Follow

• 

  Development of a Mobile App for Project Management and Presentation

  Jiaqi Li and Jorge Fonseca Cacho Ph.D.

  There is lots of project information in Economic Development, and managing different size projects with different departments is not easy. To solve this issue, we are creating a “showcase” app which has a functional database and user friendly interface. It is very efficient and convenient. People can check the project's information at any time based on any requirements. We are using Unity platform to create the “showcase” app and SQL to manage the database. The authorized user could edit, add and delete project information in the app. The database is safe and protected and information could be shared with all of the users immediately. The app also has a rating system to make the improvements.

• 

  The Experience of Postpartum Depression in African-American Fathers

  Darlyn Magaña, Brandon Eddy Ph.D., and Lawrence Jackson Ph.D.

  There have been more studies that have been conducted to learn about postpartum not only in mothers, but there have also been studies on postpartum in fathers. While little is known about PPD in men, even less is known about how African American fathers experience PPD and other mental health issues. Therefore this area of study is crucial especially as there haven’t been any studies focused on this population in PPD. In order for the stigma of postpartum depression in fathers to be normalized, there needs to be necessary education, prevention, screenings, and treatment for fathers especially those in racial groups that are underrepresented. Under the direction of Dr. Brandon Eddy and Dr. Jackson Lawrence, we seek to learn about the experience of postpartum depression in African American fathers. Using semi-structured virtual interviews, we are currently in the process of collecting data from the experiences of fathers by using purposive sampling and snowball sampling. After transcribing the interviews from the participants, coding will occur to find themes within the interviews.

• 

  The Effects of Resilience, Mindfulness, and Experiential Avoidance on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms: Exploring the Mechanism of Action of a Mindfulness App for College Student Military Veterans with PTSD

  Ehdzky-Ray Manzano and Andrew Thomas Reyes Ph.D., RN

  Mediation/moderation models provides an expanded understanding of the underlying mechanism of action of a mindfulness-based interventions, particularly how targeted constructs produce their intended benefits. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of resilience on the relationships mindfulness and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and the indirect effect of mindfulness on PTSD through experiential avoidance as a mediator. A cross-sectional study design was used. We employed a convenience sample of 133 college student military veterans through an online survey (Qualtrics) using measures of resilience, mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and PTSD symptoms. To examine the mediating effect of experiential avoidance and the moderating effect of resilience, we used the macro PROCESS (v. 3.5). We found a direct effect of mindfulness on PTSD and a significant mediating effect of experiential avoidance on the relationship between mindfulness and PTSD. Resilience was also found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between mindfulness and PTSD. The major implication of these findings is that higher levels of resilience would strengthen the positive relationship between mindfulness and PTSD and the negative relationship between experiential avoidance and PTSD. This study provides preliminary evidence on the usefulness of integrating resilience development of the mindfulness app we are refining for the next phase of our research study.

• 

  Coral Bleaching

  Anja Marcusiu, Noah Ly, and Kimberly Nehls Ph.D.

  Coral reefs are a fundamental part of the world's ecosystem; however, they are hidden in the ocean's depths, which makes it difficult to see how they are affected by climate change. When under certain pressures, such as warmer temperatures, coral undergoes a process called bleaching. This causes coral to expel their algae, resulting in the loss of their energy source and vibrant colors. As climate change continues to intensify, the frequency and severity of coral bleaching events threaten the recovery and adaptation of coral species. The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system off the east coast of Australia, has undergone aerial surveys and underwater assessments to measure the corals' levels of heat stress and bleaching thresholds. Ultimately, the data reveals that increased heat stress leads to greater coral mortality. Similar to most species, some corals are more adaptive, while others are more vulnerable. Therefore, it is critical to understand the composition of each coral species and how they differ around regions of the world to determine what proactive measures should be taken to preserve the ocean's ecosystems.

