccupation with rumors during this period but also rumors’ role in pushing them towards the violence that is often associated with the French Revolution. This research helps one understand the fear-driven mindset of the revolutionaries and can provide a precedent for the emphasis on violence and paranoia that occurred later in the French Revolution. |
The True Intentions of the Treaty Party: Destroying Cherokee Country in the 1830s04/09/2019On December 29, 1835, the Treaty Party signed the Treaty of New Echota. This treaty gave the United States government all rights to land that the Cherokee Nation occupied south of the Appalachians. Members of the Treaty Party signed this treaty without the consent of the National Council and without the support of most of the Cherokee Nation. Researched is the motivation behind the twenty-five men from the Treaty Party that signed the treaty, and heavily focuses on three main figures: Elias Boudinot, Major Ridge, and John Ridge. Historians like Theda Perdue and Ronald Satz have disagreed on the true intentions and motivations of the Treaty Party. The argument from Satz is that the members of the party were thinking about saving and protecting the rest of the Cherokee Nation; the argument from Perdue is that the members of the party were motivated by a political and financial gain that they would receive in the west after removal. Looking at the tribal newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix, and letters from the members of the party, it seems that these men were motivated by greed and a desire for political power and wealth. This greed is what led to the removal and ultimately the Trail of Tears. |
The White Helmets: Unneutral in the Syrian Conflict04/09/2019The White Helmets of Syria, or the Syrian Civil Defense as it is also referred, claims to be an unarmed and neutral volunteer organization whose mission is to rescue civilians affected by the Syrian conflict. It is important to investigate volunteer groups such as the White Helmets to make sure that they remain true to their claims and uphold their mission. Especially when Western funding, private or public, is involved. This research addresses the questions: are the White Helmets truly unarmed and nonpartisan in the Syrian conflict? Or are these claims merely a cover for an untold mission; such as regime change in Syria? Considering financial contributions to the White Helmets, media surrounding the organization, and the history of regime change in conflict zones; this research has found that the White Helmets are not entirely impartial in the Syrian conflict. Though the White Helmets are a legit recuse group who have saved civilians during the Syrian conflict, this does not mean that they have upheld all of their claims. In vying for regime change by choosing a side in the conflict, the White Helmets are in turn encouraging the Syrian Civil War to continue. Western funding is unknowingly supporting the mission of regime change because of the White Helmet’s lack of neutrality in the Syrian conflict. |
Title: Are pets our superheroes? Pets may help individuals adjust to traumatic events04/09/2019Most people experience some traumatic event in their lifetime, such as unwanted sexual attention or personal injury. This study assesses relations between trauma exposure, pet owners’ attachment to their pets, and quality of life, including both physical and mental health. Participants were 156 undergraduates (77% female; 92% white; mean age: 22.47) who completed online surveys. Preliminary analyses indicated that number of previous traumas and are were correlated (r = .33, p = .000), such that older participants reported a greater number of previous traumas; therefore, all analyses control for age. Partial correlations indicated that more previous traumas were related to worse physical health (r = -.23, p = .005) and worse mental health (r = -.44, p = .000). More previous traumas, worse physical health, and worse mental health were all related to stronger pet attachment (r’s range from + or - .16 to .19, all p’s ≤ .05). These findings support the notion that pets may provide emotional support for individuals adjusting to challenging life events, particularly for those with worse physical and mental health. |
TouchPointe Program at AxessPointe Community Health Center04/09/2019Social determinants of health (SDoH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age (Healthy People 2020, 2018). Students from the college of Public Health developed the TouchPointe program to address SDoH in the waiting room at AxessPointe Community Health Center in Kent, Ohio. The program uses best practices for interviewing, cultural competency, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) and National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). The PRAPARE is the core instrument used by the program and developed by the NACHC and other national collaborators. TouchPointe representatives train and receive certifications to conduct interviews with patients in the waiting room, and representative training includes a handbook manual and training program to assure industry standards of care and best practices. The PRAPARE tool aligns with national initiatives that prioritize social determinants. Phase one of the feasibility study began in September 2018 with students from the Kent State University College of Public Health. Modifications of the program have increased the effectiveness and efficiency of TouchPointe and we are currently in phase two of the feasibility study. Preliminary results from more than a hundred participants (n>100) indicate patients have multiple SDoH affecting their health,and the results are used by community health workers to make recommendations to patients to improve health outcomes. |
Transformable Travel04/09/2019The collection created serves several purposes, and follows a merchandising plan conceived by Fashion Merchandising students at Kent State University. The merchandising plan chosen is titled: “Simple Heritage”, and heralds the use of sustainable cotton fabrics as well as U.S. manufacturing. The customer who served as inspiration for this collection is an avid traveler. The group worked to design and create looks that were not only transformable and functional, but also eco-friendly. This collection is intended for a moderately priced market, and is set for Fall 2019. |
Transgender Experiences in Healthcare04/09/2019Background: Transgender people often have negative experiences in healthcare including denial of services, substandard care, verbal abuse, and forced care. Purpose: The purpose of this research project is to understand the experiences of transgender people interacting with healthcare systems in their own voices and empower the community. Methods: I collected visual oral histories from transgender people in the local Kent area. Participants were identified through connections to the LGBTQ community at Kent State University and subsequently through snowball sampling. Results: The most common experiences participants discussed were being called the wrong name, being refused necessary treatment, as well as being ignored, misunderstood, and mistreated by healthcare professionals. Conclusions: The experiences of transgender people in the local area reflect the studies done about stigma trans people face in healthcare; these problems require attention from public health in order to improve care for trans individuals. |