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Decoding Carbonate Concentrations and Substitutions in Tooth Enamel Across the Tree of Life Using Paired Infrared Spectroscopy and X-Ray Crystallography
No full textCalcium phosphate constitutes the crystalline component of tooth enamel. Carbonate ions (CO3) are present in these crystals which alters their physical and chemical properties. We do not know whether carbonate concentrations vary across different organisms, or whether this variation is systematic based on evolutionary lineage. Using Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography on powdered enamel samples of different modern animals (mammals, reptiles, fishes) across the tree of life, we find correlations among carbonate content, fluorine content, and shape of the crystal lattice. Fluorine rich enamel in marine fish has lower carbonate contents and shorter lattices, while hydroxyl (OH) rich enamel in mammals, reptiles, and freshwater fish, has higher carbonate contents and longer lattices. Paleontologists use the chemistry of tooth enamel carbonate to reconstruct past environments and climates. Understanding an organism\u27s original chemistry and crystal structure can inform the degree to which ancient tooth enamel has been altered during fossilization, and consequently potential biases to interpretations of past environments and climate. Paired Infrared and X-ray crystal structure data show that carbonate substitution in the crystal structure clusters across different regions of the evolutionary tree of life, and provides a chemical and structural baseline against which fossil enamel can be compared
Fabrication of Lateral Field Emitter Jig and Electron Hop Funnel
No full textThe Boise State CMEMs (Ceramic Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems lab) integrates field emitter arrays (FEAs) into vacuum electron devices. This is done using insulating funnels called electron hop funnels. Electrons are emitted into the wide end of the funnel, and utilizing secondary electron emission to sustain current, the electrons hop up the funnel walls. Eventually the electrons exit the funnel as a denser and more uniform electron beam. This poster shows the fabrication process of a field emitter array jig as well as the installation of a lateral field emitter wafer with jumped connections accompanying the electron hop funnel using low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC)
Online Age Verification with Privacy-Preserving Facial Images: A Dual-Stage Machine Learning Approach
Get PDFEffective age verification is critical for protecting minors online, yet current systems often force a choice between accuracy and user privacy. Our research explores this trade-off by developing and evaluating machine learning models for facial age estimation that prioritize both privacy and precision on difficult edge cases.
We are testing AI models (ResNet34, ViT-Tiny) on the UTKFace and Wikipedia datasets using two core strategies. First, we employ unique, privacy-preserving image transformations. Our baseline pixel-scramble ResNet34 model, which fully anonymizes the user\u27s face, achieved a competitive accuracy of approximately 88% compared to 93% accuracy on the original images. Second, we are developing a dual-stage system to improve accuracy for ambiguous age groups. An initial single-stage model sorts users into broad categories. Individuals that are harder to predict accurately are then passed to a second model, specialized model trained on that narrow age range for a more precise classification.
We anticipate that by combining privacy-enhancing inputs with a targeted, dual-stage architecture, our work demonstrates a path toward developing effective age verification tools that do not require users to submit identifiable facial images
Capturing Seasonal Basis Gains: Optimal Hedging Strategies for Northwest Grain Producers
Get PDFThis research empirically investigates the presence of seasonality patterns in the Pacific Northwest wheat market. For that purpose, the research elaborates on Hard Red Winter (HRW) 11.5% protein wheat production for the period 2015-2025. The analysis is based upon a seasonal index study motivated by the central research question: Is there an optimal time for grain producers to short hedge their production to capitalize on basis performance and seasonal price? Findings aim to support grain producers in making informed marketing and hedging decisions under typical conditions
Investigating the Origins of Parkinson\u27s Disease in a Mouse Model
Get PDFEvidence suggests that Parkinson’s disease (PD) starts in the gut and travels to the brain. PD is marked by accumulation of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (aSyn) into aggregates called Lewy bodies. Pesticides have been implicated in PD, further suggesting origins in the gastrointestinal system. Yet, questions remain about how pathology spreads from the gut to the brain, and its appearance. Since the 1960s, the use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) like Roundup®, has risen dramatically. Growing concerns about GBH’s effects on human health stem from research suggesting glyphosate can cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to neurodegeneration. We are assessing the gut-brain hypothesis of PD by: 1) replicating a study where PD-like pathology is induced in the gut of wild-type mice and tracked over time to assess spread into the brain, and 2) investigating if chronic, low-dose GBH exposure affects a mouse model of PD. PD-like pathology was induced in mice via injection of aSyn pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) - into the pyloric stomach and duodenum of male mice in experiment 1, and into the striatum of male and female mice in experiment 2. Additionally, mice in experiment 2 were given either standard water or water containing low-dose GBH (0.075% w/v). Preliminary results from experiment 2 indicate chronic GBH exposure exacerbates PD-like symptoms in male mice, aligning with known higher prevalence of PD in males. Early pathology analysis highlights the potential link between chronic GBH exposure and neurodegenerative progression. Together, these experiments will provide critical information about the origins of PD, potentially influencing policies regarding environmental herbicide exposure
