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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Mutant Pria C-Tev Ml346 And Its Unwinding Dna Capabilities
Mutant Pria C-Tev Ml346 And Its Unwinding Dna Capabilities
Stander Symposium Projects
DNA damage can cause the process of DNA replication to stall and this can lead to dissociation of the DNA replication enzymes from the DNA. In bacteria, a protein called PriA recognizes this, unwinds a portion of duplex DNA at the site where replication stalled, and reloads the replication enzymes to restart DNA replication. PriA has multiple structural domains that are closely associated with one another to give rise to a compact globular protein. The winged helix domain, however, is connected to the remainder of the protein by a long, flexible portion of polypeptide, akin to a tether. I examined …
Inflation Trends In Personal Consumption Expenditures, 2001-2015
Inflation Trends In Personal Consumption Expenditures, 2001-2015
Stander Symposium Projects
The Federal Reserve, as a key element in its monetary policy, uses a 2% target inflation rate to determine if the federal funds rate needs to be increased. The purpose of this study is to evaluate long, intermediate, and short term trends in inflation to determine if the inflation policy objective has been reached. My inflation metric is Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) and the period of analysis is 2001-20015. I develop linear trend equations for both PCE and PCE less food and energy using the b coefficients from the regressions as a proxy for the PCE inflation rate. Out of …
A Numerical Solution Of A Model Of Diabetes
A Numerical Solution Of A Model Of Diabetes
Stander Symposium Projects
Many researchers use mathematical models to understand and predict the behavior of biological systems. In this work we consider a mathematical model for diabetes mellitus presented by Hussain and Zadeng to study a metabolic disease for the regulation of glucose in the body by pancreatic insulin. The mathematical models consists of two ordinary differential equations for glucose concentration and insulin concentration. In particular, this study attempts to numerically solve the model using the Runge-Kutta methods of order 2 and 4. We will also perform a qualitative analysis on the behavior of the system
Culture As Context: Effects Of Cultural Polarization On Chinese International Student Adjustment
Culture As Context: Effects Of Cultural Polarization On Chinese International Student Adjustment
Stander Symposium Projects
Due to the fact that Chinese international students are such a significant population within American universities across the country, it is worth investigating how this population typically adjusts to living in the United States and what stresses or issues are unique to them. However, it is also important to investigate whether or not Chinese international students experience positive transformations within themselves as a result of the adjustment challenges that they are faced with. This qualitative inquiry examines these vital questions surrounding Chinese international student adjustment, in order to contribute to a more holistic understanding of the complex experiences of Chinese …
State Initiatives, Ballot Language, And The Media: Do They Overlap?
State Initiatives, Ballot Language, And The Media: Do They Overlap?
Stander Symposium Projects
State Initiatives are seen throughout every state, some more than others, but every election brings them. However, not every election is equal when it comes to turnout, depending on if it is a presidential or midterm year. Some are given more media attention, some are given minimal attention, if at all. The fundamental question is what role doe’s media play in turnout during elections and does any amount of roll-off occurs during presidential or governor’s elections? Does this poll-off or turnout have to do with media (or lack of) attention, or is there something more going on? Besides looking at …
Honor's Thesis Proposal: Effects Of Tactile Versus Electronic Games On Attention, Distraction, And Understanding
Stander Symposium Projects
The ability to attend to relevant information and resist attention to distractors is important for children’s cognitive development. Difficulties with attention can impede memory development and impact learning. Much has been written in the news about the impact of electronic media on children’s development of attention skills, but little research has been done explicitly comparing children’s attention to relevant information and resistance to distractions across activities that are presented in either tactile or electronic format. The goal of this study is to compare levels of attention and distraction among preschool-aged children while they engage in a common childhood activity, playing …
Investigation Of The Role Of Mitochondrial Dysfunction As A Trigger For Neurodegeneration In Alzheimer’S Disease
Stander Symposium Projects
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive function and memory of the patient. It results from plaques formed by the abnormal cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), which result in the formation of 42 amino acid polypeptide, also known as amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42). Accumulation of Aβ42 peptide triggers cell death in the neuronal cell population of central nervous system. However, the trigger for this abnormal cell death is unknown. I will investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction as the trigger for neurodegeneration. Since the mitochondria is the site for triggering neurodegeneration, its malfunction or loss …
Can Airplane Recycling Take Off?
Can Airplane Recycling Take Off?
