Program for the Spring 2015 Multidisciplinary Research Day
DEPARTMENT OF ART
Analytical Papers and Analyses
Bush, Mark. UNDERSTANDING EXIBITIONS AND HOW THEY WORK IN THE ART WORLD.
As a art student at Missouri Western State University I have not yet acquired any professional experience as an artist. Through my independent research I will discover the importance of exhibitions and art shows. Most artist curriculum vitae's (CV’s) and Resumes consist mainly of exhibitions they have been featured in, which leads me to believe acceptance to various exhibitions is what qualifies an individual as a professional artist, which is in conjunction with Arthur Danto’s theory of art. my hypotheses are as follows; 1) Exhibitions promote networking 2) Provide the artist understanding of acceptable art allowing an individual to produce better work and 3) Enhances professional presentation. The three methods I will use to acquire data will be; 1) applying to competitions 2) interviewing professional artist and 3) directed reading related to exhibitions. Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY
Literature Reviews
Jamie Lynch, Mike Euler, Heather Seever. MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
Our group did a review over the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. We worked together to research the department in detail to put together a PowerPoint for our class and then put together our poster to show at MNRD. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Analytical Papers and Analyses
Virginia Williams, Jordan Meyer, Bradley Davidson. IMPACT OF MICROWAVE AND BOILED H2O ON COMMERCIAL GRASS SEED .
With the dawn of the digital age, microwave
sickness and microwave induced symptoms are a
heated topic. A particular focus of this
concern is on microwave exposure, for example
the effect of cell phones and radio towers on
human health. However, there is limited
research on residual effects of microwave
heating on water and food. Due to a lack of
information on this topic, we decided we would
run this experiment and see what results we
could gather and add to the pool of research on
this topic. Results were inconsistent, some
experiments found the microwave water had a
negative effect on the plants, while others
found no effect on the plant. We decided to
test for ourselves what effect microwave water
would have on the growth of plants. To do this
we set up an experiment with a control using
tap water, water boiled on a hot plate, and
water boiled in a microwave. We used a
commercially available grass seed, as grass is
a very hardy plant, and for the microwaved
water to have an impact on the grass there
would have to be a profound effect on the
water.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. C. BARTA
(Miller, Amanda) (Lichtenegger,Ryan). BIO355 MINIPROJECT: WATER WORKS QUARRY.
The survey of Water Works Quarry at Sun Ridge
Conservation area in St. Joseph, Missouri was done
with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on
March 6th, 2015. The MDC wished to confirm the use
of the Quarry by the order Chiroptera (bats) and
to find out if White-nose Syndrome has made it to
that part of the state of Missouri. The original
entrance to the water work quarry was closed with
dynamite to prevent vandals from getting into the
quarry, but a recent sinkhole has made reentry
possible. This is the first time people have been
in this cave for research. While at the Water
Works Quarry, we did a survey and took data on bat
roost sites to compare natural caves with the man
made quarry. We compared roosting habitats between
bats in Mud cave and the bats in the Water works
Quarry using Dr. Ashley’s data set.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID C. ASHLEY
Burkart, Adam and Way, Corvette. BIO 355 MINIPROJECT/QUANTITATIVE CARROL CAVE FISH STUDY.
study of the southern cavefish, Typhlichthyssubterraneus,in Carroll Cave, Camdenton, MO, over approximately eight years (2007-2015) has provided much data on abundance, length, and habitat conditions for this species of conservation concern. During our visits to Carroll Cave, we have recorded cavefish data according to stream segments within the cave. Observed fish were carefully approached and a plastic millimeter ruler was used to estimate total body length. No fish were captured or harmed during the study. We recorded habitat conditions that included water flow, depth, and siltation. We determined a substrate signature based on the relative frequency of stream substrate type. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Yehle Rix, Jessica; Cox, Dillon. TUMBLING CREEK CAVE ANTROBIA STUDY.
The federally listed endangered Tumbling Creek Cavesnail, Antrobia culveri, is endemic to a single cave (Tumbling Creek Cave) in southern Missouri. A monitoring protocol utilizing ceramic unglazed tiles was initiated in 2006 to document snail populations in an area of the cave that was isolated from the main tourist trail of this significant cave system. A set of 16 tiles (20cm X 20cm) was placed at each of two stations within the cave. Station 1 was upstream of Station 2 and was adjacent to an important roost site for gray bats (Myotis grisescens). Twenty-two visits to the sampling stations have been completed in the last nine years. The maximum number of Antrobia observed on a tile was 9 individuals. The mean number of snails (10.47, sd=9.82) observed per visit to Station 1 was significantly greater than the mean number of snails (2.43, sd=3.41) observed per visit to Station 2 (Independent Samples T-test, p=0.05). We also found that an epigean snail, (Physa sp) was found more frequently on the tiles at Station 2 compared to Station 1 although the difference was not significant (Independent Samples T-test, p=0.05). We noticed no significant difference among the mean number of snails per tile when evaluated across seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter).
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Empirical Projects
Allen, Tyler Harris, Dakota Herner, Shelby Miller, Chelsea Walling, Spencer. DOES CHEWING GUM AFFECT YOUR HEART RATE?.
The purpose of this experiment was to test whether or not certain types of gum affect your heart rate more or less. We had 3 individuals chew three different types of gum for a total of 30 min. Our results show that there wasn’t a specific trend for any certain type of gum but during the last 15 min the heart rates of all 3 individuals were significantly higher. \r\n Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
Ashley, Devin, Campbell, Tess, Fierst, Jasmine, Owens, Nichole, Davidson, Abby. SUGAR CONSUMPTION BY VARIOUS YEAST STRAINS.
