Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
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Does Vocabulary Grow in Nature? Exploring the Impacts of Nature-Based Early Learning on Young Children’s Receptive Vocabulary Development
No full textThis study examined the effect of nature-based practices on preschoolers’ receptive vocabulary. We administered the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test to 134 children from 11 preschool classes at the beginning and end of the preschool year. Results suggest incorporating nature-based practices into preschool supported significant vocabulary growth, but that effectiveness varied by public vs. private school setting and children’s socioeconomic status. This study contributes to the literature regarding effective practices for supporting vocabulary development and adds to the growing body of research surrounding the impact of play in natural environments on child development and school readiness. 
Using Design-Based Implementation Research to Design the “Mentoring Through Tinkering” Youth Program
No full textProgram design is crucial in youth development, mentoring, after-school, and community-based programs. However, current approaches to youth program design are often limited by: 1) lack of clarity in intended program outcomes; 2) difficulties in adjusting programs to different contexts; and 3) long-term program sustainability. This paper addresses these challenges by exploring the application of Design-Based Implementation Research (DBIR) and conjecture mapping in designing a youth program in Singapore. By emphasizing targeted outcomes, contextual considerations, and stakeholder experiences, the DBIR approach offers a promising solution to enhance youth program design. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of DBIR and conjecture mapping in improving program design, while also acknowledging and discussing the contextual limitations and considerations of this approach
An Exploratory Study Evaluating the Influence of Taller Stripe Patterns on Reading Comfort Using Ranking Tests, Reading Tests, EEG’s, and Eye Tracking
Get PDFThe Latin script has a vertical stripe pattern in it, which is known to cause visual discomfort. This study started from the hypothesis that a lower stripe pattern could result in better visual comfort than a taller stripe pattern. I evaluated this hypothesis with several letterforms and their correlating stripe patterns, tested in four independent tests: a ranking test, reading progression, measuring neurological response, and measuring eye movements. The results provide some indications that taller stripe patterns are less comfortable, but those results were mostly outside the range of common letter sizes for reading texts. Also, results for letterforms and plain stripe patterns differed. The results suggest that multiple design parameters influence reading comfort simultaneously, and that ‘the number of design details per surface’ is a design parameter that could play an important role in determining reading comfort. This needs to be evaluated in further studies
Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex
Get PDFIn this presentation, I explore the pathogenesis and current research of Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EBS) through background literature, images, and studies. Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex is a complex, inherited disease with a wide range of clinical symptoms and outcomes. Quality of life with EBS can range from relatively normal to debilitating and life-threatening. There is no known cure, however, the disease is managed with a range of treatments. In this presentation, we report on the mechanisms behind the disease, its manifestation, and the research being done to better understand EBS.
In our research, we examined the physiological causes behind EBS, which involve mutations in the genes that encode for the Keratin 5 and Keratin 14 filaments. We explored the common clinical presentations, the range of severity of the symptoms and quality of life, and the currently available treatments. We also investigated research avenues currently being explored in the search for a cure for the disease
Benefits of Support Group for Survivors of Violent Crime
No full textRecord ID: 42
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: This study aims to discover if survivors of violent crime believe a support group would be beneficial to them in their healing process. The value of this project is to better help the Cincinnati Police Department\u27s Victims Assistance Liaison Unit and other organizations working with survivors of violent crime understand how to better aid these survivors in the most effective and ethical way possible. 
Planting Planting Native Trees Along Interstates and Highways Can Reduce Air Pollution In Cincinnati
No full textRecord ID: 77
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Air pollution in Cincinnati is an alarming problem in the city. The Air Quality Index has ranked the quality of the in Cincinnati as "unhealthy" for most days of the year. This is a serious concern as bad air quality can lead to asthma, lung disease, and other health consequences. The Green Cincinnati Plan aims to try and resolve this problem through a variety of means. One way we can significantly reduce air pollution is by planting trees and bushes along Interstates and highways. Doing so will alleviate the pollution caused by vehicle emissions along the roadways, create a more scenic visual appeal for drivers, create more natural habitats for species, and even decrease noise pollution as well. Trees naturally filter our air through the pores in their leaves. These natural corridors must be planted appropriately in order to maximize the benefits, which is what this research aims to achieve. This project looks at other cities that have planted trees to alleviate air pollution and applies those results to a plan for Cincinnati. It is also important to consider what species of trees would best support the wildlife of the Cincinnati area and prevent invasive species. This project is also taking into consideration what highways and Interstates we should address first through a lens of equity. These findings outlined in this project are extremely important for the people living in the city so that everyone can have healthy, clean air to breathe, live, work, and play in.  