Stander Symposium Projects
As of 2015, the worldwide air transportation industry is expected to contain an estimated 10,000 aircraft ready for retirement. In order to offset the introduction of waste from aircraft disposal into landfills, as well as to cope with the depletion of natural resources, the recycling of airplanes is becoming more prevalent. Aircraft Recycling is a process of highly variable economic revenues. Often, the difference between having a loss and a profit is with the resale of aircraft parts, namely the engines. Recycling companies often have to charge the owner of an aircraft for the recycling process in order to make …
Research Exercise: Amplifying Signals Via Riboswitch Biosensors
Research Exercise: Amplifying Signals Via Riboswitch Biosensors
Stander Symposium Projects
The Air Force is always in search of new and efficient ways to protect the lives of their Airman and equipment. Biosensors are self-sufficient, natural systems that can report a signal based on the presence of a specific molecule. However, biosensors are limited by a low signal output. Here we describe how a biological amplification circuit, loosely based on concepts similar to electrical circuitry, will be used to produce and amplify a signal. The biosensor consists of sensing cells and reporter cells that are ‘wired’ together via quorum-sensing signal molecules. The sensing cells contain a riboswitch that activates the reporter …
Robust Nonlinear Adaptive Control For Longitudinal Dynamics Of Hypersonic Aircraft Vehicle Model
Robust Nonlinear Adaptive Control For Longitudinal Dynamics Of Hypersonic Aircraft Vehicle Model
Stander Symposium Projects
A hypersonic aircraft vehicle is a highly complex nonlinear system, which includes uncertainties in the dynamics. This paper presents the design of robust nonlinear adaptive control for a hypersonic aircraft vehicle model. The complexity of the dynamic system is considered into the design structure of the control in order to address robustness issues. Design of a robust control system should decouple the longitudinal and lateral dynamics to handle the flight of hypersonic vehicle under certain specific conditions. In this paper, we only consider longitudinal dynamics, which are divided into aircraft speed subsystem and flight-path angle subsystem. A robust control design …
Monetary Policy And Unemployment Rates: Is There A Relationship? An Empirical Analysis: 2001-2015
Monetary Policy And Unemployment Rates: Is There A Relationship? An Empirical Analysis: 2001-2015
Stander Symposium Projects
The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate to carry out Policy objectives that bring about full employment in the economy with price stability. On the full employment side, monthly job growth along with unemployment rates are two key metrics that indicate how well the fed is doing in achieving the mandate. In this study, I focus on unemployment rate trends over the period 2001-2015.In 2001, the U.S. economy was dealing with a mild recession and in 2008 a severe recession. I look at the trend in the unemployment rate for the periods 2001-2007 and 2009-2015 to obtain a better understanding …
Evaluation Of Mammalian Stress And Inflammatory Response To A Novel Porphyrin
Evaluation Of Mammalian Stress And Inflammatory Response To A Novel Porphyrin
Stander Symposium Projects
Porphyrins are a specific class of aromatic, heterocyclic compounds that are either naturally occurring or artificially synthesized. Porphyrins have demonstrated robust antibacterial properties, which arise from the generation of singlet oxygen. However, most porphyrins are photodynamic, meaning they require activation by light at an optimal wavelength. A novel porphyrin, developed by Dr. Shawn Swavey (UD Chemistry Department) has shown exceptional antibacterial efficiency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, even without photoactivation. As P. aeruginosa infections are often the root cause behind lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, identifying a way to safely control bacterial presence is a major concern. The ability of this …
Greek Life And Catholic Universities: Do The Values Of Greek Life Match With Those Of The Catholic Church?
