2018 Undergraduate Exhibition
| Title | Presenter | Abstract | Faculty Sponsor | Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring the Passage of Immigration Legislation in the Modern Political Era | Rachel Sonia Fleischer |
This research quantitatively analyzes the impact certain variables had on the passage of immigration legislation from 1973-2014. Testing variables such as saliency, government type, etc., I found immigration bills are enacted into law more during times of a divided government. Additionally, I predicted the probability of these bills progression through the legislative process given certain conditions. My research helps explain why past legislation has failed and what an “ideal” environment is to pass immigration legislation. |
Michael Nelson | 502 | |
| Role of MAPK on REDD1-Mediated Insulin Act | Cheyenne Nicole Wene | The project I have been working on involved artificially creating insulin resistance, then reversing the inhibition. It was hypothesized that glucocorticoids cause insulin resistance through a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) regulated mechanism. By studying the insulin-resistant effects caused by the glucocorticoids, it can help us better understand the mechanism regulating the glucocorticoid-sensitive protein, REDD1, which creates an insulin resistance pathway. Insulin resistance and diabetes continues to be problematic in obese populations. | David Williamson | 501 | |
| Treatment of VEGF Overexpression via DNA Aptamer-Encapsulated Polymer Microneedle Arrays | Brandon Joseph Davis | Protein overexpression can lead to dramatic imbalances in the fragile physiological environment. In order to provide effective treatment, it is crucial to identify protein blockers and develop novel delivery methods. DNA aptamers are an emerging class of protein blockers capable of rivaling traditional antibodies. Aptamers can inhibit the bioactivity of the proteins by blocking binding sites or sequestering free protein. This research aims to demonstrate that aptamer-functionalized microneedles possess inhibitory effects on a model protein. | Yong Wang | 500 | |
| Detection of Cyberbullying Instances in Online Social Networks | Cinah Pourhamidi, Vance Wright and Hima Patel |
Cyberbullying is defined as the harassment or intimidation of others over an internet related medium. It is a major cyber-issue that in extreme cases may result in depression and suicide in young adults. Our goal is to detect cyberbullying instances and prevent them from being published. In this research project, we introduce a data-driven approach that uses the real-life data from Twitter to identify major characteristics of cyberbullying contents on social media using linguistic analysis. |
Dr. Nargess Tahmasbi | 499 | |
| Use of Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 to Mutate Tmem132 Family | Anna Lin | Tmem132 family of five novel transmembrane proteins (a-e) have been associated with multiple human disease conditions such as cranial aneurysm and lung defects. However, their molecular functions remain largely unknown, potentially due to functional redundancy. To study their roles in basic cellular processes, we will use a newly-developed multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 approach to mutate all five Tmem132 genes simultaneously cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and evaluate the survival, proliferation and various signaling pathways in the mutant cells. | Aimin Liu | 498 | |
| Animal Models of Alcohol Use Disorders and the Brain: From Casual Drinking to Dependence | Sarah Magee | Ketamine is an experimental antidepressant capable of reversing depressive symptoms. Binge drinking results in altered emotional behavior reminiscent of depression-like symptoms in animal models. We hypothesize that ketamine restores binge drinking induced defects in synaptic transmission similar to its effects in mouse models of depression. 3mg/kg of ketamine reduced binge drinking in female C57Bl/6J mice with no effect in males. Our data suggest that ketamine may be an effective treatment for binge drinking in females. | Nicole Crowley | 497 | |
| ZNF804A/ATXN1 Research Project Proposal | Yilun Shen |
2017/18 ZNF804A/ATXN1 Research Project Proposal Advisor: Yijing Zhou (yxz167@psu.edu) Yingwei Mao neuroscience Lab Yilun Shen Schizophrenia SCZ risk gene ZNF804A directly interacts with neurodegenerative disease ADCA risk gene ATXN1 abstract is longer than 75words, please see attachment. |
Dr. Yingwei Mao | 496 | |
| Small Oligonucleotide Models of the Twister Ribozyme Active Site Reveal No Intrinsic Activity of CA and UA Linkages | Matthew A Tracey |
The twister ribozyme’s self-cleavage mechanism is hypothesized to use substrate-assisted catalysis. RNA hexamer models were designed from those detailed in a previous paper whereby RNA hexamers engaged in specific self-cleavage around CA and UA motifs. Experimental results and a recent study discussing Tudor SN that cleaves about these motifs indicates that these linkages may possess no intrinsic reactivity. We conclude that the full twister active site is needed for any detectable level of specific cleavage. |
Dr. Philip Bevilacqua | 495 | |
