Digital Commons Network^™

Applying The Stefan–Boltzmann Law To Filament, Damon Virgo

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Experimental physics is a branch of physics that conducts experiments and is concerned with data acquisition in order to study interesting phenomena. One of these observable phenomena is the Stefan–Boltzmann law, which describes how radiation from a blackbody is dependent on temperature to the fourth power, and is equal to power. An object is called a blackbody when it absorbs all electromagnetic energy that interacts with that object. Blackbody radiation is radiation that is emitted by an object when it is in thermal equilibrium and emits radiation along the continuous spectrum of wavelengths. With the Stefan–Boltzmann law in mind, a …

Using Word2vec And N-Grams To Create Shakespearean Texts, Hexin Liu

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

This research attempts to create poetic texts in the Shakespearean style. Many available technologies can create artworks based on styles of well-known artists. However, it is difficult for the generative models to create texts within the style of a particular author. This study aims to produce sentences in a style of Shakespeare that contain metaphorical meanings without quoting his works. We have trained statistical n-gram models on the complete works of Shakespeare and then used the model to create Shakespearean text. We noticed that, in some cases, the n-gram models will construct sentences that are copied from Shakespeare’s works. We …

College Of Engineering Document Scanner Project, Nicholas Sonntag, Hexin Liu, Hunter Peri

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Engineering students are expected to submit their assignments in a specific paper format. Methods that attempt to address this (such as Camscanner and similar applications) are known to produce issues with quality and legibility. This project aims to create a system that streamlines the document submission process for students. The new tool will allow students to scan their documents and have them sent directly to their email accounts by providing their University ID cards for identification.

The project involved an iterative, agile software/system development method, and specialized software selections including Python and Xsane running on Raspberry Pi hardware. The program …

Using Agent-Based Modeling To Reduce Traffic Emissions, Caleb Vanarragon

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Reducing CO2 emissions is currently one of the most pressing challenges in the effort to prevent climate change. In the United States, transportation accounts for 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions, meaning that decreasing CO2 emissions from automobiles should be a priority. In this analysis, I examine the factors that influence traffic CO2 emissions using a traffic model built in NetLogo, an agent-based modeling language. Although other studies have sought to understand the factors that influence traffic emissions, most have done so using observational methods. Although there are certain benefits to these observational studies, my traffic model is advantageous because …

Heteroatom Effects In Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Emily Pavasars

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

There are several peaks in the infrared (IR) spectrum of planetary nebulae (PNe) like NGC 7027 whose origins are unknown. This has been a long-standing puzzle in the study of PNe. This project explores heteroatom substitution in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as a possible origin for these unidentified infrared emission (UIE) peaks. The heteroatom elements explored in this study are nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur. Previous work has demonstrated that 3- and 4- ring PAHs emit a spectrum close to current spectrum data for UIE and a previous group tested nitrogen substitution in similar structures with varied results. I …

Modeling Close Binary Systems Within Planetary Nebulae, Lilly Blanton

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Many fascinating and important processes in space occur in binary systems consisting of a white dwarf and a companion star in a very close orbit. Because of this, understanding this type of system is important to our overall understanding of our universe. These binary systems are born within planetary nebulae. However, only 26 such systems within planetary nebulae have been fully modeled, which isn't a large enough number to result in meaningful statistical data. In order to work towards increasing this number, I used the PHOEBE modeling software to obtain ranges for the secondary temperature, primary and secondary radii, secondary …

Discover Radio Astronomy: A Horn Antenna For Hydrogen Line Observations, Laura Floyd

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

The objective of this project is to provide beginner-friendly radio astronomy equipment to the Valparaiso University Physics and Astronomy Department. This equipment can be used to teach students and the community about the field of radio astronomy through lab activities such as hydrogen line observations. The Milky Way Galaxy is made primarily of hydrogen. The hydrogen line is the frequency of electromagnetic energy that hydrogen emits when its electrons change state. A horn antenna that is designed for this frequency can detect the strength of the hydrogen line in any direction it is pointed. The shape of the horn antenna …

The Genetics Of Salt Stress Tolerance In Arabidopsis, Alyssa Suprenant, Jodie Brasseur, Lilli Goss-Peirce

