bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Keamanan dan Implementasi Secure Code Pada Pengembangan Keamanan Websitefikom-methodist.com Menggunakan Penetration Testing dan CVSS
Authors: Saragih Naikson , Zebua Theo
Published: September 2023

Keamanan website fikom-methodist.com adalah hal yang penting sebagai Portal aplikasi administrasi data  internal di Fakultas Ilmu Komputer Universitas Methodist Indonesia. Sayangnya fikom-methodist.com pernah diserang dan tercatat dalam rekam jejak pada Global Cyber Vandalism Mirror Database. Penelitian diawali dengan analisis tingkat resiko keamanan menggunakan CVSS. Berdasarkan hasil analisis dilanjutkan dengan pengujian  serangan meliputi SQL Injection, Cross Site Scripting, Broken Access Control, Unrestricted File Upload (Backdooring) serta defacing. Implementasi secure code dilakukan dengan upaya perbaikan coding untuk menambal celah yang ada.Tahapaan terakhir adalah mengukur ulang dengan cvss untuk melihat kembali tingkat kerentantan setelah secure code diterapkan.

Pengujian dengan CVSS didapatkan terdapat celah (Reflected XSS) dengan score 5.3 (Medium). Untuk celah BAC juga berhasil dilakukan dan dapat masuk kedalam Dashboard Admin tanpa perlu melalui autentikasi terlebih dahulu (Privilege Escalation) pada CVSS dengan score 9.3 (Critical). Celah Unrestricted File Upload, juga ditemukan dimana dapat dilakukan  upload shell backdoor berekstensi “.php” melalui form input pada Dashboard Admin.Nilai CVSS score 10.0 (Critical). Akses merubah konfigurasi file database dan masuk ke dalam database dapat dilakukan. Nilai CVSS untuk upaya defacement pada halaman utama “index.php”  bernilai score 10.0 (Critical). Implementasi  secure code pada framework Codeigniter menggunakan fungsi escape string dan query binding. Kemudian pada Cross Site Scripting, sistem dilengkapi dengan fungsi xss clean atau html special chars. Selanjutnya pada Broken Access Control, dengan memperbaiki session management. Lalu terakhir Unrestricted File Upload sistem telah dilengkapi dengan pengecekan ekstensi file. Melalui pengujian ulang celah keamanan yang ditemukan sudah berhasil ditutup dan  nilai  score CVSS untuk semua celah keamanan yang telah ditutup yaitu 0.0 (None).
Is Cloud Cover One of the Effects of Climate Change?
Authors: Crair Daniel , Peeples Kelsey , Banas Dr Suzanne
Published: September 2023

The research we conducted attempted to investigate the effects of cloud cover. Our research wanted to see if cloud cover acts as a shield to insolation, allowing less insolation to reach Earth’s surface, allowing the Earth to cool. We did this by investigating the relation of cloud cover and sun insolation. We hypothesized that insolation would reduce as the cloud cover increased, which we assessed by calculating insolation and cloud cover using data collected from a pyranometer and a time lapse camera, and then relating them with each other. Our data suggest that our hypothesis was correct. As cloud cover increased, the insolation decreased. It appeared that clouds block out insolation, meaning they might not be a cause of global warming.
The Effects of Micro-Algae Characteristics on the Bioremediation Rate of Deepwater Horizon Crude Oil
Authors: Cao Xiuqi , Xiong Ying , Lund Janelle
Published: September 2023

Crude oil spills have extensively harmed ecosystems. Current spill treatments are limited by high costs, hazardous by-products, and unsustainability. Algae crude oil bioremediation has been an obscure field in research. We sought to examine the potential of algae bioremediation as a treatment for crude oil spills. This study investigated whether different algal characteristics would influence the degradation rates of Deepwater Horizon crude oil. Eight algae were utilized: Aphanocapsa sp., Chlorella autotrophica, Coccochloris elabens, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Oscillatoria sp., Scenedesmus obliquus, Synechococcus elongatus, and Volvox aureus. Algal growth in heavy crude conditions was analyzed via spectrophotometry and computer image processing techniques. We hypothesized that motility, levels of chlorophyll a & b, and multicellularity would affect algae bioremediation rates. Test tubes containing algae and control test tubes that lacked algae, placed under fluorescent lighting, contained freshwater or seawater solution and the crude oil. Crude oil and water levels were recorded for fifteen days. The data was analyzed for correlations between the specific algal characteristics and degradation rates. Results revealed the algae degraded up to a significant 35% of the crude. Correlations between algal characteristics and bioremediation rates were not observed, so the hypotheses were unsupported. However, two important conclusions were deduced: algae can degrade “heavy” crude oil and they can thrive in high crude conditions, abilities that are necessary for bioremediation. From this study, we have demonstrated that properly-controlled algae are viable agents for crude oil bioremediation.
Investigating KNOX Gene Expression in Aquilegia Petal Spur Development
Authors: Hossain Imtiyaz , Levy Clara
Published: September 2023

