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Frozen Mindset: Relationship Beliefs in Blutch’s Peplum
No full textBlutch’s fictional, peplum style bande dessinée titled Peplum explores the consequences of a relationship influenced by hegemonic masculinity and a desire for the penetrator role. His protagonist Publius experiences three failed relationships because of the delusion of a destiny relationship belief. Publius’ relationship odyssey enlightens him to adopt a growth relationship belief which pushes Blutch’s message of healthy relationship dynamics. Blutch focuses on Publius’ eyes to show this belief transition and uses bande dessinée techniques of rhythm, shading, and mise en page to achieve this visual
Ensemble Learning for MRI-Based Brain Tumor Classification: A Weighted Voting Approach
Full text linkMRI is essential for detecting and diagnosing brain tumors, where accurately distinguishing glioma, meningioma, and pituitary tumors is vital for effective treatment planning. However, tumors\u27 complex morphology and MRI imaging variations present significant challenges for reliable classification. Deep learning models, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and ResNet architectures, have demonstrated impressive performance in medical image analysis but often struggle with generalization across different datasets. On the other hand, traditional classifiers such as Support Vector Machines (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) leverage handcrafted features like Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG), which can effectively capture structural details but may lack the adaptability required for diverse imaging conditions.
This thesis presents an ensemble-based voting system that integrates multiple single classifiers, leveraging their complementary strengths to improve brain tumor classification accuracy. The system combines traditional machine learning and deep learning classifiers with the custom CNN model (CNN-MRI), ResNet101, and DenseNet121 trained on grayscale MRI images. At the same time, ResNet50 and Xception utilize edge-detected images to enhance feature extraction. SVM and KNN using HOG features are also incorporated to capture shape and texture details. A weighted voting mechanism determines the final classification, assigning higher influence to models with greater individual accuracy.
Image processing techniques are applied to improve input quality and optimize model learning. Balance Contrast Enhancement (BCET) enhances the color contrast between different MRI components, such as tumors, tissues, skull, and fluid, making key structures more distinguishable. K-means clustering then segments these components, ensuring more precise separation. Finally, Canny edge detection filters out irrelevant pixels, preserving only the edges of essential structures to highlight tumor boundaries more effectively. Experimental evaluations conducted on both the Figshare MRI dataset and the Kaggle MRI public dataset validate the effectiveness of this multi-model ensemble approach.
The proposed method has demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving over 99% accuracy across two benchmark datasets. Compared to previous studies using the same datasets, this approach ranks among the most accurate and reliable solutions for brain tumor classification. These results highlight the effectiveness of the ensemble voting system, reinforcing its potential for real-world medical applications where AI-driven diagnostics can enhance accuracy, consistency, and clinical decision-making
The Hidden Struggle: Peer Perceptions of Imposter Phenomenon and the Impact of Gender
Full text linkImposter Phenomenon (IP) affects about 82% of people and can have detrimental effects on the mental health and achievement of sufferers (Bravata et al., 2020). Given the previous literature on IP and research on bias in interpersonal judgments based on gender, I explored how the expression of imposter feelings impacts interpersonal perceptions of competence and intelligence, and how gender moderates this relationship. Participants read one of four vignettes and indicated how competent and intelligent they viewed the individual in the vignette in which a high achieving man/woman college student does/does not express IP. Results of the 2 (Gender Pronouns: He/Him vs. She/Her) x 2 (IP: Imposter vs. Not Imposter) ANOVA, indicated a main effect for IP such that expression of IP lead to lowered perceptions of intelligence (M = 4.84, SD = .98) compared to no expression of IP (M = 5.27, SD = .90), F(1, 177)= 9.32, p = .003, η2 = . 0.05. I did not find evidence for a main effect of gender (F(1, 177) = 0.004, p = .95, η2 = 0.00) or an interaction effect (F(1, 177) = 0.19, p =.66 , η2 = 0.001) in perceptions of competence. I found no significant group differences for perceptions of competence (all ps \u3e.58). The findings suggest that if an individual expresses feelings of being an imposter, those around them may view that individual as less intelligent, possibly reinforcing the imposter’s self-perceptions
The Heroes are the Ones We Left Behind : Memories of World War II
No full textAs time continues to separate us from the “greatest generation,” the study of World War II memory proves critical in understanding whose story is remembered and passed down. Using the oral histories personally collected of twenty American veterans who served in either theater of World War II, their own memories are directly compared to what one may learn through media, school, or political speeches. The oral histories of these men have proven that American World War II memory in the popular and public sphere (media and national leaders, respectively) have reduced the war to themes of bravery, patriotism, and duty for purposes of simplified entertainment or national unity in trying times. Consequently, while an attempt to honor veterans, the notion of the “greatest generation” has created such a narrow lens of WWII memory that veterans’ own stories have been forgotten due to their arduous experiences. The complex and harrowing memories of World War II veterans directly rival or complicate the accepted notion of fighting a “good war,” so their stories are neglected for their inability to further such
Dale Hubbard Video Inteview
No full textDale Hubbard talks about his extensive experience as a student and employee of Central.https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/cwura_interviews/1318/thumbnail.jp
FRUCTOSE INDUCES METABOLIC CHANGES DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FROM GLUCOSE IN A N2A CELL LINE.
