AEC 2017 School of Sciences and Social Sciences

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AEC 2017 School of Sciences and Social Sciences

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136 items
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86 item sets

50 items

  • A Chemical Rainbow; Symbolism and Significance

    This project aims to celebrate both the Chemistry Lyceum and the Keene State College Pride student organizations by producing a 'chemical rainbow' composed of acid-base indicators. The chemical rainbow will be designed by using a series of colorful chromophores that result in different colors when mixed with dilute acids and bases. The historical significance and symbolism of the rainbow image in the Pride community and the history and use of chemical indicators will be presented. Chemical structures, names, and absorbance spectra will be displayed for each indicator. A portable spectrophotometer will accompany the poster and allow analysis of indicators by conference attendees. Unique glassware will be used to highlight various techniques in the chemistry laboratory and bring attention to the diversity of equipment within the chemical sciences. The poster will also feature background on each of the student clubs, and the preparation and procedures used to produce the chemical rainbow display.

  • A Comparison of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercise and Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation on the Reduction of Chronic Low Back Pain

    Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise and Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TENS) are a treatment for reducing chronic low back pain (CLBP). The purpose of this critically appraised topic was to determine which treatment is more effective. Six randomized control trials (RCTSs) were selected and reviewed. Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale or the Oswestry LBP Disability Scale. Three RCT's showed manually resisted isotonic (exercise against resistance) PNF exercise is effective at reducing CLBP, with exercise parameters for PNF effective at 3 sets of 15, 4-5 times per week. Three RCTs showed high frequency sensory TENS is effective at reducing CLBP. Two RCTs used TENS for 30 min/day for 2-5 weeks; one used TENS for 120 min/day for 4 weeks. The researchers concluded that PNF and high frequency, sensory TENS were effective at reducing CLBP.

  • A Harmonious Blend of Art and Physics

    Music can take on multiple forms and be created through countless different instruments. I have created a synthetic piano using second hand circuitry and an Arduino board. An Arduino board is an open source electronics platform that is able to read inputs and turn them into outputs. For this project the Arduino is reading in the push of different buttons, placed underneath several piano keys, and outputting an L.E.D. flash and a specific audio pitch depending on which key/button is pressed. My piano also changes octaves at the flip of a switch mimicking the physics seen in a real piano. Through a poster presentation I will explain how my project shows a real life application, and blend, of physics, computer science, and music at the touch of a button.

  • An Investigation of Complex Numbers Using the Gauss-Lucas Theorem

    Have you ever wondered about the actual properties of complex numbers? Have you ever enjoyed or pondered at their computations and their geometric representation? This presentation will investigate some interesting properties of the complex numbers and their geometric representations. A complex number is a number of the form a+bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is the imaginary number such that when it is squared, it is equal to -1. These numbers are important and interesting because they allow us to extend the representation of numbers from one dimension into numbers in two dimensions, therefore we can represent complex numbers geometrically in the x-y-plane, which is a two-dimensional plane. After explaining and constructing the complex numbers, we will explore the Gauss-Lucas Theorem that makes clear the relationship between the roots of a complex polynomial and its derivative from calculus.

  • Analyzing the Risk Level of Keene State Network by monitoring a vulnerable network called Honeynet

    The recent escalation of cyber security threats has prompted business, organizations, and governments to prioritize network and information security. Everyday millions of people, including Keene State College, are at risk to these attackers, often with motives of profits, to their cyber espionage and sabotage. Consequently, developing profiles of these attackers? behavior has become crucial to the prevention and eradication of these threats. In the proposed project, we seek to analyze these attackers' behaviors through vulnerable monitored networks called a honeynet. Using advanced virtualization technologies, we will be able to collect forensic data from an attack at real-time - giving us important information such as geographic distribution and service communities - which can then be given to network administrators to prevent further attacks. Likewise, since the Honeynet will be built at Keene State College, the information collected will be transferred to a monthly report that includes the risk level of our network.

  • Applying Group Theory to Peg Solitaire

    In this presentation, we will investigate the application of a branch of higher mathematics called group theory to peg solitaire. To play peg solitaire, a peg 'jumps' over an adjacent peg. The jumped peg is then removed from the board. The goal is to remove as many pegs from the board as possible, ideally all but one. We will use group theory to discover which holes are the sole possibilities for the last peg to be left at the end of the game. We will also explore algorithms for playing peg solitaire that guarantee only a single peg will remain. By studying the applications of group theory to seemingly simple games, we can gain a better appreciation of the beauty and uses of abstract mathematics.

