Architecture

Authors: Mason Davis. Mentors: Mohammad Shekaramiz. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Forest fires are disasters that devastate our local communities here in Utah and communities abroad. Characterized as uncontrolled and unpredictable fires in areas with combustible vegetation, these phenomena cause ecological and economic harm. With global warming driving temperature increases and variability in weather patterns, these fires are becoming more severe and frequent. Calls from local and national leaders for solutions are ever-growing. An important factor in fighting these fires includes early detection and monitoring. With advances in artificial intelligence and computer vision, the accuracy and speed of detection can be greatly improved. In this research, two new deep learning approaches making use of transfer learning are developed and investigated for fire detection. To compare performance further, existing architectures are also deployed for analysis on the fire detection problem, including ResNet-50, Xception, MobileViT, and Support Vector Machine. To train and evaluate the performance of the above models, the popular forest fire dataset known as DeepFire was utilized. This dataset consists of a symmetrical split of fire and no-fire images consisting of 1900 total images in varying forest environments. Each architecture was tuned through hyperparameter searches and trails to seek ideal combinations for optimal performance. A comparison was drawn with the most recent literature making use of this dataset. Here, our modified Xception architecture leveraging transfer learning topped all recent publications on the DeepFire dataset by achieving 99.211% accuracy. With wildfires increasing in frequency and severity, the early detection of these disasters is paramount to controlling their spread. We have seen that deep learning can provide an increasingly accurate way to autonomously survey and detect these disasters. This is a promising step toward autonomous detection and early elimination of these disasters as they start. Future work will include the investigation of real-time processing techniques for fire detection, allowing for real-time data acquisition, inference, and transmission of geo-information to emergency and forest management teams.

Authors: Jalynn Lunceford. Mentors: Crystal Koenig, Arianna Harrington. Insitution: Southern Utah University. At Southern Utah University, the Anthropology and Mammalogy Teaching Collections were widespread and disorganized. The Anthropology Teaching Collection had not been curated yet, and only a binder of handwritten records from 2005 existed for Mammalogy. Mammalogy had over 70 specimens exhibiting dry rot, unsealed taxidermy was found to be leaking onto storage trays, and various skeletal specimens were in severely fragile states. When tasked with organizing these collections, my main goal was to create a better inventory and curation system for easier access to teaching materials and increase interdepartmental resource-sharing. Over 600 recorded hours, I created separate websites for each collection to display photos of available specimens, and specimens were inventoried using a taxonomic-based numerical barcoding system. Their housing system was reorganized and improved where possible. Over 100 specimens were cataloged in Anthropology; the majority were additive-manufactured primates with no real human remains. In Mammalogy, 1,296 specimens were cataloged; over 700 were skeletal remains and the remaining 500 were taxidermy, with one surprise discovery of undocumented human remains. The human remains were sent to the State Forensic Examiner and was determined to be a poorly prepared anatomical specimen. This project allowed me to prevent further damage to the Mammalogy specimens by effectively removing rotting and highly damaged specimens, and treating for moths. Lost materials were rediscovered, including the first known primate to the collections. Now, professors and students can effectively navigate and locate teaching/learning resources from the databases and websites I created, and better anticipate future collection needs.

Authors: Brandie Statham, Rebekah Hakala. Mentors: Todd Spencer. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The link between attachment style and sexual intercourse frequency is critical in determining an individual's sexual satisfaction in a romantic relationship. Secure, anxious, avoidant, and disordered attachment types all have a substantial impact on how people approach sexual intimacy (Mark, Vowels, & Murray, 2018). Individuals who are securely attached tend to have better levels of sexual satisfaction because they can openly communicate their desires and needs, creating a positive and supportive sexual environment. Anxiously connected people, on the other hand, may experience swings in sexual satisfaction as a result of their reliance on sexual connection for reassurance. Individuals who prioritize physical proximity over emotional intimacy may have difficulty forming deep emotional relationships, affecting their overall sexual satisfaction. Disorganized attachment patterns can result in complex and occasionally contradictory experiences (Mark, Vowels, & Murray, 2018).. They may want both closeness and distance, which can create confusion. This attachment style's unpredictability can have an impact on both frequency and satisfaction.The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship among attachment styles and sexual satisfaction, and sexual frequency. Our sample consists of 411 married individuals. Participants completed The Relationship Questionnaire (RQ; Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991), Sexual Frequency, and Sexual Satisfaction Index (CSI-4; Funk & Rogge, 2000). Results of the one way Anova were significant F (3,407) = 8.21, p=<.001. There was a significant difference in levels of sexual satisfaction among attachment styles. Secure attachment (M=32.95, SD = 8.23), fearful attachment (M=29.40, SD = 9.80), preoccupied (M=29.54, SD = 9.82), and dismissing (M = 30.77, SD = 9.97). Results of the Bonferroni Post-hoc analysis indicated a significantly higher levels of couple satisfaction than fearful and dismissing attachment styles (p.<.001). There was no significant difference in the amount of frequency of sex and attachment style. Results provide empirical support that secure attachment styles tend to be beneficial for sexual satisfaction despite having no statistical difference in sexual frequency.

