The Brother Joseph W. Stander Symposium recognizes and celebrates academic excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. This annual event provides an opportunity for students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual and artistic accomplishments. The Stander Symposium represents the Marianist tradition of education through community and is the principal campus-wide event in which faculty and students actualize our mission to be a "community of learners."
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Taxation as a Consumption Behavior Modifier: An Experimental Economics Study
Nolan E Sroczynski
Consumers are presented with various prices depending on where we shop, and what good we are purchasing. For example, buying clothing at a local store has a list price and then a sales tax is added at the register, whereas buying gas already has the tax applied to the sticker price. As organizations and governments attempt to reduce some consumption behaviors, there is reason to understand how various taxation can effect the buying behavior of the consumer. This research creates a behavioral economics study to analyze such effects in a laboratory setting which will allow future research to use such methods instead of using natural settings such as a store.
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Teachers as Workers and Professionals: Merit Pay, Unions, and Student Achievement
Thomas J Belsterling, John P Herzog
Two factors that can affect teacher performance and student achievement are merit pay programs and teachers' representation by labor unions. The goal of this EDT 110H poster is to investigate the intersection of teachers' unions, merit pay, and student academic achievement.
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Temperature Sensor Network for Mission of Mary Cooperative
Surya Margaret Freeman
The objective of this project is to continue the work of a previously established environmental sensor network at the Mission of Mary local urban farm. This sensor network records ambient air temperature at the Lincoln Hills site, one of two Mission of Mary farms. I am recording and processing temperature data coming from the five sensors implemented at this location. The locations of the sensors range from within three vegetable beds with varying frost coverings, a suspended sensor at the ceiling of the greenhouse, and a mounted sensor with a weather shield on the roof of the greenhouse. Temperature data is relayed from the sensor network, through an open-source single-board computer called a Raspberry Pi, to a cloud server. This data is then available through a RESTful web service as an online query tool where the data can be exported as a .csv file. The data is then imported into the Datazar platform, a research collaboration platform that is being used on a trial basis for this project. As data is being relayed I am able to view and study the changing temperature data, which is then analyzed and presented to the Mission of Mary team. By comparing temperature data at the Lincoln Hill site to weather data from the Dayton International Airport, variables such as daily cloud coverage and precipitation can be more thoroughly understood as they relate to urban agriculture. The two main points of interest for temperature data are at midday and midnight where the temperatures will be the highest and lowest respectfully. Once this project is completed Mission of Mary staff will be able to better determine if frost blankets are beneficial for vegetation growth during the late winter to early spring growing season, and identify any changes needed to better overall agricultural productivity.
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Temporal Distribution of L-Dopa-Containing Proteins Involved in Oyster Shell Formation
Benjamin N Schmeusser
Marine bivalve organisms such as Crassostrea virginica (eastern oyster) produce structural proteins that are critical in adhesive strategies and shell biomineralization. The unique properties of these proteins derive from the amino acid composition. L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), which is a unique key amino acid in the cross-linking of these proteins, can be considered a biomarker for identification and localization of shell formation proteins. The focus of this research was to determine the distribution of L-dopa-containing proteins involved in the process of biomineralization in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Three organismal compartments were identified as sources of L-dopa protein pre-cursors: hemocytes, cell-free hemolymph, and mantle tissue. Hemolymph was harvested from the adductor muscle of notched oysters and hemocytes were subsequently collected via hemolymph centrifugation. Mantle tissue was collected from either side of the notch area, as well as the anterior portion. The product of repair, nascent shell deposited in the notch, was collected from the notch site at discrete time points post-notching. Amino acid composition was determined via anion exchange HPLC with pulsed amperometric detection. L-dopa concentration was related to the time since notching: we have preliminary information that indicated a higher level of L-dopa concentration in hemocytes 24-28 hours post notching and in hemolymph at 96 hours post notching, indicating an induction of resources for notch repair. L-dopa was found in higher levels in nascent repair shell and declined as the shell aged indicating protein cross-linking. These data support the premise that L-dopa-containing proteins are involved in oyster shell formation and that they are distributed among several components and products within the system.
