bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcoming The Uncanny Valley Through Shared Stressful Experience with a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Bing Robert , Michael John
Published: September 2023

Previous research has shown that people sometimes feel uncomfortable in the presence of objects that appear almost, but not quite, human-like. This phenomenon, known as the Uncanny Valley effect, may present an impediment to the widespread acceptance of humanoid robots in everyday life, e.g. as school teachers, nurses, nannies, or clerks. It is therefore important for the field of human-robot interaction to identify ways in which the Uncanny Valley effect can be overcome. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that sharing a stressful experience with a robot may serve to establish rapport with that specific robot, leading to a boost in people’s willingness to interact with the robot. To this end, we conducted an experiment in which participants underwent a pleasant experience with one virtual agent and a mildly stressful experience with a second virtual agent (the Induction Phase). Next (the Test Phase), they carried out a new series of tasks, before each of which they selected one virtual agent (either one of the two familiar agents or one of two unfamiliar agents) to be their partner for that task. The results indicate that participants chose to partner with the virtual agent with whom they had shared the stressful experience more often than the virtual agent with whom they had shared the pleasant experience, and more often than either of the other two agents. This finding, as well as the results of questionnaires that were administered at the end of the experiment, support the hypothesis that shared stressful experiences help overcome the Uncanny Valley effect.
The Role of Race in the Stereotyping of a Speaker’s Accent as Native or Non-native
Authors: Bhuvanagiri Deepa , Grahlherr Anna , Beardsell Pamela , Chittoor Jaishree , Rubin Donald
Published: September 2023

An accent is a distinctive way a language is pronounced in a nation, community, or social class. Everyone has an accent, and we acquire our accents from listening to the people around us. Non-Caucasian children born in the United States most often speak English with a standard American accent, but they are often perceived to speak with a non-native accent. Three studies were done over three years to understand this behavior. In the first study, we hypothesized that the speaker’s race would play a role in the perception of the speaker’s accent. We found that the race of the speaker alone influenced the perception of the speaker’s accent as native or non-native, with native representing the standard American accent. In the second study, we hypothesized that listeners’ exposure to a linguistically diverse environment would help prevent the formation of stereotypes. The results from the second study showed that exposure to a multicultural environment reduced listeners’ stereotyping of a speaker’s accent based on the attributed race of the speaker, and this was independent of the race of the listener. Lastly, the third study explored the effectiveness of a brief intervention program that directly educated participants about speech stereotyping. We hypothesized that children would be more receptive to the educational program on stereotypes than adults. Our study showed that adults were receptive to education on stereotypes; however, the study on children’s receptiveness to education on stereotypes was inconclusive.
The Effect of Neem on Common Nosocomial Infection-Causing Organisms
Authors: Shah Manav , Ereddia Danielle , Shah Jyoti , Reese Nanette
Published: September 2023

Nosocomial infections are a major source of morbidity and mortality, affecting more than 2 million patients annually in the United States. Furthermore, the hospital environment supporting the acquisition of resistance to antibiotic agents by pathogens, complicates the treatment of infections due to drug-resistance of these pathogens. Ethnopharmacological reports support the use of neem (Azadirachta indica) against bacterial and fungal infections such as typhoid, yeast infection, and periodontitis. However, there is a lack of research about the effect of neem specifically on nosocomial organisms. We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from neem leaves and neem oil on the growth of several human pathogens which are known to cause hospital-acquired, or nosocomial, infections, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Neem extract in distilled water showed the strongest average inhibition across all microorganisms except S. aureus. Activity of neem extract in 95% ethanol was comparable to that of 10% bleach. Under the conditions of this study, we concluded that neem leaf extract has a significant antimicrobial effect against nosocomial organisms, supporting its use as an alternative or combination treatment for hospital-acquired infections.
Synergistic Effects of Metformin and Captopril on C. elegans
Authors: Kadolu Ulu , Ouzalp Belgin
Published: September 2023

There are over 400 million patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and over 1 billion suffering from hypertension. Pharmaceuticals commonly used by these patients include Metformin for type 2 diabetes and Captopril for hypertension. Considering that the two diseases are interrelated, and can both be seen in an individual, Metformin and Captopril take part in combination therapies for many people. However, the synergistic effects of these active ingredients have not been previously documented. This study examines the effects of Metformin and Captopril using model organisms called Caenorhabditis elegans nematode worms. Concentrations of Metformin were 25mM, 50mM and 100mM, while those of Captopril were 2mM, 4mM, 6mM and 20mM. The combination group contained Metformin and Captopril synchronised as 25mM-2mM, 50mM-4mM, and 100mM-6mM, respectively. The independent variable is the concentration of active ingredients, whereas the dependent variable is the change in body length of C. elegans nematodes. The experiment involved the picking of the worms from the containing petri dishes under a stereomicroscope and measuring their body lengths with the software of a digital microscope. The results showed up to 25% decrease in average body lengths of the worms exposed to Metformin solely. Captopril caused 5% decrease in average body length of the worms. When Metformin and Captopril were combined, an increase of up to 11% in average body length was recorded. C. elegans body size is regulated by the TGF-β signal pathway, and the possible outcomes of the manipulation of body length by Metformin and Captopril are further discussed.
Astragalus membranaceus Root Concentration and Exposure Time: Role in Heat Stress Diminution in C. elegans
Authors: Chen Caroline , McCalla Serena
Published: September 2023