Authors: Ives Hong, Grace Carsey, Tara Caplin, Hunter Mitchell, Peg Bird, Bridger Lisonbee, Maria Balaceanu, Dannelle Larsen-Rife. Mentors: Dannelle Larsen-Rife. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Attachment is fundamental to human development. The parent-child relationship impacts the physical and mental health of the child, particularly social development. The two attachment dimensions — attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance underlie the caregiver-child relationship in early childhood (Bowlby et al., 1973). Attachment anxiety and avoidance may change or persist throughout the life span. Major life transitions may influence attachment, however, people tend to revert to previous attachment trajectories after experiencing life transition (Fraley et al., 2021). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to attachment insecurity which may have notable outcomes in adult relationships (Ross et al., 2022; Synder et al., 2023). Individuals with attachment avoidance and anxiety may have difficulty maintaining existing connections. People with high attachment anxiety and inadequate social support experience poor health outcomes (Stanton & Campbell. 2014). Lack of social support predict post-traumatic stress and thoughts of suicide (Scoglio et al., 2023). Loneliness and social isolation are associated with insecure attachment (Spence et al., 2020). Loneliness is correlated with poor mental health ratings and symptoms, and even mortality (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015; Jenkins et al., 2023). This study evaluates early attachment, health, and relationships. Approximately 200 adults will be recruited to complete the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire (Fraley et al., 2011), Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire (Felitti et al.,1998), the Social Support Questionnaire-Short Form (SSQ6; Sarason et al. 1987), and the three-Item Loneliness Scale (Russell et al., 1980 ).We expect attachment anxiety and avoidance will be positively correlated with loneliness and negatively correlated with social support, while ACEs moderate these associations. Examining how ACEs may interact with attachment avoidance and anxiety may prompt early intervention to improve the caregiver-child relationship.

Authors: Frankie Medina. Mentors: Joy McMurrin. Insitution: Utah Tech University. My research looks at the multifaceted extent of the lived experiences of Mexican-American women through the eyes of Chicana feminist's scholarships and social media content. The first research question considers the insights presented by Chicana feminists’ scholarship to delve into complex experiences. This will highlight their struggles, identities, and achievements. I aim to root around the fundamental theories and narratives that support the study of Mexican-American women.Second, I will examine the everyday experiences of Mexican-American women, and how it aligns with and/or deviates from the scholarship mentioned above. Through secondary research, I will examine common themes in the scholarship and compare them with the everyday experiences that I previously identified.Thirdly, I will research how contemporary Chicanas interact in formal and informal actions of protest that go against traditional norms and patriarchal systems. My research will focus on the gap between scholarly discourse and activism in real-life norms. I seek to present the different ways in which Mexican-American women delve into their own resilience and resistance in challenging existing obstacles. This qualitative research has three phases: first I will identify and synthesize common themes in Chicana feminist scholarship; second, I will code social media content, using both a priori and in vivo coding methods; third, I will write a thematic analysis of the contemporary Chicana experience. By reviewing these sources and data, I will provide an understanding of the experiences of Mexican-American women, their morale with scholarly discourse, and their roles in continued socio-cultural and political activities. The outcomes of this research hope to have regard for the complications around the Mexican-American female experience and their continuing efforts to challenge and change traditional norms and patriarchy

