2024 Abstracts

Authors: Alexia Trapier. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. I am studying architectural column orders and how they are interpreted by the average person. I chose this because I want to learn how people are drawn to the orders when looking at them so I may better understand the orders themselves, and how the world perceives them without an in-depth knowledge or understanding of their composition. I will be doing a comparison of three column orders via eye-tracking software. These consist of the doric, ionic, and corinthian orders. First, I will use the eye-tracking software over an image of each column capital on its own, afterwards I will run it again with all three images side-by-side. This process will help us discover which column order is preferred by the human eye, and why. I believe by doing these two comparisons we will learn which column order will draw the eye of its viewers, and how in-depth someone might look at the detailing of the capitals. I anticipate that the corinthian order may draw the most attention due to the higher level of detailing this capital contains. As a designer it is important to learn and understand what the human experience and interaction is with a building's design. To understand what your viewers prefer and how it makes them feel is important in the world of architecture. An architect doesn’t design for themselves, they design for others of the world, and thus, it is important to understand why people enjoy a certain amount of detailing, or proportionality. Although I’ve sampled at a small scale, it shows that there’s room for expansion into other aspects of design. I hope that through this research we can better understand why the classical orders are important to have in the world of design today and how they impact design in our world today.

Authors: Mary Harris. Mentors: Joshua Gubler. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Middle Eastern governments typically score at or near the bottom of indices measuring women’s rights and political participation. The Middle East also contains a large saturation of authoritarian regimes. The Arab Spring challenged these regimes' structures and included vast female participation, but there is little existing research to understand the Spring's impact on women's participation and empowerment in the region. This study aims to add to the research by gathering data from the Arab Barometer to plot public opinion surveys before, during, and after the Arab Spring for a variety of countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. A difference on difference t-test shows the statistical difference of change in opinion before and during the Arab Spring. Twenty semi-structured interviews (conducted in Jordan in 2022) supplemented the quantitative analysis attempting to show the causation between the Arab Spring and the growth in public opinion toward women's empowerment. These are conducted under the hypothesis that: Women’s participation in the Arab Spring improved public opinion towards women’s empowerment in the region. The quantitative analysis illustrates a correlation between the Arab Spring and opinions of women's empowerment, but the shifts of opinions are both negative and positive. The data suggests that the negative impact is connected with the second half of the Arab Spring when the governments were subject to more instability. The interview's results differ from the hypothesis and illustrate little connection between the Arab Spring and public opinion of women's empowerment. These results are affected by the lack of movement in Jordan during the Arab Spring. More research is needed to understand the causation of such a phenomenon in other countries.

Authors: Allie Baumgartner. Mentors: Chizu Matsubara. Insitution: Utah Tech University. • ABSTRACT: A student’s understanding and comprehension of content specific vocabulary is essential for their learning. However, Multilingual Learners (MLs) can struggle to understand what they are learning when they do not have knowledge of content specific vocabulary. This research focuses on the implementation of strategies into a small group reading lesson. These strategies will work towards increasing students’ understanding of content specific vocabulary words, in the areas of social studies and science. By using the methodology of action research, the research will implement research-based strategies for strengthening vocabulary for students learning English as a target language. This research will be conducted over a six-week time frame, with two focus students that are multilingual learners. The research-based word-learning strategies will be incorporated into the small group consisting of four students, to support their learning. Word-learning strategies are strategies that assist students to ascertain the meanings of words that are unfamiliar to them. Students can then apply these strategies to learning of unfamiliar words that are included in the content reading that they do in another small group. The word-learning strategies will support the students in learning, and understanding the meaning of content specific vocabulary words.

Authors: Ian Macapagal. Mentors: Joshua Price. Insitution: Southern Utah University. The issue of suicide in the United States constitutes an increasingly concerning economic and public health issue, given the observed rise in suicide rates in recent years and the societal costs incurred by suicides. This paper focuses on the incidence of suicides by firearm, given firearms’ comparatively high usage and lethality in suicides, and investigates the effects of mandatory waiting periods for firearm purchases on the incidence of suicide. Such purchase delays theoretically provide a “cooling off” period, temporarily denying impulsively suicidal individuals the means to commit suicide. This study employs multivariate regression analysis to isolate the effects of having state-level mandatory waiting periods for firearms purchases, as well as the length of such periods, on state-level suicide mortality rates. This analysis is conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of these policies in reducing firearms-related and total suicides, in addition to the extent to which suicidal individuals respond by substituting firearms for other methods.

