Architecture

Authors: Peter Seely, Joseph Henderson, Benjamin Webb. Mentors: Benjamin Webb. Insitution: Brigham Young University. A longstanding result in spectral graph theory is that some of the eigenvalues of a network can be obtained by identifying equitable partitions within the graph's structure. We have discovered that the remaining eigenvalues can be recovered using theoretical constructs which we call Local Equitable Partitions (LEPs). We have developed a procedure to find LEPs in a way that allows us to efficiently compute a graph's spectrum using this theory. Our procedure finds LEPs by identifying patterns in the coarsest equitable partition of a graph. We utilize these LEPs in a novel algorithm for computing the spectrum of a graph. Under certain mild assumptions on the equitable partition, we can find eigenvalues of a graph faster using this method when compared to the standard method. This is potentially useful as many real-world data sets have nontrivial equitable partitions.

Authors: Benjamin D Kearsley, Jacob H Norby, Micah R Shepherd, R Ryley Parrish. Mentors: Micah R Shepherd. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Status epilepticus (SE) is a seizure which lasts more than five minutes and requires time sensitive treatment to prevent brain damage and even death. Thus, it is crucial to understand and predict the brain signal patterns preempting SE. Previous research into seizure monitoring techniques in humans suggests that seizure occurrence follows non-random patterns, and that big data and machine learning may be key in discovering detection and prediction models for SE events. This provides a promising foundation for our investigation into a prediction algorithm for SE using data-driven methods.Using a state-of-the-art Multiple Electrode Array (MEA) recording device, high-resolution signals have been recorded that demonstrate the voltage that occurs within mice brain cells during SE. In this study, voltage traces from these brain cells are being examined to identify predictors and indicators of SE events in the brain. Signal processing techniques, such as digital filtering, spectral analysis via spectrograms, and wavelet transforms, are being investigated to analyze these signals and compare them to brain signals exhibiting normal activity. Statistical methods surrounding the first through fourth moments, as well as clustering algorithms may also be used to classify and study the signals.

Authors: Laureana Lazarte, Adam Hales. Mentors: yu ya liang. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Plant Viruses pose a serious threat to the agricultural industry worldwide, infecting members of the brassica genus, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. This particular virus is transmitted via the cabbage aphid, which poses a serious problem, as these are extremely common in croplands worldwide (Clafin et al., 2017). The motivation of this project is to expose a variety of Brassica species to a novel DNA virus, which is a putative geminivirus and has recently been discovered in Utah. Then, plants that show signs of disease resistance after being infected with the virus will be identified. Following infection, genetic information from all Brassica species will be obtained and then analyzed to identify possible sources that promote disease resistance. A diverse array of mustard seeds will also be requested from the USDA National Plant Germplasm System. The methods of this study will involve growing a wide variety of plants within the Brassica genus for six to eight weeks in a greenhouse setting, and exposing them to the virus. The plants will then be analyzed on the basis of severity of infection via visible observations using a zero through ten scale that will be developed. DNA from the plants will be extracted and the genomes will then be sequenced. Combining the genome information and disease susceptibility, a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) will be used to look for possible genetic information that could promote disease resistance. The outcomes of this study may also be used for disease resistance breeding.

Authors: Joseph Henderson, Peter Seely, Benjamin Webb. Insitution: Brigham Young University. A classical result in spectral graph theory states that if a graph has an equitable partition then the eigenvalues of the associated divisor graph are a subset of the original graph’s eigenvalues. A natural question is whether it is possible to recover the remaining eigenvalues of the graph using this method of creating divisor graphs. We show that any weighted undirected graph can be decomposed into a number of subgraphs each with a nontrivial equitable partition whose collective spectra contain the remaining eigenvalues. We call these constructs Local Equitable Partitions (LEPs). We have developed an algorithm that leverages this result to compute LEPs and calculate the remaining eigenvalues of the original graph from them. This is potentially useful as many real-world data sets have a nontrivial equitable partition. To show the potential performance advantage of our algorithm over traditional methods, we present an ideal graph for which our algorithm performs optimally. Using a speed test, we demonstrate the improved temporal complexity of our method on the ideal graph.