Authors: Lilliana Rogers. Mentors: Dannelle Larson-Rife. Insitution: Utah Tech University. One in five girls and one in twenty boys are victims of childhood sexual assault in the United States (Crimes, 2012). There is ample research on the effects and treatment of CSA on victims, however, a paucity of research on pedophiles and sexual offenders. In this social policy paper, the effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on victims should use neuroscience research to prevent CSA. Furthermore, attachment in childhood is pertinent in developing healthy adult relationships, however, despite having a secure attachment to parents, children still face adverse effects of CSA in intimacy in adulthood (Barnum & Perrone-McGovern, 2017). Furthermore, adults exposed to CSA face a higher risk for mental health disorders, physical health problems, and substance abuse disorders, compared with adults who have not been exposed to CSA (Herder & Redner, 1991). Four main effects of concern are addressed in CSA victims: intimacy in adulthood, mental health risks, physical health risks, and substance abuse. These main points of concern illustrate the detrimental effects of CSA, and justify the need for change. Survivors are not the root cause of childhood sex abuse; perpetrators of sexual abuse against children are, leaving perpetrators who commit CSA at risk for reoffending. Incarceration is ineffective due to short sentencing and the child has already been sexually abused (Grady et al., 2015). In addition to ineffective reprimands, little research has been conducted on why and how pedophilia occurs. However, the limited research that has been conducted, is promising, but needs further funding and research to investigate the origins of pedophilia, how to treat it and how to prevent it. In addition, current pedophilia prevention efforts are noninclusive, inaccurate, and not targeted toward caregivers (Kenny & Wurtele, 2010; Grady et al., 2015; Finkelhor, 2009). Pedophilia is not addressed and treated, only the aftermath of CSA is. By analyzing these main concerns, we examine three points of intervention by addressing sexual offenders and pedophiles through the ineffectiveness of incarceration, the lack of funded research, neuroscientific research, and inadequate prevention methods. These points of intervention can be implemented and may reduce the risk of CSA so no child ever has to experience childhood sexual assault.

Authors: Reagan Bartholomew. Mentors: Dylan Hansen. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Unveiling the Challenges Faced by Deaf and Disabled Undocumented ImmigrantsThis paper shows the overlooked challenges confronted by a particularly vulnerable group—deaf and disabled undocumented immigrants. The motivation behind this study comes from the need to address the unique hardships experienced by this marginalized population. Our research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining participant observation, policy analysis and comparative analysis. Comprehensively exploring their experiences and shed light on their daily struggles.Our finding show that access to language resources is not just a matter of practicality but a matter of preserving their cognitive abilities and preventing language loss, particularly among young immigrants. We advocate for programs and specific policy changes that can help these individuals and their families with the skills they need to communicate effectively and integrate into society.This research significantly contributes to the fields of immigration studies, disability studies, and language acquisition. It underscores the urgency of allocating resources to address the specific communication needs of deaf and disabled undocumented immigrants, preserving their linguistic development and cognitive abilities.In conclusion, this paper seeks to raise awareness and advocate for more inclusive policies and resources to facilitate language acquisition for this vulnerable population. We look forward to presenting our research at UCUR 2024 and engaging in productive discussions about this pressing issue.

Authors: Avary Fielding. Mentors: John Salmon. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Human-robot co-manipulation is a field of study that explores humans and robots collaboratively moving objects in various applications, including areas such as search and rescue or disaster response. The focus of this particular research is the coordination of a group of 2-3 human participants to maneuver a 55-lb table and execute specific tasks, in order to draw insights on effective strategies for humans-robots teams. Within each group, a leader was equipped with a virtual reality (VR) headset, providing them with a visual representation of the end goal. In contrast, one or multiple followers, who were unable to see the desired final position, had the responsibility of following the leader to complete the task. Data pertaining to forces, torques, and position was recorded for several iterations of 18 unique table movements to investigate group strategies and learning over time. One specific maneuver involving diagonal translation in the transverse plane (xy, with +y being to the left of the leader) became of special interest and led to the formation of two key hypotheses surrounding the evolution of human coordination strategies. First, it was hypothesized that participants would initially approach the task by translating forwards (in the x direction) and then sideways (in the y direction), before potentially optimizing their strategy in subsequent trials. Second, it was anticipated that, after successfully completing the task twice, participants would adapt to a more efficient method, involving direct diagonal translation. This research aims to answer whether the transition from sequential translations to diagonal movement is a learned behavior, developed over time as groups become more adept at the maneuver. Understanding how humans naturally tend to optimize large object manipulation can be invaluable in the realm of human-robot co-manipulation, as it provides a point of reference on which to base robot behavior, ultimately improving performance and efficiency in various co-manipulation scenarios.

