2020 Abstracts

Perisse, Iuri Viotti; Fan, Zhiqian; Wang, Zhongde; Harris, Ann; White, Kenneth L.; Polejaeve, Irina A. (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: PoleJaeva, Irina (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Department)

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a recessive human genetic disease that is caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. This gene is responsible to transport Cl- and HCO3- anions in epithelial cells. Previously, we generated CFTR-/- lambs using CRISPR/Cas9 and SCNT techniques. The CFTR-/- lambs display many features similar to human CF disease, including meconium ileus (MI), pancreatic fibrosis, portal fibrosis and biliary hyperplasia, small gallbladder, and absence of vas deferens. In CF patients, MI affects only 15-20% of human babies, whereas it was observed in 100% of newborn CFTR-/- lambs and was the primary cause of death. We here hypothesized that the transgenic expression of the ovine CFTR cDNA under regulation of an intestinal-specific expression promoter would promote the correction of MI in CFTR-/- sheep. In this study, we are constructing three potential vectors with different promoters to be evaluated prior to the generation of transgenic animals. Rat intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (iFABP), rat liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein (LFABP), and Villin1 promoters have already been characterized and successfully used for intestinal-specific expression. After digestion and ligation cloning, the three constructs will be sequenced to confirm the presence of all segments (promoter, cDNA, and vector) in the correct orientation. Subsequently, we plan to evaluate the transient gene expression of the constructs in CaCo-2 cells to ensure they are fully functional. Therefore, we will construct the pcDNA3.1>promoter>CFTR expression vector in order to generate intestine-CFTR transgenic CFTR-/- sheep.

Colbert, Jeffrey (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Schramm, Katherina (Weber State University, Botany); Hillbig, Bridgette (Weber State University, Botany); Walker, Edward (Weber State University, Chemistry)

Hemp is a multimillion-dollar industry; however, it is only grown in a few states in the US. In prehistoric time, there was a brackish lake that covered the valley of Utah�s Wasatch Front. Because of this lake and different drainage events, the soil chemistry and composition changed depending on the depth and salts concentration of the lake.
This study tested soils from three different locations along the Wasatch Front for their potential to support healthy growth of hemp plants. Mg, Ca, N, P, K concentrations were tested along with pH in soils from different geological strata. In an outdoor environment hemp was grown in five-gallon containers to determine if those soils will support hemp growth yielding high fiber content and quality. Potting soil was used as a control. The same soil characterization tests were conducted after the plants were harvested to show what amendments are needed for a successful crop in following seasons. Mature plants� inflorescences were tested for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD) levels by Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). All plants contained less than 0.3% THC. Fiber quantity was measured using confocal microscopy techniques and compared against the different soil collection locations. Water retting was conducted to extract fiber from stalks. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was conducted confirming UDAF�s findings of THC and CBD.

Mary Lay Schuster, Mary Daly (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Edenfield, Avery (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, English Department)

There have been recent developments in reproductive technologies that are staking claims to better the lives of women. The invention and development of reproductive technologies alone is not enough to classify them as technologies aiding women, however. Ultrasound, IVF, and breast reduction technologies specifically can be as helpful to women as they were intended. Ultimately, the way they are put into practice, viewed by society and used by professionals can inadvertently make women feel more marginalized. A woman's agency is diminished by ultrasound technology as she is debating having an abortion; a woman's involvement in her own IVF-aided pregnancy can be positive or negative depending on the outcome; a woman's breasts can contribute to her femininity so long as they fit societal standards. As a technical communicator, I feel a responsibility to bridge this gap between technology and humanity because the two need to function together without one negatively impacting the other. Through my research I will prove this by drawing on the work of Mary Daly and her theory of a rhetorical foreground and background (spaces where women are oppressed and spaces where the oppression is removed, respectively) while analyzing the findings presented by Mary Lay Schuster in her article "The Rhetoric of Reproductive Technologies." Throughout this analysis, I would like to not only point out the problems women are currently encountering with different reproductive technologies, but also to suggest ways to amend the situation moving forward. Mary Lay Schuster points specifically in her article towards the practice of midwifery, and so one of my solutions would include utilizing modern medicine in combination with midwifery.

