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The Environmental Kuznets Curve
No full textThe Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) refers to the concept of an inverted U-shaped relationship between a country’s per capita income and some measurement of environmental degradation. The curve hypothesizes that initially, the level of environmental degradation increases with a country’s level of income. As income continues to increase, the level of environmental degradation reaches a turning point. After this turning point, environmental degradation levels decrease as income continues to increase. However, this theory of an inverted U-shaped relationship is not universally agreed on. There is no consensus in the literature on the EKC as to where the turning point occurs, or whether or not all countries will reach a turning point in their levels of environmental degradation. The relationship between development and the health of the environment is much more complex than what is portrayed by the EKC. This paper uses a cross-section analysis of 83 countries to examine co2 emissions while controlling for coal consumption, oil consumption, natural gas consumption, renewable generation, GDP per capita, and the Human Development Index (HDI) and finds that the hypothesized EKC relationship is not supported
Hide n Seek
No full textHide n Seek, taken by Mariah Johnston on the Linfield University January Term Program in Japan. 1st place, Judges division, in the 2025 Linfield University Study Abroad Photo Contest.https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/intl_photos2025/1000/thumbnail.jp
Weed Out the Pain: Using Cannabis to Manage Endometriosis
Full text linkThose with endometriosis are four times more likely to chronically use opioids than those without the condition, despite the well-known adverse effects and misuse potential of opioids (Farooqi et al., 2023). Due to the risks and costs associated with opioid use, those with endometriosis are turning to other forms of self-medication that are more accessible. One example is the use of cannabis, which has been shown to not only decrease pain but also improve other symptoms like sleep quality and overall mood (Sinclair et al., 2021). Endocannabinoids are a series of complex molecules that naturally exist in the body and have been linked with relief in several types of chronic inflammatory diseases like endometriosis (Lingegowda et al., 2022). The role of endocannabinoids allows individuals with endometriosis to self-manage the pain associated with this condition by supplementing with exogenous cannabinoids like cannabis. The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of cannabis use for those with unmanaged endometrial pain
Impact of Microplastics on Male Fertility and Sperm Quality
Full text linkPlastic pollution is a global health concern. Microplastics and nanoplastics are the byproducts of plastic deterioration and can be invisible to the naked eye. These ever-present particles have infiltrated our ecosystems, water, food, air, and even the human body (Hunt et al., 2024). In recent years, we are starting to understand the effects of plastic degradation on human health. Researchers have observed ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and other physical deterioration causing microplastics to shed carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting chemicals (Osman et al., 2023). Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol, and octylphenol, interfere with normal hormone activity, mimicking natural hormones or blocking receptor sites (Di Pietro, Forcucci, & Chiarelli, 2023). These chemicals may accumulate in the gonads and trigger inflammatory damage (Hunt et al., 2024). This paper’s purpose is to determine if increased microplastic exposure correlates with male infertility or sperm quality. We are investigating a possible link between the increasing prevalence of plastic and decreasing fertility rates
Access to Healthcare: Addressing Barriers for Autistic Patients
Full text linkAs the collective awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow in the world of western medicine, there has been an increase in recognition of the autistic population. Estimates suggest that around 1% of individuals identify as autistic (Dückert et al., 2023). Despite this noteworthy portion of the population belonging to this category, there continues to be a lack of consistent awareness and equitable access to health services regarding the needs of autistic individuals. One common challenge in healthcare is communication barriers with autistic patients, which may arise from difficulties in expressing emotions or conveying information effectively (Greenwood et al., 2023). This study seeks to explore the role that autism awareness at the professional level among nurses and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) plays in enhancing patient care and satisfaction, particularly for autistic patients. Ultimately, this study questions how healthcare can more equitably serve autistic patients when considering the barriers they face in a healthcare setting
Synthesis of CK-869 Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of the Arp2/3 Complex
Full text linkThe Actin related protein 2 and 3 complex is (Arp2/3) is a key protein allowing for polymerization necessary to the actin cytoskeleton that aids in cytokinesis, endocytosis, and cellular motility. The Arp 2/3 complex is a seven-subunit protein that allows for the polymerization of actin within a cell by acting as a nucleation site for daughter actin filaments to branch from pre-existing filament strands. The inhibition of Arp 2/3 complex can prevent the motility of harmful pathogens by inhibiting actin comet tail formation. This research may provide further knowledge on the basic science of actin by allowing one specific part of the actin polymerization process to be inhibited. This work is intended to produce Arp 2/3 inhibitors with significantly increased potency compared to commercially available inhibitors. The research described resulted in synthesis of derivatives of CK-869, an Arp 2/3 inhibitor, and their potency was determined through a standard bulk actin polymerization in vitro assay
Defining Strong Cybersecurity Policy
No full textCybercrime is a worldwide issue with a variety of national prevention and deterrence capabilities. This data-driven comparative analysis evaluates multinational cybersecurity policies to identify the most effective countries. Based on indices such as the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), National Cyber Security Index (NCSI), Digital Development Level (DDL), and Cyber Exposure Index (CEI), as well as GDP data, the study assesses national commitments, actual implementation, readiness of infrastructure, and levels of exposure. Findings indicate that the European Union (EU) consistently demonstrates the most robust and efficient cybersecurity mechanism. The EU\u27s strength lies in its capacity to impose a united front, demanding standardized rules like the NIS2 Directive among members, fostering cooperation through initiatives like the Budapest Convention, and coordinating responses through bodies like ENISA. This cooperation model is particularly effective, enhancing even the cybersecurity posture of less-well-endowed member states. The analysis concludes that the EU\u27s framework is a benchmark of international cybersecurity policy excellence
Walk Your Path Well
Full text linkI will be presenting my final project on Walk Your Path Well, a small local business that covers forest bathing. My project will include visual and written elements
MVHS Athletic Training Internship
No full textThis internship opportunity allowed me to observe and participate in the day to day operations of a high school athletic trainer. This included teamwork and communication between our principal, athletic director, coaches, and student athletes, as well as being given the opportunity to refine my hard skills such as taping techniques and special tests evaluations. I was also given some freedom to take risks when assessing athletic injuries and using rehab modalities to get athletes ready to return to their sport. I enjoyed connecting with the students and applying what I have learned at Linfield in a clinical setting that both tests my knowledge and gives me the opportunity to grow. I am fortunate and appreciative of the opportunity I was given and plan to return to the same role after graduation
Quantifying Fungal Abundances In Vineyard Soils
Full text linkBiodynamic farming is essential to the quality of the food being grown and sustainability of the land. It promotes a self-sustaining environment and increases soil fertility, especially since it considers the aspects of the land that are already optimal for growth. However, crops may be more susceptible to pathogens. A potential solution to fungal pathogens is to increase the concentration of beneficial fungi in the soil, with the goal of outcompeting the pathogens. To assess whether specific farming practices increased fungal loads in the soil, we took two samples from each of six rows in a vineyard in Sherwood, OR. DNA was extracted from these samples and then run through a novel qPCR assay that quantifies fungal abundance. Results suggested that fungal abundance was successfully able to detect and quantify fungal DNA in soil samples. We would anticipate higher fungal loads in the fall, when soil moisture is higher. Fall ‘24 samples are significantly higher than the Summer ‘24 samples, in support of this hypothesis