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) root modulates polyglutamine aggregation in adult C. elegans via the DAF-16/IIS pathway. The effects of AM root on stress response in larval C. elegans through the HSF-1/IIS pathway are unknown. Herein, this study aims to elucidate AM root effects on heat-induced paralysis of first larval stage (L1) C. elegans during short-term and long-term heat shock. Wild-type (N2) C. elegans (n=100 per plate) were synchronized to the L1 stage to eliminate age-based variability, exposed to 0 mg/mL (control) or 2 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL, or 8 mg/mL AM root extract (experimental), and heat shocked at 37°C for either ten or twenty minutes. A harsh touch sensitivity assay was performed, and C. elegans responses were recorded. Paralysis rate after ten-minute heat shock decreased as AM root extract concentration increased, indicating that AM root may enhance HSF-1 activity in L1 C. elegans after short-term stress. Unexpectedly, longer periods of heat shock resulted in a lower percentage of worms becoming paralyzed in the control condition, possibly due to habituation to stress. Exposure to low concentrations of AM root extract promoted paralysis during long-term stress (p<0.05), possibly due to AM root interference in the habituation of C. elegans. Further investigations will be necessary to explore the role of AM root in C. elegans habituation and in other laboratory organisms. Deeper insight into molecular pathways altered by AM root during stress responses will not only help to elucidate such pathways in C. elegans, but will also have implications in the modulation of stress-response pathways in humans.
Cytokine Treatment for Myocarditis May Directly Impact Cardiomyocytes Negatively
Authors: Kasner Jacob , Joykutty Leya
Published: September 2023

The purpose of our study was to determine if direct administration of CXCL1/KC to cardiomyocytes causes negative changes to cell density or proliferation. This molecule has been shown to reduce inflammation in certain instances. Homocysteine models the direct effect of an inflammatory agent on cardiomyocytes. Our question was whether these molecules directly impact cell density through an interaction with the cell proliferation process. We hypothesized that cells treated with CXCL1/KC would maintain the same cell density as untreated cells. In contrast, cells treated with Homocysteine or both Homocysteine and CXCL1/KC, were expected to have a higher cell density that than that of untreated cells. To test these hypotheses, HL-1 cardiomyocytes were cultured and treated in chambers on a glass slide. DAPI staining, which allows individual nuclei to be counted, was viewed under fluorescence and pictures were analyzed using Image J. Our hypotheses were rejected because there was a significant difference between the Homocysteine group and both the Homocysteine+CXCL1/KC and CXCL1/KC groups. This was extended to signify that the cell density of the CXCL1/KC and Homocysteine+CXCL1/KC groups was decreased cell proliferation had been reduced. The difference between the CXCL1/KC and Homocysteine groups likely indicates effects possessed by each treatment. Comparing results from the Homocysteine+CXCL1/KC treatment to the Homocysteine treatment, Homocysteine treatment increased cell density enough so that the decreased proliferation which may have been caused by the CXCL1/KC was significant compared to the Homocysteine sample. Future studies could examine additional applicable models such as mouse heart tissue or a living mouse.
The Cohesiveness of the Oscillating Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction
Authors: Gottlieb Olivia
Published: September 2023

The Oscillating Belousov-Zhabotinsky (B-Z) Reaction is a chemical reaction initially studied by Russian military officer Belousov. Oscillating reactions are characterized by a change in ion concentration overtime, a perpetual back and forth flow between two contrasting solutions. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed to underlie the B-Z reaction. The model known as the Oregonator provides a simplified mechanism to reach the oscillating state. In order to interrogate the mechanisms that enable the B-Z reaction, we performed an experiment using the Oregonator. The data was collected from the reaction at four different temperatures, 10, 22, 37, and 50°C. A Markovian Analysis was used to interpret the 300 pieces of data that were collected. The change in conductivity was measured in between each sample and the calculations were imputed into a square matrix. When the matrix was squared in each trial, we found that there were two transition states between the original and steady matrices, representing the intermediate reactions between the oscillations. These findings were unique because the transition matrices have never been analyzed using change in conductivity and Markovian sequencing. From the steady matrix at each temperature, the probability of “hopping” between different changes in conductivity was determined in the long-term analysis of the oscillations. These values were also compared to determine temperature’s effect on the cohesiveness of the oscillating B-Z reaction. The findings of this study are important to consider when applying the reaction into polymer gels, which mimic the pulsing motions of organs in the circulatory system. Understanding the oscillations of the B-Z reaction can help researchers better understand the movements of the polymer gel overtime.
Emotional and Psychological Effect of Music on People
Authors: Nolt Alyssa , Elwonger Justin
Published: September 2023

