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Tools and Trends: An Analysis of Maya Dental Modification
Get PDFThe ancient Maya practiced dental modification, intentionally filing, incising, and inlaying stones into the front teeth, potentially to display identity and status. The literature surrounding Maya dental modification tends to overlook mechanical aspects of the process, and many studies approach dental modification through limiting or destructive means. Optical microscopy presents an adaptable, cost-effective option for closer inquiry. Preliminary research suggests the process of dental modification leaves distinct patterns of tool use, depending on style, that can be identified through optical microscopy. The sample selected includes 25 incisors and canines from 14 Classic period Maya individuals from Altun Ha, representing 12 types of dental modification. Tooth surfaces with modification were molded in a non-destructive, high-resolution silicone, and molds were imaged using a ZEISS Smartzoom 5 digital optical microscope. Micropolish, lipped and rounded modified edges, and linear and concentric striations could be identified on the imaged surfaces. The presence of differing marks indicates they can be associated with broad categories of dental modification, physical motion involved in modification, and the potential class of tools employed in the process. These findings provide a more granular understanding of processes behind the cultural display of identity and status among the Maya of Altun Ha. Future investigation using modern tooth samples and reconstructed tools may further assist with linking specific tool materials to dental modification types
Digital Recess, Screen Time Split: The Impact of Online Schooling on Recreational Screen Time and their Dual Impact on Anxiety
Get PDFThis study explores the influence of online schooling, anxiety, and recreational screen time in college aged students. Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between screen usage and anxiety scores, assessing either online school or total screen time on anxiety. However, no study had looked at the correlation between online schooling and recreational screen time, nor had any study assessed both their effects on anxiety at the same time. Using a sample of 71 participants, a bivariate regression was conducted to evaluate the correlation of each type of screen time with one another, then another regression was run to assess the effects of both types of screen time on anxiety. The results were not significant enough to reject the null hypothesis. For this reason, there is not enough evidence to support the conclusion that online schooling and recreational screentime are positively correlated, nor is there enough evidence to support the conclusion that both types of screentime have an impact on a college student’s anxiety. This study was limited in nature, as this survey was subject to human bias and showed no concrete evidence for the actual screen usage of the student who responded. The findings suggest looking into the perceived screen use of a student and comparing it to what their true screen time is. It also opens the door to look into a comparative study between those with diagnosed anxiety versus those who are not diagnosed
Users\u27 Trust Perceptions of AI Search Results
Get PDFUtilizing a repeated measure design, this experiment analyzes users’ perceptions of artificial intelligence embedded within search engines compared to traditional linked search engines in various contextual situations. The purpose of this study is to find the differences in confidence for differing search methods and the variables of trust that lead to these perceived differences. Using screenshots of AI overview search results and linked search results, we asked participants questions of confidence and human-computer trust to gauge their perceptions of the varying search methods. We find evidence of a significant interaction effect in confidence scores between the search method and the content of the search. There are differences in how users interact with search results depending on situational risk and individual factors of trust. This paper is one of the first to analyze how users interact with novel AI that is embedded in search engines and how that trust compares to the traditional search engine
Utilizing Pneumatic Artificial Muscles to Simulate Wingbeat Kinematics for Morphing UAV Wings
Get PDFThe controlling muscles of a bird wing change stiffness and length to provide high efficiency when executing a flight maneuver. This variable stiffness allows the muscles to cycle between increasing energy, transmitting it, and restoring it, allowing an overall increase in mechanical and aerodynamic efficiency. Inspired by this, we have developed a system that uses pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) to actuate a morphing wing. The stiffness in the PAMS can be controlled to mimic the changes bird flight muscles undergo when executing a forward flapping maneuver. We will evaluate the performance of the PAMs in actuating a morphing wing through characterization tests and discuss the implementation of a future work loop study
Solvability of Stochastic Linear-Quadratic Optimal Control Problems Under Partial Stabilizability Conditions
Get PDFOptimal Control Theory, a branch of Control Theory, is applicable in fields such as engineering, operations research, and economics. Stochastic Optimal Control deals with noisy systems and data using Ito’s formulation. Given a noisy system and a cost functional, the goal is to find a control that will minimize the cost. This thesis focuses on linear quadratic stochastic optimal control, and we explore state equations that are not stabilizable. We first address measurability concerns arising from the semigroup property of the state trajectory. The notions of partial stability and partial stabilizability are introduced, and we formulate their corresponding Lyapunov and Riccati Equations. We then develop necessary conditions for open-loop solvability and characterize closed-loop solvability
Spirituality in Place: Assessment of Spirituality, Place Attachment, and Locus of Control in College
