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Hope College Abstracts: 23rd Annual Celebration Of Undergraduate Research And Creative Activity, Hope College

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

The 23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity was held on April 12, 2024 in the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse at Hope College and featured student-faculty collaborative research projects. This program is a record reflective of those projects between the 2023-2024 academic year.

Stream-Borne Floating Mismanaged Waste In Holland, Michigan: Focus On Foam, Sam J. Haakenson, Reina A. Duron

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

Streams and storm drain systems link terrestrial roadside litter to rivers and lakes, which eventually supply floating debris to the global ocean. To better understand this linkage, we evaluated the kinds and quantity of floating mismanaged solid waste being transported in five streams within the Lake Macatawa watershed in the environs of Holland, Michigan. We deployed floating litter booms in the four smallest streams. These consisted of a rip-stop nylon sleeve encasing pool noodle floats strung on a wire rope. These were placed diagonally across the stream and anchored to fence posts set into the stream banks. In the largest …

Ucc Minutes Apr 12, 2024, Undergraduate Curriculum Committee

Undergraduate Currirculum Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Consistent Proton Induced Gamma Emission Liquid 19f Standard, Jordan Craft, Ryan Mccreedy, Naomi Whitfield, Loic Rutabana

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

We developed a new technique to quantify PFAS (Fluorine) contamination in water using Hope College’s particle accelerator. To do this, we created an ~2000 PPM NaF in water standard and carefully controlled the experimental configuration. We are hoping that careful control of the experimental conditions will yield a consistent 19F gamma-ray count per Coulombs from Proton Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE). 3.4MeV protons have enough energy to exit the particle accelerator, travel 27 mm in air, and penetrate into the liquid standard. As protons lose energy in the liquid, nuclear reactions such as (p, p’gamma) with the 19F and 23Na nuclei …

Citdet, Jordan A. James, Heather K. Manching, Matthew R. Mattia, Kim D. Bowman, Amanda M. Hulse-Kemp, William J. Beksi

Computer Science and Engineering Datasets - Archive

The CitDet dataset is composed of images captured at the USDA Agricultural Research Service Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research Unit in Fort Pierce, FL, USA. Data was collected between October 2021 and October 2022. 579 images were captured from different sections of the orchard using the open-source application Field Book on Android tablets. While collecting images, we faced the camera in a portrait orientation directly centered on the tree of interest. All images were taken at the edge of the soil in the tree row to simulate a ground-based robot imaging the tree while moving between two rows of trees. …

Mathematically Rigorous Deep Learning Paradigms For Data-Driven Scientific Modeling, Owen Nicholas Davis

Mathematics & Statistics ETDs

This dissertation explores the crucial role of data-driven modeling in science and engineering, with a focus on developing surrogate models to accelerate large-scale computational tasks, aiding in both outer-loop functions like uncertainty quantification and expensive inner-loop tasks within broader computational frameworks. Challenges arise with increased problem dimension and sparse, noisy training data, particularly significant when constructing surrogates for very expensive computational models where acquiring sufficient high-fidelity training data is unfeasible. In such scenarios, training surrogates from an ensemble of multifidelity information sources of varying accuracy and cost becomes essential. We emphasize neural network-based modeling paradigms, which are flexible in integrating …

Unpacking Automated Test Assembly: New Findings And Directions For The Future, Ling Tan, Charlotte Waters, Fuchan Huang, Dan Cloney

OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)

In large-scale assessments, the manual assembly of tests to meet many competing criteria may become an intractable task. Automated test assembly (ATA) can use optimisation algorithms to achieve optimal assembly outcomes. Since 2018, PISA has been transitioning from fixed test forms to adaptive testing. This transition is driven by the aim of improved test targeting, which increases reliability. Multi-stage adaptive testing (MSAT) has been preferred to item level computer adaptive testing (CAT) as it can better address the sometimes-competing requirements of an assessment like PISA where item exposure, position effects, construct coverage, and cross-sectional trend all must be met in …

Immersive Japanese Language Learning Web Application Using Spaced Repetition, Active Recall, And An Artificial Intelligent Conversational Chat Agent Both In Voice And In Text, Marc Butler

MS in Computer Science Project Reports

In the last two decades various human language learning applications, spaced repetition software, online dictionaries, and artificial intelligent chat agents have been developed. However, there is no solution to cohesively combine these technologies into a comprehensive language learning application including skills such as speaking, typing, listening, and reading. Our contribution is to provide an immersive language learning web application to the end user which combines spaced repetition, a study technique used to review information at systematic intervals, and active recall, the process of purposely retrieving information from memory during a review session, with an artificial intelligent conversational chat agent both …

