Celebrate Gannon 2023

Welcome from Dr. Iwanenko

Today we celebrate the research, scholarship, engagement and fine arts collaborations between our students and our faculty and staff through our annual Celebrate Gannon event. Celebrate Gannon represents an incredible milestone for many of our students who have been diligently pursuing these scholarly and creative projects throughout the academic year, and it is a testament to the work of our faculty who teach, mentor and encourage them along the way.

Please join us in celebrating these incredible achievements as we Celebrate Gannon.

Thank you, and God bless.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The following categories are used to describe the area under which each presentation falls.

ERIE

Engagement projects share students’ significant learning in activities outside of the classroom, such as public service in and around Erie as well as service-learning trips. “Engagement” presentations must cite and make explicit connections to outside research that informed the student learning (i.e. Catholic Social Teaching, leadership theory, etc.).

Fine Arts projects are creative works in the written, visual and performance arts. Student presentations will be in the format of a platform presentation focused upon their inspiration, process, and product. Eligible projects could include course-related writing, visual, and performing arts (performance, design, and direction).

Research & Scholarship eligible projects could include research studies, case studies, and independent study projects completed with a mentor, the analysis of literature or scholarly texts, or scholarly exposition that is typical within a particular discipline.

RUSKIN

Healthcare Initiative & Community Engagement projects share students’ significant learning in activities outside of the classroom, such as public service in and around the community as well as service-learning trips. “Engagement” presentations must cite and make explicit connections to outside research that informed the student learning.

Research & Scholarship projects are based on academic inquiry in a discipline or among disciplines. Eligible projects could include research studies, case studies, independent study projects completed with a mentor, the analysis of literature or scholarly texts, or scholarly exposition that is typical within a particular discipline.

ERIE UNDERGRADUATE ENGAGEMENT POSTER PRESENTATION

Gannon University 2023 Super Bowl Experiential Learning Experience

Phoenix, AZ (2/9/23 - 2/14/23)

• Purpose of the Trip: G Gaining wor k experience at the Super Bowl and networ king oppor tunities

• W ho: 29 students + 2 Spor t Management & Mar keting Faculty Members

• W hen: 2/9/2023 - 2/14/2023

• W here: Phoenix, AZ

Title: Gannon University 2023 Super Bowl Experiential Learning Experience

Abstract: This poster will provide an overview and summary of the 2023 Gannon University NFL Super Bowl experiential learning experience that involved 29 students and two faculty members working in Phoenix, Arizona during the Super Bowl week. While this experience is mainly for students interested in working in the sports and entertainment industry, several students from across campus were involved in this once in a lifetime opportunity. The poster presentation will provide attendees with a description of the experience that included working at the NFL Experience, the NFL On Location events, the NFL Super Bowl and attending recreational, entertainment, and networking activities. The poster will also include student and faculty reflections of their experiences in Arizona and several pictures of the various events/opportunities.

Presenter(s): Lynsey Habig, Mikel Bryan Ott, Tessa Deets, Noah Hawryliw, Gabriel Gallagher, Alexandra Briggs

Sponsoring Department: Dahlkemper School of Business

Project Mentor: Eric Brownlee

Lynsey Habig, Mikel-Bryan Ott, Daniel Vazquez, Georgios Koutroulis Eric Brownlee & Jinhee Yoo (Advisors)

Day 1 (2/10/2023, Fri) Training Hiking @ Camelback Mountain

Day 2 (2/11/2023, Sat) NFL Experience @ Phoenix Convention Center

Day 3 (2/12/2023, Sun) Super Bowl Day @ State Farm Stadium

Day 4 (2/13/2023, Mon) Papago Park & City Tour

How Does Abortion Access Impact the Economy and Society?

Overview

With the recent overturning of Roe v Wade, a childbearing person's bodily autonomy has been rapidly changing over the past year with a seemingly unpredictable future in the United States Many are concerned about the future of what the overturn withholds With state legislature beginning to restrict abortion access, concerns arise along with it

Background

Research referencing unsafe abortions, abortion rates, fertility rates, maternal deaths, and economic influences was used to interpret the effect of abortion on society and the economy

Some MAJOR statistics are listed below:

Ø A study found that 45% of all abortions are unsafe, 97% of which take place in developing nations.

Ø Each year, 4.7–13.2% of maternal deaths can be attributed to unsafe abortions worldwide. (WHO, 2021) (Figure 3)

Ø Minimum wage in abortion protected states is higher than abortion-restricted states (Banerjee, 2023) (Figure 1)

Ø Child-bearing people who proceed with an abortion in the first trimester show a positive linear trend in household income, the latter is shown after being denied abortion access (Foster et al., 2018) (Figure 2)

Accessibility of Abortion and its Influence

It is guaranteed that the choice of having an abortion has a profound influence on a child-bearing individual’s life It would be unethical to have an experiment where these people are put in a position to have an abortion and as well have a “control group” to demonstrate the effects of the economy and society in that instance Instead, it can be observed from a third-party neutral standpoint and demonstrate how abortion access correlates to the child-bearing person’s life in a natural environment with a random population to collect statistical evidence

Access to abortion can impact society in ways beyond the statistics introduced Studies have found that access to abortion increased childbearing individual's likelihood of graduating university by 72% This was even more significant for Black women whose chances of completing college increased by 3 times more (Jones, 2021)

Anthony Nunez Nicolas Bell

Importance

Regardless of the diverse moral perspectives on abortion, it should be emphasized that it is a process that profoundly affects all humans irrespective of gender, culture, or religion Abortion should be looked at as a wide socio-economic process that has a significant influence on socioeconomic status, minimum wage, and a strong influence in current maternal deaths

Conclusion

While there are many other influences researched including abortion effects on the environment, how it impacts those of different races, and the current wage gap in the United States, it is important to understand how the fundamental issue is deeply woven within our society While correlation does not always mean causation, it is very important to note how human behavior can impact important factors like society and the economy and legislature can impact human behavior

References

Banerjee, A. (2023, Jan. 18). Abortion bans, low wages, and public underinvestment are interconnected economic policy tools to disempower and control workers. Economy Policy Institute. https://www.epi.org/publication/economics-of-abortionbans/#:~:text=Key%20findings%20from%20the%20analysis,in%20the%20abortion%2 Dprotected%20states Foster, D. G., Biggs, M. A., Ralph, C., Roberts. S., & Glymour M. M. (2022) Socioeconomic outcomes of women who receive and women who are denied wanted abortions in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 108, 407-413 https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.304247

Jones. K. (2021). At a Crossroads: The impact of abortion access on future economic outcomes. American University. https://doi.org/10.17606/0Q51-0R11 Myers, C. K., & Welch, W. (2021, Nov. 30) What can economic research tell us about the effect of abortion access on women’s lives? Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-can-economic-research-tell-uabout-the-effectof-abortion-access-on-womens-lives/

Title: How Does Abortion Access Impact the Economy and Society

Abstract: With the recent overturning of Roe v Wade, women’s bodily autonomy has been rapidly changing over the past year with a seemingly unpredictable future in the United States.With the goal to further understand the effects of bodily autonomy and reproductive healthcare, there must be a correlation found. There have been studies found that abortion-related deaths are more frequent in countries with more limiting abortion laws than in countries with less limiting laws. By studying the Philippines, with strict abortion regulations, El Salvador which has criminalized abortion, and Colombia, which secures the rights of women, an assumption of potential occurrences the US may see can be gathered .In Colombia, between 2006 and 2022 no health practitioners were sentenced for the crime of abortion. In El Salvador, 14 women died from abortion-related complications, another 13 from ectopic pregnancies, and 63 from being denied treatment because of risk to the fetus. With these two polar opposites, a pattern can be seen and a future can be seen. In cases of abortion related complications, they demonstrate how a lack of bodily autonomy for women may have some major underlying consequences. With the initial data gathered, strict abortion laws show an effect towards well-being as a whole. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, these data points suggest a point that the United States may be leading to.

Presenter(s): Rhokaya Khalaf, Nicolas Bell, Anthony Nunez

Sponsoring Department: McNair

Project Mentor: Matthew Darling

Background:

Around 63 million tons of food waste was produced in the year 2018 due to commercial, institutional, and residential areas of consumption.

In the United States, 34% of methane emissions from human activity originate in landfills and produce a mixture of liquid waste.

Water from precipitation, and byproducts from organic degradation, or leachate, which contaminates groundwater when landfills are improperly managed.

Redirecting this waste from landfills will not only prevent release of greenhouse gasses such as methane but also will help extend the life of landfills.

Individual low-energy electric compost machines will lessen the problem of methane emissions from landfill food wastes while eliminating the obstacles faced with traditional outdoor composting and vermicomposting.

An automated compost machine counters the issues regarding temperature, aeration, moisture, stirring, and time.

Purpose:

This project aims to create an electric, user-friendly, cost-effective, compact electric kitchen composter to assist those living in urban areas to reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfills, therefore reducing emissions.

The design includes mechanisms of shredding and grinding coupled with heating and drying to achieve

KiCo—Kitchen Composter

Methods:

The chemistry of compost was determined and process parameters like temperature gradient (between 32.2°C-60°C with two spikes in heat), cycle times (under 6 hours), input volume (5 L), and moisture content (40-60%) were determined.

The machine output, fertilizer samples, will be collected in triplicates to ensure accurate results. Uniform inputs will produce slightly different results, but an average value from the triplicates can be collected and used for comparison with fertilizers produced under different operating conditions.

Daniela A. Morales Dardon moralesd001@gannon.edu

Results Cont.:

Construction of a model using inexpensive materials such as cardboard will be completed to determine if the system will function properly or if components coincide as intended.

Once the model is created, the final materials will be utilized for constructing the product. The bucket will have a hole drilled into the bottom to allow attachment of the stirring shaft to the motor.

The blades on the shaft will be cut out of sheet steel in a shape designed intentionally to trap and crush food pieces. Stationary metal arms will be welded to the inside walls of the bucket, aiding in the trapping and crushing of food pieces.

Results:

Heating pads, temperature sensor, motor, and the motor controller are all connected to the Mega Arduino Uno. Heating pads heat up to 350°F and are controlled with the temperature sensor. Temperature will stay the same through-

Results Cont.:

Motor runs at 35 RPM and will be constantly rotating

Level 0 Functional Decomposition of the system demonstrating the inputs and outputs that will partake in this project

Title: KiCo - Kitchen Composter

Rotor will be connected to a rod at the bottom of the bucket.

The rod will be connected to the blades that will be constantly spinning and rotating to make sure food is cut evenly.

Summary:

An optimized automated electric kitchen-compost machine that is more affordable when compared to its competitors.

Reduction of food waste being landfilled, subsequent reduction of methane emissions.

Find more suitable ways to program the heating pads to our requirement needs.

Heating pads will be programmed to reach temperatures of 100°F so no food is burned,

A singular cycle will run between 7-8 hours

Need to reevaluate how the air filtration system will be implemented into product.

Conclusion:

The KiCo composter will serve as a more affordable alternative to current products on the market, providing access to food waste reduction for a wider consumer audience.

This product is geared toward people living in urban areas, who may not have access to means of composting in the typical outdoor setting.

This product aims to provide 80% volume reduction of food waste input, subsequently reducing landfill emissions.

Abstract: In light of the excessive food waste in landfills today, this project goal is to create an electric, table-top kitchen composter that is low in cost, odors, and noise levels. Additionally, this device will not require the addition of microbes, reducing maintenance costs over time. Waste reduction by volume aims for 80% and the output will be a beneficial and nutrient-rich fertilizer additive for plants. This is to be achieved through the work of environmental, electrical, and mechanical engineering students. Low product costs will be met by using materials like plastic and aluminum. Layered carbon filters will handle odor elimination and energy efficiency will be made possible by using the lowest possible temperature gradients and rpm values. This machine will be user-friendly and small enough to fit on a kitchen counter, making it highly convenient for any small household with passions for waste reduction or gardening.

Presenter(s): Daniela Morales Dardon, Abdullah Mobarki, Nasser Haidar

Sponsoring Department: Electrical & Mechanical Engineering

Project Mentor: Varun Kasaraneni

I had the great privilege and honor of both attending and facilitating the first few Metanoia retreats. My heart was truly changed, and community was built in this space. I continue to feel a deep connection with those who also attended Metanoia. It is hard to believe that there have been 20 Metanoia retreats. May the Gannon community continue to celebrate one another and deepen their faith with God.”

Lauren Baer (formerly Lauren Tatanus), Metanoia 1

“Relationship strengthening! After Metanoia I was able to strengthen my relationship with God, my peers & my girlfriend (now wife). It was a great reflective experience.”

Will Giles, Metanoia 1

“When I made Metanoia, I was at a pretty low point in my faith and only went on the retreat because all my friends were going. While I was there, I had a one-on-one conversation with a campus minister, about what a year of service after graduation could look like and how I could live my faith outside of the Church walls. We talked a lot about Christ in others and showing up where we least expected. "God moments" are a real thing and this casual conversation during my retreat has been a big one in my life. A year of service was not something I had considered previously but it ended up being a turning point in not only my faith but in my career path. I guess you could say that Metanoia changed my life!”

Beth Gaertner, Metanoia 2

“Importance of vulnerability, community and sharing your true feelings and thoughts. Exploring your own beliefs. Letting yourself be imperfect. Loving the

chance to learn more about my identity.”

Devin Williams, 12

Celebrating Metanoia’s 20th Milestone

This year Campus Ministry recognizes the milestone of Metanoia 20. The first retreat laid the foundation for this student-led, weekend-long, off-campus retreat where students encounter the unconditional love of God and love of others. Metanoia means “change of heart” and the focus of the weekend is that students are transformed by this love. This transformation not only occurs throughout the weekend, but also continues to impact students beyond the retreat. As we celebrate the successful completion of twenty transformative weekends, the Metanoia community continues to live out their change of heart and, by prayer and example, share their experience.

“Sharing the opportunity to open my heart and mind into the Metanoia retreat with my peers has not only allowed me to build relationships with others but build a better relationship with myself.”

Katie Dybowski, 13

Metanoia was the first time in my college experience where I felt that I could share my whole self with my peers. It was an environment of friendship, understanding, and overflowing love. I had such a sense of peace after I attended Metanoia 14 and found a home in the people that it brought me to.”

Grace Foster, 14

“Metanoia helped me realize how many other students were experiencing a similar faith journey as mine. It was such a wonderful experience being able to open up about my faith. I will always cherish those who I met during this retreat and who I led Metanoia with!”

Bridget Marks, 15

“I hoped to find clarity from my Metanoia experience. Although, I didn’t find clarity in exactly the way that I hoped, I found it in a way that helped me realize that I’m not as alone as I thought I was. Other people struggle too, often with the same things I struggle with. I’m grateful for this heart-opening experience!”

