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  Hook3 Mutations and Their Contributions to Different Types of Cancers

  Brittny Mikhaiel and Van Vo Ph.D.

  Hook3 (Hook Microtubule Tethering Protein 3) is a gene that encodes a protein that is localized in the Golgi complex and is linked to cellular trafficking of cargos and the binding of microtubules to organelles. Although there is some literature discussing the known functions of the gene, the phenotypes in mice or humans have not been thoroughly researched and literature on these phenotypes is limited. The literature that is available suggests Hook3 is implicated in diverse phenotypes ranging from bone development to neural development in mice. Since Hook3 is associated with prostate cancer, it is likely that it is involved in other types of cancers as well. To investigate this, an online database called cBioPortal was used to determine if there are changes in Hook3 expression or mutations in different kinds of cancers including breast, lung, prostate, brain/CNS, and cervical. Two main pieces of data gathered were mutation types and protein changes relevant to Hook3.

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  Augmented Reality (AR) on the Physical Environment and mobile platforms

  Vanessa Nava-Camal and Jorge Fonseca Cacho Ph.D.

  Augmented Reality (AR) technology can be used with indirect mediums to allow virtual interaction to have a greater impact on society. This research is significant because it contributes to giving users a better experience interacting with their surroundings. The purpose of this study was to test if items can be overlayed on an environment using a phone camera. Additionally, we investigated the type of software required for mobile phone platforms. Researchers used Unity Engine software equipped with a Vuforia mod to overlay a digital world onto a physical environment utilizing fiducial markers. For pathfinding, we used traditional algorithms such as A* and Dijkstra’s shortest path. Thus far, results indicate that when development is complete it will be feasible to develop cloud anchor-based navigation in ULABS navigation application as long as the device used is compatible with AR Core. The application will achieve AR navigation by overlaying on top of the physical environment with a fiducial tracker outline to pull virtual objects into reality using a phone’s camera. Further research into this subject will continue after the project moves into production.

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  Water Flow Through Hydrogels

  Bianca Navarro, Jeremy Cho Ph.D., and Yiwei Gao

  Hydrogels are materials made up of three-dimensional, crosslinked networks composed of hydrophilic polymer chains that are serviceable due to their ability to absorb and retain a significant amount of water. The rate of water absorption can be determined by testing the hydrogels’ permeability to improve the absorption efficiency. This study aims to determine the water permeability of hydrogels of varying crosslinker ratios to facilitate fast water absorption. Here, an aluminum apparatus was designed and manufactured to apply a pressure distribution to hydrogel samples using a water reservoir and pressure regulator. A LabView simulation was programed to utilize Darcy’s Law to compute water permeability over a time interval. We anticipate that permeability will decrease as crosslinker ratio increases due to the microstructure of the gel becoming denser. Additionally, we hypothesize that increasing the pressure distribution will compress the gel, also making it denser and decreasing the permeability. The findings will be implemented into an atmospheric water harvester to contend as a possible solution to water scarcity. They will also serve as a base for further research into altering water permeability of hydrogels using freeze/thaw cycles.

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  Solitary Confinement and Criminogenic Attitudes: Is Isolation Reinforcing Pro-Criminal Thoughts, Feelings, and Beliefs?

  Michal Newhouse-Van Vlerin, Stephen Benning Ph.D., and Demi Kourtesi

  Documented increases of problematic symptomatology following exposure to social exclusion contexts may be suggestive of increases in antisocial cognition and pro-criminal attitudes among prisoners. An exacerbation in behavioral indicators of criminality in correctional populations including aggressive behavior, reduced cooperation, and deficits in impulse control may suggest that restrictive and exclusionary correctional practices can aggravate criminogenic thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. Existing literature indicates that an endorsement of pro-criminal attitudes is one of the greatest predictors of future criminal behavior.

  The study will recruit 400 randomly selected female adult inmates from Florence McClure Women’s Correctional Facility of Las Vegas, Nevada. A hard copy of self-report survey will be given to the participants and is expected to take 1 hour to complete. After informed consent, participants will be asked to complete a survey regarding their demographics, confinement, and pro-criminal attitudes. Participants will be surveyed at the beginning of the study, and approximately 1 week after they are released from segregation. At least one participant from the initial sample who approximately matches the demographics of the participant who is exiting segregation will also be surveyed at the same time as part of a control group.