Many of us enjoy music. We listen to it while we study, practice, run, or just while relaxing. However, we may not realize the impact of the music on us, both physically and emotionally. I hypothesize that sedative music will calm and relax, exciting music will bring excitement, and neutral music will bring emotional equilibrium. I also hypothesize that the heart rates of subjects will match the tempo of the song they are listening to. A survey that asked questions about the subject’s emotional state and heart rate was conducted before and after the subjects listened to sedative, exciting, and neutral music. The types of music were chosen because of their predicted effects and because of their differences in tempo. Some of the results were surprising concerning heart rate, while the emotional states aligned better with the hypothesis. For heart rate when listening to sedative music, the heart rates were very similar between subjects. When listening to exciting and neutral music, the heart rates were closer to half of the tempo of the music. Understanding the impacts of music on human beings allows us to use music for the greater good. One example of this could be through the use of music therapy to help everyone but specifically those that are emotionally unstable.
Impact of daf-25 and daf-11 Mutations on Olfactory Function in C. elegans
Authors: Gardner Jason , Bhamani Saman , Edwards Kendyl , Ereddia Danielle
Published: September 2023

A plethora of life-threatening diseases found within humans are thought to result from malformed cilia. The genetic origins of such malformations can be analyzed by testing genes within C. elegans that are similar to human cilial genes. In C. elegans, chemotaxis and movement toward food are enabled by cilia. Wild-type C. elegans were expected to gravitate towards butanone, 2,3-pentanedione, and diacetyl, due to their association with to food, but were expected to move away from 2-nonanone. Chemotaxis assays were used to determine whether mutations in the cilia of two additional strains of nematodes (daf-11 and daf-25 mutant C. elegans) would alter the chemotaxis indices for these four odorants. Each of the three strains of C. elegans were placed on plates with sodium azide and one of the four odorants on either side. Both mutant strains were expected to display difficulty in making an association between the odorants and food due to their malformed cilia; however, we hypothesized that the daf-25 mutants would be less effective at chemotaxis than the daf-11 mutants. Our findings partially support this hypothesis. The wild-type C. elegans sensed and moved towards the odorants as expected more so than both of the mutant worms, and generally the daf-11 mutant nematodes appeared to sense and move towards stimulants better than the daf-25 mutants. There was no statistically significant difference between the senses of the two mutant strains while in the presence of this odorant.
Investigating the Role of Biotic Factors in Host Responses to Rhizobia in the System Medicago truncatula
Authors: Rathod Akash , Rowe Shawna L
Published: September 2023

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as the legume mutualist rhizobia, convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is usable by living organisms. Leguminous plants, like the model species Medicago truncatula, directly benefit from this process by forming a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia. Rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen to a bioavailable form for the plant and are supplied with photosynthetically fixed carbon in return. Host plants have the ability to dynamically respond to various biotic factors in their respective environments. In the context of rhizobial associations, hosts have the ability to regulate resources based on the bacteria’s nitrogen fixing abilities as well as external factors such as drought and salinity. We investigated how M. truncatula responds to nonrhizobial bacterial partners by measuring the growth of the plant, nodulation on the roots, rhizobial fitness, and nutrient allocation to ineffective rhizobial partners within the nodules. We found that Burkholderia spp. inhibited the growth of the nitrogen fixing bacteria Ensifer meliloti, Rm 1021. Even though Burkholderia inhibited rhizobia growth, M. truncatula showed the increased growth when inoculated with Burkholderia and Rm 1021. These data suggest that there may be a tripartite interaction among Burkholderia, Rm 1021, and M. truncatula.
The Development of a Highly Sensitive Home Diagnosis Kit for Group A Streptococcus Bacteria (GAS)
Authors: Mai Michelle , Wang Liqin
Published: September 2023