Chelsea Total, 16

Title: Metanoia: A Change of Heart 20 Retreats and Counting

"I consider Metanoia to be when I fully entered Gannon University. Half of my friends are from the weekend in which I participated. I'd recommend it to anybody at Gannon. It's the perfect time to share your story with others and to exchange kindness and appreciation. If you want to find lifelong friendship, it's absolutely worth the two days; I felt so happy afterwards. It was absolutely what I needed after transferring to Gannon.”

James Shewan, 17

“I decided to use one word to describe my Metanoia '18 experience.

"Transformative”. My Metanoia experience truly jumpstarted my journey to finding out who I really am as a person.”

Taré Standback, 18

"The change of heart that I experienced on Metanoia is that no matter what happens in life, no matter how down and out I am feeling, God never fails in reminding me that I am loved and accepted by Him and those closest to me."

Mike Liebler, 19

“Metanoia was a meaningful experience and changed my life in ways I was not expecting! God revealed Himself to me through the other people on the retreat and through His presence in the Eucharist. Because of this retreat, I will never forget how loved I am!”

Bailey Wheeler, 20

Abstract: This year Campus Ministry recognizes the milestone of Metanoia 20. The first retreat laid the foundation for multiple unique groups of students to share this student-led, weekend-long, off-campus retreat where they encounter the unconditional love of God and love of others. Metanoia means “change of heart” and the focus of the weekend is that students are transformed by this love. This transformation not only occurs throughout the weekend, but also continues to impact students beyond the retreat. As we celebrate the successful completion of twenty transformative weekends, the Metanoia community continues to live out their change of heart and, by prayer and example, share their experience. This collective witness continues to promote curiosity about Metanoia and encourage participation from new students each semester. Therefore, we move ahead with hope and confidence that the Metanoia retreat will reach more milestones as it continues to change hearts and transform lives.

Presenter(s): Grace Foster, Chelsea Total, Emily Muntean

Sponsoring Department: Campus Ministry

Project Mentor: Emily Muntean

Students commit to “Living the Fourth”, the call to carry on the graces received during the retreat and to maintain and strengthen the relationships and change of heart they experienced during Metanoia.

Introduction

In partnership with Gannon University s archivist, Lori Grossholz, Dr. Garskie’s Pursuits of English class worked in groups to create donation guidelines for the university archive. Archives serve those who seek access to evidence and history, often regarding a specific interest. Gannon University’s Archives reside in Nash Library with the purpose of reflecting Gannon University s century long history and the life of Knights including students, administrators, staff, and alumni. Overall, the archives itself helps strengthen Gannon University's identity and tell its story.

These guidelines we created are to aid in facilitating and outlining the steps for potential donations to the Gannon University Archives. To do this, our group consulted with both Lori, as well as scholarly research about archives and other examples of donation guidelines from schools (i.e. Taylor University, George Washington University, and Carnegie Mellon University). From these examples, we conducted genre analysis by analyzing the similarities and differences each set of guidelines contained, as well as why these similarities my occur.

Furthermore, our guidelines have been created with the purpose of spreading awareness of the Gannon University Archives to the community including all Knights from the past and present. Its rich and historic items have and continue to shine light on the life of the University. We hope to encourage the further use and support of the Gannon University Archives for the goal of capturing the lively community on Gannon University s campus for years to come.

Provenance

In order to accurately represent an artifact s history and significance, archivists collect and rely on provenance. Gaillet and Rose (2021), define provenance as “the record of ownership” of artifacts (p. 131). Furthermore, these records can establish relationships between what is included in donations and the Gannon University Archives as a whole, by asserting that the owner was once connected to Gannon, or by proving that the artifact was created for a Gannon event during a certain time period.

We included provenance into our guidelines by suggesting that donors understand where the artifact came from. Carnegie Mellon University (2023) provides a similar recommendation, asking for any donor input ranging from a list of contents to detailed descriptions.

Overall, provenance in the Gannon Archives fulfills the Archives’ Mission Statement by establishing the artifact s link to Gannon s history, aids Lori in the process of organization by author, topic of study, or Gannon department, and creates efficiency within the inventory process.

Old Times, New Guidelines: Donating to the Gannon Univer sity Ar chives

Gannon University Archives: Mission Statement

The primary purpose of the University Archives is to collect, select, arrange, and preserve material which provides evidence of the governance and administration of the University, its academic divisions, administrative units, and the life of the faculty and student body.

As the University does not have a records management program, there is no organized disposition of records into the Archives.

The Archives seeks to maintain a comprehensive record of University, student, and faculty publications. Books, clippings, and photographs that feature Gannon University, its faculty, staff, and its students are also collected. Carefully selected artifacts and memorabilia of Gannon and its students which relate to the life of the University and have significant display value, and which can be stored and preserved appropriately, are considered for the Archives.

Donating Artifacts to the Gannon Archives

Preparation and Documentation Suggested

First, we ask that all donated artifacts are brought to Lori in the order of which they were found in. The original order of materials can often help archivists envision the coherent organization of donated artifacts. Furthermore, we ask that no records be removed from material collections before donation.

Next, we would greatly appreciate the donor including a brief description of the item(s), by emailing our archivist, Lori Grossholz, or scheduling an in person meeting.

Please gather and prepare to share information regarding the artifact(s):

Previous lines of ownership ***

Dates regarding when the artifact was produced

Relationship to Gannon faculty, students, clubs, or alumni ***

Originating Gannon University department/subject of academic study (if applicable) ***

Possible damages

Examples of Collected Materials

Please keep all items in their original order as the value of records may be diminished if items are removed or if the

Legal Necessity

When donating, the transfer of ownership from the donor to the archives must be recorded to avoid any possible uncertainty of legal property rights, which a Deed of Gift can serve as evidence for. Ramsey, Sharer, & L Eplattenier (2010) describe a Deed of Gift as a legal release of the material to the archive” (p. 264). It is not only how materials come to the archives but what happens to them in the archives.

While the GU Archives do not remove artifacts often, Lori emphasized the desire to briefly mention future narrowing or getting rid of materials.

In examining the guidelines put forth by George Washington University (n.d.), we see the significance of having documents that clearly state the transfer of ownership in archival settings.

Focus and Artifact Organization

The Gannon University Archives mission is to concern itself with records regarding the University, its academic divisions, administrative units, and the life of the faculty and student body,” (Gannon University Archives Mission Statement), which allows the Gannon University Archives to maintain a cohesive focus, manageable archive size, and thoughtful intake requisites. Lori further relies on original order to maintain truthful representation of donated artifacts. Morris and Rose (2010) explain original order as the original creator s arrangement of the materials” that can reveal things about the person or organization that created and used the records” (p. 55). Therefore, it is important donors are made aware of keeping all items in their original order, so that value is preserved in the way the original owner intended it to be.

Title: Old Times, New Guidelines: Donating to the Gannon University Archives

Cadence Hoover, Annah Maphis, and Megan Poser

References

Carnegie Mellon University. (2023, March 9). Donating your materials to the Carnegie Mellon University Archives. https:// guides.library.cmu.edu/university-archives-donation-guide/donate Gaillet, L. L., & Rose, J. (2021). At work in the archives: Placebased Research and writing. In D. L. Driscoll, M. Heise, M. K. Stewart, & M. Vetter (Eds.), Writing spaces: Readings on wring (pp. 124-136). https://writingspaces.org/past-volumes/at-work-inthe-archives-place-based-research-and-writing/ George Washington University. (n.d.). GW libraries and academic innovation. https://giving.gwu.edu/priorities/libraries

Morris, S. L., & Rose, S. K. (2010). Invisible hands: Recognizing archivists' work to make records accessible. In A. E. Ramsey, W. B. Sharer, & B. L Eplattenier (Eds.), Working in the archives: Practical research methods for rhetoric and composition (pp. 5178). Southern Illinois University Press.

Ramsey, A. E., Sharer, W. B., & L Eplattenier, B. (2010). Working in the archives: Practical research methods for rhetoric and composition. Southern Illinois University Press Society of American Archivists. (n.d.). Notes on copyright, restrictions, and unprocessed collections. https:// www2.archivists.org/usingarchives/notesoncopyright

While making the decision of whether or not to donate an item, the material conditions of the items have to be considered.

According to Lori, it is difficult for the Gannon University Archives to accept items that require major additional upkeep needs. Although one of the archives rooms is humidity controlled, not all of them are and space in that area is limited. The item must be able to be stored efficiently using the current storage methods.

Furthermore, the Society of American Archivists (n.d.) notes, Poor storage methods may contribute to the rapid deterioration of materials” (para. 11). Thus, considering the limited space and understanding items in poor condition can deteriorate, our guidelines reflect the need to consider the quality of the item prior to donating.

Abstract: Located on the lowest floor of Nash Library, the Gannon University Archive is a collection of documents, artwork, memorabilia, and artifacts related to Gannon’s 100 year history. Our group has created a set of guidelines that will ensure a seamless intake process and aid in maintaining an easily usable archive. After conferencing with the Gannon archivist, Lori Grossholz, as well as conducting genre conventions by observing samples of donation guidelines from other universities such as Taylor University and Carnegie Mellon University, we have determined that guidelines are essential to helping the archivist and those who may utilize the archive by increasing accessibility and integrity of the artifacts. Because of this, we composed a set of donation guidelines that aim to preserve the historical value and representation of artifacts, record the legal transfer of ownership between the university and the donor, and provide suggestions for preparation before donation.

Presenter(s): Megan Poser, Cadence Hoover, Annah Maphis

Sponsoring Department: English Department

Project Mentor: Lauren Garskie

Abstract

Anal ysis of Cr yosur ger y in Lungs

Andrew Mottola12, Marshall Murray1,2, Dr. Saeed Tiari1 1Biomedical Engineering, 2Mechanical Engineering

Geometry Mesh

Further Steps

Due to the semi-circular tumor, the laser irradiance method was not needed.

This takes the level of complexity down due to the uniform spread of temperature readings throughout the area of the circle.

The cold temperature spread throughout would be the same leading to the procedure to approximate 100% of freezing necrosis to occur in the tumor with minimal freezing occurring in the lung tissue.

Since this did not require laser irradiance like assumed during the start of the experiment, the time taken to complete the cryosurgery can be seen much lower to finish the actual procedure.

Introduction

Methods

Title: Thermal/Numerical Analysis of Cryosurgery in Lungs

Results

The model took into consideration of the body heat and the tissues starting out at 37 deg C which slowed down the time for the freezing front to reach the outer edge of the tumor. Seen in the reference article, the time taken to reach the edge of the tumor occurred at 250 s where ours took the full 1000 s. Further steps could be taken to see why the articles time took substantially faster to reach the outer edge.

Other shapes of tumors could be looked into further since tumor cells are normally very erratic causing the shape of them to be not just circular or rectangular.. With the change in temperature through out the tumor being the same throughout, the temperature may be lowered or raised to see the effect of the time it would take to affect the whole circular tumor.

Other steps could be taken to see if the tumor was placed further inside the tissue and how this procedure would change.

References

Abstract: The original study done [1] will be investigated further. Cryosurgery using laser irradiance lessens damage on surrounding cells with a 0.5cm range. Making the size of the tumor double as well as the total lung tissue surrounding it. Cryosurgery simulations will be ran do see the capability of a laser irradiance technique during the freezing of the tumor tissue during surgery. In turn, this should allow the surrounding tissue to be safer and less of the tissue to be damaged during the surgeries. Without using the laser technique, the percent of healthy tissue damaged can be greater than or equal to 2.02% whereas with the technique less than 1.00%.

Original Study:[1] C. Barman, P. Rath, A. Bhattacharya, A Non-Fourier Bioheat Transfer Model for Cryosurgery of Tumor Tissue with Minimum Collateral Damage, Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, Volume 200, 2021, 105857, ISSN 0169-2607, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2020.105857. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169260720316904)

Presenter(s): Andrew Mottola, Marshall Murray

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering Department

Project Mentor: Saeed Tiari

[1] C. Barman, P. Rath, A. Bhattacharya, A NonFourier Bioheat Transfer Model for Cryosurgery of Tumor Tissue with Minimum Collateral Damage, Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, Volume 200, 2021, 105857, ISSN 0169-2607,https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2020.105857. (https:// www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S0169260720316904)

Abstract

The current teaching method of the thoracic screw manipulation technique to first-year Physical Therapy students here at Gannon University is to use a foam roller and a blood pressure cuff. However, a spine simulator device could be more efficient and helpful to practice the technique correctly compared to the current technique because of its lack of feedback. Anatomical and electrical components such as a 3D printed spine, a skin-like cover, LED lights and FSR sensors will be used to create a mannequin that will improve the learning curve of this manipulation and provide students with a more accurate, user friendly, and durable device. The ultimate goal is to make it available to multiple programs around the United States and private medical facilities to facilitate and improve the teaching experience of this manipulation.

Introduction

Spinal manipulation is a technique in which a medical practitioner applies a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine using their hands or a device [1]. One of several non-drug methods that can be used to treat both acute and chronic low back pain is spinal manipulation. Function refers to how low back pain impacts a person's ability to walk, stand, sleep, and perform household chores [2]. Spinal manipulation is linked to frequent, minor, and temporary side effects as well as major problems that might result in death or permanent disability [3].

Aim: This prototype's goal is to assist first-year Physical Therapy Gannon students in improving their technique when learning the back manipulation methods.

T hor acic Screw Manipulation Technique Simulator

Materials

3D Spine– Resin (Figure 6)

Flexibility of spine– Rubber Bands

Sensors– Flex Sensors

LED Lights– Arduino LED Lights

Timer– Not to be used

Muscle– Foam

Skin– Silicon Rubber

Base of structure– Wooden base (Figure 3)

Current Method

At Gannon - use of a foam roller and an inflated blood pressure cuff to simulate the spine and perform the manipulation. The current technique has not received good feedback from the students since it is not the most realistic or accurate one. They are not able to really visualize what they are doing and can t really get any feedback from it, making the learning process harder and more challenging for the students.

Title: Thoracic Screw Manipulation Technique Simulator

Expected Outcomes

The final design of the simulator should improve the learning curve of the way thoracic spinal manipulation is taught in the PT Department.

The design will return to its original shape each time the simulation is done.

The flex sensors will be pressure sensitive to each student when performing the simulation and will provide active feedback of whether or not the preload is being released during the simulation.