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The additional cost of streaming sites: binge watching and associated mental health outcomes
Julia C Carroccio, Thomas R Lawler, Alexandra N Malsch, Chelsey N Parker, David A Rivetti
Binge watching has rapidly become a norm for the general public, with more than 80% of subscribers reporting binge watching at least once (Netflix, 2014; TiVo, 2015). The present study tested whether binge watching frequency and duration are associated with poor mental health. A primary interest was an examination of the relationship between the number of binges per week and depression and anxiety. Participants were recruited online via Mechanical Turk (N = 338) and given a number of different measures of psychosocial functioning, including the Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression (CES-D-10) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire. Binge watching was measured as frequency per week and length of binge activity. Analyses comparing individuals who binged once or twice a week to those who binged 3 or more times per week revealed a nonlinear relationship between binge frequency and mental health. Qualitative data about how viewers define binge watching was also examined and revealed that the majority of participants did not define binge watching with a negative connotation. The results of this study suggest that for most people, binge watching is likely just another way of consuming media; however, for some, binge watching may be a marker of poor emotional health. High levels of binge watching for those with high depression and anxiety could reflect an adaptive coping response, or act as a form of avoidance coping.
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The Case for ROE: A Fundamentals Based Portfolio Weighting Model for Healthcare Stocks
Chase R Dollar
Based on the studies of Eugene Fama, Cliff Asness, Robert Novy-Marx and others, profitability is considered a predictor of stock returns. In this study, using Return on Equity (ROE) as the measure of profitability, I develop a portfolio weighting model for stocks in the Healthcare sector (XLV). Assuming positive covariance between ROE and stock returns, I develop two concentrated portfolios of Healthcare stocks, one with 10 stocks and the other with 20 stocks. Portfolio weights are based on ROE i.e. with higher ROE stocks getting higher weights. Returns are calculated for each portfolio over the years 2011-2016 on both a buy and hold and rebalanced basis. The hypothesis to be tested is that the ROE weighted portfolios outperform the market cap weighted Healthcare sector portfolio (XLV) as well as the S&P500 index of stocks (SPY).
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The Catholic Vision of Family Love: The Second Vatican Council to Pope Francis
Joshua M Mueller
What does it mean to love someone in the eyes of the Catholic Church? What is a parent’s role to their children? What are some of the different “tasks” that a family is supposed to complete in the eyes of the Catholic Church? This project strives to answer these and other questions as they relate to the Catholic Church’s view on Family Love. This will be done through the use of Gaudium et Spes (1965, specifically looking at Marriage and the Family) as well as Saint Pope John Paul II’s Familiaris Consortio (1981) and Pope Francis’s Amoris Laetitia (2016). The project will not settle on one time period, but really three different ones as is evident by the texts listed. We will see what the council said at the outset as Vatican II closed. Then we move to Pope John Paul II’s time as pope and see how the roles and views may have changed. We will then conclude looking at modern day thoughts on Family Love with Pope Francis’ text.
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The computational analysis of the radial distribution function in a many body, Lennard Jones system
Gregg Legters
This work presents the development of a computational approach to evaluate the radial distribution function for a large ensemble of particles with Lennard-Jones interactions. Whereas the equilibrium distance between two Lennard-Jones bodies can be analytically determined, the analysis of the average interaction distance in a non-crystalline many-body system must be performed numerically. Furthermore, a distribution function for the particle density surrounding a particle gives a more detailed description of the structure of the medium than just the average distance. For this moving, stochastic, and finite temperature system of particles, a velocity verlet algorithm was implemented to simulate an ensemble of particles whose interactions are sufficiently described by the Lennard-Jones potential. Periodic boundary conditions were used, and an algorithm to sample the radial distribution function, g(r), was written. Both the time average and the evolution of g(r) are presented.
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The Culture of Equity: Globally & Nationally
Lindsey M Bronder, Abbey O Fresco, Ethan T Trapani
This presentation explores how factors such as single sex schooling, female menstruation cycles, and socioeconomic status are culturally dependent and can impact education nationally and globally.
