Digital Commons Network^™

Bystanders To Evil: The Failure Of The United States’ Foreign Policy Towards Genocide, Anam Ismail

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Since the Armenian Genocide in the early twentieth century, the United States’ policy towards genocide has been, at best, delayed and, at worst, intentionally indifferent. This study will examine America’s historic reaction to genocide, as well as the radically different results that might have been achieved with even minimal efforts. To understand American action, research will focus on four examples of mass killing: the extermination of Jews and other undesirables by Nazi Germany, the widespread ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims by Serbian nationalists, the conflict between rivaling Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda, and the ongoing war plaguing Southern Sudan. The …

A Look Into Abstinence Only Sex Education Vs. Comprehensive Sex Education, Katrin Scheurer

Undergraduate Student Symposium

For almost two decades between the years of 1990 and 2010, many schools in the US were educating their young people on sex via abstinence only programs. Abstinence only sex education means that when students are taught in school about sex that they are taught abstinence is the only way (Barnett & Hurst, 2003). In comprehensive sex education the students would be taught more information about different contraceptives, sexual health and sexual decision making (Barnett & Hurst, 2003). In February, 2010, after years of federal funding for abstinence only sex education, President Obama cut this budget by $170 million. The …

The Widening Spectrum Of Celiac Disease, Mary-Catherine Fleck

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Celiac Disease or Celiac Sprue is a chronic autoimmune disorder with a genetic component. Gluten or gliadin is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Ingestion by genetically susceptible individuals, under certain conditions such as surgery, infection, or severe emotional stress can trigger the onset of Celiac Disease, the production of anti-gliadin antibodies, which destroy the villi lining the lower intestines. This is where most of the nutrients for sustenance are absorbed and hence can lead to malnutrition, diarrhea, anemia and fatigue; the villi gradually get restored, only upon exclusion of gluten from the diet. What was once only …

Construction Of A Polyphosphate Kinase Gene Deletion In Yersenia Spp., Shan Desai

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The goal of this experiment is to study the bacteria, Yersinia pestis, Yersenia enterocolitica, and Yersenia pseudotuberculosis, and the possible role of the enzyme polyphosphate kinase (PPK) in pathogenicity, motility, and gene expression. PPK is an enzyme that produces inorganic polyphosphate, which is universal and found in all forms of life from prokaryotic bacteria to eukaryotic mammals. The PPK enzyme has been shown to be required for motility and virulence of several pathogenic bacteria. Yersinia spp. are diverse bacteria that cause diseases ranging from gastrointestinal diseases to bubonic plaque; however, the role of PPK is unknown. …

Project Braille: The Implementation Of The Seeing-Eye Computer, Jeremy Cantor

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The goal of this project is to provide convenient access to all of the printed materials to the visually impaired by utilizing functional senses other than sight. The proposed solution involves the use of modern technology to convert printed text into computer readable text through optical character recognition and later narrating the text using modern text-to-speech conversion (TTS). The process of converting books into an audio version via computer is currently in its infancy stage of development. There are several major issues that must be addressed in this conversion process. Today’s systems that are devoted to the TTS conversion process …

The Influence Of Emotional Regulation On Response Inhibition, Alexandra Srour

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The relationship between emotional regulation and response inhibition is examined. The presentation of highly arousing emotional pictures interferes with ongoing cognitive processes such as one’s ability to inhibit an unwanted response. In study 1, we measured emotional regulation and response inhibition independently. Results indicated that low emotional regulators exhibited faster reaction times. However, we did not find a correlation between emotional regulation and response inhibition. In study 2, we will examine the collective influences of emotional regulation and response inhibition. Participants will be trained to either up-regulate or down-regulate their emotional reactivity to highly-arousing negative stimuli. We predict that participants …

Implicit Bias And Public Policy Recommendations, Alyssa Mineo

Undergraduate Student Symposium

We intend to measure implicit (as opposed to self-reported) attitudes towards gay people, specifically in the context of adoption rights. Opponents of gay adoption rights persist in arguing that having gay parents is harmful to the children and for this reason should be opposed. However, if the position is based exclusively on concern for the welfare of the children rather than (entirely or partially) on the parents’ sexual orientation per se, it should follow that any individual who acts out of this concern would be equally concerned with the welfare of the children adopted by heterosexual parents. Whatever restrictions …

Renovatio, Amrish Ramnarine

Undergraduate Student Symposium

“Renovatio” is a short film about a couple of individuals who engage one another due to eerie occurrences in their vicinity. As each character bonds with the other, they begin to share emotions and choose sides. In this web of deception, secrets are revealed that confound even the most rational characters, ultimately concluding with their “rebirth.” The film is directed by Amrish Ramnarine. Other crew members and actors include Ximena Raquel Alvarez, Monica Lynne Herrera, Calista Siobhan Ming.

Change And Stop-Signal Paradigms With Hands And Feet, Terrence Singh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Hands and feet are useful in most sports but they are even more important when driving. The present study aims to find the time it takes to stop or switch a hand or foot movement. Researchers have noted that it takes longer to stop a hand than it does an eye, but little if any research has been done on foot movement. We are currently collecting data in the stop-signal paradigm in which subjects are to strike one of two keys when they see the corresponding visual stimulus unless an auditory signal is presented. Data are also being collected on …

The Universe Divine, Alyiece Moretto

Undergraduate Student Symposium

“The Universe Divine” is a short film that follows Sam, a passionate young man at an important crossroads in his life. After an unsettling dream, we see that the Universe may have different plans for Sam than those he envisioned for himself. The film is directed by Alyiece Moretto. Other crew members and actors include Patrick Watkins, Cohen Robinson, Kathleen Bushong, and Jamie Mattocks.

Dipole Moment Of Ni(Ii), Cu(Ii), And Zn(Ii) Porphyrins And Out Of Plane Distortions Quantified By Semiempirical Methods And Compared To Thin Layer Chromatography, Dean Kalam

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The objective of this experiment was to calculate the dipole moment of Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) porphyrins and relate the measurements to the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) experimental results. Tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and Octaethylporphyrin (OEP) were metallated with these transition metals (Ni(II) d⁸, Cu(II) d⁹, and Zn(II) d¹⁰). The results of the TLC were then futher compared to the dipole moment from calculations obtained using semi-empirical methods. It is known that different transition metals can expand or contact the core of these porphyrins due to electronic effects as well as size. The TPP series follows …

Externship In Graz, Austria: Research Opportunities, Nergess Taheri, Corynne Dignan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and the Medical University of Graz, Austria (MUG) formed a unique externship opportunity. The opportunity is only awarded to two undergraduate students at NSU annually. The six week externship in 2010 consisted of two research opportunities. The first experiment consists of studying the effects of different preservation methods on pig liver explantations and the second studies the impact of Sanopal on Cyclosporin-A induced nephropathy in rats. Prior to beginning the research we underwent training in the different techniques involved in each experiment as well as the ethical situations faced when conducting the experiments. The techniques we …

Artscience: A Study Of The Human Arterial And Venous Systems, Nergess Taheri

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Artscience is a blending of both aesthetic and scientific methods. This project combines both in a way that neither can be distinguished from the other. This is a study of the human arterial and venous systems. These systems were artistically represented as linoleum block prints. Two models were produced, one for the arterial system and the other for the venous system. The process used to make the models is called printmaking. Printmaking was one of the first forms of mass illustration with each print being considered an original. In this study two linoleum blocks were carved into the desired anatomical …

The Impact Of Speed Reading On The Generation Of Inferences, Anil Sawh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This experiment explores the effect that speed-reading has on the inferences made while reading texts. More specifically it will compare comprehension and inferences made between participants that read at a normal rate and participants that have been trained to read at a faster rate than normal. Speed-reading courses promise the ability to learn how to take in larger amounts of text and information than normal reading. However, most research has shown that while these courses increase reading speed, comprehension and retention of the material suffers a significant drop (Just, Carpenter, & Masson, 1986). Very little research has examined the effects …

