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  The Time Window of Reconsolidation: A Replication

  Mateo Marquez and Jessica Nguyen

  Reconsolidation is the process whereby activating a consolidated memory can bring it into a labile state where it can be strengthened, weakened, or updated. Hupbach et al., (2007) showed that memory updating is only found when the reconsolidation process has time to complete. This finding has been argued to be due to other memory processes (Sederberg et al., 2011). Before testing alternative explanations, the result needs to be replicated by an independent lab.

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  Reminders of Reconsolidation: Prediction Error vs. Spatial Context

  Mateo Marquez, Jessica Nguyen, and Augustine Alvarado

  Reconsolidation is the process whereby reactivating a consolidated memory can bring it into a labile state where it can be strengthened, weakened, or updated. Spatial context and prediction error (PE) are two ways that memories can be reactivated. Spatial context refers to being in the same-environmental setting during encoding and retrieval, whereas PE refers to the mismatch between expected and observed events. Both methods have successfully reactivated consolidated memories. However, it is unclear whether reconsolidation is affected by PE when it isolated in different spaces.

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  Are Socio-Cultural Factors Correlated With Breastfeeding Among Latina Mothers in Nevada?

  Marissa Martinez, Karen Farfan, and Luis Aceves

  Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and their child (e.g., lower rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, obesity, asthma, cardiovascular disease, etc.). Recent studies suggest that 93% of children born in Mexico are breastfed their child compared to 81.1% of Nevadan women reported breastfeeding their child. Previous studies suggest that socio-cultural factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, mother’s age, acculturation, cultural beliefs, and perceptions are associated with breastfeeding. Many studies have not use a validated acculturation measure.

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  Osteobiography of an Adolescent from Bronze Age (3146-3130 BP) Non Nok Tha, Thailand

  Thomas Monticello

  Osteobiography is suited to investigating the individual experiences of the Agricultural Transition. Non Nok Tha is an early agricultural site in Southeast Asia. Previous research argued that domestication of rice led to better health outcomes; however, this may not have been the case for all individuals.

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  Effects of Time-Restricted Exercise on Hypertrophy, Aerobic Adaptations, and Body Weight in Mice

  Greco Neblina, Elias M. Malek, Michael B. Dial, and Austin Cooper

  Sleep and circadian rhythms are shown to impact cellular and whole-body metabolism and exercise capacity. Mice experience adaptations (e.g., hypertrophy, increased time to exhaustion) as a result of voluntary aerobic exercise. Adaptations to aerobic exercise are influenced by the time of day at which exercise is performed due to alterations in transcriptional and translational processes that affect mitochondrial abundance. It is critical to examine the gross effects of exercise timing on metabolic adaptations and other adaptations to aerobic exercise. This knowledge can help athletes and coaches organize time-optimized training schedules and help clinicians improve patient outcomes through time-of-day related adaptations to clinical exercise regimens

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  Misophonia, ASMR, and Frisson Experience Predicted by Age, But Not Gender

  Kaela Omengan, Bryanna Grijalva, Natalya Sayegh, Carlos Tamayo, David Vollweiler, Solena Mednicoff, and Erin Hannon

  Misophonia: A disorder that shows low tolerance for specific sounds, often yielding reactions like anger and stress. Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): An affective sensation which elicits positive physiological responses. Musical frisson: Emotional response to music characterized by goosebumps, tingling sensations, or raised hair on the skin. Previous Literature: Potential links between misophonia, ASMR, and frisson; Higher emotional sensitivity in females.

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  Third-order Harmonic Generation in Few-Layer Graphene

  Nicholas T. Pereira, Timothy Chung, and Joshua O. Island

  Optical harmonic generation is a phenomena that occurs in nonlinear materials and can be used to study the properties of those materials. For example, the nonlinear response of layered, two-dimensional (2D) materials can be used to characterize flake thickness, lattice and stacking symmetries, and crystal strain. Here, we study third harmonic generation (THG) in graphene and few-layer graphite as a precursor to investigating nonlinear optical properties of other 2D materials. We present a custom scanning setup for optical harmonic generation and present our results on few-layer flakes. These results provide a solid basis for future measurements of other new 2D materials.