  • Characterization of Pythagorean Triples in the Root 2 Field Extension of the Rational Numbers

    In high school, every geometry student learns the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that a triangle ABC with sides a, b, and c is a right triangle if and only if a^2 + b^2 = c^2. A Pythagorean triple is a triple of three positive integers (a, b, c) that satisfies the Pythagorean Theorem and all Pythagorean triples can be both generated and characterized with one formula. In this talk, we will characterize Pythagorean triples in the root 2 field extension of the rational numbers and compare those triples with Pythagorean triples in the integers.

  • Compassionate Self-Esteem: A Multivariate Investigation of Changes in Self-Compassion Following Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

    Mindfulness meditation practice has been shown to improve self-esteem, a widely-used indicator of mental well-being. Some psychologists argue that the current definition of self-esteem is incomplete and have proposed alternate conceptualizations, most notably, self-compassion. Neff (2003) suggests that self-compassion describes a healthier self-relationship that emphasizes common humanity, self-kindness, and mindfulness. Thus, mindfulness meditation may foster self-compassion, under the guise of higher self-esteem. This study will analyze how those who have completed a mindfulness course describe changes in their self-relationships. Additionally, measures of self-esteem and self-compassion will be compared between participants with and without mindfulness experience. A brief writing task will prompt participants to reflect on their self-esteem while their emotional arousal level is measured. Lessened emotional arousal is expected in those with mindfulness experience, as they can relate to themselves more skillfully through self-compassion.

  • Consultation and Community: The Relationship of Islam and Democracy

    Samuel Huntington argued in Clash of Civilizations (1993) that Western and Islamic worlds would clash in the new post-Cold War era due to Islam's resistance to western liberal democracy and its values. Generalizations such as these are one of the many reasons why westerners are both anxious and attracted to the Middle East; however, the generalizations are founded on a selective analysis of evidence. This paper will demonstrate that Islam is not hostile towards democracy. The ideal Islamic State, as well as the central values of Islam are quite democratic in their nature. Empirical evidence rebukes Huntington's thesis, however, research on Islamic political thought is somewhat lacking in western scholarly circles. Instead of focusing on how the U.S. can make Islamic governments in its own image, research should be directed at understanding the political values of Islam and how they can be incorporated within a democratic framework.

  • CrossFit Identity: Study of Group Creation Through Social Processes

    Herve Varenne wrote a book called Americans Together (1977) that theorized American culture as the product of the dual American ideals of individualism and collectivism. I found his approach illuminating as I endeavored to identify the cultural values embedded in CrossFit groups. This ethnographic research combined participant observation and life history interviews in several different gyms in the Keene area with a review of relevant literature. The fieldwork created a comparative framework for a study of the cultural journey taken by CrossFit Keene members after their gym closed. I have applied the methods and theories of Franz Boas, Claudia Strauss, and Herve Varenne to a social process that helped develop the group's identity and 'creation myth.' In this presentation, I will discuss ways in which members of CrossFit culture in Keene work to express their individuality through their group.

  • Curves of Constant Width Using Non Euclidean Metrics

    A convex figure in the plane is a set of points that completely contains the line segment that joins any two points of the figure. Convex sets have the property that given any direction, parallel lines in that direction, called supporting lines, can be drawn so each line intersects the boundary of the figure and the figure is contained between the parallel lines. A curve of constant width is a convex figure where the Euclidean distance between any two supporting lines is the same. This talk will present results obtained concerning curves of constant width using two other distance metrics that are not Euclidean.

  • Different Ways the Sun can Explode

    Solar flares, explosive releases of power that rival the force of ten million volcanic eruptions, can occur multiple times a day. The sun releases staggering amounts of energy as a bombardment of particles and radiation, blasting across the solar system towards Earth. It is thought that radiation from the beginning of the flare should scale with the radiation released during the main phase, but new experimental data doesn't match this hypothesis. So what is happening? We know that the magnetic field of the sun can change how the particles are directed. We believe that in some flare events particles may be directed back towards the sun instead of out into space, increasing the radiation released in the beginning of the flare. To prove this, we are comparing H-alpha images of the sun and images of the solar magnetic field at the time of flare events to determine the magnetic configuration.

  • Discrepancies In Cognitive Performance Between Male and Female Collegiate Hockey Players Post-Concussion

    Ice hockey players have been shown to experience greater numbers of concussions compared to other contact sport athletes. Furthermore, female athletes have been shown to experience a greater number of and more severe post-concussion symptoms than males. Previously concussed members of the male and female KSC club hockey teams will be given four computerized tests measuring their ability to recognize and respond to rapidly presented images. Student athletes from sports other than hockey who haven't experienced a concussion will be given the same computerized tests. Findings are expected to show that previously concussed female ice hockey players will have slower response times and lower scores than previously concussed male ice hockey players; and that previously concussed hockey players of both sexes will have slower response times and lower scores than non-concussed student athletes. Results may highlight a need to reexamine how concussions are screened for and treated between sexes.

