Session 25: Poster

Masculinity is a powerful social construct that most men are aware of; however, a growing amount of literature seeks to recognize that masculinity is, in fact, more complex and more fragile than would be admitted by most men (Pfeffer, Rogalin, & Gee, 2016). Precarious masculinity theorists argues that masculinity is highly valued, but also difficult to maintain through the social threats, or masculinity challenges, that men interact with each day (Bosson et al., 2011; Vandello et al., 2008; Weaver et al., 2010). Masculinity challenges have been shown to result in in the loss of masculine status, whereby masculinity is preserved through acts of assertiveness (Netchaeva et al., 2015), expression of masculine attitudes (Willer, Rogalin, Conlon, & Wojnowicz, 2013), engaging in riskier financial decision-making (Weaver, Vandello, & Bosson 2013) and through displays of physical aggression (Bosson et al., 2009). In this project, we are conducting a meta-analysis to systematically integrate findings across studies.

41 million Americans, 12.3% of the country’s population face issues with not having enough food. While many Americans go without meals, in a year it is estimated that 40% of the food supply in the United States is thrown out. We could be using this food to feed people in need. My research works to find a solution to redistribute the food that is being wasted to people in need through charities.Workers from large corporations have spoken out through social media about the massive food waste. To put it into perspective, at one Dunkin Donuts location an average of 36o donuts are thrown out each day. There are certain laws put into place that do not allow companies to donate wasted food. If we could change these laws and redirect the food waste to charities, the food waste in America would be much lower. Society should care a lot more about this problem because we have more than enough food available, yet people are starving. A perfect Utopia would be cautious of their food waste and feed their starving citizens. American society should find more ways to be proactive in preventing food waste.

Working with the company, Humanetics ATD Manufacturing, a structure was designed that would test a frontal impact and a side impact on a crash test dummy simultaneously. Before this structure, the company would test the frontal and side impact separately, but this new design would allow for better data to be collected on an impact that is not directly on the front or the side of a vehicle. Using the steps to designing an experiment that were taught throughout the semester and the information given by Humanetics' website, I was able to evaluate the current design of the structure and alter it to create the new testing structure. Due to COVID-19, we were not able to build and test the structure before the semester was over, however, when built, this structure could help better the understanding of how the body reacts during different vehicle impacts.

This poster compiles information regarding ways to improve rural geriatric healthcare accessibility through the use of inter-professional care and outreach. I also wish to bring to light the various deficiencies often seen in this realm of care, and the reasons behind the inadequate rural physician retention rates. Using this background information, I compiled various collaborative approaches that seek to ease the strain faced by the healthcare system and its elderly patients. Improving healthcare accessibility through the use of interprofessional care and outreach is an essential facet of geriatric medicine. By exploring the deficiencies of geriatric healthcare in rural and underserved areas, as well as highlighting methods that are being implemented to better serve their geriatric patients, we can identify ways in which to restructure our care systems. This review seeks to better understand the barriers that lead to the decreased rural physician and geriatric specialist retention rates, evaluate the causality of insufficient healthcare access due to pre-existing barriers on rural geriatric patients, and compare the effectiveness of various collaborative interprofessional solutions to the lack of geriatric health care available.

Children learn in a multitude of ways, but particularly in active learning environments which engage them in learning through play whereas a passive environment is more focused on doing basic skills like doing workbook pages. The current study was done with twelve preschoolers in a head start classroom in order to determine what type of learning environment evoked a frustrated or interested response from the children. We found a preference in the children for an active environment of learning as opposed to the passive environments. We were able to produce higher interest levels in active learning environments. We, however, could not produce a significant response for frustration in passive learning environments. Limitations could include the fact that the researcher or observer is present in order to obtain information, as well as the presence of the teacher. In the future, making minor changes to the learning activities and procedures could possibly give a clear understanding without as many limitations, thus allowing for a better direction on child learning abilities.

With a future interest in a law career, I wanted to look at the connection between morality and law. Do these two areas work together, or do they counter each other? Questions such as these were asked when I had the chance to interview two attorneys, one judge, and a philosophy professor about their own experiences when dealing with morality and law. The goal of this project was not to necessarily find specific answers to these questions. It was more about looking at the different views of these professionals and listening to their experiences when dealing with conflicting morals and the law. There were many areas in which they disagreed or interpreted things differently. However, there was an evident pattern when it came to certain areas. The consensus among these individuals was that we must always strive to make the best choice for the rights of the majority of the people. Most of them also believed that if the people feel laws are unjust, they should first try and change them through the legal system. If this does not work, only then should they resort to disobeying the law. However, they should try to do so peacefully. Lastly, they agreed that the people must also recognize that disobedience comes with legal consequences. Again, there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer to the questions being asked. Many of these questions will remain unanswered or disputed for many years to come.