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The Educational Journeys of Chinese Undergraduate Students Studying in Mathematics Programs at the University of Dayton
Yanhui Hou
This research was designed to examine various aspects of Chinese undergraduate students’ learning experiences while they are enrolled in Mathematics programs at the University of Dayton and discern how their experiences influence their learning and development. The findings can help faculty and administrators better understand Chinese students’ unique learning experiences at the institution, their level of satisfaction with what the faculty and institution have to provide and how they have delivered, and assist practitioners in Mathematics education in designing meaningful programs and making informed policy decisions. The data in this study were drawn from interviews with seven currently enrolled Chinese undergraduates in their sophomore, junior, and senior years at the University of Dayton. The findings indicate that students’ learning-related feedback is closely linked with faculty’s teaching methods, outside class assistance, and co-curricular related activities. Furthermore, independent study plays the most important role in the study of mathematics in college.
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The Effectiveness of a Personalized Peer Physical Education Program on the Health Related Physical Fitness, Diet, and Attitudes Toward Exercise/Diet of Selected College Students: Year VI
Kayla N Ayers, Harmeet S Bhatti, Regina L Brandewie, Jenna L Burdette, Jillian J Clark, Kathryn I Clarke, Madeline Marie Connaughton, Grace A Corrigan, George M DeMarco, Christine M Diluia, Anne M Dixon, Anna Catherine Flahive, Claire E Herdina, Devyn Shea Hickman, Tara Rose Kennedy, Meghan Cassady Nolan, Megan Marie O'Hara, Kristen M Perri, Jessica K Piechota, Emilie L Pollauf, Kathryn G Pudoka, Celsey L Royer, Sean A Scanlon, Sarah M Schockling, Shelby E Searcy, Ryan Thomas Smerke, Sierra N Speck, Megan M Stasiak, Ellison N Wenzinger
The purpose of this major course research project is to determine the effectiveness of a Personalized Peer Physical Education Program (PPPEP) on the cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength/endurance, flexibility, body composition (i.e., components of health related physical fitness, HRPF) diet, and attitudes toward exercise/diet of selected college age students (N=26). In the spirit of pioneering exercise physiologist and researcher T.K. Cureton, who believed that the “true laboratories in physical education [were] the pools, playfields, and gymnasiums . . . “, this study will be field based and conducted primarily at the University of Dayton RecPlex. During the 2017 spring semester, students in one section of an undergraduate research methods course offered in the university’s Department of Health and Sport science will exercise w/peers during ten (10) separate sessions. Team members will participate in five (5) sessions conducted during class time and five (5) sessions conducted outside of class. Two (2) additional sessions will be allocated for pre- and post-testing. All in exercise and testing sessions will be conducted at the University’s recreation fitness center RecPlex. Students will be divided into 5 separate research-fitness teams assigned to one of two (2) conferences utilizing different types of specialized exercises focusing on (a) muscular strength-endurance, (b) cardiovascular endurance, and (c) flexibility. Each team will design exercise programs according to protocol assigned to their conference inclusive of free weight, body-weight training, Dynaband Resistance Training, plyometrics, free play, medicine ball-martial arts training exercises, running/walking, aerobic dance, slow sustained static stretching, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). A quasi-experimental mixed-method research design (Ridenour & Newman, 2008) will be utilized. Quantitative measures will include estimates of percent body fat, the President's Challenge Adult Physical Fitness Test (PCPFN, 2016) and Borg Critical Rating (CR10, Borg, 1998). SuperTracker at ChooseMyPlate.gov (USDA, 2017) will be utilized to monitor students' caloric intake throughout the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be calculated via the use of SPSS v23. Directional and non-directional hypotheses will be tested at the .05 level of significance. Sources of qualitative data will include (a)interviews/questionnaires focusing on students' personal-family exercise-medical history and (b) fitness journals-nutritional logs. Qualitative data will be subject to content analysis via the theoretical/analytical framework of Symbolic Interactionism (Blumer, 1969). As/if revealed, emergent common perspectives, themes, and categories will be developed into Grounded Theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) describing students' health/exercise histories vis-a’-vis attitudes toward exercise and diet. Case histories will be constructed and all measures of pre- and posttest data will be compared to determine the effectiveness of the PPPEP on students' HRPF, diet, and attitudes toward exercise. It is (a) hypothesized that all quantitative measures of students’ HRPF and diet will improve as a result of participation in the PPPEP and, (b) theorized that students’ health/exercise histories/journal entries will reveal positive attitudes toward exercise in general and the PPPEP in specific.
