Architecture

Authors: Grant Cole, Vitaliy Walker, Daniel Adams, Nathan Twitchell, Melissa Lee, Jennifer Mortensen, Brittney Stockholm, Tatiana LeRoy. Mentors: Claudia Jorgensen. Insitution: Utah Valley University. When exposed to stressful situations, the human nervous system reacts with the fight or flight response activation. Physiological indicators of the activation of the fight or flight response include a change in body temperature, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating (Sriram et.al, 2012). There is mounting evidence implicating stress as physiologically and psychologically harmful. For example, recent research has found a correlation between chronic exposure to stress and the development of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, chronic stress has the potential to change the anatomy of the brain along the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA), which is an important part of the neuroendocrine system, plays a role in the release of stress hormones, and helps regulate moods, emotions, and sexual behaviorisms (Ramirez, et.al., 2013). As college can be quite stressful, developing healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress might positively influence the students’ academic performance and it might improve and maintain their psychological and physiological well-being (Skowronek, 2014). Various research studies have been conducted to reveal the therapeutic qualities of music. Music can effectively relieve nervousness, promote mental health, and positively affect students' psychological state (Chi, 2020). Current research on stress-related outcomes shows that music interventions play a significant role in stress reduction on physiological levels (de Witte et. al, 2020).  Preliminary results indicated that physiological responses (including heart rate, electrodermal skin response, and body temperature) to a mathematical calculation task were not impacted by the type of background noise (control, calm music, or upbeat music). Therefore, the current study is while being exposed to various music genre types (Kirschbaum et al., 1993). We hypothesize that calmer music might reduce stress response, while faster and more upbeat music might increase the stress response. The study will employ a between-subject measures design. After obtaining the baseline physiological measures when no music is played, the participant will either be exposed to two segments of relaxation/mediation music or two segments of fast-beat music. While exposed to different music conditions, the physiological response will be used to compare the impact of music genre (calm meditation music versus techno music) as well as practice (music segment 1 versus music segment 2) on the human stress response. Findings on the effects of music manipulation on the human nervous system can be used as additional tools for the management of stress.

Authors: Minh Nguyen, Eugene Leung. Mentors: Ming Yu. Insitution: Utah Valley University. A rapid, non-invasive method of disease detection method is vital for diagnosis or prevention. Many recent studies suggest that biomarker proteins that are associated with certain diseases were often found in urine samples of the patient. Quantum dots (QDs), a type of nanomaterial, have been investigated in previous studies, revealing their fast response in fluorescent properties when interacting with biomarker proteins. In this study, we examined the impact of QDs’ fluorescent properties in complex solutions by utilizing various concentrations of artificial urine samples. The results of this study provide insight into the possibility of using QDs as an alternative method of disease detection.

Authors: Vince Rossi, Spencer Brown. Mentors: Vince Rossi. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Current systems of generating 3D fluorescent images of samples require scanning of a sample or multiple exposures to acquire a series of images. Collecting a 3D fluorescent image in these fashions is timely, ranging from minutes to tens of minutes. This is not ideal for imaging live, dynamic samples that change as time progresses. The use of holographic techniques allows for the collection of a 3D image on the scale of milliseconds, therefore negating motion artifacts. Combining the speed of digital holography with fluorescent imaging will allow for identification of labeled biological components within a sample as well as the ability to view the sample in a 3D space thus offering greater detail and information on the sample. This process is called Holographically Informed Fluorescence Imaging (HIFI). Simulations have been run using MatLab in which a sample is imaged using Phase Shifting Digital Holography. The 3D reconstruction of the image is propagated using Huygens Convolution Method, and then all of the pixels of the image are brought into focus numerically. This image is then overlayed with the fluorescence image obtained. Each pixel of the fluorescent image is propagated to the depth of focus for each pixel within the 3D holographic image and a 3D fluorescent image is obtained. Simulations of this process have proved successful. A proof of principle experiment is currently underway as to prove the effectiveness of this fluorescent imaging method.