  The primary goal of this study is to demonstrate the negative effects of solitary confinement. The secondary goal is to impact policy in correctional institutions. This study aims to understand whether being placed in solitary confinement can affect pro-criminal attitudes. This research will become a strong premise to the argument of abolishing solitary confinement.

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  Apolipoprotein E and Development of Alzheimer’s Disease in Hispanic Populations: A Scoping Review

  Amy Nguyen and Stacey Moeller

  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disproportionately affects Hispanic individuals, who face about 1.5- fold more risk for AD than non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Few studies examine AD biomarkers by ethnoracial group, even for the well-established susceptibility locus of apolipoprotein E (APOE). This study reviews current literature on the association between APOE and incidence of AD in Hispanic populations. A scoping review was conducted to identify publications with Hispanic study samples that examined prevalence of APOE’s three alleles (e2, e3, e4) and the risk of disease conferred by each. Two researchers combined search results from PubMed, Scopus, and APA PsycInfo databases, deleted duplicates, and independently reviewed publication abstracts to determine study inclusion. A search of APOE initially yielded 201 publications. After review, only 10 articles included Hispanic study samples as well as analyses evaluating APOE’s relationship to AD. Within these studies, most found a lower allele frequency of e4, comparable levels of e2, and higher frequency of e3 in Hispanic groups, relative to African Americans and NHW. The relative risk (RR) for AD increased for e4 homozygosity and heterozygosity in both Hispanic and NHW, but more so for NHW. The e2 allele did not confer protection against AD among Hispanics, whereas e3 alleles displayed no significant effect. The increased risk of AD among Hispanic groups remains largely unknown. Differences in e4 frequency and RR implicate additional unmeasured elements, including interactions among inherited, cultural, and environmental factors. Understanding APOE’s role in AD development requires further investigation to improve diagnostic inequalities.

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  Methodological Approaches to Measuring Amyloid PET: A Scoping Review in Ethnoracial Minorities

  Amy Nguyen, Stacey Moeller M.Sc, and Samantha John

  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disproportionately affects Hispanic/Latinx (H/Lx) and Black/African American (B/AA) individuals, who face about 1.5-fold and 2-fold more risk of disease development, respectively, than non-Hispanic whites. Few studies examine AD biomarkers within ethnoracial minorities, especially for newer research techniques, such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET). This study reviews current literature on amyloid PET within H/Lx and B/AA populations, exploring methodological approaches.

  A scoping review of AD literature was conducted to identify publications with H/Lx and B/AA study samples and amyloid PET data. Two researchers combined search results from three databases, deleted duplicates, and independently reviewed publication abstracts to determine study inclusion. Descriptive trends in the literature were examined.

  Within amyloid PET literature, 26 articles utilizing H/Lx populations and 33 articles including B/AA populations were reviewed. Of those, 7 H/Lx articles and 8 B/AA articles met criteria for inclusion, from which methodological differences and sample effects were evaluated. Identified studies utilized one of three possible imaging markers, Florbetaben, PiB, and Florbetapir. Some studies utilized a cut-off value to determine amyloid status, although different values were used across publications, and other studies utilized a visual read. Within the B/AA literature, 6 of 8 publications described the same study cohort.

  Differences in methodology for determining biomarker status makes comparison between studies challenging. Limited diversity within study samples decreases the representativeness and generalizability of findings. Further investigation and greater use of amyloid PET within diverse AD samples may improve diagnostic inequalities; however, greater standardization in methodology is needed.

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  Synthesis and Characterization of Modified Walnut Shell Biochar

  Maaike Parajes, Suraj Pochampally, and Jaeyun Moon Ph.D.