Strep throat is a bacterial infection contracted by millions of people every year. Due to its similarity in symptoms to viral infections, a rapid diagnostic test to distinguish Group A Streptococcus bacteria (Strep A) from a viral infection is necessary for proper treatment. Any delay in treatment may cause secondary infections in the patients’ sinus and/or kidneys. Current Strep A diagnosis methods, including bacteria culture and the rapid antigen detection test (RADT), are not as sensitive as molecular detection. Molecular detection is the ultimate tool for bacterial DNA detection, but often needs to be performed in a hospital laboratory. In this study, molecular technologies were incorporated into a home-based DNA detection assay to replace current bacterial detection methods. The molecular assay consists of three parts: DNA extraction on Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) filter paper for Micro Extraction Technology (MET), isothermal DNA amplification using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), and bacterial detection through a lateral flow strip. We hypothesized that the rapid molecular assay possesses higher sensitivity in comparison to current detection methods. Controlled initial experiments showed that the molecular assay is 100-fold more sensitive than RADT, and has a low detection limit. Negative results using similar microorganisms, and the absence of cross reactivity support the specificity of the assay. Lastly, identical inter-run results suggest the assay has good reproducibility. Overall, this initial experiment provides potential for home molecular testing on Strep A patients. Further studies on the use of this assay on patients with Strep A infections will require clinical trials.
Developing a Portable, Reusable, and Inexpensive Magnesium-Air Fuel Cell
Authors: Tota Kaushik , Ismail Youssef
Published: September 2023

Global warming is becoming an increasingly bigger problem, and it is important that we work to find alternative sources of electricity. The goal of this project was to determine what metal is best for use in a portable and reusable metal-air fuel cell. The three metals tested for use in a metal-air fuel cell were aluminum, zinc, and magnesium. These metals were selected due to their high theoretical voltage, faradic capacity, and widespread usage as sacrificial anodes in the naval shipbuilding industry. We created a design for a portable and reusable fuel cell frame in Google Sketchup and then 3D-printed. For each of the three types of metal, we tested the fuel cell three times over a total span of six hours. Every hour, we recorded the voltage and current produced by the fuel cell. After the three trials, we averaged the data at every measurement point. Our data shows that magnesium produced the greatest voltage and current. On average, magnesium produced 197% more voltage and 740% more current than zinc. Additionally, magnesium produced a voltage 280% greater and a current 1593% greater than aluminum during the six hours of testing. This project indicates that magnesium produces the greatest voltage and current in a metal-air fuel cell, as well as the viability of magnesium-air fuel cells. Due to their long shelf life and self-sufficiency, they can be used by emergency response teams and in developing areas.
The Parent-Child Relationship During the College Planning Process
Authors: Vanden Kelly A , Waterman Emily A , Small Meg L
Published: September 2023

With the dramatic increase in competitiveness in college admissions evident by falling acceptance rates over time, the college planning process has become of great importance to high school students and their parents. As a result, high schools are redesigning their college counseling programs to better serve their students in this increasingly competitive environment. However, college counseling programs are just one piece of the puzzle. The parent-child relationship during the college planning process also plays an important role in achieving a successful outcome. This study presents results from a survey in which high school students answered questions in the form of messages to their parents during the college planning process. We surveyed 138 high school juniors from two private schools that differ in contextual factors (e.g., a private boarding school versus a private non-boarding parochial school). We applied the Grounded Theory coding method to code open-ended survey responses into common themes that were used to test three hypotheses regarding school-specific contextual factors and the frequency of common themes in student messages to their parents. One key result from our analysis is that students at private boarding schools are likely to express greater fear of parental control and disappointment than students at private non-boarding parochial schools. We also found that students at schools with less extensive college planning programs express greater need for parental help in the college planning process. These findings provide evidence that contextual factors are important in the college planning process and could be useful to the design of college planning programs at high schools.
Determining the Contribution of Osmotic Stress to the Antibacterial Properties of Honey
Authors: Abdel-Azim Ahmad G , Abdel-Azim Salma G , Abdel-Azim Gamal A
Published: September 2023

Researchers have repeatedly shown that honey possesses distinctive antimicrobial properties; however, there is uncertainty over which compounds in honey are responsible for these properties. In this research study, we sought to quantify the role of osmotic stress in honey and determine the efficacy of two types of honey: Manuka and raw pasture honey. Bacteria were sequentially cultured in sublethal concentrations of Manuka and raw pasture honey for five days. The role of osmotic stress as a contributor to the antibacterial properties of Manuka and raw pasture honey was quantified in the first culture and over five serial cultures. The growth levels of bacteria in honey were compared to growth levels in glucose, an osmotic control, to quantify the role of osmotic stress in the two types of honey. The results of this study indicate that in the first culture, the antibacterial impacts of Manuka and raw pasture honey were primarily attributable to osmotic stress. However, over five days of sequential transfers, both raw pasture honey and Manuka honey showed significant antibacterial properties beyond osmotic strength. It was established that the antibacterial properties of honey cannot be investigated based solely on the first culture. Serial transfers over several days should be employed to investigate the efficacy of honey as an antibacterial substance.
Glyphosate Levels in American Food Products Meet Government Safety Levels Yet Exceed Concentrations Associated with Negative Effects
Authors: Lee Alexandra , Jobsz Nancy , Thomas Daniel
Published: September 2023