Fermentation is the process of converting sugar into energy. This can be measured by one aspect of the process called attenuation. Attenuations is the conversion of sugar into ethanol and can be measured using a Hydrometer, which measures a difference in density between pure water and sugar water. Water has a specific gravity of 1.000 while beer is between 1.015 and 1.005. By checking the specific gravity, we were able to see the rate in fermentation between the different yeast strains. Faculty Sponsor: BARTA, CSENGELE
Bread is able to rise because yeast reacts with sugar to form carbon
dioxide. We tested to see if greater amounts of sugar would create a
greater amount of carbon dioxide. We filled four flasks with 20 g of
yeast and various amounts of table sugar to see which would
produce more gas to fill a balloon.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
(Badger, Kelsey) (Parker, Joshua) (Muller, Brittany). EFFECTS OF COMMON BEVERAGES ON PH OF STOMACH ACID.
Stomach acid is composed of hydrochloric acid, and its job is to break down food and drinks. We wanted to know if one could adjust their stomach acidity by what they drink. A normal value of stomach acid is 2 which is very acidic. By adding beverages to stomach acid we thought it would raise the acidity even more. This could help us by preventing ulcers and acid reflux Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
Bartlett, Jenice; Seever, Heather; Scott, Erin. OAK MARCESCENCE IN MISSOURI: AN ECO-PHYSIOLOGY STUDY.
Most leaves abscise from deciduous trees in autumn.
A zone of distinct cells with weakened cell walls,
called abscission layer forms near the base of the
leaf's petiole, which breaks during abscission.
Abscission is controlled by the concerted
interaction of plant hormones. However, in some
deciduous species, like oaks the abscission layer
does not form until spring, referred to as
marcescence. Though the retained leaves may deter
grazing herbivores and protect nascent buds in the
spring, delayed leaf shedding negatively impacts
litter formation and nutrient cycling. Despite its
ecological relevance, the eco-physiology and
environmental controls over marcescence are not yet
understood. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA
Bonifas, Seth; Pottebaum, Salena; McKenzie, Josh; Sanders, Brenna. FERMENTATION RATES OF DIFFERENT RATES.
In this experiment, we tested the yeast fermentation rates
of various fruits (apples and strawberries) vs. a control
group sample of glucose over a ten minute period. We
found that the apple sample produced just as much CO2
as the glucose sample, whereas the strawberries produced
much less over the same time period. This leads us to
conclude that apples contain much more sugar than
strawberries. Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
Carr, Mariah, Donaldson, Andrew, McNutt, Tori. THE EFFECT OF PH ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE ENZYME CATALASE.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a well-known cytotoxin produced by cellular metabolism, and accumulation of it can cause cell death (Keefe and Thibodeau,, 2005). In nearly all living organisms, the enzyme catalase is used to break down hydrogen peroxide into water (H2O) and molecular oxygen (O2), which can be safely disposed of. Many enzymes function at optimal levels under certain conditions, some related to pH. This investigation tested the activity of the enzyme catalase at pH levels 4, 7, and 10. Our results indicated that as pH increased, so did the activity of catalase.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA
Laura Kukuc, Naim Muhammad, Haylee Nichols, Kylie Tompkins. THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON PROTEIN DENATURATION.
Proteins have a specific three-dimensional
structure that determines their specific function.
Abnormal conditions, such as exposure to high
temperatures or changes in pH can disrupt the
structure of the proteins and prevent the proteins
from performing their normal functions.
To determine the effect of temperature on
protein denaturation (structure disruption), an
experiment was conducted in which bovine serum
albumin was exposed to various temperatures for ten
minutes and were then centrifuged to settle the
denatured proteins. Following treatment, the samples
were treated with an indicator for proteins and were
tested in a spectrometer to find the absorbency
which would indicate how much protein was still
present. The results were inconclusive and could be
indicative of protein re-naturation or the temperature
changes were not extreme enough to denature the
proteins. Faculty Sponsor: BARTA
Lucas, Nicole; Hoppe, Jacob; Jackson, Anne. THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON CO2 PRODUCTION WITH YEAST.
For our investigation, we attempted to determine whether there was
an optimal temperature for the rate of fermentation by yeast. We
tested four temperatures, and found that low temperatures resulted
in little fermentation and high temperatures completely denatured
the enzymes and prohibited fermentation.
Faculty Sponsor: BARTA, CS
Jamie Lynch, Kyle Buhman, Joey Evert, and Matt Steinlage. MORPHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF TOMATO PLANTS.
We decided to do our plant morphology project on tomato plants. We wanted to plant four different types of tomato plants and study them as they grew to see if there is any significant difference in the height and leaf length between the different types of tomato plants. Our Hypothesis was that the tomato plants will all start out the same and as they grow their characteristics would change and they would start to differ from each other morphologically and there would be a significant difference between the plants in height and leaf length.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA
Mahl,Steven Ishmael,Colten Wilson,Riley. THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON YEAST FERMENTATION.
This poster presents the effect of temperature on fermentation using yeast. It compares the temperatures of ice water, room temperature, optimal temperature, and boiling temperature. Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
(Mantlo,Drew) (Kellam,Jami). TEMPERATURE FACTORS IN SMALLIN CIVIL WAR CAVE.