| Showcasing Internships: The Art of Scientific Presentations | Matthew Scott Adams and Sarah Mohammed |
For the past two years, Penn State Altoona has conducted a pilot program of students presenting their internships at undergraduate research fairs. This is novel territory with virtually no research to guide presenters. Our research team will determine 1) what visual qualities of a research poster translate into award-winning presentations and 2) if these winning qualities of traditional research presentations translate into successful internship presentations. |
Dr. Nick Rowland | 494 | |
| The impact of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury in reducing neural network dynamics | Nicholas Lyndon Gilbert |
This study focuses on state-level dynamic connectivity differences between TBI-affected individuals and healthy controls over the course of two runs of intermittent task and resting data. The goal of this study was to analyze the dynamic properties of neural networks engaged in periodic task stimulation to determine the flexibility of networks states after traumatic brain injury. Functional MRI, dynamic connectivity, and graph theory methods revealed diminished network dynamics for TBI-affected subjects compared to healthy controls. |
Dr. Frank Hillary | 492 | |
| Using Freshwater Mussels to Evaluate the Ecological Conditions of the Coldwater River Post-Impact | Bethany Louise Dennis | After a contractor was hired to excavate the Coldwater River in an effort to improve the drainage system of Jordan Lake in Michigan, approximately fourteen miles of the river's riparian zone was removed and its channel dredged. To assess the damage imposed on aquatic life and move forward with a plan to preserve the integrity of such species, we conducted biological assessments of various species of mussels within and downstream of the site of impact. | Eric Snyder | 491 | |
| Identifying Virulence Factors in Erwinia amylovora | Aleah Cherie Holmes |
Fire blight, one of most egregious bacterial diseases of apple and pear trees, is caused by Erwinia amylovora. Our project identifies E. amylovora mutants that are not able to cause disease. One mutation was found in the rlsA gene, which is responsible for the regulation of the production of levansucrase, a polysaccharide. This project will help us understand previously unknown roles of the rlsA gene and how it contributes to disease development in the plant. |
Dr. Timothy McNellis | 490 | |
| Development of a Failing Fontan Mock Circulatory Flow Loop | Matthew Robert Curry | The goal of this project is to aid in the development of an implantable pump for patients with a failing Fontan circulation. A mock flow loop to test the pump in is critical in order to accurately determine the pumps impact on patient hemodynamics and its optimized operating conditions. Therefore, this study will incorporate a 3D printed patient specific Fontan geometry into a flow loop that mimics physiological pressures/flows of a failing Fontan patient. | Keefe Manning | 489 | |
| Accelerated Wear on Bioprosthetic Heart Valves | Carmen Rosporski and Grant Newman |
The Food and Drug Administration uses accelerated wear testing on heart valves to determine the lifespan of this device. To begin understanding the effect of accelerated wear on porcine, mitral, bioprosthetic heart valves, the effective orifice area is determined at varying points in the cardiac cycle. A comparison to published in vivo and computational data on physiological valve motion helps to understand the similarities and differences between both conditions. |
Keefe Manning | 488 | |
| Flood Management: Identifying Flood Vulnerable Communities in Dhaka, Bangladesh | Shah Meem Rafayat Chowdhury | The project will identify flood vulnerable communities in Dhaka, Bangladesh by using data from various research sources as well as identify major water reservoir locations in the city. The information will be utilized to design flood management system which will divert flood away from vulnerable communities towards water reservoirs in order to be used for public water supplies for city dwellers. | Mainzer Stephen | 487 | |
| Investigating the frequency in which commensal Escherichia coli amplify Shiga toxin production of E. coli O157:H7 | Sydney Majowicz | Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a foodborne pathogen that causes a variety of symptoms, from bloody diarrhea to hemolytic uremic syndrome. Previous research has shown that non-pathogenic strains of E. coli can affect the course of an E. coli O157:H7 infection. The objective was to identify the frequency in which non-pathogenic E. coli amplify Stx production. 100 human fecal isolates from the E. coli Reference Center were tested for increased levels of Stx production. | Edward Dudley | 486 | |
| TWIN TOLERATIONS, TERRORISM, AND DEMOCRACY | Hamsa Ibrahim Fayed | Can religious toleration improve democracy and reduce recruitment to insurgencies within Muslim Majority states? The purpose of this paper will be to explore Twin Tolerations, a theory of religious toleration, in Muslim-majority states. I conducted a quantitative analysis of Muslim Majority countries between 1990 – 2008. I found that low government restrictions and low religious influence between state governments and religious institutions improve democracy and reduce terrorism in Muslim-majority states. | Matthew Golder | 485 | |