Webb, Kortney (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Jeffreys, Mark (Education, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences)

This paper applies Imagined Interaction Theory to the dramatic monologue. Imagined Interaction (II) refers to a cognitive state in which people daydream about social interactions.
These II's can be used as practice for an actual conversation with a person. There are six functions of II's self-understanding, compensation, catharsis, rehearsal, conflict-linkage, and relational maintenance. Each of these functions shows why an individual would participate in imagined interactions. There are also mental ways II's represent themselves including self-talk, daydreaming, focus on organization of thoughts, and II can also be used as a therapy tool. How does this theory relate to the dramatic monologue? II's aspects are visible in how a dramatic monologue is displayed. Although II happens inside the head, the actors have to bring their internal monologue into speech through dramatic monologue. Here, II theory applies when performing a dramatic monologue directly in II form. Despite the controversy around the definition of the dramatic monologue, II aspects can be seen through the criteria and how the dramatic monologue is displayed. For practical application this research will apply findings to the dramatic monologue by performing a monologue(s) in II form. This research is significant because this topic is not researched sufficiently and it shows how the performance of the dramatic monologue in theater can mimic real world communication in various situations.

Kaundal, Amita; Hansen, Nathaniel; Ganesh, Jyothsna (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Kaundal, Amita (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Plants, Soils, and Climate Department)

Plants are sessile and bound to their origin so they cannot move to defend themselves against adverse environmental conditions. Soil salinity is one of such environmental stress, which limits the growth and development of plants. Salt stress directly affects crop production. It has been predicted that by 2050, about 50% of arable land will be affected by salinity. About 23% of the worldwide farmland is affected by soil salinity and the crop losses due to salinity are estimated to be tens of billion dollars per year. On top of that, an increase in the world population, the demand for food production also increases. Thus, feeding the growing population under adverse conditions is a challenge. This challenge demands to create more resilient crops to adverse conditions and to feed the growing population. In this study we are investigating General Control Non-repressible 4 (GCN4) in Arabidopsis for salt stress tolerance. GCN4 is an AAA+-ATPase (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities). AAA+ proteins have diverse functions, such as assembly or disassembly of protein complexes, protein folding or unfolding, protein transport or degradation. It has been shown previously that when AtGCN4 overexpressed in Arabidopsis, it plays a significant role in host-pathogen interaction and control stomatal movement upon pathogen infection by degrading RIN4 - 14-3-3 proteins in PM H+-ATPase complex. Besides this GCN4 when overexpressed exhibit drought tolerance. In this study, we have investigated the previously developed overexpressed and silenced GCN4 Arabidopsis transgenic lines along with wild type plants for salt tolerance at different NaCl concentrations of 90mM, 120mM, and 150mM. So far, the studies indicate that the overexpressor lines were able to tolerate up to 150mm of NaCl as compared to the WT and silenced lines. Further studies are in progress to confirm our hypothesis that GCN4 improves the salt tolerance of transgenic plants. The obtained knowledge will help to investigate the common link in the mechanisms involved in various abiotic and biotic stresses.

Stevens, Shaylee (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Bialowas, Anne (Weber State University, Communications)

Since they were originally published, the Harry Potter books have become a cultural phenomenon that connects people from all around the world through its relatable characters and real-world themes. This paper examines the Harry Potter books through the lens of Cultural Studies to explain the connections in the books to the real world and how the theory can be applied to real life experiences. Previous literature related to Cultural Studies and the Harry Potter books provided a foundation for the analysis. The books were analyzed by applying three key concepts in Cultural Studies to various situations and themes in the stories. The three concepts used in the analysis were ideology, economic determinism, and hegemony. The concepts were used to explore the beliefs and values of different characters within the books, as well as the power dynamics and social structures of the wizarding world. These key themes and concepts highlight the parallels that can be drawn between the world of Harry Potter and the real world, and they show the ways in which Cultural Studies can apply to our daily lives.

Leatham, Dallin (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Domek, Matthew (Weber State University, Microbiology); Oberg, Craig (Weber State University, Microbiology); Culumber, Michelle (Weber State University, Microbiology); Walker, Edward (Weber State University, Biochemistry)

Gouda cheese is known for its buttery flavor which is produced by the compound 2,3-butanedione or more commonly known as diacetyl. To measure the concentration of diacetyl in cheese a colorimetric test for vicinal diketones is used, known as the Voges and Proskauer (VP) method. This method involves using 5.0% a-naphthol and 0.4% creatine-KOH to develop a pink to red color. In the VP method the concentration of diacetyl is directly related to the absorbance. When this method was performed using known concentrations of Diacetyl in dH2O, a linear relationship was found to have a R2 value of .9571 confirming that the VP method is a viable method of testing for diacetyl concentration. It was proposed that by using a GC-MS to measure these concentrations a simpler test could be performed with similar or improved accuracy. Extracting of the diacetyl from Gouda cheese was done using a stomacher and a mixture of 50:50 acetone:dH2O. Before the concentration of cheese was measured dilutions of diacetyl concentrations were run in a 50:50 acetone:dH2O mixture at 0.1 uL/mL, 1 uL/mL, and 10 uL/mL. The concentrations of diacetyl that gouda cheese commonly contains are from 0.01 uL/mL to 0.1 uL/mL. It was found that the concentration of .1 uL/mL of diacetyl could not be distinguished from the background interference of the instrument. Currently it seems that using a GC-MS to determine diacetyl concentrations in gouda cheese might not be a practical method. Further research and a better understanding of the equipment could improve this method in order to obtain readable results.