No full textOver the last 50 years, there has been a rise in diagnoses of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias associated with metabolic stress. This parallels an increase in fructose consumption and has led to research on the effects of fructose on the hippocampus, a brain structure responsible for learning and long-term memory formation. The hippocampus is also a region of the brain that metabolizes fructose. Experiments using animals fed diets containing fructose have shown a correlation between fructose consumption, learning impairment, and structural changes to the hippocampus in animals’ brains. However, the effects of fructose on hippocampal neurons have not been characterized at a cellular level. In this project, I used N2A cells, a well-established model for hippocampal neurons, to assess the effects of fructose on mitochondrial function through dehydrogenase levels, ATP, and oxygen usage. The results showed that fructose metabolism is different than glucose metabolism, with lower amounts of dehydrogenase and higher levels of oxygen consumption. They also showed that fructose metabolism at lower concentrations may have a less detrimental effect on mitochondrial function. Taken together, these results help to increase our understanding of fructose metabolism and metabolic stress in N2A cells
THE ROLE OF WESTERN FRESHWATER MUSSELS IN SHAPING STREAM NUTRIENT PATHWAYS AND FOOD WEB RESILIENCY
No full textFreshwater mussels are critical components of freshwater systems through their contributions to ecosystem function via water filtration, nutrient deposition and release, and food web stimulation. However, they remain under-studied in the Pacific Northwest, which precludes their consideration during stream restoration activities. For example, although mussel species richness has declined 35% across western watersheds, and today, the most historically diverse watersheds support far fewer species, stream restoration projects that commonly aim to restore salmonid habitat do not consider the conservation needs of freshwater mussels. Large knowledge gaps about the ecology of western mussel species limit our ability to understand their local and broader effects on stream food web productivity and hinder the development of effective restoration and climate change mitigation strategies. I used a three-part approach to analyze how western freshwater mussels contribute to stream food webs. In part one, I conducted lab experiments to quantify how mussel size and increasing water temperature affect clearance, nutrient excretion, and biodeposition (feces and pseudofeces) rates using three mussel species (Margaritifera falcata, Gonidea angulata, and Anodonta californiensis) extant in the Yakima River Basin, Washington. Individual clearance rates ranged from 0.04-4.11 L h-1 I found species-specific differences in clearance rates across temperatures whereby Anodonta californiensis had significantly higher clearance rates than G. angulata and M. falcata. At elevated temperatures (20-25 degrees C), while G. angulata maintained low, consistent clearance rates across temperatures. Biodeposition per gram dry mass decreased with temperature for A. californiensis, however, their biodeposition was higher than G. angulata at 15 degrees C. All species excreted more ammonium with increasing temperature. In part two, I performed field experiments to quantify stream nutrient demand in six streams in the Upper Yakima River Basin and in the mainstem Yakima River, WA. These uptake rates served to put mussel nutrient release rates into an ecosystem context. Finally, I synthesized lab and field experiments into a numeric model to estimate mussels contribution to whole-stream nutrient demand and stream food webs. The compiled model revealed western mussels can filter large volumes of water (up to 65% of daily river flow), deposit substantial amounts of biodeposition and alleviate N-limitation in high abundance. This model suggests that restoring mussel beds could have significant, positive ecosystem effects, and it also suggests that actual ecosystem impacts with mussel densities observed in the field are likely reduced due to population declines. Species-specific thermal sensitivities suggest climate change could shift the magnitude and direction of ecosystem function by freshwater mussels
Poetry and Empowerment in Islam
No full textProject Mentor(s): Katharine Whitcomb
In this collection I hope to express the abundance of empowerment my religion, Islam, has given me. Before my conversion I, like many, believed some misconceptions about women in Islam but now I have gained confidence and discovered I am capable of more than I ever thought. In this community I have also met many Muslim women who feel the same sense of empowerment. Presentation recording available in the SOURCE 2025 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@cwusource551
Antibiotic Resistance Trends in Coliform Bacteria of Kittitas County Waters
No full textProject Mentor(s): Holly Pinkart, PhD
Since the mid-1900s, antibiotics have been developed to help fight against bacterial pathogens. However, bacteria can evolve rapidly and have evolved resistance to many types of antibiotics. Using coliform bacteria collected from waters around Kittitas County, BIOL 323 students at Central Washington University have identified a variety of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Kittitas County streams and canals. Antibiotic resistance was measured from 2014-2019 and compared to data collected in 2024. This study focuses on three antibiotics, ampicillin, kanamycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In the past (2014-2019) we saw no change in the trend of antibiotic resistance in collected data for ampicillin, an upward trend of antibiotic resistance in data collected for kanamycin, and an upward trend of antibiotic resistance in data collected for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. When compared with the data collected in 2024, we see no significant increase in antibacterial resistance for ampicillin, a significant increase in antibacterial resistance for kanamycin, and a significant increase in antibacterial resistance for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The results of this research can be used to further study antibiotic resistance in the environment, and the data will be submitted to the WISAR (Washington Integrated Surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance) database
COVID\u27s Impact on Our Youngest Learners
No full textProject Mentor(s): Amanda Obery, PhD; Wendie Castillo
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted education, leaving lasting effects on elementary students’ academic development, particularly in literacy and reading comprehension. This research investigated the long-term educational impacts of the pandemic by drawing on qualitative insights from interviews with five educators across a range of specializations, including general education, interventional support, and multilingual learning. Using inductive thematic analysis and descriptive coding, the study identified key themes that reflected shifts in academic achievement, student behavior, attendance, and school priorities post-pandemic. These findings illuminate critical areas where students require support and outline the structural, instructional, and relational strategies educators use to bridge learning gaps. The conclusions contribute to broader conversations around educational policy and offer insight into how schools can more effectively support recovery and reimagine academic success in a post-pandemic era