Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
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Cataracts in a Predatory Insect May Reduce Hunting Success in Dim Light
No full textRecord ID: 257
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, plagues over half of Americans over the age of 80, causing a myriad of vision complications such as difficulty reading, sensitivity to glares, decrease in color vision, and eventually loss of vision entirely. Cataracts are formed by damage to specific light-refracting proteins found in the lens, and it has been estimated that in humans 20-39% of overall cataract formation may be directly linked to an individual\u27s genetics. Therefore, understanding genetic predisposition towards developing cataracts may prove crucial in understanding how to prevent them entirely. Little to nothing is known about cataracts in arthropods, but previous experiments in our laboratory have shown that the gene lens3 is a prominent contributor to the elaborate lenses of the image-forming eyes of diving beetle (Thermonectus marmoratus) larvae. RNAi knockdown leads to a reduction of expression of lens3 and cataract-like lens deformations in those eyes. Interestingly, although clear morphological deficits could be observed, initial experiments did not show significant behavioral deficits, specifically in a test that assessed the hunting success of these predatory larvae. However, considering human ophthalmology, the initial difficulties associated with cataracts are often reported as difficulty completing tasks at night, such as driving. Therefore, in a follow-up experiment, we retested hunting behavior under dim light conditions. Based on a preliminary analysis, the test groups had significantly greater hunting latencies compared to the control group. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that illuminates interesting parallels between cataracts in humans and insects.  
From Lectures to Love Letters: A Simulated Ethical Vignette-Based Exercise for Business Students
No full textRecord ID: 73
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Podium
Abstract: This study presents an ethical vignette exercise that investigates perceptions and ethical evaluations concerning hypothetical relationships between a faculty member and a student before and after graduation. The vignettes are intentionally vague to illustrate a framework relying on facts, assumptions, and opinions that trigger cognitive bias in participants. The exercise reveals the multifaceted nature of ethical judgment, showcasing how participants navigate the grey areas of relationships with inherent power imbalances. Through qualitative analysis, we captured diverse reactions ranging from outright dismissal to cautious acceptance, underpinned by a spectrum of moral and social considerations. This research underscores the significant role of contextual information in shaping ethical evaluations, highlighting how the absence of specific details leads individuals to fill gaps with their biases, assumptions, and societal norms. This exercise is an excellent tool for business ethics education as it demonstrates the need for critical thinking, nuanced decision-making, the complex interplay of personal biases and societal norms, and professional ethical standards in a simulated, real-world scenario
How to Incorporate Environmental Justice into Law: A Priority Action of the Green Cincinnati Plan
No full textRecord ID: 96
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Podium
Abstract: Marginalized communities are usually subject to not only poor environmental health conditions, but members of these communities often forced to work in jobs with higher environmental and/or health hazards. This is true in Cincinnati as well, as environmental justice has become an increasingly important issue to address. As such, the City of Cincinnati\u27s Green Cincinnati Plan(GCP) has been inquiring as to how other municipalities have turned environmental justice policy into law, and how successful these laws have been at resolving some of the problems. In trying to find an answer to this, multiple examples have been found around the nation, in well known municipalities such as Atlanta, and even at the national level through the EPA\u27s Justice 40 initiative. These different policies have been shown to be effective to varying degrees, and several of the laws seem like either a good fit for Cincinnati as is or with a bit of modification to suit our city\u27s specific needs and environment. This research and these laws are vital to creating an equal and equitable city for all to live in, something that Cincinnati and other cities strive for.  
Social Determinants of Health Influence on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptom Burden
No full textRecord ID: 211
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Podium
Abstract: Following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), defined by the Glasgow Coma Scale (score of 13-15) 10-20% of patients have declines in quality of life due to persisting symptoms and cognitive deficits. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are environmental conditions that play a significant role in mTBI recovery. Determinants include economic stability, education access, age, sex, health insurance, and race/ethnicity. Acknowledging and addressing SDOH is important for improving the recovery of those who experience mTBI. The self-reported Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) is used to measure the severity of 16 symptoms after mTBI. We hypothesized that patients with greater SDOH risk factors would have higher RPQ scores after mTBI. Patients at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center were evaluated by hospital personnel and diagnosed with mTBI. Approximately 2-3 weeks after being discharged from the hospital patients completed the RPQ during a mTBI clinic visit. SDOH measures we investigated included ETOH use, insurance status, and race. Data was collected and analyzed using REDCap. The average RPQ score was 20.48 (n=232, SD=14.44), 38% scored ≥24, indicating higher symptom burden compared to 62% that scored <24. Those with high RPQ scores (n=88) had 11.2% alcohol use compared to 32.6% with low RPQ scores (n=144). 72.3% of high RPQ scorers had Medicare or Medicaid insurance (vs. 65.4%), and 15.9% were Black or Hispanic (vs. 11.8%). These preliminary results suggest differences in SDOH factors may contribute to post-mTBI symptom burden and further research is underway to determine the influence of SDOH on mTBI recovery
Sub-second Release of Catecholamines from Dendritic Cells
No full textRecord ID: 28
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Podium
Abstract: The neuroimmune system is complex and is regulated by small chemical messengers released from resident immune and neuronal cells. Catecholamines like dopamine and norepinephrine are important chemical messengers responsible for initiating and propagating messages between neurons and immune cells; however, the mechanism and dynamics of this signaling is relatively unknown. The presence of the intracellular machinery to synthesize and interact with catecholamines in dendritic cells has been known for over a decade; however, direct measurement of catecholamine secretion in real time from immune cells has not been possible. Here, we have discovered that Bone Marrow derived dendritic cells are capable of releasing catecholamines on a sub second time scale. We have used a revolutionary technique, often used in the neuroscience field, called fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to measure sub second fluctuations of catecholamines from isolated dendritic cells. This work provides direct evidence that dendritic cells are capable of releasing catecholamines, potentially as a feedback communicator to resident sympathetic neurons in host immune organs. These results also prove that immune cells can signal on the same time scale as neurons. This work will hopefully open the door to enable more sophisticated studies at the neuron-immune synapse in the future. 