Tooley, Sarah (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Powell, Jake (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Landscape Architecture and Environment Planning Department)

The dry, arid climate of Utah makes water a limited and precious resource. However, Utahans are the second largest per capita water users in the nation, with over 60% of that water used on outdoor landscapes. High landscape water use in the face of limited availability is a complex socio-cultural phenomenon reaching back to when pioneers first settled Utah. Settlers were from places with cultural perceptions of landscapes and climates much different then what they found when they arrived. Their desire to create a place that felt like home established a cultural landscape vernacular where Utahan's prefer a landscape more lush and green than we have water to support. With the projected increase in Utah's population, the traditional Utah landscape is quickly becoming unsustainable. As an Extension service I designed 5 landscapes following established water wise design principles which are: planning and design, plant selection and hydro zones along with practical turf areas. The purpose of these designs was to demonstrate that water wise designs can both be water efficient as well as functional, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. The results of these planning and design efforts are currently being installed into residences in two Utah communities. I will share the design and implementation methods and results of these designs and visitor feedback data from one of the sites. This design research showcases a potential method others in Utah can use to make their landscapes more water wise and begin to redefine the vernacular landscape in Utah and the Intermountain West.

Nye, David; Winner, Langdon (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Edenfield, Avery (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, English Department)

The purpose of this research project is to examine the interplay between psychotherapeutic mobile applications, such as Calm and Headspace, and the people that use them. Using Langdon Winner and David Nye's discussions on technologies and the discourses surrounding them, I aim to synthesize the existing literature, which primarily investigates the effectiveness of these mobile technologies as forms of psychotherapy, with the concept of technology as an identity-forming tool. I hope to address how these psychotherapeutic technologies can both enable and disallow users, and how users, through their engagement with these mobile applications, are challenging prevailing definitions of psychotherapy and technology. Through a thorough analysis of current literature, together with Winner and Nye's work and my own evaluations of public online reviews of psychotherapeutic mobile applications, I intend to advance the research that considers how technologies affect people and how people affect technologies.

Harrison, Jake; Bartkus, Kenneth; Marlowe, Byron (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Bartkus, Kenneth; Marlowe, Byron

The use of genetically modified organisms in the production of food products in the U.S. appears to be pervasive. For example, it is reported that 90 percent of corn, soy and other crops grown in the U.S. are currently genetically modified and 75 to 80 percent of food products contain GMOs or GMO components. Unfortunately, a gap exists between what scientists and consumers believe with regard to the health safety of GMO foods. Specifically, it has been reported that while "Nearly 9 out of 10 scientists from the American Association for the Advancement of Science say GMOs are 'generally safe' to eat, more than half of general public believe it is not a good idea." This presents a challenge for restaurants. That is, should they continue to use GMO food products given assurances from the scientific community or should they respond to consumer concerns and begin the process of adopting a non-GMO policy? The purpose of this research is to address this question by proposing a framework that helps explain why a restaurant might decide to adopt (or not adopt) a non-GMO policy. Based on an adaptation of Roger's Characteristics of an Innovation, the framework has five constructs: (1) Relative Advantage, (2) Compatibility, (3) Complexity, (4) Trialability, (5) Observability. An exploratory application of the model to U.S. restaurants suggests that the framework can provide meaningful and systematic insights into the perceptions of U.S. restaurants with regard to the adoption or non-adoption of a non-GMO policy. Recommendations for further application of the framework, along propositions for additional analysis are provided. Implications for decision making are also presented.