Authors: Sadie Jensen, Nellie Bowman, Nick Jeffery, Heather Wilson Ashworth. Mentors: Heather Ashworth. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The STEM career field has been found to be particularly unwelcoming to women and minorities resulting in attrition of these demographics in STEM degrees and careers.2 To address this problem, the National Science Foundation awarded Utah Valley University a grant to fund undergraduate research opportunities with faculty. This preliminary research project explores the effect of mentored undergraduate research opportunities on student retention and success in the UVU Biology Department. Each year for the last 4 years, 10 students were accepted each year into a research cohort. The following factors are known indicators of student success and retention in the STEM fields: self-efficacy1, effort control4, and teacher immediacy3. These factors were qualitatively measured with reflection questions. Students were surveyed at the end of each academic semester. There are two completed cohorts and data is still being collected on the remaining two cohorts. A coding scheme was developed, and reflection questions were coded to consensus. The Pearson's coefficient was greater than 0.76. The preliminary coding results show themes of positive or very positive effects of the research experience on self-efficacy, effort control, and teacher immediacy. The greatest gains were observed in self-efficacy and teacher immediacy. This preliminary data supports the role of undergraduate research in retaining women and minorities in STEM majors. Sources: Kalender, Z. Y., Marshman, E., Schunn, C. D., Nokes-Malach, T. J., & Singh, C. (2020). Damage caused by women’s lower self-efficacy on physics learning. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevphyseducres.16.010118 White, J. L., & Massiha, G. H. (2016). The retention of women in Science, Technology, engineering, and Mathematics: A framework for persistence. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 5(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v5i1.4515 Micari, M., & Pazos, P. (2012). Connecting to the professor: Impact of the student–faculty relationship in a highly challenging course. College Teaching, 60(2), 41-47. Pintrich, P. R., & De Groot, E. V. (1990). Motivational and self-regulated learning components of classroom academic performance. Journal of educational psychology, 82(1), 33.

Authors: Matthew Williams. Mentors: Elena Laricheva. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Protein-ligand docking is a computational method widely used in drug discovery to predict binding affinities of small molecules to target receptors. However, despite its widespread utility, the method has inherent limitations that can lead to false negative and false positive results, affecting its reliability. False positives occur when docking predicts strong binding affinities that experimental evidence does not confirm, while false negatives arise when the method fails to identify potent binders validated in experiments.Various factors contribute to these inaccuracies, including limitations in scoring functions and search algorithms, but a significant issue lies in the neglect of protein dynamics, i.e., receptor flexibility. To address this limitation, flexible docking methods, which partially account for receptor flexibility, have been developed, but they come at a considerable computational cost. In this project, we incorporated molecular dynamics simulations and k-means clustering to improve prediction of binding energies of a series of small molecules to the human dopamine 2 receptor, a crucial therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders.Our findings demonstrate that sampling conformational states through molecular dynamics and clustering, followed by docking to representative clusters, offers a more accurate assessment of binding energies. Remarkably, this enhanced predictive capability is achieved with minimal additional computational expense.

Authors: G. Colton Gardner, J David Symons, Sohom Mookherjee, Michael Judge, Lynasi Gapelu, Sihem Boudina. Mentors: J. David Symons. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher in residents of rural vs. urban communities, and in older vs. younger individuals. Precise mechanisms responsible for CVD are elusive, and the need for new and novel therapeutic interventions is urgent. Autophagy is a conserved process whereby damaged and dysregulated intracellular proteins are identified, tethered, and escorted to the lysosome for degradation and recycling. Emerging evidence indicates that autophagy is important in maintaining endothelial cell (EC) proteostasis and function. For example, my laboratory showed that: (i) autophagy repression specifically in ECs of adult mice produces arterial dysfunction; and (ii) indexes of autophagy are repressed in ECs of older vs. adult mice and humans that display concurrent EC dysfunction. Sequestosome 1 (p62) tethers proteins targeted for degradation and enables their entry into the autophagic pathway. The contribution from EC p62 to arterial function is unknown. To address this, p62 was depleted from ECs of adult male and female mice (KO) using genetic procedures, and results were compared to animals wherein EC p62 is intact (CON). It was hypothesized that depleted p62 would induce arterial dysfunction. The efficacy and specificity of EC p62 depletion was evaluated in both groups by measuring p62 mRNA (qPCR) and protein (immunoblotting) expression in ECs and vascular smooth muscle. At tissue collection: (i) contraction to non-receptor (potassium chloride) and α-1 receptor (phenylephrine) mediated agonists, and relaxation to endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and independent (sodium nitroprusside) stimuli, were measured using isometric (mesenteric arteries) and isobaric (cerebral arteries) approaches; and (ii) intravascular signaling pathways (immunoblotting) important to vasorelaxation were assessed in both groups. Our preliminary findings found no significant differences in arterial function between groups. However, our data suggests that another cohort of mice may lead to statistical significance, and this is actively being conducted. While our results indicate EC specific p62 depletion does not impact arterial responsiveness, hypoxia or ischemia might unmask differences. Additionally, even though EC specific p62 depletion was inducible, other proteins with similar roles (e.g., NBR1) might have upregulated in a compensatory manner. All of these are topics for future study and projects are being designed to investigate them. While this study did not provide enough evidence to confirm the original hypothesis, it did provide several new questions that need answers, and this will direct the future research ambitions of this ongoing project.