Authors: Grace McFarlane. Mentors: Michael Rotter. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is a native shrub to North America, and can be an important component in restoring native plant communities. Members of this genus tend to have physically hard seeds and low germination rates, resulting in a lack of ability to grow this plant by seeds and increasing genetic diversity in restoration sites. We investigated six different methods in order to produce higher germination rates, tracking them over time. Using seeds from three different populations we planted these thimbleberry seeds in groups of 50 for each germination method, monitoring the rates of growth and the success rate percent. These methods included standard planting as our control, cold stratification using a fridge, scarification with sandpaper, hot water bath by boiling the seeds, acid bath with sulfuric acid, and a room temperature soak in water overnight. Our goal is to identify a standard procedure for high germination rates and success.

Authors: Heidi Blaylock, Carter Leuba, Eddie Hill, Christina Aguilar, Carla Cox, Aiden Hill. Mentors: Eddie Hill. Insitution: Weber State University. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic disease that influences all health aspects. The self-determination theory (SDT) suggests that three psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness are necessary for motivation to engage in healthy behaviors. Through medical specialty camps, these needs can be met by educating campers on how to manage T1D and realize they are not alone. The volunteer-based, five-day, inaugural REACH teen/tween camp for youth with T1D was held at WSU. Camp activities were engineered around the three basic needs described by the SDT. These needs were promoted by physical and educational activities, and meeting friends. A pre and post evaluation was given. Two measures were significant with autonomy being the greatest, (M=3.93, SD= .75) to post test (M=4.49, SD= .56), with t(25) = -6.258, p= <.001), effect size r = 1.2 Blood glucose levels were collected through an online platform that allowed staff to monitor campers’ levels. The week's average blood glucose level was 152 mg/dL. This study explored the use of SDT to examine the effectiveness of a diabetes camp for youth and hopefully result in better physical and emotional health thus mitigating the risk of complications.

Authors: Jaiden Sherratt, Madison Ward, Alexandra Clements, Makenzie Vance, Christopher Furlow. Mentors: Julie Johnson Pynn. Insitution: Southern Utah University. Global identity is a concept once recognized by Maslow in 1954 as he said people “feel a kinship and connection, as if all people were members of a single family… Because of this, self-actualizing people have a genuine desire to help the human race.” Historically, it has been seen that this sense of global identity and citizenship can lead to great acts of kindness and empathy, as was the case with Chiune Sugihara who saved over 6000 Jews from Nazi oppression out of a sense of love for humanity (McFarland et al., 2013). It was also found that people with a strong global identity are more likely to be concerned about human rights and hold egalitarian views (McFarland et al., 2012). The research sought to answer the question, “Can images of global success or suffering affect subjects’ feeling of connection with humanity as a whole?” Through this research, we can better understand how positive or negative events impact people’s feelings of global citizenship. Participants will be recruited through the SONA system, as well as the researchers’ social media accounts, and a SUU portal announcement. Our main survey measure is the Identification With All Humanity scale. The scale is intended to measure an individual’s characteristics of concern for global issues and human rights, prosocial attitudes, intergroup forgiveness, and solving global problems (Hamer 2021). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two exposure conditions consisting of either 10 images of human success or 10 images of human suffering. Participants took the adapted IWAH survey, then were exposed to one of the two image sets for five second minimum per image, then took the adapted IWAH survey again to see if the images influenced their perception of global identity. After exposure, participants were asked “Did these images affect your feeling of connection with humanity? Why or why not? The images presented focused on issues of environmentalism. This research is currently in the phase of conducting the survey, and will close the survey gathering on November 1, 2023. Then the researchers will analyze the collected data to see if images of success or suffering influence global identity.