Green Cincinnati Plan: Addressing Environmental Issues through Support of Business Owners and Start-ups
No full textRecord ID: 79
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: The business market is one of the largest contributors to environmental problems, but many organizations are unsure of how to change their practices to become a "green" business. The city of Cincinnati has adopted the quinquennial Green Cincinnati Plan (GCP) in order to address the various environmental problems plaguing our city, including market issues. This raises the questions of: How can the Green Cincinnati Plan and its partners aid in supporting local businesses, specifically minority and woman owned, in enacting green practices to address environmental issues? Is this even a feasible goal in the city of Cincinnati? Through research of the current state of this GCP goal, it has been found out that there are attempts at supporting small businesses in becoming a green business through organizations such as 513 Green and 2030 District. There is little to no attempt yet in the city of Cincinnati to offer incentives for sustainable businesses practices, nor any solutions targeted specifically at minority or woman owned businesses. It is evidenced that there is a demand for green businesses from consumers, but what is the benefit for business owners? Have other cities adopted incentive programs for small businesses to enact sustainability plans, and would they be a model for Cincinnati? The outcome of the work will further help Cincinnati and other cities to adopt solutions to aid business owners in implementing sustainable practices. Supporting businesses in adopting sustainable practices is beneficial for addressing pressing environmental concerns that threaten the preservation of our natural environment. 
The Possibility of Expanding Curbside Recycling in Cincinnati to Include Hard-to-Recycle Materials
No full textRecord ID: 101
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: As consumption increases, safe disposal of materials is becoming challenging. Mismanagement of trash harms air and water quality and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The new production of plastic is also more harmful than recycling used plastics. Cincinnati currently has a standard curbside recycling program. This project investigates how the city can expand its recycling program. This project is working in accordance with the goals of the Green Cincinnati Plan to include e-waste, textiles, and other hard to recycle materials in curbside recycling. We have reviewed literature and investigated how other cities recycle. Additionally, we surveyed Cincinnati residents to gain a better understanding of how knowledgeable Cincinnati is on recycling. We expect to find that the best way to improve the recycling program is to start small and to first expand the current system to areas where recycling is unavailable. It is important to involve the community when changing a familiar system. Education will be crucial since there is a lot of confusion about what can be recycled curbside. Residents also need to be informed about the current state of resource degradation for them to care about reusing materials. The outcome of our research will inform the best ways to educate the community and implement more recycling options. Our next steps include sending our research to the city of Cincinnati so they can implement it when moving forward with their zero-waste initiative.  
Life After Life Sentences: Reentry Successes and Struggles of Children Sentenced to Life Without Parole
No full textRecord ID: 195
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: McNair Scholars Program
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Following the 2016 U.S. Supreme Court\u27s Montgomery v. Louisiana decision, approximately 2,500 individuals sentenced as juveniles to life without parole (JLWOP) became eligible for release. This study examines the reentry challenges and successes of these "juvenile lifers," who are re-entering society after decades of incarceration, now as older adults.Employing a secondary mixed-method approach, the study utilizes life history interviews and calendars to analyze the post-release experiences of men and women in Pennsylvania who served JLWOP sentences. The research reveals significant reentry challenges for juvenile lifers, particularly the issue of indefinite parole, often referred to as "lifetime parole" or a "life tail." These findings highlight the necessity for further research into the long-term experiences of these individuals. Understanding their unique challenges is crucial for developing more effective reentry support and policies
Developing a Fiber-Optrode SERS Sensor for In-situ Monitoring of Estradiol in City Water
No full textRecord ID: 208
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: The presence of steroid estrogens in water has raised concerns due to their harmful effects on human and animal health. Among these compounds, Estradiol is highly disruptive and harmful to the endocrine system. Current analytical practices are constrained to laboratory settings and there is a need for the development of field-deployable detection techniques for continuous monitoring. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a promising technique for on-site detection without the need for sample transportation or laboratory analysis. Herein, we propose a fiber optrode SERS sensor capable of detecting small molecule targets for this application. A fiber optrode is an optical sensor integrated with an optical fiber so that the light can be transmitted through the fiber and interact with the sensor component. This sensor can detect the target molecule by immersing the optical fiber directly in liquid samples under analysis. The immersed end of the optical fiber is coated with well-dispersed gold nanostars, to create a sensing surface that amplifies laser radiation and SERS signals from molecules. We utilize a reagentless sensing mechanism based on duplex aptamer, enabling the detection of small-molecule contaminants. Our previous work established a design protocol for duplex aptamers to detect small molecules. We translate this protocol to develop fiber optrode sensors for the direct detection of estradiol, an important contaminant in wastewater samples. Our findings demonstrate the potential of fiber optrode sensors for the direct detection of estradiol and other small molecule contaminants in environmental samples, offering significant advancements in environmental monitoring and analysis