References

[1]Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know. (n.d.). NCCIH.https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/spinal-manipulation -what-you-need-to-know [2]Coulter, I. D., Crawford, C., Hurwitz, E. L., Vernon, H., Khorsan, R., Suttorp Booth, M., & Herman, P. M. (2018). Manipulation and mobilization for treating chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Spine Journal, 18(5), 866–879. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.spinee.2018.01.013 [3] Ernst, E. (2007). Adverse effects of spinal manipulation: a systematic review. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 100(7), 330–338. https://doi.org/10.1258/ jrsm.100.7.330

Abstract: The current teaching method of thoracic spine manipulation technique to first-year Physical Therapy students here at Gannon University is to use a foam roller and blood pressure cuff. However, the teaching model is not effective, as students can not get feedback on the pressure applied. In the design, we are providing an integrated spine simulator device with active feedback allowing for more efficient and helpful practice for the manipulation technique. The design consists of anatomical and electrical components, including a 3D printed spine, a skin-like cover, LED lights and FSR sensors. The design is packed into a mannequin that will improve the learning curve of this manipulation and provide students with a more accurate, user friendly, and durable manipulation solution. It is expected this mannequin design could be potentially used for multiple programs around the United States and private medical facilities to facilitate and improve teaching experiences of this manipulation.

Presenter(s): Andrew Mottola, Marshall Murray, Maria Arenas, Ranuki Hettiarachchige

Sponsoring Department: Engineering Department

Project Mentor: Ikechukwu Ohu

Figure 2. Potential materials that were taken into consideration

Figure 1. Representation of a spinal manipulation

Figure 4. Blood Pressure Cuff (left) and Foam Roller (right) which are the current objects used at Gannon

Andrew Mottola1,2, Maria Arenas1, Marshall Murray1,2, Onara Hettiarachchige1 Biomedical Engineering Department 1,Mechanical Engineering Department2 , Gannon University, Erie, PA

of Prototype Design

We Have an Archive! Guidelines for Archival Donations

Gannon's Archives Donation Guidelines Introduction

Over the course of the Spring 2023 semester, Dr. Lauren Garskie's Pursuits of English class (ENGL 200) was tasked with creating donation and transfer guidelines for the Gannon University (GU) Archives. In conjunction with the GU Archivist, Lori Grossholz, our group has created a guideline that not only suits the needs of the GU Community but maintains the GU Archives and implements formal guidelines that will aid the donation process by informing the donor as to whether their artifact is eligible. The method to create these guidelines was consulting research on archives, genre analysis of a variety of guidelines, and discussion with Lori Grossholz.

Title: We Have an Archive! Guidelines for Archival Donations

Abrams

Luke B. Bratton

Dale Hyland

Jillian Wells

GU Archives Identity Justifications

Mission Statement: The Mission Statement and introductory materials were requested to be placed first by the GU archivist.

Archives Collects and Does Not Collect: Based on the definition of an archive by Gaillet and Rose, the archive should be a “[collection] of materials related to a person, family, or organization that have continuous social and cultural value” (2022, p. 125). Knowing this and comparing Cornell University’s guidelines (2023, para. 14) and Franciscan University’s guidelines (2023, paras. 2, 6), we concluded that the GU Archive should collect materials related to Gannon University and its faculty, staff, and students; any materials that do not fall under these categories or are damaged will not be collected due to space being limited.

GU Archives Policy Justifications

• Duplicates: The section concerning the acceptance of duplicates is based on the recommendations of the GU Archivist. In certain circumstances duplicates may be beneficial, but the decision lies solely with the archivist.

• Donation Steps: The steps listed for donating to the GU Archives were created in conjunction with the recommendations and preferences of the GU archivist, along with research completed by Morris and Rose.

o The information one should have prepared when donating is based upon: the archivist's preferences; the importance of provenance, “the chain of custody of the materials" from creation to coming to the archives (Morris & Rose, 2009, p. 54); and the importance of “’original order,’ which refers to the original creator’s arrangement of the materials” (Morris & Rose, 2009, p. 55). Knowing this background information, if possible, will help the GU archivist in documenting an accurate history of the artifact and allow for its ideal usage.

o The information given about provenance and original order is important to the GU archivist as it helps her fill out a “text document providing a description of the contents of a collection” (Schmidt, 2016, para. 19), called a finding aid. Finding aids are then used by researchers to further their understanding of collections in the archives and determine what will be useful to them (Schmidt, 2016, para. 19).

References

Cornell University Library. (2023). Collecting policies Cornell University Library. Retrieved February 21, 2023, from https://rare.library.cornell.edu/collectingpolicies Franciscan University Library. (2023). Archive policies and procedures. Franciscan University Library. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://library.franciscan.edu/policies-and procedures/ Gaillet, L. L., & Rose, J. (2022). At work in the archives: Place-based research and writing. In D. Driscoll, M. Heise, M. Stewart, & M. Vetter (Eds.), Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing (Vol. 4). https://writingspaces.org/past-volumes/at-work-in-the-archives-place-based-research-and-writing/ High Point University Libraries. (2021). University archives collection policies High Point University. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.highpoint.edu/library/files/2022/07/Archive s-Policy-2021.pdf Morris, S. L., & Rose, S. K. (2009). Invisible Hands: Recognizing archivists’ work to make records accessible. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/lib_research/115/ Schmidt, L. (2016, March 26). Using archives: A guide to effective research Society of American Archivists. https://www2.archivists.org/usingarchives/findingandevaluating

Abstract: This poster—in collaboration with Gannon University Archivist Lori Grossholz—researched the current submission guidelines of the Gannon Archives and proposed more comprehensive guidelines upon consultation of other university guidelines, various historical society guidelines, and multiple academic sources on the history and purpose of archives. The donation guidelines will maintain the integrity of the archives and will assist the GU community in their donation and search for artifacts. These guidelines create a structured, organized, and dependable method for entering potential artifacts into the Gannon Archives. With the creation of these archival donation guidelines, the GU community will be better informed of the archive’s purpose, donation policy, and the many ways it can serve students, faculty, and alumni.

Presenter(s): Jada Abrams, Dale Hyland, Luke Bratton, Jillian Wells

Sponsoring Department: English

Project Mentor: Lauren Garskie

Jada

Problem Statement

Social media in today s world has outgrown its original use. What was once a simple way to connect and share moments with friends has turned into something completely different. Think of Facebook. Originally, Facebook was built to connect friends and help bring people closer together. Today, it is a bloated and controversygenerating machine.. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and essentially every other major social media application have shifted away from enhancing friendships and towards content creation, ad generation, and social branding. People do not log onto these apps to see what their friends are up to. They log on to these apps to be entertained, to get news, new trends, and the latest TikTok's. That original connect with your friends” aspect has completely disappeared.

What Makes Us Different?

Babalaas focuses on real-life, intimate connections made between friends and loved ones. Unlike other prevalent social media applications, Babalaas does not focus or promote self-branding, content creation, or data harvesting, and it does not have a friend/follower count.

Babalaas: An Intimate Social Media Application

Abstract

Babalaas is a project that aims to create an intimate social media application. The application will focus on connecting people in small, close-knit communities and fostering meaningful interactions among its users. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Babalaas is intended to avoid the self-branding aspect of todays social media giants. It will feature a user-friendly interface, security controls, and a variety of tools to facilitate communication and sharing of content. The goal of Babalaas is to provide a safe and supportive space for people to connect with their loved ones, share memories, and build lasting relationships.

System Architecture Design

Derrick Reid

Gino Jordano

User Interface Design

Social media today is flooded with influencers,” ads, marketing campaigns, and political propaganda. Babalaas is determined to bring back the original focus of social media: connecting people and bringing friends closer together.

By enabling close friends to connect, be vulnerable, share experiences, and avoid the overwhelming content of other contemporary social media applications, Babalaas will bring friends and loved ones closer, no matter where they are.

Password Storage and Encryption

The 3 basic rules for keeping credentials secure:

1. NEVER store passwords as plain text.

2. ALWAYS use random salt for password encryption.

3. DO NOT roll your own crypto.

By utilizing the PostgreSQL module pgcrypto and adhering to the guidelines above, we can ensure user security.

From www.postgresql.org:

The pgcrypto module provides cryptographic functions for PostgreSQL.

This module is considered trusted;” that is, it can be installed by non-superusers who have CREATE privilege on the current database. pgcrypto requires OpenSSL and won't be installed if OpenSSL support was not selected when PostgreSQL was built.

Title: Babalaas - An Intimate Social Media Application

Utilizing MTMT, we were able to diagram and map out our system infrastructure and test for vulnerabilities and weak points. MTMT gives detailed descriptions of vulnerabilities, how an adversary could take advantage of them, and remediation suggestions on

Team Members

Sean Hart: Dual Computer Science and Software Engineering

Areas of Focus: App Development, UI Design, User Experience

Jared Heidt: Dual Computer Science and Software Engineering

Areas of Focus: System Architecture, Database Design, Backend Development

Gino Jordano: Cybersecurity

Areas of Focus: Microsoft Threat Modeling, Penetration

Testing, Application Security

Derrick Reid: Computer Science

Areas of Focus: Application Development, UI Design Mentor and Department Chair

Md Tajmilur Rahman, PhD

Role: Babalaas Team Mentor

Assistant Professor, Software Engineering

Assistant Professor, Computer & Information Science

Mei-Huei Tang, PhD

Role: Senior Design Professor Professor, Software Engineering

Chairperson, Computer & Information Science Coordinator, SEID Programs, Software Engineering

Abstract: Babalaas is a project that aims to create an intimate social media application. The application will focus on connecting people in small, close-knit communities and fostering meaningful interactions among its users. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Babalaas is intended to avoid the “self-branding” aspect of todays social media outlets. It will feature a user-friendly interface, security controls, and a variety of tools to facilitate communication and sharing of content. The goal of Babalaas is to provide a safe and supportive space for people to connect with their loved ones, share memories, and build lasting relationships.

Presenter(s): Jared Heidt, Sean Hart, Gino Jordano, Derrick Reid

Sponsoring Department: Department of Computer and Information Science

Project Mentor: MD Tajmilur Rahman

Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool

ERIE UNDERGRADUATE FINE ARTS POSTER PRESENTATION

Title: Anxiety

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Kyla Miller

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Back to the Future

Abstract: Fauxster Raster

Presenter(s): Madison Maurice

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Blue

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Tim Taylor

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Abstract: Fauxster Raster

Presenter(s): Amy Breitfeld

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Abstract: Fauxster Raster

Presenter(s): Daniela Corado-Cruz

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Caddy Shack

Abstract: Fauxster Raster

Presenter(s): Mario Bruni

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Death Sticks

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Tom Swick

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Drowning

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Isabella Sumney

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Fire

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Anthony Nunez

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Hold you Back

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Dan O’Brien

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: La La Land

Abstract: Fauxster Raster

Presenter(s): Isabella Sumney

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Little Women

Abstract: Fauxster Raster

Presenter(s): Natalya Natalya

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Mask-ulinity

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Jason Lawrence

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Pain Scale

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Noah Laughner

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Pieces

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Madeline Emerson

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Shawshank Redemption

Abstract: Fauxster Raster

Presenter(s): Tom Swick

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

Title: Storm

Abstract: Social Issues Vector

Presenter(s): Mario Bruni

Sponsoring Department: Digital Media

Project Mentor: MC Gensheimer

ERIE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP POSTER PRESENTATION

A Computational Study of the Interaction of the Hydroperoxy Free Radical with Selected Antioxidant Compounds via Transition State Modeling

Jacob Hollo, Nour Masri and Tim M. Laher, Ph.D. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Gannon University, Erie, PA 16541

Abstract

This project represents a computational study of the energetics of the reaction of potential harmful free radicals such as the hydroperoxy free radical with selected compounds found in natural products. It is widely held that such antioxidants provide beneficial protection against DNA damage caused by free radical intermediates. In the current project the energetics to the reaction of the hydroperoxy free radical, including a full transition state analysis, have been evaluated for three potential antioxidant compounds: quercetin, naringenin and kaempferol. On the basis of the studies done, it appears that the phenolic hydroxy group on carbon 12 in the general structure that these compounds share in common is the key functional group capable of intercepting free radicals. It also appears that certain other nearby structure features can influence the effectiveness of that hydroxy group s ability to successfully intercept the hydroperoxy free radical species.

This study represents a computational investigation into the thermodynamics of potential antioxidant moieties with free radical reactant species employing quantum mechanical calculations. Polyphenolic compounds have previously been shown to be effective in preventing unwanted damage by free radical species to important physiological compounds such as nucleic acids, proteins, and unsaturated lipids.1 However, what is not well understood is which hydroxyl group of the polyphenolic structure is most likely to be involved in this mechan sm 2

C 12 abstraction for the three compounds studied follows the observed physiological antioxidant activity in typical QSAR studies (i.e., quercetin being a good antioxidant, naringenin showing some antioxidant behavior and kaempferol being nearly inert).3 The spin density maps show a visualization of how the unpaired electrons are delocalized in the compounds quercetin, naringenin, and kaempferol. Areas with an intense blue color are where the unpaired electrons are most likely to be found. Delocalization of spin density allows a given structure to be more stable. When comparing all peroxy free radical products the images above are clearly indicating that the peroxy free radical on carbon 12 will provide the greatest stabilization versus all of the other oxy free radical products that can form. Furthermore, quercetin can have a product with a oxy free radical on carbon 13. Carbon 13 demonstrated to have a similar behavior as the carbon 12 oxy free radical product in which unpaired electrons will be distributed throughout the molecule; however, delocalization of carbon 13 is not nearly as delocalized on the fused ring portion as the carbon 12 product. These results indicate an area of focus for each of the potential antioxidants by closely observing the benzene ring attached on the fused ring.

hollo001@gannon.edu bader002@gannon.edu

The Spartan 20 computational software package (Wavefunction Inc.) was used to calculate the energies and geometries of the reactant antioxidants and hydroperoxy free radical and the resulting products of each antioxidant reacting hydro-peroxy free radical. Equilibrium and transition state geometries were optimized for reactants, products and all possible transition states for the structures in this study by employing the DFT ωB97X-D 6-31G** algorithm using a vibrational calculation to obtain thermodynamic data. Also, verification of transition geometries were done via calculation of the IR spectra.

Both overall energy of reaction and forward activation energies obtained in this study were found to be predictive of antioxidant behavior for the compounds studied. The mechanism of hydrogen abstraction observed in this study is consistent with previous studies involving free radical reactions with phenolic substrates.4 It is proposed that an understanding of the structure (both electronic and steric in nature) at the C12 position of quercetin-like compounds can be a useful tool in prediction of antioxidant behavior of these compounds.