Authors: Brian Seamons. Mentors: . Insitution: Utah Valley University. We compare the atmospheric compositions of WASP-39b and WASP-178b, as well as the different observing modes and analysis techniques for both observations. While both objects are gas giants, WASP-178b’s short-period orbit around its A-type host star leads to an equilibrium temperature more than double that of WASP-39b. WASP-39b was the one of the first exoplanets to be studied by JWST, and subsequently gave astronomers the first insights into JWST’s unprecedented exoplanet characterization capabilities. The data was collected using the NIRSpec PRISM observing mode, which provides broad-wavelength observations typically between 0.5 and 5.5 microns. Our intent was to use the publicly released data files and independently confirm the findings of the Early Release Science team while simultaneously validating our own data analysis pipeline. Our custom methods produced satisfactory results, ultimately yielding a transmission spectra that was consistent with that of the ERS team. Following this, we turned our attention to our second planet, WASP-178b, using data from the Cycle 1 program JWST-GO- 2055 (PI Lothringer). Using the G395H NIRSpec observing mode, which provides narrower wavelength coverage (~3-5 microns) with higher-resolution (R~3000), we constrained atmospheric conditions and molecular abundances, specifically H2O and CO. Though these two gas giants are quite unique, we present the results of each study side-by-side to highlight similarities and differences of both planetary atmospheric composition and the JWST observation modes which provided the data.

Authors: Em Hart. Mentors: Nicole Dib. Insitution: Southern Utah University. The legend of King Arthur has withstood the test of time unlike any other work of literature. Not only is a tale originating from a post-Roman Britain still known today, it is influential and pervasive, impacting the building blocks, themes, and motifs of contemporary stories in genres ranging from fantasy to superheroes to propaganda pieces. Given the legend’s undeniable influence, it sparks the question of what characteristics have allowed this tale to transcend the standard literary lifetime. One theory attributes the legend’s universality to the romantic narrative structure that it gained during the French Vulgate Cycle in the thirteenth century. Though undoubtedly a contributing factor given the structure’s popularity at the time, this theory neglects to consider more common and proven factors of audience appeal, particularly the appeal that similarly transcends temporary trends and tastes. When considering Arthurian legend’s universality, it is important to acknowledge what elements remain consistent over the centuries as opposed to what has more freedom to change with the shifting tastes of the cultures it touches. Arthurian legend, despite the massive changes it has undergone, maintains elements that allow audiences across time to accurately identify it as Arthurian legend. Though stories can carry elements popularized or introduced by Arthuriana in the modern day, those elements do not necessarily make that story Arthurian in the perception of the reader. However, there are stories that change narrative structure, medium, time, place, and even popular plot points, that are still recognized as Arthurian. A similar phenomenon can be seen outside of Arthuriana in more contemporary stories that outlast their expected literary lifetimes. With this in mind, this presentation will consider the ways that Fan Studies explore the communities, individuals, and passions that have replicated this phenomenon. When engaging with this area of study and the elements that source it, a pattern emerges, showing a characteristic that commonly fuels the burgeoning universality of these celebrated stories. In fan works, things like narrative structure, medium, time, and plot all change freely, allowing for the consistencies to become clear. The characters, their bonds, their flaws, and their dramatic needs remain consistent across ever-changing landscapes, be it in fandom circles or the centuries and cultures touched by Arthurian legend. With this guide from other stories and their early universality, my paper will make it clear that an audience appeal substantial enough to transcend centuries is ultimately accessed through characterization, an essential element of the Arthurian legend.

Authors: Katrina Kim. Mentors: Joshua Price. Insitution: Southern Utah University. The gender wage gap has been a persistent issue in the labor market for several decades, resulting in inequalities in workforce opportunities for women. Traditionally, this gap has often been attributed to observable characteristics, referred to as "human capital determinants" which characterized jobs in to male-dominated and female-dominated roles. This division was based on factors such as job requirements and physical labor, leading to disparities in wages. However, recent decades have seen a narrowing of the gender wage gap due to increased opportunities and the emergence of the gig economy. While Uber is one of the most widely recognized gig economy platforms, this study aims to explore whether the gender wage gap persists or narrows across various technology-based job markets. Utilizing data from the Gig Economy Data Hub, which includes information from gig worker surveys, tax returns, demographics, and more, this research seeks to identify the factors influencing gender pay disparities. The study will examine income differentials between male and female gig workers across multiple platforms, taking into account various wage determinants and tax statuses. Additionally, demographic variables including race and household income will be considered as wage disparities exist not only between genders but also among different minority groups. By examining various factors, this study will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the gig economy on gender pay equity and inform potential policy interventions aimed at addressing these disparities.