In this study we will be reviewing the abiotic factors of cave system. Including the time of year related to temperature, Distance in the cave relative to temperature, relative humidity in comparison to distance in the cave and temperature related to relative humidity. Caves tend to have a relatively constant temperature once you have reached the zone of constant temperature, before then the temperature can vary according to season. Another factor, that we will not be directly covering, that can affect a caves temperature is the way this it is facing and how the entrance is in relation to the cave. Because of this we believe that closer to the entrance there will be more of a difference in temperature over the seasons and as we get further into the cave there will be less of a change. Also we believe that as temperature goes up that the relative humidity will go down and that the further into the cave the higher the relative humidity.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY
McCulley, Jonathan; Luna, Ben; ringler, keith ; Reeves, Dalton; Sanders Zach. RHYDRATION OF BRYOPHYTE.
In our experiment we tested different aqueous
solutions to identify the best to rehydrate a
dehydrated bryophyte in the form of sheet moss. Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
McNutt, Tori, Routh, Bille. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT.
This is a poster over a presentation on the Bureau
of Land Management. This highlights
responsibilities, partnerships, and missions for
the organization. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER
Moore, Kerry; Moore, Mary; Davidson, Mary. PRESENCE OF AMMONIA IN HAMBURGER MEAT.
Ammonia gas is often used to clean E Coli. bacteria from hamburger meat than can be found at fast food restaurants and grocery stores. The ammonia gas is used to clean the E. Coli bacteria off the parts of meat that were once considered too dangerous for human consumption. We conducted an experiment to test the presence of ammonia in a cheap, pre-packaged ground hamburger from bulk; and also ground sirloin hamburger from Hy-Vee's fresh meat counter. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the ?alleged? fresh ground sirloin is, in fact, ground AT Hy-Vee (as opposed to ground at a factory elsewhere). If it is ground at Hy-Vee then there would be no E coli in the hamburger being masked by an ammonia bath. Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
Investigate levels of CO2 production when glucose is fermented by different types of bakers yeast (instant yeast and active yeast) at different temperatures. Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
Seward Kat, Svay Maranny ,Watson Danni, Rabe Christopher. THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS ANTACIDS ON HOMO SAPIENS?? STOMACH MODELS.
The purpose of the experiment is to determine whether various antacid products neutralize .1 M HCl at different rates. The experiment is an apparatus modelling the environment of the Homo sapien stomach. The process used to obtain empirical data (pH measurements) was through a calibrated pH micro-lab when adding 100 mL of each antacid into a solution of HCl.
Faculty Sponsor: BARTA
(Smith, Toby)(Gunn, Brady)(Williams, Gage)(Umphery, Avery)(Lybarger, Lindsey). THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON DAPHNIA HEARTRATE.
Using daphnia as our test organism we observed the
effects that water temperature had on it?s hear rate.
Through our test we proved that a moderate, ?room
temperature? was most suitable for the daphnia
because they maintained a stable and constant heart rate at that temperature.
At more extreme temperatures the heart rate was
sporadic and ultimately led to death.
Aquatic temperatures should be regulated so that the aquatic life can thrive in it?s natural environment. Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
Stalker, Jasmine; Green, Jessie; Foster, Jessica. MINERAL TOXICITY ON GLYCINE MAX.
The propose of this experiment was to test how contaminants in the soil can affect the over all growth and health of certain plants. We decided to use soybeans as our plant since here in Missouri they are one of the most important crops grown in the state. We decided to use Iron and Trace Elements as our contaminates because they are commonly found at higher levels in the farmland in the Midwest. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA
Turner, Justin. JUST-IN-TIME MICROSCOPY.
The need to easily photograph or video record
specimens under a microscope using any smartphone
was answered by the Just-In-Time adapter. Using
microscopes that Missouri Western State University
already had, the adapter enabled a user to easily
photograph with his or her smartphone what was
seen under the microscope’s lens. The adapter
simply holds the smartphone up to the microscope
in a specific orientation so that the smartphone’s
camera is directly lined up with the microscope’s
ocular lens. By doing this, the specimen that the
microscope is focused on is seen on the
smartphone’s screen.
Faculty Sponsor: ECKDAHL
Warriner, Kiley; Ruppert,Teyonna; Gossen, Alyssa; Singleton, Angel. EFFECT OF PH ON FERMENTATION.
In the following experiment we tested the effects of pH on the rate of fermentation. We found that the pH of the environment does in fact effect the rate of fermentation and we also found that the neutral environment did not appear to be the most ideal. A slightly acidic or basic environment appeared to result in a higher rate of fermentation.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
West, Lauran Lord, Jeremy. THE VARIATIONS IN SIZE OF THE BRISTLY CAVEFISH (CAMBARUS SETOSUS) ACCORDING TO GENDER.
The Bristly Cave crayfish (Cambarus setosus) is a troglobitic species found in the Springfield Plateau of Missouri. Crayfish from Smallin Civil War Cave were collected and observed. Several measurements were taken including, but not limited to, total body length, body mass, and the lengths of each pincer. Gender was also recorded. Analyses were conducted to determine if the males had larger measurements of these three factors. The tests allowed for the conclusion that females were actually presenting the larger data. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Historical Papers
Alycia Packham, Corvette Way. PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM: A HISTORICAL REVIEW.
Plasmodium falciparum is a mosquito born parasite
that causes the most deadly strain of Malaria.
Throughout history Plasmodium falciparum has
caused decline in productivity around the world
and taken human lives. This parasite has affected
many cultures, but mainly 3rd world countries and
tropical areas. This research entails the
historical significance of Plasmodium falciparum
and the epidemiology associated with this
parasite, and the prevention of Malaria in
cultures with high Plasmodium outbreaks. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Banks, Kristin Arbuckle, Derek. A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF NAEGLERIA FOWLERI.
