Browsing by Subject "Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program"
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Item Analysis of Factors Affecting Dust Explosion(2014) Aurnob, KaziItem Analysis of Post-Installed Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Anchorage in Beam-Column Joints(2017) McDermott, Matthew; Dymond, BenThis project sought to examine the performance of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars in post-installed anchorage of beam-column joints. Post-installing is a common and often preferable method of making structural concrete connections in buildings and other structures as the system offers much flexibility. Some applications include cantilever beams, slab widening, and diaphragm wall construction. Post-installing requires little installation time, can be installed in many orientations, and is serviceable shortly after installation (Hilti, 2011). The method involves drilling a hole in a hardened concrete member and anchoring a bar of some type into the hole. Most commonly, an adjacent member is cast around the post-installed bar. In other cases, fixtures are attached to the post-installed bar such as hand rails or window framing systems. Regardless of the application, the connection of the bar to the adjoining concrete in a drilled hole is the critical link for post-installed connections.Item Analyzing Plant Wax Profiles – Can Herbarium Species Serve As Proxies For Globally Distributed Plant Species?(2022) Lastovich, Jacob RPrevious research has showed qualitative and quantitative similarity of compounds in wax profiles of plants. The aim of this project showed that these trends continued across the plant kingdom.Item An Anthropologic Investigation of Methods to Reduce the Weight of Concrete Structures(2020-04) Clement, Timothy JA brief anthropologic investigation of methods to reduce the weight of concrete structuresItem Anticancer Activity of Mycophenolic Acid(2020-12) Bowman, AmyItem Are the differences in jealousy responses in men and women moderated by sexual orientation and sexual identification?(2020-05-08) Walker, McKenna R; Lloyd, Robert LThis research strives to determine if the evolutionary psychology theory on infidelity remains true today for cis-males and cis-females. In addition, this study includes non-gender conforming and transgender subjects, not included in the original theory. Jealousy will be measured by using electrodermal responses (EDR) recorded through the software program AcqKnowledge 4.4. This software is ran through the BioPac program. In this study, jealousy is measured by attaching electrodes to the hand of a human subject while they listen to one of two randomly assigned audio recordings. The two recordings will counter-balance the order of the jealousy stimuli as well as reflect the subject's arousal levels.Item Association Between Chemical Characteristics of Stream Water and the Abundance of Fish in Northeast Minnesota(2021) Ye, DanielTo study the association between the chemical characteristics of stream water and the abundance of fish, a canonical correlation analysis was carried out between the three major chemicals of streams and the fish counts of the five most common fish species in northeast Minnesota. The chemicals are dissolved oxygen, pH, and total phosphorus. The fish species were Central Mudminnow, Creek Chub, White Sucker, Common Shiner, and Blacknose Dace. The result indicates that Common Shiner has the most extensive adaptability among the five fish species, has nearly no preference for dissolved oxygen. Creek Chub and Blacknose Dace, White Sucker and Common Shiner have similar preferences for water chemistry. In this way, proper regional stocking strategies can be made with a scientific basis to avoid futile activities.Item The association between the relationship status of one’s biological parents and relationship destiny/growth beliefs: An application of Implicit Theories of Relationships(2021-12) Willhite, Rachel MProblem/ Purpose: Humans have an inherent desire to connect, build relationships, and be close to other people (particularly romantic partners). Several studies have shown that healthy relationships promote our mental and physical wellbeing, thus it is important for researchers to prioritize the study of the variables that enhance relationship satisfaction. One construct that has been linked to relationship satisfaction is Implicit Theories of Relationships (ITRs). Proponents of ITRs argue that people adopt one of two belief systems relating to relationships; those who endorse destiny beliefs agree that relationships are either meant to be or not whereas those endorsing growth beliefs argue that relationships must incorporate ongoing communication and survive hardship in order to succeed. Previous research reveals that those who adopt growth beliefs report greater relationship satisfaction than those with destiny beliefs. Although a number of studies have examined whether one's parents contribute to their relationship beliefs, there