Organ growth in many flowering plants progresses through two phases: cell proliferation and cell elongation. Recent work has indicated that class 1 KNOX genes regulate cell proliferation. These genes encode transcription factors that are largely responsible for a steady supply of undifferentiated stem cells. Moreover, KNOX gene expression is detectable in lateral organs of different plants such as compound leaves, suggesting a role in sculpting organ shape. The association of KNOX genes with stem cells suggests a role for these genes in the cell division phase of plant development. This suggests that a specific lateral organ, petal spurs, may be built in part using KNOX genes. Indeed, previous work has shown that KNOX gene over-expression in petals may cause spur-like outgrowths. In Aquilegia, a short proliferation phase gives rise to nascent spurs, which is followed by a cell elongation phase. We investigated KNOX gene expression and found by using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, that expression of KNOX genes was detectable, but not uniformly so, suggesting that there may be either a highly cell-specific expression of KNOX genes or extremely low expression in petal spurs. Future tests with micro dissected tissue samples may prove to be helpful but it can be concluded for now that KNOX genes are not highly or consistently expressed in Aquilegia petal spurs, and their role in this organ is an ongoing mystery.
Plasmid Variance and Nutrient Regulation of Bioluminescence Genes
Authors: Uhler Thomas , Lafferty Brittany
Published: September 2023

Bioluminescence, the natural production of light by living organisms, may one day compete with electrical lighting as a form of light production. The limited gene expression of bioluminescent proteins is one hindrance preventing the widespread application of bioluminescence. The purpose of this experiment is to increase expression of Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence genes, study the effects of increased expression, and examine the dependence of bioluminescence on nutrient concentration. Discovering the connection between nutrient dependency and light production with A. fischeri could open new possibilities to receive maximal bioluminescence. Expression of A. fischeri genes from a high copy plasmid is expected to increase the gene expression and bioluminescence of Escherichia coli. We hypothesize that because of an increase in the gene expression of the

A. fischeri lux operon, the production of bioluminescence should be more dependent on nutrients, which provide cofactors and substrates for the bioluminescence reaction. After transfer of the A. fischeri genomic fragment to the high copy plasmid, the bioluminescence of the host E. coli increased significantly. Furthermore, bacterial growth seen in E. coli containing the high copy plasmid decreased. A complex pattern of regulation was seen after exposing the bioluminescent E. coli to various nutrients. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the higher expression of bioluminescence genes, achieved with a plasmid with a higher copy number, did not render bioluminescent E. coli more dependent on nutrients for bioluminescence.
Comparing the Voltage Output of Water in Drop and Flow Form Using a Piezoelectric Sensor and Hydroelectric Turbine
Authors: Morrison Emma , Decker Antoinette
Published: September 2023

Due to the harmful effects of broadly used energy sources, alternative energy sources have been widely studied. One area of interest is transferring kinetic water energy in nature, as in that from water flowing or falling, into electrical output. This work address the question of whether more voltage would be created by (rain) drops hitting a piezoelectric surface or by that same volume of water flowing through a hydroelectric turbine. To test this question, we built an apparatus for the piezoelectric (drops) system and purchased a small hydroelectric turbine for the flow system. We then used the two systems to measure the amount of voltage generated by drops of water and compared the data produced by each apparatus to see which system produced the greatest amount of voltage. The results showed that, despite the change in the form of the water, the average voltage produced both by the drops hitting the piezoelectric sensor and by the flow running through the turbine was virtually the same. The drops created on average slightly more voltage than the flow (whose volume was converted to the same estimated volume of each singular drop for comparison) did. These data show that directly harnessing the kinetic energy found in falling raindrops is as viable an option for an alternative energy source as are hydroelectric turbines doing the same with the kinetic energy found in flowing water.
The Effect of the Stomatal Index on the Net Rate of Photosynthesis in the Leaves of Spinacia oleracea, Vinca minor, Rhododendron spp, Epipremnum aureum, and Hedera spp
Authors: Segev Rakia , Nannapaneni Renuka , Sindurakar Princy , Kim Helena , Read Hannah , Lijek Suzanne
Published: September 2023

Climate change, caused by global warming and an increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, poses significant challenges to plant life in a rapidly changing environment. To be able to survive in a changing environment, plants must learn to adapt (1). The stomatal indexes, or density of stomata relative to the epidermal cell count, of plants are inversely correlated to paleo-atmospheric CO2 concentration and present day CO2 concentration (2) as a species-specific adaptation resulting from not only genetics but also environmental pressures (3). In order to understand the effects that rising CO2 levels will have on the photosynthetic rate of plants in the coming decades we need to research how plants adapt through stomatal indexes to maximize photosynthesis. This study investigated the effect of the stomatal indexes of five different plant species on their derived net rate of photosynthesis. Leaf disks from the plant species were placed in a vacuum, so that bicarbonate solution would enter the disks and provide the carbon for photosynthesis. As photosynthesis proceeded, the leaf disks floated due to oxygen accumulation. The effective time for the disks to rise was used to derive the net rate of photosynthesis. We found a correlation (R2=0.5625) between the stomatal index and photosynthesis, and that a higher stomatal index correlates to a higher rate of photosynthesis in a non-water stressed environment. The results could be used to further study how environmental changes due to climate change influence the stomatal index and thereby the net rate of photosynthesis of plants.
The Effect of Delivery Method, Speaker Demographics, and Physical Environment on the Engagement Level of Older Adults
Authors: Seides Josh , Mitzner Tracy
Published: September 2023