Speech Sound Disorders in Children with ASD: A Comparison of SLP vs. ABA Approaches
No full textRecord ID: 143
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more likely to have higher rates of articulation and phonological disorders typically developing children. Speech-language pathologists (SLP) are the professionals who diagnose and treat speech sound disorders (SSD). The professionals who work with children with ASD include therapists from the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). ABA is an interpersonal therapy in which a child works with a practitioner one-on-one. The goal is to improve social skills by using interventions that are based on principles of learning theory. They may address speech sound disorders using a variety of methods that are congruent with ABA learning theory. This literature review describes and compares the methods used by SLP and ABA professionals in the treatment of speech sound disorders. Included is a list of recommendations from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) with tips for parents and other professionals who work with children who have SSD.  
Effects of Uninterrupted Breaks on Indicators of Burnout for Nurses Working 12 Hour Shifts
No full textRecord ID: 151
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Breaks play a key role in reducing burnout among nurses working 12-hour shifts, but many are not able to utilize their break effectively. Even when a break is taken, patient responsibility is often lingering over the nurse\u27s head. The purpose of this research project is to educate practicing nurses on the effects that a lack of shift breaks has on mental health and overall well-being. The PICOT question we want to answer is "In Nurses who Work a 12-hour Shift, What is the Effect of an Uninterrupted 30-minute Break Compared with Nurses That Don\u27t Get Them on Indicators of Burnout in Two Months?". Our goal is to see more nurses take purposeful breaks during their shifts and recognize the effects of constant stress on feelings burnout. To achieve this goal, we provided surveys to collect data on current break culture on two units in hospital settings, specifically an ER at Kettering Hamilton Hospital and Urology at Bethesda North Hospital. The survey included questions regarding stress level, break times, and experience on breaks. We then provided education on both units regarding the importance and effects of taking breaks. This education included a pretest and posttest, which allowed us to see the retention of the information by the nurses. The outcome of our research will allow us to better understand how breaks and stress levels are correlated for nurses, while also advocating for nurses to take full advantage of their breaks
Functional Analysis of Glutamine Synthetase in Drosophila melanogaster Semper Cells
No full textRecord ID: 234
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Glutamine Synthetase is an important protein used in metabolizing nitrogen, a natural product of protein metabolism, and also is important in glia for the metabolic support of adjacent neurons. Enhanced expression of Glutamine Synthetase also has been noted in glial support cells of both arthropod and vertebrate eyes. Here we used the Semper Cells (a type of eye glia) in Drosophila melanogaster to test the role of Glutamine Synthetase in these support cells. Two lines of flies were reared, a control line, and a line in which Glutamine Synthetase was knocked down specifically in Semper cells. These lines were then metabolically stressed with the use of a high-protein diet that would result in a relatively high nitrogen load and a high need for Glutamine Synthetase. To test if this treatment results in deficiencies pertaining to eye function, two lines of flies, and two types of food for each line were evaluated electrophysiologically. Specifically, electroretinography was used to test the ability of photoreceptors to respond to increasing intensities of light, a metabolically costly process. In contrast to our expectations, test flies showed no significant reduction in photoreceptor responses. This outcome could suggest that in the fly eye, the surrounding pigment cells, which also have a heightened expression of Glutamine Synthetase, may be able to compensate for the increased energy demand or that other redundant energy sources are available. Overall, this study still showed useful insight into our understanding of the roles that specific support cells play in invertebrate eyes
How the Implementation of Crisis Prevention Intervention Training May Worsen a Student\u27s Experience in a Regular School Setting
No full textRecord ID: 313
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: This study was conducted to measure the relationship between the implementation of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training and student\u27s experience in a regular school setting. There are differing opinions that suggest the implementation of CPI training would not appear different in varying settings, nor would the student\u27s experience be altered. In this study, clients from Wasserman Day Treatment were surveyed about their experience in a regular school setting and how staff handled their crises. This study shows that staff in regular school settings did not handle client\u27s crises in the expected terms outlined in CPI trainings and actually worsened the client\u27s experience at school. The implementation of CPI training varies between school based and mental health based settings causing school based settings to not always be best fit for individuals struggling behaviorally.  
Learning Through Media: The Presence of Engineering Design Principles in Digital Games
No full textRecord ID: 340
Program Affiliation: Service Learning
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: The goal of this research project was to determine if engineering design principles can be found within the popular digital sandbox games: Minecraft and Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This was achieved by finding videos of people playing the games with both creative and story-driven methods and scoring them based on how many steps of the engineering design process they followed within a given time frame. Inter-rater-reliability using Cohen\u27s Kappa was utilized to ensure accurate and precise data related to these videos. This data was paired with our own research into the realism of both games through testing of the convertible measurement systems, friction, conventional mechanics, gravity, and collisions. Together, this research allows us to have a better understanding of the teachings of engineering principles from popular media and those teachings applicability to the real world. From this understanding we have generated recommendations for future media to instill engineering principles, and education in general, into their design.