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) results from the death of cardiomyocytes (CM) following obstruction of blood flow and diminished oxygen supply to the tissue (hypoxia). Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADSCs) used in pre-clinical models can replace damaged CM, however, this has not been replicated in human clinical trials due to early loss of hADSCs. We hypothesize that coupling of hADSCs to dying CMs may account for part of this loss. Methods: hADSCs will be cultured for different lengths of time with fluorescent dyes that are either permeable or impermeable to the cell membrane. We will assess the time course of coupling between hADSCs under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions by using fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS). Results: Our previous studies demonstrate that stem cells possess membrane proteins (connexins) that contribute to cell-cell coupling. The proposed studies will address the functional significance of connexins related to hADSC coupling.

The purpose of this research is to determine if there is a relationship between the usage of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among late adolescents and young adults and how these products are being marketed to the users. ENDS products include items such as electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and e-hookahs. Participants of this study were asked to be between the ages of 16-24 years old and live in the counties including and surrounding Trumbull County, Ohio. An eight-question survey was presented to participants which included basic demographic questions as well as questions which asked participants to rank the amount of influence marketing has on their decision to use a respective product. The survey resulted in the majority of the participants stating that they were not often influenced by the ENDS product’s marketing. Instead, family and friends who use the products or appealing flavors were more influential in their decision to use. Interestingly, the survey also identified an almost even split between participants who have ever used an ENDS product and those who have never used.

History intends to record events as accurately as possible, while literature interprets historical events in imaginative ways that relate to a multitude of cultural influences. We see literature acting as a time capsule, but literature has also had a major impact on the development of society. It demonstrates a stamp in time while influencing the future by being accessible to the masses. While the influence history has on literature is easily identifiable, the historical effects prompted by the written word are intricately and inconspicuously woven into our culture. Literature can perpetuate history, reflect the evolution of society, and/or serve as a disruptive force that reflects these fictions about the world we live in. Moreover, historical literature can reveal to us new possibilities for a better future. This research will show that without the other, they would both cease to exist because history plays a fundamental role in shaping literature, and literature allows us to understand historical political, cultural, and philosophical movements. Compositions act as a mirror to human experience, recognizing the imperfections of the past while simultaneously warning its audience of the flawed previous system. Thus, my research examines the deeply seeded, symbiotic relationship that exists between literature and history.

Genetic engineering is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted practices in all of scientific research. I used a public survey to determine just how misunderstood genetic engineering really is. Using 16 agree/disagree questions, I was able to understand if participants agreed or disagreed with the morality of the practices. I found that many individuals did not even know what genetic engineering is. This made it difficult for participants to form an opinion about the morality of genetic engineering. Generally, individuals overwhelmingly supported the use of genetic engineering practices in fields such as agriculture and medicine. However, many individuals still did not understand what the practice even is. The morality of genetic engineering has long been a hot topic of debate. Therefore, the public must be informed on the practices and understand the benefits and possible disadvantages of genetic engineering. In order for individuals to fully understand the purpose, benefits, and potential dangers of genetic engineering, there must be more education on the concepts of genetic engineering.

Sleep is a very essential part of many different species. Each has its own specific sleep wake cycle called a Circadian rhythm that repeats itself every 24 hours. Due to the differences in sleep patterns, there are many questions as to why certain creatures sleep at select times. Utilizing a laser recording device and computer software to monitor wakefulness, this research sought to analyze the differences and possible similarities between the Circadian rhythms of Drosophila (fruit flies), bean beetles, and flour beetles. To start the experiment, sixteen of each specimen were collected and put into separate tubes. Next, a laser device that measures the specimen’s movement was connected to a laptop. At the end of two weeks, the data was analyzed. The results proved disappointing yet very enlightening. The flies in both groups had died and corrupted the data. Despite this unexpected set back, further research discovered vital improvements, such as the use of dry ice, that would keep the flies alive in future labs. While experiments often produce unexpected results, the lessons learned are no less valuable. Thank you for reviewing my submission and I hope to see you soon at the conference.

The opioid epidemic in the United States has affected more than 10.1 million Americans in the past year which is due to the overuse or misuse of pain prescription medications. The objective is to compare and contrast non-pharmacological treatments as alternatives to prescription opioids. Non-Pharmacological treatments such as yoga, eurythmy, and physiotherapeutic exercises provide safer alternatives to effectively reduce pain.