With the rise of the older adult population worldwide and the rapid advancements in technology, it is becoming more important that senior citizens learn to use new technologies to remain active in society. To facilitate learning, technology-training programs should strive to capture and maintain a high level of engagement among older adults. In order to understand how to design effective technology-training programs, we examined the factors that affect the engagement of older adults as they learn to use technology. The first part of our study consisted of a survey that collected information about their preferences on various factors relating to learning engagement. Responders frequently indicated preferences for morning lessons in a familiar environment, often by teenage or older (over 50 years old) instructors, with a guided hands-on method. The second part of our study recorded the behavior of a group of older adults as they responded to different teaching delivery methods. The results indicated that an interactive lesson style was associated with a significantly higher level of engagement by participants. Older adults in interactive lessons asked more questions and retained course material at a higher rate than those subjected to video and written methods. In summary, these results suggest that many older adults prefer learning in the morning, in a familiar environment, by teenage or 50+ instructors, and with a guided hands-on method. Furthermore, an interactive learning method may increase engagement.
Comparing the Effect of Stent Geometry on Blood Flow Rate of Curved Coronary Artery Stenosis
Authors: Levy Ethan Z , Levy Yair
Published: September 2023

One of the world’s leading causes of death is Coronary Heart Disease (CHD); it has been implicated in about 12% of all deaths globally. Plaque accumulation within the heart’s arteries causes CHD and leads to fatal complications including heart attack and stroke. Currently, the treatment for moderate plaque levels in CHD is placing a stent to hold plaque back from interfering with the blood flow and to deliver preventative drug treatment. Stents are constructed from longitudinal segments called struts, commonly having 8, 10, or 12 struts. Stent struts can change the amount of surface area available for drug delivery and also affect the blood flow rate. Recently, to maximize surface area, researchers have considered stents having a square instead of round strut cross-section. While the new square cross-section provides more surface area, its shape does not appear to be as efficient for the blood flow rate. However, limited investigations have been done on the relationship between the number of struts and their cross-section geometry on the blood flow rate. In this study, we tested the effect of strut design on simulated blood flow rate in a designed artificial heart. The results of this study showed that the 12-strut round cross-section had a higher blood flow rate than the other stent geometries. More research is still needed to investigate additional stent geometries to ensure both the added surface for the restenosis-prevention drug and a maximum blood flow rate are achieved simultaneously.
Stride Frequency, Body Fat Percentage, and the Amount of Knee Flexion Affect the Race Time of Male Cross Country Runners
Authors: Mallavarapu Vineel , Finn Kevin
Published: September 2023

Cross country running is a popular sport, requiring high physical effort running on a course of hills and valleys (both uphill and downhill) for 5 kilometers (~3.1 miles) in a group of athletes all competing for the best time. In the area of sports science, both runners and coaches are interested in the characteristics of elite runners. What makes them so fast? In order to determine the attributes of elite runners and identify which physical attributes contributed to race performance, we invited male cross country runners participating in the Iowa high school 2013 state cross country meet to the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at the University of Northern Iowa to undergo testing. Variation in the runners’ attributes appeared to account for roughly 60% of performance differences, with stride frequency being the most important determinant of performance. We performed gait analysis on joint angles in an attempt to explain differences in stride frequency. The downhill running mechanics of each test subject were assessed by film analysis of running form in three distinct positions: flat, 5% decline, and 10% decline. This kinematic study showed that the degree of knee flexion was highly associated with stride frequency. Higher stride frequency in faster runners correlated with a greater knee flexion during the early and late stance stride positions. We hypothesize that greater knee flexion may limit deceleration between each step and provide force during the “push-off” phase of running, improving overall running performance.
The Effects of L-glutamate, L-glutamine, and L-aspartic Acid on the Amylase Production of E. coli Transformed With pAmylase
Authors: Liu Kevin S , Franckowiak Brittany
Published: September 2023