is no study that has assessed the impact of one’s parents’ relationship status on ITRs. Thus, because growth beliefs are linked to fulfilling relationships, it is expected that adults who report that their biological parents are together will endorse growth beliefs to a greater extent than destiny beliefs and those with parents that are not a relationship will endorse destiny beliefs over growth beliefs. Procedure: A total of 127 English-speaking adults (71 male, 56 female; ages 23-70) were recruited online and asked to complete questionnaires assessing ITRs, parental relationship status (43.3% together, 25.9% not together, 28.3% widowed), the extent to which they look to their parents for relationship advice, and demographic information. Results: The results of a one-way MANOVA revealed that those whose biological parents were together endorsed destiny beliefs to a significantly greater extent (M = 4.95) than those whose parents were widowed (M = 4.15). The results of a correlational secondary analysis determined that there was a significant positive association between seeking relationship advice from one’s parents and endorsing destiny beliefs. Conclusions/Implications: These results confirm that parents have a significant influence on their children’s ITRs, potentially resulting in higher quality relationships. This supports the importance of positive role modeling. Parents should take extra care with how they display their personal relationships with their children. To aid this, parental education groups should prioritize teaching parents how to navigate their relationships in a healthy way in order to positively influence their children’s future relationships.Item Behavioral differences in sound detection in recently diverged cave and surface forms of Astyanax mexicanus(2021) Kistner, Amanda R; Enriquez, Maya S; Michels, Noland O; Mensinger, Allen FAstyanax mexicanus, or the Mexican tetra, inhabits both surface streams and cave systems, and has subsequently developed two unique morphologies: a cave morph and a surface morph. Cave morphs of the species have evolved several troglomorphic phenotypes, including vestigial eyes, reduced pigmentation, and increased olfactory and lateral line sensitivity. Interestingly, several satellite populations of surface fish were introduced to a Texas aquifer approximately 100 years ago and, following cave colonization, rapid evolution of various sensory adaptations between the cave and surface populations have been observed. Auditory evoked potential (AEP) data was collected to compare hearing sensitivities between cave and surface satellite populations, and both populations responded to sound presentation up to 4 kHz. However, because AEPs measure action potential summation to screen for frequency sensitivities, behavioral data is needed to determine absolute hearing sensitivity. The current study examines behavioral differences in sound detection between these two populations using reflexive startle behaviors to sound, namely the “C-start” escape response, which has been shown to be a reliable means of determining neurological responses to acoustic stimuli. Based on behavioral audiograms collected on satellite three populations, San Pedro Springs (cave) and Honey Creek (surface) appear to respond more readily to acoustic stimuli and habituate at a similar rate when compared to San Antonio Zoo (surface), which appear to respond less readily and habituate faster. Differences in sound pressure thresholds, as well as stimulus-response latencies between these populations, will be determined through finer volume control and modeling sub-thresholds.Item Benzimidazole synthesis for anti-cancer therapeutics(2021) McClay, JohnCancer is a continuous barrier than many individuals know and face today. There are on average 1.8 million newly diagnosed cancer cases every year in the Unites States. Around a third of those individuals will die because of it. Due to the overall impact this disease has on individuals, finding treatment is a large priority in science. Dr. Mereddy’s lab utilizes organic synthesis and purification techniques to yield effective anti-cancer therapeutics. In particular, the formulation of benzimidazoles has become one of the current focuses within the lab. Benzimidazoles are privileged organic structures that occur in a wide variety of therapeutics. Some instances of benzimidazoles are used to treat viral infections, inflammation, and more importantly cancer. Utilization of varying benzaldehydes within the below reaction scheme resulted in unique benzimidazoles. By altering the given functional group(s), each benzimidazole yielded varying levels of effectiveness on cancer inhibition. Each formulated drug was tested on cancer cells in vitro following purification steps and 1H NMR analysis. The cell lines used for testing were WiDr, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and 4T1. A measurement known as the IC50 value was used to determine the most effective anti-cancer agent(s). Synthesized benzimidazoles