| Chinese and Indian Foreign Direct Investment's Effect on African Growth | Odgerel Bat Yeruult | This study analyzes the impact of Chinese and Indian FDI on the economic growth of African countries from 2002-2013. The results show that Chinese FDI is positive and significantly correlated with growth in Africa in fixed effect estimation, but Indian FDI has an insignificant relationship. As the literature implies, FDI leads to technological transfers that could then lead to growth, which attracts further investments that further leads to increased transfers and continual absorptive capacities. | Bumba Mukherjee | 484 | |
| Tackling Flooding Issues in Houston | Cristina Frass |
Floods are becoming increasingly common and severe in Harris County, Texas, as there is less permeable land cover in the Houston metropolitan area to absorb flooding impacts. This project identifies areas where reinstating native wetlands in Harris County would be feasible in order to partially absorb flooding. Through a suitability analysis, the project located areas of prime wetland implementation. Subsequently, it presents scenario maps that test wetland absorption performance during a 500-year storm event. |
Stephen Mainzer | 483 | |
| Locating Remediation Sites for Pennsylvania’s Low-Level Nuclear Waste | Andrew D Yoder | Low-level nuclear waste (LLNW) is currently disposed of using unsustainable concrete bunkers. A new, innovative proposal for remediating LLNW uses Vetiver grass, which absorbs the radionuclides from substrate. Using buffering zones and environmental justice considerations, 17 sites across Pennsylvania have been found to be desirable sites for such an operation. Led by higher institutions, this program would be able to manage Pennsylvania’s LLNW in a sustainable manner. | Stephen Mainzer | 482 | |
| Evaluation of Ultrafine Particle Emissions from Household Sources | Matthew Griffin | Particulate matter (PM) makes up a large portion of air pollution and causes many adverse health effects due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Indoor air pollution is especially dangerous as the confined space and prolonged exposure leads to an increased concentration of PM. This project involved studying and characterizing the emissions of PM from various household devices. | Miriam Freedman | 481 | |
| A Study of Flow Conditions in The Penn State Pediatric Total Artificial Heart | Brian D Brazon and Brady Houtz |
The total artificial heart (TAH) is a pump used to replace both ventricles of the heart when they can no longer provide enough cardiac output. The left and right pumps of the TAH were modeled in acrylic to study the hemodynamics using particle image velocimetry. In addition to developing models for the ventricular pumps, preliminary waveforms for the right side were obtained to match physiological conditions and compared to literature. |
Keefe Manning | 480 | |
| Proximity labeling of invasion organelles of P. yoelii | Olivia Margaret Smith | Plasmodium parasites are the causative agent of malaria. The parasite requires the invasion of host red blood cells to propagate itself and cause disease and uses parasite-specific secretory organelles to do so. I will characterize these invasion organelles, the micronemes and rhoptries, by proximity-dependent labeling using known resident proteins AMA1, RAP1, and RON4. I will identify known and novel proteins that are trafficked to and localize in these invasion organelles. | Scott Lindner | 479 | |
| AN EXAMINATION OF LOCOMOTIVE BEHAVIOR, GERMLINE PROLIFERATION, AND LIPID CONTENT IN A NOVEL AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER 16P11.2 DELETION CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS MODEL | Rhea Elena Sullivan | Due to the phenotypic heterogeneity of human neurodevelopmental disorders, it is often difficult to pin point a diagnosis based on behavior alone. Copy number variations (CNV) in the genome have been thought to be the unidentified component that affects such clinical variation. This study examines one rare (<1%) CNV implicated in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the 16p11.2 recurrent microdeletion. I investigated the individual genes encompassed within this deletion and determined their contributions to the overall phenotypes of motor function, obesity, and embryonic cell line proliferation. | Santhosh Girirajan | 478 | |
| The Relationship between Lesion Recovery and Functional Connectivity in Traumatic Brain Injury | Alexander Rembalsky |
In this research the aim was to examine pathophysiology and brain plasticity during recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). We focused on 14 individuals with TBI at three different time points during first year post-injury. The goal was to examine lesion recovery and it’s relation to changes in functional connectivity and behavioral outcome. Preliminary findings revealed that after injury early response is increased activity in core networks shown as increased strength of connections. |