Amylase catalyzes the hydrolysis of dietary starch into oligosaccharides. In humans, amylase is produced by the pancreas and salivary glands and is important in food digestion. Human amylase also has broad applications for therapeutic use in patients with pancreatic insufficiency, necessitating an efficient process for amylase production. E. coli transfected with human amylase cDNA can be used to produce amylase to fulfill these pharmaceutical production needs. It was reported that the production of Thermus maltogenic amylase in E. coli is enhanced by adding L-glutamate and L-glutamine. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether the amino acids L-glutamate, L-glutamine, and L-aspartic acid could increase human amylase expression in E. coli. Based on their effect on the production of Thermus maltogenic amylase in E. coli, we hypothesized that L-glutamate and L-glutamine would increase human amylase production in E. coli, while L-aspartic acid would not. Bacteria with added L-glutamate produced 16-fold more amylase, according to Lugol’s iodine staining, and 52-fold more amylase according to Benedict’s solution. Bacteria with L-glutamine produced 6-fold more amylase, according to Lugol’s iodine staining, and 26-fold more amylase according to Benedict’s solution. These findings demonstrate L-glutamate and L-glutamine’s ability to increase amylase production by increasing the bacterial cell population. This may result from the effect of L-glutamate and L-glutamine’s nutritional properties, as well as their roles as precursors to amino acid synthesis. Our study presents preliminary results for the further development of a more productive way to produce amylase for the pharmaceutical industries.
The Effectiveness of Different Palate Relievers Against a Hot Chili Pepper Sauce
Authors: Avendao-Rodrguez Mnica , Jurez-Castro Mayumi , Rodrguez-Caspeta Dayana , Zavaleta-Vega Guadalupe , Cano-Ruiz Mara Elena
Published: September 2023

Mexican food is a combination of strong flavors, and of course, spicy ingredients (hot chili peppers). However, not everybody has developed a liking or resistance to hot chili peppers, hence a method for relief from the burning feeling they provoke is necessary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate which palate reliever worked best to mitigate the aftertaste hotness induced by capsaicin, the component responsible for the hot sensation in chili peppers. The hypothesis was that a substance capable of dissolving capsaicin (a nonpolar substance) would be the best palate reliever, making olive oil a prime candidate. Sensory tests were done using 12 untrained panelists with high, medium, and low resistance to hotness, a homemade hot chili pepper sauce, and five palate relievers. Palate relievers with different solubility properties, milk and ice cream (emulsions), olive oil (nonpolar substance), and water and a soft drink (polar substances), were used to alleviate the hotness sensation after trying the hot sauce. Regardless of the panelists’ tolerance towards the hot sauce (low, medium, or high), all rated milk and ice cream to be the best palate relievers and the soft drink to be the worst. The best palate reliever was an emulsion (milk or ice cream) and not olive oil, as was initially hypothesized.
Bird Feeding Experiment: Do Wild Birds Feed in a More Wooded or Exposed Area?
Authors: Westrich Josee , Garrity Alice
Published: September 2023

Two trial studies were performed in 2011 and 2012 to investigate the effects of habitat loss on birds by testing their food preference in wooded and exposed areas. Since research supported that habitat loss increased bird vulnerability, the hypothesis was that birds would preferentially feed in wooded areas as compared to exposed areas. A bird feeder was placed in each area over a course of one week for observation of the birds and measurement of the consumed food. On average, bird food consumption was found to be significantly higher in the wooded area than the exposed, showing that habitat loss plays a major role in dictating bird feeding habits as well as possibly their survival.
Fabrication of CuSbS2 Solar Cells by Sulfurization of Thermally Evaporated Metal Stacks
Authors: Abou-Dahech Mariam , Franzer Nicholas , Khanal Rajendra , Phillips Adam , Yan Yanfa
Published: September 2023

We report on the deposition of thin films of chalcostibite (CuSbS2) created by sulfurization of thermally evaporated metal stacks. We found by X-ray diffraction that thermally evaporated copper and antimony metal films, which were annealed for 1.5 hours at 400°C followed by rapid sulfurization at 400°C for 15 minutes, exhibit the CuSbS2 crystalline phase. The films have high optical absorption with a band gap of ~1.6 eV. Our CuSbS2- based thin film solar cells had low conversion efficiency, due to the formation of a layer of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and/or secondary phases at the molybdenum back contact layer–CuSbS2 interface. To negate this problem, we applied a layer of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) on the molybdenum back contact. This arrangement allowed for a better junction between the molybdenum and CuSbS2 layers. With the addition of SWCNT, our best cell under AM 1.5 illumination exhibited an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 321 mV, a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 3.76 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 27%, resulting in a conversion efficiency of 0.33%. This work shows that for effective solar devices, it is critical that device layers are electrically aligned to allow for better electron passage. In the case presented here, we increased the efficiency by creating a passageway for electrons through the device by eliminating the formation of MoS2. This can be achieved by inserting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that allow a better junction between the molybdenum and CuSbS2 layers. An alternative may include changing sulfur quantity, sulfurization time, or temperature.
Variation in Caffeine Concentration Among Different Weight Loss Supplements Containing Green Tea and Green Coffee Extracts
Authors: Zhang Lucy , Rydzewski Jan
Published: September 2023