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup, is the most popular herbicide in the agricultural industry, with 6.1 billion kilograms sprayed worldwide in the past decade. Residue findings in breakfast foods and alcoholic beverages have prompted quantitative human and vertebrate studies yielding contradictory results . This study tested the hypothesis that glyphosate concentrations in frequently consumed food products exceed the levels legally allowed in Australia, the European Union, and the United States. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was utilized to measure glyphosate concentrations in cereal, gluten-free white and yellow corn tortillas, regular and whole grain pasta, white and whole wheat bread, and soy chocolate milk. The results showed that mean glyphosate residues were the highest in cereal (1903 parts per billion [ppb]) and significantly higher in whole grain pasta (45 ppb) than regular pasta (19 ppb), in gluten-free yellow corn tortilla (35 ppb) than gluten-free white corn tortilla (none detected), and in whole wheat bread (888 ppb) than white bread (56 ppb). Mean glyphosate concentrations in 25% of samples exceeded the threshold (500 ppb) at which negative effects were observed in previous studies. However, glyphosate concentrations in none of the samples exceeded government-imposed limits. These results raise concerns about whether government-imposed limits are sufficient to protect human health. Future research should quantify glyphosate residues in a wider variety of foods and conduct epidemiological studies to reassess the sufficiency of current safety limits.
Testing the Effects of Salep Derived From the Tubers of Orchis mascula, Aloe vera, and Alpha-chymotrypsin on Wound Healing in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae
Authors: Halder Anika , Patil Harsha , Haldar Anisha , Ereddia Danielle
Published: September 2023

Aloe vera and alpha-chymotrypsin have been used in previous studies to enhance wound healing. Based on this knowledge, we conducted an experiment to determine whether administering these treatments as well as an herb with similar chemical proponents, namely salep flour, would enhance wound healing in Drosophila melanogaster. We hypothesized that the three treatments would enhance wound healing by decreasing wound size more effectively. We fed D. melanogaster larvae these treatments over a two week period. We then administered a puncture wound using a steel needle at the larva’s dorsal midline. We analyzed the wounds photographically to determine the average percent change of the wound’s perimeter over 6 hours. The results of two of the treatment groups, Salep and Aloe vera, yielded wound sizes small enough to present a significant percent decrease when compared with the wound sizes of the control group. Therefore, our results show support that both Salep and Aloe vera were effective for enhancing wound healing in epithelial cells in D. melanogaster larvae.
Utilizing 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 to prevent the appearance of diabetic-like phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Zaverchand Ashni , Joykutty Leya , Oyarbide Kepa
Published: September 2023

Currently, over 415 million people worldwide have diabetes and within that population, 90–95% have type 2 diabetes; increasingly more children and young adults are also developing it. This study aimed to assess the role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 solution, at varying concentrations, in protecting vertical transmission of diabetic-like phenotypes. Fruit flies were suitable model organisms, as they share 75% of the disease-causing genes with humans and can develop diet-induced insulin resistance when reared on high-sucrose diets (HSDs). All fly groups (including parents and offspring) were utilized for assays including measuring adult body mass, wing size, and glucose and sugars content. We hypothesized that the highest concentration of vitamin D solution (55 ng/mL) would be most effective in having a protective role. The results indicated that the hypothesis was partially supported; overall, all three concentrations of the vitamin D solution administered to the flies reared on HSDs had a protective effect, to varying extents. Therefore, these results can be applied to show the role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Development of a Novel Treatment Strategy to Treat Parkinsonian Neurodegeneration by Targeting Both Lewy Body Aggregation and Dopaminergic Neuronal Degradation in a Drosophila melanogaster Model
Authors: Sama Snigdha Reddy , Joykutty Leya
Published: September 2023

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive degradation of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain and is triggered by both environmental and genetic factors. PD is characterized by symptoms that can range from muscle dysfunction to severe mood disturbances. The pathology of PD is two-fold: (1) degradation of dopaminergic neurons due to mitochondrial calcium overload and (2) deposits of α-synuclein that increase cytosolic calcium levels in the brain. In this study, we tested a therapy that targets both pathologic manifestations of PD in fruit flies. Specifically, we used combinations of the drugs Ruthenium red (RuR), a mitochondrial channel uniporter inhibitor, and Ambroxol, a pharmacological chaperone of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase that digests α-synuclein, to treat PD in fruit flies. We then measured the climbing ability, ATP content, and glucocerebrosidase activity in the fruit flies. While the drugs showed positive results individually, we found that the drugs had a synergistic effect when used together that resulted in a statistically significant increase in climbing ability, ATP content, and glucocerebrosidase activity. The results of this study indicate that these drugs could be used in treatments for PD.
Potential Multifunctional Agents for Dual Therapy of Age-Related and Associated Diseases: Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kumar Rohan , Joykutty Leya
Published: September 2023

Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and there seems to be an age-related link between AD and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in terms of incidence, symptoms and causation. The objective of this experiment is to assess the biological potentials of methanol extracts and its derived fractions of four Ayurvedic plants Buchania axillaris, Hemidesmus indicus, Pavetta indica and Ochna obtusa to develop potent agents for dual therapy of both AD and DM. Plant extracts in different concentrations were used in five colorimetric assays: Cholinesterase (AChE, BuChE inhibition) assay, Glucosidase (α–Glu) inhibition assay, an antioxidant activity assay, and MTT assay for cell viability and neuroprotective effects. It was found that that methanolic extract and its derived chloroform fraction of plants exhibited high inhibitory activity against AChE, BuChE, α–Glc enzymes. The active chloroform fractions also showed high antioxidant potential and neuroprotective capacity against H2O2 induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma cells. In all the assays, the samples were statistically different than the negative control meaning that the samples with the plant extracts were more effective than the controls without the treatment, while being as effective as the positive controls, which included current drugs used to treat the diseases individually.
People’s Preference to Bet on Home Teams Even When Losing is Likely
Authors: Weng Matthew , Golman Russel
Published: September 2023

One intriguing phenomenon is when people make bets that seem to go against their better judgement. This can be seen in sports betting. In this paper, we report a survey-driven study that investigates if people bet more on their home teams, both in scenarios where the team is leading and scenarios where the team is likely to lose. We asked participants to imagine betting with $10,000 on different scenarios. We compared how much they bet on their home teams versus how much they bet on neutral teams in the same circumstance. On average, participants bet slightly more on their home teams than a neutral team when their home team was leading. Participants, however, bet significantly more on their home teams than the neutral teams when their team was facing a large deficit. This study can help explain some more impulsive betting behaviors that might be due to information avoidance.
The Effects of Knowledge, Lack of Knowledge, and Deception on Rate of Perceived Exertion and Performance During Workouts
Authors: Howard Jamir , Scott Jason
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine how knowledge, lack of knowledge, and deception affect the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and actual performance of moderately trained teenagers engaged in sprint training. This study has two hypotheses. The first hypothesis is that athletes who do not know their sprint duration will have a lower reported RPE and actual performance, compared to athletes who are aware of their sprint duration. Our second hypothesis is that athletes deceived with a lower sprint duration will report a higher RPE and performance compared to when they have knowledge of their duration. The order of the experimental conditions was knowledge, deception, and then lack of knowledge. Participants started from the midfield line of an indoor soccer field and ran to the end of the field and back to midfield ten times for all conditions. While on their way back, they reported their RPE to an assigned assistant who was timing them. We found that participants ran the slowest and reported the lowest RPE throughout the ten sprints in the lack of knowledge condition. We also found that the knowledge condition had a slower average sprint time than the sprints during deception, but the knowledge condition yielded the fastest and most consistent speeds. Coaches should strongly consider telling their athletes the truth about workout duration since our study along with many others suggests that it is the best way to maximize performance and RPE.
Fluorescein or Green Fluorescent Protein: Is It Possible to Create a Sensor for Dehydration?
Authors: Joshi Sinaya , Pennycook Louise , Ismail Youssef
Published: September 2023

Dehydration occurs when more fluid leaves the body than enters it. Dehydration can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness, to more severe symptoms like fever and unconsciousness. Currently there is no early dehydration detection system using temperature and pH as indicators. A sensor could alert the wearer and others of low hydration levels, which would normally be difficult to catch prior to more serious complications resulting from dehydration. The temperature and pH of skin are known to increase and decrease, respectively, with dehydration. These variables are also known to affect the fluorescence of certain fluorophores, which could provide a visible marker of dehydration. In this study, a protein fluorophore, green fluorescent protein (GFP), and a chemical fluorophore, fluorescein, were tested for a change in fluorescence in response to increased temperature or decreased pH. Neither fluorophore was affected by the changes in temperature. However, both lost their fluorescence when the pH of their environment was decreased. We also tested whether the fluorescence returned to its standard brightness when the temperature and pH were normalized. Reversing the pH change did not restore GFP fluorescence, but that of fluorescein was re-established. This finding suggests that fluorescein could be used as a reusable sensor for a dehydration-related pH change.
Anonymity Reduces Generosity in High School Students
Authors: Vargas-Guerrero Elton Emiliano , Grajales-Rodrguez Jorge Armando , Cano-Ruiz Mara Elena
Published: September 2023