While the rather tedious and lengthy calculations of transition state energies was found to be useful for observing the finer detail of relative rates of reaction of these compounds with free radicals, overall trends in product energies might prove to be a more useful screening tool for the development of synthetic antioxidant compounds. Future proposed studies should include evaluation of calculated visual means to identify potential antioxdant compounds employing spin dens ty mapp ng etc

Title: A Computational Study of the Interaction of the Hydroperoxy Free Radical with Selected Antioxidant Compounds via Transition State Modeling

Abstract: This project represents a computational study of the energetics of the reaction of potential harmful free radicals such as the hydroperoxy free radical with selected compounds found in natural products. It is widely held that such antioxidants provide beneficial protection against DNA damage caused by free radical intermediates. In the current project the energetics to the reaction of the hydroperoxy free radical, including a full transition state analysis, have been evaluated for three potential antioxidant compounds: quercetin, naringenin and kaempferol. On the basis of the studies done, it appears that the phenolic hydroxy group on carbon 12 in the general structure that these compounds share in common is the key functional group capable of intercepting free radicals. It also appears that certain other nearby structure features can influence the effectiveness of that hydroxy group’s ability to successfully intercept the hydroperoxy free radical species.

Presenter(s): Jacob Hollo, Nour Masri

Sponsoring Department: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Project Mentor: Tim Laher

Abstract

Infectious agents underly the cause of approximately 15% of all cancers The majority of these infectious agents are viruses, and few vaccines exist for such oncoviruses In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes Virus (KSHV) within the adult population exceeds 90% KSHV, also known as Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8) is an infection that often involves growth abnormalities Notably, children in these regions harbor KSHV at early ages primarily via contact and salivary transmission We analyzed the HHV-8 proteome to search for likely immunogens for a prophylactic vaccine design Our bioinformatics workflow consisted of NCBI Virus, NCBI Assembly, NCBI Protein, NIAID TepiTool and UniProt resources We narrowed our humoral immunogen candidates to ten targets For these we then identified conserved regions that might either serve 1) as neutralizing-antibody targets or 2) as suitable regions for MHC-II display systems to activate Th2 responses

Cancer Agents

HHV-8 Associated Diseases

HHV-8 is known to be the etiology of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL), and Castleman Disease (CD) KS affects middle eastern and sub-Saharan Africa populations, men who have sex with men (MSM), and organ transplant recipients PEL affects immunocompromised populations CD is a lymphoproliferative disorder

HHV-8 Epidemiology in Africa

Predicted Immunogenicity Panels

Adapted from 2018

Bioinformatics Pipeline

Geographically, prevalence of Kapsoi Sarcoma varies widely KS has a high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa In some populations, the seroprevalence exceeds 90% The reasons for variation are not fully understood, but there is some evidence that environmental factors, such as co-​infection with malaria and other parasitic infections may increase transmission rates It is also possible that cultural practices of saliva sharing such as the premastication of food for infants, candy sharing among children and the sharing of toothbrushes increases childhood transmission

Neutralization Targets: The Virion of HHV-8 TepiTool: ORF64 is a Priority Immunogen

Structural protein targets of the HHV-8 virion were identified by analyzing the location of the protein and the abundance of prior data A prophylactic vaccine targets structural proteins that are on the virion and displayed by MHC-II complexes These targets have also been found to be evidential and not predicted based on Uniprot regulations Our targets are the gL gH complex, gM/gN cmplex K2

(2022).

References

Title: A Prophylactic Vaccine Design Leveraging Humoral Responses to Mitigate Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8) Infection

Abstract: Infectious agents underly the cause of approximately 15% of all cancers. The majority of these infectious agents are viruses, and few vaccines exist for such oncoviruses. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes Virus (KSHV) within the adult population exceeds 90%. KSHV, also known as Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8) is an infection that often involves growth abnormalities. Notably, children in these regions harbor KSHV at early ages primarily via contact and salivary transmission. We analyzed the HHV-8 proteome to search for likely immunogens for a prophylactic vaccine design. Our bioinformatics workflow consisted of NCBI Virus, NCBI Assembly, NCBI Protein, NIAID TepiTool, and UniProt resources. We narrowed our humoral immunogen candidates to ten targets. For these we then identified conserved regions that might either serve 1) as neutralizing-antibody targets or 2) as suitable regions for MHC-II display systems to activate Th2 responses.

Presenter(s): Jenna Sins, John Vieira, Rabab Alamairy, Hayden Drivers, Ira Esperance

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8 Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes Virus or KSHV) is responsible for 2% or 44 000 new cancer cases globally; there are no existing vaccines for HHV-8 infection Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is an illness with malignancies to the skin or surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract and is often a complication of HIV/AIDS patients Transmission of HHV-8 in the developed world occurs through men who have sex with men (MSM) or via organ transplantation KSHV includes non-structural proteins (NSPs) that remain in host cells that drive viral replication and thus the viral lifecycle Utilizing bioinformatics data portals, we datamined the proteome of KSHV in search of a candidate that might drive a cellmediated response Our search yields 18 candidates which we assess with MHC-I peptide affinities that encompass 99% of the MHC-I alleles in the global population

Infectious Agents can Cause Cancer

Figure 1 Data extracted from Plummer et al (2016) which demonstrates the number of cancers that are due to infectious agents, such as Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) Infectious agents in total drive roughly 15% of all cancer cases Of the cancers caused by infectious agents, the vast majority are caused by three microbial agents, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the bacterial pathogen, Helicobacter pylori KSHV is also known as Human Herpes Virus (HHV-8), and no existing vaccine protects against virus itself or the subsequent ailments caused by the virus’ presence to the host physiology

Epidemiology of HHV-8 (KSHV) Kaposi Sarcoma

Figure 2 HHV-8 is the etiological agent for cancers such as Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL), and also lymphoproliferative disorders such as Castleman Disease (CD)

HHV-8 exhibits a broad viral tropism, capable of infecting numerous cells like epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, monocytes, and also lymphocytes In CD, inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 are up-regulated

Figure 5 Human Herpesvirus 8 lifecycle once inside the host via endocytosis Once it enters the cell, it will go through a series of uncoating and binding to the capsid, where the viral DNA from the KSHV virion will enter the capsid and ultimately reach the host chromosome From there, LANA-1 which is a multifunctional protein, will aid in attachment of the viral DNA and ultimately play a role in the replication and long-term persistence of the viral episome genome in dividing cells Adapted from Cesarman et al 2019

Title: A Viral Vaccine Design Leveraging Cell-Mediated Responses to Mitigate Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8) Infection

Abstract: Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8, Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes Virus or KSHV) is responsible for ~2% or 44,000 new cancer cases globally; there are no existing vaccines for HHV-8 infection. Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is an illness with malignancies to the skin or surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract and is often a complication of HIV/AIDS patients. Transmission of HHV-8 in the developed world occurs through men who have sex with men (MSM) or via organ transplantation. KSHV includes non-structural proteins (NSPs) that remain in host cells that drive viral replication and thus the viral lifecycle. Utilizing bioinformatics data portals, we datamined the proteome of KSHV in search of a candidate that might drive a cell-mediated response. Our search yields 18 candidates which we assess with MHC-I peptide affinities that encompass 99% of the MHC-I alleles in the global population. We then computationally design mRNA vaccines that is optimized for MHC-I allele restriction.

Presenter(s): John Vieira, Jenna Sins, Rabab Alamairy, Hayden Divers, Ira Esperance

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

The map above is a zoomed in area of Allegheny County of Pittsburgh. The data displayed is specifically showing the areas of poverty. As the color gets darker, that specific neighborhood is filled with more people below the poverty line.

The map below then takes the data in the top graph and advances it into optimized hot and cold spots. As you can see there are three areas that are hot and one that is cold. The hot spots are showing that the entire area is below the poverty line. The cold zone is showing that there is not much poverty within that area. This mainly groups the poverty data from above into a easier to map groups.

Accessibility of Health Care Provider s in Low Income

Neighborhoods in Pittsbur gh

Kyle Wolf

wolf029@gannon.edu

Abstract: Previous study (Poverty and Health 2019) suggests that people s lack of access to healthcare in low-income neighborhoods results in unhealthy behaviors. This research examines the accessibility of healthcare facilities (HCF) in lower income neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Spatial data of health care providers has been collected and mapped. Poverty data from the US Census has been gathered and map to identify the low-income neighborhoods. Using GIS, the research analyzes the spatial relationship between access to health care and poverty. The research suggests that low-income neighborhoods in Pittsburgh are demanding more accessible healthcare facilities.

Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a large amount of densely populated areas that do not have hospitals within walking distance. The rings I displayed are only a mile long and if you were to double the distance the hospitals would be accessible to most of the poverty neighborhoods, but if you look at the first map that map still shows that most of Allegheny County is filled with poverty. There is only one area that is a cold zone in the whole country. Having hospitals accessible to all is very important. This information would be very important to organizations like UPMC and Allegheny Health Network, due to the fact that they are two of the largest hospitals in the Pittsburgh area and they compete in all categories of health care.

Advisor: Dr. Chris Magno

The map above is a zoomed in area of Allegheny County of Pittsburgh. This map is here to display the accessibility of these hospitals. As you can see there are three circles around each hospital. Those are radius circles displaying different distances. The legend shows you that green is .25 miles, pink is .5 miles, and blue is 1 mile. This is showing how far of a walk these hospitals are for the people who live in Pittsburgh. This is important to the project because this data shows locations covered by hospitals and how much area is missed.

Title: Accessibility of Health Care Providers in Low Income Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh

Abstract: Previous studies suggest a lack of access to resources like healthcare in areas that the federal poverty is expressed as an annual pretax income level. Living in areas of poverty increases your odds of having a lack of resources that are used to avoid adopting unhealthy risks and behaviors. (Poverty and Health 2019) Using GIS and Pittsburgh’s mapping and poverty data in 2021, I will examine relationships between healthcare accessibility and low-income neighborhoods. Not only will this show all the hospitals in the area, but they will be overlapping on top of the areas of poverty in Pittsburgh.

Presenter(s): Kyle Wolf

Sponsoring Department: Health Sciences

Project Mentor: Christopher Magno

Abstract

How do countries recover from widespread suffering caused by anything from natural disasters to war? Part of the answer should be simple, foreign aid from other countries, religious organizations, and nonprofits. Though these results are not nearly as black and white as many may believe. While aid can be beneficial, there are points where aid becomes detrimental to the country’s individual growth. Defined as the flow of funds or other assistance from a donor country or organization to a developing or traditional country foreign aid can have immediate and favorable outcomes when controlled. The goal of aid is to provide a stable economic, social, and political situation within the recipient country. Throughout this research, it has been determined that the level of aid a recipient country gains must be compared to the country’s ability to establish a separate and stable economic, social, or political environment without the use of aid.

Different Types of Foreign Aid

Tied Aid : aid that is invested into goods and services from a country

Bilateral Aid: aid given from one government to the other

Multilateral Aid: aid given from one country to agencies in another Military Aid : aid sent to support countries in defensive or offensive actions in their country

Project Aid : aid given from one organization to fund a specific task (CFI, 2022)

Advantages and Disadvantages: The Effects of Foreign Aid

Advantages of Foreign Aid

There are many advantages to foreign aid for both the providing country and the one being benefitted. In addition to fostering stability, promoting economic growth and reducing poverty, foreign assistance can help when it comes to politics and trade.

Choosing to help other countries in need could also provide much needed independence. By helping to develop a strong network of basic education, better infrastructure, and a physically healthier population concomitant with a thriving economy and improved access to global markets, the belief is that development aid can help countries become more independent.

Disadvantage of Foreign Aid

Contrary to popular belief, there certainly are down sides to proving foreign aid, and wrong ways to do so.

• It is true that some portions of foreign aid do get lost if siphoned off by corrupt local officials, even if many organizations have worked tirelessly to develop a way around this. Nonetheless, it remains true that some foreign aid is either misdirected, lost, or wasted due to a combination of incompetence and corruption on the part of local officials.

• There is also the added fact that many countries become dependent on foreign aid and lose the ability to provide for themselves and keep a flowing economy.

Lastly, foreign aid can also be argued to just be another form of colonialism. Also known as ‘soft power’ projections, it is easy to see how a donor country could give foreign aid with one hand and then ask for military or business favors with the other.

Jillian Wells & Goshuami Valoy

Results

As the project has progressed, the need for more financial literacy when providing aid to foreign countries has become more apparent. The advantages of providing aid come from the positive effects such as modernization, economic stability, and the bolstering of a country's independence.

Disadvantages of foreign aid include but are not limited to the misuse of funds provided, aid dependence, and the projection of colonizing ideas. This balance of assets and liabilities when granting aid should be more fully explored, before action is taken. A country's stability before, after, and while using aid must be consistently studied to expand future understanding in how much aid to send and when to send aid.

References

CFI Team, (2022, December 5). Foreign aid Corporate Finance Institute. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/economics/foreign-aid/ Kamguia, B., Tadadjeu S., Miamo C., & Njangang H. (2022). Does foreign aid impede economic complexity in developing countries? International Economics 169, 71–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inteco.2021.10.004 Wells, J. (2017, January 31).

Title: Advantages and Disadvantages: The Effects of Foreign Aid

Abstract: How do countries recover from widespread suffering caused by anything from natural disasters to war? Part of the answer should be simple, foreign aid from other countries, religious organizations, and nonprofits. Though these results are not nearly as black and white as many may believe. While aid can be beneficial, there are points where aid becomes detrimental to the country’s individual growth. Defined as the flow of funds or other assistance from a donor country or organization to a developing or traditional country foreign aid can have immediate and favorable outcomes when controlled. The goal of aid is to provide a stable economic, social, and political situation within the recipient country. Throughout this research, it has been determined that the level of aid a recipient country gains must be compared to the country’s ability to establish a separate and stable economic, social, or political environment without the use of aid.

Presenter(s): Wells Jillian, Goshuami Valoy

Sponsoring Department: McNair

Project Mentor: MD Tajmilur Rahman

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurogenerative disease characterized by memory impairment, changes in personality, and even cognitive decline Within the United States alone, an estimated 6 2 million people aged 65 are living with AD This number is expected to rise to 12 7 million by the year 2050 Moreover, AD is not exclusive to certain races as it affects all races and ethnicities, however, some research suggests that African Americans and Hispanics are more at risk to develop Alzheimer's Furthermore, AD has had a very large impact on the health system in the United States According to the Alzheimer's Association (2021), the cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease in the United States is substantial In 2021 the total cost of care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias is estimated to be $355 billion AD is a multifactorial disease and exact causes of AD are still eluding the scientific community Among various AD risk factors such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, age, gender, genetic makeup, the lifestyle, and dietary habits seems to be the most alterable risk factors Researchers have identified the abundance of beta amyloid proteins in the brains of patients with AD posthumously This research is in initial stages and our intention is to study the effects of dietary components such as refined sugars, fats, and turmeric on the uptake and/or production of beta amyloid proteins by/in the neuronal cells and we will present on the molecular basis of AD, its prevalence, and current treatment options

Alzheimer' s is a neurological disease that is progressive within the brain of its patients. The disease has been known to cause symptoms including impairment of memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults and currently has no cure. However, there are medications and treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer's. In addition to medications, there are also non-pharmacological treatments available, such as lifestyle interventions and cognitive and behavioral therapies. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and available treatments for Alzheimer's disease is important for patients and family members of individuals with this progressive disease. The diagram below displays the demographics of the disease. This information was collected in 2019 by the World Health organization.