This study highlights the neurodevelopmental differences in this mouse model of DS and importance of evaluating potential sex differences and explores a possible treatment that targets a trisomic gene as means to improve for detrimental DS phenotypes.

From September 2019 - June 2020, a Public Health-Pharmacy Fulbright student grant was fulfilled to establish professional and personal relationships between Ohio and Hungary due to common healthcare goals and a shared barriers to healthcare access: geographic landscapes and distance. Partnerships were made between the Fulbrighter and pharmacy students of Semmelweis University, Hungarian healthcare professionals, and community leaders. The objective was to gather insight to the lived experiences, needs, and healthcare priorities of the students, professionals, and rural Hungarian communities so as to create educational and interactive outreach programs. The research, creation, and implementation of these programs would be completed by the U.S. Fulbright student, Semmelweis pharmacy students, and the healthcare professionals in collaboration with community leaders. Outreach programs under the topics of Mental Health and Best Practices for Taking Medicines were created. However, over the course of several months, other themes emerged: culture, history, and socioeconomic barriers to healthcare disparities. While geography and distance continue to be barriers to healthcare access, the history and policy which influence the lived experiences and social needs of a population need to be first acknowledged and addressed. Focusing on the legislation and history affecting a population are essential to relieving healthcare disparities, both in Hungary and Ohio.

Within Skyrim, there are numerous conflicts that stem from religious differences. These conflicts often mirror those of real life, with differences starting wars or dissent with numerous groups of people. Religion plays a key role in the narrative of Skyrim through differences of belief that cause conflict within the guilds of Skyrim, between the people of Skyrim and between characters, and by providing diverse settings for the player to explore that create a multifaceted spectrum of religions.

In the context of utopia, unity is thought of as the state where all individuals are working together to complete a common goal. Lack of unity has been a significant issue plaguing our community, and one way to combat it is through volunteering. It is established that volunteering represents unity among community members. Therefore, the more volunteering that is done equates to a greater amount of unity. This study aims to prove how unity is promoted and gained through volunteering, and to show that individuals should volunteer more to promote and participate in unity. To test my hypothesis that volunteering equates to a greater amount of unity, a survey was distributed to several individuals located at different colleges in Michigan. The respondents were asked to answer several questions, which overall divided them into separate categories. Responses were analyzed and charted properly display the data collected. Along with the survey, research was conducted using outside credible resources to validate the hypothesis. The results and the research suggest that volunteering represents unity. Individuals who have participated in any activity that required volunteering, charted that they were working as a team and working together towards a common goal.

Negative human impact on the environment increases furiously by the day. We see and experience examples of higher seas, stronger storms, strengthened floods, and devastating droughts. Our global footprint is affecting the diversity of wildlife and their habitats through the dumping of hazardous materials and carelessly throwing away recyclable objects amongst other, unexamined human practices. Places like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia that used to be teaming with innumerable species of aquatic life exist as a shadow of its original splendor. To reverse the effects of climate change, one first step would be to implement regional recycling projects. These projects would include enabling cities across the globe to accept all forms of recyclable objects, allowing everyone access to recycling facilities, and relying on more wind, solar, and water energy sources to power said recycling facilities, while supporting other energy needs. Moreover, significantly decreasing our use of non-recyclable products such as closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) and replacing those products with biodegradable materials instead will further aid this climate change revolution. My research will examine the ways in which a comprehensive, regional recycling program can help stop the effects of climate change.

In a utopian world, no one would be exposed to any sort of trauma that would result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At the very least, in a utopian world, disorders such as PTSD would be at the forefront of our mental health care. Unfortunately, we do not live in a utopia, as an estimated 8 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disorder. Globally, that’s approximately 1.8% of men and 5.2% of women worldwide. A number of events can lead to PTSD, such as serious accidents, assault, abuse, trauma, health problems, death/birth, which means more people have the potential to be afflicted with this disorder. Further, PTSD displays differently for each and every person diagnosed with the disorder. As someone who suffers from PTSD and has to find creative ways to pay for the various treatments I need, my research presents free (or inexpensive) ideas that will aid in relieving symptoms of PTSD, such as mindful breathing, yoga, support groups, and exposure therapy. My research identifies and applies coping techniques for sufferers, without it costing an immense amount of money.

Globalization has become extremely prevalent in modern society from trade to communication. The information for this project was gathered using jstor.org, and the survey was given to a college class that included several foreign exchange students. The purpose of this project was to learn more about globalization and the potential advantages and disadvantages that it may provide.

