Abstracts in Order of Presentation at the
8th Annual
Southeast Missouri State University
April
25 and 26, 2000
4th
Floor, University Center
(numbers above each abstract indicate the submission number assigned to the abstract)
26
Author(s): Courtney A. Stevens
Title: The Constitutionality of Abortion
Major(s): Criminal Justice and Psychology
Course or department in which work was conducted: UI 316
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ginny Moore
Abstract: In the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court held that the states could not prohibit abortion before viability. Viability is the point at which a fetus has a reasonable probability of sustaining life outside the womb. In 1992, the Court again held that abortion was protected by the Constitution and states could not prohibit it before viability. The idea of viability has its roots in “quickening,” which is the first sign of life, such as the fetus kicking or moving inside the womb. A woman’s right to an abortion, under the right of privacy, is protected by the Constitution. Although the Constitution does not explicitly mention the right of privacy, the Supreme Court has long interpreted certain amendments to imply this right of privacy. This right of privacy protects such issues as marriage, contraception, family relationships, child rearing and education, and now, abortion. Some people argue that abortion should not be allowed because it violates their code of morality. Although some may agree with this code, perhaps even the Supreme Court Justices who decide the cases, this morality issue cannot play a role in determining the constitutionality of abortion. The first part of this study will discuss the background and history of abortion. Next, this paper explores several major legal cases concerning abortion. The next section focuses on the constitutionality of abortion, followed by a discussion of arguments against constitutionally protecting abortion. Finally, this paper evaluates the future of the abortion issue.
8
Author:
Janet Johnson
Title: Mark Twain, Lady’s Man: A New Rhetoric for Women’s Rights and Suffrage.
Major: Psychology
Course or Department in which work was conducted: Speech Communication
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glen Williams
Abstract: Mark Twain is renowned for his interest and support for the abolition of slavery; however, the author and lecturer also voiced support for women’s suffrage. The first part of this paper will review Twain’s ideas on women’s roles and his early opposition to women’s suffrage. Secondly, this paper will show how Twain’s views were reformed into that of a women’s suffrage supporter. The paper will also outline the influences, such as moral admiration for women, beliefs about equality for African Americans, and experiences with women’s suffrage advocates, that led Twain to become a proponent for the women’s suffrage movement. Lastly, this paper will address how Twain used literature, logic, charisma and credibility, and satire to announce his conversion to the women’s suffrage movement.
10
Author: Jeremy McCrary
Title: On Certainty
Major: Philosophy
Course or Department in which work was conducted: Analytic Philosophy
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Hamner Hill
Abstract: In “An Argument for Skepticism”, Peter Unger advances the claim that it is impossible for anyone to know anything. This paper argues that Unger’s conclusions are philosophically interesting, but are based on a definition of certainty that is far removed from a definition of certainty that is acceptable to most people who claim to know something. As an alternative, this for an examination of human knowledge claims based on W.V. Quine’s naturalized epistemology. Quine’s system is based on the idea that to understand “knowledge” or “certainty”, we must first understand the way the mind works, and what leads to claims of knowledge or certainty. In addition to justifying both the type of certainty Unger discusses and the more liberal type that is used in everyday life, this system also allows us to investigate why there are multiple interpretations, and is therefore more adequate than the closed system of Unger.
21
Author: Amy Michelle Shanks
Title:
Constitutional Limitations on Regulating Internet Indecency
Major:
Marketing
Course or department in which work was conducted: UI 316
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ginny Moore
Abstract: The issue of whether or not it is unconstitutional to regulate indecent speech or pictures on the Internet is a hot topic. Parents, teachers, the religious community, and legal authorities are interested in protecting minors from exposure to sexually explicit materials, while at the same time finding a balance that would not infringe on adults’ first amendment rights. Regulations have been proposed that require some form of age identification in order to access such materials. These methods, however, are not advanced enough in technology to verify the information without an associated financial transaction. On a larger scale, any restrictions developed by United States authorities would only be enforceable on those sites under the jurisdiction of the United States, therefore still allowing children to access sites from foreign countries. This study explains the Internet and what is legally defined as sexually explicit material as it relates to the Internet. Next, the paper explains how age verification works on the Internet. Section 3 discusses the current regulations in place governing indecency on the Internet. Finally, these regulations are analyzed to determine if there are constitutional limitations on regulating Internet indecency.
42
Authors: Paul
Albers and Bret Draayer*
Title: Design
and Implementation of a Computer Controlled Microwave Spectroscopy System
Major:
Engineering Physics
Course or department in which work was conducted: Physics
Department
Faculty Sponsor: Brett Draayer
Abstract:
Research in the field of Microwave Spectroscopy demands the ability to control
the temperature inside the wave cavity. For our system, the cavity's temperature
is controlled by the flow of air passing first through a limiting air valve,
then through liquid nitrogen and finally into the cavity.
The amount of air that passes through the air value is controlled by a
computer, which also monitors the temperature inside the cavity.
The temperature inside the cavity is then used as feedback from the
system to further control the air valve. We
choose to use a PID (Proportional plus Integral plus Derivative) control
algorithm to control the air valve. We
have installed the air valve, DA controlling card, thermal couple hardware and
AD card to read the temperature. Currently,
we are running step inputs to determine the coefficients for our differential
equation. We will then complete the
program that monitors and controls the temperature inside the cavity.
1
Author: Emily Vinson
Title: Should Same-Sex Marriages Be Protected by Law?
Major: Social Studies/Secondary Education
Course or department in which work was conducted: UI 316
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ginny Moore
Institution: Southeast Missouri State University
Abstract: Same-sex marriage is an important topic to a small but vocal group in America. Currently, same-sex marriages are illegal. Arguments for allowing same-sex marriages revolve around whether a fundamental right is being denied, and more specifically, whether the Defense of Marriage Law contradicts the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution of the United States. Most arguments for and against same-sex marriages are emotionally charged and not very objective. Case law, however, separates the emotion from the facts and offers arguments based solely upon statutes and precedent. Cases chronologically presented in this paper illustrate the main legal arguments on this issue. Custody battles and recent news is also presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of pending court cases and the future of same-sex marriages.