  Biochar (BC) is a porous carbon material synthesized from different biomasses that are subjected to pyrolysis. This product is an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to conventional absorbents used for contaminant removal in groundwater systems. In this study, we aimed to develop efficient methods of preparing walnut shell-based biochar through acid, base, and steam modification and compare these modified biochars with the unmodified version. The preparation of biochar involved pyrolysis using an argon gas-filled chamber at a temperature of 900 °C. These BCs were then crushed and sieved to separate the microporous particles. To further evaluate the biochars’ characteristics, it was characterized using SEM, FTIR, EDS, BET, and contact angle measurements. The modification results showed that the modified biochars have different functional groups and are more hydrophilic than the unmodified biochar. Upon further investigation, the results can vastly improve the usage of biochar in the remediation process of contaminants to make the process economically feasible and environmentally friendly.

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  Preliminary Analysis of Periosteal Reaction of the Tibia in the Erie County Poorhouse Cemetery (1851-1913)

  Jordan Phillips

  Gender-based occupational differences during the height of the Industrial Revolution are particularly apparent when examining the risk of injury and disease. For Buffalo, NY, this was no exception, as it acted as an urban center that enticed numerous European immigrants seeking employment. This study investigates tibial periosteal reactions by sex and anatomical location from the Erie County Poorhouse Cemetery (1851-1913) to illuminate life in this historic era. The type and extent of reactions were scored, and these criteria were compared by side (e.g., left) and bone segment (e.g., proximal ⅓ of diaphysis) for each individual with tibia(e). Of the 181 individuals, 96 (53%) displayed periosteal reactions. Of the 67 males and 38 females, 40 (59.7%) and 23 (59.7%) respectively exhibited periosteal reactions. No statistical difference between males and females based on the periosteal reaction was observed. Of the 174 left tibiae, 81 (46.6%) displayed periosteal reactions. There were 66 males and 35 females with left tibiae, of which 33 (50%) and 20 (57.1%) respectively had periosteal reactions. Of 168 right tibiae,79 (47%) exhibited a reaction. There were 36 females and 63 males with right tibiae, 20 (56%) and 34 (54%) respectively displayed periosteal reactions. These results could indicate a relationship between occupational stress as well as overall health. However, when viewing the overall reactions independently from both sides, males and females appear to be at equal risk of developing tibial periosteal reaction despite the occupational gender roles by industries in Buffalo’s economy.

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  The Effects of Altered GABAergic Signaling in Microglia on Hippocampal-cortical Network Activity and Remote Recall

  Ava R. Platt, Ryan A. Wirt, Amanda M. Leisgang-Osse, Emmanuel Flores, Lauren Crew, Dylone Braganza, Jefferson W. Kinney, and James M. Hyman Ph.D.

  Memory acquisition and encoding are modulated by neural network activity between the hippocampus (HPC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Research has shown that neuroimmune defense cells, glia, interact with neurons in both brain regions. However, little is known about glial-neuronal interactions, and how these interactions affect memory network activity and in turn, memory recall. Memory network activity involves a host of cellular excitation and inhibition. The primary neurotransmitter involved in inhibition is γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and receptors for this neurotransmitter can also be found on microglia. To better understand glial-neuronal interactions between the HPC and PFC, we utilized a mouse model (GABABFlox) with a knockdown of GABAB receptors on microglia, to alter microglial activity. Our lab utilizes electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity related to learning and memory in the HPC and PFC. Mice were implanted with 64-channel implants to record from single cells and local field potentials (LFPs) while completing a conditioned place preference task to measure remote recall. Results showed that GABABFlox mice had remote recall (18days) deficits but intact recent recall (1day). We also found that GABABFlox mice had changes in multiple electrophysiological signals associated with memory processing, including: decreased gamma power in the HPC, impairments in theta-gamma comodulation in the cortex, theta and delta hypersynchrony between the HPC and cortex, and fewer sharp-wave ripples in the HPC. These findings suggest that GABAergic signaling on microglia may facilitate neural network systems involved in memory formation and recall, and that alterations in microglia may impair functions necessary for memory formation.

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  The Potential Health Effects of Bacterial Use in Self-Healing Concrete: A Systematic Literature Review

  Brandon Polimeni and Moses Karakouzian Ph.D.