that yielded high activity may be utilized in further studies to optimize its activity and targeted delivery.Item Carbon Capture: A Solution-Based Answer(2021-12) Walker, Nigel TClimate change is a very real issue that needs real solutions. One can see that as a society we are beginning to make changes for the better such as a push for renewable energy and electric cars. However, I believe that we need to do more. That is why for the fall 2021 Undergrad Research Opportunity Program I participated in research regarding carbon capture. I studied a solution-based carbon capture method. This process included two main parts, absorption, and desorption. In the absorption step, my main goal was to maximize the amount of carbon the solution could capture. Then during the desorption step, I was focusing on releasing the carbon from the solution. Currently, the most accepted ways of doing this require quite a bit of heat and energy to collect and isolate the carbon. That is why the main goal of my research was to find a combination of compounds and materials that aid in both the absorption step and the desorption step so that it would require less energy. I tested many mixtures throughout the fall semester by trying many different variations of compounds. In my presentation, I will show solutions of which had the most positive results and how they were achieved.Item Carbon Nanotube Addition to Cement-Sand Based Piezoelectric Composites(2016) Kadlec, Alec; Wang, Shifa; Zhao, PingCarbon Nanotubes (CNTs) were added to a cement-sand based piezoelectric composite with consideration of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) to improve conductivity and poling efficiency, increasing piezoelectric effects. The addition of CNTs to the composite structure formed continuous electric networks between the Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) particles, allowing more effective poling. Samples of 50 volume percent PZT were fabricated with a mixture of PZT powder, white Portland cement, graded silica sand, CNTs and a superplasticizer, and cured at room temperature. The properties of the composite, including piezoelectric coefficient and sensing effects were characterized for a range of CNT inclusion from 0 to 0.9 vol %. Results showed that CNT inclusion allowed for effective room temperature poling, improving piezoelectric properties of the composite. The modified composite was optimal at 0.6 vol % CNTs.Item Carbon Nuclear Deexcitation in MINERνA Data: an Update(2020-05-15) Reed, Brandon JThe goal of this project is to find evidence of carbon nuclear deexcitation in MINERνA’s neutrino collision data. We know, physically, that such events must take place in the plasticscintillator detector. Nuclear deexcitation of oxygen is fully simulated, but the MINERνA simulations do not include carbon deexcitation. By isolating regions of the data expected to have the highest concentration of the deexcitation events, we found strong evidence of carbon deexcitation in the data. The existing simulation of oxygen deexcitation was used to emulate the carbon deexcitation in time. From this, we scaled up the oxygen simulation to estimate the number of carbon deexcitation events, shown in Fig. 1. The different subsamples yielded a range of inferred carbon deexcitations; this range is likely dependent on the neutron background.Item Changes in the Fluidity of Coordination with Curling Experience(2016) Bernier, Kyle; Segler, Emily; Hessler, Eric EThis study examined the effects of experience in the sport of curling by comparing different movement tasks of curlers of varying levels of experience. We predicted that curlers with more experience would demonstrate greater amounts of flexibility in their movements, which is consistent with past studies on movement and experience (Bernstein, 1967, Vereijken, van Emmerik, Whiting, & Newell, 1992). Curlers from the Duluth Curling Club were tested on both hit and draw shots while turning their wrists in either a clockwise or counterclockwise movement. Their movement was recorded using an Optotrak Certus device which uses infrared sensors to pick up on slight differences in movement. We found that participants with more experience showed greater amounts of flexibility while performing the motion tasks. Results from this study can be used by curlers trying to make improvements to their game. Further research can be conducted to improve upon our findings.Item Characterization of Silicone Properties(2020-04-29) Wallace, NikoItem Characterizing the Mechanical Properties of Biological Tissues(2019-11-12) Wallace, Niko JThis research provides information indicating individual pixel strains can be calculated via a uniaxial test to map the mechanical properties of tissue including the anisotropic nature of diseased tissue.Item CO2 Capture with Potassium Carbonate and Alcohol(2020) Akeeb, Olajumobi; Junes, Connor; Luedtke, ZacharyTraditional CO2 capture technologies using amine-based sorbents are very energy intensive and result in secondary