5
Author:Andrew Horrell
Title: Electrical Resistivity
Survey for the Expansion of Independence Street
Major: Geoscience
Course: Geophysics, GO416
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Issa El-Hussain
Abstract:
An electrical resistivity survey
was conducted on February 6, 2000 on the proposed sight for the expansion of
Independence St.. The sight is
located on the corner of Independence St. and Mount Auburn Rd. The survey used
both Schlumberger and Wenner configurations to look for the depth of the water
table and the location any faults or voids that may exist within the
sub-surface. This was accomplished
with three parallel Wenner array traverses with spacings of 5 feet, 10 feet, and
20 feet. They were conducted
running in an east west direction going the length of the property.
From the data collected from these three traverses it was found that two
anomalies exist one at about 155 feet form Independence St. and the other at
about 532 feet from Independence St. Once these areas were located soundings of
the Schlumberger configuration were performed over these areas.
There were two soundings performed in each area at 90 degrees to one
another to compensate for any possible lateral variations that may be present.
Here it was determined that the first layer was fairly moist upper layer
and becomes dryer at depth because the resistivity increased from top to bottom.
Then a sudden decrease in resistivity when we reached the water table.
The final layer had fairly high resistivity and most likely represents
the bedrock layer.
4
Author:
Clint E. LeBeau and David K. Probst*
Title:
Frequency Variation of Standing Waves Produced by a Simple Vibrator
Major: Engineering Physics
Course or department in which work was conducted: Physics
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David K. Probst
Abstract: Using a string vibrator operating at the line frequency of sixty hertz and applying the correct amount of tension on a string attached to this vibrator, standing waves can be produced. By adjusting the tension on the string, the wavelength and velocity of the wave can be varied to achieve different waveforms. The purpose of this experiment was to study the oscillation variation of the different vibrators used in the Physical Concepts Lab at Southeast Missouri State University. Students were receiving results for the calculated frequency of the waves that varied, usually receiving either a 60 hertz or 120 hertz reading. After investigation, we concluded that the frequency depends on the positioning of the springs on the vibrators and the condition of the springs.
3
Author: Donghui
Kuang
Title:
Molecular Characterization of the Glutamine Synthetase (GS) gene from
the fungus Schizophyllum commune
Major: Biology
Department in which work was conducted: Biology
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Allen C. Gathman
Abstract: Inorganic
ammonia is one of the natural nitrogen sources preferred by fungi. Two pathways
are involved in the assimilation of ammonia : NAD(P)-GDH, and GS/GOGAT pathways.
When the ammonia source is limited, some fungi take the GS/GOGAT pathway as the
primary form of nitrogen metabolism. The regulation of genes involved in the
nitrogen responses is especially important for understanding the
nitrogen-limited growth of the fungi. Research
on gene regulation in nitrogen metabolism of the fungus, wood-decaying
basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune
has focused on developmental processes. Little
is known about regulation of the genes coding for the GS, NAD-GDH, and NADP-GDH
enzymes in Schizophyllum commune. In
the research project, the regulation of glutamine synthetase (GS) expression in Schizophyllum
commune by nitrogen source was studied.
Schizophyllum commune Glutamine
synthetase (GS) gene was obtained by screening in the cDNA library of the fungus
Schizophyllum commune using Agaricus
bisporus GS cDNA fragment as the probe. The obtained sequence by sequencing
analysis was sent to GenBank. The same Agaricus
bisporus GS cDNA fragment was used to probe Northern blots of RNAs from Schizophyllum mycelia growing in high nitrogen and low nitrogen
conditions. The transcription levels under the two conditions were compared.
9
Author: Thomas Olges
Title: Psychology, Determinism, and the Search for Responsibility
Major: Philosophy
Course or department in which work was conducted: Philosophy of Mind
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Albert Hayward
Abstract: A conflict central to scientific psychology is that of reconciling an ordered mind with human free will. If humans are to possess free will, then it is impossible for us to fully describe and predict their behaviors. If this is true, then a scientific psychology yielding in-depth, workable theories of human mental activity and behavior is impossible. If our actions are truly determined, however, then a fully developed notion of personal responsibility is impossible. This paper presents arguments (primarily) from Moritz Schlick (regarding freedom) and Kurt Baier (regarding responsibility) in an attempt to reformulate the common notion of responsibility. The end goal is to arrive at new conceptions of responsibility, reward, and punishment; conceptions that are broad enough to allow for a deterministic system and refined enough to continue justifying our society’s need to preserve a sense of right and wrong.
44
Author: Eric
Boyer
Title: Holography
Major:
Engineering Physics and Physics
Course or department in which work was conducted: Physics, PH445
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David K. Probst
Abstract:
A helium-neon laser was used to produce several holograms.
The objects and the exposure times were varied to determine the optimum
exposure time. Six of the attempts
were single beam transmission holograms, two were single-beam reflection
holograms and four were multibeam transmission holograms.
I was able to get three-dimensional images on eight of the twelve
attempts. The best of these was a
single-beam transmission hologram with an exposure time of ten seconds.
The lack of clarity on some of the images may have been a result of
mistakes made during the developing process.
7
Authors:
Thomas
M. Eaton
Title:
Singleness and Oneness in Whitman,
Thoreau and Poe
Major:
Rhetoric & Composition
Course
or department in which work was conducted: English
Faculty
Sponsor: Dr. Dale Haskell
Abstract:
An inter-disciplinary study involving literature and psychology, Singleness
& Oneness in Whitman, Thoreau, and Poe explores basic psychological
precepts of conflict derived from an individuals'
sense of placement, and acceptance within a society. This project purports that
the poet Walt Whitman represents the most aggressive sense of self, absorbing
his society into his sense of self and suffering the negative reaction for his
"perceived presumption." From his american audience.