Authors: Sean Donner. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. A building’s function has historically been tied to its form. We see this in civic buildings, schools, churches, and homes. Many of those recognizable forms were abandoned with the modernist movement in the early twentieth century. Are these new forms still related to their functionality and can average people perceive a building’s functionality based on its form. Learning the opinions of the general public will enhance the architect’s ability to design for the people who will live and work in and around the buildings they design.This study aims to answer those questions by means of an online survey. To gain a wider demographic of survey takers, the survey is largely spread through social media where I have access to a wide variety of people across the globe and of differing generations and backgrounds. The survey has two types of questions. The first presents two pictures of buildings and asks the survey taker to tell which holds a specific function. The second question type presents a single building and four choices of building function. In both question types, all signage or other markings of building type were digitally removed from the photographs. The survey includes fourteen architectural functions ranging from single family homes to State Capitols. Each category includes traditional and modern examples. This variety in style will help to analyze whether there is a difference in the general public’s ability to perceive a building’s function if the building is traditionally designed or if it takes a more modern approach in design. Although this survey is still active, the expected results are as follows: Traditional forms are generally more easily discernable than modern designs. Some building forms are equally recognizable regardless of form. The stand outs from this list are schools and stores/shoppes.

Authors: Emmaline M Saunders, Michael A Stearns, Ami Ward. Mentors: Michael Stearns. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The Tuolumne Intrusive Suite (TIS), Sierra Nevada, California, accumulated magmatic rock from 95 to 85 Ma. Ar-Ar biotite dates require that temperatures within the TIS remained above ~300°C until ~79 million years ago. The protracted thermal history resulted in five texturally and chemically distinct units that young towards the center and was recorded by chemical and isotopic re-equilibration of the minerals. Challener and Glazner (2017) demonstrated that amphibole phenocrysts from the Half Dome Granodiorite (Khd) experienced greenschist-facies metamorphism. Amphibole phenocrysts host abundant inclusions of biotite, chlorite, feldspar, titanite, epidote, and apatite, which are interpreted to have crystallized via breakdown of magnesiohornblende. Additionally, Al zoning suggests fracturing and subsequent healing of the amphibole crystals occurred at near- or subsolidus temperatures. New EPMA and LASS-ICP-MS analyses of texturally related amphibole, titanite, feldspar, and biotite from the equigranular Khd place limits on the timing of amphibole breakdown and contextualize the low-temperature re-equilibration of many of the major minerals in the rock. Most of the amphiboles analyzed contain 0.5–6 wt. % Al2O3 corresponding to actinolite compositions, while feldspar pairs record ~475 ºC apparent temperatures. Titanite grains (re)crystallized between 91–80 Ma and contain 25–825 ppm Zr, which correspond to apparent temperatures between 550–710 ºC (150 ± 50 MPa, aTiO2 = 0.5 ± 0.1). The distribution of Zr in titanites is bimodal with the majority having <200 ppm Zr. Titanites younger than 87 Ma have decreasing Zr content and titanites included within actinolite amphibole contain the lowest Zr content (25–50 ppm) and youngest dates (85–80 Ma). Melt-present crystallization of titanite began at ~91–90 Ma, followed by both near and subsolidus (re)crystallization from ~88–86, concluding with titanite growth via hornblende breakdown from 82–80 Ma. These data taken together with previous investigations provide a continuous record of the rock’s chemical evolution driven by incremental emplacement and subsequent episodic autometamorphism of the equigranular Khd, and critically, any inferences regarding magmatic processes in the TIS must first account for the metamorphic re-equilibration of the rock.