  In due course, structures developed from concrete create microcracks exposing it to degradation via the reinforcement steel's formation of ferric oxide. The aforementioned declines the loading capacity and lessens durability. A corrective technique used to counteract the effects above is bio-mineralization, self-healing the crevices with microorganisms' metabolic processes. Literature has explored some specific organisms used, and the research strongly supports that the existing bacteria used positively strengthen the concrete's durability. This literature analysis examines if the selected microorganisms: Sporosarcina pasteurii, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis used in some current constructional methods will harm the health of consumers or those employees that have potential contact with those elements. Until this point, those strains used in this research appear to be nonpathogenic and safe to use with appropriate biosafety standards. Urease production was of concern due to its virulence factors, but the strains revealed no pathogenic outcomes within this review. After further examination, the concern for human health focused on the biological process that generates ammonium and carbonate via the urease enzyme within these bacteria. During the procedure of self-healing concrete, there is also a concern for ammonium exposure to employees and populations that live near these production sites. Ammonia exposure can cause bronchiolar and alveolar edema, depending on the amount consumed and the duration of human exposure. Sporosarcina pasteurii, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis exhibit no apparent harm to healthy humans within the analyzed studies; more information is necessary for the deduction of all potential harms.

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  The Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Skill Acquisition in a Complex Motor Task

  Nicholas Pudar and Milan Pantovic

  Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the motor cortex (M1) can improve performance in relatively simple motor tasks performed with the hand and arm. Only a few tDCS studies have examined complex, multi-joint tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of (tDCS) on skill acquisition in a complex, multi-joint arm movement in healthy young adults. 22 right-handed adults were randomly assigned to a tDCS or SHAM group, performing the overhand throws to a target. After the baseline-test block, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to locate the first dorsal interosseus muscle (FDI). Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded in the resting FDI before and after 5 minutes of tDCS (current: 1mA). tDCS was applied for 20 minutes to the FDI muscle while subjects performed 5 practice blocks of overhand throws, ending with a post-test block of overhand throws 5 minutes after the 20-minute stimulation ended. Motor performance was quantified as endpoint error, MEP amplitude quantified cortical excitability. Percent change in endpoint error between the baseline and post-test block for both groups was compared with an unpaired t-test and the percent change in MEP amplitude before and after 5 minutes of tDCS. The percent change in endpoint error was greater for the tDCS group but failed statistical significance (-16.9 vs. -5.2%; P =0.127), the percent change in MEP amplitude was significantly greater for the tDCS group (49.7 vs. -13.5%; P = 0.012). A single-session of tDCS enhances cortical excitability and appears to improve motor skill.

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  Discovering Rett Syndrome (RTS) and Understanding Its Enigmatic Development

  Fiorella Ramirez-Guasp, Chanel Chan, and Sukyeong Kim

  The purpose of this research project is to compose a comprehensive timeline on the rare disease Rett Syndrome (RTS) in order to better understand its enigmatic development as well as furthering the public’s understanding on this degenerative disease. RTS is a panethnic progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs nearly exclusively in girls. This syndrome is characterized by normal prenatal and neonatal development, followed by an onset of neurological symptoms with a mental stagnation anywhere around 6-18 months of age that involves a rapid loss in speech and acquired motor skills. There is limited knowledge about the molecular cause of Rett Syndrome, however, we do know that this X-linked disease involves a mutation that occurs on one of three domains located in the Methylcytosine-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). This ultimately results in the dysfunction or a loss of function of its gene product. While the MECP2 mutation is the primary focus of this project, its exact function is not completely known, but it is speculated to be responsible for the mediation of transcriptional silencing and epigenetic regulation of genes. Presently, there are no curative treatments for RTS; however, treatment of individuals afflicted with this disorder are encouraged to seek palliative care. Due to limited public understanding on this rare disease, the objective of this project is to help shed light on RTS discovery, development, as well as provide an avenue to raise public awareness.

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  Photovoltaic Panel Inspection and Maintenance

  Diego Rodriguez and Paul Oh Ph.D.

