2671 research outputs found
Sort by
The Derivatization of Taurine via HPLC
No full textWhen you think about what drinks you might see the most on a college campus, the main ones would be soda, coffee, and energy drinks. The one thing found only in energy drinks and none of the others is an amino acid called taurine. While that explains what taurine is and where you will find it, there is one thing that it does not answer. How much taurine is found in an energy drink? That question was what caused this study to begin. The goal of this study was to first derivatize taurine, to ensure absorption occurs at a wavelength of 254 nm. The chemical reaction that takes place during the derivatization process will be shown via chromatograms produced by the HPLC. These chromatograms will be shown in comparison to ones from other studies involving taurine derivatization. Then the future of this research project for the next semester
Effects of Group A Streptococcus on Normal Microbiome Species of the Oral Cavity and Throat
Full text linkStreptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a common bacterial pathogen associated with sore throat in children and young adults. Although it is possible to be an asymptomatic carrier of GAS, infection often results in streptococcal pharyngitis or other invasive diseases. This study aims to determine whether GAS disrupts formation and growth of biofilms of normal microbes in the oral cavity and throat to cause disease. Bacterial species used in this research to simulate biofilms of the oral cavity and throat include Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus mutans which are all part of the normal oral biome. Optimal biofilm growth conditions for each species were determined in vitro using six-well plates and tryptic soy broth (TSB). A series of washes and staining using 01% crystal violet were performed, followed by optic density (OD) measurements using spectrophotometry. To determine the effects of GAS on oral biofilm growth, the sterile TSB was replaced with filtered supernatant of GAS. Results showed no significant difference between the biofilms grown in sterile TSB and those grown in filtered GAS supernatant. Further testing is required to determine if proteins attached to the surface of GAS or particular virulence factors affect oral biofilms
Portable Wind Turbine: A Compact Solution for Off-Grid Energy
No full textWith the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, portable renewable energy sources are increasingly important, especially in off-grid and emergency situations. The need for a compact, reliable wind turbine that can be easily transported and set up in remote areas drives the development of this project. The primary objective of this project was to design and construct a portable wind turbine capable of generating clean energy in off-grid environments. The turbine was required to be lightweight, durable, and efficient, with easy assembly and disassembly for portability. The design process involved selecting appropriate materials, creating aerodynamic blades, and optimizing power generation components for efficiency. Taking previous projects from the internet were used to gauge what setup would be most suitable for our application. Iterative improvements were made based on the results of those projects, ensuring the final design met power output and durability requirements
Synthesis of Porphyrin Complexes for Solar Cells
No full textIn recent years, solar energy has emerged as a key area of scientific research due to its potential for large-scale energy production. Our research focuses on the light-absorbing components of solar cells, which are often based on molecules known as porphyrins. As an initial step toward developing more complex compounds, we first synthesized a mixed porphyrin. To verify the success of this synthesis, we used proton NMR spectroscopy to confirm the formation of the desired product. Afterwards, we used preparative thin-layer chromatography (prep-TLC) to identify the porphyrin and separate it from any impurities present in the crude product. With the porphyrin compound confirmed and purified, our next objective is to perform a Sonogashira coupling reaction to attach additional functional groups to the porphyrin.. With this preliminary data, we are now prepared to couple the purified mixed porphyrin with other compounds, ultimately creating dyes suitable for use in solar cell
Cockroach Response to Solar Magnetic Fields
No full textThis research project is based on a phenomenon that has been observed in PSYC4150 (Physiology of Behavior), where cockroaches tend to get more active around sunset. This simple experiment involved recording cockroaches placed inside of transparent cups and counting up the transitions that they make between surfaces of the cup. The results are then compared with space weather conditions provided by NASA to determine if there is a correlation between roach activity and solar activity
April 18, 2025 Executive Committee Meeting
Full text linkMinutes of the April 18, 2025 Executive Committee meeting, Board of Trustees
February 14, 2025 Executive Committee Meeting
Full text linkMinutes of the February 14, 2025 Executive Committee meeting, Board of Trustees
Occupational Therapy Evaluation Findings Regarding Parent-Reported Toileting Issues in Pediatric Patients Ages Five and Above in an Outpatient Facility: A Retrospective Study
Full text linkThis retrospective study investigates the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in supporting toileting independence in children aged five and older with parent-reported toileting difficulties. A descriptive design was used to analyze retrospective data from an outpatient pediatric clinic, focusing on referral diagnoses, unintegrated primitive reflexes, and deficits in postural, sensory modulation, processing, and cognitive functioning. Of the 174 client evaluations reviewed, 17 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The most frequent deficits included proprioception/position sense under-responsiveness (82.35%), interoception dysfunction (76.47%), vestibular/movement sense under-responsiveness (70.59%), core muscle weakness/muscular dysfunction (70.50%), and active primitive reflexes (64.70%). Despite varied referral diagnoses, the results underscore the need for comprehensive OT evaluations that address the sensory, motor, and cognitive challenges contributing to toileting difficulties. Targeted, individualized interventions aimed at these specific deficits may enhance toileting independence in pediatric patients
Unlocking Flow: The Power of Entrainment and the Autotelic Edge
No full textFlow state is a psychological condition characterized by deep focus, intrinsic motivation, and peak performance. Often called being in the zone, it enhances cognition, creativity, and well-being while offering potential therapeutic applications. This study evaluates five entrainment techniques — lo-fi music, meditation, rhythmic stimulation, binaural beats, and neurofeedback using sonified brainwaves from a flow-state donor — to induce flow, assessed via EEG (Emotiv Epoc X) and self-reports. Participants will experience each condition in a randomized within-subjects design. EEG analysis will examine alpha, theta, and beta activity in the prefrontal cortex, where transient hypofrontality, a key marker of flow, occurs. The Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2) and Short Dispositional Flow Scale (SDFS) will assess subjective flow, while openness to experience and conscientiousness will be evaluated as moderating factors. A repeated measures ANOVA will compare flow efficacy across conditions, and regression analysis will examine personality influences. By clarifying the neurophysiological underpinnings of flow, this research aims to inform personalized cognitive interventions that optimize performance and well-being in education, creative therapies, and athletics while opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions in cPTSD
Differing Video Game Preferences: Education Implications
No full textVideo games are a major influence on modern society, and they have evolved into diverse genres. Relatedly, gamification has become a strategy to improve education outcomes. However, different types of games (and therefore gamification) should appeal to different types of learners. Thus, in this study, we measured game genre preferences, along with educationally-relevant individual difference variables. These included need for cognition, metacognitive awareness, and intrinsic motivation. Notably, an effect emerged in which puzzle-based games appealed more to those high in meta-cognitive awareness, intrinsic motivation, or need for cognition. In contrast, action games, involving intense gameplay, appealed to those with lower intrinsic motivation. This suggests gamification strategies if results replicate. For example, educators should gamify lessons with puzzles when intrinsic motivation is high, but use more intense, absorbing gamification designs when intrinsic motivation is low