Henry David Thoreau represented the middle balance of singleness and
social acceptance by using societal tools (education and political fervor)
instead of emotionalism, to neutralize the conflict between society and the
self. Edgar A. Poe reflects the most extreme disharmony
between the self and the society through his dual separateness issues; his vivid
failure to integrate into society and that failure's partial contribution to his
non-sexual necrophiliac preoccupation with death. This project derives no
empirical conclusions, but uses writers and their works of the same period to
demonstrate the historical mirroring created by literature and the influences on
that literature. This project concerns itself in analyzing the works of these
writers to gain an insight into the individual perceptions of the writer through
the psychological premise of Singleness and Oneness. This is explored with a
common social backdrop - an emerging America, fresh under English social rules
and religions, that was trying to express its own collective individualism,
thereby facing its own disharmony in role congruence.
40
Authors: J. A. Brewer & J. N. Dahiya
Title:
A Computer Controlled Valve For Temperature Dependent Dielectric
Studies of Materials
Major: Physics
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jai N. Dahiya
Abstract: A Microwave resonant cavity is used as a tool in a microwave spectrometer to study the dielectric response of materials. The cylindrical cavity is in TE011 mode and measures the electric permittivity of materials as a function of frequency and temperature. It is very interesting to study the microwave dielectric response of materials as they go through phase change. There is an abrupt change in the dielectric behavior of these materials near phase transition temperature. In order to identify the phase change correctly it is very important to take a maximum number of data points within a very small interval of temperature. This was very difficult to achieve without the use of a computer-controlled system. The amount of air coming out of an air valve is regulated with the help of a computer interface circuit. This air is circulated around the resonant cavity after it passes through a thermal bath that can cool or heat the air at the desired temperature.
33
Authors: John D. Mayfield
Title: Differentiation of species in Phomopsis, an important group of plant pathogens
Major: Biology with emphasis in Cellular and Molecular
Course or department in which work was conducted: Biology
Faculty Sponsors: Walt Lilly and Rex Strange
Abstract: Phomopsis is a plant pathogen of several crops, including cotton and soybeans. Traditionally, species have been recognized by morphological differences and plant hosts. However, morphological variations among the recognized species may be the result of the different host plants. Understanding the systematic and taxonomic relationships among Phomopsis species will be an asset in the development of fungicides. Genetic markers are being used to help in the identification of Phomopsis species. I am using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a 550 base pair sequence from an rRNA coding region. PCR fragments were assayed with a series of restriction endonucleases. Diagnostic genetic markers that will distinguish among strains infecting cotton and soybeans. Future work includes sequencing and adding more strains, infectious to other plants, to the analysis.
2
Authors: Kevin Byrd and
Jin Kang Gong*
Title: Metal-centered and Ligand-centered Reactivities of a Palladium Dimer, Pd2(dcpm)2Cl2
Major: Chemistry
Course or department in which work was conducted: Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jin K. Gong
Institution: Southeast Missouri State University
Abstract: A same metal palladium dimer bridged by the diphosphine ligand bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)methane (dcpm), Pd2(dcpm)2Cl2, was synthesized and characterized. The insertion product Pd2(dcpm)2(µ-CO)Cl2 was then isolated from the reaction of Pd2(dcpm)2Cl2 with carbon monoxide gas. These two dimers were characterized by 31P{1H} nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. A series of substitution reactions were carried out subsequently at the metal-anion bond yielding a series of dimers with the generic formula Pd2(dcpm)2X2 where X = Br, I, SCN, OCN, NO2, N3. Small inorganic molecules such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were used as possible insertion adducts to investigate the reactivities of the metal-metal bonds of these dimers. These novel compounds were characterized by 31P{1H} nuclear magnetic spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy.
30
Author:
Kristopher H. McConnell
Title: Construction of
a Genomic DNA Library as a Tool in the Study of Schizophyllum commune
Major: Biology
Dept: Biology
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Allen Gathman
Abstract: Schizophyllum commune is a wood-decaying fungus. During growth on wood, which is a nitrogen-limiting media, the fungus kills off its older cells, in order to supply nitrogen for new mycelia. The cellular mechanisms for this autolysis are the focus of the research in our lab. In order to truly understand the mechanisms that control this process, it is necessary to isolate genes that play a role. A genomic DNA library is an important tool used to isolate genes. A genomic library is made up of fragments of the organism’s genome which have been inserted into a vector, either a bacteria or virus. This library can then be probed with labeled DNA fragments to clone larger copies of a gene.
6
Author:
Brandy Green
Title:
The Rough and Tumbled World of Professional Wrestling
Major: Mass Communication
Course or department in which work was conducted: Mass Communications
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Tracy Standley
Abstract: Professional wrestling has been around for a number of years, but it is just now reaching a level that few thought possible. Wrestling organizations like the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) are competing with each other for audiences. The first part of this paper will introduce the reader to the past and present of professional wrestling. The second area of this paper will provide a content analysis that was done on the WWF and the WCW. Five hours of each organization’s shows were coded for violent acts against women, profane words, profane gestures, and sexual acts. These numbers were then compared to the ratings for each organization. This content analysis was done to see if the wrestling program with the higher amounts of these incidences also had the higher amounts of overall ratings. The last part of this paper focuses on the results of the content analysis and what these results mean for the audience and the organizations. The results uncovered that there is a need to look further into this subject. The paper also questions whether or not the two organizations have any obligation or blame that needs to be assigned to them.