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  Perceived Tempo is Influenced by Embodied Dance Speed and Latin Dance Expertise

  Ryan K. Perez, Carolina A. Herrera, Melanie Garcia garcim81@unlv.nevada.edu, Miguel A. Castaño, and Jared W. Leslie

  Tempo is the speed of a piece of music and is measured in beats per minute (BPM). Tempo perception is subjective and may be influenced by the listener’s musical culture. Even for the same tempo, some dances are faster than others depending on the dance and culture. In the present study, we ask whether the speed of dance movements for a given song influences subjective perception of that song’s tempo among listeners with and without prior experience dancing to Latin music.

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  PFAS: A Threat to Public Health and Safety

  Ibrahim Qazi, Adriana Carrillo, Alexa Guloy guloya1@unlv.nevada.edu, Emily Moon, Rayan Muneer, Hien Tran, and Raiden Wadsworth

  Nonstick pots and pans, takeout containers, waterproof clothes: these are items that people use in their daily lives. A common denominator in all of these items lies PFAS, or Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances. Our exposure to these chemicals has proven to be toxic and carcinogenic to human health. Despite the evidence of their harmful effects, many companies still continue to incorporate these forever chemicals into their products, thus prolonging their exposure to humans.

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  Understanding the Relationship Between Climate Change Anxiety, Hope, and Action: A Moderation Analysis

  Jin Qian, Daniela Alvarez, Ishrat Zaman ishratzaman@u.boisestate.edu, and Yuhan Bi

  Climate change affects all species on Earth, and immediate action is required to mitigate these negative effects. Purpose of this study: to explore whether climate change anxiety moderates the relationship between hope and action.

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  Do Age, Musical Training, and Multilingualism Contribute to Misophonia, ASMR, and Frisson Experiences?

  Riley Ramos, Kayla Daugherty, Haley Yanez, Joseph Altamirano, David Vollweiler, Solena Mednicoff, and Erin Hannon

  Misophonia: intense negative reactions to sounds such as chewing or pen clicking. Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): positive tingling sensation to triggering auditory and visual stimuli. Frisson: Positive response (chills, teary eyes) to music or other emotionally charged experiences.

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  General Chemistry Students’ Perceptions of Remote/Online V. In-Person Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Sabeeka Raza and Abigale Ly

  As a result of the sudden nationwide lockdowns that occurred in March of 2020, many universities rapidly shifted to remote instruction. This complete and rapid transformation of the education system is one that is historically unparalleled. Professors and instructors were forced to adapt their lessons and exams to an online format within a matter of weeks (Rupnow et al., 2020). Students were forced to adjust to a remote learning environment, which was accompanied by the challenges of adopting new learning strategies in an environment isolated from peers and professors (Simon et al., 2020). While many classes have now shifted back to the traditional classroom environment, there are still many classes that are offered online at most institutions. In the current study, we interviewed general chemistry students who had recent experience with both in-person and remote learning in order to identify, from the students’ perspectives, how instruction can be modified to support meaningful learning and engagement in their future chemistry classes, whatever their format (Closs et al., 2021).

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  The Relationship Between School Refusal Behavior and Executive Functions

  Christina Saliba, Shreyas Bhat, Karina R. Carrillo-Juárez carrik7@unlv.nevada.edu, and Randolph Dupont

  School refusal is a pressing issue that impacts children throughout the United States. School Refusal behaviors can be attributed to four distinct reasons: avoiding school because it induces negative emotions (ANA), avoiding social or evaluative situations (ESE), seeking attention from others (AGB), and pursuing rewards outside of the school environment (PTR) (Kearney, 2002). Executive functions are mechanisms that monitor and regulate cognitive processes and tasks. These include problem-solving, working memory, attention, and inhibition. Executive functions can be linked with various aspects of school achievement and cognitive development in children and adolescents (Sosic-Vasic, 2017). Previous research has shown that kindergarteners who struggled with school refusal and absenteeism displayed lower levels of executive functioning than those who did not, as absence from school resulted in lower optimal working memory and lower cognitive flexibility (Gottfried, 2022). This study hypothesizes that the severity of reasons for school refusal would negatively predict executive functioning.