Alzheimer's Disease and the Effects of Turmeric and Omega- 3 fatty acids

From the data collect, there are no current cures for Alzheimer's disease, however, there are many treatment factors that could aid with the symptoms of the disease. Many of these treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and even support from caregivers. Furthermore, the use of medication can aid in many different aspects of AD. For example, using Cholinesterase inhibitors like rivastigmine and galantamine can help improve some individuals' memory. In addition, lifestyle changes can also aid in dealing with symptoms of AD. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthy diet can help maintain cognitive function and improve the mood and emotions of Alzheimer's patients. Furthermore, the use of caretakers can allow individuals with Alzheimer's to receive physical help with demanding tasks along with emotional support when family members are not able to be present.

inhibitors

Alzheimer's is a disease that is commonly associated with old age and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States (Kumar A, et al. 1). The disease is complex and can be triggered by various factors, including demographics, race, and lifestyle. Studies show that women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to men, with almost two-thirds of AD cases being women. This may be due to genetic factors and the use of estrogen (Kumar A, et al. 2022).

Lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and smoking can also affect the rate of Alzheimer's. Studies show that smoking for more than 20 years increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's, especially in males. Additionally, tobacco industry affiliation is related to the direction and magnitude of smoking as a risk factor for AD (Durazzo, et al. 2014).

Race and ethnicity also play a part in the development of Alzheimer's. Black participants had 35% lower odds of having Alzheimer's or dementia at the initial visit relative to white participants (Lennon, et al. 2021). This could be due to social attitudes and beliefs within the black community, resulting in patients not seeking medical attention until the late stages of these diseases.

Genetic factors cannot be changed and are a significant component of Alzheimer's disease. The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is one of the most well-known genetic risks concerning AD. Studies have shown that individuals with at least one copy of the APOE E4 variant have a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those that do not (Mahley, R., et al. 2012). The E4 variant of the APOE gene can influence how amyloid proteins accumulate in the brain, leading to the development of AD. Additionally, the APOE4 variant may influence the inflammation and the immune response in the brain, which then contributes to the development of Alzheimer's.

1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. https://www.alz.org/alzhei mers-dementia/factsfigures

fragments. These fragments escape the secretory pathway and enter the cytosol, where they cause mitochondrial dysfunction and cytoskeletal alterations, enhance tau phosphorylation, and form NFT-like

Title: Alzheimer’s Disease and the Effects of Turmeric and Omega- 3 Fatty Acids

Along with these forms of treatment, the use of certain dietary supplements has been known to aid in the prevention of AD. For example, many scientists believe that the use of omega-3 can provide some protection against neurological diseases like AD. One reason for this forming of thinking is the fact that omega-3s contain antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, furthermore one of the major effects of AD is the inflammation and oxidative stress that is put on the body, thus omega-3 fatty acids work to counteract these processes(Dyall, et.al. 2021). Another function of omega-3 fatty acids that makes them effective against Alzheimer disease is their role within neuronal membranes. Likewise, Omega-3 fatty acids work to improve synaptic plasticity which results in reduced neuronal damage and death. Although these functions of omega-3 fatty acids can aid in dealing with the symptoms of Alzheimer's, they do not combat the many issues with AD which is the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins. Another supplement that many scientists believe can aid in the fight against AD is turmeric Turmeric is a traditional spice from Southeast Asia that has been used as a form of medicine for centuries Research shows that there is a significant amount of people in India who do not have AD compared to the rest of the world The prevalence of AD in dia is 4 4 times less than in the United States Furthermore, it is found that people who consumed curry for more than a month performed better on cognitive function on the MMSE compared to those that did not Many scientists believe Curcumin, an active component of turmeric is the reason for this Thus many people believe Curcumin can aid in the prevention of Alzheimer's because of its antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties Because of these qualities, scientists believe that turmeric can work as an active aid against Alzheimer's, however, more human research is required in which to fully understand the potential benefits of turmeric

Authors thank Dr. Russ Minton, Chair of the Biology Department and Dr. Sarah

Dean

MCHPS, Gannon University for their support and encouragement.

.2021; https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12509 Mahley, R. W., & Huang, Y. (2012). Apolipoprotein E sets the stage: response to injury triggers neuropathology. Neuron, 76(5) 871-885. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4891195/

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurogenerative disease characterized by memory impairment, changes in personality, and even cognitive decline. Within the United States alone, an estimated 6.2 million people aged 65 are living with AD. This number is expected to rise to 12.7 million by the year 2050. Moreover, AD is not exclusive to certain races as it affects all races and ethnicities, however, some research suggests that African Americans and Hispanics are more at risk to develop Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, AD has had a very large impact on the health system in the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2021), the cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States is substantial. In 2021, the total cost of care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to be $355 billion. AD is a multifactorial disease and exact causes of AD are still eluding the scientific community. Among various AD risk factors such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, age, gender, genetic makeup, the lifestyle, and dietary habits seems to be the most alterable risk factor. In this research presentation we will present the effects of dietary components such as refined sugars, fats, and turmeric on the disease incidence and severity. This is ongoing research.

Presenter(s): Ephram Duku

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Mary Vagula

Ephram Duku And Mary C. Vagula Biology Department, Gannon University, Erie, PA 16541

Figure 3. The mechanisms of cholinesterase

Ewing,

of

Senior Design Project: An Intelligent Packaging Tag System

Title: An Intelligent Packaging Tag System

Abstract: Intelligent packaging has drawn a lot of interest from manufacturing companies recently because of its capacity to deliver real-time product information. The project partner company, Parker Lord, currently uses inventory tracking software to track inventory levels. However, the process heavily relies on user inputs which increases the chance for mistakes. Parker Lord on average loses about $24,000 a month from misplaced products and inaccurate inventory counts. This project’s goal is to use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to accurate track inventory. NFC tags are a short-range wireless communication device that permits data exchange between devices. The NFC tag will track real time inventory levels and report it back to the inventory system used at Parker Lord. It is expected that this system will help Parker Lord accurately track internal inventory and reduce the finical impact of lost products.

Presenter(s): Annalina Reis, David Eitner, Marcus Rathburn, Alvaro Agullo

Sponsoring Department: Engineering

Project Mentor: Longyan Chen

Annalina Reis, Alvaro Agullo David Eitner, Marcus Rathburn, Dr. Longyan Chen Industrial Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA

Antler Identification Softwar e

Senior Design Capstone Project

Moses Juah

Ashley Reider

Conclusion:

Abstract:

Antler ID is a project that aims to develop a software application for users to track and analyze deer based on Computer Vision technologies. The application uses an open-source neural network model (AI CNN model) to identify the individual deer in trail camera images based on deer the deer s antler patterns. Antlers on an animal are as unique as human fingerprints, so combining this with computer vision and machine learning technologies the Antler ID project will be able to identify individual deer from a user s existing trail camera system. Additionally, the system will continue to learn and adapt from collecting / processing new images regularly. The user will be able to log into an Antler ID account from any device and be able to access their personal trail camera photos that they have uploaded. These photos will be processed by the AI model by identifying the animal in the photo and organize photos into separate animal profiles. This will make it easy to view photos by location, time, weather, individual deer, and other conditions without spending hundreds of man hours organizing the photos and tracking deer movements manually.

Keywords: Deer, Antler, AI, Neural Networks, Application, Animal Identification

Server:

The backend of the application uses AWS services such as EC2, RDS,

Title: Antler Identification Software

Application Overview:

The team plans to make the application accessible for multiple operating systems including releasing native apps for Android, IOS and web-based applications. The user interfacing front-end of the app uses Flutter, which connects to the server via Spring Boot. Spring Boot will create queries to the server to securely check that the users credentials are correct and connect the users photos to the front end. In order for the photos to be shown on the front end, spring boot will query PostgreSQL. This will then connect to the AWS 3 storage where the photos that the user has uploaded will be stored. The AI will connect through and API connection port instead of having to repeat code to connect it to the data base. After the AI has processed photos received from the user, the application will sort the labeled images into individual deer profiles that are then stored onto the AWS server.

Spring boot was chosen because of its ready to use nature, the team’s familiarity with java and the inclusion of Spring Security. Spring Security was a major factor in this decision because the nature of the application is to store people s personal photos and we need people to feel safe using our service. Spring Security is a framework that provides authentication, authorization, and protection against common attacks. Using spring security allows our application to be safe so our users can trust that their personal information and photos are safe with us.

The team has implemented plans to iterate through further learning iterations for the AI model to obtain the best accuracy through succussive training. The following is the current model accuracy charts:

AI Component:

The AI component to the Antler ID software has a two part goal, firstly to identify the deer from other animals that may be picked up by the trail camera, and secondly to identify the individual deer antler patterns that is unique to each deer. In this way, the AI can classify the antler pattern to a specific deer and alert an app user when the specific deer has been spotted and help predict its future migration patterns based on location checkpoints. To do this, our team uses Keras and Tensorflow through Roboflow, a model processing application. This application allows us to model our own specific training, validation and testing data in addition to training the model itself on a Virtual Machine (VM) so that the process-intense AI training is done non-locally. Once the model is trained, a user can upload more photos from their trail cameras, and the model can continue to learn from newer images over time. As the AI model collects more data, it will then build profiles for specific deer and sort incoming photos the profiles it generates based off new antler patters it identifies.

For future versions of the application, the model will learn from users uploaded photos faster as more data is processed, in addition to being securely processed nonlocally for optimal processing through Roboflow.

Resources:

https://docs.spring.io/spring-security/reference/ index.html

https://universe.roboflow.com/

Abstract: Antler ID is a project that aims to develop a software application for users to track and analyze deer based on Computer Vision technologies. The application uses an open-source neural network model (AI CNN model) to identify the individual deer in trail camera images based on the deer’s antler patters. Antlers on an animal are as unique as human fingerprints,so combining this with computer vision and machine learning technologies the Antler ID project will be able to identify individual deer from a users existing trail camera system. Additionally, the system will continue to learn and adapt from collecting / processing new images regularly. The user will be able to log into an Antler ID account from any device and be able to access their personal trail camera photos that they have uploaded. These photos will be processed by the AI model by identifying the animal in the photo and organize photos into separate animal profiles. This will make it easy to view photos by location, time, weather,individual deer and other conditions without spending hundreds of man hours organizing the photos and tracking deer movements manually. Keywords: Deer, Antler, AI, Neural Networks, Application, Animal Identification

Presenter(s): Ashley Reider, Lucus Nowoczynski, Seth Goodrick, Moses Juah

Sponsoring Department: Computer Information Science

Project Mentor: Mei-Huei Tang

Causes of Death and Pover ty in Erie

Alex Chelton and Emilie Hilliard chelton004@gannon.edu and hilliard011@gannon.edu

Advisor: Dr. Chris Magno

Abstract In 2011 study by Columbia University s Mailman School of Public Health suggests that one of the contributing social factors to the cause of death in United States is poverty. According to the study poverty, low levels of education, poor social support and other social factors contribute about as many deaths in the U.S. as such familiar causes as heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer” (Dr. Sandro Galea 2011). Using Geographic Information Systems, death data from Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, the study examines the leading causes of death in the city of Erie. The research also spatially analyzes the relationship between poverty and causes of death in Erie.

Heart Disease Analysis

According to the CDC s data from 2021, Heart Disease was the leading cause of death across Pennsylvania. In the city of Erie, we see the highest concentration of Heart Disease in the center as well as the Northwest and Southern corners with decreasing prevalence across the rest of the city. For poverty, we see poverty clustered predominately in the center of out map with the rate decreasing along the periphery. Our map doesn’t show strong correlation between Heart Disease and Poverty.

Stroke Analysis

According to the CDC s data from 2021, Strokes were the fourth most common cause of death across Pennsylvania. Our map depicts the highest prevalence of strokes ranging from the center of the city to the Northern corner. There is also a medium prevalence in the Southern corner. Stroke prevalence and poverty seem to have a relatively high correlation with areas seeming to follow similar geographic trends.

Title: Causes of Death and Poverty in Erie

Cancer Analysis

According to the CDC s data from 2021, Cancer was the second most common cause of death across Pennsylvania. In the city of Erie, we see the highest concentration of Cancer in the Northwest and Southern corners with a few tracts in the center of the city showing high prevalence. Worth noting, only a few tracts show low prevalence with medium to high prevalence being most common across the city. Cancer seems to show an inverse correlation with poverty.

Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Analysis

According to the CDC’s data from 2021, Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease (CLRD) were the fifth most common cause of death across Pennsylvania. Our map depicts the highest prevalence of CLRD ranging from the center of the city to the Northern corner. CLRD prevalence and poverty seem to have a relatively high correlation with areas seeming to follow similar geographic trends with poverty.

Abstract: In 2011 study by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health suggests that one of the contributing social factors to the cause of death in United States is poverty. According to the study “poverty, low levels of education, poor social support and other social factors contribute about as many deaths in the U.S. as such familiar causes as heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer” (Dr. Sandro Galea 2011). Using Geographic Information Systems, death data from Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention and crime data from Erie Police Department, the study examines the leading causes of death in the city of Erie. The research also spatially analyzes the relationship between poverty and causes of death in Erie.

Presenter(s): Alex Chelton, Emilie Hilliard

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Christopher Magno

Conclusion Across the city, we see a large variation in the prevalence of diseases that are the leading causes of death in Pennsylvania. Although not all diseases have a high rate of correlation between disease prevalence and poverty, it should be noted that in the downtown tract that surrounds Gannon has some of the highest rate of Poverty while also containing the highest

prevalence for all of the diseases we mapped.

Cultural Causes of Serial Killers and Modern Mass Shootings

Abstract

The 1970s is now considered to be the golden age of serial killers. The events of the 1970s seem like a distant memory but a new issue has arisen; Mass Shootings. These events and ones like them continue today, bur are they as different as some may believe? This thesis will analyze the similarities between serial murders of the 1970s and modern mass shootings spanning from the 1990s to the 2020s and argue that these

Case Study Sample

Jem Neumann Neumann002@gannon.edu

Discussion

Dark Triad Through these case studies and the limited timeline now there are a number of interesting potential conversations here. First, through analysis of the case studies we do notice some similar psychopathologies between some of these serial murderers and school shooters. Notably, every member of this case study exhibits a high propensity for two or more of the dark triad traits. The most common from the case study of these individuals was psychopathy with every individual exhibiting some form of psychopathic tendency; whether that be presented through actions of known violence towards animals or through behaviors exhibiting their lack of empathy after the fact. Machiavellianism was apparent especially in the case of Ramos. Ramos entered his old school and readily showed his willingness to gain power and notoriety as he worked his way through targets he could easily overpower before refusing to surrender to the one power he could not.