Carpentier’S Version Of Time: Back To The Ending, Genevieve Macaisa

Undergraduate Student Symposium

In Alejo Carpentier’s short story “Journey Back to the Source,” he used a nonlinear narrative and manipulated temporal elements to challenge the traditional view of the passage of time. Through his experimentation, he developed a new form of the narrative timeline. Carpentier’s work demonstrates that time can move in reverse, from the end to the beginning, while still moving forward. The theories of Sergei Eisenstein and Henri Bergson influenced Carpentier’s experiment and reveal the magnitude of his pushing of the boundaries. For instance, Carpentier employs a narrative strategy like Eisenstein’s cinematic montage to stitch together a timeline. Bergson’s theories of …

Chemical Interactions Between Staphylococcus Aureus And Candida Albicans Within Mixed Species Biofilms, Rachel Comito, Fiorella Diaz, Martin Herrera, Ariel Jordan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Biofilms are communities of microbes that grow and function together in order to gain protection from environmental stressors. Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans are two of the most common microbes found to grow as biofilms within medical facilities and are among the leading causes of infectious disease. Previous studies found that S. aureus and C. albicans grow together synergistically within biofilms and that S. aureus actually secretes some chemical that drastically improves candidal biofilm growth. The current project is focused on better characterizing the mechanism of this chemical interaction. One aspect of the project examines when S. aureus secretes this …

Analysis Of D1s80 Locus, An Introductory Bioinformatics Analysis Study In Human Genotype, Ana Paula Delgado

Undergraduate Student Symposium

DNA profile analysis focuses on hyper variable regions of DNA. This project seeks to study a specific variability called VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats). DNA sequencing data of D1S80 locus was obtained from individuals from African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic databases was analyzed. The data collected had been previously processed by PCR and DNA cloning using E. Coli. This data was provided by Dr. Duncan from the Broward’s Sheriff Lab. The study demonstrated that variation of D1S80 alleles are predominantly due to the number of repeat units contained within the amplicons obtained from PCR. Also, it was demonstrated …

A Perfect Day, Juan Sebastian Gallo

Undergraduate Student Symposium

“The Perfect Day” is a short film about a normal day in an average American office. Will hates his job and goes through the motions painstakingly. However, a comical incident that seems to threaten the office gives him the chance to break out of the norm and find his individuality. The film is directed by Juan S. Gallo. Other crew members and actors include Lyle Howe, Kevin L. Alvarez, and Marc Pulido.

The Study Of Lagenidium Giganteum Crinkler Genes, Alexa Vyain, Tulsi Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Lagenidium giganteum is an entomopathogenic oomycete that is known to infect and kill the larvae of mosquitoes. Due to this characteristic, the organism has been deemed a potential alternative to chemical insecticides. This information is significant when the world issue of mosquito control is considered. The human death toll now reaches one million per year by mosquito-borne diseases, and the research on potential alternatives to chemical insecticides is quite minimal. Only seven L. giganteum protein-coding gene sequences have been reported to date, and the objective of this project is to accelerate the gene research of L. giganteum and identify the …

A Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis Model: Spiraling Out Of Control, Rajeswari Murugan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Arrhythmic Sudden Cardiac death accounts for up to 5 million cases per year across the world. Cardiac arrhythmia is an abnormal activity in the heart that can lead to sudden cardiac death resulting from ventricular fibrillation. The electrocardiogram (ECG) reading during an arrhythmia indicates rapid contractions of the heart. This phenomenon is due to the development of a re-entrant circuit of electrical activity that repetitively stimulates the heart. The heart presents a spatio-temporal complex system, where the tissue biophysics and structure leads to reaction diffusion type models. These models portray the re-entrant wave patterns observed during arrhythmia. Fibrillation is characterized …

The Effects Of An Unrestricted High-Protein/High-Fat Diet Plus Exercise On Body Composition: A Case Report, Diana Mantilla

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The purpose of this independent study is to demonstrate the effects of exercise, diet and dietary supplementation on body composition and various indices of performance and health using a case study model. The exercise regimen consisted of heavy resistance training in combination with various aerobic exercises. The training program will follow a periodized scheme such that the volume and intensity of the exercise will be altered throughout the 8-week intervention period. Furthermore, the alterations in diet will involve an isocaloric replacement of carbohydrate with protein and fat. No change in caloric intake will occur. Various dietary supplements such as whey …