Authors: Joseph Stahle. Mentors: Jeb Branin. Insitution: Southern Utah University. Asian theatre has been a significantly ever-present force for millenniums from countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, and more. However, as modernization and globalization have come to the forefront, we have seen a decline in traditional theatrical practices. This begs the question of why these shows have seen a decline, and it also brings up the potential need for more positive representation in contemporary performance studies. This project seeks to view the historical context of Asian theatre from Noh and Peking opera to modern shows like “Miss Saigon”, “The King and I”, and “The Mikado”. Additionally, it explores the lack of Asiatic representation in our modern theatrical society. Through traditional research methods, further understanding will be gained about Asian theatrical practices such as Noh, Kabuki, Peking opera, and shadow puppetry. Most importantly the use of critical approaches such as cultural studies, feminist criticism, and historical criticism, will reveal the lack of non-stereotypical representation of Asians within modern theatre. A key portion of the research will be conducted through personal interviews with Asian Studies and Asian Theatre professors. Leo Shingchi Yip, an associate professor of Japanese studies at the University of Gettysburg, spoke about the misrepresentation of Chinese people during medieval Japan. Yip states, “The portrayals of the Chinese characters featured in these [Noh] ‘Chinese plays’ do not necessarily remain faithful to their Chinese origins. Attuning to the audience’s tastes, expectations, and knowledge was a key factor in shaping [Noh] into an artistic institution, which in turn determined the making and staging of ‘Chinese plays’ in medieval Japan.” This quote discusses how ancient Japan would adapt to the audience’s wants and wishes within their Noh performances. In present times, we do the same thing on Broadway and in local productions to best please our target demographic. If this selective representation was present during medieval Japan, then what is the expected outcome of change over time?In most cases, if something is not termed as insensitive then it likely does not change. When looking at Broadway today, a vast majority of Asian interpretation falls under stereotypes and a minority of the cast’s proportions. Additionally, the presentation of women within the theatre is severely lacking; also, most modern Asiatic heroines fall under the depressive, suicidal, and manipulative Asian women stereotype. The key goal of this presentation is to reveal the inequality and lack of positive Asian depictions in contemporary theatrics. The audience will learn about Asian historical productions as previously mentioned. This presentation forces them to look at their own biases and face the lack of representation within their own local communities as well. The audience’s understanding will blossom and see the harmful portrayals of Asians and seek to create a new hopeful future for all who want to participate in theatre. This hope provides equality for all regardless of skin color, body size, and gender identity.

Authors: Aullora Fekete. Mentors: Karen Jensen. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Implementation of culturally relevant teaching in universities and public schools has increased, but private studios, outnumbering both higher education and public school dance programs, are not keeping pace. Business owners are caught between competing demands making it difficult to invest in professional development programs for their instructors(Risner 2010). This perpetuates implicit bias teaching as instructors fall back on how they were taught in studios based in eurocentered evaluation and ideals furthering the divide for who has accessibility to dance and which dance forms are taught.The following research addresses possible ways private studios can have more access to and receive training for more culturally relevant teaching. Conversation explores how studio vision and clientele demands can be taken into account to create a more inclusive dance culture and the types of training resources already offered along with how they might be implemented. By having an inclusive approach, studio dancers also continue the culturally relevant teaching they received as future dance educators to contribute to a greater dance culture of uplifting and including the marginalized. Citation:Doug Risner Ph.D. M. F. A. (2010) Dance Education Matters: Rebuilding Postsecondary DanceEducation for Twenty-First Century Relevance and Resonance, Journal of Dance Education, 10:4, 95-110, DOI:10.1080/15290824.2010.529761

Authors: Tessa Sabin, Derek Bagley, Kylie Olsen, Alexis Klein, Haven Broadhurst. Mentors: Sandi Gillam. Insitution: Utah State University. The purpose of this project was to create systematic, reliable rubrics for using the Frog Story series in language sample analysis for the diagnosis and treatment of children with developmental language disorders (DLD).Language sample analysis is a critical part of the assessment process by speech language pathologists (SLPs) for determining whether a child has a developmental language disorder. This is accomplished by analyzing a child’s use of vocabulary, sentence structures, and grammatical markers (i.e., past tense) and comparing it to their typically developing peers. Once diagnosed, language sampling is used as part of progress monitoring efforts to ensure the child is making reasonable progress toward their language goals in one (or all) of these areas.Elicitation of language from a child is often achieved by asking them to tell a story. One popular way that SLPs have obtained samples is to ask them to retell one of four popular wordless picture books from the Frog Story series by Mercer Mayer. This series involves the antics of a frog and his boy as they encounter different adventures. There is no rubric or “analysis key” associated with the stories leaving the SLP to decide how to use the information obtained from the story independently. This makes it hard to obtain reliable results over multiple time points for use in progress monitoring.In this project, a team analyzed all four Frog stories for their inclusion of specific story elements (i.e., character, setting, episode), vocabulary and sentence structures; and separate rubrics were created. The methodology for identifying the language parameters of interest, reliability in coding, and uses for the rubrics will be described. The rubrics will be automated using a web application so clinicians can upload their child’s story and have them instantly scored, making their use in analysis more reliable and consistent.