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Rising soil salinity levels are emerging as a significant challenge due to factors such as irrigation practices, climate change-induced sea level rise, soil degradation, and anthropogenic factors such as road salting. Investigating salt tolerance mechanisms in plants is crucial for agricultural sustainability, as high soil salinity inhibits crop growth and reduces yield, threatening global food security. We wondered if certain genes within the plant Arabidopsis thaliana could be linked to higher salt tolerance as understanding the genetic and physiological basis of salt tolerance in an extensively studied plant could guide the development of resilient crop varieties capable of thriving in …

Modeling White Dwarf Binary Systems - A Hubble Space Telescope Project, Hunter Wood

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

White dwarfs are the final stage of stellar evolution for most stars–those less than about eight times the mass of the Sun. In these cases the star has ejected its outer layers, leaving a superheated core behind to cool. White dwarfs that are part of a binary system, or have a companion star, lead to many interesting astrophysical situations, and so are important objects to understand. In this study, we look specifically at binary white dwarf systems where the second object is a main sequence star. After the discovery of a binary system, it is necessary to create a working …

Did My Professor Waste Money?: Computational Cluster Configuration Variations And Cost-Efficiency, Christian Garcia, Nicholas Rosasco

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Parallel and distributed computing (PDC) and high performance computing (HPC) tools and techniques are becoming increasingly common and even necessary in many disciplines, particularly as large data sets and high computational loads become commonly encountered challenges. Experimentation in this space is somewhat constrained by the cost and availability of the assets that handle even small and midsize tasks in this space; initial tests and bench-marking may be the only chance to put systems through their paces. Therefore, it has become important to provide information on optimizing these smaller but still impactful systems. This requires experiments focused on delivering more capability …

Cookin’ Time: Deploying A Satellite Synchronized Oven-Controlled Oscillator Stratum-1 Timekeeping System, Matthew Dembny, Nathan Wessel, Thaddeus Malatlian

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Precision timekeeping is critical in both the sciences and in the operation of large complex computer installations, impacting tasks ranging from distributed database synchronization to cryptography. It also impacts domains like satellite communication and high-volume financial transactions. The accuracy of time is measured not only in the units of time the clock is capable of but also in how far the clock will drift, relative to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) over a period of time. Most commodity modern computers have clocks that drift a few milliseconds each day, which creates issues across a variety of time-sensitive applications. This project aims …

Liposome Synthesis And Size Control For Lymphatic Filariasis Treatment, Anna Fay, Lauren Sestito

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical mosquito-borne disease caused by the transmission of parasitic nematodes that nest in the lymphatic system. This causes severe symptoms like lymphedema, and can have socioeconomic effects for the individuals and geographical areas affected. Because of limited drug access to adult worms residing within lymphatic vessels, treatment options for LF are currently limited. Liposomal drug delivery systems show great potential in this field because of their biocompatibility, payload flexibility, and targeting ability. The goal of this research is thus to synthesize a panel of liposomes over a broad size range which will be used …

The Quantitative Genetics Of Plant Growth Response To Precipitation Extremes In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Simranjit Kaur, Abby Boyle, Cassidy Eckstein, Grace Peterson, Marilyn Ives, Sydney Martens, Jane Kenney-Hunt

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Spring floods, summer droughts, and other unpredictable climate events are becoming increasingly common in the Midwestern United States with climate change. Rapid changes in precipitation create challenges to plant life in the region, with impacts on conservation and agriculture. We stimulated the effects of these extremes in precipitation on 100 Arabidposis thaliana recombinant inbred lines (RIL) to investigate gene-by-environment interactions on five growth and development phenotypes. We calculated the genetic variance, correlation, and heritability of the phenotypes. We also preformed a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to identify regions of the genome that have effects on the timing of growth …

Characterizing Drug Loading And Release In Liposomes, Ashley Velasquez, Lauren Sestito

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant global health burden, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Current treatment methods have many limitations such as variable efficacy and adverse effects, underscoring the need for new and innovative approaches. The utilization of liposomes as drug delivery vehicles is a promising strategy for the treatment of LF, as they offer unique advantages including lymphatic targeting, biocompatibility, controlled drug release, and the ability to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs simultaneously. This study aims to characterize drug loading efficiency in and release rates from liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol by using dye molecules as proxies for …