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  Different Canopy Covers Effect Microclimate: How the Urban Heat Island Effect Can Be Reduced in Las Vegas

  Melanie Sanchez and Alison Sloat

  The purpose of my research was to investigate the effects that different canopy covers have on desert cities microclimates and how the City of Las Vegas can implement the best techniques to reduce temperatures in the hottest parts of town. I collected data on the different temperatures in two separate parts of the city (East Las Vegas, Midtown UNLV area) in one-hour intervals during two and three in the afternoon and surveyed four different areas on its tree canopy coverage. I also analyzed scientific peer reviewed studies which helped me see what other arid cities, like Phoenix, AZ, have done to minimize their Urban Heat Island effect and whether we should implement those same techniques in Las Vegas. In my research I found that temperatures on the East side of town were on average 5° F hotter than the UNLV area and that the UNLV area has a 26% higher canopy coverage than the East Las Vegas area. These results indicate that the area of UNLV is generally cooler than East Las Vegas because of increased canopy coverage and taller buildings. To reduce temperatures in the East Las Vegas Valley, we must ease the incorporation of photovoltaics in parking lots, the planting of trees and knowledge of where to place them, and the involvement of citizens in cooling their neighborhoods.

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  Feasibility and Acceptability of a Loving-Kindness Meditation among Socio-Economically Diverse Older Adults

  Carolyn Streb

  In Psychology one of the first theories we learn is Maslow's Need Triangle. Within this theory we learn that love and belonging is one the basic human needs an individual needs to develop. This continues to be relevant later in age. The lack of compassionate love can result in increase feelings of loneliness and subsequent deterioration of mental health therefore making individuals, specifically older adults, more vulnerable to suicidal behavior. Loneliness is a public health epidemic affecting more the 40% of older adults. Theoretical and empirical evidence implies that human beings can cope with adversity when they possess a repertoire of positive emotions such as love/compassion and these emotions are associated with better psychological wellbeing and cognitive reserve. These positive emotions can be amplified through interventions such as loving-kindness meditation (LKM).

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  Reshaping the Historical Narrative: Muslims in North Africa

  Mariam Sultan

  Immigration of diverse peoples to America has been continuous since the 16th century, especially in regards to Muslims, who have been an understudied and underrepresented group in historical literature, despite constituting a major faction of the first peoples in this country. The study reinforces why Muslims should be part of the historic narrative including the many contributions they made to the growth and development of the United States, and more broadly, the North American continent.

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  Identifying the Optimal Range of Fine Ground Waste Glass as Cement Replacement

  Stephanie Taylor

  The viability of finely ground waste glass as cement replacement is linked to the amount of time the concrete is allowed to cure. Testing beyond 91 days was rare, with only one study using an entire year. Replacement levels below 25% provided the best results in compressive strength. The parameters for future testing derived from this literature review will use ASTM C39/C39M-21 to test the compressive strength of specimens with 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% finely ground glass replacing OPC with measurements taken at 1, 7, 28, 56, 90, 182 and 365 days of curing.

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  Development of a Biobased Carbon Adsorbent for Treating Emerging Contaminants in Recycled Water on the International Space Station

  Savanna Vacek, Madeline Carroll, and Gabson Baguma

  The International Space Station (ISS) operates as a closed system. Water is recycled from humidity and urine and held in a wastewater tank; part of the Water Processing Assembly (WPA). Potable treated water is used indirectly in the Sabatier Reactor.The Sabatier Reactor is a key component in the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). Three main functions of ECLSS: water recovery, air revitalization, and oxygen generation Sabatier Reactor recently failed due to contamination of DMSO2, dimethyl sulfone, and DMSD, dimethylsilanediol. DMSO2 and DMSD are emerging contaminants that are not removed by the media used in the WPA due to their low affinity. DMSO2 and DMSD are introduced into the water system through personal hygiene products such as lotion, conditioner, and wipes, which all contain volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS). VMS are decomposed into DMSO2 or DMSD and are found in urine. Ambersorb 4652, a styrenic polymer adsorbent that is not biobased or sustainable, is the current media used in the multifiltration beds in WPA on the ISS. Costly and unsustainable, Ambersorb 4652 is challenged to remove DMSD and DMSO2 from recycled water. Granular activated carbon (GAC) works similarly to a styrenic polymer adsorbent and can be made from biobased materials. Ionic liquids are liquid molten salts at temperatures < 100 ℃ that are typically composed of large and unsymmetrical organic cations and organic or inorganic ions. Composed of a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and a hydrogen bond donor (HBD). Remarkable solvation ability for a broad range of natural and synthetic materials and compounds.