Tyler Hacking, Jonathan Wasden and Dr. Michael Stevens (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Stevens, Michael (Science, Biology)

Abstract:

Plant growth can be affected by both genes and the environment. To test genetic effects on growth we used two varieties of lettuce. To test environmental effects on growth, we used four different water treatments. We were interested in the main effects of genes and the environment and also in their interaction. In other words, is the effect of water treatment different across two lettuce varieties? Two varieties of Lactuca sativa were cultivated in a growth chamber in pots using vermiculite as the growth medium. The two varieties were treated with four types of water: tap, tap-aerated, reverse osmosis, and reverse-osmosis-aerated throughout the experiment. Aeration was accomplished using both surface aeration (waterfall and vortex) and sub-surface aeration using submerged waterstones. All plants were fertilized using 8-15-36 (N-P-K) water-soluble lettuce fertilizer powder plus trace minerals by Greenway Biotech, Inc. The plants were harvested and dried to a constant weight for analysis of biomass. We observed varietal differences in growth with the Buttercrunch variety producing 145% more biomass than the Butterhead variety (p < 0.001). The water treatments affected growth, with the plants watered with tap water producing 31% more biomass than the plants watered with reverse-osmosis water (p < 0.001). The other two water treatments (tap-aerated and reverse-osmosis-aerated) were intermediate between the tap-watered plants and the reverse-osmosis-watered plants in terms of biomass. Finally, we observed a variety-by-environment interaction such that the Buttercrunch showed a marked response to water treatment whereas the Butterhead was only minimally affected by water treatment (p < 0.001). The Buttercrunch produced more biomass than the Butterhead because of its shorter life cycle. By the end of the experiment, the Buttercrunch plants were already bolting and producing flowers. This could also explain why the Buttercrunch was more responsive to differences in water treatments.

Mary Daly, Tina Fey, Erin A. Frost (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Colton, Jared (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, English Department)

The TV show 30 Rock has been described as many things; laugh-out-loud funny, immature, witty... but is it feminist? The show's main character makes claims to feminism in almost every episode, and several episodes cover the topic in various ways. However, she often falls short in her feminism, and the argument can be made that this is intentional. For my presentation, I'll be analyzing the show through the rhetorical lens of Mary Daly's theory on foreground/background spaces. Spaces where women are oppressed and free of oppression, respectively; for example, in the show, the characters are creating a sketch comedy TV show, a place where women have traditionally been marginalized by mainstream media - in contrast, the writers' room is a place where they can speak their minds freely about any topic of their choosing. Through my analysis, I'll also be looking to see if this can be a space for second and third wave feminists to meet. Many third wave feminists are doing things that would be considered "traditionally feminist" without identifying themselves with the term "feminist". There are a few characters in the show who identify as such, and the main character, considered to be a traditional second wave feminist, learns to work together with them. As a result of my analysis, I want to be able to present 30 Rock and other similar spaces as a middle ground for all feminists to meet and agree on, in order to be able to move forward as a movement.

West, Bethany (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Van Gilder, Bobbi (Weber State University: Lindquist College of Arts and Humanities, Communications)

Gendered language, and the way it dictates societal norms, has been a topic of interest for feminist scholars since the 1970's. However, gendered language and its connection with rape culture has yet to be explored, presenting a substantial gap in research. I researched the ways that language may influence and perpetuate rape culture by analyzing #MeToo stories, which are victim's accounts of being sexually assaulted. I focused on the specific language victims used to describe their sexual assault, such as sexist or gendered language. By analyzing the language used in sexual assault victims' stories, I drew connections between rape culture and gendered language. Many female victims emphasized that power differentials between them and their male attacker, such as being viewed as subordinate in their relationship with their attacker, played a significant role in their abuse. Other victims emphasized that social discourse normalized rape for women, and placed blame on victims rather than attackers. Victims also indicated that social norms regarding sexual assault asserted that only heterosexual women were victimized, silencing marginalized victims such as men and members of the LGBTQ community. Socially implicated stereotypes regarding gender and rape were found to create situations in which assault victims were silenced and further abused. By understanding and challenging the discourse regarding language, gender norms, and the roles that they play in sexual assault, society may be able to combat rape culture and those who are at risk for victimization.

Alder, Jacob (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Tainter, Joseph (S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Enviroment and Society Department); Robert, Davies (College of Science, Physics Department); Fjeldsted, Paul (Jon M. Hunstman School of Business, Economics and Finance Department)

Abstract: Have you ever wondered why economists always talk about a growing economy? Modern economists today rely on several fundamental assumptions in the same way physicists rely on laws governing energy and motion. Economists use growth—ideally unrestricted growth—as the key assumption upon which we build models and policy recommendations. The central economic theory explains that growth will enhance individual well-being over time. However, every known physical system has boundaries beyond which it will collapse, and the observed reality is that economic growth cannot be separated from physical resource consumption. As a result, many societies are overshooting physical, ecological boundaries.

