ikatkov/journal-of-student-research-hs-articles huggingface dataset:
CoronaNet: A Novel Deep Learning Model for COVID-19 Detection in CT Scans
Authors: Rohan Bhansali, Rahul Kumar; Duke Writer
Date: 11-20-2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently the cause of a global pandemic that is affecting millions of people around the world. Inadequate testing resources have resulted in several people going undiagnosed and consequently untreated; however, using computerized tomography (CT) scans for diagnosis is an alternative to bypass this limitation. Unfortunately, CT scan analysis is time-consuming and labor intensive and rendering is generally infeasible in most diagnosis situations. In order to alleviate this problem, previous studies have utilized multiple deep learning techniques to analyze biomedical images such as CT scans. Specifically, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been shown to provide medical diagnosis with a high degree of accuracy. A common issue in the training of CNNs for biomedical applications is the requirement of large datasets. In this paper, we propose the use of affine transformations to artificially magnify the size of our dataset. Additionally, we propose the use of the Laplace filter to increase feature detection in CT scan analysis. We then feed the preprocessed images to a novel deep CNN structure: CoronaNet. We find that the use of the Laplace filter significantly increases the performance of CoronaNet across all metrics. Additionally, we find that affine transformations successfully magnify the dataset without resulting in high degrees of overfitting. Specifically, we achieved an accuracy of 92% and an F1 of 0.8735. Our novel research describes the potential of the Laplace filter to significantly increase deep CNN performance in biomedical applications such as COVID-19 diagnosis.
Filial Piety in a Modern Age  An Exploration of Familial Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Patients & Caregiver Burden in Singapore
Authors: Kayla Entwistle; Douglas Mabie, David Bond
Date: 11-20-2020

With an increasing number of Alzheimer’s disease patients in Singapore, complications related to the degenerative disease have become highly relevant. Standing out among these complications are inflated caregiver burden resulting from the cultural expectations associated with filial piety. Filial piety, a value ingrained in Chinese culture, requires adult-children to display love, obedience, and respect towards their parents as well as provide physical care when required (Bedford, 2019). Expectations associated with filial piety, however, have been associated with severe caregiver burdens that persist even after patient institutionalisation (Whitlatch, 2001). Expectations to provide care presents numerous challenges for adult-children of patients: economic instability, psychological exhaustion, and social isolation (Lai, 2009; Langda, 2011; Win, 2017). These implications associated with caregiving are heightened when the patient being cared for is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as the disease has a unique cognitive-degeneration component that inhibits an individual from conducting independent actions after a certain point (Pratt, 1985). This article aims to shed light on the relationship between the level of involvement and the severity of caregiver burden among familial caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients in an effort to identify how to better support familial caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. Through the use of a quantitative correlational analysis, a relationship between the two data points of involvement level and burden level was established. This research serves to identify a potential problem, not propose methods of reconciliation. While the data collection process for this study was inhibited by the COVID-19 pandemic, theoretical data is provided in an effort to develop new understandings and draw hypothetical conclusions.  Keywords: Alzheimer’s, Filial Piety, Familial Caregiver, Institutionalisation, Caregiving Burden, Correlation, Adult-Child Caregiver
Using CRISPRi to Repress Cell’s Ability to Metabolize Glycerol and to Express LacZ
Authors: Guyin Chen; Shaun Spisak
Date: 11-20-2020

CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) method is an effective way in disturbing a specific gene in the DNA by blocking transcription and therefore silencing a gene from expressing.&nbsp; When the catalytically dead Cas9 is coexpressed with a guide RNA, it generates a DNA recognition complex that can target a specific gene. The project focuses on manipulating the genes of DNA to repress certain gene expressions.&nbsp; The first assay involves repressing the genes that allow cells to grow in glycerol, and the second assay targets the cell's ability to break down lacZ.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Impact of ‘Self-Portrait’ Creation and Discussion Workshop on Body Image of Indian Female Teenagers
Authors: Muskaan Mittal; Kah Ying Choo
Date: 11-20-2020

It is widely believed that body image issues affect the emotional and psychological well-being of adolescents to a great extent. In the face of deeply entrenched normative beauty standards, teenagers’ struggles with body image issues can be extremely damaging. This study assessed the impact of an interactive online workshop involving the creation and sharing of ‘self-portraits’ on the body image of urban Indian female teenagers, aged 13 to 16. Data were gathered in the form of photographs of the participants’ artworks, their comments about each other’s artworks, as well as responses to a short open-ended questionnaire. This study revealed that the workshop was helpful in encouraging the participants to acknowledge their sense of isolation in dealing with body image issues. Furthermore, they greatly benefitted from a platform that gave them the opportunity to express their feelings and understand that they were not alone in their struggles. This empowered them to move towards self-acceptance and a desire to redefine unrealistic beauty standards. Ultimately, this study validated the value of the workshop in helping teenagers deal with their body image issues through creative means. In the future, regular sessions should be held to address teenagers’ body image issues through creative means and provide them with support in facing the pressures of prevalent beauty standards. As parents could inadvertently be contributing to their children’s body image issues, this study also proposed efforts to educate parents on the promotion of body positivity in their children.
Improving Signature Forgery Analysis through Deep Learning Classification Algorithms
Authors: Kashvi Gupta; Shashank Gupta
Date: 11-20-2020

