Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

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  Script to Sans: The Shift Toward Minimalist Branding

  Angela Brayton and Abigail Derouard

  It has become common for companies to do rebrands from more detailed, complex branding to simple and bold branding. With lettering, there has been a trend of companies shifting from script to sans serif typefaces. This pattern brought us to the question, why? It’s important to understand trends in graphic design like this one to get a better grasp of marketing strategies and consumer preferences. It’s also good practice as graphic designers to stay up to date with social and cultural shifts, so we can apply that knowledge and make smart design choices. While there isn’t much research on this change in particular, there is some on individual cases of rebranding, which is what we developed this project around. Specifically, the project focuses on 16 different case studies of companies that have rebranded from script to sans serif typefaces. The case studies explore the history of the selected brands and their logos, focusing on why they switched their branding. Three commonalities developed across the reasoning, one being a change in the company body (such as a shift in ownership), the second being a change to keep up with modern technology and trends, and the third being an outlier case, found with Pinterest. This outlier case was due to the lack of specific reasoning behind their logo and branding switch. It’s important to continue investigating changes in branding so we can learn from these instances how people interact with certain styles of graphic design and use that understanding in our own work.

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  Microplastics in the Mississippi

  Jozey Goodall

  This poster explores the presence and impact of microplastics in the Mississippi River through the analysis of two research studies. The first study examined surface water samples to measure microplastic concentration and to assess how land use and geography influence their distribution along the river. The second study looks in on identifying microplastics in the digestive systems of fish collected from different locations along the river. Both studies have shown that microplastics are widespread throughout the river, with higher levels found downstream and in highly populated areas. The research highlights the ways in which microplastics enter freshwater environments, from urban runoff and wastewater to degraded consumer products, and how these pollutants can affect wildlife and humans. Fish are especially vulnerable, as microplastics accumulate in their stomach linings, potentially affecting their health and survival. The plastics can also work their way up the food chain, posing a possible risk to human health through the consumption of contaminated water or food. These findings stress the need for increased awareness and better waste practices. Reducing plastic usage, reusing materials, and improving disposal methods are all key steps in addressing this issue. By recognizing the sources and impacts of microplastics, we can begin to develop more sustainable habits and protect freshwater ecosystems.

  Senior Capstone for GEOG 454: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources with Professor Gregory Vandeberg.

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  Radiant Love and Knowledge: Near-Death Experiences in Modern America

  Carsen Grave

  Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) are vivid, often transformative recollections of the dying process. Up to 23 percent of surviving critical patients and as many as 88 percent of lucid individuals on their deathbeds report such experiences. Most of these narratives describe an encounter with a radiant “Being of Light,” a godlike figure associated with profound and lasting improvements in well-being and spiritual outlook. Philosopher Raymond Moody introduced a systematic framework for NDEs in his 1975 book Life After Life, where he first labeled and popularized this figure. Since then, scholars have debated whether Moody’s framework described actual experiences or shaped how they are recalled, raising the question of whether NDE content is universal or culturally influenced. This historical presentation contributes to that discussion by comparing American NDE accounts and popular media depictions of the Being of Light before and after Moody’s publication. While terminology has changed over time, core portrayals of the Being of Light—depicted as loving, wise, telepathic, and overseeing a Life Review—have remained strikingly consistent. This suggests that NDEs contain universal features that are not shaped by cultural influences. The Being continues to serve as a powerful cultural symbol for love, knowledge, and hope.

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  Investigation of Maleic Anhydride in Organic Synthesis

  Emma Nissen, Zhijun Wang, and Qianli Rick Chu

  This research explores the synthetic utility of maleic anhydride; a versatile and reactive compound widely used in organic and industrial chemistry. The study focuses on the synthesis of N-allyl maleimide and 3-hexyl-1,2-cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid. N-allyl maleimide, confirmed via ^1H NMR spectroscopy, was synthesized in high yield and shows potential as a monomer or intermediate in organic synthesis. Additionally, the photochemical synthesis of a novel compound, 3-hexyl-1,2-cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid, was achieved and characterized. Its long aliphatic side chain contributes to decreased melting point and increased solubility. These findings demonstrate maleic anhydride’s utility in forming intermediates and bicyclic compounds under mild conditions, supporting its continued relevance in materials and synthetic chemistry.

