Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
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The Molecule We Wake Up To: A Comprehensive Analysis of Caffeine from Chemistry to Cultural Impact
Get PDF In this presentation, I will explore the multifaceted nature of Caffeine\u27s impact on society through an interdisciplinary lens that includes chemical analysis, statistical data review, and sociocultural research. My research unveils caffeine not only as a widespread chemical stimulant but also as a significant cultural force, illustrating its dual role in global economies and social customs. Through extensive chemical scrutiny, I have deciphered caffeine\u27s complex biochemical pathways and mechanisms of action that underpin its widespread use and physiological effects. Statistical analyses of consumption patterns reveal distinct cultural and demographic preferences, underscoring the substance\u27s deep-rooted influence in daily rituals. Finally, my examination of caffeine addiction brings to light the subtle yet powerful ways in which this molecule can shape health and lifestyle choices, reflecting its profound psychological grip on the human experience.
The major points or findings of this research are:
1. Chemical and Biochemical Properties: Caffeine’s molecular structure promotes its role as a central nervous system stimulant. Analysis elucidates how its chemical characteristics correlate with mechanisms of action and metabolic pathways in the human body.
2. Economic and Agricultural Significance: Caffeine\u27s role is highlighted in the global economy by examining production statistics and its prevalence in popular beverages, revealing its substantial impact on agriculture and trade.
3. Sociocultural Consumption Patterns: Research uncovers the sociocultural dimensions of caffeine consumption, demonstrating distinct gender preferences and cultural inclinations that influence global beverage choices.
4. Caffeine Addiction and Health Implications: Neurochemical processes behind caffeine dependence are examined and discuss how habitual consumption can lead to physical and psychological reliance, evaluating the implications for individual health and lifestyle.
Through these points, the research presents caffeine as a complex entity that intertwines with various aspects of human life, from individual health to global cultural practices
Lattice-Based Cryptography and the Shortest Vector Problem
No full textRecord ID: 243
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: McNair Scholars Program
Presentation Type: Podium
Abstract: Cryptography is the practice of writing and solving codes that are used to protect private information, including banking information, sensitive messages, and passwords. Due to the constant improvements to technology, cryptography is also one of the fastest improving fields in mathematics. However, for as fast as the field is changing, there is always someone capable of breaking the newly formed codes and invading the privacy of millions. Lattice-Based Cryptography has been argued as the most promising form of encryption, using the Shortest Vector Problem (SVP) as a main source of encryption. The SVP is so valuable in cryptography because it is simple to understand, yet hard to calculate. In our research, we will attempt to alter a graph from the research paper, "HAWK: Module LIP makes Lattice Signatures Fast, Compact and Simple" by Léo Ducas et al., which discusses the Shortest Vector Problem. Making alterations to the graph would increase the efficiency and running time of a contract system that calculates the shortest vector in a lattice up to 300 dimensions. Improving the efficiency of the computer program could ensure security for everyone that would be nearly impossible to crack, even in a world with quantum computers.