The disinterested willingness a person has for helping others is known as altruism. But is this willingness to help others dependent on external factors that make you more or less inclined to be generous? We hypothesized that generosity in adolescents would depend on external factors and that these factors would change the amount of help given. To evaluate altruism and generosity, we conducted non-anonymous and anonymous variations of the dictator game and ultimatum game experiments and explored the role of anonymity, fairness, and reciprocity in high school students. Instead of using money, we randomly selected high school students from six science classrooms to receive extra points on their midterm exam, while the rest of the students did not receive extra points. The students that received extra points became donors, while the students that did not receive extra points became recipients. We varied the ability to redistribute points in three ways. One, donors could donate points, showing true altruism. Two, donors could donate or steal points from the recipients, allowing us to assess fairness. Finally, donors could donate points, but the allocation of points depended upon recipients accepting or rejecting the proposed donation in a measure of fairness and reciprocity. We found that both anonymity and the possibility of taking points decreased the willingness to give, while reciprocity increased the willingness to give as the students based their decision more on strategy than generosity. We concluded that generosity in adolescents is mostly dependent on personal gain and peer judgment rather than pure altruism.
The Effects of Vibrotactile Feedback on Task Performance in a 3D-printed Myoelectric Prosthetic Arm
Authors: Nguyen Sidney , Malmberg Henrik
Published: September 2023

The lack of tactile feedback in today’s hand prosthetics complicates the user experience by forcing a user to visually confirm that the prosthetic is grasping an object. This study strives to remedy both the financial and mechanical deficiencies in current prosthetics through building a simple, noninvasive, vibratory sensory feedback system into an inexpensive constructed 3D-printed prosthetic arm. This 3D-printed prosthetic arm was designed in SolidWorks and printed to the specifications of a participant with a left forearm amputation. The myoelectrical components include a muscle sensor that sends electrical signals to an Arduino microcontroller, which translates the data into code orders to trigger a servo motor to open or close the hand. Vibrotactile feedback was implemented by using a touch sensor on the tip of the index finger of the prosthetic that activates a vibrating motor attached to the residual arm. To test the efficacy of the sensory feedback, the participant was asked to perform a series of tasks both with and without the vibrotactile feedback, both blindfolded and non-blindfolded. The presence of vibrotactile feedback was essential for completing blindfolded tasks, but it did not assist in improving non-blindfolded task performance. The total cost of materials to build this prosthetic arm was $158.46. This study supports the hypothesis that the simple sensory vibrotactile feedback system in the design of this 3D-printed myoelectric prosthetic arm has the potential to enhance sensory feedback performance of amputees by decreasing visual dependency, at a fraction of the cost of a custom-designed myoelectric prosthetic.
Comparative Analysis of Vital Capacities of Athletes, Singers and Other Students of Age 13-14 Years: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Taneja Seher , Bose Jyoti
Published: September 2023

Physical activity when performed regularly has beneficial effects on all systems of the body, including pulmonary functions. This study, conducted at Springdales School in Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, aimed to determine the effect of sports and singing on the vital capacity (the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation), an important measure of pulmonary health. Vital capacity was assessed in 60 healthy students of 13-14 years of age with an equal number of athletes, singers, and non-athletes non-singers, as well as an equal number of males and females in each group. Vital capacity was measured by Student’s spirometer. Anthropometric data was also matched with spirometric parameter. Athletes (3452.5±696.7 cm3) and singers (3015±346.83 cm3) had significantly higher vital capacity than the control group (2625±543.74 cm3). The vital capacities of athletes and singers were also significantly different. Non-athletes non-singers had a significantly higher body mass index (23.87±2.35 kg/m2) as compared to athletes (20.66±1.52 kg/m2) and singers (22.6±1.84 kg/m2). In conclusion, both athletes and singers had better pulmonary function compared to control, with a positive correlation to body mass index. Athletes also exhibited better vital capacity than singers. This implies that encouraging regular exercise and singing in children improves cardiorespiratory functions.
Behavioral Longevity: The Impact of Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Obesity on Life Expectancy
Authors: Han Jun Ho , Han Yongseung
Published: September 2023