Authors: Brandon Ascione. Mentors: Katie Paxman. Insitution: Brigham Young University. T 1.4.1 contains what appears to be a skeptical regressive argument that ultimately leads to a complete loss of belief. Yet, Hume claims that neither he nor anyone else is compelled by this argument because like breathing, it is the nature of humans to form beliefs. Thus, it becomes challenging to understand why anyone would engage in such a skeptical thought process from the start. Drawing on Peter Millican’s critique of this iterating skepticism and Donald Ainslie’s interpretive work on T 1.4.1, it becomes clear that there is disagreement over what Hume’s intended purposes for T 1.4.1 might be. This paper argues that T 1.4.1 is an account of the psychology of a particular kind of skeptical disposition. Hume’s work on the passions can account and explain the psychology of the skeptic with this skeptical disposition. By taking a more holistic analysis of passages from Books 1 and 2 of the Treatise and citing Margaret Watkins’ conception of delicacy of passion, a compelling case is made that Hume’s own skeptical crisis from T 1.4.7 was motivated by such a skeptical disposition that was driven by the passion of fear.

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

Authors: Gaby Sutton Clark, Emily Santillán, Katreena Merrill. Mentors: Katreena Merrill. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Background: In the United States, an estimated 1 in 36 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While public knowledge of people with ASD has been increasing, many areas of society still need to improve to accommodate people with ASD. People with ASD have high healthcare utilization rates but often experience challenges receiving adequate care, leading to gaps in patient care, increased emergency room visits, and hospital admissions. Adjustments to primary care for patients with ASD are essential to decreasing these concerning trends. Thus, ambulatory care providers have a key role in these improvements. This project will, therefore, focus on improving the self-efficacy of ambulatory care nurse practitioners in the state of Utah in caring for patients with ASD. The purpose of this project is to develop an evidence-based educational video on how to identify and make accommodations to facilitate the care of patients with ASD and evaluate the effectiveness of the video.Methods: The project team includes graduate student Emily Santillan, faculty chair Dr. Katreena Merrill, committee members Dr. Terisa Gabrielson and Dr. Petr Ruda, and undergraduate student Gabby Sutton. The team consulted together and developed an evidence-based script for an educational video. Based on the script and working with the team, the video will be produced by BYU Media Services. Once the video is produced, the team will embed it into a Qualtrics survey that includes pre- and post-intervention surveys. The pre-survey will include basic demographic questions and the “AASPIRE Adult Autism Provider Self-Efficacy Scale” to measure provider self-efficacy in caring for patients with Autism. The post-survey will include the same self-efficacy scale to measure any changes, as well as feedback questions on the video itself. The results and feedback will be used in a future project to disseminate the video further.Results: This project is still in process, and no results have been obtained.Implications for Nursing: Nurses in every specialty will encounter Autistic patients. Being familiar with strategies to improve their nurse-patient interactions will help nurses deliver excellent care to potentially vulnerable patients.Conclusion: While the project has not been completed, we plan on using the results to improve the educational video and pursue more widespread implementation.

Authors: Lincoln Whitney. Mentors: Jordan Watkins. Insitution: Brigham Young University. This paper delves into the profound theophanic encounter presented in Ether 3 of the Book of Mormon, offering a comprehensive analysis of this divine revelation. Through a rigorous examination of the Hebrew Bible, I draw parallels between Ether 3 and the theophany in Exodus 3, shedding light on the striking similarities and divergences between the two narratives. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, blending textual analysis, historical context, and theological interpretation, to provide a nuanced understanding of these encounters.One of the central arguments put forth in this paper is the proposition of a phenomenological reading of Book of Mormon Christology, particularly as it relates to the theophany in Ether 3. By employing a phenomenological framework, I aim to uncover the lived experiences of those involved in these divine encounters, emphasizing the significance of human subjectivity in the interpretation of such transcendent events. This approach not only enriches our understanding of the theological content in the Book of Mormon but also invites a more profound engagement with the text and its implications for contemporary religious thought.The paper concludes by highlighting the enduring relevance of theophanies in scriptural narratives and underscores the significance of adopting a phenomenological lens when studying religious texts. By examining the theophanies in Ether 3 and Exodus 3 through this unique perspective, I hope to contribute to a deeper appreciation of divine encounters and the development of Christology within the Book of Mormon tradition.