  Frequent inspection of photovoltaic panels is essential for keeping them energy efficient as well as increasing the panels longevity by ensuring they have little to no issues so they can keep running for as long as possible. The current process for inspection is very time consuming since solar panel fields are very big and current inspections are done manually. A much more time efficient as well as cheaper alternative to this problem is inspection with robots. The main focus for this project is the use of a motorized vehicle with a thermal camera attached to it to be able detect hotspots and micro cracks as well as other abnormalities in the panels. A 6 degree of freedom arm with a windshield wiper attached to the end effector is used to clean the surface of the photovoltaic panels to ensure the debri causing hotspots if removed. The goal of this research is to reduce the amount of work from humans as much as possible. The advantages of robot inspection are that robots are available to reach more remote destinations and it drastically reduces labor costs and is more efficient compared to manual labor. In this research the tests were implemented at a small scale but only require minor adjustments to have direct transitions to real world application.

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  Telecommuting The Future Towards Better Air Quality: A Case Study of India

  Harmony Ruth and Kimberly Nehls Ph.D.

  This study aims to answer the question on whether telecommuting offers a plausible and desirable solution to mitigating air pollution in India’s largest cities by looking at the causes of air pollution, its change during the pandemic, and how popular a remote work option is among India’s educated class. With a burgeoning population of over 1.3 billion people and accompanying growth in their services sectors, remote work has already been on the rise within the country and there are promising projections for its growth. Current research on the improved environmental quality during the pandemic largely focuses on the shut-down of the industrial sector with little attention paid to the impact traffic congestion has on impairing air quality. This paper finds that lessening traffic congestion in India’s cities leads to better air quality but may not be the most popular among workers and has overall significance for the health and safety of India’s citizenry if policies are utilized to promote remote work.

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  Toward A Quantum Neural Network: Proposing the QAOA Algorithm to Replace a Feed Forward Neural Network

  Erick Serrano

  With a surge in popularity of machine learning as a whole, many researchers have sought optimization methods to reduce the complexity of neural networks; however, only recent attempts have been made to optimize neural networks via quantum computing methods. In this paper, we describe the training process of a feed forward neural network (FFNN) and the time complexity of the training process. We highlight the inefficiencies of the FFNN training process, particularly when implemented with gradient descent, and introduce a call to action for optimization of a FFNN. Afterward, we discuss the strides made in quantum computing to improve the time complexity of machine learning; we study recent attempts to improve the time complexity of a neural network, including through a complete quantum analog and a hybrid analog. We propose to use the QAOA protocol to create a hybrid analog to an FFNN; supported by previous implementations of QAOA, we believe there is potential for expanding the QAOA algorithm toward a neural network. Finally, we describe the process for which we hope to implement the QAOA algorithm and how we will compare it to the runtime of a FFNN.

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  Isolation of Salt Tolerant Bacteria and Investigation of Perchlorate Biodegradation at High Salinity Conditions

  Aymen Shafique, Yasaman Saedi, and Jacimaria Batista Ph.D.

  Perchlorate (ClO4-), known as a highly soluble oxidizer contaminant, has been detected in soil and groundwater throughout the United States for the last two decades. Biological reduction has been seen as a promising technology through which perchlorate reducing bacteria (PRB) occurring naturally in most environments utilize ClO4- as an electron acceptor. However, biological reduction of perchlorate is influenced by high salinity levels because the PRBs’ activity is hindered at salinities over 1%. The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of salinity (NaCl: 0-6.5%) on perchlorate biological reduction. Actual soil samples from the contaminated site containing PRBs were used and acclimated in broths with different salt concentrations and later the cultures were tested on their reduction abilities using perchlorate (150 mg/L) as an electron acceptor (450 mg/L) and acetate as an electron donor. Gram-staining results revealed that there has been consistent growth of salt tolerant bacteria observed at each salt concentration level (0-6.5%). The variety of bacteria are displayed with the diverse shapes present under the compound microscope, from Gram-positive bacilli to Gram-negative cocci. However, it is important to consider that the reduction kinetic is slow even as the perchlorate reduction has been observed at 6.5% NaCl concentration. This will be further studied as the experiment is still running to obtain more promising results regarding perchlorate reduction and salt tolerant bacteria isolation. The conclusion drawn so far is that there are salt tolerant bacteria in this soil which can degrade perchlorate at environments with high salt concentration.