  • Effect of Environmental Factors on Concentrations of Vibrio vulnificus Strains

    Vibrio species are bacteria found in coastal marine waters that cause harmful health issues in humans. In particular, there are three species Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus that are of increasing concern. Each of these species causes different medical issues, with V. vulnificus, while a rare infection, being the most detrimental. We are characterizing 468 isolates of V. vulnificus obtained from the Great Bay Estuary (GBE) of NH since 2007 using whole genome analysis and environmental data. While environmental data and V. vulnificus levels have been monitored for years in the GBE, we are the first to analyze this information and have demonstrated that that the level of pollution, temperature and salinity all impact V. vulnificus levels. Furthermore, that strains of V. vulnificus are able to survive under different environmental limits than previously thought. These findings suggest that further analysis is important to evaluate potential human health risk.

  • Effectiveness of the BEST Peer Course Assistant Program in Gateway Science Courses

    One goal of the Building Excellence in Science and Technology (BEST) Program at Keene State College is to increase successful completion rates in gateway Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Geology, Physics and Mathematics courses. Gateway courses have an unfortunate history of being hurdles to earning science degrees, and therefore improving gateway course completion could increase the future percentage of students graduating with majors in these disciplines. To accomplish this goal, the BEST Program has inaugurated the placement of peer course assistants (PCA) in the gateway science. Information and data has been collected through anonymous surveys taken by students at the completion of the semester and by correlating a student's grade to the number of times they had visited a PCA study session. Our goal is to see if a positive correlation emerges between the mentorship of PCAs and successful completion rate of students.

  • Electrical Stimulation versus Static Compression in the Reduction of Acute Edema following Patellar Dislocation

    The purpose of this review is to determine the effectiveness of electrical stimulation and compression for edema (swelling) reduction following patellar (kneecap) dislocation. After dislocation, there is an acute inflammatory response, fluid and cellular materials accumulate outside of the capillary, causing swelling. Five randomized control trials (RCT) were reviewed. Three RCTs determined that electrical stimulation is effective at reducing acute edema. Specifically, high volt pulsed current at 120pps for 30 minutes was most effective. Two RCTs found that compression is effective at reducing acute edema; however, researchers found that pneumatic (intermittent) compression devices may be more effective than static compression (wrap/sleeve). We concluded that both high volt electrical stimulation and compression will reduce acute edema and should be used in the acute management and reduction of swelling following patellar dislocation.

  • Exposure to Common Pollutants Alters Normal Heart Function in Frog Larvae

    Developmental exposures to certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in human cord blood and breast milk, affect normal cardiac function and morphology in fish models. Some of these abnormalities in cardiac function have also been observed in our lab in the early life of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. To determine whether longer-term exposures to lower doses of PAHs alter cardiac function, we examined the impact of fluoranthene (FLA) and phenanthrene (PHE) exposure on ventricular and atrial heart rate and on the incidence of AV block. AV block is a loss of electrical conduction from the atria to the ventricle. In X. laevis, increased incidence of AV block was observed and correlated with an increase in dose concentration. Increased AV block could cause increased workload of the atria in X. laevis and in humans possibly resulting in premature heart muscle degeneration.

  • Family Engagement in the Infant/Toddler Classroom

    It can be challenging for families to leave their children in the care of someone else. Through involving families daily, children develop a stronger relationship with their primary caregivers. When families come into the classroom, they feel very comfortable, with the staff, children, and center. The purpose of this poster is to demonstrate and implement a variety of ways to engage parents and families who are a part of a toddler/infant classroom. Our goal is for families, community members, cooperating professionals, and Education majors to learn skills, games, and activities that will promote a child's development at home. We will share the outcomes of our family engagement projects. This will include documentation from families, and how they responded to the engagement strategies.

  • Financialization and Its Effects on Economic Growth: Hobbled by Deregulation?

    In the aftermath of the unprecedented global financial collapse in 2008, the public remains skeptical of financial institutions. Much of the lead-up to this crisis has its roots in the steady expansion of the financial sector in highly-developed economies. This transformation has seemingly permanently shifted the economic landscape of nonfinancial businesses towards unproductive financial investments. Using macroeconomic data for 217 countries, this study tests the hypothesis that financial development has a negative effect on average GDP growth post-2008 by employing OLS regression estimation. While controlling for additional influences on growth such as education, inflation, private investment, and government expenditure, the study's preliminary results indicate that the rise of finance has impaired growth. Further testing utilizes OECD country data in a time-series model measuring financialization over the period between 1980-2015. Extracting from these models the estimated effect of financialization will help guide policy concerning the regulation of the financial sector.