Testing Applicability of the Leading Joint Hypothesis in Frisbee-like Throwing
No full textRecord ID: 214
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: McNair Scholars Program
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Humans exhibit a broad spectrum of skilled perceptual-motor behaviors, from typing to playing tennis, yet the central nervous system\u27s regulation of the musculoskeletal system\u27s elements is not fully understood. The Leading Joint Hypothesis (LJH) offers a perspective on multi-joint movements, suggesting that for each action, there is a primary "leading joint" while secondary "trailing joints" follow, experiencing passive "interaction" torque generated by the leading joint. This implies active muscle control is only needed for the leading joint, with trailing joints requiring intermittent control to channel interaction torques to produce a desired movement of the whole limb. This study aims to investigate the joint interaction pattern in frisbee-like throwing. Five participants performed frisbee-like throws in horizontal plane using their elbow and wrist under conditions of slow-velocity and fast-velocity throws, with instructions to relax their wrist. Kinematic data on the arm, forearm, and wrist movements were captured using inertial measurement units, alongside electromyography on bicep, triceps, and forearm muscles to record muscle activation. LJH predicts that during both fast-velocity throws, the IMU and EMG recordings will show the earliest muscle activity at the triceps muscle (indicating it as a leading joint), with no muscle coactivation at the wrist muscles (trailing joint). However, during slow-velocity throwing and no-throwing conditions, we expect muscle activation at both the leading and trailing joint(s). The study aims to test the applicability of the LDJ in frisbee-like throwing. Theoretical ideas of LDJ can be helpful to improve motor learning in sports and rehabilitation
Expanding the Dynamic Range of Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Biosensors
No full textRecord ID: 232
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Biosensors function by using biological and chemical components to detect a broad range of analytes, such as nucleic acids, antibodies, and small molecules like glucose. Among biosensors, those based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) have superior multiplexing capabilities that can detect a broad range of targets simultaneously. However, sensors (including SERS biosensors and lateral flow assays) are often used only for yes/no answers and do not provide important quantification information (e.g., viral load). This limitation is due to the small dynamic range (range of detectable target concentrations), which is of 1-2 orders of magnitude. This project focuses on expanding the dynamic range of SERS biosensors from the current 1 order of magnitude concentration range to 4-5 orders of magnitude. In this project, we altered the design features and sequences of DNA-based SERS biosensors to see how these modifications affected the sensitivity and limit-of-detection of these sensors compared to a benchmark previously developed sensor. The sensors were then tested over a wide range of concentrations to determine the dissociation constant (KD), dynamic range and limit-of-detection of each sensor. We analyzed the data to determine the optimal mixture of sensors that gives the widest and most linear dynamic range. This optimal mixture was then validated by showing that the optimal mixture of sensors has great linearity over more than 4 orders of magnitude. We demonstrated how altering different features of the DNA-based sensors affects figures-of-merit. We also demonstrated that combining multiple sensor designs can greatly increase the dynamic range and quantification capabilities
Engineering Students\u27 Prompting Strategies with ChatGPT to Solve Engineering Design Tasks
No full textRecord ID: 263
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Undergraduate Research Co-op Fellowship
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: This research project delves into students\u27 prompting strategies when utilizing generative AI in the context of addressing engineering design problems. Amidst the growing adoption of generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, there is a growing need to explore how to effectively integrate them into educational settings and instruct students on appropriate usage. The current literature primarily focuses on students\u27 usage preferences of generative AI, scant attention has been paid to analyzing their actual prompting strategies. Conducted within an introductory engineering course at a large Midwest university, our study involved administering a brainstorming assignment for a semi-autonomous robot project to teams of 3-4 students. The assignment involved beginning with a structured brainstorming session, followed by a conversation with ChatGPT. Students were tasked with planning at least 5 prompts for the AI system, engaging in dialogue with ChatGPT for at least 30 minutes, and subsequently integrating the new insights with the ideas from the traditional brainstorming session. Our research question centers on understanding the prompting strategies employed by students when interfacing with ChatGPT for engineering design problem-solving. We collected completed assignments from consenting teams (n = 100 teams, 396 prompts) and analyzed them using an inductive qualitative coding approach to identify recurring patterns in their interactions. Preliminary findings reveal that students predominantly seek information akin to conventional search engine queries, with a subset directly soliciting design solutions or asking the system to make evaluative comparisons. Notably, a proportion of prompts instructed ChatGPT to produce the "best" solution instead of generating multiple possible solutions
The Impact of Ultrasound Guided IV Insertion
No full textRecord ID: 86
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Registered Nurses are often challenged when prompted to insert an IV on the first try as evidenced by traditional insertions taking two or more attempts on average. This in turn, delays care and reduces patient satisfaction and positive outcomes. Multiple IV insertions can cause more harm to the patient. A literature search was conducted to answer the following PICO question: In floor nurses, how does ultrasound guided peripheral IV insertions compared with traditionally inserted peripheral IVs affect the failure rates of IV insertion. Our project aims to present the evidence on the clinical impact and benefits of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (IV) insertion compared to traditional techniques. An educational session was created using media powerpoints and video on the success rates, time, efficiency, patient satisfaction, and complications associated with each method. To assess the effectiveness of our teaching, a pre and post test will be administered to determine the knowledge obtained by the audience. Our results are pending, however, we intend to improve nurses\u27 understanding of the value of utilizing ultrasound guided PIVs versus traditionally inserted PIVs. Overall, our study will teach and promote the use of ultrasound guided PIVs to reduce pain associated with IV insertion, increase IV placement success rates, and improve patient outcomes.  