Authors: Maria Balaceanu, Dannelle Larsen-Rife, Tara Caplin, Peg Bird, Grace Carsey, Tiffanee Suhaka. Mentors: Dannelle Larsen-Rife. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding how early experiences with caregivers influence individuals' emotional and relational development throughout their lives. In addition to understanding how an individual interacts with close others, attachment predicts relationship satisfaction (Gardner et al., 2020). Individuals with secure attachments demonstrate greater adaptability in coping and regulating their emotions, leading to improved socio-emotional well-being. In contrast, those with insecure attachment styles tend to encounter difficulties in socio-emotional adjustment (Gardner et al., 2020). This study will examine how insecure attachment is associated with romantic relationship dissatisfaction, specifically those lasting five years or longer. We focus exclusively on romantic relationships lasting five years or more because in adult relationships, each partner serves as an attachment figure for the other (Diamond et al., 2008). Therefore, spouses have the potential to increase each other's attachment security. This means an initially insecure individual can develop earned secure attachment with their spouse's support. Approximately 300 diverse participants over the age of 18 will be recruited for the study. The Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS; Fraley et al., 2011) will assess insecure attachment. The Relationship Assessment Scale (Hendrick, 1988) will assess satisfaction. It is expected insecure attachment will be correlated with lower relationship satisfaction with a romantic partner of five years or longer. Results of the analyses will be presented.

Authors: Tiba Hasan, Elise Larsen, McKell Gillins. Mentors: Jodie Lopez. Insitution: Utah Valley University. AbstractThis paper discusses studies that have researched the most effective forms of teeth whitening and the mechanism behind it. Studies discuss the oxidation of double bonds which in turn lighten the chromogens impacting the overall coloration of dentition. The three main forms of treatment that were considered in these studies include in-office treatment, at home treatment and OTC products. At home overnight bleaching proved to have the best results for both immediate and post 10 week results. At-home treatment under dentist’s care involves lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide ranging from three to ten percent thus it takes longer time than in-office treatment (Leh, B. 2018). Factors such as food intake, beverages, smoking, and oral hygiene care can all impact the efficiency of bleaching methods. While some toothpaste brands, like charcoal toothpaste, claim to whiten teeth, research suggests that these abrasive toothpastes may lead to enamel wear. Furthermore, studies have compared the effects of chemical and herbal toothpaste and found that both can produce similar whitening effects. However, chemical products tend to be more harmful compared to herbal alternatives As dental esthetics have become increasingly important to western populations, more whitening products are readily available for consumer use. Studies warn about the adverse risks and effects of dental bleaching to be aware of for both the consumer and those applying or prescribing bleaching methods, therefore it is important for hygienists and others in the dental field to become educated and aware of the increasing bleaching product selection.

Authors: Brooklyn Matthews, Andrew Rowley, Michael Salas, Shaun Kader. Mentors: Michele Culumber, Daniel Clark. Insitution: Weber State University. Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis causes significant product loss in the dairy industry by causing gas build-up in packaging, and slit-crack defects in the cheese. By invitation, we tested a cheese manufacturing plant in northern Utah for Plb. wasatchensis in their creamery based on reports of puffed packages of aged cheese. We were allowed to swab several locations in the production area where contamination with Plb. wasatchensis was possible. Swabbed areas included the areas exposed to milk before and after pasteurization, floor drains, the cheese vat, curd cutters, cheddaring table, and packaging environment. Samples of raw milk, fresh curds, and gassy cheese were also collected. Swabs taken from surface samples were vortexed in 1 mL sterile saline solution. The solution was diluted and plated on deMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar with 1% ribose (MRS+R) agar. All agar plates were incubated anaerobically for 1 week. Enrichment cultures for Pbl. wasatchensis were also made by inoculating 0.1 mL of the saline rinse from each swab in MRS+R broth, and incubated for 2 days. After growth, were diluted and plated on MRS+R agar. After 1 week of incubation, we selected small (~1 mm), slow-growing colonies that were morphologically similar to Pbl. wasatchensis. The 16S rRNA gene and N-acetyltrasferase gene were amplified using PCR primers specific for Pbl. wasatchensis. Positive Pbl. wasatchensis isolates were found on the handle of the cheese cutter and in the final cheese product showing a gas defect. Our finding suggests that Pbl. wasatchensis is a potential contaminant in the creamery, and though only found in one location, may exist throughout the facility at unculturable levels. Further studies will use molecular techniques to identify Pbl. wasatchensis throughout the facility to identify bacterial DNA instead of live cells, which may more accurately represent the presence of this fastidious organism.