Stander Symposium Projects
Greek Life organizations face many negative stipulations across the United States due to several allegations of disrespectful actions. Due to these negative actions, there are Catholic institutions across the United States that do not allow Greek Life organizations on their respective campus. Such reasons Catholic institutions give is that Greek Life is not needed on campus for students to live out Catholic values. Instead, students have service, special interest and sports clubs to join to live out Catholic values. As a student apart of Greek Life on the University of Dayton’s campus feel that the values between Greek life and …
Effects Of Body Weight Loading On Arch Height
Effects Of Body Weight Loading On Arch Height
Stander Symposium Projects
Foot functionality is integral to normal human locomotion. The most commonly assessed area of the human body studied during locomotion is the medial longitudinal arch and its deformation. The Arch Height Index Measurement System (AHIMS) is the most reliable tool to measure this arch. This system typically measures arch deformation in two baseline conditions, sitting and standing. The sitting condition is considered unweighted and approximately 10% of a person’s body weight. The standing condition is considered a loaded condition and represents 50% of body weight. The first aim of this study was to see if the baseline measurements traditionally taken …
Portfolio Weights And Capture Ratio Analysis: A Look At Performance In The Consumers Staples Sector 2010-2015
Stander Symposium Projects
Since the recession in 2008, the stock market has experienced periods of extreme volatility, with market moves of 200-400 points on almost a daily basis. One sector that should do well when market volatility is high and rising is consumer staples. In this study I use a dynamic pricing model to determine the portfolio weights for the 10 largest value weighted stocks in the consumer staples sector. The model relies on the upside/downside Capture Ratios (U/D) for each stock to calculate the portfolio weights and dollar investment in each stock. I test the following hypotheses: (1) Stocks with higher U/D …
Size, Value And Momentum In Stock Returns: An Empirical Analysis, 2010-2014
Size, Value And Momentum In Stock Returns: An Empirical Analysis, 2010-2014
Stander Symposium Projects
Based on the landmark studies of Eugene Fama and Kenneth French in the 1990's, most financial economists consider a firm's market capitalization (size) and price to book as two of the most important factors affecting the cross section of stock market returns. In recent years, other factors including stock price momentum have been accepted as predictors of stock returns in the cross section. In this study, I develop a three factor analysis of S&P 500 stock returns for the period 2010-2014. This period was chosen because it is not included in more recent studies. It also reflects a period of …
Design And Prototyping Of A Variable Geometry Extrusion Die To Exhibit Significant Alteration In Shape
Stander Symposium Projects
Extruded parts are conventionally made by forcing melted plastic through a steel die having a fixed opening that matches the shape of the part. Plastic parts made by extrusion include weather stripping, PVC pipe, and composite lumber. Variable geometry dies can change their opening shape during the extrusion process. Developing shape-changing dies technology offers the possibility of making parts with varying cross-sections that currently need to be made through injection molding. This is desirable as, compared to molding, extrusion tends to be faster and less expensive. Variable geometry extrusion dies have been designed and prototyped by the University of Dayton …
Producer Prices, Cost-Push-Inflation And Stock Market Returns
Producer Prices, Cost-Push-Inflation And Stock Market Returns
Stander Symposium Projects
Although the Fed looks at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Personal Consumption Expenditure index (PCE) as the key measures of inflation, in this study I focus my attention on Producer Prices (PPI) as a leading indicator of inflation in final goods produced. I want to test three hypotheses. First there is a high pass through rate for prices in the 4 basic stages of production identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Using regression analysis to measure the pass through rate, I expect the b coefficients to be greater than zero and close to one. This would …
Spatial Mechanism Analysis And Synthesis By Dual Special Unitary Matrices
Spatial Mechanism Analysis And Synthesis By Dual Special Unitary Matrices
Stander Symposium Projects
Numerical algebraic geometry is the field that studies the computation and manipulation of the solution sets of systems of polynomial equations. The goal of this work is to formulate spatial mechanism analysis and design problems via a method suited to employ the tools of numerical algebraic geometry. Specifically, equations are developed using dual special unitary matrices that naturally use complex numbers to express physical and joint parameters in a mechanical system. Unknown parameters expressed as complex numbers readily admit solution by the methods of numerical algebraic geometry. This work illustrates their use by analyzing the spatial RCCC and RRRCC linkages. …
Star Decompositions Of The Complete Split Graph
Star Decompositions Of The Complete Split Graph
Stander Symposium Projects
A graph is a discrete mathematical structure that consists of a set of vertices and a set of edges between pairs of vertices. A problem of interest in graph theory is that of graph decomposition, partitioning the set of edges into disjoint sets, producing subgraphs which are isomorphic to each other. Here we consider the problem of decomposing a class of graphs called complete split graphs into stars of a fixed size. We present conditions for the decomposition as well as an algorithm for the decomposition when it is possible.
Research Exercise: Vocation And Arts
Research Exercise: Vocation And Arts
Stander Symposium Projects
The Chaminade Scholars 'Vocation and Arts' class have been preparing all semester for an in-depth pilgrimage to Italy in May. The interactive Stander Symposium experience introduces participants to the Art, Culture and Spirituality of Assisi and Rome. Included is an exhibit of students' photography and "Awakening to Beauty publication.
Wage Costs And Inflation Trends: An Empirical Analysis 2001-2015
Wage Costs And Inflation Trends: An Empirical Analysis 2001-2015
Stander Symposium Projects
Rising wage costs have often been used as a leading indication of inflation in national economies. In the US since the 2008 recession wage costs growth has, to say the least, been erratic with no discernible upward trend. In 2015, however, wage cost growth showed some signs of picking up steam suggesting that overall spending in the economy will likely pick up. In this study we examine trends in the employee cost index (ECI) from 2001 to 2015, the long term trend period, and 2009 to 2015, an intermediate term period after the 2008 recession. Linear trend equations are developed …
Cross-Cultural Engagement: Is It Happening?