This project seeks to develop a machine learning algorithm to identify a forgery from a legitimate signature, for use in signature verification in low profile financial crimes. This model will be trained on data collected on specific handwriting characteristics used by professional document analysis experts. Signature forgery in financial institutions was recently brought to light in the Wells Fargo fake accounts scandal, where employees opened 3.5 million unauthorized accounts, for which 190,000 customers were unwittingly charged fees. This product will help protect individuals from exploitation by providing a verification tool for company managers and executives. The hypothesis predicted if characteristics such as length-to-height ratio and relative slant were taken into account, then the accuracy of the model would be greater than 90%. Each data point consisted of 6 signatures, of which 5 were ‘true’ (produced by the same person) and the final was forged. The data was fed to a processing program that used mathematical formulae (standard deviation from the mean) to account for, and negate human error. Finally, using the python Scikit machine learning library, multiple models were trained on the data sample, using k-fold analysis. The most successful model, XGBoost Classifier, had an accuracy rate of 94.55%.
Examining Correlation Between the Genre of Music Present & Increased Academic Performance Through Beta Wave Measurement
Authors: Daksha , Daniel
Date: 11-20-2020

In a world saturated with media at every turn – especially music, and many different genres of music for everyone to enjoy, the critical question is often asked: does music positively impact the work produced whilst listening to it? This experiment seeks to answer that question using a 3D printed EEG to measure beta waves in the brain, thus providing more concrete results. It was hypothesized that listening to a genre of music such as classical would boost performance on a math exam. This experiment explores the correlation between the presence of music whilst taking a math exam and the score on said exam. In the experiment, each participant was first given a math exam to complete with no music whilst undergoing an EEG examination to establish a baseline, then were given a different form of the exam to complete whilst listening to a specific genre of music that was randomly assigned prior. Afterwards, we determined that slight improvement was observed with an average increase in score of 0.45 points, however with an r-squared value of only 0.091. The EEG analysis did provide an r-squared value of 0.370 when experimental error was removed, giving a moderately strong relationship that music does not have an impact on beta wave amplitude. We concluded that although music increased math scores slightly, it was not statistically significant using an alpha level of 0.05. However, since almost 20% of the trials had error resulting in unreliable data, further refinement/re-testing of the methodology must be conducted.
Sports Fandom: Reflection of a Cultural Mosaic  An analysis of the Nets versus Knicks rivalry in New York City
Authors: Siddharth Sundararajan
Date: 11-20-2020

This paper explores the origins of sports fandom and the various factors that impact it. It reports results from an experiment which measures support of two NBA teams based in New York City.&nbsp; Interviews of random samples were collected, totalling 234 entries, with key demographic features collected from each interviewee. The analysis reveals that there are differences in fandom with respect to certain demographic features, especially race, age, and location. It shows that Black people are more than 3.5 times as likely to support the Nets over the Knicks, and that young people are 2 times as likely to support the Nets. The further way from New York a person was born, the less likely they are to support the Nets. People living in Manhattan are less likely to support the Nets. Overall, the data highlights how personal choices can be influenced by factors you can’t control, and the results expose a divide within the melting pot in the City of Dreams.
An assessment of the impact of COVID-19 related social distancing measures on the stress levels of students
Authors: Luke Edward Harding Bradley; Mr. Luke Reaper
Date: 11-20-2020

Since the novel coronavirus was first reported in China in early 2020, governments have aimed to cull its spread and raise awareness of the symptoms of the infection.&nbsp; These measures are collectively known as social distancing and self-isolation.&nbsp;  Prior to COVID-19, 85% of students in university reported feeling overwhelmed by everything they had to do at some point within the prior year (AADA, 2015).&nbsp; Organizations treating teen anxiety and depression are highlighting the impact of isolation on teenagers and young adults and claim an association with a decline in self-care and a greater risk of suicide (Newport Academy, 2020).&nbsp; Given the pre-existing high levels of stress and mental strain experienced by students, the consequences of social isolation may more significantly impact students in comparison with non-students.&nbsp;  This study uses the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) index to understand the impact that social distancing and self-isolation has on the mental health of students and non-students globally.&nbsp; 502 responses were gathered globally with most respondents residing in the United States of America, Italy and Ireland.&nbsp;  The results of this study suggest that the COVID-19 related Social Distancing and Self-isolation lead to a greater increase in stress among students than among adults as measured by STAI.&nbsp; The reported stress was highest among high school age students and among female students generally.&nbsp; The reported causes of this stress are primary related to the impact on education of the measures rather than directly related to the health consequences pandemic.&nbsp;
An Overview of the Evolution of Modern Macroeconomic Theories
Authors: Zijian Liang; Michael Silber
Date: 11-20-2020