Antimicrobial And Cytotoxic Effects Of Bothrops Atrox Snake Venom, Daryush Mansuri, Jeffrey Pruet, Patrice Bouyer, Danielle Orozco-Nunnelly

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Bothrops atrox, a snake species endemic to South America, is often associated with traditional medicinal practices due to its therapeutic potential against various diseases. Recent studies have identified the presence of unique peptides, enzymes, and proteins in the venom of similar snake species, suggesting their roles in inhibiting the growth of specific bacteria and showing cytotoxic effects against certain mammalian cell lines. Therefore, this research project aims to explore the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties specifically of B. atrox venom by screening aqueous venom extract against twelve distinct prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms (using a Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay), in addition …

Probing Medicinal Plants For Novel Antimicrobial Compounds, Nolan Brezina, Gracie Holt, Daileen Serrano, Jenna Yehyawi

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

According to the W.H.O., infectious diseases account for three of the top ten global causes of death. Antimicrobial drug discovery surged in the mid-twentieth century but has sharply declined in recent years. At the same time, antimicrobial-resistant “superbug” infections are on the rise. Plants produce a robust supply of novel metabolic compounds, including many antimicrobial agents. However, with the advent of modern antibiotic drugs, natural plant-derived antibiotic sources have largely been left unexplored. Therefore, our work is focused on screening poorly explored medicinal plants in the hopes of discovering novel antimicrobial drugs. To do this, we have been testing extracts …

Exploring The Impact Of Diversity On Organizational Leadership: A Gendered Perspective On Strengths And Leadership Experiences Among Students, Allison Plachta

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

This proposed study aims to explore the impact of diversity on organizational leadership, with a particular focus on gendered experiences. Despite the global acknowledgment that diversity enhances organizational performance, leadership paradigms have historically been shaped by attributes predominantly exhibited by men. This research seeks to examine how different strengths, as identified by the StrengthsFinder assessment, influence leadership experiences and perceptions among male and female students in leadership roles. Specifically, the study will explore (1) the impact of StrengthsFinder results on students' leadership practices, (2) the perceived barriers and facilitators to leadership roles and how these may differ by gender, and …

Apparently Healthy College Students: Elevated Blood Pressure And The Need For Cardiovascular Risk Education, Bryn Benzing, Isabella Dietrich, Adalynn Harper, Alyssa Gonzalez, Hannah Lafary

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Elevated blood pressure (BP) at a young age leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Zhang et al., 2019). College students are often unaware of hypertension and its risk factors which could increase the development of these conditions. Our study served to educate, assess BP rates, and identify risk factors to promote health. To frame our research, two theoretical models were utilized: Neuman Systems Model and The Fogg Behavioral Model (TFBM).

Through convenience sampling, BP assessments were performed on participants attending a private midwestern university. At each screening, participants filled out a Google Form, measuring hypertension knowledge, habits, …

The Bane Of The Ancients: A Software Adaptation Of The Tabletop Role-Playing Adventure, Jacob Griffin, Dominic Niceforo, Charlie Hanson

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

This project is the adaptation of a tabletop role-playing experience into an interactive computer program, with an emphasis on effective storytelling, world-building, combat, and player choice. The story provided by the customer, “The Bane of the Ancients”, was initially designed within the Dungeon Crawl Classics framework. Translation of this design into a digital format required many creative and technical additions to the original concept, including sound and art design, music composition, world building and structuring, and development of interaction mechanics and physics. The digital experience was built on top of the Godot engine for its ease of adoption in regards …

Apocalyptic Aversion: Converting A Tabletop Experience Into The Unity 2d Environment, Mason Tulacz, Ivan Ruiz, Curtis Rias

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

This project is the development of a proof of concept virtual turn-based experience based upon the written narrative and gameplay features of the game developed in Valparaiso University’s ENGL 280: Writing RPGs (Role Playing Games) course. The original game featured teams of players making their way through the narrative and world with a combination of dice-rolling and their own intuition. The goal was to convert an existing table-top experience into a digital format. Unity was used to create the product as its engine was readily available, well documented, and provided an extensive library of reusable assets that made development more …