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  Social Experiences of Individuals with Autism in Adolescence and Adulthood: A literature review

  Nichole Dumlao and F. Richard Ferraro

  This literature review examines social experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during adolescence and adulthood, addressing a critical knowledge gap regarding developmental trajectories and support needs across the lifespan. Despite increased ASD awareness, individuals face persistent social challenges, with research showing concerning rates of isolation. The purpose of this review is to understand how sensory processing differences and atypical gaze behaviors contribute to social outcomes in ASD. As such, three key questions were asked: How do social participation patterns change from adolescence to adulthood? What sensory-based subtypes exist within ASD? How do different gaze behavior patterns relate to social functioning? Through analysis of recent empirical studies, the research found that many individuals with ASD experience limited social engagement throughout development, with community participation decreasing during the transition to adulthood. Distinct sensory subtypes were identified, including groups characterized by neural hyperresponsivity that correlates with everyday sensory difficulties. Both hyperarousal/avoidance and hypoarousal/indifference patterns of gaze behavior were observed in different subgroups. Social outcomes were predicted by individual characteristics (communication abilities, cognitive skills) and environmental factors (case management, socioeconomic resources). Future research should explore longitudinal trajectories and develop targeted interventions based on sensory profiles to better address social challenges across the diverse autism spectrum.

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  Ignition Interlock Devices: Do they really help?

  Angelise Khoury and Connor Rolland

  The United States has implemented a wide range of technologies and policies to reduce the amount of alcohol-impaired driving. Some of these include alcohol detection sensors in newer vehicles, ridesharing, DUI checkpoints, Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) bracelets, and more. One widely used technology used to reduce alcohol-impaired driving is the Ignition Interlock Device (IID). The IID is used in lieu of suspending one’s driver’s license after a DUI offense. IIDs are a widely implemented technology that we use today as a method of preventing driving under the influence of alcohol. Although they intend to ensure sober driving and to reduce DUI recidivism, IID’s also come with their own downsides...

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  In Vitro Analysis of Abemaciclib Treatment on Epithelial Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Sequencing of cfDNA Released

  Paige Bonnet, Sakuntha Gunarathna, and Motoki Takaku

  Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors, such as abemaciclib, are approved for hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer, where they inhibit tumor cell cycle progression. While their antiproliferative effects are established, less is known about how they may reflect molecular changes and using cfDNA as a biomarker of treatment response. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of abemaciclib on breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and characterize cfDNA released during treatment using next-generation sequencing. Abemaciclib treatment significantly reduced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. cfDNA release correlated with treatment intensity, and sequencing revealed upregulation of a gene in p21 pathway, which aides in cell cycle arrest. These findings suggest that abemaciclib arrests cells during cell cycle between G1 and S phase but also can be characterized through biomarkers in cfDNA released. This study supports the potential of cfDNA as a dynamic biomarker of treatment response in HR+ breast cancer. Ongoing analysis will further determine whether cfDNA features can reliably reflect therapeutic efficacy and resistance during CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy.

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  Support for Gay Marriage in Italy and Spain: Public Perceptions in the Context of Legalization

  Dana Conley

  In this paper factors that contribute to support for gay marriage are examined in two countries, Italy and Spain. Diffusion theory was applied to explore this idea. This research seeks to explore whether the legalization of gay marriage has an impact on the level of support for gay marriage in that country. Furthermore, this research is important to determine what factors contribute to shaping support for gay marriage. From there it may also be possible to identify where prejudices against gay marriage might come from. Personal attitudes towards support for gay marriage can vary due to a variety of factors. Data was collected from individuals of all ages living in Italy and Spain (N=2024). The variables of age, sex, level of education, importance of religion, and political lean were considered. It was found that age, sex, level of education, and importance of religion all had a significant relationship with level of support for gay marriage in both countries. Ultimately it was found that there was a higher percentage of people supporting gay marriage in Spain where gay marriage is legal than in Italy where gay marriage is not legal. Created in SOC 475: Sociology Capstone with Daphne Pedersen.