MacDonald Triad

sociopathy, and for the purposes herein detection of childhood abuse are bedwetting, fire-setting, and animal cruelty, we will also discuss any known information on neglect, abuse, and isolation in childhood. Of the nine killers studied four were known to have committed acts of animal cruelty throughout their childhood; Edmund Kemper, Jeffrey Dahmer, Mitchell Johnson, and Andrew Golden. Interestingly, these individuals’ criminal acts reflected their animal cruelty acts – both Kemper and Dahmer were known to dismember victims and animals while Johnson and Golden would often shoot small animals with BB-guns. Another interesting aspect to this is that fire starting is not known to have appeared in any of these nine individuals. Bedwetting is likely to have occurred in more individuals than it was noted for; however, only two were said to have done this – Kemper and Gacy. Common themes exist between all of these killers in their neglect and isolation; notably, most of the serial killers were isolated and neglected in their homes with one notable exception – Dahmer. It is also notable that nearly all of these individuals had diagnosable mental illnesses; many of the shooters had extreme anxiety and depression and many of these serial killers had complex personality disorders.

The dark triad traits were coded using killers' own thoughts and statements and shooters' own statements or manifestos in cases where applicable. A notable difference between the killers and the shooters was in the narcissism leg of the triad while many killers, and especially, Bundy seemed to be incredibly self-centered throughout their trial and time in jail many of the shooters notably lacked this characteristic, this may be due to the lack of statements provided by school shooters that are available as compared to the incredibly detailed books, conversations, and letters provided by Kemper, Bundy, and others. Meanwhile, Machiavellianism seems to be notably high in killers like Dahmer and Kemper and in shooters like Ramos, Golden, and Johnson. On more than one occasion Dahmer had to convince police and others of things to avoid capture, Kemper was friends with the officer he would eventually confess to. Ramos’ Machiavellian tendencies are shown more from his actions during the shooting, after shooting his grandmother and crashing his car, Ramos barricaded himself into his fourth-grade classroom until members of the Border Control Tactical Force entered and killed him. Psychopathy is a tendency noted in all nine individuals, especially the killers who had repeated acts of violence on separate occasions. Notably, Mitchell Johnson would go on to have a continuing criminal record including one instance in which he was charged with possession of a loaded handgun and a controlled substance following a traffic stop. Initially, investigative techniques were rather limited as one would expect. Before Edmund Kemper’s first murder, the technology utilized in criminal investigations included in this study was limited to blood splatter analysis, chromatography, and polygraph tests and there were slow advancements from then until 1978 when Dahmer commit his first murder and every other serial killer in this case study had been arrested. Following 1978 we see the introduction of four major pieces of technology; psychological profiling, DNA, smartphones, and later iPhones.

Title: Cultural Causes of Serial Killers and Modern Mass Shootings

The MacDonald triad notably discusses the three potential flags in childhood that show signs of psychopathy. Bed wetting is the least common only presenting in two individuals – Kemper and Gacy. However, this does seem to make sense as these two were likely the most regularly abused individuals on this list with well-documented information on their treatment as children and the general circumstances which lead to them. Despite the range in neglect and isolation there is a common theme of mistreatment within these individuals. Many of the serial killers were neglected in their homes. Jeffrey Dahmer, however, is unique in this instance. According to accounts from his family as well as friends from his school years, it seems Dahmer was more isolated at school than at home. This is notable due to the overarching tendency for school shooters to have felt isolated at school as is especially noted in cases like those of Seung-Hui Cho and Nikolas Cruz. It is ultimately this association that is often broadcast by the media. Finally, the notable experiences individuals have with narcissism seems to only apply to serial killers though there is an argument to be made that you have to be in some way narcissistic to take another person’s life.

Timeline

The timeline does show a few interesting advancements that may have some effect on criminality. Notably, the introduction of DNA testing and the introduction of the smartphone. Before 1986 DNA testing had never been utilized in a criminal investigation. However, as was mentioned in the introduction section the continuity and adaptations of this technique have continued to be utilized with outstanding results. It is important to reference the fact that some criminologists point specifically to DNA technology in drastically decreasing the number of serial killers. From a criminology perspective, this is a logical argument that accounts for the decrease in serial murders. However, it does open some interesting lines of query from a psychological perspective; namely, what happens to these individuals? By 1992, we may have received an answer. Each of these four serial killers was caught, and most were executed, before the invention and proliferation of the smartphone. This, along with the fact that most of these individuals were known to be heavily involved with online activities ranging from gaming to social media. For the first time, we are able to see the psychological evolution of people with these tendencies. This presents a unique possibility for there to be a link between the proliferation of the internet and smartphones and the decline of serial killers.

Conclusions

This research analyzed the timeline of investigative technology as compared to the timelines of these case studies. The results of this study are not entirely conclusive but show potential for future work that could find a more definitive link to these individuals. The limited sample greatly affects the understanding of scale and may assist in providing more useful data. Additionally, as this study was qualitative and conducted by comparing specific individual criminals it does not provide any quantitative data which may provide a more general understanding of this comparison. This research leads to the potential of finding a more conclusive connection between these groups and encourages the continued study of violent criminals. This study did find similar pathologies that exist between serial killers and school shooters which are demonstrated to the public through the similarly violent nature of their crimes but are demonstrated to criminal justice and mental health professionals through their unique understanding of the effects of neglect, abuse, and mental illnesses. Professional understandings can become incredibly complex but utilizing the dark triad traits and the MacDonald triad traits does help professionals understand these groups and their similarities. While the links between technological evolution and the changes in violent crime trends are not entirely solidified from this paper a few notable links were found mainly the links between similar forensic psychology and a potential for a link between DNA testing and decreased ability to commit multiple crimes on separate occasions leading to increases in spree killers, family annihilators, and mass shooters. This research begins to bridge the gap between these groups and their understanding of treatment in society.

Abstract: The 1970s is now considered to be the golden age of serial killers. The events of the 1970s seem like a distant memory but a new issue has arisen; Mass Shootings. These events and ones like them continue today, but are they as different as some may believe? This thesis will analyze the similarities between serial murders of the 1970s and more modern mass shootings spanning from the 1990s to the 2020s and argue that these issues stem from the same cultural roots and have developed alongside technological advancements within criminal investigations as criminals attempt to keep up with these advancements.

Presenter(s): Jem Neumann

Sponsoring Department: PSGA - History

Project Mentor: Pete Agresti

Salvador Ramos, Nikolas Cruz, Seung Hui Cho, Andrew Golden and Mitchell Johnson

Edmund Kemper, Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy

Abstract

As technology is increasingly integrated into everyday life, the cyber attack surface also grows. One of the most vulnerable cyberpopulations are older adults. Our project, the Cyber Guardian Web Application, seeks to educate and empower older adults so that they can better protect and secure themselves online.

By incorporating both interactive elements, for instance, games, and passive elements, like articles and checklists, we aim to provide the knowledge and tools so that older adults can take online security into their own hands and better understand, recognize, and report threats that they encounter while interacting with the Internet.

The secure web application will be free and publicly available in order to reach a large audience. Resources available will tailored to varying levels of experience with technology, making the information accessible to anyone from a novice to a professional in matters of cybersecurity.

Title: Cyber Guardian Web Application

We want to include paths of varying difficulty levels for all users to try.

Abstract: As technology is increasingly integrated into everyday life, cybersecurity threats and risks are also rapidly growing. One of the most vulnerable populations are older adults. Due to limited experience with technology, less familiarity with cybersecurity risks, and age-related cognitive declines, cybercriminals target them to steal their personal and financial information. To reduce older adults’ vulnerability to cyberattacks, we created a web application called CyberGuardian. The application seeks to educate and empower older adults, helping them to protect and secure themselves online. It provides essential cybersecurity knowledge and tools so they can better understand, recognize, and report threats they encounter on the Internet. The web application incorporates both interactive elements, for instance, games, and passive elements, like articles and checklists, that are simple to understand and user-friendly. The resources are tailored to varying levels of experience with technology, making the information accessible to anyone from a novice to a professional.

Presenter(s): Victoria Bartlett, Sydney Bongiorno, David Creely, Adnan Morina, Jacob Rudy, Dr. Richard Matovu

Sponsoring Department: CIS

Project Mentor: Dr. Richard Matovu

Victoria Bar tlett2, Sydney Bongior no1, David Creely3, Adnan Morina2, Jacob Rudy3 Computer Science1, Cybersecurity2, Software Engineering3

Pictured right are example Learning Paths.

These work best when reading our articles in tandem.

These are some examples of different games we hope to include. By implementing cyber awareness terminology, we hope to improve retention of information.

Design and Constr uction of a Buoy to Extend Period in Lake Erie

Molly Burke1, Nikoly Dos Santos2&5, Sydney Hanratty4, Kaylee Hatfield3, Daniel Hughes3, Lydia Nemeth3, Jacob Rudy5, Morgan Schreck1

Biomedical Engineering1, Computer Science2, Electrical Engineering3, Environmental Engineering4, Software Engineering5

Technology

Introduction

In Lake Erie, there are growing levels of algae, which at high levels, can be disruptive to wildlife and harmful to humans who swim in the lake. The current buoys help track the algae's growth, but they are only in the water from May– October, there is a wide amount of missing data that could be used to stop the algae s growth and protect the lake and bay area. The Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Sciences (SEECS), a multi-semester program at Gannon University, is helping the Regional Science Consortium to engineer a submerged device that extends collection timeline and stores water quality data of Lake Erie. With the data collected from the extended timeline, the conditions under which algae is produced should become clearer and a solution for this problem can be created to save the lake.

The measurement systems consist of an Arduino Pro Mini microcontroller and various circuit boards, shown in Figure 3. There is an SD card reader/writer, a resistive temperature measurement chip, a dissolved oxygen measurement chip, and a real time clock. The Arduino Pro Mini was physically altered to get immensely low power drain, it s power LED was cut, making it significantly less power hungry. The goal of this design was to maintain an immensely low sleep drain. Approximately 6 mA of draw during the sleep cycle, which lasts for 15 minutes as specified by the stakeholders. The system has two 36 Amp Hour batteries, shown in Figure 4, meaning that at its average current drain, it will last for 7-8 months of continuous operation before requiring a recharge. This allows for the system to autonomously collect data, track time, and maintain storage while completely isolated from external manipulation for a lengthy duration, which accomplishes the desired goal of this design.

Testing

After drilling holes into it for all the probes, the buoy’s waterproofness and buoyancy needed to be tested. To perform these tests, the buoy was kept underwater while being weighed down with weights inside for around an hour. This test proved successful, as no water had managed to get into the bucket itself throughout the test. In addition, the buoy electronics' ability to handle cold temperatures needed to be tested. For this testing, the electronics were placed inside of a refrigerator over the course of a week while checking the internal components each day. In the end, this test proved successful as well, as the components functioned properly. Testing of waterproofness and working of electrical components is currently being tested using different sealants.

with a satellite image of Lake Erie.

Anchorage

The buoy must be fully submerged underwater to keep it safe from possible ice damage. To do this, the plan is to anchor the device down with a metal chain. The length of the chain will be short enough to keep the buoy a safe distance from the surface of the lake to avoid ice. The chain will be connected to the metal rod coming out of the bottom of the buoy, shown is Figure 5, and to concrete blocks in the sand at the bottom of Lake Erie. The Regional Science Consortium already has concrete blocks to anchor the summer buoys that are not used during the time the submerged device will be deployed. Since the Regional Science Consortium has concrete blocks, the plan is to use their blocks to attach the metal chain and device. This also narrows down the anchorage location for the buoy to a location of one of the Regional Science Consortiums summer buoys after it is taken out of the lake.

Containment

The buoy s components are encased in a white bucket, shown in Figure 5. Previously, the components were to be encased within a 3D printed shell, but that idea was abandoned in favor of an existing water-tight material. This bucket has a screw-on lid and has been sealed with a combination of Marine adhesive and Flex Seal. The lid is watertight, but can be easily removed. This containment method was chosen as it fits all components easily and contains enough empty space to both float and resist damage due to pressure at its depth in Lake Erie. Likewise, the bucket is easily customizable and easy to drill through to fit each component. The dissolved oxygen probe and thermistor extend out of the bucket to be used for data collection while submerged.

Title: Design and Construction of a Buoy to Extend Data Collection Period in Lake Erie

Abstract: As harmful algae levels continue to rise in Lake Erie, many people and wildlife become at risk. In order to prevent the water from being too dangerous to enjoy, we have teamed up with the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to engineer a submerged device that extends the collection timeline of a dissolved oxygen count and temperature and stores water quality data of Lake Erie. Our current steps for the project are having our data collecting and storing components work. We are setting up the dissolved oxygen probe to the Arduino and a battery source to withstand a few months underwater. Waterproof containment has been implemented and tested to withstand the underwater pressure and prevent moisture from entering.

Presenter(s): Daneil Hughes, Jacob Rudy, Nikoly Dos Santos, Molly Burke, Kaylee Hatfield, Lydia Nemeth, Morgan Schreck, Sydney Hanratty

Sponsoring Department: SEECS

Project Mentor: Saeed Tiari

Design of Cooling System For Maintaining Body Temperature During Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia Therapy in Breast Cancer

Alexa Littman, Kyle Shank, Molly Burke, Elizabeth Kuhar, Morgan Schreck, Longyan Chen, Saeed Tiari, and Scott Steinbrink

Introduction

More than 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 [1]. Non-invasive cancer treatment magnetic hyperthermia-mediated cancer therapy (MHCT) in development.

Internal temperature of the tumor cells heat to 43 °C [2]. The temperature of healthy cells surrounding the tumor is increased to dangerous levels.

Current Solutions:

Ice packs Cooling baths

These methods have proven to be inefficient and uncomfortable for patients [3].

Testing Apparatus

Design Concept

Main Findings

With the addition of the PCM layer, the upper and lower silicone temperatures were able to be reduced.

This is a result of the PCM extracting heat/energy from the skin” and releasing it through its phase change, or melting.

Further testing with varying thickness of PCM would be beneficial to maximize efficiency.

Figure 5 shows the various cases ran through testing, with and without the addition of PCM to show com-

Mission Statement

The mission of this project is to design a cooling system to apply in the region of the malignant breast tumor during the process of MHCT, to prevent harming the surrounding healthy cells.