39
Authors:
J. S. Alexander and R. A. Cannon*
Title:
Calculator-Based Data Collection Devices
Majors: Physics Education, Physics
Course
or department in which work was conducted:
Physics
Faculty
Sponsor: Dr. Richard Cannon
Abstract: The
mapping of the RC constant of a capacitor is a classic laboratory exercise that
is usually performed as a demonstration using expensive Universal Lab Interface
(ULI) equipment, a PC, and graphing software.
Presented is a less expensive and more student accessible adaptation
using the Casio EA100 Data Collection Device and a CFX-9850Gplus graphing
calculator, and the Vernier Software voltage probe. This demonstration is presented as a model for programs that
were developed for Casio graphing calculators. It was found that numerous
programs existed for controlling
calculator based data collection units and Vernier probes using the Texas
Instruments family of graphing calculators, but relatively few programs existed
for the newer Casio EA100 and its calculators. Also presented is data from a
comparative analysis of student performance in introductory physics courses
(algebra based) that utilized calculator
based data collection devices in their curriculum and those that utilized
traditional lecture/lab format.
25
Authors: Rachal Gray
Title:
Death Penalty: Should It Be Abolished?
Major: Business Education
Course or department in which work was conducted: UI316
Faculty Sponsor:
Dr. Ginny Moore
POSTERS
45
Authors:
William A. Gilbert
Title:
Synthesis
of Ketenes to Determine Transition Metal Binding Preferences
Major(s):
Chemistry
Course
or department in which work was conducted:
Chemistry
Faculty
Sponsor:
Dr. Bruce A. Hathaway
Abstract:
The purpose of this experiment was to produce the starting material to be
used in a study involving ketene binding with transition metal complexes.
The primary study is designed to determine complexing site preferences of
the metal, “M”, on the ketene double bond sites, see diagram below.
The production of the ketene was accomplished by a three-step method:
-
synthesis of the carboxylic acid from a diverse range of starting
materials using a modified Friedel-Crafts reaction
-
treatment of the carboxylic acid with thionyl chloride and puridine to
create the acid chloride
-
one of two final steps, either distillation or treatment with a base, to
dehydrohalogenate the acid chloride into the final ketene product.
Synthesis
was accomplished with product yields ranging from approximately 20%-50%.
46
thors:
Brian Huesgen and Mohammed Ali*
Title:
Oxidative Regeneration Of Carbonyl Compounds From Oximes Utilizing
Catalytic Amounts Jones Reagent Supported On Silica Gel
Majors:
Chemistry
Course
or department in which work was conducted: Chemistry
Faculty
Sponsor: Dr.
Mohammed Hashmat Ali
Abstract:
As part of our study of reactions involving solid supported reagents we
have designed a procedure for carrying out a catalytic deoximation reaction
using silica gel supported Jones reagent (SJR). By using periodic acid, which is also silica gel supported,
as the stoichiometric reagent to convert the Cr(III) back to Cr(IV)
we are able to continue the cycle on a catalytic scale. This is an advantage because by reusing the Cr(III) ion we
are able to substantially cut down on the amount of Jones reagent, which is
considered fairly toxic, needed to take the reaction to completion.
Another advantage of this procedure is that by using a silica gel
supported reagents the reaction can be carried out in a non-aqueous media.
By carrying out the reaction in a non-aqueous media we are able to cut
back on the amount of Cr(IV) ion that is wasted on side reactions with water in
solution and in the atmosphere.
47
Authors:
Terri Leible and William E. Snell, Jr.*
Title:
The Relationship Between Borderline Personality Disorder and Both
Emotional Clarity and Emotional Regulation
Major:
Psychology
Course
or department in which work was conducted:
Psychology
Faculty
Sponsor: Dr. William E. Snell, Jr.
Abstract:
Although considerable attention has been focused on personality disorders
in recent years, relatively little is known about the relationship between
personality disorder symptomatology and emotional intelligence.
In response to the need to better understand this relationship, the
present research was designed to determine whether personality disorder
symptomatology would be associated with different aspects of emotional
intelligence. The sample consisted
of 106 female college students who were assessed during the fall of 1999
(approximately 66% of the participants were lower-division students, and the
other 36 students were upper division students). The participants volunteered to participate in the research
project as one way to partially fulfill requirements in their course.
The present research hypothesized that there would be a negative
relationship between borderline personality symptomatology and both emotional
clarity and emotional regulation. More specifically, it was hypothesized that persons scoring
higher on the PDQ-4+ measure of borderline personality symptomatology would
experience less emotional clarity and less emotional regulation, as measured by
the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS; Salovey et al., 1995).
This prediction was supported by the findings reported in the present
research. The results indicated
that students who scored higher on the measure of borderline personality
disorder symptomatology reported less emotional clarity and emotional
regulation. In fact, those students
who scored higher on measures of personality disorder symptomatology scored
lower on three out of the five emotional intelligence subscales.
Emotional clarity, emotional attention, and emotional repair were found
to be indirectly related with borderline personality disorder symptomatology.
In addition, other results indicated that emotional self-monitoring, as
measured by the Multidimensional Emotional Awareness Questionnaire (MEAQ; Snell,
1999), was found to be directly related to borderline personality disorder
symptomatology. That is, those
students who were characterized by greater borderline personality disorder
symptomatology reported more emotional self-monitoring.
The discussion focuses on possible applications for these findings.
Wednesday
41
Author: Jeremy
McCrary
Title: A Failure of
Fear
Major: Philosophy
Course or Department in which work was conducted: Persuasion
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glen Williams
Abstract: On April 6th, 1999, Missouri voters were presented with Proposition “B”, a first-of-its-kind ballot initiative that would grant citizens who met certain requirements the right to carry a concealed handgun. The ballot initiative failed, despite massive outspending by the campaign to approve Prop. B. This paper is an examination of the persuasive techniques used by both supporters and opponents of concealed weapons, and an analysis of why some of the techniques were effective while others were not. The conclusion reached is that through poor audience analysis and ineffective message targeting, proponents of Prop. B spent more than four times as much money as their opponents, but still came home from the polls empty handed.