Authors: Megan Wesenberg, Britain Jeppesen, Brianna McDaniel. Mentors: Jodie Lopez. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Abstract: Hydroxyapatite is a natural substance found in bones and the enamel of teeth. When hydroxyapatite is compromised, demineralization begins to occur which can eventually lead to cavities. There are many fluorides on the dental market, some having negative connotations associated with them. Hydroxyapatite products have been explored as an alternative for traditional fluorides to create similar effects without the potential for toxicity. Fluorosis is the main toxicity point addressed. Many patients are apprehensive of the use of fluorides due to possible overconsumption and uncontrolled levels within the local water supply. Because Hydroxyapatite is very biocompatible, access to it does not pose any toxic concerns. Using this alternate material allows these patients access to similar benefits in the oral cavity that fluoride would provide them while also being considerate of their personal beliefs and concerns. Caries are an extremely prevalent issue within the dental office, accounting for pain in patients and a majority of treatment done daily. Caries are very prevalent in the adult population. Hydroxyapatite is a useful substance in caries prevention, another similarity that it has in common with fluorides. Remineralization of these early carious lesions through the aid of hydroxyapatite leads to avoidance of more invasive treatment at a later date. A common use for fluoride is limiting sensitivity of teeth that can be felt from a variety of different stimulants within the oral cavity. Hydroxyapatite can also be used as a desensitizing agent. Hydroxyapatite enters dentin tubules and blocks them, limiting nerve stimulation within the dental pulp.

Authors: Ann Day, Shawn Coon. Mentors: Shawn Coon. Insitution: Westminster College. The decades long movement to discredit, defund, and de-professionalize public education has taken many forms. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers have increasingly attempted to undermine public education through state specific programs (Bacher-Hicks et tal., 2023; Peele & Riser-Kositsky, 2020; Friedman & Young, 2022; Perera, 2023; Vasallo, 2023; Walker, 2022). These policies have taken many forms and attempted to address multiple perceived problems. However, the one commonality between all of these policies is that they perpetuate a trend of educational policymaking that tacitly or actively attempts to de-professionalize teachers and teaching (Apple, 2004; Milner, 2013). The state of Utah, and it’s 2023 legislative session, offers a compelling case study into why this legislation continues to emerge, the rationale behind this movement, and the impact these policies have on educators.

Authors: Maddie Reese, Meg Boren, Emma Sellers, Sheri Tesseyman. Mentors: Sheri Tesseyman. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Maddie Reese, Meg Boren, Emma Sellers, Sheri Tesseyman “Utah Women in Medicine,” pioneering physicians Introduction Utah leaders made efforts to promote female physicians early in its establishment. In a newly flourishing territory, men needed to work the land, hence the push for women to become physicians. The purpose of this research was to understand the significance of Utah women in medicine and their role in shaping the development of nursing practice. Methods This study draws on secondary material about women physicians in early Utah, American medical and nursing education, Utah history, and nursing and healthcare among Latter-Day Saint women. The results of the study are based on historical analysis of primary materials including 19th-century periodicals published in Utah including the Women’s Exponent and the Relief Society Magazine, personal papers, and memoirs. Outcomes and implications The pioneering contributions of early Utah women in medicine, including Romania B. Pratt Penrose and Ellis Reynolds Shipp, had profound implications. They established medical practices and educational programs, training numerous women in nursing and midwifery. Their work contributed to elevating the status of medicine and midwifery in Utah. Moreover, their collaboration resulted in the creation of the groundbreaking "Deseret Hospital" in 1882, accommodating patients and serving as a training center for midwives and nurses. Their enduring legacy lies in their commitment to education, innovation, and compassionate care, shaping the healthcare landscape in Utah.