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  A Queer Take on Hell and the Hellmouth, Pre-Modern Era

  Haley Brothers

  Taking a look at pre-modern depictions of hell and its entrance, the hellmouth, this presentation uses the imagery seen in these pieces to bring about a new perspective on how hell may have been seen back when it was first being drawn up. Through a queer lens, these concepts are explored to have a deeper meaning as it applies to gender equality through divine punishment, all as seen in art that was made to depict the concepts of hell and the hellmouth when they were made with such detail. This project explores the possibility of concepts born hundreds of years ago being used as a form of control for those who fear the blatant and indiscriminate equalization of genders.

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  The Grand Forks Business and Professional Women’s Club: A History of Women’s Empowerment

  Emily Bruer

  Members of the Grand Forks Business and Professional Women’s Club (GFBPWC) personified the intersection of consumer culture, Progressive reform, and the professionalization of women’s labor that occurred between 1890 and 1930. Their membership in the GFBPWC implied economic, political, and social empowerment and granted them an opportunity to actively participate in and transform their community. Not only were these professional women recognized as reputable, upstanding, and passionate members of their community, but they also saw themselves as agents of positive change and improvement within their own lives and for future generations. This study of the concurrent rise of consumer culture, Progressive reform, and the professionalization of women’s labor and the accompanying case study of the GFBPWC reveals the importance of identity and empowerment in the advancement and well-being of not only American women, but also their communities.

  Related Document: The Grand Forks Business and Professional Women’s Club: A History of Women’s Empowerment Capstone Paper

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  Investigation of Lignin Solubilization Using Quantum Chemical Calculations in Constrained Media

  Leo Sanzone

  Lignin is a common, yet complex polymer found in a majority of vascular plants. The polymer can easily be functionalized, and it is a readily available and renewable source of carbon-based material without a petrol source. There are various methods to allow for the dissolution of lignin, one of which involves the use of H₂O and CO₂ in supercritical conditions. This particular solution bends the normal solvation rules and allows for multiple instances of H-bonding interactions.

  By using Density Functional theory, this study aims to identify the molecular interactions of guaiacol (the most basic fragment of lignin) and a solution of H₂O and CO₂ at supercritical conditions. Said solution placing both molecules into an excited state, resulting in the warping of their base geometries and solvent interactions. By identifying these interactions we can then apply this knowledge to more advanced fragments of lignin, allowing us to fully understand this solvation.

  Advisor: Mark Hoffmann

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  Sex, Sisterhood, and Survival in The Book of Margery Kempe

  Caitlin Scheresky

  This presentation studies The Book of Margery Kempe, the first known English autobiography, through Kempe's position within a patriarchal society: Kempe's postpartum depression/psychosis, the repeated sexual assault at the hand of her husband, John, resulting in the conception of her fourteen children, her religiously mandated celibacy, and several religious pilgrimages across Europe. Such experiences were primarily under the wing of Kempe's religious rebirth as not only Jesus' wife but as a "spiritual mother" in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, emphasizes Tara Williams in her article, "Manipulating Mary." Kempe's writings, as autobiography, are immediately groundwork for which Judith Butler's concepts of gender as a "stylized repetition of acts through time." These roles of religious wife and mother as performance uniquely position Kempe within the patriarchal world as a resistant commodity, both as a gendered body and a sexual object. Finding herself trapped in a male-dominated society with little—if any—bodily autonomy, Kempe attempts to break free of the patriarchal ball and chain, utilizing her celibacy, bodily and religious agency, and prioritized female sexual pleasure. An analysis of The Book of Margery Kempe shows a fragment of history in which women were expected to accept that they deserved each and every instance of punishment they received, every time they received it. In this text, women fought for agency in a patriarchal world by using the tools at their disposal to survive. Whether it be the collective feminine or the societal protections of marriage, motherhood, and religion, women sought freedom and autonomy from the patriarchal ball and chain, putting themselves at the center of their stories. Produced in English 415: Queer Theory and Pre-Modern Literatures with Dr. Michelle M. Sauer

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  Pick Your Poison: How Aspartame Causes Anxiety

  Abby J. Kersey, Baylee R. Kram, Blessing O. Okosun, and Diane C. Darland

  BLUF: Limit your aspartame consumption!