Cultivating Resilience In Adolescence: How Educational Environments Can Support Positive Youth Development During Identity Exploration, Heather I. Arndt, Genesis G. Larin, Gladis Abigail Munguia, Henry William Perez, Dianne Preciado

LMU Theses and Dissertations

Adolescence is a critical stage of human development, one that can be especially challenging for teens that are navigating certain vulnerabilities in their identity formation. With the World Health Organization stating that 14% of 10–19 year-olds experience mental health conditions, educational environments are increasingly needed to address mental concerns in their curriculums. This qualitative research project used a combination of art based inquiry and narrative analysis to answer the following question, “How can educational environments promote resilience and positive youth development during adolescent identity exploration?” Findings illuminated several emergent themes that culminated in the following four recommendations for educational environments; …

2023-2024 Junior Recital - Megan Hagel (Cello), Megan Hagel, Brenda Lorenzo

Junior and Senior Recitals

No abstract provided.

Corruption In Latin American States Affects Trust Among The Citizens, Daryush Mansuri, James Old

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

This study explores how citizens' faith in government officials in socialist-run South American nations is affected by corruption scandals. It investigates whether individuals' views of government integrity and political involvement are impacted by the easier access to information about corruption brought about by technology. This research aims to understand the relationship between the level of confidence in government entities and their vulnerability to corruption scandals using survey information from sources like the World Bank and the AmericasBarometer, in addition to free press ratings and verified cases of corruption. The study also looks at how the free press influences public opinion …

Study Of Indium-Silicon Co-Doped Gallium Oxide For Effective N-Type Doping, Muhammad Hassan Tahir, Nifat Jahan, Md Ghulam Zakir

Faculty Publications

We present the research efforts to achieve effective n-type doping in gallium oxide (Ga2O3), an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor, grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The application of semiconductors for power electronics requires wide and ultrawide bandgap materials that can be doped to create higher electron (n-type) or hole (p-type) densities. Ga2O3, with a bandgap of 4.9 eV, is an emerging and promising material. The bandgap of Ga2O3 is much higher than other wide bandgap material that have been adopted by or in the process of adoption by the industry for power electronics. However, the doping of Ga2O3 has some …

Berkely Pit Repository Cost Comparison, Josh Bryson

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Changing The University, The Church And The World Through Risk Prevention And Health Promotion, Duane C. Mcbride

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Collaborative Publications, James L. Hayward, Shandelle M. Henson, Vanessa I. Corredera, L. Monique Pittman

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Bibleonlinelearner: Learning In The 21st Century, Oliver Glanz

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Discharging Equity: Harrington V. Purdue Pharma L.P. And The Validity Of Nonconsensual Third-Party Releases, Andrew Klauber

Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy Sidebar

In September 2019, Purdue Pharma L.P. petitioned for bankruptcy in the Southern District of New York. Purdue, which the Sackler family had owned and operated for decades, developed and aggressively marketed addictive opioid products, contributing to the modern opioid epidemic. The tsunami of litigation arising from the opioid epidemic gave rise to claims against Purdue and the Sackler family estimated to total more than $40 trillion, causing Purdue to petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In Purdue’s plan of reorganization, it employed a nonconsensual third-party release to discharge claims against the Sackler family. Nonconsensual third-party releases controversially enjoin parties to a …

Humorous Takes On Marriage In The Uae, Doris Hambuch, Sarah Laura Nesti Willard, Urwa Tariq, Al Anood Alboainain

CoHSS Faculty Work

This article investigates humorous representations of marriage in digital comics, stand-up comedy and short films created by Emirati artists and content creators who primarily rely on social media as their most effective form of distribution. Studied against theories of humor in the Western and the Arabic traditions, selected examples demonstrate that the story-based genre appears less light-hearted in its combination of comic with tragic plot turns, while the snapshot characteristic of graphic art allows comics and social media skits to focus on the joke. The latter is thus more appealing to larger audiences, especially via electronic media. Depending on whether …