This paper attempts to contribute to our understanding of human longevity by focusing on the impact of our daily life on longevity. In analyzing cross-sectional data from 174 countries in 2015 that are publicly available, e.g., from the World Health Organization, we assumed a simple linear relationship between life expectancy and behavioral factors when other factors, e.g., medical and environmental factors, are held constant. We estimated the parameter values of the behavioral factors in the equation by representing the relationships using ordinary least squares. With the approximately 89% explanatory power in the variation of longevity in the sample of 174 countries, we conclude that an average person’s life expectancy in those 174 countries can increase by more than 3 years if smoking and alcohol consumption is reduced by a half and weight is decreased by 10%.
Assessing Attitude Across Different Age Groups in Regard to Global Issues: Are Kids More Optimistic Than Adults?
Authors: Luck Adrian , Keane Thomas
Published: September 2023

The world faces many problems. This study attempted to determine to what extent people are aware of the current global issues and whether people believe some of them may be successfully addressed. The main objective of the study was to understand if there is a correlation between the age of a person and their outlook. We hypothesized that a positive outlook, i.e. a general belief that many issues can be resolved, would be common among children, from elementary through high school, whereas adults would have a more negative perspective. This research was conducted using a survey-based study. The results supported the hypothesis and showed that children appear more optimistic than adults and believe that most issues can be addressed in the future. Adults are less optimistic and believe that, even with time, it is impossible to resolve many of these issues. Regardless of age, many respondents commented that technology, improved communication, kindness, and general willingness to change, along with an effective political agenda led by non-corrupt politicians, are essential for successfully resolving major problems. On the other hand, greed, selfishness, and the corrupt political system largely prevent any improvement.
Effects of Coolant Temperature on the Characteristics of Soil Cooling Curve
Authors: Wang Dawei , Zhang Yida
Published: September 2023

The cooling curves of soil are graphs that represent the variation of soil temperature with time when it is cooled. Knowledge of soil cooling curves and their characteristic parameters play an important role in most thermal analysis concerning soil freezing and/or thawing. Understanding the effect of environmental temperature on these parameters may help scientists better understand how frost heaves happen and how to predict the occurrence of frost heaves more accurately. For soils with identical type, water content, bulk density, and initial temperature, we believe that the freezing process and associated cooling characteristic parameters would be independent of the variation of external environmental temperature. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a series of freezing process experiments on soils with identical physical properties under different coolant temperature conditions. Here, the coolant temperature represents the magnitude of the environmental temperature. Our results indicate that the coolant temperature affects soil cooling curve profiles by changing the critical parameters of nucleation temperature, super-cooling, and phase-transfer duration of water in soil pores. According to the magnitude of the coolant temperature, soil cooling curves can be categorized into three different types: a “regular” freezing process without or with a little super-cooling, a sudden and small rise in temperature after the super-cooling “dip”, and a permanent super-cooling of non-freezing process. We have shown that the freezing temperature of soils is not influenced by the variation of coolant temperature.
Analysis of reduction potentials to determine the most efficient metals for electrochemical cell alternatives
Authors: Carroll Peyton , Carroll Jason
Published: September 2023

The aim of this work is to determine what metals make the most efficient electrochemical cells. Specifically, we measured the reduction potentials of several metals and then calculated the theoretical voltage that could be conducted by cells constructed with these metals. We tested our theoretical results by constructing an electrochemical cell and then measuring the actual voltage conducted by the cell. We hypothesized that an electrochemical cell constructed of metals with the greatest oxidation states would generate the greatest voltage. Based on measured reduction potentials and our subsequent calculations, we determined that an electrochemical cell made of magnesium and iron would be the most efficient cell with a theoretical voltage of 3.17 volts. Upon construction of an electrochemical cell made of magnesium and iron, we measured actual voltages of 3.19 V and 3.24 V, respectively. Determining the types of metals that will make the most efficient electrochemical cells is important; if we can increase the amount of energy that batteries can hold, then we can increase their lifetime and decrease their size.
Analyzing the Relationships Between Internet Usage, Social Skill, and Anxiety Severity in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: You Celine , Tagavi Daina , Vernon Ty
Published: September 2023

The use of social media in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not very well understood. Online communication may provide these individuals with the opportunity to interact with others without having to engage in face-to-face conversation or interpret nonverbal social cues, which is often a challenge for this population. The goal of the Socialization Education and Learning for the Internet (SELFI) study is to understand how adults with ASD utilize social media platforms to build relationships and to teach them how to act appropriately online. Specifically, this project compares anxiety levels and social skills between adults with ASD who spend different amounts of time on the Internet to observe the potential relationships between online communication frequency, anxiety, and social interaction. Based on current literature, we hypothesized that Internet usage would have beneficial effects, reducing anxiety and improving social skills in these adults. We found that a higher frequency of Internet usage correlated with less severe anxiety symptoms but did not have a significant relationship with the social skills of adults with ASD. This research furthers the SELFI project, which will observe the consequences of social media usage in those with autism. Depending on the results of this study, we also aim to determine whether social media could possibly become a new intervention technique used to decrease anxiety in adults with ASD.