Data Profits Vs. Privacy Rights: Ethical Concerns In Data Commerce, Amiah Armstrong

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

In today’s digital age, the collection and sale of customer data for advertising is gaining a growing number of ethical concerns. The act of amassing extensive datasets encompassing customer preferences, behaviors, and personal information raises questions of its true purpose. It is widely acknowledged that companies track and store their customer’s digital activities under the pretext of benefiting the customer, but at what cost? Are users aware of how much of their data is being collected? Do they understand the trade-off between personalized services and the potential invasion of their privacy? This paper aims to show the advantages and disadvantages …

Volumetric Reconstruction Of Ionospheric Electric Currents From Tri-Static Incoherent Scatter Radar Measurements, Jone Peter Reistad, Spencer Mark Hatch, Karl M. Laundal, Kjellmar Oksavik, Matthew David Zettergren, Heikki Vanhamaki, Ilkka I. Virtanen

Publications

We present a new technique for the upcoming tri-static incoherent scatter radar system EISCAT 3D (E3D) to perform a volumetric reconstruction of the 3D ionospheric electric current density vector field, focusing on the feasibility of the E3D system. The input to our volumetric reconstruction technique are estimates of the 3D current density perpendicular to the main magnetic field, $\mathbf{j} \perp$, and its co-variance, to be obtained from E3D observations based on two main assumptions: 1) Ions fully magnetised above the $E$ region, set to 200 km here. 2) Electrons fully magnetised above the base of our domain, set to 90 …

Non-Traumatic Osteonecrosis Of The Femoral Head Induced By Steroid And Alcohol Exposure Is Associated With Intestinal Flora Alterations And Metabolomic Profiles, Qing-Yuan Zheng, Ye Tao, Lei Geng, Peng Ren, Ming Ni, Guo-Qiang Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a severe disease that primarily affects the middle-aged population, imposing a significant economic and social burden. Recent research has linked the progression of non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH) to the composition of the gut microbiota. Steroids and alcohol are considered major contributing factors. However, the relationship between NONFH caused by two etiologies and the microbiota remains unclear. In this study, we examined the gut microbiota and fecal metabolic phenotypes of two groups of patients, and analyzed potential differences in the pathogenic mechanisms from both the microbial and metabolic perspectives.

METHODS: …

Doc 2024-03 Apc Draft Proposal Workshop Model To Replace Suspended 4-Year Cap Review, University Of Dayton. Academic Policies Committee

Senate Documents

Action: Legislative Authority

Senate Doc 2023-06 paused the 4-year CAP review process with the requirement that we revert back to the original 4-year review process if a new one is not approved by the APC and the Academic Senate and able to be implemented by Fall 2025. The Academic Policies Committee (APC) of the Academic Senate was charged with designing an alternative review plan. This work does not impact or change any aspect of the existing course approval process.

APC is proposing a workshop model to replace the former 4-year CAP review process. Details of the workshop model are discussed …

On Axially Rational Regular Functions And Schur Analysis In The Clifford-Appell Setting, Daniel Alpay, Fabrizio Colombo, Antonino De Martino, Kamal Diki, Irene Sabadini

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

In this paper we start the study of Schur analysis for Cauchy–Fueter regular quaternionic-valued functions, i.e. null solutions of the Cauchy–Fueter operator in . The novelty of the approach developed in this paper is that we consider axially regular functions, i.e. functions spanned by the so-called Clifford-Appell polynomials. This type of functions arises naturally from two well-known extension results in hypercomplex analysis: the Fueter mapping theorem and the generalized Cauchy–Kovalevskaya (GCK) extension. These results allow one to obtain axially regular functions starting from analytic functions of one real or complex variable. Precisely, in the Fueter theorem two operators play a …

Assessing Higher Order Thinking In The New Jersey Social Studies Standards For Grades K-8 By Using Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Connie Sanchez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

New Jersey consistently ranks as one of the top-performing states in the country when it comes to education. Most recently, it was ranked third in the nation. A look at the state standards in any subject shows the state works diligently to vertically align standards while also challenging students in order to better prepare them for the future and to be able to live in a global society. It is evident in looking at the New Jersey Department of Education’s standards that the planning they do is performed with an eye toward the future. The social studies standards are no …

Understanding The Mechanism Behind Hfip's Effect On Diastereomeric Separation Of Oligonucleotides, Ian Neidigh