In the current solution, a phase change material (PCM) will be used to cool the surrounding cells during the MHCT process.

Results

Figure 6 displays the results from the initial round of testing with a PCM thickness of 0.5”.

Future testing to determine the optimal PCM thickness will be run.

Future Steps

Perform further test with varying PCM thickness to account for different circumstances. (i.e. larger tumor, longer treatment, etc.)

 Build working prototype

Test prototype using optimal PCM thickness

Determine proper storage options, such as potentially refrigerating the PCM prior to applying it to the patient

References

[1] Breast Cancer Statistics And Resources BCRF.”, 2022. URL https://www.bcrf.org/breast-

Title: Design of Cooling System for Maintaining Body Temperature During Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia Therapy in Breast Cancer

Abstract: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, with breast cancer being the most common form of cancer found among women. Magnetic hyperthermia-mediated cancer therapy (MHCT) is used as a non-invasive cancer treatment. This treatment increases the temperature of the cells which causes cell death in both cancer and healthy cells, known as necrosis. A phase change material (PCM) will be used to cool the surrounding healthy cells during MHCT. The mission of this project is to design a cooling system to be applied during the process of MHCT, in order to prevent necrosis of the surrounding healthy cells.

Presenter(s): Alexa Littman, Kyle Shanke, Elizabeth Kuhar, Molly Burke, Morgan Schreck

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering Department

Project Mentor: Scott Steinbrink

Title: Single PCB Lighted Drone

Abstract: In this poster, we present technical details of, and know-hows learned from, designing and troubleshooting a single board lighted drone. This sleek and powerful drone is designed for creating stunning light displays and choreography that will captivate and amaze any audience. With its advanced LED lights and single board design, the Single Board Lighted Drone offers unparalleled stability, precision, and ease of use. By seeing what the issues are in competitors products we started from the ground up with the deign of this drone. We wanted something that would be bright, fast, easy to use, and most importantly, easy to build and manufacture. We started off by designing a PCB that would be able to contain all of the needed components without needing an extra frame enclosures. Then we began putting together the rest of the tools needed to get it to fly such as the flight controller and motors. The entire idea was to make the drone modular so multiple different components could be used for different applications. There were problems that aroused during testing. We learned that our idea of Lion batteries would not provide enough current output for the system so we needed to switch to Li-Po in order to make the system work as expected. We also learned about supply chain shortages and changes that affected out design and construction. This all taught us how to quickly adapt and modify our designs and plans in order to meet expectations.

Presenter(s): Jacob Dehart, Austin Detzel, Mitch Daubert

Sponsoring Department: Electrical Engineering

Project Mentor: Wookwon Lee

Single PCB Lighted Drone

Jacob DeHart

Austin Detzel

ABSTRACT: This research seeks to examine the relationship between unemployment and domestic violence in the City of Erie. In 2013, a study performed in the United Kingdom determined that there was no evidence to support the hypothesis that intimate partner violence (IPV) increased with the overall unemployment rate” (Anderberg et al., 2013). But, a 2019 study by Dr. Magno in Erie, Pennsylvania, suggests that unemployment has a positive relationship with domestic violence. This research is a continuation of Dr. Magno’s research. Using Geographic Information System as an analysis tool, the research examines the relationship between domestic violence and unemployment rate in Erie. The research highlights the spatial and temporal distribution of domestic violence during the COVID-19 lockdown and post-lockdown periods.

CONCLUSIONS:

Figure I - Assault was the most prevalent type of domestic violence in Erie during 2022. Considering Figure V, this appears to be part of a trend.

Figure II - This pin map demonstrates the concentration and location of the domestic violence reported to the EPD in 2022.

Figure III - By mapping the 2022 domestic violence cases by block, it is revealed that the largest concentrations are near Gannon University and the central bayfront.

Figure IV - This hotspot map shows that the “hottest” area for domestic violence to be reported in Erie is the heart of downtown.

Figure V - Drawing upon previous research by Dr. Magno and data from the EPD, this graph shows a breakdown of the different types of domestic violence from 2017-2022. Assault occurs most frequently and showed a dramatic increase during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period.

Domestic V iolence and Unemployment in Erie during COVID-19 Pandemic

Victoria Bartlett

Mentor: Dr. Chris Magno

Domestic Violence and Unemployment Examining Domestic Violence in Erie (2017-2022)

Title: Domestic Violence and Unemployment in Erie during COVID-19 Pandemic

CONCLUSIONS: When examining unemployment data from the most recent data from the US Census (2021), the total counts are greatest in several blocks most notably, the central bayfront. Comparing this trend to Figures III and IV, there may be a trend of increased victimhood in that area.

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period, as Figure V and the above graph demonstrate, there were increased reports of both domestic violence and unemployment. Upon further examination during 20172022, there is no discernable relationship between domestic violence and unemployment. However, this data is useful in showing unemployment has decreased between each year, with 2020 being the exception.

References Schneider, D., Harknett, K. & McLanahan, S. Intimate Partner Violence in the Great Recession.Demography 53, 471–505 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13524-016-0462

Abstract: This research seeks to examine the relationship between unemployment and domestic violence in the City of Erie. In 2013, a study performed in the United Kingdom determined that there was no evidence to support the hypothesis that intimate partner violence (IPV) “increased with the overall unemployment rate” (Anderberg et al., 2013). But, a 2019 study by Dr. Magno in Erie, Pennsylvania, suggests that unemployment has a positive relationship with domestic violence. This research is a continuation of Dr. Magno’s research. Using Geographic Information System as an analysis tool, the research examines the relationship between domestic violence and unemployment rate in Erie. The research highlights the spatial and temporal distribution of domestic violence during the COVID-19 lockdown and post-lockdown periods.

Presenter(s): Victoria Bartlett

Sponsoring Department: Cybersecurity (CIS)

Project Mentor: Chris Magno

Figure I

Figure II

Figure III

Figure V

Figure IV

Don’t Shake the Baby

Longyan Chen1, Alex Deemer2, Hilcia Merlos1, Sophia Piatt1, Scott Steinbrink2, Isaac West1, and Sarah Young2 1Biomedical, Industrial, and Information Systems Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA 2Mechanical Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

Abstract

Background

(until full gestation is reached)

• Transportation of infants is the main contributing factor of increased morbidity and mortality rate from multifactorial causes

Title: Don’t Shake the Baby

ANSYS Modeling

ANSYS provides a way to test the viability of the product theory and iterates possible materials that could provide the best possible cushion against the dangerous vibrations

• Uses numerical modeling software to predict how materials would act during vibration and provides insight into the natural frequency of the system

• The natural frequency in the desired mode or direction of vibration gives design parameters that need to avoided and defensively designed against Below in the image is a sample of what the simulation looks like and some of the assumptions that were made to create something resembling a baby on the vibration isolation system

Validating the Prototype

In order to test the validity of our design, an input excitation, matching the 10-15Hz range of dangerous frequencies will be applied using a shaker table or actuator

The acceleration of the mass, representing the baby, will be measured using accelerometers both with a regular mattress and our improved design

• Using the values obtained from this procedure we will be able to verify whether our design successfully reduces the harmful vibrations felt by the infant in the incubator

We will also be able to calculate a number of properties for the design and then can make design adjustments in order to optimize the system and its effectiveness

Conclusions

• The foundation of this research will enable hospital professionals to limit or minimize the risk to neonatal infants while being transported in vehicles

• This elastomer mattress will be efficient and provide easy removal/cleaning without disrupting the

Future of Prospective Work

• This study can provide a foundation for future research concerning infant transportation in neonatal incubators

Other options to minimize the vibrations experienced by an infant in an incubator during transportation include: Using anti-vibration mounts Changing the material of the wheels on the stretcher

• Using rubber springs

• Efficient design of the vibration dampening device can decrease the risks of transporting a premature infant

Abstract: During interhospital transportation via ambulance, infants in neonatal incubators have an increased risk for brain injuries that could result in death due to the harmful vibrations. The design of the “Don’t Shake the Baby” project is to create a vibration dampening elastomeric product encased in a plastic coating that can be installed under the mattress in the incubator. The customer needs for this product include its ability to absorb or minimize vibration, safety, easy installation, chemical free and mechanical failure free material, sterilizability, biofluid resistance, breathability, controlled environment, and accessibility for medical professionals. An Ansys Model will be developed to evaluate the design and select the optimal material. The design prototype will be validated by vibration testing using accelerometers. The final design prototype is expected to isolate vibrational frequencies between 10 and 15 Hz.

Presenter(s): Sophia Piatt, Sarah Young, Alex Deemer, Hilcia Merlos, Isaac West, Scott Steinbrink

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering

Project Mentor: Longyan Chen

Dr ug Related Crime and Dr ug Over dose in Erie, Pennsylvania Advisor Dr.ChrisMagno

Abstract: UsingGISanddrugoverdoseanddrugrelated crimedatafromEriePoliceDepartment,thisresearchexaminesthespatiallocationofdrugoverdoseanddrugrelated crimeinErie.Theresearchhighlightstheeffectofdrug abuseonthecityofErie’simpoverishedcommunities.The researchelucidatespreventionandtreatmentprogramsthat reducedrugabuseintheCityofErie.

RyleeCasilio,AlliJacobs,KorinOwens

TheErie drugcrimeandoverdosebyblock demonstratesthatmostcasesofdrugrelatedcrimesanddeaths occurindowntownErie.Thisisofsignificancebecause thisisalsowherethehighestlevelofpovertyis.

Reference: ErieCrimeData(2017-2022).TheErie PoliceDepartment

overdose.Followingthis,druginvestigationcameinasthesecondmostcommonoffense.

HotSpots: Thereis alargehotspotof drugrelatedactivity andcrimeinthe midnorthernareaof Erie.Thisareaconsistsofhighpoverty ratesandlowincomeresidents, whichcontributesto thehighdrugabuse.

Title: Drug Related Crime and Drug Overdose in Erie, Pennsylvania

Analysis: Thehighestrecordeddrugincidencewasin2020duetoaspikeduring Covid.Since2020,therehasbeenagradual decreaseindrugoffenses.

Conclusion: Inthisproject,wefoundthat overdoseswerethemostcommondrugrelatedincidentinEriein2022.Accordingto allofourmaps,downtownErieisahotspot fordrugrelatedactivity.Thisdatashows thatthereisadirectcorrelationbetween povertyanddrugrelatedcrime.Thankfully, drugrelatedcrimeandoverdoserateshave continuedtodecreasesince2020.

Recommendations: Thisdatacaninform policeontheareaswheredrugoffensesare high,sothattherecanbemorepatrolin thoseareas.Thiscanalsobenefitotherindividualsbyshowingthemtobewareandlook outforothersstrugglingintheseareas.

Abstract: Using GIS and drug overdose and drug related crime data from Erie Police Department, this research examines the spatial location of drug overdose and drug related crime in Erie. The research also analyzes how poverty and unemployment are affecting the rate of drug related offenses in Erie. The research highlights the effect of drug abuse on the city of Erie’s impoverished communities. The research elucidates prevention and treatment programs that reduce drug abuse in the City of Erie.

Presenter(s): Alli Jacobs, Korin Owens, Rylee Casilio

Sponsoring Department: Health Science

Project Mentor: Chris Magno

Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on the Autism Causing

Genes in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Courtney Solensky, Mary Vagula, Ph.D.

Paternal Age: ASD is 75 percent more likely to occur among children born to fathers >45 years of age.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects the development of the neurological system in humans. The affected individuals have difficulty with social, communicative, and emotional behaviors and repetition with certain behaviors and tendencies. The disorder is not found to have a “cure” or direct genetic “cause,” but it has been found that there are many different genes that are thought to play a significant role in the development of the disease. The effects on the following genes are found to play a role in the development and increase in prevalence of ASD: AVPR1a, DISC1, DYX1C1, ITGB3, SLC6A4, RELN, RPL10, and SHANK3. Since the disorder has many environmental factors that can also lead to its development, it is important to discover what factors are leading to and causing ASD through research. I am going to investigate if the role of BDE’s affects these genes and lead to the development of ASD.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a category of halogenated compounds that serve as flame retardants in consumer goods ranging from electronics to textiles. Exposure to PBDEs during pregnancy can cause damage to the development of the neurological systems, reproductive systems, thyroids, immune system, and liver, making them highly dangerous. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are taken from the endothelium of the veins in the umbilical cord and can be used to observe vasculature of body and angiogenesis. HUVECs are a commonly and readily available source since the umbilical is normally just discarded after birth. This presentation reviews the ASD and the authors indicate that this is an ongoing work in its infancy.

Since its discovery back in 1943 by Leo Kanner, Autism Spectrum Disorder has surged in prevalence over the past 80 years It is prevalent worldwide with 1% of the entire world’s population currently living diagnosed with the disorder ASD itself is found to be more common amongst males than females, starting diagnostic tests as early as 18-24 months in age As a result of its increase of prevalence, discoveries all over have been made regarding ASD’s etiology, symptoms, treatment, and more The most dominant factors that seem to lead to this disorder are environmental factors even though it is known that both genetic and environmental factors might lead to the development of ASD Environmental factors such as exposure to Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and other harmful air contaminants can cause ASD PBDEs’ inability to degrade environmentally raises the issue of bioaccumulation in humans and animals and contamination of water, air, and sediments

Bioaccumulation of PBDEs in humans has been associated with neurotoxicity, inconsistent thyroid hormone levels, infertility, liver malfunction, decreased circulatory lymphocytes, and tumors Although their carcinogenic role is not clear; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled them as ‘probable carcinogens ’ It was found that perinatal exposures to PBDEs can cause mitochondrial dysfunction leading to the morbidity and etiology of ASD This research study is taken up to investigate the effects of PBDEs on the potential Autism causing genes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) The results of this study could provide insight to the mechanism of action of PBDEinduced toxicity in human cells as well as causation and effects of PBDE’s on neurological development disorders, ASD in particular

According to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM), 1 in 36 children in the U.S are diagnosed with ASD

•1 in 100 children are diagnosed with ASD worldwide

•1% of the entire world’s population is diagnosed with ASD

•ASD is more than four times more common among boys than girls

•1 in 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls identify with ASD

•ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups

There is no one specific “autism causing gene,” but there have been numerous genes found that link to the tendencies and core symptoms of ASD. Genetic factors alone contribute to an estimated 40-80% of ASD risk. Idiopathic autism is the most prevalent of the number of autism cases in the world totaling 90-95% of all cases. Idiopathic autism is known to have no known origin, which explains why this is the most usual form. Some of the candidate genes that have been found to relate to the brain metabolism of idiopathic autism is, “AVPR1a, DISC1, DYX1C1, ITGB3, SLC6A4, RELN, RPL10 and SHANK3.” (Cardoso 2019). There are other secondary causing factors of ASD along the genetic field with the leading one being Fragile X syndrome. Genetic testing can be done to determine if FXS is present and support if autism is prevalent as autism has a high prevalence in patients with XFS reaching 25-33%. (Cardoso 2019) Fragile X syndrome is related to, “the loss of function of the FMR1 gene, that results from the presence of multiple copies of the triplet repeat CCG in the 5’ untranslated region of that gene.” (Cardoso 2019) The FMR1P is the Fragile X mental retardation 1 protein which is the product of the gene itself and is involved in ribosome translation and suppressing effects at the suppressor region, loss of function of this gene is what results in XFS which is associated with mostly motor and speech retardation, and other autistic behaviors.