Authors: Rafael Deo. Mentors: Matthew Wilcox. Insitution: Brigham Young University. A listening test is an important method used to assess language proficiency. It can be used as placement tests, pre and post-tests, research purposes, classroom evaluations, and many more. Comparison of results of such tests can also be used to assess language gain throughout a period of time. However, to create such listening tests that can genuinely evaluate an individual's ability, audio quality plays an important role, too. This factor should be addressed because it seems trivial, even though it can affect test-takers results. Through this presentation, I will provide general guidelines and practical tools for finding, evaluating and capturing listening passages for proficiency tests.

Authors: Maggie Wu, Ashley Littlefield, Bryant Jones. Mentors: Bryant Jones. Insitution: Snow College. A novel method of predictive thermodynamic property mining using AIMD simulations of molten salts for use in molten salt nuclear reactorsSolving the worlds energy crisis has been a heavily debated and researched topic for many years. One proposed solution to this problem is the micro molten salt nuclear reactor (MMSR). The MMSR is a small portable nuclear powerplant that can provide an affordable source of energy that is completely safe, readily available, and passively controlled. The waste products from this reactor are also heavily sought medically important isotopes. One final hurdle for MMSR development is the mining of the thermodynamic properties for previously unstudied eutectic mixtures of molten salts. Due to the hygroscopic nature of molten salt eutectics, experimental techniques for measuring thermodynamic properties are time and cost prohibitive. Modern supercomputing techniques provide a solution for property mining. However, computational methods have been historically limited to previously experimentally studied salts. There has always been a need for experimentally measured values to be determined first to provide tuning for the computational techniques. This group has developed a novel technique for tuning the values for previously unstudied salts. This greatly enhances the predictive capabilities of computation methods. This technique was then employed to successfully measure the density, Heat capacity, and coefficient of thermal expansion for two promising uranium salt eutectics. These studies provided the data to also study the molecular structure of these salts. This study showed interesting new aggregation of the uranium atoms that will be presented.

Authors: Jaren Meikle, Samuel Archer. Mentors: Jacob Dean. Insitution: Southern Utah University. Dipyrroles are bicyclic, heterocyclic compounds ubiquitous in nature. Dipyrroles form subunits in commonly-occurring photoactive biological subunits such as bilins, and are thus remarkable in their ability to absorb visible light despite their chemical simplicity. In this work, the photochemistry of a model dipyrrole serving as an analogue to the core subunit found in bilins was investigated and found to show a proclivity to undergo pH-dependent reactions. When the acidic and basic variants were irradiated with blue light and the time-resolved UV-vis spectra were recorded, we found stark differences in reactivity between the two variants. The protonated variant is highly photostable and resistant to photoxidation with photonic energy being channeled into rapid internal conversion. The basic variant, however, undergoes consistent oxygen-dependent photooxidation, forming hydroxy and methoxy adducts. Our research is currently focused on elucidating the structure of these photoproducts, identifying the mechanism of photooxidation, as well as modeling the kinetics of the reaction.

Authors: Samuel Andersen. Mentors: Jianlong Han. Insitution: Southern Utah University. We study a Gray-Scott model arising from chemistry. Using nondimensionalization, we reduce the number of parameters, we also analyze the stability of the steady state solutions of the system.

Authors: Megan Frisby, Alma Laney, Geoff Zahn. Mentors: Alma Laney. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The oil-bearing species, Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop) and Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) are important ecological, ornamental, and agriculturally cultivated plants in the state of Utah, playing a central role in the state’s major essential oils industry, and thus economic climate. However, little is known about the virological agents infecting Utah plant species. A project was initiated to identify the viruses infecting symptomatic H. officinalis and L. angustifolia specimens obtained from Utah. Tissues collected from plants of both species exhibited viral associated symptoms of stunting and chlorosis, while collected hyssop specimens displayed additional leaf curling and mottling. Initial MinION sequencing was conducted on cDNA libraries synthesized from lavender and hyssop samples which were multiplexed with that of other species using the cDNA PCR barcoding kit and chip v 9.4.1. The primary run yielded contigs for a novel single-stranded negative-sense RNA nucleorhabdovirus in both specimens, a sequence closest to tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) in hyssop, and an ilarvirus related to tobacco streak virus in lavender. However, additional, exclusive MinION runs consistently failed to yield quality results in attempts to obtain the complete the genomes of these viruses. DNA and RNA extractions were once again performed on hyssop and lavender samples, and RNA from 2020 and 2023 were sent out of lab for RNAseq using the Illumina Novaseq. Once complete genomes are achieved further research will be conducted to characterize these novel viral agents, determine the identity of their associated vectors and calculate host ranges. The results of this project will help to advance the limited virological knowledge of Utah plants as well as that of the nation and world, and aid in developing future scientifically-sound pathogen management strategies.