How Do People Who Live with Mental Illness, Substance Abuse, and Trauma Experience Acceptance Commitment Therapy?
Get PDFRecord ID: 123
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: The goal of the study was to introduce a new type of treatment to a small group of participants who are at New Horizons for mental health and substance abuse and the traumas that brought them to seek treatment; this new treatment would teach skills around values, priorities, psychological flexibility, inner child work and being about to process the trauma they have experienced and to help them accept it so they can continue to grow. The participants have all agreed and completed 8 hours of ACT group therapy. The results come from interviews conducted with the participants to learn about their experience with ACT and if it has benefited them in their healing journey. They could identify what parts of ACT we discussed in the group and how they have implemented those skills into their healing recovery and everyday life. Participants have stated that they all felt that participating in ACT activities benefited them a few weeks later as they continue to do the work in the program
The Effects of Shoulder Position on Bicep Brachii Activation
No full textRecord ID: 264
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Our study aims to investigate how different shoulder positions affect the activation of the biceps brachii muscle during bicep flexion resistance exercises. Limited research shows that shoulder position from extended to neutral to flexed changes biceps activations. Here we use electromyography (EMG) to identify which shoulder position elicits the greatest relative activation (i.e., electrical activity produced by the muscle). The EMG of the biceps brachii will be measured in shoulder extension, anatomical position, and shoulder flexion. The EMG data will be derived from an elbow flexion curl exercise and a metronome will be used to keep consistent speed of repetitions. We anticipate that performing a bicep curl with the shoulder in an extended position will produce the greatest EMG activation due to the reduced force generating capabilities in an extended position. This extended position would have increased biceps activations from having to recruit more muscle fibers to complete the biceps curl with the relative external load and the induced stretch of the biceps from the initial starting position. Results of this study can be used to inform strength training and rehabilitation programs.  
Examination of Haloversatile Bacteria on Salted Goatskin and Inactivation of Haloversatile Bacteria via Direct Electric Current
No full textHaloversatile bacteria are among the commonly found microorganisms that have the potential to damage hides and skins in the leather industry. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the presence of haloversatile bacteria on salted goatskins, to characterize these microorganisms through the use of molecular and conventional test methods, to detect their impact on the skins, and finally find an effective solution to inactivate these microorganisms. Haloversatile bacteria were common inhabitants at salted goatskin samples obtained from the Tuzla Organized Leather Industry Zone in Türkiye. Total numbers of haloversatile bacteria, proteolytic haloversatile bacteria, and lipolytic haloversatile bacteria on ten salted goatskin samples ranged from 7×104 to 2.7×105 CFU/g, 1×104 to 8×104 CFU/g, and 1×104 to 1.3×105 CFU/g, respectively. In the present study, 88% of the isolates were protease-positive, 69% were lipase-positive, 8% were xylanase-positive, 27% were caseinase-positive, 23% were amylase-positive, 8% were DNase-positive, 31% were cellulasepositive, 54% were urease-positive, 100% were catalase-positive, and 54% were oxidase-positive. The bacterial isolates showed positive reactions for the utilization of different amino acids such as glycine, L-cysteine, L-proline, and L-threonine, having the highest rates of 88%, 80%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. However, L-histidine had a lower positive reaction rate of 31%. The halophilic bacterial isolates exhibited positive reactions for the utilization and acid production from different types of sugar, with glucose having the highest positive reaction rate of 81%, followed by maltose at 73%, xylose at 58%, galactose at 46%, and lactose at 42%. Haloversatile enzymeproducing bacteria were identified using biochemical and molecular methods, resulting in the identification of 17 different species. Micrographs obtained from the scanning electron microscope revealed the damage inflicted on the fresh goatskin structure by haloversatile bacteria. A direct electric current of 2.2 A was applied to the mixed culture of haloversatile bacteria for 25 minutes to find an effective inactivation method. The total count of the mixed culture of haloversatile bacteria decreased from 7.3×106 CFU/mL to 4 CFU/mL within 16 minutes. All seventeen haloversatile bacteria in the mixed culture were killed within 19 minutes.