This project focuses on outcomes generated by a few of those complexities in a growth-oriented economy in Northern Utah. It analyzes the ways traditional economic models prioritize growth as the primary means of improving quality of life. It explores several positive and negative impacts of limits to growth, whether they are elective policy measures (like paying a carbon tax) or reactions to a collapsed system (like depleted natural gas deposits). It draws on electricity data from two electricity utility providers and compares trends with interconnected behavioral and technological changes.

Ultimately, this project develops a case study to assess ways in which society could thrive without traditional economic growth. By using axioms from physics, primarily the first and second laws of thermodynamics (energy and entropy) this project assesses population projections and increased resource consumption, drawing connections between a growing population, a growing economy, and growing energy use.

Mendiola, Diego (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Bullock, Cathy (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Journalism and Communication Department)

To understand journalism and communication is to know who we are as human beings and what our journey through time means to us; through the systematically detailed logging of our daily experiences we witness the creation of our history; living out moral, ideological and cultural ideals through the word. It is to see ourselves reflected, to see our time, our values, our hypocrisy, our psychology reflected onto the depths of space and time.

For this reason, I believe it is imperative that we get a grip on the methods we use to communicate that historical dialogue we call journalism effectively, providing the least amount of trouble to the living generations of people that inhabit the earth. The promise of an educated, autonomous population is the one that keeps journalism alive and relevant. I have found a set of solutions that are to be discussed among professionals and academics alike, including the reforming of communicative structures and a more conversational relationship with the audience about the larger direction of media.

Waldron, Connor; Moley, Laura; Isom, S. Clay (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Isom, S. Clay (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Department)

In vitro maturation (IVM) is a process that immature oocytes undergo before in vitro fertilization is performed. During IVM, immature oocytes are extracted through aspiration from follicles and receive the necessary hormones to resume meiosis in culture. Success rate of IVM is significantly lower compared to in vivo maturation of oocytes. Oocytes selected for IVM are extracted from small ovarian follicles (1-3mm), which are 4-6 weeks away from complete maturation and subsequent ovulation. During that period, the DNA of the oocyte is undergoing the process of DNA methylation, the addition of a methyl group to cytosines within a CpG context. DNA methylation is an epigenetic change that causes modification to gene expression where methylated gene promoters turn off gene expression. Proper oocyte gene expression is very important in the development of a healthy embryo. Incomplete methylation of aspirated oocytes may be another factor contributing to the low success rates of IVM. We hypothesize that there is a difference in the amount of methylation between oocytes from small ovarian follicles that are further from natural ovulation and oocytes from large ovarian follicles which are developmentally closer to ovulation, with higher levels of methylation in oocytes from large ovarian follicles. To test our hypothesis, large porcine ovarian follicles (7mm and larger) and small porcine ovarian follicles (1-3mm) will be aspirated for ovaries. The oocytes will be stained the two stains, one to visualize the nucleus of the oocyte indicating the presence of DNA and the other to visualize DNA methylation. Fluorescent images will be taken of the oocytes, and the small and large follicle oocyte groups will be compared for genome wide methylation levels.

Johnson, Hayden Allen; Harris, Laurie (Southern Utah University)
Faculty Advisor: Harris, Laurie (Southern Utah University, College of Science and Engineering)

Rural communities in Utah may be an excellent place for technology companies to expand. Many rural Utah communities face major problems with declining economies. Adding to the problem, median incomes in nine rural counties is $48,306 while the statewide median income is $62,961 (US Census Bureau, 2017). Rural areas seem to be an untapped well of potential to help both the state’s economy and tech companies themselves. This research explores how to effectively use that potential.

The object of this research is to identify needs and limitations that currently exist in rural communities that would prevent or could be seen as obstacles for technology industry to grow in these areas. Ongoing research being conducted is looking into the viability of technology companies being able to expand and/or start up in rural Utah by exploring if those areas are ready for the technology industry. Specifically, the research examines:

1. Current educational opportunities related to technology in rural area school systems.

2. Interest among potential workforce in technological fields.

3. Presence of skilled workforce in these rural areas.

4. Potential to form partnerships between higher education and high schools to offer better education and generate interest.

5. Infrastructure of rural areas to support growing technology industry.

Additionally, obstacles that are preventing these areas from being able to support technology industry are found and examined. This research constitutes the first step in helping bolster rural economies through an increase of jobs and industry into those areas. By conducting extensive research and getting in on the “front-lines” of the problem, current situations are more understood and potential suggestions are being developed.