Cross-Cultural Engagement: Is It Happening?
Stander Symposium Projects
This study examines the cross-cultural engagement between international and domestic undergraduate engineering students at a private, Midwestern university. It uncovers the situations in which international and domestic students are engaging and explores the components which help or hinder the cross-cultural interaction between these students. This study informs higher education professionals endeavoring to provide undergraduate engineering students a greater ability to function in a global world. Data was collected through the use of one-on-one interviews with current international and domestic undergraduate engineering students. The study revealed that while international and domestic engineering students are engaging, the frequency remains low and there …
Imagery Solutions Geospatial Information System (Gis System)
Imagery Solutions Geospatial Information System (Gis System)
Stander Symposium Projects
Imagery Solutions is a small start-up company that specializes in imagery gathering technology using aerial methods for customers who need precise imaging data, such as those in precision agriculture and energy distributing industries. The purpose behind this image gathering functionality is to provide decision oriented information derived from image data. The mission for the company is to have this information come to the customer in a timely, accurate, and relevant way. Open GIS is the established open source application for this process. The task presented to our team is to create a business process for the organization from the point …
The Implementation Of Two-Way Immersion Programs
The Implementation Of Two-Way Immersion Programs
Stander Symposium Projects
As society becomes more global, educators are searching for models of education that provide students with the ability to be competitive in the global marketplace. Bilingual education offers students the opportunity to learn two languages while maintaining student achievement in other content areas. One option of bilingual education is called two-way immersion (TWI) programs. TWI classrooms are comprised of students who are native speakers of two different languages. Together, these students communicate in both languages, while receiving instruction in both languages as well. These programs have been shown to be effective in teaching two languages without lowering student achievement. Bilingual …
A Time Series Analysis Of Service Consumption Expenditures As Determinants Of The Consumer Discretionary And Consumer Staples Sector Price Movements, 2004-2014.
Stander Symposium Projects
A growing portion of U.S. Consumer income is spent on services. Both directly and indirectly these expenditures effect the stock market prices of firms in the consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors. The objective of this study, therefore is to determine if the market prices of these two sectors co-vary with the growth in consumer services expenditures. The period of analysis is 2004-2014. Quarterly pricing and expenditure level data are used in the analysis. Using regression analysis, the hypothesis to be tested is service expenditures and discretionary and staples sector prices co-vary directly with each other. We expect the b …
Wright B Flyer Silver Bird Replica Senior Design Project
Wright B Flyer Silver Bird Replica Senior Design Project
Stander Symposium Projects
The Wright Model B Flyer was one of the first piloted aircraft produced by the Wright brothers in 1910. Wright B Flyer Incorporated specializes in fully functional Wright Model B replicas. The Silver Bird was an aircraft designed and manufactured by the company back in 2007. Unfortunately, the plane and its two pilots were lost due to a welding failure that caused the propeller malfunction. The company has since commissioned another model to be designed and built. The overarching goal of this research is to verify the existing design and perform sensitivity studies to see if the performance can be …
Rapidly Locating And Accurately Tracking The Center Of Mass Using Statically Equivalent Serial Chains
Stander Symposium Projects
Identifying the center of mass location (CoM) provides a significant aid in controlling the balance of humanoid robots. For human beings, the stability of motion is highly influenced by their ability to control their CoM and center of pressure (CoP). Additionally, computing the CoM can prove critical to assessing rehabilitation and in elite sports training. Human body segment parameters can be obtained from anthropometric tables. Their accuracy for a given individual is questioned due to differences in age, race, and fitness level from the sample population. This research presents an estimation technique that uses the statically equivalent serial chain (SESC). …
Research Exercise: Numerical Methods Applied To An Enzyme Kinetics Model
Research Exercise: Numerical Methods Applied To An Enzyme Kinetics Model
Stander Symposium Projects
In this work, we study enzyme kinetics using numerical techniques, such as Euler’s Method and Taylor’s Series Method. Our system consists of four ordinary differential equations, each of them describing the reaction rate of specific compounds in reaction. We represent the numerical solution and plots of each reactant. We compared the performance of our numerical methods with methods used in Callie Martins’ Enzyme Kinetics Spring 2012 Work.
Research Exercise: Research On Foundational Elements Of The Education System
Research Exercise: Research On Foundational Elements Of The Education System
Stander Symposium Projects
Many schools emphasize the importance of standardized tests and homework. The goal of the EDT110H1 class project was to investigate the effects of homework and the advantages and disadvantages of standardized tests, and how they affect the American schooling system.