2024 Trailblazer Symposium for Research, Innovation, and Creativity
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14218/7427
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Item Open Access Multivariate Analysis of Southern Utah Water Quality(2024-04-19) Velasquez, Angel; Hasan, Md SazibThis study evaluates meteorological and chemical characteristics of water quality within the broader Southern Utah region. Multivariate statistical techniques will determine which water quality attributes are most reflective of water quality and which monitoring stations require routine monitoring. Metrics included are water flow, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and more describe water quality. Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) will be performed on data from the US Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Information System (NWIS). PCA will determine the most relevant features to describe water quality, while CCA will investigate the relationship between meteorological and chemical traits. Four water sites will have their variation examined using these techniques to determine which sites best highlight variation in water quality. In addition, kernel PCA will be compared to PCA to examine which technique reduces the dimensionality of the data while keeping the most influential explanatory variables. PCA and CCA will prepare large water quality datasets for future time-series analysis techniques to model the data to explain future trends.Item Open Access The Influence of Organic Amendments on the Heat Capacity of Soils(2024-04-19) Mclennan, Lizzy; Ashby, Trevor; Chilom, GabrielaThe heat capacity of soil is an important thermal property influencing heat storage and transfer, impacting greenhouse gas emissions, seed germination, plant transpiration, and contaminant dynamics. This study explores the modification of soil heat capacity following the incorporation of organic amendments, aimed at enriching soil organic matter and enhancing soil health and fertility. We specifically investigate the changes in soil heat capacity before and after the addition of various organic amendments, such as humic acids and biochar. The excess heat capacity was determined by the difference between measured values against theoretical predictions based on the mixture rule. This approach facilitated a comparative analysis of the magnitude of excess heat capacity across four distinct soil samples, each treated with different amendments.Item Open Access Complex Responses of Desert Soil Properties to Organic Amendment Applications(2024-04-19) Maclennan, Lizzy; Ashby, Trevor; Chilom, GabrielaThis study explores the influence of organic amendment on the water retention and wettability of desert soils, which are traditionally challenged by limited water availability. The water retention was assessed by gravimetric methods and the wettability changes were assessed by using the contact angle and ethanol droplet methods. The aggregation and morphology of the soils was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Application of organic amendments to desert soils altered their wettability, water retention, and aggregation in a manner not directly tied to the quantity of organic material incorporated. These alterations are indicative of complex soil-organic matter interactions that transcend mere carbon addition and underscore a multifaceted response of desert soils to organic amendments, which cannot be predicted by the amount of organic carbon alone.Item Open Access Race in Psychotherapy(2024-04-19) Rassmussen, BraxtonScientists have recently begun critically analyzing how racial stereotypes and implicit bias factor into medical treatments and diagnoses of mental conditions. Psychological concepts and theories have developed and changed rapidly over the last century, as have society’s perceptions of race. In the last three decades, awareness has grown that racial issues as a whole have insufficient research in how they factor into the field of psychotherapy. There is a broad range of ways in which race appears in counseling settings. For example, some researchers explore what prior expectations accompany members of differing races (Aubochon-Endsley et al., 2014). Additionally, several examine whether the topic of race even comes up in therapy and, if so, what effect that has on the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions (Gushue & Constantine, 2007). As I aim to pursue a career in practicing psychotherapy, I am looking to deepen my understanding of the experiences of people of color in mental health settings in order to further hone my ability to tailor my counseling to these populations in the future. Given these factors and my future goals, my research question is, “How do issues of race influence the efficacy of psychotherapy?†I answer this question through peer-reviewed articles that help frame the issue in context. The result will be a short literature review.Item Open Access "The Joseph Smith Papers Digital Archive on Mormon-Missouri Communities, 1833-1838: A Rhetorical Analysis Using Kenneth Burke's Theory of Identification"(2024-04-19) Huntsman Baldwin, Rachel KayAt the culmination of a twenty-two year project and twenty-seven-volume printed work, The Joseph Smith Papers website digitally published all of Joseph Smith's extant documents for the first time on an open-access website. The Joseph Smith Papers digital archive or website is a rich information infrastructure for scholars and researchers in technical writing and digital rhetoric, Mormon and religious studies, history, philosophy and other academic fields. The website has the capacity to foster identification and unity among marginalized communities and diverse user groups. Using Kenneth Burke's theory of identification as my