Naegleria is a genus of protozoa
that causes rare-but severe- brain infections.
Only one species infects humans: Naegleria
fowleri, the subject of this review. An
amoebic parasite, it likes warm, freshwater
environments and can be found around the world.
It is the culprit behind amoebic meningitis, an
acute illness that causes headaches, fever,
stiff neck, swelling of the brain, and
ultimately death. With a fatality rate of
nearly 100%, drugs such as amphotericin B have
had little effect, but recent studies have
indicated the antibacterial azythromyocin shows
a lot of promise. There have been several
outbreaks over the years, mostly due to damage
to public water supplies or lack of proper
water treatment. The latter plays a bigger role
in third world countries, especially those
where nasal cleansing is a common religious
practice. The purpose of this review is to
provide educational information on this deadly
parasite, and bring about more awareness on how
to prevent or identify an infection. Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY
Bennett, Peyton. A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF TAENIA SAGINATA.
Taenia saginata, also known as beef tapeworm, is a parasitic worm capable of infecting humans. A Taenia saginata infection is known as Taeniasis and results in many symptoms that may be difficult to associate with a tapeworm infection as many of these symptoms are common for several other illnesses. The symptoms associated with Taeniasis include diarrhea, flatulence, weight loss, cramps, verminous intoxication, and appendicitis. However, the passing of the proglottids in the stool is a distinct symptom that leads to diagnosis. This parasite is worldwide in distribution and effects those communities that raise grazing animals such as cows or pigs. Humans may be infected by consumption of undercooked meat containing the cysticercus larva of this parasite. The most effective treatment for a Taenia saginata infection is the drug niclosimide. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Cormode, Mallori and Davis, Courtney. A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF ENTAMOEBA COLI.
Entamoeba coli, a protozoan intestinal amoeba, inhabit the large
intestines but are harmless in most individuals. Contaminated
food, water and fomites with mature cysts are the major source
of infection. They are heavily populated in cosmopolitan areas
all over the world but become specifically concentrated in warm,
tropical regions with low hygiene or no access to clean drinking
water and proper sewage systems. Metronidazole and
Tinidazole are common drugs used to treat infections that cause
pathology and exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea. Increased
community hygiene is the best way to control the spread of this
parasite and education about the lifecycle and how it is spread
could also impact the transmission and infection rate. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Dantas,Vinicius.Nunez,Alejandra. HISTORICAL REVIEW OF LEISHMANIA BRAZILIENSIS.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a human non-life-
threatening disease caused by the transmission of
the parasite Leishmania braziliensis by the bite of
a sand fly (Glossina). Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an
endemic neglected disease in the tropics, neotropics
of Africa and America and in the deserts in western
Asia. The common symptoms of CL are localized
lesions. However, the clinical manifestations could
vary in range from small cutaneous nodules to gross
mucosal tissue destruction. Diagnosis of this
disease is through clinical, epidemiological,
laboratory characteristics, and microscopic
examination of the affected tissues. Multiple
treatments have been applied to cure CL and the more
commons are amphotericn B and Metronizol. CL control
can be achieved through education, vector control,
and treatment of infected people. Faculty Sponsor: ASHLEY,DAVID
Schistosomiasis is a type of helminthiasis, a neglected tropical disease, caused by the parasite Schistosoma mansoni. S. mansoni grow from an ova to a worm up to 1 cm in length. Schistosomiasis can come in the form of an acute or chronic disease. The drug of choice to treat Schistosoma mansoni is Praziquantel. Primary modes of transmission of Schistosoma mansoni consist of night soil, dependence on water and reservoir hosts. Schistosomiasis was discovered in 1852 when Theodor Bulharz, while working in Egypt, discovered a parasite responsible for urinary schistosomiasis. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY
Entamoeba histolytica is primarily an intestinal parasite found in low income countries with poor community sanitation. The amoeba has two primary life cycle stages; a trophozoite and cyst. Infections are caused by ingestion of the cyst form in contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Symptoms of histolytica infections include fever, headaches, localized pain, and gastrointestinal distress. Severe secondary infections due to wandering trophozoites cause dysentery and a prolapsed rectum. One way to diagnose infections is by stool examination. Treatment includes Metronidazole and Tinidazole. Possible preventions of transmission are educating the community and interference with the transmission cycle of the parasite. Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY
Goodroad, Sam Filley, Joe. GIARDIA LAMBLIA HISTORICAL REVIEW.
Giardiasis; a parasitic flagellate protozoan caused disease is one of the most widespread parasitic based diseases across the globe. According to the Center for Disease Control, (CDC) approximately 33% of people in developing countries have been infected with giardiasis. It is also the most common parasite caused intestinal disease in the United States in humans, with 19,927 reported cases in 2010. Giardiasis is a preventable and treatable disease, with the most potent weapon being education to individuals in endemic regions and in higher risk categories, (i.e. children).
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Grieshaber, Brandon. A HISTORICAL REVIEW: NIGHT SOIL.
Around the world, a common practice of using human
feces as fertilizer is used, especially in
developing countries. This practice is commonly
referred to as Night Soil, and presents an
alternative agricultural method of fertilization
in low-economic communities, who may otherwise be
unable to use contemporary methods or standards of
commercial fertilizer. Due to the nature of Night
Soil this poses a health risk for many individuals
who require the use of fertilization, as Night
Soil harbors a diversity of parasitic organism
known to cause human infection. Common to the
ecology of Night Soil are various species of
helminths, protozoa, and bacteria, each known to
cause serious illness. The aim of this project is
to provide an historical review of Night Soil and
the parasitic infections common to the use of this
fertilization practice. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
McCrerey, Stefanie Hayes, Kaleigh. THE HISTORIC REVIEW OF TAENIA SOLIUM.
Taenia solium, also known as the Pork Tapeworm was first recorded in history in 1500 B.C. It is known to be one of the earliest known parasites. It is a flat ribbon like tapeworm found everywhere but very high in Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Spain, and Portugal. Taenia solium can cause intestinal and neurological disorders. It can be diagnosed by the eggs found in a stool sample. The treatment is with anthelmintic drugs such as Praziquantel or surgery. To prevent being infected make sure to cook meat thoroughly and treat patients with the infection. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY
Seevers, Jacob and Haynes, Michael . HISTORICAL REVIEW OF CHAGAS DISEASE.
Trypanosoma cruzi are the cause of the Chagas
disease or American trypanosomiasis, which is
endemic to areas of South America. The history
around Trypanosoma cruzi is a rich one with Carlos
Chagas and the Brazilian railroad at its center.
The flagellated parasite is transferred to humans
by triatomine bugs known as “kissing bugs”. The
disease can be either acute or chronic, with death
usually occurring from cardiac failure. There are
currently two established drug treatments for
Chagas disease, both of which are not approved by
the FDA. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY
McCully, Jon Caton, Zachary. AN EXCAVATION OF THE JAPANESE LUNG FLUKE, PARAGONIMUS WESTERMANI.
An overview of the primary human-infecting lung
fluke, Paragonimus westermani; its life cycle and
hosts, how it interacts with those hosts, and its
effect on lifestyle in common endemic areas like
Southeast Asia. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID C. ASHLEY
Xenodiagnosis is the detection of a
\r\n\\r\\nparasite the examination of laboratory
raised \r\n\\r\\nintermediate hosts after they
have fed on a \r\n\\r\\nsuspected infected
individual. This \r\ntraditional \\r\\nmethod of
parasitology research \r\nhas been utilized
\\r\\nfor nearly every vector \r\nrelated disease,
with a \\r\\nparticular emphasis on
\r\nTrypanosomiasis and \\r\\nLeshmaniasis.
Although \r\nmany laboratory analysis
\\r\\nprocedures focus on \r\nthe accuracy of
polymerase \\r\\nchain reaction \r\n(PCR), great
strides continue in \r\n\\r\\nxenodiagnoses. This
method is being utilized \r\nas a \\r\\nstandard
to test against as new methods \r\narise.
\\r\\nThis historical paper presentation \r\nwill
summarize \\r\\nthe history behind the process
\r\nof Xenodiagnosis, \\r\\nits traditional and
modern \r\nimplementations, and \\r\\nits
relevance in current \r\nmedical practices. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY
Ricklefs, Corey and Abbas, Mohammad. HISTORICAL REVIEW OF CLONORCHIS SINENSIS.
Clonorchis sinensis is the among many liver flukes but takes precedence in China and Japan leading to the name of The Oriental Liver Fluke. Clonorchis sinensis has an interesting life cycle that starts in snails then fish then humans. Adults are distinguishable by their branched testis and eggs by their operculum. The primary location in the body is in the bile duct feeding on mucus. It causes some intestinal discomfort but seldom results in mortality. The primary transmission is by eating undercooked fish. A common treatment for Clonorchiasis is Praziquantal. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Shore, Adam; Moll,Michelle; Kellam,Jami. A HISTORICAL REVIEW: TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS.
Trichinella spiralis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic helminth parasite. Humans are infected by ingesting raw meat (especially pork) that has been infected with T. spiralis larvae. Humans and other carnivorous mammals are the normal hosts for T. spiralis. These larvae will enter the circulatory system and travel to various parts of the body. They commonly penetrate muscle cells with high metabolic activity such as the tongue, heart, or diaphragm. The larvae become infective in these cells in approximately 8 weeks and can survive for months.The larvae encystation causes a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and anemia. In more serious cases, Trichinosis can cause edema, conjunctival hemorrhages, and swelling of the finger tips. There aren’t any medications currently that are efficient in treatment, though drugs like mebendazole are often prescribed. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY
Singleton, Jacob and Arney, Brett. TOXOPLASMA GONDII.
Toxoplasma gondii is a blood born protozoan
parasite, with its definitive host being members
of the family felidae. It is capable of infecting
and replicating within any nucleated mammal cell.
It is usually asymptomatic in humans, but can be
very dangerous to those that present symptoms. It
is the third leading cause of food borne
infections causing hospitalization within the US.
Treatment of pyremethamine with salfadiazin can be
used to combat a Toxoplasma infection. Faculty Sponsor: ASHLEY
Plasmodium malariae is a protozoal parasite and a human pathogen. It is one of the six species of Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans. This review examines the etiologic agent, pathology, symptoms, life cycle, treatment, epidemiology, control and history of Plasmodium malariae.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Stewart, Lauren, Anderson, Bailey. TRYPANOSOMA BRUCEI AND AFRICAN SLEEPING SICKNESS.
Trypanosoma brucei is the parasite that causes African Sleeping Sickness. There are two different types of this disease, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. Both of these parasites are carried by the tsetse fly, which is common in Africa. Both types of African Sleeping Sickness are deadly if not treated in time. Ideally, we would be able to interfere with the vector and parasite lifestyle, which would eventually eradicate the parasite and the disease. Having bug nets are a cheap and efficient preventative as well. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID C. ASHLEY
Internship/Practicum Experience
Burkart, Adam. OVER WINTERING OF THE EASTERN MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE (SISTRURUS CATENATUS) .
Surveying the wintering dens for the endangered Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) is important to see how dense the population is at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The recovery plan is to find crawfish burrows in many of the marshland and gps each burrow found. Casey Long and I worked on this project together due to the many different things to be looked at and done. There was no data to compare to see if the number of crawfish on the refuge is high enough to increase of the rattlesnake. We observed the number of crawfish and noticed there was quite a few burrows in each field. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER
Long, Casey. INTERNSHIP: SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.
Wildlife and ecosystem management though burning,
flooding, mark/capture, and trapping. Altering the
ecosystem to manage for specific species and
replenish soil nutrients. Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER
Literature Reviews
Bartlett, Jenice; Scott, Erin. THE NATURE CONSERVANCY.
The Nature Conservancy is a Non-profit, Non-
Government Organization Dedicated to the
Conservation of Water and wildlife around the
world. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER
Bush, AnnaMarie. BRUGIA TIMORI A CAUSATIVE AGENT IN LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS.
Brugia timori is a parasitic round worm that comes from the nematode family, this parasite is 1 of 3 that infects the lymphatic system and releases its larvae (microfilaria) into the bloodstream. The vector that transmits the larvae is the anopheles female mosquito. Once infected with this parasite you may experience acute symptoms such as high fever or painful lymph nodes, if the infection is chronic you could get lymphedema or elephantiasis. Normal treatment for lymphatic fiariasis is to use Diethylcarbamazine and albendazole once a year until infection clears. To remain uninfected you should prevent contact with the vector by staying away from malariogenic areas such as bodies of water, or activities like going out at night. Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY
French-Harbison, Bridgette. THE N'DAMA STRAIN.
West African Trypanomiasis, commonly known as West African Sleeping Sickness, is a parasitic disease that has plagued the people of Africa for many years. This disease has an astounding impact on the culture and economy of most African countries for many generations. Global climate change has been a major contributor of this and other neglected tropical diseases, resulting in the reemergence of this disease into the human health conversation worldwide. There have been many attempts to control the spread of the disease and scientists continue to seek a large-scale effective mechanism for such control. Recently, a crossbreed of cattle has been developed for farming and ranching in Africa that has been shown to be trypanotolerant. These cattle are unaffected by the parasite and, therefore, could be used to slow the spread of Trypanomiasis and help the economy of areas stricken with the disease. Trypanotolerant cattle surviving to market and passing this tolerance to the next generation of domestic cattle, could be very beneficial to the control of the disease and greatly improve African economies. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY
Fry, Justin and Ridenour, Coltin. IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
This is a poster presentation on Iowa Department of Natural Resources discussing topics pertaining to the different divisions and duties of Iowa DNR. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER
To inform how funds for conservation are collected
and spent in the various agencies of the state of
Missouri. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER
Stalker, Jasmine; Woolard, Stephen. ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME.
This poster describes the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. It includes the organizational structure of the department, the mission of the department, the goals, legal context, major responsibilities, activities/programs, major administrative challenges, other agencies that work with the department, and the types of wildlife professionals employed by this department. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY D. CHEVALIER
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS
Empirical Projects
Ingebritson, Chevy; Shabbir, Sumra; Shabbir, Maryum. PHOTOTAXIS IN PLANARIA .
In our experiment we tested the effects of temperature on planarian photo taxis, examining if temperature has an effect on whether planarian prefer the light or dark more. We tested the planaria in three different temperatures. We used an ice bath for one set of planarian, room temperature for another set, and 40 degrees Celsius for the last set.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BARTA
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
Empirical Projects
Fergione, Sarah; Luke, Alex. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLIED IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH.
Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are mathematical
models that mimic information processes of the
human brain. The application of ANNs toward
predicting complex biological processes could
significantly expedite the discovery of novel
cellular mechanisms underlying a broad range of
diseases. Using MATLAB with ANN toolbox component
we designed an efficient ANN prototype to test a
set of genetic sequences in order to determine if
they promote splicing in nuclear extract
complemented by human SC35, which play a critical
role in controlling gene expression in all
organisms and plants by regulating general
splicing factors, alternative splicing, and mRNA
nuclear export.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. STAN SVOJANOVSKY
The Kiwanis Club requested our team create an informational website so users could gain more knowledge about the local St Joseph, Missouri, Kiwanis Club. They also asked our team to allow the members of the club to register for volunteering at different events. The goal for our team was to automate the manual process for the Kiwanis to ensure easier access for registering for an event. This new process will also assist the event manager by providing an excel sheet containing the members who have signed up for the event, the time slot and location they have chosen. They can also refer to the website as a system administrator to look this information up on their mobile device for quick reference. Faculty Sponsor: CONNIE HECKER
The local Kiwanis chapter commissioned our team to create a website that could be easily managed to provide event information & registration, as well as a portal for recruitment. In order to do this our team organized a business case, through five different stages of documentation, and implemented the final product using Wordpress. Faculty Sponsor: CONNIE HECKER
Our student team, Techlink, was contracted by Missouri Western State University’s Computer Science, Math, and Physics Department to modify and upgrade ASAPLink (Alumni, Student and Professional Link). ASAPLink, an existing website, links current students and alumni to jobs and internships and also links recruiters to both students and alumni. Our job was to provide the department a more functional and user-friendly website by moving the front-end of the site into WordPress and by adding functionality to showcase student projects and allow faculty to add news to a departmental blog. We were instructed to repair some of the wordiness of the current custom site, streamline the menu structure, and add new fields to job and student profiles. Faculty Sponsor: CONNIE HECKER
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE/LEGAL STUDIES/SOCIAL WORK
Analytical Papers and Analyses
Autry, Joshua. TUITION COST ANALYSIS OF MIDWEST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY PROGRAMS.
Rate of tuition is an influencing factor for most people pursuing any post-secondary education or training. This descriptive study explored the tuition rates for Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) facilities in the Midwest states of Missouri and Illinois, in order to find the best tuition rate for a Midwest area resident. With no such prior research found for P.O.S.T. facilities in this research area, the development of this study was based around research from other studies on post-secondary education, and general law enforcement research studies. A survey questionnaire was developed, and was successfully administered, via phone interview, to twenty-one of the twenty-two facilities that were included in this research study. Ten of the twenty-two facilities were closed to the public, and required that a cadet be hired and sent by an agency. The study concluded that, though no charge is the cheapest rate, human cost factors would likely be just as influential in a cadet’s decision as tuition. Further studies should examine these human cost factors, and expand the number of states included in the study. \r\n Faculty Sponsor: DR. LINDSTEADT
Lalli, Pearce. EXAMINING VARIABLES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMIES IN THE MIDWEST .
This descriptive study sought to attain knowledge
of the available types of P.O.S.T. approved
agencies in the states of Missouri and Illinois.
These P.O.S.T. approved agencies were contacted
over the phone, and their survey data information
was collected in a database.
The study’s goal was to examine and
compare the average class size, the open or closed
status, and the agency or school affiliation of
each P.O.S.T. approved academy. The data was
organized in a way that could be used for those
who were interested in knowing what options are
available in regards to P.O.S.T. academies in
Missouri and Illinois.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. LINDSTEADT
Empirical Projects
Hays, Rachel. AN ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE OF THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS TRAINING IN THE POLICE ACADEMY.
Community relations training is an important factor in building positive relationships between law enforcement and the public. Preparing cadets during their training can help them develop the skills needed to balance their duties of maintaining order while protecting society as a whole. MWSU LEA graduate interviews (N=24) conducted by criminal justice and social work students examined the value placed on cadet training regarding community relations, including area of public perception, community interaction, and the building of trust. With current community relations issues all across the nation a concern, gaining a better understanding of the duties of law enforcement and community relations is a step in the right direction.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GREG LINDSTEADT
Andrea, Kerns. CAN THE OLD FOLKS EXCEL IN THE POST?.
This study purpose is to identify if age is a
predictor in rank and success throughout the POST.
The purpose of the study overall are to identify
significant relationships of traditional and non-
traditional students, individual personality,
academic achievement, character, and temperament
which are identified within the literature review.
It was tested by survey/questionnaire of the MWSU
RLEA POST alumni through 2010 to summer of 2013. A
total of 24 out of 82 were contacted, roughly 29.26%
of the sample. The findings did not support the
hypothesis it identified that age does not predict
successfulness within the POST nor did it hinder
employment opportunities.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. LINDSTEADT
Klaus, Whitlea. GENDER DIFFERENCES IN LEA TRAINING.
Student researchers comprised of CJLS/SWK conducted a study that focused on cadet graduates of MWSU’s LEA program from January 2010 to December 2013. This particular study utilized interviews of cadet graduates of the P.O.S.T. to compare and contrast gender differences in LEA training as well as in the law enforcement profession. Results indicate a large portion of the cadet graduates felt that they had an equal opportunity throughout their training at MWSU. Faculty Sponsor: DR. LINDSTEADT
Lile, Allison. GENDER INEQUALITY WITHIN LAW ENFORCEMENT .
The purpose of this study is to gain first-hand information from
the POST graduates (N=24) about their experiences,
education, and preparedness for the field. A survey was
conducted in order to collect these data. POST graduates
were contacted via telephone and the survey was
administered. This component of the study focused on gender
and whether or not they received equal treatment and
opportunities during their POST training. The findings did not
support the hypothesis present: women face higher levels of
discrimination and gender biases over their male counterparts
within the LEA training program and within the departments.
83% of the females and 89% of the males interviewed stated
they felt they were given equal opportunities within the POST
despite their gender. In addition, when asked if they felt
disadvantaged due to their gender, 67% of the females and
78% of the males interviewed stated they did not feel
disadvantaged. These findings challenge the current literature
findings over this topic. Faculty Sponsor: DR. GREG LINDSTEADT
Graduate Student Research
Halford, Katie. ANXIETY IN UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ON ENTERING THEIR PRACTICUM.
The research being conducted in this project tests
the anxiety levels of undergraduate students on
entering their practicum. The other purpose of the
research is to find common elements or themes in
the research that the SWK: 270- Bridge to
Practicum class needed to cover to better prepare
students for their practicum. Seeing the anxiety
levels of students before and comparing to them
after in a group comparison. The methods used to
collect data were using surveys that also included
open ended questions. Results found that anxiety
are high in pre-practicum about preparation and
post survey found they had the skills, but needed
the confidence in themselves. Faculty Sponsor: DR. PAM CLARY
Internship/Practicum Experience
Schermerhorn, Laura. RECOVERY AND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH PERSONAL STRENGTH.
In Spring 2015 Senior BSW student interned at
Western Reception Diagnostic Correctional Center
in the division of offender rehabilitative
services. Their mission is to teach responsibility
and being accountable to each other, with mutually
agreed upon needs of social and psychological
change in the individual. Through this mission I
identified and practiced the learned social work
strength approach to use the offenders personal
strengths to aid in their recovery and
empowerment. I practiced this under the
supervision of my field instructor through
teaching treatment educational classes, leading
small group treatment sessions, and individual
treatment Faculty Sponsor: JANA FYRE
Aleer, Daniel and Robbs, Stephen. PRACTICUM AT CATHOLIC CHARITIES KANSAS CITY- ST. JOSEPH.
