26242 research outputs found
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Mental Health and Identity of Second-Generation Immigrant High Schoolers in the Treasure Valley
No full textSecond-generation immigrant high school students navigate the complexities of balancing their heritage culture with mainstream American society, often facing challenges that impact their mental health and formation of identity. This study explores the psychological experiences of second-generation immigrant high school students in the Treasure Valley, focusing on the effects of cultural integration, familial expectations, and societal perceptions, on well-being. Using a survey-based approach and select interviews, this research examines key factors such as feelings of belonging, cultural dissonance, and the role of community support in shaping mental health outcomes. Additionally, it investigates how external pressures, including stereotypes and academic expectations, contribute to stress and identity struggles. By analyzing data from diverse second-generation immigrant backgrounds, this study identifies common themes in their experiences and highlights potential strategies for fostering resilience. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals to create more inclusive support systems that address the unique challenges faced by second-generation immigrants. Ultimately, this research contributes to a broader understanding of how cultural identity and mental health intersect, emphasizing the need for culturally responsive resources in schools and communities
Senior Health Literacy
No full textHealth literacy, the ability to obtain, understand, and use health information, is essential for making informed health decisions. Elderly populations struggle because they lack an understanding of technological advancements and medical terms. These issues can lead to higher medical debt, poor management of illnesses, and great risks to living an unhealthy lifestyle. Our research will answer what medical interventions exist to close the health literacy gap in those over the age of 65 years. To address this question, our research will highlight doctor-patient relations, physical devices that exist to aid the elderly population, and technological advances that are used to close the health literacy gap. Using national databases and peer-reviewed research, we will compile accurate research addressing each area listed above. This topic is a determinant of health because low health literacy is directly linked to higher hospitalization rates and medication errors. The expected outcome of this research is to highlight how closing the elderly health literacy gap will have a positive impact on America’s health and well-being
Reducing Emissions Through Renewable Energy and Efficiency at IDACORP
No full textThis project explores how Idaho Power can reduce carbon emissions by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. Idaho power wants to provide 100% clean energy by 2045 with reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The project discusses the potential impact of expanding solar, wind, and hydroelectric power while increasing battery storage to manage the high variability of these sources. By increasing the use of renewable sources, Idaho Power can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the environmental impacts of the hydroelectric dams on the snake rivers also must be considered. While these dams provide a reliable source of renewable energy, they have also led to significant ecological disruptions with salmon and steelhead populations. Due to these factors, there will be a focus on how Idaho Power can become more sustainable as a whole, not just by reducing emissions, but by reducing the overall impact on the environment
Understanding Differences in Initial Symptom Burden and Recovery Timeline for Motor Vehicle-Related Concussions
No full textMotor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a common cause of concussion due to direct or indirect trauma to the head. This study aims to analyze differences in initial symptom burden and time to concussion recovery across various demographics, identifying factors that may influence symptom duration and overall outcomes. Data used was collected from approximately 3000 patients treated at the St. Luke’s Concussion Clinic between 2019 and 2023. Using RStudio for statistical analysis, we will assess differences in initial symptoms, trends in symptom resolution, and compare recovery patterns across age groups, sex, and race. Our initial analysis revealed differences in recovery time between MVA and non-MVA-related concussions. Additionally, we observed variations in recovery time between males and females within each category. The findings will provide insight into the recovery trajectories of MVA-related concussions, potentially informing patient care strategies and rehabilitation protocols. Understanding these differences is essential for developing targeted treatment plans and improving post-concussion symptom management and recovery
Effects of Batch PEF Processes on Radicle Growth in Barley Grains
No full textThe production of malt from barely on an industrial scale can be a time-consuming process that uses large amounts of water. Recent studies have shown that using a pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on food and beverage products like barley has many benefits. A reduction in steeping and germination times of the barley grain during the malting process could increase the production of malt and conserve water. We hypothesized that an increase in specific energy could induce electroporation in the barley cells, which could enhance the imbibition of water during steeping and stimulate embryo growth during germination. We had four different specific energy groups: a control, 15kJ/kg, 20kJ/kg, and 30kJ/kg all treated at a field strength of 1kV/cm. Each group was then steeped for 24 hours and germinated for 72 hours. During the steeping process, moisture content measurements were taken with gravimetric moisture analyzers. After germination, the radicle emergence was measured physically with calipers and then digitally measured using ImageJ software and the SmartRoot plugin
VIP Research, Green Materials