  • Four Dimensional Geometry

    We live in what we think of as a three-dimensional world. We justify this by noting that if a point is selected as the origin and three mutually perpendicular real number lines are drawn through the origin, then each point in space can be represented by a unique ordered triple of real numbers. If a fourth dimension exists, then there must be a fourth real line through the origin that is perpendicular to the other three. As yet, nobody has demonstrated physical evidence of that fourth dimension. This does not stop us from thinking about it and trying to imagine what objects look like in four dimensions. Using geometric models and computer programs, we will explore ways of understanding four-dimensional space through similarities with the second and third dimensions. We will also present objects that exist in four dimensions but not three.

  • How to Efficiently Synthesize A Macrocycle in a Laboratory Environment: A Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Supported Chemical Research Project

    A Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) supported chemical research with a goal of learning to imitate one of nature's secrets: how to efficiently synthesize a macrocycle in a laboratory environment. Macrocycles contain large rings of atoms that can be created by linking different atoms together. These are challenging to make because smaller rings or chains of atoms are preferred. Nature uses proteins and other cellular machinery to steer the arrangement of atoms into a large ring, thereby avoiding the preferred small rings and chains. This research aims to use a specific molecular template that favors the linking of two ends of the molecular chain into a ring. Many macrocycles have useful properties like their antibacterial action, and creating the foundation in the preparation of macrocycles would enable further investigation of these structures. Specific topics covered will include the goals of this research project and the effort in learning nature?s secrets.

  • Investigating the Metabolic Stability of Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitors

    Recent research has indicated that inhibition of fatty acid synthase, a mammalian enzyme that catalyzes production of fatty acids, may slow the growth of cancerous tumors. The Baures laboratory at Keene State College has synthesized compounds with the potential to inhibit this enzyme, and investigated their metabolic stability. Metabolic stability influences a drug compound's ability to be physiologically active before it is decomposed. In vitro experiments were conducted to test the stability of the compounds in the presence of metabolic liver enzymes and digestive protease enzymes. The concentrations of compounds before and after the assays were compared to determine each compound's stability. Currently, in vitro experiments are being designed that will confirm the suspected mechanism of action of these compounds. Assuming these compounds inhibit fatty acid synthase as we expect, the compound with ideal metabolic stability may move forward as a potential drug candidate for tumor inhibition.

  • Is Sentiment Lost in the Digital Age? Psycho-social and physiological responses affect perception in receiving emails versus letters.

    In this day and age, emails have all but replaced the written letter. Yet despite this takeover receiving a letter is still perceived to be an exciting event that instills joy, while emails provide slight agitation. This process examines the emotional, physiological, psychological, and social differences between letter writing and emails. Not only will the act of writing be examined, but sending and receiving the items as well. Qualitative research will be conducted in order to assess people's perceptions of letters, emails, and other written communication. Through this presentation, concepts of incorporating the brains hardwiring and physical response will be correlated with the emotional responses, while investigating the social stigmas that may have unknowingly skewed our judgement. This presentation will also incorporate aspects of the Thinking and Writing Course that inspired this presentation.

  • KSC Honors Global Engagement: Resiliency and Growth in Nepal

    After the 2015 earthquake that destroyed much of Nepal, the services we Americans expect our government to provide are weaker than ever in this small Asian country. Access to quality healthcare, sustainable energy, safety in the workplace, and an effective forestry system are luxuries the Nepali have had to live without. After conducting qualitative research in the town of Tansen, Nepal this panel discussion looks to make known the standards of living the Nepali are humbly grateful for that Americans frequently take for granted. The four panelists will be sharing their research and life changing experiences in Nepal to present possible improvements, and potential barriers to Nepali systems using knowledge and experiences from growing up in the United States. Ultimately this panel looks to raise awareness of one of the poorest yet most resilient countries in the world.

  • Let There Be Light: The Need for Adequate Lighting to Shine Safety Over Campus

    This study provides a geographic interpretation of crime and fear of crime as well as an assessment of lighting on the Keene State College campus and surrounding areas. The presence or absence of adequate lighting is a key consideration in the spatial pattern of crime. This project investigates the adequacy of emergency blue light phones; and the lack of lighting extending along the Ashuelot Rail Trail which serves as a de facto western boundary of the campus. With the new South Bridge spanning Route 101, the Rail Trail will experience exponentially augmented usage. In collaboration with the City of Keene, this study identifies the specifications of light fixtures in order to accurately identify the number of lights needed and the appropriate distance each light had to be placed from one another along the trail in order to decrease the proven fear of crime on and around campus.