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  Collective Risk of Construction Development on Desert Tortoise Populations

  Paulina Smith

  Desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) are threatened, extremely territorial reptiles living on a rapidly-shrinking landscape. This literature review was conducted with the goal of determining whether the desert tortoises of the Mojave Desert are experiencing compounded effects from construction development which are not reflected in mortality/fecundity calculations in the current literature. Seventeen peer-reviewed sources were identified from the last 20 years which related to roads, railroads, wind-harvesting, solar energy, and man-made barriers/flood control centers in the Mojave. Current literature reveals that researchers do not have the time nor resources to pursue long-term studies on all of the possible effects on this threatened species, largely because the desert tortoise reaches sexual maturity extraordinarily late. Likewise, because tortoises travel many miles for mating, they are likely to encounter more than one form of anthropogenic activity in their habitat. Because construction projects involve multiple disturbances to the landscape, these studies have not captured the full scope of threats these animals face. However, in spite of the “snapshot” provided by each of these studies, little has been done to implement the authors’ suggestions regarding construction development on desert landscapes. Although the authors were specific in their recommendations, these suggestions have been largely ignored by developers. In conclusion, short-term studies may not be the most effective approach for discovering the anthropogenic stressors placed on this species, and a long-term monitoring study with compounded effects taken into account would provide a more accurate projection of this species’ survival.

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  Determining Organic Content in Soil from the Mojave Desert using Loss-on-Ignition

  Edgar Toro, Lindsay Chiquoine, and Scott Abella

  Measuring the soil organic carbon (SOC) is of vital importance to soil science ecology. With the approaching challenges that rapidly changing weather patterns and temperatures bring, it is becoming more important to be able to measure the organic carbon levels in soil quickly, accurately, and cheaply. Currently, existing methods can very accurately deduce organic carbon levels but are lacking in speed and cost. Using alternate methods such as Loss-On-Ignition (LOI) can make up for lacking speed and affordability and have been shown to be very accurate under the right conditions. Ultimately, having a secondary method to quickly and easily get rather accurate results could be useful to preliminary investigations. The primary objective is to use LOI to accurately estimate the soil organic compound levels of low-elevation Mojave Desert soil. Using soils that were collected from wildfires spanning 15-20 years old, LOI procedures were tested using a factorial design including crucible size, temperature, and time. Using 5 mL crucibles, temperatures ranging from 300 to 600°C and time periods ranging from 2 to 8 h were used in different combinations to obtain the best results. The r2 values were examined for these factorial combinations to determine the most convenient and accurate combination. The results showed that 600 °C at 6 hours had the best results, with an r2 of 0.602. As these are just preliminary results, running a set with a much larger sample size must be done to ensure that the results are consistent.

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  How a Well-Functioning Federal Public-Option Health Insurance Program could bolster Capitalism & the Free Market

  Borna Vaezi and Djeto Assane Ph.D.

  To submit a research paper that shows how a well-functioning public-option healthcare plan can increase economic output, raise GDP, lower healthcare expenses, and increase the life expectancy of the average American. A thorough review will be done looking at economic & social factors that a functioning, non-price gouging, and non-profit health insurance plan that is open to all American citizens can have deep positive effects on total productivity, wages, capital expenditures on meaningful investments by both firms & people, as well as juxtaposing the current system with one that is possible to achieve.

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  Toward the Use of Drones for Photovoltaic Panel Inspection

  Fausto Vega

  The monitoring of photovoltaic panels is an essential task to maintain the efficiency of the power plant. The conventional form of inspection consists of manual inspection with a thermal camera which takes several days as fields contain thousands of panels. Solar panel installation is costly, and the installation does not guarantee maximum power generation without proper maintenance and handling. A drone with a thermal camera payload was developed to reduce labor costs as well as increase efficiency of the inspection as it can survey the field with a large field of view. Several image processing methods were used to process the incoming thermal camera feed to effectively detect hotspots. The purpose of this research is to investigate an alternative inspection method to speed up the process. A proof-of-concept field was generated with several pieces of wood and heat pads in certain sections which represent hotspots in the panels. The drone effectively followed a pre-planned trajectory to inspect the sections in the field and notify the user if a hotspot was detected. Once this hotspot is detected, the crew can provide the necessary maintenance to allow the panel to function efficiently. The drone was tested in a controlled environment, therefore it is expected for occlusions and detection errors to happen in a field with actual panels, yet that is planned to be addressed in future work.