analytical method, I will examine how Burke's theory of identification establishes a sense of unity among different users of the digital archive, and how rhetorical devices guide users in understanding the historical context of its archived materials. Based on my findings, Burke's theory of identification establishes a sense of unity among different users of The Joseph Smith Papers digital archive through a sense of recognition, ownership, user determination, and persuasion. Additionally, the rhetorical devices of the website guide users through the past and position themselves in historical context.Item Open Access Early Shadows: Specific Adverse Childhood Experiences and Codependence(2024-04-19) Lisonbee, David Bridger; Caplin, Tara; Balaceanu, Maria; Larsen-Rife, DannelleCodependence has been previously correlated with a higher score on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scale. Unfortunately, few studies consider specific childhood traumatic experiences in codependence formation. This lack of empirical support makes it difficult for clinicians to elucidate the causes and interventions needed for the client's codependent experiences. The present study tested items of the ACE scale to explore the linear relationship between various traumatic childhood experiences and codependence. Participants (n=382, 73% female, 63% in an exclusive relationship) completed the Codependence Scale (CCS) and the 10-item Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale. Bivariate correlation analysis showed that verbal abuse, physical abuse, lack of love, and parent suicide all significantly correlated with codependence. The Living with an Alcoholic metric was removed due to poor participation in that item; however, it has been well-documented to have a significant relationship in other studies because of the child's need to assume responsibilities beyond their developmental capacity. Interestingly, neglect, sexual abuse, abandonment, marital violence, and incarceration were not correlated with codependence and is explored further within the context of the literature. Regression analysis revealed that ACEs significantly explained 5.2% of the variance in codependence. This study supports that childhood trauma, while still a contributing factor, maybe less impactful than other early life experiences, and that not all trauma equally predicts codependence. This study provides a foundation for future research by highlighting future opportunities to elucidate the mechanisms of specific rather than general childhood trauma in the formation of codependence to inform better treatment and intervention strategies.Item Open Access Dracula Decoded: Rethinking Bram Stoker's Inspiration(2024-04-19) McFadden, Mary; McFadden, BriannaBram Stoker's Dracula has not only enthralled readers and haunted the collective imagination for over a century, but its enduring legacy also belies a profound misconception: the notion that its popular character draws breath from the historical Vlad the Impaler is as mythical as the vampire himself. While acknowledging the superficial connections between Stoker's vampire count and Vlad III of Wallachia, known for his impalement method of execution, our research delves into the extensive research and creative influences behind Stoker's creation. Through a variety of sources, including Stoker's own notes, correspondences, and the cultural and literary influences of the late 19th century, this project argues that Dracula was predominately the product of mythologies, folklore, and Stoker's imagination rather than a direct inspiration from the Wallachian ruler. Our findings suggest that the association with Vlad the Impaler may have been a later addition to Dracula's lore, influenced more by subsequent cultural interpretations and adaptations than by Stoker's original intent or research.Item Open Access Heritage Cove Research Exhibits(2024-04-19) Cox, TrevorFunded by Utah House Bill 278 (2021), this research features two major components. The first will be in-depth digital exhibits for the Heritage Cove Panel subjects. The text will be meticulously cited to lead future readers to primary and secondary sources. In addition, photographs, audio, and video from Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives will supplement the text. The second component of this research will focus on building a collection of memories from Washington County residents highlighting physical, environmental, and cultural changes in the region. Participants will digitally submit memories about current or past locations in Southern Utah and will be encouraged to donate photographs or videos to the project as part of this submission. This collection will be preserved and made accessible through Utah Tech University Library and Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives.Item Open Access Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Pterostilbene Derivatives for Potential Use as Therapeutics(2024-04-19) Staten, Ashley; Meyer, JenniferPterostilbene, a natural product found in blueberries and nuts, has been shown to be multifunctional. In low doses, it has been shown to be a potent antioxidant, while in higher doses, it has been shown to reduce cell proliferation, induce autophagy, and increase apoptosis. Recent literature has indicated that derivatives of pterostilbene can improve the functionality of pterostilbene in both cancer cell viability (reduction) and antioxidant capacity (increase). Previously, our group has synthesized and characterized the antioxidant capacity of a select group of pterostilbene derivatives, which have been functionalized to contain an additional alcohol and amine group. Most recently, we have synthesized a derivative containing benzylamine as the amine. This amine was chosen as benzylamine and