15
Authors(s):
Staci
M. Greene, Dr. Mohammed Ali*
Title:
Deoximation Reactions with Silica
Gel Supported Jones Reagent (SJR) in Non-Aqueous Media
Major(s):
Chemistry
Course or department in
which work was conducted: Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor:
Dr. Mohammed Ali
Abstract:
Oximes are very efficient masking agents for aldehydes and ketones.
A variety of reagents have been reported for the removal of oximes from
protected aldehyde and ketone molecules. Jones
reagent is one of the reagents that has been used for the regeneration of the
carbonyl group from oximes. Using
Jones reagent for oxidation procedures employs aqueous media, which results into
difficulties in the handling and the work-up of the reaction containing toxic
chromium salts. This procedure also
generates large amounts of toxic water waste.
This paper will discuss the development of a new oxidizing reagent by
supporting Jones reagent on solid silica gel (SJR) that works excellent for
deoximation reactions. This reagent
allows the use of organic solvents and produces smaller amounts of solid waste.
This procedure is easy to carry out, safer, and environmentally
friendlier compared to the classical Jones reagent.
48
Author:
Natalie Miles
Title: When the Environment is Not A Priority: Recommendations for Sustainable Development in Developing
Nations.
Major: Political Science
Department: Political Science
Faculty Sponsor: Alynna Lyon
Abstract: When studying modernization for developing nations, many financial, social, political, and environmental obstacles hinder their modernization. The environment and its conservation are often overlooked and exploited when political and economic leaders try to design institutions, programs, and initiatives that help to establish and foster strong capitalist economies. Many nations are trapped in the cycle of underdevelopment and poverty because of a combination of political, financial, social, and environmental factors. In an effort to address some of these obstacles to development, I researched methods of modernization and development that were both environmentally conscious and financial viable. Sustainable development is a positive cost-effective alternative that addresses the complex issues that developing nations face when trying to modernize and stabilize their economies. Using Sudan as and example, several recommendations are made for nations facing complex financial, social, political, and economic obstacles to development by using sustainable development techniques. Recommendations directly and indirectly concerns that nations faced in the global market and within their country using cost-effective, long-lasting techniques.
36
Authors: Cathryn
R. Criddle and Richard A. Burns *
Title: Relevance of Ordinal Position Cues with Limited and Extended Training
Major: Psychology
Course or department in which work was conducted: Psychology
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Richard A. Burns
Abstract: The current study examines amount of training and its possible role in the acquisition of a serial pattern. Transfer tests were done relatively early and late in training to determine if rats were attending to different cues, such as item – memories or position cues, at different stages in training. Ten rats were runway trained on the series SNW’ (twice daily). Rewards were four .045 - g sucrose pellets (S), eight wheat .045 - g Noyes pellets (W’), and nonreward (N, a 30s goalbox confinement). The terminal W’ reward was larger in an effort to make the memory of N highly predictive from an item - memory standpoint. A matched half of the rats (n = 5) received a transfer test on Day 19, relatively early in training. Shift conditions maintained the acquisition series length of 3 trials, but items were altered to NNN. On Days 20 – 38, all rats received the SNW’ series. On Day 39, the rats that were not previously shifted (n = 5) received the transfer test, NNN. Despite this alteration in presentation of items, the running pattern established in
acquisition was maintained over both shift days in both groups, with shifted animals showing no difference in approach compared to controls or training days. This preservation of approach pattern in the face of item disruption suggests rats were relying on position cues rather than item -memories to discriminate trial outcomes.
35
Authors(s): Crista Straub
Title: Development of Schizophyllum commune on non-uniform nutrient substrates.
Majors(s): Biology
Course or department in which work was conducted: Biology
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Walt Lilly
Abstract: Schizophyllum commune is a wood-decaying basidiomycete that depends on the nitrogen in wood for growth. However, the nitrogen in wood is unevenly distributed, and the fungus may have areas of decreased growth because of the limiting nutrient. The non-uniform distribution of nitrogen could affect its ability to form dikaryons and for the dikaryons to fruit. Homokaryons were grown on high nitrogen medium and then crossed on media containing high nitrogen or low nitrogen. In contrast to the dikaryons grown on nitrogen-replete medium, those maintained on uniformly low nitrogen medium grew vegetatively, but did not fruit. The mycelium grown on low nitrogen medium was then provided with a plug, or source, of high nitrogen. This triggered aerial hyphae formation and fruit body primordia formation. However, no full fruiting bodies or spores were formed. The sexual development of S. commune was further tested by crossing homokaryons on divided petri plates with one side containing medium of high nitrogen and the other side containing medium with low nitrogen. Homokaryons of different mating types were grown initially on medium containing low nitrogen or high nitrogen. The homokaryon initially on high nitrogen was then transferred to the high nitrogen side of a split plate. The homokaryon initially on low nitrogen was transferred to the low nitrogen side of the same split plate. The homokaryons were juxtaposed at the division between the two media such that hyphal fusion and dikaryotization could occur. This showed more vegetative growth, with the aerial hyphae growing at a faster rate and covering more area, on the high nitrogen side of the plate than on the lower nitrogen side. Vegetative growth occurred on the low nitrogen side, but at a smaller rate. Fruit body primordia formation occurred on both the high nitrogen and low nitrogen sides, with the fruit body primordia on the high nitrogen occurring earlier, more abundantly, and more evenly distributed. Fruit bodies on the low nitrogen side appear not to be able to complete sporogenesis, spores were only seen on the high nitrogen side.