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  A Qualitative Review on Mammography Interventions among Asian American Women

  Sayeda Tazim Zaidi, Raisa Kabir, and Chia-Liang Dai

  Breast cancer (BC) is a leading type of malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related death among women around the world. The occurrence of BC has been increasing in Asian American (AA) women. Early detection through mammography is an effective means to reduce mortality associated with BC. However, there is a paucity of data and interventions regarding mammography promotion interventions among AA women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate current interventions for promoting mammography among AA women and suggest recommendations for designing successful interventions. A review for peer-reviewed journal articles in PubMed Central, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, and Scopus was conducted over the past 15 years for mammography interventions among AA women. A total of eight interventions met the inclusion criteria. Of these, one used the randomized controlled trial (RCT), one used quasi-experimental design, four used pretest-posttest designs, one used single-group time series design, and one used cross-sectional survey. Among the intervention approaches were community workshops, designing religiously tailored interventions, patient navigator care management model, medical interpretation services for limited English proficiency patients, delivery of grocery store-based education, and utilization of health belief model/health promotion model. A paucity of interventions, utilization of small sample sizes, just one randomized controlled trial, and just one intervention based on behavioral theory were some of the limitations of the interventions. Future interventions must be culturally tailored to specific subgroups of AA, be behavioral theory-based and utilize robust randomized controlled trials.

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  Identifying Determinants of Breast Cancer Screening Through Mammography Among Asian American Women

  Sayeda Tazim Zaidi, Raisa Kabir, and Chia-Liang Dai

  Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women around the world. In the US, approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. There is a growing incidence of breast cancer among Asian American (AA) women. Breast cancer screening by mammography is the most effective early detection method to reduce mortality but AA women have the lowest utilization rates. This study aims to identify the determinants affecting mammography among AA women. A literature search in PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and CINAHL was undertaken to include all peer-reviewed studies published within the past 20 years about determinants affecting mammography in AA women. A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, six used secondary data, nine used cross-sectional surveys, and one used a qualitative design. Only three studies used behavioral theories (health belief model and transtheoretical model). Six studies reported the rates of obtaining mammography in AA which ranged from 53% to 82%. The primary positive determinants were U.S. citizenship, education, knowledge of guidelines, health insurance, having a primary care provider and their recommendation, years of residency in the U.S., and knowing someone with a history of breast cancer and/or undergone mammography. The negative factors were less acculturation, perceived religious discrimination, logistical barriers, and religious barriers including impingement on modesty. There were variations among determinants based on national origin. There is a need for utilizing behavioral theories in designing interventions to promote mammography among different subgroups of AA women.

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  A Comparison of Eating Behaviors

  Zybrell Zayas, Alexis Parsha, Mialene Liwanag, and Kimberly Nehls Ph.D.

  How do eating behaviors differ in Japan, in comparison to the United States? How is it deemed healthier? Eating behaviors and diet has become an important factor due to the increasing statistics of obesity in America. Japan, known for its unique style of eating, and has shown the cultural basis of its standpoint on food, which has diverted its culture away from the adverse health effects that the U.S is known for. With the focus on the comparison of the U.S larger portion size to traditional Japanese meal size, there is an overall large effect on health and wellness. The Japanese traditional diet of washoku emphasizes the use of seasonal ingredients. It characterizes the importance of the food dishes being in harmony with nature and the nutritional needs of the human body. The American diet, is usually meat, eggs, and dairy with a high emphasis on sugar consumption. Washoku emphasizes the elements of Cultural differences, and how tradition is emphasized in Japanese meals. Our research will use the following datasets: Self-assessment of health of diet among U.S. shoppers in 2015, Distribution of diets followed by consumers in the United States in 2018 in 2019, Leading food-related habits in Japan as of 2020, Most popular food trends in Japan as of November 2020 and The Role of the Japanese Traditional Diet in Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Patterns around the World. These datasets will guide through examining primary differences on the basis of nutrition, portion size, and cultural differences.