Authors: Luke Beckstrand. Mentors: Tyler Gardner. Insitution: Brigham Young University. (47 word abstract)With their diverse range of writing-related needs and goals, multilingual students in a university writing classroom can benefit from consistent, one-on-one support from a trained peer tutor. In this presentation, I share my experiences as an embedded peer tutor in a first-year composition class for multilingual writers.(214 word abstract)There has been a recent explosion of research surrounding writing centers' relationships with the many multilingual students they serve. This research has led to the development of new resources for multilingual writers within the writing center context, including longitudinal peer-tutoring, that have yielded significant and positive results. However, much less research has taken place surrounding multilingual writers’ experiences within a composition classroom. Throughout a semester embedded as a tutor inside of two first-year multilingual composition courses, I was able to gather research and test possible applications of longitudinal peer-tutoring inside the classroom. Multilingual students need, and desperately want, writing help in all contexts. Many multilingual students flock to writing centers, who are more than happy to help, but the majority of multilingual students’ experiences with university writing continue to take place solely within the classroom. There are also many multilingual students who don’t have access to writing centers, and others that do, but don’t have sufficient time to dedicate to visiting it frequently. My research indicates that a single peer-tutor embedded within the classroom can overcome many of these obstacles and give these students the help that they desire through a similar longitudinal peer-tutoring relationship that has been achieved at some writing centers.Keywords: Writing Center, Multilingual Tutoring, Longitudinal Peer-tutoring, Classroom Applications, One-off Sessions,

Authors: Seth Leavitt. Mentors: Nathan Crane. Insitution: Brigham Young University. One common form of 3D printing is Fused filament fabrication (FFF). In this process, a plastic filament is melted and extruded one line at a time to form a 3D shape. FFF often has problems that arise during printing that can cause the rest of the print to fall apart or otherwise fail. We assessed the feasibility of classifying 3D printing errors in prints using Thermography and data processing. We did this by taking constant thermal video of a specially designed printer to collect our temperature data. Then, using a constant travel speed on the printhead and using the distance traveled, we calculated the speed at which the cooling occurs. We collected cooling data on both control prints as well as parts with simulated defects (gaps in the print substrate). By analyzing the differences between the two sets of data, we determined that is feasible to identify anomalies in the printed part. This is a first step towards improving the quality of 3D-printed parts.

Authors: Rachel Krupnek. Mentors: Jie Liu, Sazib Hasan, Vinodh Chellamuthu. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Many groups are interested in potential market indicators because more than 60% of adults in the United States have investments in the stock market. Extreme stock trading volumes can be an important indicator of unusual market events, including those that precede market crashes. Several studies utilized Extreme Value Theory (EVT) and the Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD) to examine and model the behavior of these extreme volumes. In particular, various estimation techniques are explored within the GPD framework to best fit the stock trading volume data. The goal of this study is to utilize mathematical approaches in economics. Our results have implications in both mathematical and economic fields, providing benefits by enhancing our ability to analyze and prepare for extreme market occurrences.

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: Heather Smith. Mentors: Vinodh Chellamuthu, Jie Liu, MD Sazib Hasan. Insitution: Utah Tech University. The invasive species Japanese Beetle (Popillia Japonica) poses significant ecological and economic challenges in the United States, with an annual expenditure exceeding $300 million on damage repair and control efforts. The beetle's life cycle predominates as grubs in turf from late August to April, suggesting a strategic window for control interventions. We developed an individual based model of the Japanese Beetle life cycle, utilizing predator-prey models, to demonstrate the effectiveness of various control methods. Our findings would suggest that ideal timing of grub treatments within the diapause stage markedly reduces beetle populations and is a cost-effective control method. The results of this model can inform land management decisions in controlling Japanese Beetles.

Authors: Ben Martinez, Virginia Merrill. Mentors: Muhammed Yildiz. Insitution: Utah Tech University. This study investigates the multifaceted dimensions of food insecurity among students at Utah Tech University, drawing from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment survey conducted in Spring 2021, comprising a sample size of 347 students. Shockingly, 46.7% experienced food insecurity in the past 30 days, with certain demographics disproportionately affected—specifically, male, nonwhite, non-heterosexual, disabled, athlete, and single students. We also found associations between food insecurity and deteriorating health and well-being. Those affected reported significantly lower overall health and well-being levels, alongside heightened instances of suicidality, stress, and psychological distress. This research underlines the urgency to address food insecurity, particularly among at-risk demographic groups, and emphasizes the critical need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms. It highlights the concerning link between food access and mental health and advocates for inclusive strategies to address disparities among students. Implementing support systems to mitigate food insecurity's adverse impacts is crucial in fostering an environment conducive to the academic success and overall well-being of all students at Utah Tech University.

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.