11
Authors: Dr. Mohammed
Ali*, Maria G. Gomes
Title: Formation of
cyclic S,S-Acetals and S,S-ketals from aldehydes and ketones utilizing silica-
gel support
Major: Chemistry
Course or department in which work was conducted: Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammed Ali
Abstract: As a part of our on going interest in reactions with solid supported reagent we have developed a procedure for the protection of aldehydes and ketones as cyclic thiacetals and thiketals utilizing catalytic amount of p-tolunesulfonic acid on silica-gel support. Simple refluxatoin of the reaction mixture in toxic methylene chloride solvent completes the reaction. The time necessary for it is also less than the reported methods. The reaction produces essentially quantitative yield of pure product. The reaction is easy to carry out and does not require any aqueous work up. Our procedure does not require extraction with water to remove the catalyst, which is laborious. But a simple filtration followed by removal of the solvent produces the most of the time pure product. Products were identified by proton and carbon n.m.r.
31
Author(s): Christopher Todd Hittinger
Title:
Isolation and characterization of a putative regulatory gene that is
differentially transcribed under nitrogen stress in Schizophyllum commune.
Major(s): Cellular/Molecular Biology and Chemistry
Course or department in which work was conducted: Biology
Faculty Sponsor: Allen Gathman
Abstract: Schizophyllum commune is a wood-decaying basidiomycete that reacts to low nitrogen conditions by autolysing older interior cells and shipping their nitrogen-rich compounds to the periphery where the fungus is still actively growing, thereby allowing the fungus to survive adverse conditions. I used a differential display technique to isolate genes potentially upregulated during nitrogen stress in the form of cDNA fragments, followed by radiolabeling the cDNAs with 32P for visualization via autoradiography, and separating different-sized fragments. I obtained several fragments, one of which I called OG9-10. I used this fragment to probe a cDNA library to obtain a lambda-ZAP phage containing the OG9-10 fragment, which I converted to a phagemid that I used to transform E. coli cells. I used the transformants to generate many copies of the plasmid containing OG9-10f (the particular phagemid obtained) as the cells were reproducing themselves. This plasmid was sent to an external site and sequenced.
The fragment encodes a polypeptide containing several consecutive glutamine residues, which is a common motif for regulatory. Glutamine's partial positive charge allows it to effectively bind to the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA. Other portions of the sequence impart specificity allowing the polypeptide to regulate genes with specific promoters. Specific promoters are generally shared by genes that need to be induced to transcribe in particular conditions, such as in response to nitrogen stress. The differential display procedure by which the fragment was obtained led me to believe that OG9-10f was probably upregulated in response to nitrogen stress. Differential display is, however, prone to false positives because of variables introduced by RT-PCR, which is generally qualitative and not quantitative. In order to test the hypothesis that OG9-10f is upregulated during nitrogen stress, I developed a protocol for Northern blotting by modifying existing Northern blotting protocols. By radiolabeling the OG9-10f fragment and probing a Northern blot of total RNA, I was able to compare relative densities of OG9-10f signal in a lane containing RNA extracted from S. commune grown on normal medium and nitrogen stress medium. Little to no OG9-10f signal was visible in the former lane, while a great deal of signal was visible in the latter, indicating that OG9-10f is upregulated in response to nitrogen stress. Transcription of OG9-10f is probably an initial response of S. commune in response to nitrogen stress that triggers the transcription of other genes involved more directly in its response.
14
Authors: Mohammed Ali* and Kirti Patel
Title: Regeneration Of Carbonyl Compounds from Oximes With Silica Gel Supported Cu2+
Majors: Faculty, Microbiology
Course or department in which work was conducted: Chemistry department
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammed Ali
Abstract: This project utilizes copper (II) chloride supported on solid hydrated silica gel in the deoximation of oximes carrying acid labile group to generate carbonyl compounds. Literature suggests that past research done on deoximation of oximes carrying acid labile groups involves reagents that were acidic, hydrolytic, or oxidative in nature. The reactions also required an aqueous media making the deoximation complicated. We have reacted the oximes under various reaction conditions including different solvent types, different temperatures, and different amounts of reagent. This new reagent that we have developed works very efficiently, quickly, and involves non-aqueous media thereby making the reactions much more efficient. It is also environmentally safe compared to past procedures, and gives excellent yields of over 90 % with pure product in most cases.
23
Author(s): Heather R. Abney
Title:
Should Law Enforcement Officials Notification a Community of Released
Convicted Sex Offender?
Major(s): Elementary Education
Course or Department in which work was conducted: UI 316
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ginny Moore
Abstract: State laws are designed to protect communities from convicted sex offenders. Notification is an integral part of these laws. The notification requirement is referred to as “Megan’s Law” after Megan Kanka who was killed by her neighbor, a convicted sex offender. “Megan’s Law” is being challenged by those who believe that it violates the Constitution by imposing cruel and unusual punishment, violates the offenders right to privacy and due process, and circumvents the intent of the ex post facto clause in the Constitution. Others in opposition point out that it is a dangerous law because it promotes vigilantism, a false sense of security, while reducing the offender’s chances for rehabilitation. This paper analyzes case law showing how logical legal arguments are developed on both sides of the issue. Topics addressed include cruel and unusual punishment, ex post facto, privacy, rehabilitation, security, and vigilantism. The paper concludes with a discussion of options available to protect the community within constitutional limits.
13
Author(s):
Andrea Kathryn Welker and Mohammed Hashmat Ali*
Title: Catalytic
Ceric Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) on Silica Gel Support in the Oxidation of
Hydroquinones to Quinones.
Major(s):
Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor:
Dr. Mohammed Hashmat Ali
Abstract:
Oxidation of hydroquinones is a widely utilized method for quinone
synthesis. A wide variety of
oxidizing reagents have been reported in the literature for this oxidation
reaction. Ceric ammonium nitrate is
one of the most effective oxidizing reagents used for this conversion.
The biggest drawback of this procedure is that it requires a large
quantity of CAN and employs aqueous-organic bi-phase media.
