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Required TOEFL Scores and International Student Attendance
American Universities are generally the most sought-after universities for international students. I test how required English Proficiency Tests, specifically TOEFL, impact the number of international students attending American Universities. TOEFL scores are generally used as benchmarks for colleges and universities to require a specific level of English knowledge for their programs and degrees. Most of the research on TOEFL has been on whether TOEFL accurately predicts academic success, without much research on how TOEFL impacts international student attendance. I use NCES data on college admissions to see if universities that introduced TOEFL requirements, or universities that removed TOEFL requirements, saw a significant change in international student attendance
The Influence of Lottery-Funded Scholarships on College Attendance Among Low-Income Students
This study examines the impact of state merit-based scholarships on low-income student populations. States often use lottery-funded merit scholarships to incentivize high-achieving students to stay in the state. However, some have criticized the lottery scholarship system for a lack of consideration for the low-income population, who often receive less financial aid and disproportionally fund the system by purchasing more lottery tickets than higher income individuals. We use data from the American Community Survey (ACS) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) with a difference-in-differences approach to compare individuals of varying income levels from multiple states to analyze the impact of lottery funded scholarships for low-income individuals
Human Capital and Economic Growth in LDCs
The paper investigates the hypothesis that capital is the most significant factor in fostering economic growth in the least developed countries, alongside natural resources, capital formation, and technological innovation. The literature examines existing theories and empirical evidence on the relationships between these factors and economic development. The research uses multivariate regression analysis to assess the strength and significance of these relationships. The study includes five datasets and samples covering countries in different stages of development. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the determinants of economic growth in LDCs and provide valuable insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to foster sustainable development
An Analysis of Barrier Coverage via PixyCam Monitoring with an Arduino Board
Barrier coverage is the detection of intruders when they penetrate a protected area. It can be described as a belt region that has a sensor deployed over it. This research project investigates the implementation of object movement tracking using a Pixy camera and an Arduino Uno board. The Pixy camera, equipped with a powerful vision system, enables the detection and tracking of objects. Alongside with an Arduino Uno board, the system offers a compact and efficient platform for processing visual data and controlling actuators in response to detected objects. We propose the integration of a local network environment to enhance the functionality of the object tracking system. The local network enables the transmission of data to the Pixy camera system, allowing for collaborative object tracking and obstacle detection. Our system aims to provide a comprehensive solution for monitoring object movement, detecting obstacles, and analyzing interaction patterns in dynamic environments. The integration of these technologies holds promise for applications in various fields, including robotics, surveillance, and human-computer interaction. For future projects, we hope to extend into a network module to allow monitoring of an extended area
Maximizing The Educational Choice Wave By Rethinking State And Local Regulations
This Article will first survey the flurry of education choice activity in 2023, touching on several of the factors that drove legislation. Next, it will examine both the dispositional and practical impediments to choice reforms. This Article concludes with recommendations for modernizing local and state policy to best achieve the goals of recently enacted educational programs
Discovering Digital Asset Management
Abstract title
Some consider librarians to be the original data scientists as their career has always been dedicated to collecting, organizing, and storing information. The modern librarian still has to accomplish those tasks but now they must do it on a computer while utilizing a variety of data science techniques. Therefore, Dr. Davis decided to create a course on digital asset management for future librarians or anyone who wants to acquire those skills. As someone who loves libraries but will graduate before this class is ever taught, the best way to experience it was to contribute in its creation and so that is what I did.
First, we researched libraries and their various systems. During this process, I studied the wide variety of organizational formats for information storage from Dewey Decimal to MARC21 and discovered that major library associations, like the Library of Congress, want to store their information in linked data format in the future. Hence, I honed my research in on the concept of linked data, as well as related constructs like RDF and Dublin Core. I next used Python to create linked data and RDF graphs based on it. Finally, I built a simple website to showcase linked data that would also give future students taking the class a template for their own final projects.
Additionally I learned about APIs which are often used in with digital storage. For an example API use for students, I wrote a Google Colab notebook which explains how to collect information on songs from Spotify’s API
Examining the Synergy of Curcumin and Cisplatin in Osteosarcoma Cells
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that is especially difficult to treat due to its ability to rapidly metastasize, with an average survival rate of 70% if caught before metastasis but 30% after metastasis. The current standard of treatment, if caught before metastasis, is surgery. However, after metastasis, cisplatin is the chemotherapy of choice, which is often ineffective. This study aims to improve treatment strategies by combining a chemotherapy, cisplatin, with curcumin. The supplement used for this study is curcumin, which is a biologically active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin has shown promising effects in cancer treatment through its ability to induce oxidative stress on cancer cells by inducing mitochondrial damage and increasing reactive oxygen species, ultimately resulting in cell death. This study shows that combining cisplatin and curcumin decreases cell viability in osteosarcoma cells and increases apoptosis compared to either agent alone
Protonation of Terbium Complexes as a Possible Chemical Sensor
Upon ultraviolet excitation, terbium(III)-ligand complexes exhibit strong yellow-green fluorescence in accordance with the antenna effect. Recent studies in our laboratory show remarkable quenching of the emission signature upon exposure of homoleptic complexes to water or mineral acids. The changes are completely reversible under mild conditions, suggesting possible applications as a chemical sensor. Following the synthesis of [Tb(pydm)3](NO3)3 (pydm = 2,6-pyridine dimethanol), the complex was titrated with HCl and the changing absorption spectra of the complex was monitored through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Further, we have purified and characterized this product through 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. A deeper understanding of the reactions causing the quenching of the emission upon exposure to water will aid the intelligent design of chemical sensors
The Wallet and The Gut: Forecasting the 2024 Presidential Election with a State-by-State Adaptation of the Time-for-Change Model
This study adapts Abramowitz\u27s Time-for-Change model to a state-level framework to forecast the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The Time-for-Change model’s focus on the popular vote has become less relevant in recent years, given the growing divergence between popular vote outcomes and electoral college results. Our model addresses these issues by adapting the original Time-for-Change predictors (presidential approval rating, GDP, and time in office) to the state level. Using data from five election cycles (2004–2020), we employ an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to predict incumbent two-party vote share. Unlike the original model, state-level GDP and incumbency duration were found to be non-significant predictors, potentially highlighting the shifting priorities of voters. Our model achieves an R^2 of 0.9416 and projects a victory for former President Trump, with wins in 34 states and 330 electoral votes
Effects of Endomycorrhizal Fungi on Lemon Balm Plant Growth
Mycorrhizal fungi benefit plants by enhancing nutrient uptake through the plant roots in exchange for sugars from the plant itself. There are two main types: endomycorrhiza, and ectomycorrhiza. Endomycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, which can enhance nutrient uptake, stress resistance, and overall plant growth. This study aimed to determine the effects of endomycorrhizal fungi on the growth and development of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), a medicinal herb known for its antimicrobial and calming properties. A control group of six plants with no fungal fertilizer and an experimental group of six plants inoculated with endomycorrhizal fungal fertilizer were measured for height and final mass over ten weeks. Results indicated that endomycorrhizal fungi had a negative effect on lemon balm growth. Therefore, endomycorrhizal fertilizer may not be the best solution for enhancing the growth of medicinal herbs. Instead, it is recommended to conduct further research on the effects of other mycorrhizal fertilizers, such as ectomycorrhizal fungi