In 1939, the threat of German air raids hung above London. Chaotic fears of losing children to bombs, Nazi ideology, or starvation, led thousands of parents to send their children overseas through private evacuations or the Children’s Overseas Reception Board (CORB) scheme. This led to an unprecedented transnational migration of unaccompanied children. Evacuee children endured enormous difficulty as they were separated from their families, braved a treacherous journey across German U-boat infested seas, accustomed themselves to a foreign culture, and finally reintegrated into British society after the war. By analyzing evacuee letters, memoirs, government records, newspapers, and previous psychological research, this paper will examine how the overseas evacuation contributed to short term and long term psychological trauma in English children. This study will lend itself to a greater understanding of the plight of children in conflict. This topic remains relevant today, especially in light of recent refugee and immigration crises. Children fleeing from conflict in countries like Yemen, Syria, Sudan, and Palestine face similar struggles like dealing with family separation, harrowing journeys, negative stereotypes, and relocation to an unfamiliar setting. Minimizing trauma will save and improve the quality of life of those forming the next generation.

This poster was designed to provide an introduction to Arduinos and their functionalities, as well as microcontrollers which are a component of Arduinos. It also demonstrates an example for a simple use for an Arduino. The design uses a simple code that will "roll" a dice and show the output number on the lights. While this is a simple design with simple coding, there is much room for increasing the complexity of the code and the circuitry. This exploration of Arduinos was also done to determine the benefits of introducing Arduino-based projects into an electronics course. From this project, it was determined that Arduino-based projects can provide an interesting and important lesson in modern electronics and an introduction to coding.

What if every time you said what was on your heart someone called you “crazy” or “over dramatic”? What if you felt isolated from everyone you loved but your partner said it was “normal”? Welcome the world of gaslighting. Because gaslighting is a discrete form of abuse, it is often hard to identify from the outside. However, due to the increased public discourse toward mental health in recent decades, psychologists and sociologists have made it easier for one to identify gaslighting and its effects. Through a review of scientific studies, the present research aims to inform the public on complications caused by gaslighting, mental illnesses that can surface from being exposed to it, and popular treatments used to heal from this trauma.

17.42 million veterans live in America today (“Veterans in the U.S.,” 2020). They dedicated their services in several wars, leaving home and giving up the comforts of stability, family, and safety to ensure that America remains a safe place, yet upon returning home themselves, our nation’s veterans have faced immense hardships. About 40,000 veterans are without shelter on any given night; due to PTSD, social isolation, unemployment, and substance abuse (Hernandez & Hernandez, 2020). This is organizations that offer support like the Porter County Veteran’s Treatment Court, Folds of Honor, and Southshore Friends of Veterans, are imperative for the community. Through literature reviews and interviews, my research goes in-depth to the work of veteran organizations, and illustrates the impact of the heroes in these programs. During interviews, veteran Bob Carnegy stated: “People don’t understand the meaning of the word veteran. Each one is special, yet connected. No matter what branch they serve, each veteran raised their right hand and pledged their life to this country. That pledge is what connects us all.” Going off of his words, my research serves to increase awareness for the acts of service our veterans perform, not only overseas, but also when they return home.

Evidence-based knowledge is irrefutable when analyzing the anatomical and physiological adversities from insufficient healthcare delivery on expectant mothers. Especially those who are minorities. As such, peer-reviewed articles and reference texts yield a plethora of symptoms from disparities, but few detail why disparities related to race are prevalent, or resolutions for them. Findings from early developments of modern-day birthing practices and the increased autonomy of physicians, and healthcare reformers shaped both positive and negative social relations between expectant minority mothers in America and the healthcare system. In this study, some of these negatives (like the aforementioned) are simplified into complex catalysts that reveal obstacles for pregnant women. It must be noted that obstacles created by these disparities increase maternal and fetal exposure to higher mortality risk. As for explaining the disparity between minority and white maternal and infant mortality, some groups have a higher propensity to unique mental and physical strains that can later manifest disease. Further, unsatisfactory healthcare delivery to pregnant women in America is not limited to the physical infrastructure of a medical facility; instead, a lacking more organized social and institutional initiatives continue to harm mothers and infants.

This project allows for students to be able to use their knowledge in other subjects as well as be able to argue their point by using facts which will always be helpful. The objective of this project is for students to be able to figure out new perspectives historically through methods not used before by looking at literature at the time nd how food is being portrayed. Students after reading will then research their character that they were assigned and determine whether their interaction of food portrayed in the book is accurate. This is great for students to be able to practice multiple skills in one lesson as well as be able to use their skills in multiple subjects being taught.

I decided to tackle an Honors College project in order to put into perspective what life was like in my community for first generation immigrants, and I was able to analyze results from primary sources. My overall question was, "Does country of origin impact assimilation in first-first generation immigrants in my community?"