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: 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: Emma Parry, Nikki Trush, Christina Pondell. Mentors: Christina Pondell. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Rivers in arid environments provide extremely important sources of freshwater for local ecosystems and communities. These regions are highly vulnerable to climate change and are seeing high rates of human population growth. This leads to unsustainable demand on progressively more threatened freshwater resources. Despite the importance of these water resources for residential, agricultural, and environmental needs, there is little information available to describe long term changes to water quality in response to human and climate change. The Santa Clara River in southern Utah is one prime example of a threatened arid river system that serves as an important drinking water source to a rapidly growing human population. This 52-mile-long river flows from the Pine Valley Mountains and past the cities of Ivins, Santa Clara, and St. George before meeting with the Virgin River. This research discusses results from a water quality monitoring program initiated in February 2023. Our sampling efforts focused on the lower Santa Clara River between Gunlock Reservoir and the Virgin River confluence. We selected four sites to monitor the impacts of changes in land use and restoration efforts on the river’s water quality. In this presentation we discuss results from time series analysis and correlations between water quality, flow rates, and land use to describe how water quality responds to human and climate impacts on this arid freshwater resource. This research underscores the importance of establishing long-term monitoring capabilities for critical water quality parameters and provides valuable insights for sustainable water management and environmental conservation in southern Utah.

Authors: Savanna Greer. Mentors: Zhenyu Jin. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a crucial role in predicting avalanches by enabling the analysis, visualization, and modeling of various spatial data that contribute to understanding avalanche risk. Here's how GIS can assist in predicting avalanches:* Terrain Analysis: GIS allows experts to analyze terrain features such as slope, aspect, elevation, and curvature, which are critical factors in determining avalanche-prone areas. Steep slopes, specific aspects, and changes in elevation are indicative of higher avalanche risk. GIS software can create detailed elevation models and analyze slope angles to identify potential avalanche zones.
* Snowpack Analysis: By integrating data from snow telemetry stations, weather stations, and remote sensing technologies, GIS can help monitor snow depth, density, temperature, and moisture content. These factors are critical in assessing the stability of the snowpack. GIS can create maps showing the distribution of snow depth and snow water equivalent, aiding in the assessment of avalanche risk.
* Historical Data Integration: GIS enables the integration of historical avalanche data and events into mapping systems. Analyzing past avalanche occurrences can help identify patterns, understand triggers, and determine high-risk areas. This data can be used to create predictive models.
* Weather and Climate Data: GIS allows the integration of real-time and historical weather data into avalanche prediction models. Changes in temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and direction greatly impact snow stability and can trigger avalanches. GIS can overlay weather data onto terrain and snowpack information to create comprehensive predictive models.
* Risk Zoning and Modeling: Using the spatial analysis capabilities of GIS, experts can create risk zones and models that categorize areas based on their susceptibility to avalanches. These zones help in urban planning, land-use management, and emergency response planning. GIS can also simulate and model potential avalanche paths, allowing for the visualization of potential avalanche runout zones.
* Decision Support Systems: GIS-based decision support systems provide valuable tools for avalanche forecasters and emergency management personnel. These systems integrate various data sources, allowing for real-time monitoring, risk assessment, and decision-making to mitigate potential avalanche threats.
* Communication and Public Awareness: GIS can be used to create maps and visualizations that communicate avalanche risk to the public, backcountry enthusiasts, and local authorities. This can aid in raising awareness and promoting safety measures in avalanche-prone areas.
By leveraging GIS, avalanche forecasters, researchers, and land management agencies can significantly improve their understanding of avalanche dynamics, develop more accurate predictive models, and take proactive measures to mitigate risks and enhance safety in avalanche-prone areas.