• 

  “Our Languages Do Not Die, They are Being Killed”: Indigenismo and its Effects on Indigenous Language Revitalization

  Nathalie Martinez

  Language and identity are political acts that are inextricably linked to and rooted in socio-historical and socio-political events. Existing scholarship on identity-based social movements has yet to address language activism as a part of its theoretical framework. This paper seeks to consider the unique socio-historical context of indigenismo—an ideological wave coordinated by non-Indigenous groups seeking to define Indigenous identity—for the analysis of language activism within the field of social movement theory. Drawing from historical, ethnographic, and applied linguistic studies, this article examines indigenismo in Abiayala—the continental Western hemisphere commonly referred to as the Americas—to highlight the impact of the policies enacted by Indigenistas on existing linguistic ideologies. Given the significance of Mexico’s indigenismo in this transhemispheric region, having as a model for policies enacted in other regions, the Mexican nation-state is chosen as the thematic focus of the discussion presented here. The goals of this paper are to explore: 1) indigenismo in Mexico, 2) the link between language attitudes and indigenismo in Mexico, and 3) language activism in Mexico. The resulting analysis proposes a need for a new social movement theory that considers the impact of neoliberalism on Indigenous communities in Abiayala. Future research should also consider the impact of globalization on intergenerational linguistic ideologies and transnational language activism programs.

• 

  Increasing Analysis Efficiency through Automation of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Data Reduction Process using Python

  Grace Abigail Martin

  The Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides elemental analysis through ionization of samples. Numerous geochemistry laboratories utilize the ICP-MS and has become a community standard. The ICP-MS data reduction process is time intensive and involves correction for blank contribution and sensitivity drift during measurement, as well as construction of standard calibration lines based on measurements of standard solutions. We look to decrease turnaround time and increase efficiency through automation of the data reduction process using Python. The ICP-MS data reduction process was 3 hours or more, in our observations. Python packages such as Openpyxl and Pandas, allow us to carry out data reduction functions. Inputting the file location of the original ICP-MS data, the code will extract data from the file, follow data reduction functions, create graphs of calibration curves for various elements, and save reduced data as a new excel file without making changes to the original file. Automated files will be checked for correct values using non-automated data reduction as reference. The code operated universally, using various unreduced ICP-MS excel data files from previous analyses, and followed data reduction functions correctly. When compared to non-automated data reduction, automated data reduction was able to output the same values and calibration curve graphs. The processing time using automated data reduction was less than 1 second. Using python to automate the data reduction process significantly decreased the duration from 3 hours to less than 1 second. Additionally, efficiency increased by factoring out potential human error in the process.

• 

  Surfactant Use in Boiling Heat Transfer Alludes to a Universal Concentration?

  Mario Mata, Brandon Ortiz, Vesper Evereux, Dhruv Luhar, and Jeremy Cho Ph.D.

  Surfactants—molecules that change the surface properties of liquids—can enhance the rate of heat transfer in boiling, which could improve power generation, heating/cooling/refrigeration, and other applications. Boiling involves cycles of bubble nucleation, growth, and departure. These behaviors are modified as surfactants adsorb to the bubble surface, lowering surface tension and changing the bubble contact angle. Unique to each type of surfactant, there is a critical micelle concentration (CMC) above which surfactant molecules aggregate into larger structures called micelles. From conventional wisdom, adding surfactants beyond the CMC increases liquid viscosity, resulting in an overall lowering of heat transfer. Thus, to optimize heat transfer, the optimal concentration should be near the CMC. This is because the Reynolds and Rayleigh numbers of the liquid decrease—reducing the ability of the liquid to convect heat. However, our testing has found that different surfactants experience a marked “bump” in heat transfer performance occurring at the 6–7 mM range. Our results suggest the existence of a universal optimized concentration for surfactants. We hypothesize that this concentration is due to the rate surfactants enter the bubbly region via liquid motion (advection) matching the rate at which surfactants exit the region via bubble surfaces. We are continuing experiments with nonionic (TWEEN families) and ionic (sodium sulfate families) surfactants with vastly different CMCs to see if they all experience a similar “bump” around 6–7 mM. The implications could have great practical impact as engineers could consult a universal concentration to achieve optimal heat transfer efficiency with any surfactant.

• 

  Waste in China

  Katie McCaslin, D'Nasia Thompson, Sofia Jimenez, and Kimberly Nehls Ph.D.

  With a world full of inescapable garbage, how much is the emerging country of China producing and should the globe be concerned? As the most populous country in the world, China accounted for over 15% of the earth’s waste volume in 2020. China has the biggest share of waste in the world, but is it enough for other countries to intervene? Higher levels of greenhouse gas in the earth’s atmosphere change its climate and some of these gases are linked to solid waste. These changes can result in more frequent, dangerous natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, mass species extinction, disease, etc.) and could damage communities all over.