This paper examines the evolution of macroeconomic theories from the 18th century to present. The manuscript starts off on giving a short analysis on the Great Depression and how it sparked numerous changes in macroeconomic policies. Then, the Classical Economic Theory is introduced and its shortcomings are examined through the Panic of 1873. Next, the paper's focus will shift to a deeper analysis on the causes, impacts, and the recovery of the Great Depression and the effects it had on the United States economy. Keynesianism and the benefits of fiscal policy are introduced and reasons for the rejection of the Classical Economic theory are explained. William Phillips' Phillips Curve is then introduced and connections between Phillips' theory and Keynes' theory are made. Lastly, the paper will examine the effects of monetary policy in the 1970s and the recent Great Recession of 2008. Most importantly, the reasons modern economists like Friedman oppose fiscal policy and Keynesianism are interpreted. From the works of these economists, the central argument of the paper advocates for the fact that we can no longer rely on the Classical Economic theory during times of economic crisis. The modern economy should be observing both Keynesianism and Monetarism; we should be pursuing expansionary fiscal policy during times of downturns and contractionary monetary policy during times of economic boom.
Relationship between the Altaic Languages and the Korean Language
Authors: Mirae Kim; Andrew MacNeill
Date: 11-20-2020

Over the years, many Asian and Altaic linguists have argued about whether the Korean language belong to the Altaic family. This research give an evidence that Korean, Japanese, and the Altaic languages including Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic share unique characteristics in vocabularies, sentence structure, and sound. It not only proposes the concept of such languages, but also explains how linguists have attempted to define the idea, and what more needs to be clarified for the Altaic Theory to be factual.
Predictors of Willingness to Reduce Carbon Footprint and Effects of Survey Question Phrasing
Authors: Nikol Miojevic, Simone Robson; Renata Ivanek Miojevic
Date: 11-20-2020

To minimize and prevent the many negative effects associated with climate change people must reduce their carbon footprints. Our objectives were to determine whether a person’s likelihood to take political action against climate change, perceptions about fracking, and education level affect their willingness to reduce carbon footprint, and whether phrasing of a survey question affects how people respond. To this end, participants’ responses were used from the publicly available nationally representative 2015 Cornell National Social Survey (CNSS) of 1,000 United States adults. Statistical analysis involved estimation and comparison of odds ratios (ORs) and the associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Findings indicated that willingness to reduce carbon footprint was positively associated with being likely to take political action against climate change (OR=6.53, 95% CI: 4.63-9.20) and with having gone to college (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.06-1.94). Conversely, support for fracking had a negative association with willingness to reduce carbon footprint (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.31-0.56). In CNSS, the question about carbon footprint was phrased in five different ways that either mentioned the danger from climate change or the benefit from reducing climate change, and linked the benefit or danger to humans or birds. It was discovered that how the question is asked matters. Participants appeared more affected by mention of humans than animals, though reactions to benefit and danger were not consistent. These findings will aid education efforts about climate change and carbon footprint and also help in the design of future surveys on the topic.
Coronavirus & the Heart - Acute Heart Attack and Coronary Artery Disease - Pathophysiology
Authors: Tanay Subramanian; Dr. James Patel
Date: 11-20-2020

Research supports a direct correlation between the coronavirus and acute myocardial injuries from the inflammation of the myocardium and its surrounding blood vessels. The pathophysiology of the coronavirus causes cardiac injuries through viral Vasculitis, which releases troponins I and T into the bloodstream to cause a plethora of cardiac problems including acute heart attack, heart failure, hypertension, and arrhythmia. Due to multi-organ failure from the body’s inflammatory response following exposure to the virus, the lungs, kidneys, and brain can become adversely impacted as well. While hydroxychloroquine should only be used to treat hospitalized patients, compassionate use of Remdesivir and Methotrexate can be used for non-hospitalized patients as well, if it is deemed effective and safe for public use through further testing and research.
A Mathematical Approach to Modeling Physics for the Vertical Position in Synchronized Swimming
Authors: Devin Johnson; Benjamin Simonds
Date: 11-20-2020