Dr. Frank Hillary | 477 | |
| Solar Energy for a Sustainable Future in Ohio | Linh Nguyen | The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal location to install a solar farm to mitigate emerging impacts and risks associated with the shutdown of coal fired power plants in Ohio. Three steps will be taken to arrive at the final result: 1) Site Suitability Analysis, 2) Financial Analysis, 3) Impact Assessment. The results indicate the optimal location would be at Winchester OH based on geographic and capital budgeting method. | Stephen Mainzer | 476 | |
| On-Body CP Antenna | Yao-Ching Sun | The of field of on-body antenna has experienced a rapid increase in its development due to its great potential for applications in various areas such as but not limited to: medical monitoring, personal entertainments, identification system and etc…. it is very challenging in designing wearable antennas on lossy body tissues. This will significantly affect the radiation pattern of the antenna. It is also desired to make the antennas light and small for convenient purposes. | Julio Urbina | 475 | |
| Strengthening The Student Farm at Penn State: Member Perspectives | Alexa J Wilhelm | The goal of this project, funded by via the an undergraduate research grant from the College of Agriculture, is to better understand the needs and wants of existing Student Farm at Penn State CSA members in order to ultimately create a more successful experience for both producer and consumer. Data was directly from members concerning satisfaction, demographics, capacity to utilize their share of produce, and other aspects during the 2017 CSA season. | Leslie Pillen | 474 | |
| Social Impairment In Autism: An Examination of the Relationship Between Social Items on the ADOS and Vineland-II | Jessica Marie Sigala | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder characterized by social problems and difficulty communicating. This study is a secondary analysis which provides insight on the social communication differences and variability within ASD. Using SPSS, a statistical analysis was conducted to investigate relationships between social items on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and social items on the Vineland Adaptive Behaviors Scale. This is a clinical data set of young children seen at an Autism diagnostic clinic. | Marissa Mendoza-Burcham | 473 | |
| Functional RNA Structures are Retained in Complex Coacervates | Rebecca Mary Guth | Coacervates are spontaneously-formed polymer-rich liquid droplets. They tend to concentrate biomolecules including RNA and so present an attractive system for the origins of protocells and membraneless organelles. We found that RNA aptamers retain function in coacervates, indicating that the native fold of the aptamer is maintained. At increasing temperatures specific coacervates can destabilize RNA aptamers. We are utilizing chemical probes to detect RNA structural changes due to coacervates. | Philip Bevilacqua | 472 | |
| Acceptability of Using Eyeglass Video Cameras to Detect Visual Cues for Sedentary Behavior | Natalia Teresa Oliveira |
Habits can interfere with behavior change if contextual cues activate undesired behaviors automatically. New tools are needed to identify the cues that initiate habitual behavior. This study evaluated the feasibility of using eyeglass video cameras to identify visual cues for sedentary behavior. Adults (n=10) recorded over 39 hours of first-person video while wearing activity monitors. Eyeglass video cameras were acceptable for recording exposure to visual cues, but consideration must be paid to protecting privacy. |
Dr. David Conroy | 471 | |
| The Effect of Anthropogenic Noise on Winter Foraging Birds | Miranda L Fuchs |
Noise disturbance produced by natural gas compressors are known to alter the acoustic environment, but the consequences posed on avian foraging behavior are not understood. To observe these effects, six feeders were randomly placed within Penn State’s Ag Progress Days. Half of the feeders were subjected to a disturbance playback, and foraging behaviors were recorded for 18 hours. As a result of noise pollution, the composition of foraging species visiting the feeders was altered. |
Dr. Julian Avery | 470 | |
| Investigating Unknowns in Neuron Response to Injury | Llanos Landaeta et al |
A neurons capacity to repair itself is incredibly essential for an organism's survival, seeing as neurons do not reproduce like other cells in the body. A lot is known about the mechanism that neurons follow to repair themselves. However, a significant portion of this mechanism remains unclear. Our research investigates various aspects of neuron regeneration that are not as well characterized; bringing us closer to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and brain or spinal chord injuries. |
Dr. Melissa Rolls | 469 | |
| Chandra: Unusual extended X-Ray Emission | Lars Eckenberg | I have been looking at data from the Chandra X-ray telescope of a pulsar and an unusual extended emission. My research aims at determining the relationship of the pulsar and the extended emission, and further characterizing the extended emission itself using data analysis software specific to Chandra. My area of entry is "physical sciences", I am the sole author and the research was done under Bettina Posselt (bup13@psu.edu). I will be present from 6-8 PM. | Bettina Posselt | 468 | |
