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Optimization of Frying Conditions and Flavors of 3D Food Printed Vegan Meat Burger Patties
No full textPlan BThe demand of Plant Based Meat Analogues (PBMA) is rapidly growing because the global
market of PBMAs is projected to expand over 20% annually and the total market value is
projected to exceed $30 billion in 3-5years. This shift is driven by environmental, health, and
ethical concerns associated with traditional meat products. However, texturizing plant proteins
like burger patty is a significant technological challenge. In this regard, 3D food printing
technology is an emerging technology develop PBMA. The objectives of this study were to
develop vegan PBMA, optimize the post-processing frying conditions, and observe the impact on
flavors and texture to mimic meat. In this study, pea, soy, jackfruit, agar, xanthan gum, beet, and
salt were mixed and texturized into a burger patties using 3D food printer. The PBMA patties
were deep fat fried, and frying conditions (time and temperature) were optimized using Response
Surface Methodology (RSM) and Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). The optimized
fried sample was reformulated with natural flavors of mixed Asian spices and BBQ masala
separately. The preferred formulation was determined based on physiochemical, textural and
sensory properties of patties. The frying optimization indicated that frying at 185- 186°C for 16-
17 minutes improved the qualities of patties. The sensory results indicated that the patties with
Asian mixed spices were the most preferred one and followed by BBQ masala and control. The
results of this study not only contribute to reducing the environmental footprint but also pave the
way for a sustainable vegan meat solution
Naming Biases: Gender and Race Biases in Reference to Politicians
No full textSenior Honors Thesis, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonImplicit biases continue to promote gender and racial inequality in many professions. Our research investigated a particular variable, terms of reference, that may play a role in voter opinions of politicians and in particular influence perceptions of historically underrepresented groups (women and black politicians). We collected data from real Facebook posts and their responding comments for all 412 current members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives. We found that (1) first names are used more frequently when referring to female and white politicians and (2) last names and titles (both common and formal) are used more frequently when referring to male and black politicians. These results suggest that gendered and racial biases exist for terms of reference which may impact voter perceptions of women and black professionals in politics in different ways. Future directions for this research include investigations into how these naming biases impact voter perceptions of politicians as well as their voting decisions in an election cycle
Litigation Risk of SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Company)
No full textColor poster with text, charts, and graphs.Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) have gained significant attraction in recent years, emerging as a popular alternative to traditional initial public offerings (IPOs). These blank-check entities raise capital solely to acquire and take private companies public through de-SPAC transactions. The appeal of SPAC lies in their speed, pricing certainty, and reduced regulatory burden compared to traditional IPOs. SPACs provide flexibility in structuring deals and optimizing post-merger capital. Using hand-collected SPAC and IPO data, we find that SPACs are more likely to be sued than traditional IPOs. SPACs face more litigation risks due to their limited regulated oversights, conflicts of interest, and poor post-merger performance. This project examines the ways SPACs are exposed to more litigation risk. We use statistical data analysis to understand those reasons. SPACs are not subject to intense U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations before going public like traditional IPOs are. Due to the lack of legal oversight, financial projections fail to meet expectations and cause investors to frequently file class action lawsuits. This study investigates the litigation risks associated with SPACs and examines the structural factors that cause investor lawsuits in de-SPAC transactions.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
Preschoolers’ Use of Expertise in Word Learning
No full textSenior Honors Thesis, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonAs adults, we know it is impossible for everyone to know everything but at what age do we begin to understand that people can be experts? The present study investigated whether preschoolers are able to understand expertise and whether they consider that knowledge when learning novel words. Three-year-olds participated in a tablet task in which they were taught the names of novel toys by two speakers, each with a color-specific domain of expertise. We then evaluated how well they learned these words. We expected participants to remember labels better when the color of the object matches the demonstrated expertise of the speaker. Preliminary findings with a small sample size indicate that three-year-olds are equally as accurate in recalling words taught by an expert or non-expert. Data collection of a full sample of forty participants is currently ongoing, and findings will expand our knowledge of the strategies children are using to learn language
Nurturing Potential: An Equity-Minded Approach to Functional Behavioral Assessment
No full textIn a society that is increasingly, beautifully diverse, educators need to ensure that data being collected about student(s) keeps the students’ perspectives and needs at the forefront of behavioral interventions. Zbacnik and Gilpin’s Open Educational Resource strategically guides readers through each step in the functional behavioral assessment and interventions process and continues to center and consider how student identity impacts educational journey
EXPLORING ENERGY AFFORDABILITY EXPERIENCES: A COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT WITH A COHORT OF BLACK MADISONIANS
No full textEnergy affordability is a concern for many people in the United States and is a rising area of organizing for community groups. Between 25% to 31% of households experience unaffordable energy, which makes working towards solutions for addressing energy hardships a priority, especially at local contexts. Addressing energy affordability can increase energy justice, particularly in distributing benefits to impacted communities and increasing a community’s access to decision-making processes. This study used a mixed-methods survey and Community- based Participatory Action Research methods to explore the energy affordability experiences of a cohort of Black Madisonians. Energy affordability in this study was conceptualized through the theories of energy burden and energy insecurity. During this study’s collaboration with the community group Blacks for Political and Social Action of Dane County, we collected 101 surveys from four predominantly Black churches in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area.