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The Effect of Acetate on Listeria monocytogenes Pathogenesis
Nicole L Steinbicker
Affecting 1 in 6 Americans annually, foodborne illnesses range from mild gastroenteritis, to life- threatening conditions in high risk individuals with weakened immune systems. Those with chronic alcohol dependency fall in to the last category. Research on elucidating the mechanism of alcohol toxicity has focused on the intermediate of alcohol metabolism: acetaldehyde. However, it is not clear if acetate, the final product of alcohol metabolism, plays any role in individual susceptibility to foodborne infections. Therefore, my research project aims to determine the role of acetate in foodborne infections by using the Gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes as the model foodborne pathogen and establishing the effects of acetate on Listeria pathogenesis. Listeria pathogenesis was assayed by two different methods. First, the production of the toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) was determined in Listeria culture supernatant by hemolytic assays. Second, the ability of Listeria to cause infections was determined using a cell culture-based infection model. My results showed that the presence of acetate (50mM) significantly increased the anaerobic LLO production but not aerobic LLO production, suggesting that oxygen is critical in modulating the effect of acetate on Listeria. My preliminary results on cell culture infections showed that Listeria grown with acetate had an equal or slightly less infection rate in macrophages. I plan to expand the cell culture infection work in the following year to address the effect of acetate on cell susceptibility to Listeria infections using a human colonic epithelial cell line as another relevant cell types. Together, we will obtain a more comprehensive understanding on how acetate influence Listeria-host interactions. In the long run, we hope to contribute to the development of treatments for chronic alcohol dependency to lessen the financial and medical burden of alcoholism on individuals and on the society.
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The Effect of Depersonalization and Derealization Symptoms on Olfaction and Olfactory Hedonics
Rhiannon A Gibbs
Depersonalization and derealization symptoms affect sensation, perception, and emotion, and typically result in subjective experiences of unreality and affective numbing (Simeon, 2004). Abnormalities in the amygdala, which is known to be associated with emotional reactions such as anxiety and fear (LeDoux, 1993) have been observed in depersonalization and derealization and other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression (Sierra & Berrios, 1998). Olfactory deficits have been posited as a potential marker for psychiatric disorders, including depression (Atanasova, 2008). This may be due to the fact that within the brain, the olfactory system projects directly to the primary olfactory cortex, which includes the amygdala (Stockhorst & Pietrowsky, 2004). The relationship between depersonalization and derealization and olfactory function has yet to be examined. This study will investigate whether the presence of depersonalization and derealization symptoms is correlated with olfactory identification ability, odor threshold detection, and hedonic ratings of odors. It is hypothesized that: 1) odor identification ability will be negatively correlated with reported depersonalization and derealization symptoms; 2) odor detection threshold will be positively correlated with depersonalization and derealization symptoms; and 3) hedonic ratings of both pleasantness and unpleasantness of odors will be negatively correlated with depersonalization and derealization symptoms. Participants (N = 80) will be administered the Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification and threshold tests, rating scales of odor pleasantness and unpleasantness, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised, and the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale. Hypotheses will be analyzed using multiple regression analyses.
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The Effect of Motivation Factors on Group Performance
Kacie M Kinkade, Gabriella L Silone
Research suggests that people exert less effort when working in a group compared to working individually, and groups often have trouble coordinating their efforts (Emich, 2014). These effects are partially explained by transpersonal efficacy, an individual's confidence in another's ability to produce a specific outcome and which can motivate performance on a task (Emich, 2012). However, extant research has been limited to physical performance tasks, such as basketball. The present research investigates the effects of over-confidence and motivational factors on group performance within an academic sphere. In this study, groups of three to four participants will work together to complete logic puzzles. Prior to working on the puzzles, we will assess participants’ baseline motivation to perform well. The expectations about the difficulty of a performance task will be manipulated by telling some groups that the task will be easy and others that the task will difficult. The participants will then estimate how well they will perform on the puzzles, work on the puzzles as a group, and complete follow-up questions assessing motivation, effort, and individual and group performance. We hypothesize that groups led to believe that the puzzles are difficult will put in more effort, not perform as well, and be less confident in their correct answers than groups who are led to believe that the puzzles are easy (Merkle, 2009; Pelham, DeHart, & Carvallo, 2001), thus demonstrating under-confidence. However, we hypothesize that groups who are led to believe that the puzzles are easy will put in less effort, perform better, and be more confident in their correct answers than the groups led to believe that the puzzles are difficult, thus demonstrating over-confidence. We predict that both groups will complete the same amount of puzzles regardless of the informed difficulty of the questions, even though motivation and effort will vary.