Many dietary supplements have caffeine as an active ingredient. Because they are supplements, they are not required by the FDA to state the concentration of caffeine they contain. The purpose of this study was to find the actual amount of caffeine in various supplements, specifically those that include green tea and green coffee extract. We analyzed the dietary supplements, green coffee, and green tea by high-pressure liquid chromatography to compare the amounts of caffeine in each. We found that the amount of caffeine in all of the supplements tested was higher than the predicted value. This was expected as extracts should be more concentrated than their original substance. In addition, the supplements differed from each other in their caffeine content, with a range of 5.33 to 67.2 mg/serving in green coffee–based supplements and a range of 2.97 to 12.85 mg/serving in green tea–based supplements. An ANOVA test revealed significant differences between brands in most pairings and a t-test revealed significant differences between expected caffeine content and actual caffeine content found by HPLC. This supports our hypothesis that the resulting extracts from different preparation methods can vary significantly in caffeine levels. This variation may raise health and safety concerns as the ingredients list does not tell consumers how much caffeine they are ingesting.
The Effect of Common Cations on DNA Degradation
Authors: Larina Tatiana , Wang Muxin , Aglyamova Galina
Published: September 2023

The process of DNA degradation is important to many scientific studies. Heat treatment is the standard procedure used to degrade genetic material by heating DNA-containing media past the DNA melting temperature, but certain chemical alternatives have been explored. More specifically, the presence of cations, such as Mg²⁺, has been linked to increased stability of DNA molecules subjected to high temperatures. However, the possible effects of other ions have not been extensively studied; perhaps cations similar to magnesium may offer more versatile effects. This study examines the effects that NH₄⁺, Ni²⁺, and Li⁺ have on the heat degradation and melting temperature of DNA. Magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, nickel chloride, and lithium chloride solutions of different concentrations were mixed with DNA samples; the resulting mixture was heated and subsequently analyzed using gel electrophoresis. Treatment with NH₄⁺ did not yield effects that significantly differed from Mg²⁺, while Li⁺ proved effective at preserving DNA even at high temperatures. Treatment with Ni²⁺ resulted in marked degradation of DNA. These results show that magnesium, ammonium, and especially lithium ions can be used for the preservation of DNA. The specific effects of Li⁺ and Ni²⁺ on DNA are promising subjects for future research.
Phytoplankton Plastid Proteomics: Cracking Open Diatoms to Understand Plastid Biochemistry Under Iron Limitation
Authors: Nunn Skyler J , Chappell P Dreux , Gomes Kristofer , Bonderenko Anasthasia , Jenkins Bethany D , Nunn Brook L
Published: September 2023

Diatoms, such as Thalassiosira pseudonana, are important oceanic primary producers, as they sequester carbon dioxide (CO₂) out of the atmosphere, die, and precipitate to the ocean floor. In many areas of the world’s oceans, phytoplankton, such as diatoms, are limited in growth by the availability of iron (Fe). Fe is an essential nutrient for phytoplankton, as it is central in the electron transport chain component of photosynthesis. Through this study, we examined if Fe-limitation makes a significant difference in the proteins expressed within the chloroplast, the power source for diatoms. Here, we utilized a new plastid isolation technique specific to diatoms and completed 14 mass spectrometry experiments to determine how many proteins transit the plastid membrane, if there are any differences in the expressed proteomes within the plastid grown under Fe-replete and Fe-limited conditions, and what those differences are. Over 900 unique proteins were identified from the isolated plastids, and cluster analyses of the data verified that statistical differences are present between the Fe-replete and Fe-limited growth conditions. Furthermore, our plastid proteome is in agreement with many of the recognized proteins previously discovered in land plant plastids, suggesting the isolation method followed by proteomic mass spectrometry is valid and sensitive. Through the isolation and analysis of plastid proteins, as shown here, scientists can now better identify which nutrients and/or trace metals directly affect diatom photosynthetic capacity so they can design better experiments to increase CO₂ fixation rates.
Extroverts as Materialists: Correlating Personality Traits, Materialism, and Spending Behavior
Authors: Jackson Alexis E , Scott Jason
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the correlations between personality traits and adolescent materialism. It also measured the differences between the spending habits of materialists and non-materialists. A group of 48 high-school students completed a survey made up of three different components. The first measured how participants would spend a hypothetical $500 budget, the second measured their levels of materialism through the Youth Materialism Scale, and the final component measured their personality traits through the Big Five Inventory. A positive correlation was found between extroversion and materialism (r = 0.35, p = 0.0073), while no other traits correlated with materialism. This correlation is the opposite of other studies conducted with adults, where extroversion was negatively correlated with materialism. When comparing materialists and non- materialists, the main factor that influenced purchases was whether a person’s friends or peers purchased the item. This study also found that gender does not have an effect on levels of materialism. Lastly, more materialistic youth tended to spend more money on themselves versus non-materialists when given a hypothetical windfall of $500.
The Impact of Age on Post-Concussive Symptoms: A Comparative Study of Symptoms Related and Not Related to the Default Mode Network
Authors: Wurscher Krista , Schauer Amy ES
Published: September 2023