We have developed a new procedure for oxidation of hydroquinones to
quinines utilizing catalytic amount of ceric ammonium nitrate supported on solid
silica gel in non-aqueous media. Ceric
ammonium nitrate is very expensive. By
using catalytic amounts of CAN, we have made our procedure more economical.
The results of this study will be presented at the meeting.
38
Author:
Andrea Holloway
Title:
The Effects of Gender and Status on beliefs about Adolescent
Employment
Major: Psychology
Course or department in which work was conducted: Psychology; PY 370
Institution: Southeast
Abstract: Working and attending school were once independent from each other (Greenberger & Steinberg, 1986), however, that is no longer the case. In fact, a majority of adolescents are now working while they are enrolled in school (Mael, Morath, & McLellan, 1997). Males typically work more hours than females and tend to feel more strongly about the fact that working is harmful to academics (Mortimer & Johnson, 1999). Adults and adolescents also view adolescent work differently, with adults seeing it as being more beneficial (Mortimer & Finch, 1996). The sample used in this study consisted of 20 participants who were asked to complete a 12-item questionnaire based on a 6-item response scale. The results of the study indicated that age and the amount of hours worked per week had a major impact on whether or not participants felt that adolescent employment was beneficial. Significant correlations (p < 0.01) indicated participants between 29 and 38 years of age demonstrated a belief that adolescent employment is beneficial, while working 11-20 hours per week was also significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with this belief. The results of this research are limited, however due to its small sample size.
34
Authors(s): Angela Fornkohl Blum
Title: Glutamate Dehydrogenase Activity of Schizophyllum commune
Majors(s): Biology
Course or department in which work was conducted: Biology
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Walt Lilly
Abstract: Schizophyllum commune is a wood decaying member of the basidiomycete class of fungi. It is capable of growing on very poor nitrogen sources such as wood, where the carbon: nitrogen ratio often falls to between 350:1 to 1250:1. It is hypothesized that S. commune grows by recycling nutrients from older parts of the mycelium to newer parts of the extending hyphae. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) catalyzes the interconversion of glutamate to a-ketoglutarate and ammonium using the cofactors NADH or NADPH, thus freeing essential nitrogen. In Coprineus cireus, another basidiomycete, this enzyme increases its activity under nitrogen limiting conditions like those of wood. This led to the investigation of this enzyme in S. commune. Using SDS-page and coloremetric assays I was able to determine the presence of a GDH in colonies grown on both nitrogen replete and nitrogen limited medium that was capable of using both cofactors. Analysis of the specific activity of NADH-GDH over a 96 hour time period following transfer to fresh media indicated that the specific activity increased 5 times more rapidly in colonies grown on nitrogen replete medium than those on nitrogen limited medium. The specific activity of the NADPH form of the enzyme showed substantial increases when grown on nitrogen replete medium and actually decreased slightly when the colonies were grown under nitrogen starvation.
16
Author(s) Brian Bonfanti
Title: Plea Bargaining: Is It a Legitimate Form of Justice?
Major(s): Business
Course or department in which work was conducted: Contemporary Legal Studies
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ginny Moore
Abstract: This paper examines the legal and social issues surrounding plea-bargaining. Questions examined in this paper include: “Should plea bargaining be abolished?” and “Is plea bargaining a legitimate form of justice?” A history is presented, which includes a detailed description of the evolution of plea-bargaining and examples of how it has been used by prosecutors and defense attorneys. The arguments for and against plea-bargaining are identified from a legal, ethical and practical perspective. A discussion of legal cases follows centering on whether or not the defendant voluntarily pleaded guilty to a lesser crime, thus waiving his or her constitutional right to a trial. How plea-bargaining affects the defendant in a criminal case is discussed along with its impact on victims and their families.
29
Authors:
Lucy
Thurston and Mohammed Ali*
Title: Synthesis of Benzaldehydes from Benzyl Alcohols Utilizing Catalytic Silica Gel Supported Jones Reagent (SJR).
Majors: Chemistry
Course or department in which work was conducted: Department of Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammed Ali
Abstract: Oxidation
of benzyl alcohols to benzaldehydes plays an important role in organic
synthesis. Although Jones reagent
is an effective oxidizing agent for alcohol oxidation, it produces poor yields
for the title reaction due to complication from overoxidation. Also, toxicity of this chromium reagent makes it unsafe to
use in large quantities. We have
developed a procedure for oxidation of benzyl alcohols to benzaldehydes with a
catalytic amount of Jones reagent and a stochiometric amount of periodic acid,
both supported on silica gel. Unlike
the classical Jones oxidation procedure, this procedure allows the use of
organic solvent. This procedure is
both safer and environmentally friendlier than the traditional Jones method.
17
Authors: Leslie Ann Menz
Title: Insanity Defense
Major: Criminal Justice
Course and department in which work was conducted: UI316
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ginny Moore
Abstract: “Should the insanity defense be abolished?” A brief history is provided followed by case law supporting the insanity defense. The legal reasoning behind court decisions where the plea has been used is explored and analyzed. Some commonly asked questions about the insanity defense are presented with accompanying answers to these questions. How insanity is legally defined and how attorneys decide how to implement the defense are identified and examined. The impact of an insanity defense on defendants, society, victims, and the families of defendants and victims is presented through relevant cases. In the final section, case law documenting arguments opposing the insanity defense are presented.
37
Authors: Tony R. Moyers
Title: Personality Disorders and Romance
Majors: Psychology
Course or department in which work was conducted: Psychology
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William E. Snell
Abstract: Although considerable attention has been focused on personality disorders in the past several decades, relatively little is known about how the various DSM-IV personality disorders are related to peoples’ romantic affect (relationship satisfaction, relationship anxiety, relationship esteem, and relationship depression) and attachment (secure, fearful, preoccupied, and dismissive). In response to the need of better understanding these issues, the present research was conducted. The results indicated that several personality disorders were significantly related to people’s romantic anxiety and depression; and that schizoid personality disorder was inversely related to relationship satisfaction. Other results indicated that some of the DSM-IV personality disorders were significantly related to a more preoccupied as well as a more fearful type of romantic attachment. The discussion focuses on the social implications of the present findings.