In Synchronized Swimming, arguably the most demanding sport known to man, one of the most basic positions is called a vertical. In this position a swimmer’s upper body is submerged in water and their legs are held above the surface while their body is kept in a straight line. Along with the buoyancy forces of the surrounding water and the air in the lungs, swimmers must also support themselves by making movements called sculls with their arms that propel them upwards. This additional force is the applied force. The goal of this research is to use physics principles to create a mathematical model that will help assist synchronized swimmers in maximizing their scores for the vertical position. The math done in this model confirmed that the amount of applied force inversely correlates with the buoyancy force needed to lift the synchronized swimmer out of the water. Additionally, the total force pushing the synchronized swimmer upwards is the same at each level. When the collected data is fitted to a second-order polynomial comparing applied sculling force to desired score, the graph shows that the data had an R2 fit of 0.984. This knowledge could ultimately inform athletes about how to use buoyancy and other forces to their advantage which could increase their performance levels.
Economic Forces and their Effect on Civic Participation Throughout United States History
Authors: Anant Gupta; Mr. Coe
Date: 11-20-2020

 Throughout U.S. history, Economic events and legislation have led to civic activism in the form of protesting and political disruption and have had long term social effects that are seen in the present.         The economic history of the United States has been one of unprecedented success and unparalleled growth. At the founding of our country, Alexander Hamilton envisioned a financial structure that would prioritize the well-being of the populace and ensure the stability of the United States economy. However, he could have never envisioned the effect that economic events and fiscal legislation would have on the common people in terms of civic activism. The economy is so interwoven into the fabric of society that any change in it has the potential to create a social revolution, and it has. The nature of economics and its pervasiveness throughout society makes it a potent catalyzer for change.        In this paper, two major events were explored. First, the causes of The Panic of 1873, the United States' transition to the Gold Standard, and their implications.  Additionally, The social effect which manifested itself through the Free Silver Movement and William Jennings Bryan is dissected. Second, the 2008 Financial Crisis is explained, including the systematic failures that allowed it to occur, and the creation of the Occupy Wall Street Movement.      Lastly, an intriguing take on 21st-century civic activism is explored, with Social media and digital presence illustrated as champions for modern social cum political change
A Comparative Study on the Center-based Iterative Hough Transform
Authors: Joshua Park; Young-Woo Lee
Date: 11-20-2020

Circle detection is one of the most critical aspects of computer vision and has been widely studied and developed in a variety of ways. The Center-based Iterative Hough Transform (CBIHT) is a method for unassisted multiple circle detection, based upon iterative uses of a center-based voting process to determine the circle’s center coordinate. This paper gives a thorough analysis of the CBIHT as well as a comparison with the Standard Hough Transform (SHT) and its well-known variants including the Generalized Hough Transform (GHT) and the Adaptive Hough Transform (AHT). When applied to synthetic and real-life circular images, our accuracy and performance comparison studies show that (i) the CBIHT is more computationally efficient than the SHT’s brute-force algorithm; (ii) the CBIHT’s center-based voting method has greater resilience to noise than the GHT and AHT’s gradient information method; and (iii) the CBIHT’s iterative process provides an adaptability and speed in unassisted multiple circle detection similar to that of the AHT; (iv) yet, the CBIHT requires no parameters for circle detection unlike the GHT and the AHT. All in all, a comparison with other methods highlights the aforementioned merit of the CBIHT, proving the CBIHT to be an excellent choice in detecting the circles with noise in real-life images.&nbsp;
I Want It, Too: A Correlational Study on the Link Between Youth Celebrity Idolization and Materialism
Authors: Alanna Zhang; Jamie Kennedy
Date: 11-20-2020

Online social media usage among youth has been on the rise, and concerns about its impact have accompanied it (O'Keeffe &amp; Clarke-Pearson, 2011; Rideout, 2018). Upon reviewing the existing literature, it appears that a multitude of studies detail the negative internal and interpersonal effects of materialism, and others assert that advertising viewing is positively correlated with materialism. However, few studies directly focus on advertisements with celebrity product endorsement in particular. This study attempted to bridge these various gaps through the following research question: In 2020, how does the viewing of Instagram celebrity product endorsement correspond with levels of materialism (with a focus on its relationship to well-being and generosity) in middle schoolers in Southern California? Quantitative data from a cross-sectional survey led to the conclusion that the level of celebrity idolization was the most conclusive factor in determining the middle schooler’s final level of materialism. And the more time spent on Instagram–and likely, the more exposure to this type of advertising–the more materialistic and less generous students were. Thus, students feeling particularly detached from their values may consider scrutinizing their list of followed celebrities on social media. The discouragement of celebrity idolization is expected to decrease materialism.