The Default Mode Network is a network of connected brain regions that are active when the brain is not focused on external tasks. Minor brain injuries, such as concussions, can affect this network and manifest symptoms. We measured the correlation between the symptoms people experienced after a concussion and their age at the time the concussion occurred. We hypothesized that some symptoms, including depression, anxiety, insomnia and other sleeping problems, have a higher correlation with age than other possible symptoms. Data were collected from 133 people who had experienced concussions, as well as data from 24 healthy controls. Investigation of healthy controls via regression analysis revealed no notable or significant patterns. In concussed individuals, the incidence of sleeping problems was not correlated with the maturity of the Default Mode Network; however, there was a higher percentage of people who had a concussion between the ages of 14–16 who experienced depression, anxiety, and insomnia, as compared to other age groups and symptoms. By comparing the regression analyses, we determined that the symptoms not related to the Default Mode Network were more linearly correlated with age than symptoms related to the Default Mode Network. This phenomenon is intriguing and deserving of further research.
Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Earth’s Magnetic Field Using Trace Gd3+ and Ho3+ Salts
Authors: Kozhumam Arthi S , Lumata Lloyd , Kiswandhi Andhika
Published: September 2023

Here, we report a study of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging at Earth’s field. In this study, we performed magnetic relaxation measurements of protons in water in the presence of the lanthanide ions Gd3+ and Ho3+ using the nuclear magnetic resonance technique. The results suggest that Gd3+ is a more effective T1 and T2 relaxation agent than Ho3+ and is therefore a better contrast agent. We then confirmed the relaxation phenomenon by performing a T1-weighted-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of samples containing water doped with Gd3+ at the Earth’s magnetic field. The T1-weighted imaging experimental result indicates that the intensity is the highest for the sample doped with the highest concentration of Gd3+ and lowest for the undoped sample. This work shows the feasibility of performing contrast-enhanced MRI in Earth’s magnetic field using relaxation agents such as lanthanide ions. In addition, this work also demonstrates that, although the Earth’s field MRI does not provide the strength and capability of a clinical MRI, it is still useful as a powerful demonstration tool, especially considering its low operating costs and portability.
Using DNA Barcodes to Evaluate Ecosystem Health in the SWRCMS Reserve
Authors: Horton Krystal , Kemmis Kim , Horton Michael , Perry Ryan , Reeves Nick
Published: September 2023

The Western Center Academy (WCA) Charter School and Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) are located on the Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve (SWRCMSR). Developed in 1992, the reserve is home to at least 8 sensitive bird, animal, and plant species. Although the reserve is protected against direct human influence, within a 100-mile circle of SWRCMSR live more than 21 million people with their indirect impact on the environment. Our goal was to determine if the reserve is protecting the species within by analyzing the genetics of those species to determine if there is a healthy amount of genetic diversity in the populations within. We collected insects at MSJC Menifee campus and in the SWRCMSR to evaluate how human impact affects the genetic diversity of insects. MSJC served as the site that was impacted by human activities and SWRCMSR served as the site that was not impacted by human activities. The School Malaise Trap Project (SMTP) selected 160 of our specimens, sequenced their genetic barcodes, and entered the data into the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) for analysis. Using the BOLD website and a Clustal Omega tool, we compared the genetic sequences in the insects we collected to measure genetic differences in the two populations of insects. The results from the two collections seem to show that the nature reserve insect population is a younger population with genetic changes possibly acquired by gene flow from immigration. The insect population at MSJC appears to be well developed, but isolated genetically.
A Novel Method for Assessment of Proprioception
Authors: Trevithick Alexander , Park Susan Y
Published: September 2023

Proprioception is the sense of the relative position of body parts and movement, as detected by mechanoreceptors located in muscles, joints, and fascia throughout the body. Various attempts have been made to quantify this sensory function. Furthermore, its impairment has been documented in humans with viral infection that specifically damages proprioceptive neurons of the central nervous system. To test the proprioceptive acuity of high school athletes, we sought to establish a quantitative assessment of proprioception. In this study, we hypothesized that varsity-level athletes would have a superior sense of body positioning and thus perform better than non-varsity athletes, irrespective of sport. A novel approach was developed that utilizes two motor tasks of shoulder-arm positioning: arm placement at defined clock-face positions and random radial arm movement on an x,y plane. Using these quantitative methods, we provide a ‘proprioceptive index’ for each athlete as a measure of sensory integration and motor output. Participants were grouped by participation in sports: soccer, hockey, basketball, or dance. We found a significant correlation between dancers and their ability to precisely reproduce motor movements.
Can Children Acquire Their Parents’ History of Fracture?
Authors: Boulis Michael , Boulis Mary , Cain Kacia
Published: September 2023