Honors Theses

The goal of this research was to determine the mechanism behind 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol's (HFIP0 ability to suppress the separation of oligonucleotide diastereomers. This was accomplished by selecting different molecules that were like HFIP but differed in specific ways such as polarity, number and type of halogen(s), alcohol group location, carbon chain length, hydrophobicity, and chao/kosmotropicity. These molecules replaced HFIP in an IPRP chromatography method to determine if splitting of the diastereomers was observed and then they would becompared to HFIP's effect. Viscosity tests were to run to acquire quantitative data to determine chao/kosmotropicity. No decisive trend among a single factor was …

The Borderline Between Beneficial And Dishonest Ai: A Technical Report, Seth Richards, Katherine Shell, Seth Wright

Student Works

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used since 1950 but it was largely overlooked by the public until 2022. Current discussions about AI center around academic integrity. This report seeks to understand if AI can be handled, used, or accepted in Lipscomb’s academic environment as a beneficial aid to writing and research, without actively doing these tasks for an individual. Generative AI is a neural network, which enables it to receive input, gather information from a database of existing content, and create new content [2]. Due to the nature of generative AI, its beneficial contributions to academia are extremely limited.

Individualized Learning As An Ai Tool: A Technical Report, Petsimnan Blessing Dayit, Kasen Holt, Nuala Roper

Student Works

The purpose of the report’s research is to test and analyze whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms can be used as beneficial tools for individualized learning at Lipscomb University without violating the Academic Integrity Policy. The methods section evaluates AI on the scopes of accuracy, analytical thinking, and adaptability. The results demonstrated how each platform responded to the prompts within the lines of the scope. The answers they gave were accurate, detailed, and contained various adaptations to make explanations clearer for the user. The team concluded that AI can be used at Lipscomb as a beneficial tool for students in their …

The Challenges Of Conducting Qualitative Research In Quantitative Culture: Saudi Arabia As A Case Study, ِAbdulrahman Awdah Albeladi

The Qualitative Report

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), qualitative research methods are infrequently employed, as researchers in the region are more accustomed to quantitative approaches, with a certain hesitancy to embrace qualitative methodology. This research endeavor focuses on exploring the impediments faced by individuals engaged in qualitative research within the Saudi context. To do so, I conducted semi-structured interviews with eight doctoral students and employed a qualitative case study design for this paper. Utilizing the MAXQDA software, I also applied thematic analysis to the data gathered from the interviews. The primary findings highlight three significant themes: (a) challenges related to organizational …

Time-Dependent Strain-Resistance Relationships In Silicone Nanocomposite Sensors, Alex Mikal Wonnacott

Theses and Dissertations

Flexible high-deflection strain gauges have been demonstrated as cost-effective and accessible sensors for capturing human biomechanical deformations. However, the interpretation of these sensors is notably more complex compared to conventional strain gauges, partially owing to the viscoelastic nature of the strain gauges. On top of the non-linear viscoelastic behavior, dynamic resistance response is even more difficult to capture due to spikes in resistance during strain changes. This research examines the relationships between stress, strain, and resistance in nanocomposite sensors during dynamic strain situations. Under the assumption that both macroscopic stress and resistance are governed by microscopic stress concentrations at the …

Uni Science Education Update Conference [Program] April 12, 2024, University Of Northern Iowa Science Education Program.

Science Education Update Conference Documents

he program for the Science Education Update Conference held on April 12, 2024 at the University of Northern Iowa.

A New Vicarious Technique For Radiometric And Spatial Calibration Of Drone-Based Multispectral And Hyperspectral Imaging Systems, David N. Conran

Theses

A new technology (convex mirrors) used for radiometric and spatial characterization of remote sensing imaging systems has demonstrated equal, but unique results when compared to Lambertian targets for vicarious calibration. Using convex mirrors to characterize the radiometric and spatial response of hyperspectral and multispectral imaging systems has yet to be thoroughly investigated for drone-based platforms. When imaged, a convex mirror produces a known radiant intensity source that can characterizes the radiometric and spatial performance of an imaging system. The simultaneous assessment supports a unique understanding of the hyperspectral and multispectral instrument’s response for vicarious characterization. Assessing a new technique for …

Fort Hays State University Tiger Weekly, April 12, 2024, University Relations

Tiger Weekly Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Multi-Resolution Diffusion For Privacy-Sensitive Recommender Systems, Derek Lilienthal, Paul Mello, Magdalini Eirinaki, Stas Tiomkin

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

While recommender systems have become an integral component of the Web experience, their heavy reliance on user data raises privacy and security concerns. Substituting user data with synthetic data can address these concerns, but accurately replicating these real-world datasets has been a notoriously challenging problem. Recent advancements in generative AI have demonstrated the impressive capabilities of diffusion models in generating realistic data across various domains. In this work we introduce a Score-based Diffusion Recommendation Module (SDRM), which captures the intricate patterns of real-world datasets required for training highly accurate recommender systems. SDRM allows for the generation of synthetic data that …

Predicting Women Students' Major: Stem Vs Non-Stem, Patricia Berchiolli

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

No abstract provided.