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The Effects of Adolescent Housing Condition and Voluntary Exercise on Alcohol Intake and Stress Response in Male Long-Evans Rats
Caroline A Lynch
Can regular exercise during adolescence, combined with living in a social environment, lead to lower stress levels and alcohol intake later in life? The aim of this research is to combine the variables of adolescent housing condition and voluntary exercise in the form of wheel running to discover the impact on rats’ subsequent response to a stressor and alcohol intake/preferences. Since chronic stress has been discovered to be linked to the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in humans, this study attempts to model this phenomenon in rats while incorporating a behavioral intervention with the intention of reducing the effects of chronic stress on anxiety-like behavior and alcohol intake/preference. Gaining an understanding of how housing condition and exercise can play a role in subsequent alcohol intake and stress hormone levels will be beneficial to understanding the physiological effects of chronic stress, and may be useful for the advent of new pharmacotherapies for individuals with an alcohol use disorder.
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The Effects of Structural Modi cation of the Wing Helix Domain of PriA on Bacterial DNA
Erich N Auer
During a cell’s life it must copy itself or face death. For the cell to form a new copy it must replicate its DNA, this DNA is the blueprint for the essential components of the cell. The replication process does not always go to completion, which is necessary for the cell to survive, so there are mechanisms to keep the replication process running smoothly. In bacteria, PriA is used to restart replication after damage to the DNA. By looking at the structure of PriA we can start to determine how exactly it works with the damaged DNA to fix it and restart the replication process. Specifically looking at the portion of PriA that attaches to DNA we are attempting to determine why this method of attachment is beneficial to the entire replication process. This is done by modifying the structure of PriA and observing the changes in DNA repair.
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The History of Physical Education-Activity, Sport, and Related Disciplines: Stories for the Ages and Lessons from the Legends of Memorable Moments, Events, Trends, Tales, Phenomena, and Famous Women and Men: Their Teams and Times - From The University of Dayton to the Chicago Cubs: Year XI
Nicholas A Cheesman, Molly O Gearin, Astrid Margarita Jetter, Paul Nikolaus Karthan, Andrew M Kramer, Kelly A Mcguire, Colin M Mcmahon, Megan E Nemecek, Christopher J Papalia, John T Schlembach, Connor Patrick Stease, John A Thesing, Evan J Wypasek
The purpose of these studies was to describe and interpret major events, trends, phenomena, and the lives and times of significant individuals in the history of sport and physical education-activity throughout the millennia. At once interesting, inspirational, edifying, and enlightening, the stories told by the Teaching Assistants (N=13) and students (N= 58) of two (2) separate sections of the course HSS 275 - History of Physical Education/Activity and Sport – during the spring semester of 2017 speak powerfully to the transcendent nature of sport and physical activity across all generations, cultures, and topical interests. This year’s project titles include: 1. The History of the Departments of Health-Physical Education and Sport Science at UD: 1850-2016 2. The Tough and Triumphant Life and Times of Tom Blackburn 3. Sweetness and Sadness on the Gridiron - The Life and Times of Walter Payton 4. The Magic Moments and Controversial Calls of the 1975 World Series 5. Running With The Bulls: An Autoethnography of the Most Exciting Sporting Event in the World 6. History of the Chicago Cubs 7. The History of Technology in Umpiring 8. Pursuit to Be the Best: Who is the REAL Richard Sherman 9. The Curse of the Bambino is Broken - The Boston Red Sox and the 2004 World Series 10. Art and Anatomy in Sport and Physical Education 11. History and Success of the University of Dayton Women’s Volleyball Program 12. The History of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) In Football 13. Michael Phelps: The Legacy of the Greatest Swimmer of All-Time These original research projects utilized an array of primary and secondary sources, including interviews, personal narrative, documents, print media, photographs, artifacts, and vintage video to bring alive the past to teach anew life's lessons from the worlds of sport and physical activity to inform, inspire, enlighten, and edify participants in the 2017 Stander Symposium.