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: Danielle Keysaw, Michael C Rotter. Mentors: Michael C Rotter. Insitution: Utah Valley University. New botany students are faced with a long list of confusing terminology used within dense textbooks and dichotomous keys. This can be a challenge to learn all the terminology while learning how to identify plants by their various parts which may also be out of date due to the constant change within the field of Botany. The Field Manual of the Utah Valley Flora is written by students for students which results in a more user-friendly resource for learning that is up to date. Students in select botany classes are assigned a specific genus of plants that are found within the vicinity of Utah County (Utah Valley). Students use Utah Valley University’s herbarium, mapping and imaging software, as well as online databases to write descriptions for each species, creating a dichotomous key, and designing range maps. By allowing students to contribute to this field manual, not only will it be easier to read, but it also encourages engaged learning as well as a great opportunity for students to gain experience in technical writing, research methods, and current knowledge of plant terminology and nomenclature. Using the genus Veronica, I demonstrate the process in writing a full treatment for inclusion in the Field Manual of the Utah Valley Flora. First, I looked for details about each species morphology (such as the habit of the plant and the leaves, stems, roots, and flower details). These details allow me to write individual species descriptions for plants in Utah County. Herbarium records are used to describe the habitat and distribution within the greater Utah Valley Region. Next, I used a camera attached to a dissecting microscope to provide pictures of the plants for aid in identification. Lastly, I present a finished and full treatment for the genus Veronica found in Utah Valley. These plants are often considered weeds, but some have medicinal traits used by indigenous peoples as well as serve as habitat for some butterfly and moth species.

Authors: Jaycob M Russell, Sujeong Hwang, Jake A Harward, Emily R Morden, Danielle T Taylor, Devin H Taylor. Mentors: Danielle Taylor, Devin Taylor. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is estimated to cost four billion dollars per year in the United States that has a wide range of symptoms including low birth weight, microcephaly, and neurobehavioral problems (Belhorma et al., 2021). Drosophila melanogaster is a prime model organism to study FASD as they have variation in sensitivity to alcohol, metabolic and functional tolerance, and withdrawal to ethanol. We collected wild-type (WT) fly embryos and raised them in a regular diet or an antioxidant supplemented diet (acai or curcumin) both with or without ethanol exposure during development. Adult 4-8 day old fruit flies were starved for 24 hours before the conditioning paradigm. The different conditions included exposure to different odors in either an agar environment (CS-) or agar with sucrose (CS+) environment. After conditioning flies were starved again for 24 hours before testing. Y-mazes were used to test their learning and memory abilities. We hypothesized that flies reared on ethanol with the supplemented diet of antioxidants will show an increase in learning and memory performance compared to the FASD condition of flies raised in normal food without antioxidant supplementation, as flies raised in antioxidant supplemented diets will have less oxidative stress. Performance indices for Y-maze tests were calculated based on published protocols: [# No. of flies choosing (CS+) - # No. of flies choosing (CS-) ]/ Total # of flies that made a choice (Mohandasan et al., 2020).

Authors: Andrew Knowlton, Matt Olson. Mentors: Matt Olson. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Snow melt is one of the most important parts of Utah’s water budget and has an impact on the Great Salt Lake (GSL) ecosystem, which hit a historic low point in 2022. One aspect contributing to water availability is an increase in dust on our snowpack which enhances snow melt and causes less water in the GSL basin. Using satellite imagery, we will calculate the increase in energy (radiative forcing) over the snowpack due to dust on snow. In previous research, I used a coarse satellite product from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to locate areas of dust hotspots on snow in the mountains surrounding the GSL. This project will use imagery with higher spatial detail (Landsat 8) using the same algorithm to measure radiative forcing over snow due to dust deposition. I will compare this data to the same algorithm using MODIS data to have a better analysis of dust in the snowpack. After performing this analysis I can better understand how spatial detail and acquisition frequency affect our accuracy at detecting radiative forcing due to dust on snow and how it changes our water budget.