Bone fractures in children can have long-term impacts on their development. As an example, a fracture that is close to the growth plates of a limb can cause stunted growth and impaired function of that limb throughout a child’s life. While parental history of hip fracture is a well-established risk for fracture in the adult population, there is little data about whether parental history of fracture affects fracture risk in pediatric populations. We surveyed twelve middle and high school students to investigate this association. Fractures secondary to motor vehicle accidents were excluded from this study. Students with a history of fracture were significantly more likely to have a parental history of fracture. Moreover, students with a personal history of more than one fracture were more likely to have a greater number of parental fractures compared to students without a personal history of fractures. These findings suggest that a parental history of fracture is a risk factor for fracture in pediatric populations and that the association should be further investigated by larger-scale studies.
Examining Heat Recovery from Electric Light Bulbs Using Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Vangal Pratik , Svenson Pamela
Published: September 2023

In 2015, the US consumed about 400 billion kilowatt- hours (kWh) of electricity for lighting. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one third of the US energy consumption is wasted as heat. Light (solar) and vibration (piezoelectric) are common energy harvesting sources. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs), based on the Seebeck effect, have the capability to generate electricity from temperature differences. This study evaluates the feasibility of using TEGs by utilizing the thermal gradient of a household light bulb with ambient air as a viable source of energy. Initial results using TEGs with a Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulb shows up to 0.9 mW of harvestable energy. The experiments show that a better heat-sink enhanced setup can maximize the thermal gradient across both sides of the TEG, resulting in a ninefold increase in the energy efficiency to 8.3 mW. Finally, a 3D-printed TEG model, custom designed to fit conventional electric bulbs, demonstrates the promise of the proposed solution. Every bit of energy-recycling matters. The impact of using TEG-enabled light bulbs throughout millions of households will greatly benefit the lives of many by encouraging energy recycling and reducing the amount of fossil fuels being consumed.
Fall and Spring Honeys Are Equally Effective at Reducing Growth Numbers of E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis
Authors: Gilligan Liam , Arseneault Veronica , Pokuaa Yaa Konama , Mungai Kathleen , Wallace Stephanie , St Louis Katelyn , OKeefe Lauren , Santos Keroline , Patel Jahnvi , Patel Kruti , Patel Pooja , Gonzalez Kimberly
Published: September 2023

An anticipated lack of effective antibiotics available for treating bacterial diseases has led scientists toward researching alternative therapeutics, such as honey. The impact honey has on bacterial growth can be credited to its catalase activity, acidic pH, as well as the sugar and hydrogen peroxide content, but these attributes may vary depending on whether the honey was produced in the spring or the fall season. In this study, locally produced fall and spring honeys were tested to determine whether there was a significant difference in their abilities to limit or prevent bacterial growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. ANOVA analyses showed that the growth of all organisms was significantly decreased as the concentration of honey was increased, yet comparisons show there was no statistically significant difference between fall or spring honey in terms of their effectiveness in limiting bacterial growth.
Breaking the Ice: A Scientific Take on the Ice Melting Abilities of Household Salts
Authors: Sehgal Talen , Wright Christopher
Published: September 2023

Ice is formed in a very strict hexagonal pattern, causing it to be less dense than its liquid counterpart. Dissolved salt ions disrupt the formation of this crystal lattice structure, altering the equilibrium between water and ice. This property is crucial to road safety during winter conditions, when deicing salts are used to keep roads clear. In this study, we examined the melting abilities of several subtypes of salt, including calcium chloride, sodium citrate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride. These common household salts were chosen because they differ in their chemical properties, environmental impact, and physical properties – including ease of spread and cost. To quantify the effectiveness of a salt at disrupting ice structure, increasing concentrations were added to standardized ice blocks in a 4°C cold room and the volume of melt-water was recorded. The properties of freezing point depression and enthalpy of dissolution were used to form hypotheses about the chemistry of melting. Additionally, they were used to predict the melting ability of novel salt mixtures. We discovered that calcium chloride is the most effective disrupter of ice structure. This result is important because it identifies a specific salt that can be purchased for home use as the most effective melter during the winter.
Effect of Manuka Honey and Licorice Root Extract on the Growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Chandran Sanjana , Venkatachalam KV
Published: September 2023

Chronic bad breath (also known as “halitosis”) is very common in general population and nearly 50% of the general population have halitosis. Liquid mouthwashes such as Listerine®, and ACT®, mouth fresheners, and sugar-free gum are commonly used to alleviate bad breath, but these products are not portable, have many side effects, or only temporarily mask the problem. Hence, a lozenge made from natural ingredients would be an excellent alternative to reduce bad breath. We evaluated the effectiveness of natural ingredients such as Manuka Honey and Licorice root extract in reducing growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the main bacteria that cause bad breath. Solutions containing Manuka honey and/or licorice root extract, Listerine®, or ACT® were added to P. gingivalis cultures to assess their effect on bacterial growth. After 18 hours, the absorbance at 680nm of each solution was measured as an indicator of growth. We found that Manuka honey is almost as effective as Listerine® and ACT® in reducing P. gingivalis growth, while licorice root extract, had a very minor effect. Aliquots from the cultures that were inoculated on to brain heart infusion (BHI) plates showed similar trends on growth inhibition. These data suggest that a natural lozenge made from Manuka honey may be effective in reducing bad breath.
The Effect of Interactive Electronics Use on Psychological Well Being and Interpersonal Relationship Quality in Adults
Authors: Belkin Danya , OCarroll Megan
Published: September 2023