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The Hookup Culture and How it Effects Men At The University of Dayton
Jacklyn E Bertsch
This research will examine the effect that the hook up culture has on young men from the ages of 18 to 24 that attend college at the University of Dayton. The research aims to examine if men are similar to the literature provided about how young men act in the hookup culture. A recent study conducted by Elaine M Eshbaugh and Gary Gute, in 2010 shows that young women on college campuses regret hookups (pg. 78). In addition, Rachel Allison and Barbara J. Risman’s study revealed similar findings when they interviewed young college women. They state that there is a double standard between men and women when it comes to hookups (pg. 4). However, there seems to be little to no research about how men feel on the hookup culture and how it affects them. In this research project I will explore how young college men at University of Dayton view and experience the hook up culture. Do they engage in hook ups? Do they look at other men positively for being involved in the hook up culture? Do they view men in a negative way for being involved in the hook up culture? Most importantly, how do their personal views about relationships impact their willingness to engage in the hook up culture? Do they view their participation in a positive way? Do they view it in a negative way? Do they feel any type of peer pressure to participate in the hook up culture? Are they similar to women in their desire to have relationships instead of hookups? These are the questions I hope to explore in my research.
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The Impact of a Dynamic Environment on Deposition and Cellular Response to Silver Nanoparticles
Madison Frazier Bourbon, Robert Forrest Uhrig
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are utilized in many different applications, such as an antibacterial agents or as protective coating against ultraviolet light. However, these AgNPs are known to cause potentially harmful biological effects, including toxicity, induction of stress, and immune activation. In this study, the effects of AgNPs on a human lung cell model were examined within both a static and dynamic environment. Most NP-based research is carried out in static environments, but do not accurate reflect dynamic physiological conditions. Dynamic fluid movement was introduced to the cell culture through the use of a multi-channel peristaltic pump. To further characterize the influence of fluid movement, two different sized AgNPs were tested, 5 nm and 50 nm. The AgNPs were then introduced to the lung cells, under either static or dynamic conditions for a duration of 24-hours. Following this exposure, the cells underwent evaluation for NP deposition, cell viability, cell stress, and inflammatory responses. The results indicated that biological responses were dependent on the delivered NP dosage, which was substantially diminished in a dynamic environment. This work highlights the necessity of carrying out NP-evaluation studies in a cell system that more closely mimics a true physiological environment.
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The Impact of Volatility on S&P 500 Stock Market Returns: A Closer Look at the Bloomberg Propagation Model
Daniel Robert Caponi
In recent years the stock market has experienced wide swings in market value much more frequently. Taking the Dow Jones Index as an example, it is not uncommon to see daily swings of 200 points or more in the DOW Index. In this study I examine the impact of volatility on stock returns. Using the Bloomberg Propagation Model I determine which stocks by market sector are less sensitive to market volatility. I take the top 5 stocks in each sector and develop a “Volatility Dampening Portfolio” (V). Using two weighting strategies, market value and expected return, I develop a 50 stock portfolio and determine its performance over the period 2010-2016. I test the hypothesis that V outperforms the market in highly volatile market periods.
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The Influence of Structured Yoga Classes versus Individual Exercise Routines on Flexibility
Madeline Marie Connaughton, Christine M Diluia, Alyssa M Marchiando, Megan E Nemecek
The purpose of this project was to determine if participation in three weeks of structured yoga class will reflect a greater increase in flexibility compared to individuals that exercise regularly, but do not participate in a structured yoga class. All participants signed an Invitation to Participate document acknowledging their willingness to volunteer. Data was collected on N = 20 University of Dayton female students; 10 of which participated in a structured yoga classes at the RecPlex, and 10 of which perform other forms of exercise besides yoga, and utilize their own stretching routine. For pre- and post- test sessions, participants were guided through a brief dynamic warm up before performing the flexibility-based assessments. The following measurements were collected and recorded during both pre- and post- test sessions: age, height, weight, leg length, torso length, arm length, YMCA sit-and-reach, and a standing toe touch test. Data was analyzed using SPSS, and result and conclusions will be presented via poster session at the Stander Symposium.
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The Influence of Summer Bridge Programs on Student Social Development
Tyrone L Spencer Ii
Transitioning to college can be tough. Students must adjust to new routines, environments, and academics. However, one of the most important aspects of the college transition is the adjustment to the social issues and development that occurs on college campuses. While many students transition through their own stages of social development and process social issues differently, this process can be difficult for students of diverse backgrounds at predominantly white institutions. These students may have to process racism and discrimination from a multitude of systems at their university. This is where transition bridge programs can be effective. These programs can assist students’ social development in creating a dialogue with other students who may understand racism or discrimination. However, bridge programs have shown that while academics are improved, social development is often left behind. Through personal interviews, I received insight from students about their summer bridge experience. Some students stated that they would like to see more of an emphasis on social development, while others stated that their bridge program did adequately prepare them socially. The findings indicate that how students are prepared socially through bridge programs is dependent on the individual student’s experience.
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The Influence of Women's Self-Esteem on Mating Decision Making Across the Menstrual Cycle
Kathleen Dolores Golterman
The proposed study seeks to determine if self-esteem has an influence on the decision- making process of choosing a mate. When women are ovulating, they are more attracted to men who are physically attractive and have strong genes in an effort to ensure reproductive success (i.e., a strong, healthy offspring). However, these men are typically unwilling to commit to any one woman and lack the desire for a committed relationship. However, recent research finds that when women are ovulating, they erroneously perceive attractive, genetically strong men as more willing to commit to them as long-term partners (Durante, Griskevicius, Simpson, Cantu, & Li, 2012). The proposed study extends this research by examining the role of women’s self- esteem in mating decisions. Women with high self-esteem may be more likely to perceive attractive, genetically strong men as more willing to be in a committed relationship, whereas women with low self-esteem might have more accurate appraisals of his commitment level.
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The Linkage Between Vaccinations and Autism Portrayed Through Mass Media
Alexandria G Aytay
The world is much different today than it was 20 years ago. Since the technology boom, media has been running through people’s phones every day. A massive downfall that has come to light over the past few years is the controversy linking autism to vaccines. We see it on the news and we read it online and we wonder the accuracy of it all. The purpose of this project is to examine this fable and look at the vaccination coverage that has been lurking through the media and how people have received the wrong idea. In doing this, I have taken an online class from Poynter NewsU on plagiarism and fabrication which I will put to use while researching this topic as well as looking through my own personal research paper. Poytner Institute is well-known and respected in the field of mass communication. I have also interviewed Dayton’s own Dr. Teresa Thompson. Dr. Thompson has not only edited multiple resources to conclude that the linkage between autism and vaccinations is fabricated but she also has personal experience with the negative consequences of not vaccinating children at an early age. I plan on furthering my research through academic articles and news sites to see which station “got it right”. This topic is very important to academia and the mass communication field because this is what mass communication does in the wrong hands. Through a fabricated article, people began to not vaccinate their children in fear that doing so will cause autism. Now, many people are affected and not vaccinated.
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The modification of a pleiotropic cis-regulatory element shaped the contribution of Ddc to a novel dimorphic pigmentation trait.
Lauren N Gresham, Sumant Grover, Victoria Rene Spradling
Understanding the genetic and molecular underpinnings for morphological diversity remains a central goal of evolutionary and developmental biology research. While it is now understood that these traits arise by the orchestrated expression of numerous genes, a so called gene regulatory network, what remains poorly understood is how these networks of genes and their expression patterns are initially assembled and subsequently diversify. Gene expression is controlled by DNA sequences that are often referred to as cis-regulatory elements (CREs). Each CRE possesses binding sites for transcription factor proteins whose cumulative binding results in a specific pattern of gene expression. It is anticipated that gene expression evolution frequently occurs through the formation, modification, and destruction of CREs, presumably through changes that create or remove binding sites for transcription factor proteins. However the binding site level of CRE evolution has been worked out in very few cases. The fruit fly species Drosophila melanogaster has a male-specific pattern of abdominal pigmentation for which the enzyme encoding genes and several of their upstream transcription factor regulators are known. However, the details of how these regulators interact with CREs remain largely uncharacterized. One such enzyme gene that is necessary for this species’ pattern of pigmentation is Dopa decaboxylase (Ddc). Here we share the results of our efforts to uncover the CRE-basis for this gene’s expression pattern, and how this regulation and pattern of expression has evolved during the origin and diversification of this male-specific trait. Success here will advance a leading model for the CRE and gene network basis for morphological diversity.