| Pathogen Removal in Moringa oleifera Modified Sand Columns | Ziyuhan Wang | Developing a drinking water treatment device with Moringa oleifera seeds enables a locally-sourced and less expensive alternative to traditional water purification methods. Moringa oleifera seeds contain an antimicrobial cationic peptide that kills bacteria by fusing cell membranes. Moringa sand column experiments suggests the particle removal and column lifetime can be predicted using the Clean Bed Filtration theory. This f-sand filter demonstrated >8 log removal of Escherichia coli compared to <0.1 log removal for bare sand. | Stephanie Velegol | 467 | |
| Fabrication and Design Iteration of Origami-Inspired Magnetoactive Elastomer Composites | Logan Althoff | This work focused on using a mixture of barium-ferrite particles in elastomer, forming magnetoactive elastomer patches. Patches fold an elastomer base using magnetic torque actuation to create active origami structures. Origami and kirigami boxes were tested with variable geometries and patch compositions. Findings conclude that base thicknesses above 0.5 mm have a strongly negative influence on fold angles. Consequently, notched fold lines to reduce local thickness allow for near-ideal actuation of complex geometries. | Paris von Lockette | 466 | |
| Using soil temperature, soil moisture, precipitation and date to predict red-backed salamander vertical movement from refugia to the surface | Danielle D Bear |
Red-backed salamanders are a lungless terrestrial species that rely on abiotic factors to complete needed biological processes such as cutaneous respiration. In order to remain in optimal conditions, these salamanders exert some control over their environmental conditions through vertical movement from the surface to refugia below. Changes in these factors could alter their movement timing. We seek to find relationships between these factors in order to discover which conditions motivate their movement to the surface. |
Dr. David Miller | 465 | |
| Application of laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry on tephra from Afar, Ethiopia | Gina Sarkawi |
Tephra, eruptive material from volcanoes containing glass, crystals, and lithics, acts as a marker linking Earth’s history, fossil records, and archaeological finds. Glass geochemistry aid in correlations of sedimentary layers and geologic mapping in regions like the Afar Depression, Ethiopia. Recent improvements in laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry allow discrete glass shard analysis of trace and minor elements. Here, I show the applicability of LA-ICP-MS for tephra from Afar and indicate correlations of tephra. |
Dr. Erin DiMaggio | 464 | |
| The Gaza Crossings and what they can tell us | Phelim Joseph Giblin | My research focuses on two key Gaza Strip Crossings; Rafah which is controlled by Egypt, and Kerem Shalom controlled by Israel. In a study focusing on a ten year span between 2007-2016, encompassing five different Egyptian regimes and several Israeli elections I try and determine what causes these crossings to open or close. I look for information vital to the humanitarian crisis that has been facing the Gaza Strip for some time. | Joseph Wright | 463 | |
| DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST, STABLE, WEARABLE STRAIN SENSORS BASED ON METAL CRACKS FOR REAL-TIME PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING | Sarah Marie Wolverton | The objective of this research is to develop low-cost, stable wearable strain sensors based on metal cracks for real-time physiological monitoring. These sensors could easily be attached to clothing or directly onto the body for motion detection and overall health monitoring. We hope to expand the narrow measure range of crack-based strain sensors by incorporating serpentine connections, thus achieve a good compromise between sensitivity, measure range and stability. | Huanyu Cheng | 462 | |
| Nitrogen input from cover crops affects protein content in corn grain | Elise Xiomara Elizondo | High protein content in corn grain raised for livestock feed is necessary to maximize weight gain, growth, and gestation. Nitrogen fertilization is said to increase protein content and digestibility in corn. However, in organic farming, it is often difficult to provide sufficient nitrogen fertilization. The objective of this experiment was to observe cover crop effect on corn protein content and digestibility depending on the cover crop species’ ability to increase soil nitrogen. | Derek James | 461 | |
| Effects of reduced iron availability for larval host plants on the flight metabolic rate of adult butterflies | Matthew Bentz | Soil composition affects insects feeding on plants. Here we examine soil iron availability in relation to flight of a butterfly, Melitaea cinxia, which contains polymorphisms in a HIF pathway gene that regulates oxygen delivery to tissues. Iron is a co-factor of the HIF pathway enzyme (PHD) regulated by succinate. We found a strong effect of iron availability on adult flight performance. These results show a novel way that environmental heterogeneity affects life history traits. | Jim Marden | 460 | |