Get PDFThe intent of this thesis is to explore how spirituality in place shapes college students’ cognition. While spiritual development is recognized as an important aspect of student affairs, its influence on cognitive factors such as locus of control and place attachment remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between spirituality, place attachment, and locus of control, as well as students’ perceptions of spiritual design elements on UCF’s campus. To assess these perceptions, a Quality of Place Questionnaire for Spirituality was developed. This instrument aims to measure humanity, sensuality, and sustainability in the built environment. This research uncovers the connections between spirituality and cognition, while offering a preliminary framework for measuring spirituality in place. The purpose is to inform campus design in ways that foster holistic growth through intentional placemaking, and to explore the subtle yet powerful effects of our interactions with the built environment on the mind
Investigating the Effects of Binaural Beats on Encoding Efficiency and Working Memory Performance in College Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Traits
Get PDFBinaural beats (BB) have been increasingly explored as a non-invasive cognitive enhancement tool, particularly in populations with neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study investigates the effects of beta-frequency binaural beats on encoding efficiency and working memory performance, specifically verbal-spatial working memory, in college students with ADHD traits. Using a 2 (ADHD/Neurotypical) × 2 (Low/High Cognitive Load) mixed ANOVA design, participants will complete an N-back working memory task under baseline, binaural beats, and control (white noise) conditions. Key research questions examine whether binaural beats improve working memory accuracy and reaction time, whether their effects vary across cognitive load conditions, and whether individuals with ADHD respond differently than neurotypical participants. Previous research suggests binaural beats may modulate brainwave activity associated with working memory and attention; however, findings remain inconsistent. Results revealed no significant main or interaction effects for binaural beats on working memory accuracy or reaction time, regardless of cognitive load or ADHD traits. Although descriptive trends indicated slightly improved performance in participants with low ADHD traits under binaural beat conditions, these differences did not reach statistical significance
The Association Between Parental Bipolar Symptoms and Offspring Identity Formation: The Role of Parental Attachment and Emotion Regulation
Get PDFIdentity development involves integrating various aspects of oneself into a unified self-concept; however, maladaptive identity formation can lead to negative mental health outcomes (Berman & Weems, 2016). Growing up with a caregiver exhibiting unpredictable behaviors may hinder this process, leaving children vulnerable during this critical stage (Schwartz & Petrova, 2018). The current study evaluated how bipolar symptoms among parents may impact one’s identity. College students (N = 399) completed an anonymous online survey battery for course credit. Results revealed that parental bipolar symptoms were positively correlated with ruminative identity exploration, identity distress, disturbed (unstable) identity, and lack of identity, while negatively correlated with identity consolidation. Mediation analyses showed that parental attachment partially mediated the relationship between parental bipolar symptoms and identity disturbances, while expressive suppression did not. Findings suggest that parental bipolar symptoms are linked to identity difficulties, with parental attachment playing a crucial role in this association. With the information gathered from the study, these findings underscore the importance of accessible mental health care for children, particularly those navigating identity development in the context of a caregiver’s mental health challenges. By increasing access to supportive interventions, clinicians can help these individuals develop a stronger sense of self and better cope with their unique difficulties. Further analyses and their implications are discussed
Cells on Energy Drinks
No full textFor my project in Experimental Molecular Cell Biology, I aimed to investigate the effects of various reagents, particularly energy drink enhancers, on the viability of COS-7 kidney cells. My goal was to induce cell death using an unknown reagent and analyze the results. To assess cell viability, I used immunoflourscence to check if cells were healthy, apoptotic or necrotic.
Initially, I tested hot tub water but found it to be too toxic, leaving almost no cells for analysis. In my second trial, I used a MiO Energy drink enhancer, testing it at 15% and 5% concentrations. The energy drink was more effective, causing necrotic cell death, which I confirmed through fluorescent staining.
This project taught me how powerful immunofluorescence techniques can be for identifying cellular processes, like apoptosis and necrosis, and how even simple reagents can have profound effects on cell health. Additionally, I gained a greater understanding of how AI tools can assist in research, especially for automating tasks like analyzing ingredients lists, which I initially doubted. Overall, this project deepened my appreciation for cell biology and provided valuable insights into the effects of environmental and chemical stress on cell cultures.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025spring/1049/thumbnail.jp
Purification and Application of Chlamydia trachomatis Effector CTL0398
Get PDFChlamydia trachomatis is a bacterial pathogen which utilizes secretion of effector proteins which target host cellular processes, while evading the host immune system. Using the pUAST vector and the GAL4/UAS expression system, it is possible to enhance the expression of any select Chlamydia protein effector. We took steps to purify one of these effectors, CTL0398, through PCR amplification, Gel Electrophoresis, and Colony PCR. These procedures were done with the hopes of future studies uncovering the true function of the select effector, and if there is any manifested phenotypic change in drosophila.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025spring/1026/thumbnail.jp