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  The Relationship Between Concussion History And Lower Extremity Biomechanics During A Land And Cut Task

  Nghi G. Vu, Warren O. Forbes, and Jason M. Avedesian

  In high impact landing tasks, athletes with a history of sports related concussion (SRC) have been found to demonstrate lower extremity (LE) biomechanics that are associated with elevated injury risk. However, the exact relationships between SRC history and LE biomechanics are inconclusive.

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  A Statistical and Literary-Based Research Review of the 2023 US Homelessness Status in Contrast to Generational Record

  Marina Wong

  Discusses the United States' 2023 Homelessness status in contrast to generational record. The homelessness status seems to be increasing compared to generational record. Also discusses future direction and research potential of the topic.

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  Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Breastfeeding Information Provided during prenatal Care Visits in Clark County, Nevada

  Alexandra Maria Acosta and Smriti Neupane

  Breastfeeding information during prenatal care visits is associated with maternal race/ethnicity and maternal educational level. Black/African American race and college-level education are associated with increased breastfeeding information provided during prenatal care visits of Nevadan mothers.

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  Emotional Engagement to Music is Correlated with Enhanced Frisson Experience but not Misophonia

  Sarah Al-shimary, Nicole Datastanyan, Shelbie Silvers, Sivan Barashy, and Solena Mednicoff

  There is evidence that individuals who are particularly sensitive or intolerant to sounds are also more engaged or fascinated with positive sounds such as music.

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  The Influence of Prediction Error Strength on Recognition Memory

  Augustine L. Alvarado and Kevin D. Mohawk

  An important feature of learning and memory is being able to make predictions about our environments based on past experiences. However, our predictions are not always accurate. We may experience a prediction error (a mismatch between what was predicted and what actually occurred). Research has found that PE enhances learning and memory. The Predictive Interactive Multiple Memory Signals (PIMMS) suggests that PE facilitates learning and memory because it triggers a need to update our representation to reduce errors in the future. This study aims to replicate Greve et al., (2017), who found that PE enhances declarative memory of learned associations. A successful replication would result in better memory for items associated with PE compared to items consistent with expectations.

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  Uncovering Themes of Masculinity Within Male Friendships and Synthesizing Future Interventions

  Maria Isabelle Avenido, Valeria Aguilera, Kristin Vierra, and Diana Gutierrez

  Masculinity norms such as toughness, emotional stoicism, and homophobia are suggested to impede the formation of close male friendships. A lack of close friendships can lead to poor self-esteem and impaired psychological health. Boys and men who effectively build intimate relationships gain from peer support and companionship as well as a decrease in anxiety and depression levels. Scholars have yet to develop a data-driven intervention to assist boys and men in critically analyzing masculinity, thus the current study's findings will contribute to the development of these interventions that could encourage boys and men to properly assess harmful elements of masculinity and establish closer friendships.

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  Synthesis of Novel Chiral Phosphorothioic Acid Organocatalysts and Application to Synthetic Methodology

  Parsa Azaei

  Much research efforts have been centered towards the synthesis of novel Bronsted acid catalysts. These organocatalyst enable synthesis of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and bioactive small molecules under toxic-metal-free conditions by donating their protons, while not being consumed in the reaction. Chiral phosphorothioic acid have significant potential as novel organocatalysts due to their high modifiability of chirality and acidity under environmentally friendly conditions; however, synthesis of these organocatalysts are far and in between. Therefore, our research aimed to i) synthesize novel phosphorothioic acid organocatalysts and ii) to apply these novel catalysts toward new methodology development.