A significant body of research focuses on the adverse effects of the overuse of electronics on young children and adolescents. The objective of the current study was to examine in adults, the relationship between the usage level of interactive electronic devices (computers, smartphones, and digital tablets) and (i) level of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness; and (ii) quality of interpersonal relationships. Three measures of the level of interactive electronics usage were considered: Internet addiction Test (IAT) score, hours per day of work related use, and hours per day of non-work related use. In this study, 265 adult participants took an online survey that was used to determine values for psychological and interpersonal relationship scores, along with values for the three measures of the level of interactive electronics usage. The study results support the hypothesis that for the participant population, a higher IAT score is significantly correlated with a higher level of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, as well as with diminished relationship quality. By contrast, psychological well-being and relationship quality did not show a significant correlation with hours per day of either work related or non-work related use of interactive electronics. The study discussion addresses the implications of interactive electronics as a public health concern and suggests possible directions for further analyses.
Slowing the Mold Growth on Stored Corn: The Effects of Vinegar, Baker’s Yeast, and Yogurt on Corn Weight Loss
Authors: Frugis Laia Torrent , Williams Niamh , Ghosh Oishi , Reese Lori
Published: September 2023

There are many methods for preserving grain, most of them chemical. The application of chemical preservatives, such as strong acids or antifungal chemicals, has negative effects on farm storage facilities, animals, and humans. Biologically and environmentally friendly inhibitors can reduce the growth of harmful fungi and molds while also having nutritional benefits. In this study, three substances were used to study mold growth on corn kernels. Vinegar, baker’s yeast, and yogurt were applied to corn. Tap water was used as a control. Prior to adding these three substances the corn was steeped to reach a 30% moisture level and stored in Ziploc- plastic bags at room temperature (approximately 25C). Bags were weighed once a week and weight losses were recorded. Weight loss after four weeks was highest in the water treatment and lowest in the baker’s yeast treatment. Both the yogurt and baker’s yeast treatment were associated with more weight loss during the first week than the other two treatments, weight loss being a measure of mold growth. However, the baker’s yeast and yogurt treatments were associated with the least amount of weight loss during the last two weeks of incubation. Vinegar was very successful at preventing weight loss during the first week of incubation but the corn lost weight at a rate similar to that of the control during the following three weeks. In conclusion, biological treatments were as successful as chemical treatments in slowing down mold growth in corn after four weeks of incubation.
Monitoring Local Soil Toxicity by Daphnia magna Viability
Authors: Gautam Vinaik , Noblett Patricia
Published: September 2023

Daphnia magna, a freshwater crustacean, can be used to test for soil toxicity in viability bioassays. In the current study, we collected soil samples with various concentrations of toxins from six locations in the Greater Boston area, and measured the viability of D. magna after exposure over time. Samples were placed in petri dishes containing the same amount of soil and different volumes of spring water. D. magna in samples from the dumpster at the Sri Maha Lakshmi Temple and from Dennison Manufacturing Company died at an unusually high rate, possibly indicating the presence of higher concentrations of toxins relative to other locations. A linear regression analysis of our data suggested that the soil samples at the Sri Maha Lakshmi Temple and Dennison Manufacturing Company contained toxins inhibiting D. magna survival, resulting in an unusually high death rate.
Are Age and Sex Related to Emotion Recognition Ability in Children and Teenagers?
Authors: Gallego-Garcia Maria , Tenorio German , Gaytan Susana
Published: September 2023

Recognition of emotional facial expressions is considered a universal ability of human beings. However, despite the large body of literature on the subject, there are discrepancies in the results obtained by different authors about the influence of age and sex on the development of this ability. This inspired the following research question: Are age and sex related to the Emotional Facial Recognition (EFR) ability in children and teenagers? In this study, we investigated the recognition of three facial emotional expressions (i.e. happiness, anger, and sadness) in a population of Spanish children and teenagers. The study included 104 males and 106 females between the ages of 6 and 17 years. To assess the ability to recognize facial emotion, we used a questionnaire with images of different areas of the face (the eyes, the mouth, or the whole face) from models expressing a specific emotion. Our results suggest a subtle female advantage in emotional recognition as well as increasing emotional recognition ability with increasing age. These findings add to the extensive literature about the role of age and sex in EFR ability and suggest the importance of other factors, such as the types of emotion expressed or the areas of the face involved in the emotional expression, in the accuracy of the recognition.