Authors: Parker R. Carlquist, Lexi Brady, Seth Dotson, Jeff Glenn. Mentors: Jeff Glenn. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Background: Addressing public health problems requires cooperation from stakeholders who may have wide-ranging political, religious, moral, and societal beliefs. If stakeholders lose trust and mutual understanding between one another, the influence of public health efforts decreases. The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated these complexities as communities became divided in opinions regarding the appropriate response. Without systems and strategies to maintain and increase trust, divisive public health issues may become unsolvable. Objectives: The Campus Conversations project analyzed the effectiveness of reflective structured dialogue (RSD) in helping develop skills and abilities to address difficult conversations and topics. The project hosted conversations among Brigham Young University students of varying demographics and ideologies on divisive topics such as diversity and gender.Methods: Students were recruited to participate in an hour-long conversation with 4-6 others, including a student facilitator who guided the conversation. Conversations began with foundational agreements followed by 3 rounds of questions. Participants were each given an opportunity to speak uninterrupted in each round, followed by group discussion and questions. The structure encourages the sharing of personal experiences and beliefs in an environment that fosters understanding instead of judgement. Pre- and post-conversation surveys were administered to measure the effects of the conversations on skills. Participants were asked to rate how important they believed a skill was and also assess their ability to use it. A collection of 8 different skills and 6 different mindsets/abilities were measured. Results: Survey results found that participation in a conversation using RSD is associated with statistically significant improvements in how students rated the importance of 6 different skills. Additionally, 8 skills and mindsets/abilities saw statistically significant improvements in students’ assessed capability. The skills of “vulnerability” and “suspending judgement” saw the greatest improvements in both rated importance and assessed capabilities. The average change between pre- and post-surveys overall was a 10.5% increase. Conclusions: In order to develop effective public health policies, consensus and understanding must be achieved among stakeholders and communities. The results highlight the potential for RSD conversations to be used as an effective tool to improve students’ belief in the importance of skills required for difficult conversations and potentially improve their ability to use them. Public Health Implications: Public health is currently working to address various divisive problems that require collaboration from stakeholders that range across the political, demographic, and societal spectrums. Utilizing RSD can help promote understanding and the ability to discuss divisive issues in a calm and structured way, forming a foundation whereupon policy can be effectively created, discussed, and advocated.

Authors: Nykitha chomina, Emalee Dias, Mary Roberts. Mentors: Jodi Lopez. Insitution: Utah Valley University. As e-cigarette use has increased in popularity among the general population, especially among adolescents, the demand for research has become evident. E-cigarettes became available in the United States in 2007 and were created as a tobacco cessation tool, even though there is no current research supporting those claims. The wide array of flavors is attributed to the growing popularity of e-cigarettes with known and unknown properties. There is some overlap between the chemicals found in traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes including nicotine. Some of the most negative effects of these ingredients include carcinogenic effects and negative oral manifestations such as hairy tongue, xerostomia, inflammation, and increased incidence of periodontal disease. For decades dental professionals have been interviewing patients regarding their smoking habits; however, with the rise of e-cigarette use, there is a greater demand for patient education. It is crucial that dental professionals take on an active role when it comes to preaching the truths about the dangers of e-cigarettes and the negative impact on oral health. Keywords: e-cigarette, oral health, ingredients

Authors: Karina Geranios, Madison Mathews, Connor Baird. Mentors: Robert Kagabo. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Abstract: Addressing Teenage Pregnancy and Related Public Health Issues in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlements in UgandaIntroductionWhen individuals cross international borders for fear of persecution due to reasons such as their race, belonging to a particular religion, or political group and seeking safety, they become refugees in the new host country. In most resource deprived countries, these refugees are placed in refugee camps where they receive necessities such as food, water, medical care, or shelter. However, in some cases even in these intended safe refugee camps there are many social and public health challenges mostly due to overcrowding. Teenage pregnancy, which is girls getting pregnant between the ages 10-19 is one of those issues not well investigated within refugee camps. Teenage pregnancy is associated with several adverse outcomes for young mothers including intergenerational cycles of poverty and is the leading cause of death among adolescent girls.MethodsUsing constructs from the community-based participatory research approach, the authors used mixed methods study in June 2023 to collaborate with community members to assess and initiate culturally acceptable teenage pregnancy interventions in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. Play and sports activities were used to enhance collaborative efforts between community members and researchers.FindingsMeasures intended to decrease the spread of Covid-19 such as tough lockdowns might have increased risk sexual behaviors and abuse and therefore increased teenage pregnancy. Community leaders are in search of appropriate interventions to reduce teenage pregnancy and provide education to teenage mothers.ConclusionThe study resulted in a collaborative interest between researchers, public health providers, and community leaders to identify culturally acceptable teenage pregnancy measures of intervention. Organized play activities, and menstrual clinics proved to be excellent ways to share teenage pregnancy and related public health challenges information including preventive measures.