The Language Of Mathematics: Proof Without Words, Bryan Candela

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Mathematics is the language of the sciences. Unlike most other scientific laws, mathematical laws are by nature unbiased and irrefutable, and as such, tend to be accepted as truth in a way that other scientific laws cannot. While understanding the proofs of many well-known mathematical facts requires a high level of mathematical maturity, there are also many (perhaps not so intuitive) facts whose proof can be easily understood by anyone. The goal of this project is to show the use of mathematics as a language in the hope of providing insight into the beauty of mathematics.

Malian Thick Porridges And Satiety, Intsormil

INTSORMIL Impacts and Bulletins

A study was recently conducted through INTSORMIL (Purdue Hamaker Project) to examine thick sorghum millet consumption related to preference and satiation in the Sikasso, Segou and Mopti regions of Mali. This is part of a larger study to understand the effect of thick porridges, and delayed glucose delivery to the body, on satiety and overall food consumption.

The conclusions from the following data is that porridges (tô) are generally eaten more frequently and are consumed in a thicker consistency in the villages (Figures 1 and 2), and are very satiating (Figure 3 thicker porridges correlated with lower hunger scores at …

The Role Of Sorghum In Food Security In Central America, Lloyd W. Rooney

INTSORMIL Presentations

Discusses the qualities of sorghum that make it suitable for human consumption, with a focus on its use in Central America.

Engineering Advantage, Spring 2011, College Of Engineering

Engineering Advantage

No abstract provided.

Clinic Connection: Spring 2011, Centracare Clinic

Clinic Connection

• President’s Message: "Team-based medicine and the use of clinical guidelines and protocols"
• Updated growth charts now available
• Mohs Micrographically-controlled Surgery for Non-Melanomatous Cutaneous Malignancy
• Minimally invading the chest: Thoracoscopy in modern surgery
• Introducing our new CentraCare Clinic Specialists
• Affordable Care Act brings Medicare changes

Mold And Alternaria Skin Test Reactivity And Asthma In Children In Connecticut, Todd W. Lyons, Dorothy B. Wakefield, Michelle M. Cloutier

UCHC Articles - Research

Background

Sensitivity to mold has been associated with asthma incidence, persistence, and severity.

Objective

To examine the relationship between skin test reactivity (STR) to molds and specifically to Alternaria and asthma severity in a group of ethnically diverse children in Connecticut.

Methods

Demographics and STR to 14 local allergens, including Alternaria, Penicillium, and mold mix, were obtained for 914 Puerto Rican, African American, and non-Hispanic white children.

Results

A total of 126 children (14%) had a positive skin test result to mold, and 58 (6%) demonstrated STR to Alternaria. Compared with non-Hispanic white children, there was no difference in the …

Calcium Intake In The United States From Dietary And Supplemental Sources Across Adult Age Groups: New Estimates From The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006, Kelsey M. Mangano, Stephen J. Walsh, Anne M. Kenny, Jane E. Kerstetter

UCHC Articles - Research

Background

Adequate lifelong calcium intake is essential in optimizing bone health. Recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were used to quantify variation in calcium intake across adult age groups and to relate age-associated changes in calcium intake with energy intake. Additional goals were to assess differences in dietary calcium intake between supplemental calcium users and nonusers and to evaluate associations between age and calcium density in the diet.

Design

This cross-sectional analysis determined calcium and energy intake for National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey respondents during 2003–2006. Diet was assessed with 24-hour recall and supplement use via questionnaire. …

Tempo Magazine, Spring 2011, Office Of Student Life

Tempo Magazine

Tempo Magazine is Coastal Carolina University's student-produced feature magazine. TEMPO #25. Titled: The Double Issue. Editor: Amanda Kraft. Faculty advisor: Dan Ennis and Scott Mann.

Saturday In The Park With Franz And Joyce, Julie Trachman, William A. Casari, Nelson Nunez-Rodriguez, Flor Henderson, Yoel Rodriguez, Jason Libfeld

Touchstone

No abstract provided.