| Investigating Environmental Factors that Impact Bacterial Antagonism | Amanda Williams |
A Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) is a bacterial killing mechanism found in many Gram-negative bacteria. In an active T6SS, a cell injects a “needle-like” apparatus into a neighboring cell. This needle, coated with toxic molecules, promotes death of the prey cell. Some strains of Vibrio fischeri, however, may be using a bacterial “escape mechanism” to avoid killing by T6S. I am investigating environmental factors that may play a role in this proposed escape mechanism. |
Dr. Tim Miyashiro | 459 | |
| Reducing Phosphorous Loading in Lake Erie by Identifying Land Areas Suitable for Wetland Construction | Heather Bair |
Harmful algal bloom frequency in Lake Erie has increased over the past decade because of excess phosphorus loading. The primary source of phosphorus comes from runoff from agricultural, residential, and urban areas. One effective method to reduce phosphorus is constructed wetlands. The goal of this project is to identify areas in Erie County that would be suitable for wetland construction in order to reduce the amount of phosphorous loading from Erie County by 40 percent. |
Stephen Mainzer | 458 | |
| Influence of familial ancestry on self-reported “color” in Brazil | P Toddossa L M Coleman |
Brazil has a rich and diverse history of admixture. It has been suggested that how individuals report “color” in Brazil is influenced by both known familial ancestry and phenotype. We examined demographic questionnaires, genomic ancestry, and pigmentation phenotypes from research participants (N=309) recruited in Brasilia, Brazil and found that both phenotype and parental ancestry likely influence how our study subjects chose to self-report “color”. Our study supports the complex nature of “color” in Brazil. |
Dr. Laurel Pearson | 457 | |
| Design Diplomacy in Antarctica: An International Research Station | Andrew John Ahr | Scientific collaboration on Antarctica is scarce. Only 2 of 110 research stations there are joint-operated. In 1991, The United Nations asked countries to increase collaboration to reduce the number of stations. However, unresolved situations of territorial sovereignty and consequential jurisdiction have caused delay. Yet, some countries invested in Antarctica have managed to collaborate on an International Space Station. Because joint stations are possible in space, it raises this question: “Why not also in Antarctica? | Pep Aviles | 456 | |
| One With Nature Hiking & Lodging | Ned Richard Moore | McDowell is one of the counties in West Virginia, fatally impacted by the coal mining industry losing its traction in the energy market. Citizens in McDowell are left to scour for jobs in an economically poor part of our Nation, and this project provides an understanding of how mining communities in McDowell can address the impacts of this economic bust by recognizing how innovations in energy consumption can lead them into other potential markets. | Stephen Mainzer | 455 | |
| Los Angeles County Solar Desalination Project | Matthew Bowes | Los Angeles County has been faced with a clean drinking water problem for many years now. It all stems from the fact that groundwater wells have been contaminated for years on end at high levels without any reparations. Constant droughts throughout California only exaggerate the issue. With Los Angeles County being home to millions of people, this obviously becomes an important issue and alternative solutions need to be explored, such as solar desalination of seawater. | Stephen Mainzer | 454 | |
| Influence of physical fitness and obesity status on cardiometabolic risk factors in college aged students | Haley Sanders | This study examined cardiometabolic risk in college students (n=5,986) by fitness level and obesity status. Our study showed significant differences in cardiometabolic risk factors by quartiles of fitness and obesity status. Higher fitness was associated with reduced rates of dyslipidemia (β=0.94,p<0.000), prediabetes (β=0.97,p<0.000) and hypertension in males (β=0.93,p<0.000) and prediabetes (β=0.97,p=0.04) and hypertension (β=0.93,p<0.000) in females. In males and females, obesity was associated with higher rates of dyslipidemia (β=1.15,p<0.000), prediabetes, (β=1.06,p<0.000) and hypertension (β=1.14,p<0.000). | Christopher Bopp | 453 | |
| Cardiovascular Stress-Reactivity to Social Exclusion: Body Mass Index and Self-Concept Clarity as Plausible Moderators | Ann Marie Curtin White and Drew Geller |
Cardiovascular responses to social exclusion are typical, but large individual differences exist. Individuals high in body-mass index (BMI) or low in Self-Concept Clarity (SCC) may be more sensitive to social exclusion. We examined if BMI or SCC moderated cardiovascular responses to experimental social exclusion. Our analyses suggest that having high SCC may buffer cardiovascular reactivity to social exclusion; however, that individuals at higher BMI may be more sensitive to social exclusion regardless of SCC. |
Joshua Smyth | 452 |