Seeding Effects Of Submicron Caal-No3 Ldh Particles On The Hydration And Properties Of Portland Cement And Sulfoaluminate Cement Pastes, Sukanta K. Mondal, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is reported to improve the durability of concretes, primarily due to its ability to exchange anionic species, including chloride, which is implicated in corrosion-driven durability issues. However, there is no comprehensive study investigating the effect of LDH on the properties of different cement systems at both early and mature ages. in this study, the early age and mature age properties of Portland cement (OPC) and calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement pastes seeded with submicron-sized calcium aluminum-NO3 LDH (CaAl-NO3 LDH) were investigated. the effects of the 1–5%mass dosage of LDH on the hydration of both cement systems were …

Artificial Sociality, Simone Natale, Iliana Depounti

Human-Machine Communication

This article proposes the notion of Artificial Sociality to describe communicative AI technologies that create the impression of social behavior. Existing tools that activate Artificial Sociality include, among others, Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, voice assistants, virtual influencers, socialbots and companion chatbots such as Replika. The article highlights three key issues that are likely to shape present and future debates about these technologies, as well as design practices and regulation efforts: the modelling of human sociality that foregrounds it, the problem of deception and the issue of control from the part of the users. Ethical, social and cultural …

The Perturbing Mediatization Of Voice-Based Virtual Assistants: The Case Of Alexa, Leopoldina Fortunati, Autumn P. Edwards, Chad Edwards

Human-Machine Communication

This study examines the role of voice-based assistants (VBAs), specifically Alexa, in the mediatization paradigm framework. The authors hypothesize that emerging technologies such as chatbots and VBAs intensify the process of online meta-reintermediation of news. Three research questions were investigated through a questionnaire administered to 655 university students in the US and Italy: Do participants try to get news from Alexa? Are participants aware that VBAs represent a case of meta-reintermediation of news? Does Alexa contribute to the potential hybridization of news, information, and knowledge? The analysis of 451 open-ended answers showed that only a fraction of participants searches for …

Communicative Ai And Techno-Semiotic Mediatization: Understanding The Communicative Role Of The Machine, Göran Bolin

Human-Machine Communication

Mediatization discourse has so far mainly been centered on media from institutional or social-constructionist approaches. The technological developments within communications industries coupled with the wider societal process of datafication might, however, beg for dusting off the smaller, although the long-time existing, technological approach to mediatization as a complement to the two other approaches, in order to understand aspects of automation and human-machine communication. This theoretical article explores how existing mediatization approaches can refocus to include lessons learned from human-machine communication. The first section accounts for the main mediatization approaches. The second section discusses debates on communication, artificiality, and meaning-making. The …

Optimal Control Of Coefficients For The Second Order Parabolic Free Boundary Problems, Ali Hagverdiyev

Mathematics Colloquium Series

In this talk I will discuss Inverse Stefan type free boundary problem for the second order parabolic equation arising for instance, in modeling of laser ablation of biomedical tissues, where the information on the coefficients, heat flux on the fixed boundary, and density of heat sources are missing and must be found along with the temperature and free boundary. New PDE constrained optimal control framework is employed, where the missing data and the free boundary are components of the control vector, and optimality criteria are based on the final moment measurement of the temperature and position of the free boundary. …

Phun With Phages: Discovering Novel Bacteriophages In The Soil, Julia Kutz, Ryan Dodds, Logan Dykstra, Taylor M. Rentschler, Emma Steinhardt, Megan Vangarven, Jacie Vanderwaal, Shayler Vangelder, Byron Noordewier, Sara S. Tolsma

Celebration of Research

We used three bacterial hosts: Mycobacterium smegmatis, Microbacterium foliorum, and Gordonia terrae, to isolate novel bacteriophages from soil samples. We named these phages, created high titer lysates, and purified their DNA genomes. We have archived the high titer lysates at Northwestern College and the University of Pittsburgh. The genomes of three of our phages were sequences at the University of Pittsburgh and we will be sequencing the remaining genomes this summer. Additionally, we are planning to image our phages with transmission electron microscopy at the University of Iowa or Nebraska yet this semester.