43
Authors: Nathaniel Meyer and Mohammed Ali*
Title:
Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols to
Ketones with Catalytic Silica Gel Supported Jones Reagent (SJR) in Methylene
Chloride.
Majors: Chemistry
Course or department in which work was conducted: Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammed Hashmat Ali
Abstract: There have been many oxidation reactions using Jones reagent but we have come up with a short and safe procedure to oxidize secondary alcohols. Using a catalytic amount of Jones reagent supported on silica gel we are able to convert secondary alcohols to ketones. The silica gel in this procedure is used so we can work with a non-aqueous media. Using a non-aqueous media prevents us from having to use extra time to extract the water and the chances of coming in contact with toxic chemicals such as Jones Reagent. By using a catalytic amount of Jones reagent we are able to decrease our chances of coming in contact with the toxic chemicals. We will present the preparation, reaction procedure, and results of alcohol oxidation reactions utilizing this reagent at this meeting.
19
Author:
Richard Joseph Fitzgerald
Title: The Constitutionality of Term Limits
Major: Finance
Course or department in which work was conducted: UI 316
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ginny Moore
Abstract: Term limits for elected officials is a reality in some states. This paper presents the arguments for and against term limits. Part I of the paper explains the position taken by those supporting term limits. Proponents claim term limits are necessary to restore power to the electorate and get “career politicians” out of office. Part two of this paper explains the opposing side found in the literature. Opponents believe the framers of the United States Constitution envisioned a democracy represented by the people through direct vote. Part 3 of this paper examines legal cases involving term limits. The Supreme Court of the United States has declared that term limits are unconstitutional. In the majority opinion, the Court held that requirements for legislators are fixed, and states do not have the right to add qualifications. Justice Thomas, in his dissenting opinion, offers the view that states have power where the United States Constitution is vague.
32
Authors(s): Jennifer N. Smith
Title: Free Amino Acid Composition in Growing Mycelia of Schizophyllum commune
Majors(s): Biology
Course or department in which work was conducted: Biology
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Walt Lilly
Abstract: Schizophyllum commune is a wood-decaying basidiomycete that is found living on hardwood trees, such as oak. S. commune is a model system for studying the survival of fungi growing in nitrogen deprivation conditions, such as those found in wood. When S. commune is transferred from high nitrogen medium to nitrogen deprivation conditions, proteolytic activity is increased. Proteolysis releases amino acids from proteins, suggesting that nitrogen deprivation would lead to a change in the free amino acid composition. Because normal growth of the fungus results in physiologically distinct regions of the mycelium, which vary from the center that is being actively autolysed to the margin which is actively growing, changes in amino acid composition must be considered in this context also. The purpose of this research was to establish baseline data regarding amino acid concentration and free amino acid composition of S. commune mycelia. S. commune was grown on minimal media with asparagine, glutamine, or ammonia sulfate as nitrogen sources. It was also grown under conditions where asparagine was 0.01 times the concentration in minimal medium (M01). The major amino acids that were isolated from the extracts were; alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagine, glutamine and serine. The levels of all of these amino acids were highest in the minimal medium with asparagine. I also looked at the level of ammonia in all four types of media. The amount was greatest in medium made with ammonia sulfate, followed by the M01 medium. I also examined three different regions of the growing mycelia. The major amino acids isolated were the same as in the previous experiment. The levels of free amino acids were greatest in the middle, productive zone, of the mycelium with the smallest concentration being in the center, autolysed region. The centers had a relatively high concentration of ammonium, as did the mycelial margin.
18
Author : Jamie Meyer
Title : Decriminalizing Drug Use
Major: Criminal Justice
Course in which work was conducted: UI316
Faculty Sponsor: Ginny Moore
Abstract: Drug use is a major issue facing the future of the United States. According to some, current drug policies are failing and new solutions need to be adopted, including the decriminalization of drugs. Arguments describing the benefits of decriminalizing drugs, including the stigma and discrimination associated with drug use are examined and analyzed. Federal government policies involving drugs, including drug testing and the Drug Free Student Loan Amendment are also presented. Case law is examined and an analysis is provided of the legal arguments supporting existing law, which criminalizes drug use. Cases are also presented that illustrate how current laws are used to argue for the decriminalization of drug use. Finally, an analysis of how other countries are fighting drugs is presented.
28
Author: Adam Filla
Title: Divorce Mediation
Major: Marketing
Course or department in which work was conducted: Business
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Ginny Moore
Abstract: Mediation is a process of informal decision-making and problem resolution that leads to genuine consensual agreement rather than begrudged concession. By providing the parties with an active role in negotiating the outcome of their settlement, mediation allows both parties to stay in control of their emotions and the process of divorce while determining the distribution of the marital assets and the care and supervision of the children, if any. Mediation produces in 50 to 80 percent of cases. This is the case whether the mediation is voluntary or mandatory, and whether the mediating couples had a history of domestic violence or intense marital conflict.
Title: OXIDATIVE REGENERATION
OF CARBONYL COMPOUNDS FROM OXIMES UTILIZING CERIC AMMONIUM NITRATE SUPPORTED ON
SILICA GEL.
Major(s): Chemistry, Biology
Course or department in which the work was conducted: Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammad Ali
Abstract: In association with our interest in reactions involving solid supported reagents, this procedure was developed as a deoximation reaction, using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) supported on silica gel. Using this method we were able to utilize organic solvents in place of the aqueous-organic phase often found in similar CAN reactions. One of the primary advantages to using this procedure is its simplification of the process and the product isolation.