drugs functionalized with benzylamine groups have been shown to have antiapoptotic properties. Currently, we aim to further characterize this novel pterostilbene derivative as we believe it has the potential to be utilized as a therapeutic in various disease states such as cancer and type 2 diabetes.Item Open Access Addressing the Cause and Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse(2024-04-19) Rogers, Lilliana; Larsen-Rife, DanelleOne in five girls and one in twenty boys are victims of childhood sexual assault in the United States (Crimes, 2012). There is ample research on the effects and treatment of CSA on victims, however, a paucity of research on pedophiles and sexual offenders. In this social policy paper, the effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on victims should use neuroscience research to prevent CSA. Furthermore, attachment in childhood is pertinent in developing healthy adult relationships, however, despite having a secure attachment to parents, children still face adverse effects of CSA in intimacy in adulthood (Barnum & Perrone-McGovern, 2017). Furthermore, adults exposed to CSA face a higher risk for mental health disorders, physical health problems, and substance abuse disorders, compared with adults who have not been exposed to CSA (Herder & Redner, 1991). Four main effects of concern are addressed in CSA victims: intimacy in adulthood, mental health risks, physical health risks, and substance abuse. These main points of concern illustrate the detrimental effects of CSA, and justify the need for change. Survivors are not the root cause of childhood sex abuse; perpetrators of sexual abuse against children are, leaving perpetrators who commit CSA at risk for reoffending. Incarceration is ineffective due to short sentencing and the child has already been sexually abused (Grady et al., 2015). In addition to ineffective reprimands, little research has been conducted on why and how pedophilia occurs. However, the limited research that has been conducted, is promising, but needs further funding and research to investigate the origins of pedophilia, how to treat it and how to prevent it. In addition, current pedophilia prevention efforts are noninclusive, inaccurate, and not targeted toward caregivers (Kenny & Wurtele, 2010; Grady et al., 2015; Finkelhor, 2009). Pedophilia is not addressed and treated, only the aftermath of CSA is. By analyzing these main concerns, we examine three points of intervention by addressing sexual offenders and pedophiles through the ineffectiveness of incarceration, the lack of funded research, neuroscientific research, and inadequate prevention methods. These points of intervention can be implemented and may reduce the risk of CSA so no child ever has to experience childhood sexual assault.Item Open Access Struggling Readers: Action to Improve Comprehension(2024-04-19) Richards, CariIn the intermediate grades, reading comprehension greatly impacts student's ability to understand what they are reading. When evaluating a student's reading performance, 90% accuracy is an indicator that the text is an appropriate level for a student. Accuracy is determined by how many words are read incorrectly while the student is reading orally. The methodology of action research will be used to explore the validity of the following hypothesis, 'Will the application of reading strategies improve reading comprehension?' A sixth-grade multilingual learner (ML) who attends an intermediate school will be the focus of this study. This student's reading level is currently evaluated at the third-grade level. Although the student can read simple chapter books, they need continual practice reading with more complex text. To support the student to meet 90% accuracy for reading comprehension, five specific reading strategies will be implemented. After the student has been assessed to determine appropriate reading level text, 1) The student and the teacher will meet four times a week for 15 to 20 minutes for a total of six weeks, 2) teacher will preview words in the text with student, 3) student will read aloud to the teacher, 4) student will orally summarize what is being read. Lastly, to measure if the student's reading comprehension has improved, they will write a summary of the content in 2-3 sentences. With continual support using these strategies, the student will be able to transition to a more complex text.Item Open Access The Role of Triple Helix DNA and its Associated Proteins in Cancer Cells(2024-04-19) Black, Nya; Gaspari, MartinaA less known DNA structure that varies significantly from the typical double helix is caused by Hoogsteen base pairing and results in a triple helix formation. Due to its unusual structure, triple helix DNA can be mutagenic and recombinogenic. Mutations in an organism’s genome can build up over time causing cancer, and due to its inherently mutagenic properties, triple helix DNA is likely to be found in higher quantities in cancer cells. One preliminary method for quantifying triple helix DNA involves measuring the levels of two origin recognition complex proteins, ORC2 and ORC4 which bind with high affinity to triple helix DNA. For cells with increased amounts of triple helix DNA, it is expected that there will be increased expression of ORC proteins that can be detected in Western blots. Protein for the Western blots is extracted from three cancer cell lines and one primary cell line, and the expression of the ORC2 and ORC4 proteins is compared between cell types. It is expected that the cancer cells will contain more ORC2 and ORC4 proteins than the normal cells. This research creates a correlation between triple helix DNA quantities and the cell type, and future research will be performed to directly quantify the triple helix DNA for the cell types.