  Studies have shown that consecutive aspartame consumption at as little as 7% of the FDA recommended daily intake can cause anxiety symptoms in ~8 days. Not only that, but after 12 weeks of consumption, it was proven that the anxiety symptoms are passed to the offspring two generations later. That means if you have roughly one to two 32 oz Diet Cokes per day, your children and grandchildren will show symptoms of anxiety even if they never consume aspartame themselves. It is important to note that aspartame is in many foods and products labeled as “diet” due to its zero calorie component. Please be aware of this and limit your aspartame consumption!

  Primary research project for BIOL491/503 Nutrition and Neuroscience with Dr. Diane Darland.

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  The Revolutionary Power of Boredom

  Kira T. Symington

  This philosophical presentation uses Sara Ahmed's writings on how our habits and routines make up the "flow of life to explore one of the most time-consuming habits that people take part in: our technology and social media usage. Analyzing this habit leads us to understand what future it orients us towards; that being the archive and the image. Using Roberto Simanoski's book "Waste," this analysis of the archive leads us to conclude that our media usage causes us to view life as without character and meaning and thus, as boring. Jeremy Weissman adds to this exploration of the archive, revealing that the censorship inherent in it also causes us to dull ourselves into acceptable modes of being and again, become boring. Turning to the analysis of the image, Neil Postman and Weissman show us that images present the world and others as flat and without character which causes us to perceive the world itself as boring and meaningless. Byung-Chul Han's work presents us with a possible solution: by disconnecting from the meaningless scroll of life as found in our devices, we can sit with our boredom and learn to perceive the world in new ways and thus recreate ourselves.

  Conducted in Philosophy 331: Contemporary European Philosophy with Dr. Stone.

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  Sociopaths Have Formed Social Media

  Alexandra Drews

  This philosophical analysis delves into the complex and interwoven dynamics between social media and two of Adam Kotsko's subcategories of Sociopathy, namely the "Climbers" and the "Schemers." By scrutinizing their motivations and behaviors within the realm of social media, this inquiry reveals the profound consequences that emerge from their actions. The "Climbers," driven by an insatiable desire for social status, exhibit a propensity for betraying others to achieve personal gain. Conversely, the "Schemers" engage in impulsive behaviors, prompted by an inherent need to alleviate boredom. Moreover, it becomes evident that the interplay between these subcategories has not only spawned a toxic cycle of social media usage. It has also witnessed the "Climbers" actively shaping and creating the technology, while the "Schemers" have cultivated and nurtured its underlying dynamics. Building upon this examination, it becomes evident that the interplay between these subcategories has spawned a toxic cycle of social media usage, perpetuated by the relentless quest for recognition and fueled by technological advancements. Recognizing and understanding this intricate cycle holds paramount importance in mitigating negative repercussions and fostering healthier interactions within the digital landscape. By unraveling the profound relationship between social media and Sociopathy, this analysis provides a philosophical lens through which one can comprehend the far-reaching implications of these phenomena, prompting critical reflection and necessitating proactive measures to navigate contemporary online interactions.

  Conducted in Philosophy 331:Contemporary European Philosophy with Dr. Stone

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  Evaluation of Staten Island's Wetland Services and Environmental Costs of Removal

  Gracyn Cole

  In 2017, the New York City Council approved a zoning variance allowing the demolition of 28-acres of wetlands near Staten Island’s Graniteville neighborhood in order to build a BJ’s Wholesale grocery store, a gas station, and a parking lot for 835 cars. This action raised concern for the people living within this neighborhood due to the amount of water detention the wetlands provide during natural disaster events. Specifically, the Graniteville Wetlands have protected the surrounding neighborhoods from severe natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy which, in turn, has allowed these neighborhoods to contribute less to flood mitigation through infrastructure and insurance costs. In order to measure the environmental services that the Graniteville Wetlands provide, an economic valuation was conducted to monetarily estimate the implications of developing this land. This was done through an extensive literature review and data collection of water detention, geographical elevation, household proximity, population growth, and past natural event history in the Graniteville area, and the benefit of transfer method was used to assign monetary costs to the 28-acre wetland area. The results found that the Graniteville Wetlands can hold up to 28 million gallons of water, and the trees within the area can remove up to 180,000 gallons of water per day. This retention protects 1341 residencies in the surrounding area and approximately 4,023 people, and this equals around $4,923 in flood mitigation benefits per household every natural disaster event. In conclusion, the removal of the Graniteville Wetlands would equal high economic losses for the residents in surrounding areas.