environmental pollution originating from amine degradation. In this work, a low temperature, energy saving and environmentally friendly CO2 capture method has been investigated using potassium carbonate-alcohols-water mixtures as sorbents. The addition of certain amounts of alcohols, especially methanol to the potassium carbonate solution can significantly increase the CO2 absorption and desorption amounts, as well as the capture capacity. The absorbent containing 50 wt% (~90 g) methanol, ~20 g potassium carbonate, and ~90 g water has proven to be the best mixture for CO2 capture using this inorganic capture method. This research demonstrates a catalytic CO2 capture route that is promising to be economical as well as environmentally safe, and energy saving.Item Collection and Analysis of Soil Thermal Property Data under Minnesota's Local Conditions(2021-08-10) Tom, Gloria WThe aim of this research was to collect and collate soil thermal property data across Minnesota to support the ongoing modelling of Ground Source Heat Pump systems (GSHPs). The soil properties of interest essential in the numerical modelling of GSHPs are thermal conductivity, density, specific heat capacity, soil layers by depth and water content. With the knowledge of these properties, the precise performance of a GSHP at a given location can be numerically established. Soil thermal property data was obtained by reaching out to Northern Groundsource Inc which is a geothermal systems company in Minnesota. Data was also obtained from the Minnesota State Climatology Office, University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Emergency Communications Board and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency by searching their databases and websites. The predominant soils in Southwest and South-central Minnesota which are loamy soils exhibited the highest thermal conductivity as compared to other regions. The properties were measured up to a depth of 1.83 meters and would be suitable for the design of horizontal GSHPs which are usually installed between 1.524 m and 3.048 m.Item Comparative mineralogy of the ~2.7 Ga Soudan Iron Formation, Minnesota and the Deloro Iron Formation, Timmins, ON, and the Temagami Iron Formation, Temagami, ON.(2020-05-27) Stolze, Danielle MThe purpose of this project was to compare the mineralogy of similarly aged rocks from the Soudan Iron Formation in Minnesota and the Temagami and Deloro Iron Formations in Ontario, Canada. We found that the iron-bearing samples generally fell into two categories: those with a banded texture and those that appear to consist mostly of chert with iron phases interspersed randomly throughout the sample. These mineralogical variations and textural relationships can help us infer more information about the depositional environments in each sample location.Item Comparative Study on Elder Care in Fredrikstad, Duluth, and Sefrou: Reality for Elders Living in Three Small Urban Cultural Contexts(2021-04-29) Myrah, StineAs the world population ages, the need for elder care continues to increase. Current systems are struggling to keep up with the demand, and those providing care to the elderly are often overworked and overstressed. In different cultures there are a variety of ways that elderly are cared for. Through cross-cultural comparison of Fredrikstad (Norway), Sefrou (Morocco), and Duluth (Minnesota, United States) this study highlights useful perspectives regarding the holistic needs of the elderly and those who care for them. By interviewing both caregivers and receivers, this project, by emphasizing first-hand experiences, highlights pros and cons of the current models of care in each cultural setting. Surveys also revealed broader societal realities surrounding both personal thoughts on elder care as well as the reality of elder roles within society. Due to the extensive needs of the elderly it was highlighted cross-culturally that greater support systems, both for family and institutional care facilities, are needed. Along with this, a greater emphasis needs to be placed on the mental well-being of the elderly, specifically targeting the issue of loneliness. Community amongst peers of similar cultural identity is key in facilitating the flourishing of elder emotional health. It is also imperative that elder care systems expand to account for the care of those who do not fit into the traditional systems in place. Among other recommendations I will present in my conclusions, these three are most significant: 1) A future study could be on how capitalism has affected our sense of humanity, specifically by engaging with elderly who live in capitalist based societies versus those who live in Indigenous communities; 2) Study immigrant workers in nursing homes and other care centers to understand how cultural differences affect those receiving care; 3) Further studies should be done surrounding the broader implications of elder care, specifically the opportunities integrating elderly into communities has for society as a whole.