• 

  It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! No, It’s a Feminist! Analyzing the Representation of Women in Comic Book Media

  Angelica McGee and Lynn Comella Ph.D.

  Superhero media is a 27 billion dollar industry. Superhero media has played a significant role in contemporary pop culture and society. So, where does feminist thought - or the lack of feminist thought - belong in the conversation of comics? My research aims to pinpoint and define sexist tropes within comic book media, how they can be detrimental to the representation of women, and what viewers and creators alike can do to diminish this unsatisfactory treatment. My research uses textual analysis to examine the representations of female comic book characters across various mediums. The pathway to improvement is within the promise that audiences and comic book media creators continue to educate themselves on the inherent sexist themes of female comic book media characters; new media is created that shields itself from the typical misogynistic tropes that these characters have been subject to in the past, and comic book worlds fans do the work that it takes to show that these changes are not only appreciated but that they are in high enough demand to make them the new normal. The sexist injustices in comic book media need first to be acknowledged and then removed. Female comic book characters are free to be just as heroic and empowering or as daunting and frightening as their male counterparts.

• 

  Elastic Plastic Self-Consistency (EPSC) Modeling on Quartz Deformation Experiments

  Denali Medina and Pamela Burnley Ph.D.

  Our understanding of the rheology of Earth’s interior can be advanced by investigating the results of high-pressure deformation experiments on polycrystalline samples using elastic-plastic self-consistency (EPSC) modeling. Our experiment investigates quartz, which dominates Earth’s crustal composition and is least resistant to flow during deformation thus its bulk strength is thought to control the strength of the crust. During deformation experiments, a polycrystalline sample is enveloped in a cube-shaped sample assembly which is pressurized by a surrounding multi-anvil press known as a D-DIA apparatus. The D-DIA consists of six tungsten carbide anvils, driven by a hydraulic press that moves the top and bottom anvils independently. The sample is monitored by a high-powered x-ray beam at the Argonne National Lab. X-rays record changes in the distances between crystal lattice planes (d-spacing). Our results and those produced by other investigators show local stress is not homogeneous throughout a polycrystalline sample but varies greatly throughout grain populations. EPSC modeling simulates the anisotropic response of individual grains under load with respect to orientation, boundary conditions, and grain populations to best fit our diffraction data. Our samples reached temperatures ranging from 400 to 840 ℃ and pressures of 1.4 to 2.7 GPa. Lattice reflection spectra on the (101), (110), (200), (201), and (112) were gathered incrementally at sample stains nearing 7%. The lattice strain on these reflections is used along with the EPSC models to derive the bulk strength of the material and which slip systems are operating.

• 

  Comparison of Flights Climbed Between Garmin and Fitbit Devices

  Javen Miguel, Alan V. Garcia, Melissa G. Strehlow, Dustin W. Davis, Jeff Montes, and James Navalta Ph.D.

  With exercise device technology and consumer interest in the field growing, it is important for users to be confident that their wearable fitness devices accurately track their flights climbed. Two manufacturers of devices that track flights climbed are Garmin and Fitbit. Comparing the measurements of flights climbed between devices from these two manufacturers is important to inform consumers as they decide which device to purchase for flight-related activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the measurements of flights climbed between the Garmin fēnix 5 and Fitbit Versa 2. METHODS: Eight participants were tested individually, and the two devices were assigned randomly to be worn on separate wrists. The participants climbed one, two, and three flights of stairs at a pace of 50, 75, and 100 steps per minute. Each device’s display of flights climbed was recorded at the beginning and end of each trial. A 2x9 repeated-measures ANOVA determined whether measurements of flights climbed per trial were significantly different. The α-level was 0.05 for the ANOVA and 0.006 for the post-hoc t-tests. RESULTS: Before adjusting the α-level, flights significantly differed between the devices in 4/9 trials. In every significant comparison, the fēnix 5 reported a lower mean number of flights climbed. However, after adjusting the α-level, flights climbed did not significantly differ between the devices for any trials. CONCLUSION: Depending on the speed of ascent and number of flights climbed, the fēnix 5 and Versa 2 may not provide the same number of flights.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.