  Course: GEOG 454 – Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

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  Redevelopment's Effect On Property Values

  Riley Mateychuk, Nolan Larson, and Kaitlin Johnson

  Changes in property values in relation to new or redevelopment and how they shape the property values are necessary to investigate for a city that is economically on the rise. Infill vs greenfield development are key processes to understand in this study. For years the city of Grand Forks, ND has been trying to find a way to tackle the cost effectiveness of property value on infill vs. greenfield development. We set out to help inform them in their decision making process by creating a model looking at the property values over a span of 26 years. We want to create a model that will predict a score of a property to help the City decide if a development is feasible. Given a high score, the development should be considered, while given a low score, the development should probably be reconsidered. In our model we use gif animations to show this change in property values over time. Using the animations we can assess which property values were affected by a specific redevelopment near the property in a given year.

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  Exploring an Impossibility Theorem for Gerrymandering

  Mahdi Saeedi and Ryan Zerr

  The United States electoral system is facing an unprecedented amount of pressure as distrust amount the voting population rises. An area of interest for us in this work is the redistricting mechanism. Rules inspired by ideas in mathematics are being used to combat partisan gerrymandering. In this work, we explore the relationship between three rules regarding Equal population districts, Compactness, and efficiency gap. Combining these rules leads to an idea of an impossibility theorem for partisan gerrymandering, which states that drawing maps that can satisfy all three rules and allow for a minority party to win becomes impossible.

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  Genome-Wide Analysis of Methylome in the Mouse Brain using Long-Read Sequencing Technology

  Zachary Even, He Huang, Ramkumar Mathur, and Xusheng Wang

  DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that transfers a methyl group onto the C-5 position of the cytosine to form 5-methylcytosine. DNA methylation regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s) to DNA, especially in regulation of Allele Specific Expression (ASE). In this study, we used Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technology to profile methylome in the two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2). Compared with bisulfite conversion followed by Illumina Sequencing, long-read sequencing technology allows us to achieve much longer read length of 4,653.675 base pairs on average while maintaining an average percent identity of 90.775%. We detected millions of methylation events and 1,465 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between B6 and D2. Understanding more about how DNA methylation patterns of these mice affect neurological phenotype will further research into drug development for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

  This work was conducted in the UND Department of Biology under the advisement of Dr. Xusheng Wang and supported by The UND Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (CoBRE) for Epigenomics of Development and Disease (X.W.), the UND CoBRE for Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI) (X.W.), the ND EPSCoR STEM program (X.W.), the UND Vice President for Research & Economic Development (VPRED) seed program (X.W.), the American Society for Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) SURF Program, the Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, the Division of Research & Economic Development at the University of North Dakota , an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P20GM103442, the Dean of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

  A special thanks to all my peers in the Xusheng Wang Laboratory: He Huang, Ling Li, Kincaid Rowbotham, Alyssa Erickson, and the UND Genomics Core for performing the DNA extraction and sequencing.