Anonymous Non-Binary Idahoan
No full textIn this engaging oral history—a non-binary, queer student at Boise State—reflects on their lived experience navigating identity, advocacy, and community in Idaho. They discuss the challenges of growing up in North Idaho, contrasts queer visibility in Boise and Portland, and recounts efforts to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in campus housing, orientation, and student life. They share insights into intergenerational queer connections, the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history, and the impact of polarization and anti-trans legislation. They emphasize the power of small actions, digital networks, and collective care in sustaining queer resilience and community today.https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/idlgbtq_oral_histories_2/1014/thumbnail.jp
Analysis of Upcycling Potential for Oat Pulp
No full textWith food trends shifting to healthier and plant-based alternatives, plant food production waste has significantly increased in recent years. A popular plant-based milk alternative in the U.S. is oat milk, and in the process of filtration, a byproduct called oat pulp is generated in excess. About 0.2 to 0.4 kg of oat pulp is produced per kg of oat milk, which leads to an estimated 228 million kilograms of this byproduct produced annually. Companies such as Chobani, which produce oat pulp, typically sell it to food waste recycling centers to be turned into biogas and fertilizer or send it to landfills. However, oat pulp contains extremely valuable fiber and minerals that could be isolated and used for higher-value products instead. This project aims to valorize this low-value byproduct into high-value products, such as a source of biofuel or a fiber additive. So far, the research has focused on the extraction and isolation of valuable compounds through acid digestion and energy, nitrogen, mineral, and moisture analyses. This compositional evaluation will be a stepping stone for further testing of the oat pulp. Future studies will include quantifying fiber content, extraction using dimethyl ether, and optimizing purification processes to yield commercial, oat pulp-based products
Design and Development of a Bovine Knee Potting System
No full textThis study details the design and development of a specialized potting device for securing bovine stifle joint specimens in biomechanical testing. Engineered for compatibility with the AMTI VIVO Joint Simulator, the device ensures stable, reproducible fixation, enhancing specimen alignment and immobilization. A systematic evaluation of potting materials and structural configurations guided its optimization for durability, ease of use, and experimental reliability. The final design features a rigid, adjustable containment system to accommodate specimen variability while preserving anatomical integrity. Additionally, the system streamlines preparation, reducing inconsistencies and improving repeatability in biomechanical assessments. By addressing common fixation challenges, this device supports research on joint and tissue mechanics across various specimen sizes, making it a valuable tool in orthopedic and veterinary studies. These findings advance experimental methodologies in biomechanical testing, providing a practical solution for load-bearing and wear analysis of biological joints
The Syringa Project
Get PDFThe Syringa Project addresses critical healthcare access gaps in Idaho following a 22% reduction in OBGYN providers since 2022. This research explores how technology-enabled community support can mitigate barriers to reproductive healthcare in politically complex environments.
Through surveys of Idaho residents, I identified key challenges: 74% of respondents report scheduling difficulties, 68% face insurance coverage issues, and 42% postpone care due to previous negative experiences. Based on these findings, I developed personas representing diverse healthcare needs and designed interventions using trauma-informed principles.
The project delivers solutions through multiple channels: a mobile application with a healthcare resource chatbot, guided meditation tools for emotional support, and a community platform facilitating peer connections and resource sharing. This approach emphasizes privacy, agency, and accessibility while acknowledging Idaho\u27s unique cultural context.
Initial user testing demonstrates strong interest in telehealth options (50% of respondents) and clear information about changing healthcare laws (90% seeking service information, 75% wanting legal updates). By creating pathways to reliable healthcare information and community support, the Syringa Project aims to strengthen healthcare resilience for Idahoans regardless of geographic or social barriers—proving that community-driven solutions can effectively address systemic healthcare challenges