Authors: Dante Celani, Laisha Noyes, Candice Johnson, Seun Onileowo, Randy Klabacka. Mentors: Randy Klabacka. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Increased accessibility to next generation sequencing technology (NGS) has facilitated genomic research in diverse biological disciplines studying non-model organisms (which constitute 99.99% of all organisms on Earth). However, most techniques in NGS require mapping of raw-sequencing reads to a refence genome, this presents a challenge for studies involving non-model organisms since no con-specific reference genome is available for the vast majority of these species. Researchers facing this challenge frequently use the reference genome of a related taxon. While it is understood that read mapping efficiency is inversely related to evolutionary distance between read and reference taxa, the exact nature of the relationship is unknown. To examen this we mapped whole genome sequence data from four Aspidoscelis lizard species (“whiptails”) to twenty-eight genomes of varying relatedness across the vertebrate tree of life. We examined the relationship of mapping success to phylogenetic distance and assessed the relationship between these variables.

Authors: Allie Pace, Conner Bennett. Mentors: Marzieh Ghasemi. Insitution: Utah Tech University. The city of Saint George is reported as one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA with more than 40% change in its population from 2010 to 2022. With increasing population and subsequent consumerism, Saint George has seen a significant increase in waste production. Analyzing the data recorded by Washington County Solid Waste, revealed that municipal waste disposal has increased from about 136000 Tonnes in 2015 to around 227000 Tonnes in 2021. The preliminary data analysis showed that the maximum waste production mostly occurred in the peak season from March to May with approximately 20000 Tonnes of waste produced on average during these months in 2020. The purpose of this research is to study the trends in waste generation in Washington County, City of Saint George over the past 10 years. As a part of this research, the waste composition, the average waste production per household, and the possible factors that may contribute to changing waste production and composition will be investigated.

Authors: Trevor Ashby, Elizabeth Maclennan. Mentors: Gabriela Chilom. Insitution: Utah Tech University. This study explores the influence of organic amendment on the water retention and wettability of desert soils, which are traditionally challenged by limited water availability. The water retention was assessed by gravimetric methods and the wettability changes were assessed by using the contact angle and ethanol droplet methods. The aggregation and morphology of the soils was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Application of organic amendments to desert soils altered their wettability, water retention, and aggregation in a manner not directly tied to the quantity of organic material incorporated. These alterations are indicative of complex soil-organic matter interactions that transcend mere carbon addition and underscore a multifaceted response of desert soils to organic amendments, which cannot be predicted by the amount of organic carbon alone.

Authors: Karen Hoggan, Adia Migliori, Jonathan Harr, David Aguilar Alvarez. Mentors: David Aguilar Alvarez. Insitution: Weber State University. BackgroundElevated blood pressure (BP) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The effects of high sodium (Na) intake on blood pressure are widely recognized. Of late, potassium (K) intake has gained recognition as a factor in hypertension. Recent studies have shown that the Na/K ratio consumed may be more predictive of hypertension than solely sodium intake. This study examines the association between the Na/K ratio and BP in males and females.MethodsWe utilized a cross-sectional design to evaluate self-reported two-day diet records for 73 male and 183 female students. Sodium and potassium intake were calculated using Diet and Wellness Plus. BP measurements were taken from each participant. Partial correlations were conducted between systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the following variables: Na, K, and Na/K. SBP means were compared between high sodium consumers and low sodium consumers with the same Na/K ratio using independent samples t-test.ResultsNeither male nor female participants’ SBP or DBP were associated with Na or K intake (p>0.05). However, an increased Na/K ratio was associated with higher DBP in males (r=0.254, p=0.29), but not in females (r=0.04 p=0.79). When the Na/K ratio was paired, participants who consumed over 3000 mg of sodium had a significantly higher SBP (121.1 ± 12.9) than those who consumed less than 3000 mg (115.9 ± 10.7, p=.004).ConclusionsConsumption of Na and K may affect male and female BP differently. In males, the Na/K ratio was predictive of increases in blood pressure. Although Na/K ratio seems to be more predictive of this parameter, within the same Na/K ratio, having lower sodium consumption was associated with lower SBP. This illustrates the complex interaction between BP regulation and nutrition, emphasizing the significance of both lowering sodium intake and maintaining a balanced Na/K ratio for optimal heart health.