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  The North Dakota Dual Aurora Camera (NoDDAC), a student-led citizen science project: one-year retrospective, future developments, and scientific potential

  Vincent Ledvina, Elizabeth MacDonald, Steven Collins, Michael McCormack, Timothy Young, and Wayne Barkhouse

  The North Dakota Dual Aurora Camera (NoDDAC) is a student-led project operated in conjunction with the University of North Dakota (UND), the LiveAuroraNetwork, and Aurorasaurus citizen science. Aurora cameras are valuable tools for aurora chasers, and scientists, providing ground-truth visual data to gauge auroral activity, yet at midlatitudes, these facilities are few in number. Deploying aurora cameras in these areas provides a valuable resource for aurora-chasing communities, but also demonstrates scientific merit as the analysis of rare phenomena, such as STEVEs, benefit from multiple geographic observations. What makes this project unique is the student initiative being based at a university observatory, the focus on dual cameras with COTS equipment, and, the emphasis on open data, a responsive community resource, and citizen science. NoDDAC employs the Sony a7s ii camera and Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM lens as a north-facing aurora video camera. A less expensive all-sky Canon T6 camera paired with a Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 circular fisheye lens continuously captures 60-second images every two minutes. The cameras are stationed at the Martens Observatory operated by the department of physics and astrophysics at UND (48.1^oN). Specialized housings from the LiveAuroraNetwork weatherproof both cameras and proprietary IPTimelapse software allows images to be uploaded to a web server and analyzed. The LiveAuroraNetwork hosts the image streams from both cameras on their website and mobile app. When aurora is detected by the IPTimelapse software, the NoDDAC twitter account will post a short clip of the display to alert aurora chasers. These cameras will be shown on the Aurorasaurus auroral oval map along with other citizen scientist observations. Image data are archived and made open source, abiding by the FAIR data use principles. The north-facing camera records video, which will allow for small auroral features to be studied using Zooniverse-style image analysis citizen science efforts. In the first half of 2021, the cameras successfully detected aurora on over 20 occasions, including overhead aurora and STEVE, and rare noctilucent clouds. This presentation will reflect on the first year of NoDDAC, outline a timeline for NoDDAC’s future, and open the floor for collaborations with other citizen science efforts.

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  Sexual Violence in Prisons: Inmate Subculture and Demographics of Fear

  Mackenzie Leroux

  Prison sexual violence has been a prominent issue since the establishment of correctional facilities. However, the issue was dismissed due to the stigmatization of the inmate population. As a result, there were no documented policies, statutes, or laws that prohibited prison rape or imposed sanctions upon offenders. The attention towards inmates rights, specifically regarding sexual assault, began to be addressed in the media in the 1990s. Through past offender stories, legal cases, and an overall sense of awareness, the Prison Rape Elimination Act was established in 2003. This act outlawed any sexual relationships between either inmates, or inmates and correctional officers; additionally, it gave inmates the legal right to bodily autonomy. Through the past twenty years, there has been a positive shift in the ways that society views prison sexual violence. As monumental as this change has been, sexual assaults in correctional facilities still continue to occur and inmates still fear the potential of violence. Through a 2004 study conducted by Fleisher and Krienert, data from 564 inmates regarding sexual demographics was collected. Through bivariate and linear regression analyses, it was documented that inmates of not heterosexual orientation and inmates aware of correctional officer and inmate relations were more likely to experience fear of sexual assault. The future safety of inmates relies on additional research, policy changes, and more adequate officer training.

  Course: SOC 475: Sociology Capstone

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  Environmental Impacts of Contact Lens Waste

  Abigail Wilhelmi

  Contact lenses have been used for decades to correct vision, and over 150 million people use contact lenses today. The materials used to make contact lenses have evolved drastically, but ultimately resulted in a specific plastic, silicone-derived hydrogel, which provides maximal comfort and clear vision, while also maintaining the eye health of the user. Contact lenses have enhanced the lives of many people, but a topic that is often left out of contact lens discussions is that of plastic waste. Single-use plastic and increased plastic pollution have recently been areas of concern and expanded research. Contact lenses are often forgotten when analyzing personal plastic use, likely due to their small size and therefore low contribution to a person’s overall plastic waste. However, a recent survey revealed that some contact lens users still flush their used contact lenses down the drain, putting them directly into the water system. These small pieces of plastic can then break down further into microplastic, contaminating the water system and potentially harming wildlife and humans. Some contact lens manufacturers have initiated recycling programs specifically for contact lenses or have developed similar initiatives to address the issue of contact lens waste. Moving forward, eye care professionals must educate contact lens wearers on their disposal options, and contact lens manufacturers must continue to search for ways to decrease the impacts of plastic they create.