Findings show this cohort of Black Madisonians experience a higher median and average energy burden compared to national numbers, with even higher energy burdens seen among low-income participants. Respondents also experience both energy burden and energy insecurity at a higher occurrence than national rates. Additionally, interest and perceived helpfulness of programs that can address issues with energy affordability are observed in this study’s findings. Further, community members expressed having reduced stress and spending funds on other essential expenses when imagining life with cheaper energy bills. Results from this study were translated into recommendations for improving or implementing policies, programs, and procedures that address this cohort of Black Madisonian’s energy hardships
Enhancement of Leadership Skills Among Store Managers
No full textPlan BThe retail industry is ever evolving, requiring companies to meet the shifts in consumer demands
and economic conditions. Store managers are on the frontlines of this constantly changing
environment, and these leaders drive key performance indicators (KPIs) and maintain customer
and employee satisfaction. This study investigated the leadership skills required for store
managers to meet the constantly changing demands of retail sales. The problem addressed is a
gap in leadership skills among store managers, which impacts team performance, employee
morale, and customer retention rates. This research evaluated the effectiveness of the current
leadership training programs and proposed enhancements to develop the skills needed,
particularly in emotional intelligence (EI) and adaptability intelligence (AI). A qualitative
approach was used by using surveys and interviews to gather comprehensive data. The study did
everything possible to ensure the sample of leaders represents the diversity of the store managers'
demographics and performance levels. The findings provided greater insight into the current state
of leadership training and offers recommendations for developing a better framework for future
leadership training. The enhanced training program is expected to improve store-level
performance, employee engagement, and increase customer satisfaction. The future of Company
XYS is improved by creating a larger, more adaptable, and talented pipeline of store managers
Is This Generation Too Tired? : The Cultural Impact Of “Tang Ping” And Its Reflection in Western Culture
No full textColor poster with text, images, charts, and graphs.Tang Ping (躺平) and Quiet Quitting have become popular concepts embraced by many young people in China and the U.S., referring to a simple lifestyle without effort making. This research project explores the impact and similarities between Tang Ping and Quiet Quitting and their impact on the younger generations between China and the U.S. In this comparative study, the research team collected data through surveys and semi-structured interviews with instructors and students in both countries, to investigate whether this is a generational or cultural issue, looking at how this will impact the student’s future as they advance into the workforce. This study will take an integrated lens to examine this concept in relation to other sociocultural aspects. This study will illuminate the connections between these two cultural issues and their prominent impact on the young generation and society, as well as offer suggestions for teaching and learning.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
Associations Between Negative Emotional Recovery and Time Spent on Work
No full textSenior Honors Thesis, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonThis study investigates the relationship between negative emotion regulation and work participation across the lifespan. Inefficient recovery from negative emotional experiences may be associated with reduced work capacity. Using data from the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS: https://midus.wisc.edu), we examined whether efficient negative emotion regulation predicts greater time spent on paid and unpaid work over a ten-year period. Emotion regulation was assessed using two measures: (1) corrugator recovery, measuring the rate of facial muscle relaxation following negative image exposure via electromyography, and (2) stress reactivity, measuring changes in self-reported negative affect on days with versus without stress. We tested three primary hypotheses: (1) more efficient emotion regulation would be associated with greater work engagement at baseline, (2) individuals with more efficient emotion regulation would maintain higher levels of work over ten years, and (3) inflammation would act as an intermediary between emotion regulation and changes in work participation over 10 years. Using linear mixed effects models, we found that faster emotional recovery from negative images was associated with greater time spent on work at baseline (N = 160), but was not associated with change in work across the decade or work ten years later. Additionally, we found that lower stress reactivity at baseline was associated with greater time spent on work ten years later and a slower decline in work participation across a decade (N = 829). However, stress reactivity at baseline was not associated with work at baseline. Lastly, we found no evidence to suggest that the relationship between emotional recovery and work may be accentuated by the presence of inflammation. Our findings suggest that individual differences in negative emotional recovery may be associated with long-term work engagement, but no support for inflammation linking emotional recovery and work involvement
Bostock’s Binary Ramifications on Titles VII and IX: Enabling Discrepancies in Discrimination Proceedings
No full textSenior Honors Thesis, Department of Legal Studies, University of Wisconsin-MadisonIn Bostock v. Clayton (2020), the United States Supreme Court labeled sexual orientation- and gender identity- based discrimination as categories of sex-based discrimination, therefore expanding the protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to a greater portion of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through the use of literature review and case analysis, this research demonstrates an unwillingness to transcend the gender binary and an ever-growing reliance on the textualist perspective within federal jurisprudence. These findings suggest that, while Bostock has brought progressive Title VII protections, its success is not paralleled in its utilization surrounding Title IX. Such inconsistencies illustrate the larger problem of the dichotomous language of Justice Gorsuch’s majority opinion which ensures that Bostock is only sporadically honored within Title IX cases on behalf of transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals