Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Do High Roe Stocks Outperform The Market With Persistence: An Empirical Analysis, 2009 - 2014

Stander Symposium Projects

Academic studies by Eugene Fama and Kenneth French as well as Robert Novy Marx identify profitability as one of the factors determining the variation in excess returns in the cross section of stock returns. Using return on equity (ROE) as my measure of profitability and the S&P 500 as my universe of stocks, I examine the impact of ROE on S&P 500 stock performance for the period 2009 - 2014. I test the following hypotheses with respect to ROE: (1) Portfolios of firms with high ROE's (40% or higher) outperform the market with persistence i.e. over long periods of time, …

Dissecting The Sex-Dependent Neurochemical Effects Of The Rapid-Acting Antidepressant Drug Ketamine With In Vivo Brain Microdialysis In Mice

Stander Symposium Projects

Major depression is a devastating mental disorder that affects nearly 20% of the world’s population. Notably, women experience major depression at roughly twice the rate of men and respond differently to different types of antidepressant drugs. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this sex-differentiated responsiveness remain a largely neglected area of experimentation with current treatments based almost exclusively on research conducted in males. Most importantly, currently marketed antidepressant drugs take anywhere from weeks to months in order to elicit their therapeutic effects, thus leading to increased drop-out rates. Ketamine is a unique, rapid-acting antidepressant drug that alleviates depressive symptomatology in both …

Supplementation Of Propionate Inhibits The Anaerobic Growth Of The Foodborne Pathogen Listeria Monocytogenes

Stander Symposium Projects

Listeria monocytogenes is an infectious bacterium that is known to cause severe diseases in people who are pregnant, elderly, or generally immunocompromised through consumption of contaminated food products. To help develop preventative strategies to protect these high-risk individuals, our lab focuses on the approach of enhancing the chemical barrier naturally existing in the intestinal tract to block L. monocytogenes from interacting with the human intestinal epithelium and causing fatal infections. The chemical environment inside the human intestinal lumen is rich with fermentation acids produced by the endogenous microbes. In my research project, I tested the efficacy of propionic acid, one …

The Use Of A Molecular Probe To Investigate The Details Of Pria Helicase Function

Stander Symposium Projects

During DNA replication in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, the replication machinery (replisome) invariably encounters structural DNA damage, an event that can result in disbanding of the replisome and the creation of a collapsed replication fork. In order for DNA replication to continue, the replisome must be reloaded onto the DNA strand, a process that often begins with unwinding of double-stranded (duplex) DNA by the primosome protein PriA. Little is known about the mechanism through which PriA unwinds DNA and begins replisome recruitment. We seek to shed new light on this mechanism through the use of a PriA inhibitor, compound …

Role Of Axial Patterning Genes In Growth Regulation During Eye Development

Stander Symposium Projects

An important question in developmental biology is that how axial patterning genes work with growth and patterning to form any three-dimensional organ. In any multicellular organism, Organogenesis, requires axial patterning i.e. formation of Antero-Posterior (AP), Dorso-Ventral (DV), Proximo-Distal (PD) axes. Any deviation in these axes during development leads to genetic birth defects. We use Drosophila melanogaster (a.k.a fruit fly), eye as our model. As the genetic machinery between flies and human is conserved, any insights generated in flies can be extrapolated into humans. In Drosophila, DV patterning marks first lineage restriction event where expression of dorsal, ventral fate selectors forms …

Mutant Pria C-Tev Ml346 And Its Unwinding Dna Capabilities

Stander Symposium Projects

DNA damage can cause the process of DNA replication to stall and this can lead to dissociation of the DNA replication enzymes from the DNA. In bacteria, a protein called PriA recognizes this, unwinds a portion of duplex DNA at the site where replication stalled, and reloads the replication enzymes to restart DNA replication. PriA has multiple structural domains that are closely associated with one another to give rise to a compact globular protein. The winged helix domain, however, is connected to the remainder of the protein by a long, flexible portion of polypeptide, akin to a tether. I examined …

Inflation Trends In Personal Consumption Expenditures, 2001-2015

Stander Symposium Projects

The Federal Reserve, as a key element in its monetary policy, uses a 2% target inflation rate to determine if the federal funds rate needs to be increased. The purpose of this study is to evaluate long, intermediate, and short term trends in inflation to determine if the inflation policy objective has been reached. My inflation metric is Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) and the period of analysis is 2001-20015. I develop linear trend equations for both PCE and PCE less food and energy using the b coefficients from the regressions as a proxy for the PCE inflation rate. Out of …

Robust Nonlinear Adaptive Control For Longitudinal Dynamics Of Hypersonic Aircraft Vehicle Model

Stander Symposium Projects

A hypersonic aircraft vehicle is a highly complex nonlinear system, which includes uncertainties in the dynamics. This paper presents the design of robust nonlinear adaptive control for a hypersonic aircraft vehicle model. The complexity of the dynamic system is considered into the design structure of the control in order to address robustness issues. Design of a robust control system should decouple the longitudinal and lateral dynamics to handle the flight of hypersonic vehicle under certain specific conditions. In this paper, we only consider longitudinal dynamics, which are divided into aircraft speed subsystem and flight-path angle subsystem. A robust control design …

Monetary Policy And Unemployment Rates: Is There A Relationship? An Empirical Analysis: 2001-2015

Stander Symposium Projects

The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate to carry out Policy objectives that bring about full employment in the economy with price stability. On the full employment side, monthly job growth along with unemployment rates are two key metrics that indicate how well the fed is doing in achieving the mandate. In this study, I focus on unemployment rate trends over the period 2001-2015.In 2001, the U.S. economy was dealing with a mild recession and in 2008 a severe recession. I look at the trend in the unemployment rate for the periods 2001-2007 and 2009-2015 to obtain a better understanding …

Wage Costs And Inflation Trends: An Empirical Analysis 2001-2015

Stander Symposium Projects

Rising wage costs have often been used as a leading indication of inflation in national economies. In the US since the 2008 recession wage costs growth has, to say the least, been erratic with no discernible upward trend. In 2015, however, wage cost growth showed some signs of picking up steam suggesting that overall spending in the economy will likely pick up. In this study we examine trends in the employee cost index (ECI) from 2001 to 2015, the long term trend period, and 2009 to 2015, an intermediate term period after the 2008 recession. Linear trend equations are developed …

Cross-Cultural Engagement: Is It Happening?

Stander Symposium Projects

This study examines the cross-cultural engagement between international and domestic undergraduate engineering students at a private, Midwestern university. It uncovers the situations in which international and domestic students are engaging and explores the components which help or hinder the cross-cultural interaction between these students. This study informs higher education professionals endeavoring to provide undergraduate engineering students a greater ability to function in a global world. Data was collected through the use of one-on-one interviews with current international and domestic undergraduate engineering students. The study revealed that while international and domestic engineering students are engaging, the frequency remains low and there …

Imagery Solutions Geospatial Information System (Gis System)

Stander Symposium Projects

Imagery Solutions is a small start-up company that specializes in imagery gathering technology using aerial methods for customers who need precise imaging data, such as those in precision agriculture and energy distributing industries. The purpose behind this image gathering functionality is to provide decision oriented information derived from image data. The mission for the company is to have this information come to the customer in a timely, accurate, and relevant way. Open GIS is the established open source application for this process. The task presented to our team is to create a business process for the organization from the point …

The Implementation Of Two-Way Immersion Programs

Stander Symposium Projects

As society becomes more global, educators are searching for models of education that provide students with the ability to be competitive in the global marketplace. Bilingual education offers students the opportunity to learn two languages while maintaining student achievement in other content areas. One option of bilingual education is called two-way immersion (TWI) programs. TWI classrooms are comprised of students who are native speakers of two different languages. Together, these students communicate in both languages, while receiving instruction in both languages as well. These programs have been shown to be effective in teaching two languages without lowering student achievement. Bilingual …

Combatting Biases: Illusory Imagery In Us News Coverage On Central American Immigration, Katharine Poor

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper comprises of original research and analysis of contemporary news media discourse surrounding Central American immigration in the United States. Subjects of study included more than 50 news articles, images, and videos from a variety of major politically-unaffiliated news outlets for English-speaking audiences. Rhetoric was analyzed in representations of the Central American immigration “crisis” that sparked a trend of media coverage in 2014, as well as several articles that covered events leading up to the “crisis.” Common rhetorical analogies ascertained through media analyses include the representation of immigrants as aliens, diseases, parasites, floods, criminals, natural disasters, terrorists, and drug …

Moderate Ethanol Consumption Results In Cognitive Protection From Alzheimer’S Disease, Dementia, And Related Cognitive Decline: A Critical Review, Sean P. Coffinger

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Moderate ethanol preconditioning, a result of prolonged moderate alcohol intake, serves as a protective process by staving off cognitive decline while providing neuronal protection through several mechanisms. These individual mechanisms are relatively well known, however a comprehensive and integrated conversation of ethanol’s protective tendencies is lacking from literature and the field of neuroscience. First, a review of the leading theories behind moderate ethanol preconditioning’s biological and cognitive benefits is presented, including overviews of neuroprotective, antioxidant, and neurotropic mechanisms responsible for neurological benefit. Secondly, an integrative model is presented, incorporating all research into a novel collaborative model. An additional discussion regarding …

Table Of Contents

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Front cover, a list of the article contents in this issue, and editorial information.

Evaluation Of Pulmonary Function Among Workers Engaged In The Manufacture Of Hydraulic Fracking Ceramic Proppant, Humairat H. Rahman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Workers involved in hydraulic fracking processes are exposed to various types of chemicals and dusts in their workplaces, such as proppants, which hold open the fissures created in the fracking process. Recently, ceramic proppants have been developed that may be less hazardous to workers than traditional proppants. Pulmonary function testing of workers producing ceramic proppant was used to assess the potential inhalation hazards of ceramic proppant. Male workers (n = 100) from a producer of ceramic proppant were evaluated with pulmonary function test data collected and evaluated using The American Thoracic Society (ATS) acceptability criteria. A comparison group was selected …

Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level Re-Examined: Creating A Uniform Method For Calculating Readability On A Certification Exam, Emily Neuhoff, Kristiana M. Feeser, Kayla Sutherland, Thomas Hovatter

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Abstract

Objective: This study attempted to establish a consistent measurement technique of the readability of a state-wide Certified Nursing Assistant’s (CNA) certification exam. Background: Monitoring the readability level of an exam helps ensure all test versions do not exceed the maximum reading level of the exam, and that knowledge of the subject matter, rather than reading ability, is being assessed. Method: A two part approach was used to specify and evaluate readability. First, two methods (Microsoft Word^® (MSW) software and published readability formulae) were used to calculate Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKRGL) for multiple …

Human Health Risk Characterization Of Petroleum Coke Calcining Facility Emissions, Davinderjit Singh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Calcined coke is a high quality carbon material produced by calcining green petroleum coke. Calcining is the process of heating green petroleum coke in a kiln to remove excess moisture, extract all remaining hydrocarbons, and modify the crystalline structure of the coke into a denser, electrically conductive product. The final product, calcined coke, is primarily used to make carbon anodes for the aluminum industry and recarburizing agent for industries such as the steel industry. If not appropriately controlled, the calcining process could lead to excess production of particulate emissions from either handling or storing of raw coke, or from the …

2016 Abstract Book, Undergraduate Creative Activities And Research Forum

Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Forum Abstract Books

This booklet contains all the abstracts from the 2016 forum held at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Coordinated by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, a unit in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

46th Annual Wku Student Research Conference, Student Research Council

Student Research Conference Select Presentations

See document below for project abstracts

The Effect Of Nitrate On The Release Of Glucose Into The Hemolymph Of Crayfish, Procambarus Clarkii, Alec R. Flores, Lee Kats, David Green, Gary Bucciarelli

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Pollutants can change the behaviors of invertebrate stream animals. The level of one common pollutant, nitrate (NO3), has been rising in many local rivers and streams throughout the United States due to increases in anthropogenic sources. Nitrate, heavily regulated for its toxic effects to human health, namely the aiding in the development of cancer, also dangerously affects aquatic species by converting oxygen-carrying pigments to forms that are incapable of carrying oxygen. To understand the stress effects of ambient nitrate exposure on P. clarkii, we collected hemolymph samples from red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) over a 48-hour period after exposure to …

2016 Research Week, Linda Gardiner, David Owerbach

Office of Research Institutional Research and Scholarship

RESEARCH WEEK 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH COMMITTEES ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT

GENERAL SESSION

FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENT POSTER PRESENTATIONS

FACULTY AND STUDENT ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Research: South Dakota State University, Spring 2016, Christie Delfanian, Emily Weber

Research: South Dakota State University

CONTENTS:

Genome Researcher investigate impact of L1 jumping genes [Page] 2
CRP funds important resource for hunters [Page] 3
Nurse-researchers help health-care facilities develop, improve tobacco-free policies [Page] 3
MS: Exercise scientist improves movement, quality of life for MS patients [Page] 5
Plant scientists defend South Dakota crops against diseases [Plant] 7
Investigating influenza D virus earns doctoral student scholarship [Page] 9
Steel shavings trap phosphorous, protecting water quality [Page] 10

The Effect Of Tommy John (Ucl) Reconstructive Surgery On A Pitcher’S Arm And Career Progression, Jack Grant

Honors Projects in Mathematics

Injuries have plagued professional athletes since their sports have been in existence. The examination of how teams can diminish the side effects of the injuries en route to a speedy recovery remains an evolving process and a topic of concern for all. Injury preventative tactics have been implemented by coaching staffs and various training personnel. Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers are noticing an increase in the number of surgeries performed each year. The tearing of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow has become a predominant injury among pitchers in the MLB. Reconstructive surgery, also known as Tommy John …

Regional Review: Reaching New Heights In The Region Spring 2016, Heather Garcia , Editor

Regional Campuses Publications

No abstract provided.

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 57 Number 2, Spring 2016, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

20 - LET THERE BE LIGHT Frank Cepollina ’59—the NASA maverick who saved Hubble. By Robert Zimmerman.

28 - LIKE NO PLACE ON EARTH Talking with John A. Sobrato ’60 about building Silicon Valley—literally. By Michael S. Malone ’75, MBA ’77.

32 - DISRUPTION IN THE HOUSE Allison Kopf ’11 just won one of the premier startup competitions on the planet. She’s making the Google Analytics of greenhouses. By Ed Cohen.

34 - AN AMERICAN STORY A few words from the remarkable life of Francisco Jiménez ’66. By Steven Boyd Saum.

38 - DR. JEROME HE was a man of …

2016 Annual Research Symposium Abstract Book, Trinity College, Hartford Connecticut

Science Symposia Abstracts

2016 annual volume of abstracts for science research projects conducted by students at Trinity College

Uncovering Local Trends In Genetic Effects Of Multiple Phenotypes Via Functional Linear Models, Olga A. Vsevolozhskaya, Dmitri V. Zaykin, David A. Barondess, Xiaoren Tong, Sneha Jadhav, Qing Lu

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Recent technological advances equipped researchers with capabilities that go beyond traditional genotyping of loci known to be polymorphic in a general population. Genetic sequences of study participants can now be assessed directly. This capability removed technology-driven bias toward scoring predominantly common polymorphisms and let researchers reveal a wealth of rare and sample-specific variants. Although the relative contributions of rare and common polymorphisms to trait variation are being debated, researchers are faced with the need for new statistical tools for simultaneous evaluation of all variants within a region. Several research groups demonstrated flexibility and good statistical power of the functional linear …

A Nonprofit Model In A For-Profit World: A Closer Look At Sheltered Workshops And Sustainability As An Employee Run Business, Bing Jang, Mitchell Perry, Nikolin Vangjeli, Laura Ducharme

School of Professional Studies

Historically, society has tended to isolate and segregate individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite improvements such forms of discrimination continue to be a serious social problem. On October 11, 2011, the Department of Justice began an investigation into several state’s systems of providing vocational services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This action came about due to several states being out of compliance around Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability for all services, programs and activities provided to the public by state and …