  Course: HON489: Senior Project: Honors Research

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  Building the Path to Early Alzheimer's Prediction Using Machine Learning

  Kincaid Rowbotham, Ling Li, and Xusheng Wang

  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and one of the most prominent challenges of precision healthcare is early identification of AD. To combat this latency in diagnosis, integration of machine learning has been exercised for more cost efficient and powerful diagnostic tools. Specifically, we have developed a workflow for identifying AD within a given sample. Utilizing cerebral cortex proteomic data as a baseline, we were able to test two different forms of feature selection and 6 different machine learning methods. The best performing of these combinations was using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) method with features selected from Maximum Relevance Minimum Redundancy (MRMR) . This method had an average accuracy of 93.25% across and had yielded relatively good precision across 100 iterations. Furthering these types of predictions methods could allow a better quality and longevity of life for those at risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

  Funding: Funding for this project was supplied by ND EPSCoR STEM (UND0025726), the American Society for Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) SURF Program, the Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, the Division of Research & Economic Development at the University of North Dakota, an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P20GM103442, and the Dean of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

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  Traditional Korean Wig: Ga-Chae(가체) - The Queen Style: Eoyeo hair(어여머리)

  Daniel Jung

  Whether it was thousands of years ago or now, despite the gender, people's obsession and interest in beauty and wealth were the same, and beauty was a symbol of wealth and family power during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1897) as well. Influenced by the Ming Dynasty from China, women in Joseon started to wear wigs called Ga-Chae, which were loops of thick and rich black hair braided together. Among all the different kinds of Ga-Chae, I chose to do a deeper research in the Queen style of Ga-Chae, called the Eoyeo Hair. This wig style was only allowed for the Queens of Joseon to wear and it looks like a crown but in a hairstyle upon their head, since only the Kings were allowed to wear a crown. The wig was made by actual human hair, which made it really expensive. During this time period, Confucianism (an ancient Chinese belief system, which focuses on the importance of personal ethics and morality) was the ruling ideology, therefore it was prohibited to cut your hair since birth or else people will take it as a huge disrespect to your parents and your ancestors. However, the demand of Ga-Chae from women was insane so some kidnapped people and cut their hair off, or people who needed money desperately would secretly sell their hair in a huge price. Natural hair would be the best but for the Queens, they wanted thicker and even more rich black color for their Ga-Chae, so people would use various ingredients to dye the hair, from importing Tang Scarlet from China which is about $5000 per pound, to squashing little bugs called Cochineals into juice and spread over the hair. For me I chose to use tomato powder mixed with boiled water since it contains Lycopene that helps with dyeing the hair for building my own Ga-Chae throughout this research and used Cassia oil along with hair smoothing cream to smoothen out the hair. The wig itself is quite heavy so if it were to be used for theatrical purposes then I highly recommend the wearer to avoid having drastic head movements, but it would perfectly do its job as representing the Queen of Joseon in a show.

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  Overland Trail Game: A Lesson Plan

  Alexandria Weber

  Educators of all levels are continuously looking for new ways to engage students with the content. Some post-secondary level instructors have embraced a unique method of role-playing games in their classrooms. Specially, many of these teachers have begun using Mark Carnes's pedagogy of Reacting to the Past. This method gamifies historical content to make it easier for students to relate to a diverse array of historical actors. To play these games, students must achieve a specific goal while pretending to be an assigned historical figure. Reacting to the Past lesson plans are one of a kind, high quality, peer-reviewed teaching tools. These games have been shown to enhance the learning experience for many students across age groups. This includes secondary level students. However, Reacting to the Past games are designed primarily for post-secondary classrooms, which leaves secondary level students and teachers at a disadvantage. They cannot use the games to their full potential because they are designed with different needs and standards in mind. For this reason, I designed a game modeled after Reacting to the Past for secondary level students. This game covers the topic of westward expansion of the United States, a subject that fits with many state standards. Students play as travelers and inhabitants of Westport, Missouri, in 1855. Reacting to the Past games can be extremely useful for student engagement across education levels as long as it accommodates appropriately to student needs.

  Course: HON 486 Honors Capstone