This poster presentation displays the applied learning conducted at Catholic Charities Kansas City-St. Joseph. This 456 hour practicum provided applied learning opportunities within six different programs: Home Plus Housing Program, Northwest Housing Program (temporary and permanent), Turnaround, Workforce, Support Services for Veterans and Families, and Services for Young Families. Learning opportunities took place in Maryville, St. Joseph and Kansas City. Skills developed onsite included: Teaching life skills groups, case management, mentoring, intakes and referrals, networking, inter and collaboration. Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE, DR CLARY
Nichols, Alex. BOYS TOWN VISIT.
In 2014-15 the Student American Corrections Association developed a plan to visit Boys Town in Nebraska. This private institution provides services to youth, families and communities across the world. Boys Town’s primary mission is: to give a stable, safe community environment that promotes familial structure. \\r\\nIn the two days at Boys Town we had the opportunity to observe ‘behind the scenes’ of the family living programs, the National Hotline, and other aspects of the Boys Town Model. We want to thank all those who assisted in the Rummage Sale and other fund raising events to support the 13 SACA and 3 faculty who attended. Please feel free to speak with a SACA Member or visit www.boystown.org for more information. \\r\\n Faculty Sponsor: GODBOLDT, MARBLE, LINDSTEADT
This descriptive cross-sectional research study is to expand the body of knowledge. This study tested if there is a correlation between higher coder job satisfaction and working from home. The electronic survey received face validity from Health Information Management professionals and was sent to a convenience sample. The survey questions were analyzed using a 5-point Likert scale. The results of the T-test showed there was no significant difference between coders who work from home and coders who work at an organization. Our study did not conclude that coders who work from home have a higher degree of job satisfaction. Faculty Sponsor: KELLY FAST
Literature Reviews
(Martin, Sandra) (Thomas, Catherine) (Simmons, Courtney) (Moore, Jodi) (Deardorff, Nancy). MOHIMA IG BUSINESS CASE STUDY.
This descriptive, nonrandom, purposive research study is to expand the body of knowledge. This study collected responses to a business case study questionnaire over Information Governance. The survey was distributed via e-mail. The questionnaire results were compared to inform and recommend best practices in creating an Information Governance (IG) program for healthcare organizations. Faculty Sponsor: KELLY FAST
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Empirical Projects
Attawia, Lionel, Greene, Bloosom, Rachal, Jackson, Stoops, Katherine, Thorup, Jessie, & Wikowsky, Addie. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTRUCTOR FLUENCY AND STUDENTS\' STUDY HABITS.
Many students endorse study habits with little or no empirical support. The current study investigates whether students change their study habits depending on their perceived fluency of their instructor. Our results showed that students’ study habits typically aren\'t influenced by perceived instructor fluency. Faculty Sponsor: BENJAMIN ENGLAND
Bomberger, Shawna; Coffee, Averi; Jones, Quan; Leidy, Kelsea; Mazur, Melissa; Relford, Ryne. I ACT WHAT I EAT?.
The primary purpose of the proposed study is to investigate the potential impact of various gustatory perceptions, or tastes, (via differing flavored foods or candies) on priming, that is, as measured on a word-search puzzle. The types of tastes that will be under investigation fall under the categories of either sweet or salty. Moreover, the length of said taste perceptions will vary?with some lasting (relatively) shorter and others longer. The influence of taste(s) on priming will be gauged by quantifying the number of words (most of which have flavor connotations) correctly found on the word-search puzzle and calculating ratios (e.g., sweet/salty, sweet/other, etc.). Faculty Sponsor: ARON GERHART
Cell phone usage among college students has been on the rise over the past decade. This study examines the distracting effect of receiving a text notification during a lecture and what, if anything, teachers can do to reduce that distraction. The variables of lecture style and cell phone distraction were tested. Participants were tested on their memory for information presented in either an engaging or non-engaging 3-minute lecture accompanied by either a direct distraction (participant received a cell phone text), indirect distraction (someone else received a cell phone text), or no distraction (no cell phone text). Memory scores for the two lecture styles were equal when an indirect or no distraction was present. However, when participants received a text notification during a non-engaging lecture, they remembered significantly less than when they received a text notification during an engaging lecture. Results indicate that the way educators engage their class may have an effect on the extent to which students suffer from cell phone distraction. Faculty Sponsor: CHRISTINE ZIEMER
Long, Samantha . DOES THE TIMING OF PATIENT HISTORY MATTER FOR STUDYING DISEASES? A PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION.
The management and prevention of diseases is of fundamental
\r\n\\r\\ninterest to society. This is predominantly because of the
\r\n\\r\\npotential cost to individuals and society for the
\r\nmismanagement \\r\\nof diseases. The current study
examined if \r\nthe timing of patient \\r\\nhistory matters for
learning about \r\ndiseases (both psychological \\r\\nand
physiological). All of the \r\nparticipants were undergraduate
\\r\\ncollege students. After \r\nconsenting and, each participant
was \\r\\nrandomly assigned to \r\neither complete medical
history or learn \\r\\nabout five diseases \r\nfirst, they then
completed the other task. \\r\\nPreliminary \r\nanalyzes indicate
that the timing of patient history \\r\\ndoes alter \r\nstudy time,
but that increased study time did not \\r\\ndirectly \r\nlead to
improved short answer (recall) scores. Faculty Sponsor: DR. BENJAMIN ENGLAND