No full textEvery day the world pushes closer towards decarbonization and clean energy via electrification. This drive towards renewable energies requires a large number of permanent magnets which contain rare-earth elements. These critical materials are unhealthy for the environment, expensive to mine, and sourced almost exclusively from one country. Our goal is to improve the future of clean energy by making an AlMn-B magnet. The constituent elements are clean, abundant, and can be sustainably and ethically produced. To achieve this goal we are conducting various studies. First, we form a low-melting aluminum- boron alloy to avoid the evaporation of manganese in the synthesis of the AlMn-B magnet. Second, we study the impact of raw minerals on the environment. We add manganese to soil samples and measure the uptake of manganese by plants with the intent to use these results as a measure for the environmental impact of mining. Third, we take into account the environmental, social, and economic aspects. By comparing the prices, sourcing, and demand for each of the elements needed in our alloy, we can guarantee it’s sustainablity [sic]. Having a strong magnet of the AlMn-B type would reduce America’s reliance on foreign mining
Measuring Amenities in Urban Areas with an Education Focus
No full textThis research explores the role of educational institutions as urban amenities and their influence on agglomeration, housing markets, and sustainable urban development. By treating universities not only as centers of learning but also as economic and spatial anchors, this study investigates how their presence generates value beyond traditional academic outcomes. Using Boise State University as a case study, the project applies three proposed valuation frameworks—property value differentials, economic activity proxies (such as university-linked businesses), and transportation cost savings—to quantify the benefits educational institutions bring to their surrounding communities. The research also examines how universities attract population and business clusters, contributing to agglomeration economies, while simultaneously influencing housing demand and affordability. Finally, the project reviews best practices from existing literature on amenity valuation and urban economic development to recommend planning strategies that balance the educational, economic, and environmental roles of institutions of higher education. Through this integrated lens, the project aims to highlight how cities can more accurately assess and plan around the multi-dimensional value of education in urban ecosystems
Potential Changes in Autumn Migration Abundance and Phenology of Soaring Birds at an Important Migration Bottleneck in Southern Spain
No full textThe region of the Strait of Gibraltar, located between southernmost Spain and northern Morocco, is an important migration bottleneck for raptors and other soaring birds migrating from western Europe to winter in Africa. It is here that the shortest distance between continental Europe and North Africa is found, so the region acts as an obligatory crossing point for the majority of soaring birds migrating from western Europe. The Strait has experienced changes in climate and other abiotic conditions such that temperatures have warmed and the number of days during the migration period with unfavorable winds for crossing the Strait are increasing. This has resulted in some species delaying migration, others advancing migration dates, and still others wintering in southern Spain. As part of a National Science Foundation International Research Experience for Students project, we used data collected from a long-term, standardized monitoring program at this important migration bottleneck to examine potential changes in autumnal migration abundance and phenology of raptors. We compared current migration timing and volume to long-term data sets from 1976-1977 and from 1999-2024. Our poster discusses current trends and their implications for migrating birds during a time of regional climate change at this important migration site
Brain Health with Virtual Reality: A Novel Device to Test Smell Identification
No full textWe have built a scent-delivery system that integrates with virtual reality (VR). This system is integrated with a VR headset to deliver precisely timed and concentrated scents to the user, based on in-game activities, in order to assess and monitor scent detection abilities. Our goal is to utilize this device and our custom VR games for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our VR-Scent device includes a housing unit made from PETG filament , which houses and connects the hardware to the VR headset. An Arduino microcontroller serves as the platform to control the activation of four atomizers, each corresponding to a distinct scent. These atomizers, featuring metal plates sealed in rubber casing, operate via a transducer that converts electronic signals into vibrations, causing the atomizer plates to eject the scent solution. The scent is then directed towards the user through specifically placed fans. With this system, we are able to assess the user\u27s olfactory abilities. Loss of smell is an early indicator of AD, often appearing 5-10 years before the hallmark symptoms. By analyzing the capacity to detect and differentiate various scents, we hope to provide a non-invasive tool for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative conditions
SrTiO\u3csub\u3e3\u3c/sub\u3e Single Crystalline Membranes Studied by Ultraviolet Raman Spectroscopy
No full textFerroelectrics are materials possessing a spontaneous and switchable electrical polarization, which are exploited for various electronic devices, such as non-volatile memories or tunable microwave devices. Strontium titanate, SrTiO3 is a material, which remains in a non-ferroelectric state down to liquid helium temperatures. However, a slight perturbation, such as strain, oxygen isotope substitution, or doping can lead to the appearance of ferroelectric polarization. We have studied free-standing single-crystalline SrTiO3 membranes grown by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy using selectively dissolved sacrificial layers by variable temperature Raman spectroscopy with ultraviolet excitation (325 nm). Bulk SrTiO3 has a cubic perovskite structure with all phonon modes being symmetry forbidden in the first order Raman spectra. The membranes show behavior characteristic of ferroelectrics at low temperatures. Strong first order optical phonon modes have been observed, including the lowest-frequency modes, which exhibit characteristic softening with increasing temperature. From the temperature evolution of Raman intensities of the hard modes the ferroelectric phase transition temperature, Tc is determined to be in the range 250–300 K, consistent with the temperature dependence of the soft mode frequencies. A possible explanation for the observed behavior can be a non-uniform strain in the membranes