AVPR1 gene (above) & SHANK3 gene associated with ASD (below)

Title: Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on the Autism Causing

Maternal Physical and Mental Health Status: Those who undergo mental problems such as depression, anxiety, and considerable stress during 21-32 weeks of gestation, can have irremediable effects through epigenetic mechanism. Physical health issues during pregnancy such as metabolic syndrome, bleeding, and infection are all related to ASD.

Maternal Medication Use: It is highly and strictly recommended that pregnant women do no consume alcohol, smoke, or consume any medication because it has been proved that these can cause fetal hypoxia and affect fetal brain development.

Familial Socioeconomic Status: The economic, social, educational, and psychological aspects of the affected person’s family life are all sadly in poor condition since ASD is such a physically, mentally, socially, and financially demanding disorder.

•Postnatal Factors: Consumption of acetaminophen while the child is an infant should be avoided since it can induce apoptosis and necrosis, which are observed in autistic brains.

Environmental Factors: Effect quality and quantity of gene expression without changing DNA sequence through epigenetic mechanisms. This leads to the passing on of the factors into the next generation because of the expression of the developmental key genes in the critical phases of the formation of the embryo, resulting in the imprinting of different diseases, possibly including autism. PBDE’s are widespread environmental pollutants that if ingested can be an environmental factor that causes this phenomenon to occur.

Treatment of ASD

Since there is no one “cure” to ASD, there are numerous approaches to improve living conditions for those affected with the disorder including behavioral, developmental, educational, social-relational, pharmacological, psychological, complementary and alternative techniques.

Behavioral Goal is to change behaviors by discovering and understanding what happens pre- and post- behavior/tendency. This is found to have the most evidence of treating ASD symptoms. The most common treatment in this category is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA includes Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

•Developmental: The goal is to improve developmental skills including language, communication, physical, or any other interconnected skills. The most common method utilized in this category is Speech and Language Therapy. Occupational therapy including Sensory Integration and Physical Therapy also are beneficial for improvement of developmental skills in those with ASD.

Educational: This technique is used in a classroom setting, including the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach.

•Social-relational: Goal is to improve social skills and establish and build upon emotional bonds. The Developmental, Individual Differences Relationship-Based (“Floor Time”) model and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) methods both build on those skills while incorporating the parents or peer mentors.

Pharmacological: There are no known of medications that treat the symptoms of ASD, but there are for co-relating conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep difficulties.

Psychological: The goal is to help those with ASD cope with the lifestyle of having ASD as well as the co-relating mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and others. The most common psychologically beneficial approach is CognitiveBehavior Therapy (CBT) that focuses on learning and treating the thoughts and emotions connected to personal behaviors.

Complementary/Alternative: Thes include any other methods that cannot fall under the categories listed above such as dietary changes, herbal supplements, chiropractic care, art/animal therapy, and relaxation therapies/methods.

Acknowledgment

Authors would like to thank Dr. Russel Minton and Dr. Sarah Ewing for their encouragement.

Cardoso IL, Almeida S (2019) Genes Involved in the Development of Autism. Int Arch CommunDisord 2:011.. doi.org/10.23937/iacod-2017/1710011

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 9). Treatment and intervention services for autism spectrum disorder Centers for

Genes in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects the development of the neurological system in humans. The disorder is not found to have a “cure” or direct genetic “cause,” but it has been found that there are many different genes that are thought to play a significant role in the development of the gene. Effects on the following listed genes are found to play a role in the development and increase in prevalence of ASD: AVPR1a, DISC1, DYX1C1, ITGB3, SLC6A4, RELN, RPL10, and SHANK3. Since the disorder has many environmental factors that can also lead to its development, it is important to discover what factors are leading to and causing ASD through research. I am going to discover if the role of BDE’s effects these genes and lead to the development of ASD. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a category of halogenated compounds that serve as flame retardants in consumer goods ranging from electronics to textiles. Exposure to PBDEs during pregnancy can cause damage to the development of the neurological systems, reproductive systems, thyroids, immune system, and liver, making them highly dangerous. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are taken from the endothelium of the veins in the umbilical cord and can be used to observe vasculature of body and angiogenesis. HUVECs are a commonly and readily available source since the umbilical is normally just discarded after birth and are what will be used to determine the effects of BDE’s.

Presenter(s): Courtney Solensky

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Mary Vagula

Abstract

This research will discuss the air pollution concerns regarding 3D printer usage in an academic setting. Research will cover air pollution emission standards, human health and safety, and toxicology studies. Methodology will be developed to study microplastic emissions from a 3D running over a selected time frame. Equipment will mimic human lung capacity to collect data quantifying airborne particles capable of being inhaled by those within short range of a 3D printer during its operation. By conducting a short-term observational study, data can be extrapolated to show long term emissions from 3D printers and potential effects for those exposed to them frequently. This research is incredibly relevant with the increasing usage of 3D printers and their relatively new introduction to academic settings. With such high accessibility to these machines, it is important to understand the potential damaging effects on human health.

Emissions from 3D Printers and the Relationship to Human Health

Topic Overview

With the increased commonality of 3D printers, or low-end additive manufacturing technology, it is important to understand the processes humans are exposing themselves to (Mendes et al., 2017). As accessibility to this technology increases and becomes more integrated with academic and recreational settings, some researchers claim that entirely new groups of people are “being exposed to hazardous emissions, such as harmful dusts and chemicals” (Mendes et al., 2017). Since many do-it-yourself style set ups lack built-in air cleaning systems, shown with the typical design commonly seen in low-end additive manufacturing machines, users must be informed of the particulate matter or gaseous emissions present (Mendes et al., 2017).

Particulate matter, in general, can cause oxidative distress and subsequently pulmonary inflammation (Li et al., 2003). Ultrafine particles (<100 nm) are an often unsuspected area of concern since their small size makes them difficult to detect without proper awareness of the issue, but their small size also allows for better human tissue penetration - particularly penetration into deep areas of the respiratory tract (Isaxon et al., 2014; Li et al., 2003). Ultrafine particles (and some fine particles) localize in human cells’ mitochondria (Li et al., 2003). There, the particles contribute to major structural damage,” and in turn to oxidative distress (Li et al., 2003). Another particulate-related concern is that inhaled nanoparticles can penetrate the lungs’ alveoli and then transfer toxic agents into blood vessels and tissue cells (Kim et al., 2015).

It is normal for most schools, workplaces, or other public printing places to host the operation of multiple printers at once (Mendes et al., 2017). In this case, studies show that the particle concentration is likely to exceed the 8-hour time weighted average value of 4·104 # cm−3 (Mendes et al., 2017).

Material extrusion, the use of thermoplastic material through a dispensary nozzle, is the main mechanism in action (Mendes et al., 2017). Plastic filaments are selected for their material qualities and cost, with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid being the most commonly used options (Mendes et al., 2017). Fused deposition modeling type 3D printing most often uses acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid (Kim et al., 2015). Acrylonitrile is toxic when inhaled and is listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans and butadiene is a confirmed human carcinogen with potential to cause heritable genetic damage (Kim et al., 2015). Styrene can cause skin and eye irritation (Kim et al., 2015). Also, fused deposition modeling type 3D printing produces high concentrations of nanoparticles and aldehydes (Kim et al., 2015). For example, formaldehyde is released and it is a known carcinogen to humans (Kim et al., 2015). Some volatile organic compounds emitted are toluene and ethylbenzene (Kim et al., 2015). Toluene affects the human brain and nervous system, with the ability to cause permanent loss of vision or hearing (Centers for Disease, 2015).

The heating of plastics creates fumes with compositions dependent on plastic type, formulation, and the processing conditions - with some studies reporting significant quantities of nanoparticle emissions from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene filament (Mendes et al., 2017). In the same respect, polylactic acid filament did not produce considerable emissions when the recommended printing settings were used (Mendes et al., 2017). For both cases, the extruder temperature affected particle emissions and showed a positive relationship between increased temperature and increased particle emissions (Mendes et al., 2017).

Overall, 3D printing can cause human health risks and air-quality issues (due to gaseous and particulate emissions) (Mendes et al., 2017).

Title: Emissions from 3D Printers and the Relationship to Human Health

Abstract: This poster will discuss the air pollution concerns regarding 3D printer usage in an academic setting. Research will cover air pollution emission standards, human health and safety, and toxicology studies. Methodology will be developed to study microplastic emissions from a 3D running over a selected time frame. Equipment will mimic human lung capacity to collect data quantifying airborne particles capable of being inhaled by those within short range of a 3D printer during its operation. By conducting a short-term observational study, data can be extrapolated to show long term emissions from 3D printers and potential affects for those exposed to them frequently. This research is incredibly relevant with the increasing usage of 3D printers and their relatively new introduction to academic settings. With such high accessibility to these machines, it is important to understand the potential damaging effects on human health.

Presenter(s): Kristen Heflin

Sponsoring Department: Honors

Project Mentor: Daniel Salamone

Evaluating Injury Risk in Brewery Workers Through Controlled Tests In Jack Siemens

Alexa Littman1,2, Ranuki Onara Hettiarachchige1, Dr. Davide Piovesan1, Dr. Xiaoxu Ji1

Introduction

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders can occur in brewery workers as a result of repetitive and unnatural movements. Local brewery workers were recruited in this study. Advanced motion tracking technology and ergonomic analysis tools were utilized to estimate the risk of injuries during daily work tasks. This study will accurately analyze the forces acting on the lower back throughout the duration of workrelated movements that are commonly performed by brewery workers. The results can lead to the implementation of training techniques such as proper lifting, skilled instruction regarding environmental design, modifications, or adaptations to ensure safe work performance, and the potential design of devices to assist with work-related movements. The benefits of this study could directly lead to decreased injury and increased productivity in brewery workers.

Xsens Motion Capture System (Fig. 1) can be connected to Jack Siemens PLM Software (Fig. 1), a DHM technology, to determine the likelihood of injury in brewery workers (Fig. 2).

Workers in the brewing industry can be at great risk of enduring an injury such as muscular injuries, bruises, cuts, and burns [1].

In 2018, material movers, the overarching category of which brewery workers fall into, reported 25,110 musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) [2].

MSDs involving the back accounted for 38.5% of all work-related MSDs [3]

Current studies have investigated the prevalence of injuries in brewery workers through surveys and an assessment of trunk posture during lifting events [4]

Evaluating the forces quantifies the amount of load being applied on the body, and therefore can predict the likelihood of injury within the musculoskeletal system.

Digital Human Modeling (DHM) technology is cost– effective and has been widely used for injury evaluation in many fields [5]

This technology is very sensitive to small posture changes, allowing for a very accurate analyzation. This study will be the first to analyze the forces acting on the lower back during movements that are commonly performed by brewery workers using the aforementioned integrative technique.

Discussion

Task 1 Pose 1: Compression force increased with trunk flexion angle. Both compressive and shear force exceeded the healthy threshold.

Task 2 Pose 1: Neither thresholds were surpassed, however, any increase in load could cause risk in this movement.

Task 2 Pose 2: Healthy threshold was exceeded for the shear force, implying a lift assist or request for multiple people performing the task should be implemented. Not all people are properly trained to lift with legs rather than back, resulting in risk of injury during movements.

Daily tasks of brewery workers are putting them at high risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to poor posture.

Methods

3 subjects were selected for this study from a local brewery to perform desired daily movements.

17 sensors from the Xsens Motion Capture System are placed on various areas on the body, seen in Fig. 3.

Xsens Motion Capture System is connected to Jack Siemens PLM Software for data analysis

Two full movements are analyzed, with the second movement, or task, consisting of 2 critical poses

Task 1 includes lifting a bag of grain, weighing about 55 lbs.

Both poses in the second movement involve the subject lifting 24 full beer cans, weighing about 20 lbs.

The first pose is when the subject initially lifts the cans, whereas the second pose is when the subject places them on the ground (Fig. 3).

Poses are determined by investigating when the force on the lower back is the greatest.

Title: Evaluating Injury Risk in Brewery Workers through Controlled Tests in Jack Siemens

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders can occur in brewery workers as a result of repetitive and unnatural movements. Local brewery workers were recruited in this study. Advanced motion tracking technology and ergonomic analysis tools were utilized to estimate the risk of injuries during daily work tasks. This study will accurately analyze the forces acting on the lower back throughout the duration of work-related movements that are commonly performed by brewery workers. The results can lead to the implementation of training techniques such as proper lifting, skilled instruction regarding environmental design, modifications, or adaptations to ensure safe work performance, and the potential design of devices to assist with work-related movements. The benefits of this study could directly lead to decreased injury and increased productivity in brewery workers.

Presenter(s): Alexa Littman, Ranuki Hettiarachchige

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering Department

Project Mentor: Xiaoxu Ji

Biomedical Engineering Department1, Mechanical Engineering Department2

Evaluating the Performance of Silica Sand as a Sensible Heat Storage Medium

Jessica Bernat, Paniz Niksiar, Kyle Shank, and Dr. Saeed Tiari,

TESTING APPARATUS

INTRODUCTION

Continuous innovation and expansion of society causes an increased demand for energy. As the energy sector seeks to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, there is a necessity for renewable energy storage to be both sufficient and efficient. There are two popular techniques used to store thermal energy- latent and sensible heat. Although latent thermal energy storage is desirable due to its high energy storage density, its storage medium requires longer processing time and greater occupational volume during phase change. Thus, sensible heat storage is a potential alternative due to its decreased processing time and lack of phase change. Furthermore, sand has greater availability and fewer environmental consequences.

PURPOSE

This work evaluates the thermal performance of silica sand within a sensible heat system (Fig. 1). Both a finer and coarser grain size sand was tested. Efficacy of enhancement will be determined by evaluating the performance of the system through temperature distribution and energy exchange over the testing period. In this case, the means of enhancement is a copper fin, pictured in Fig. 3.

MEANS OF ENHANCEMENT

The copper fin displayed to the right is an effective means of thermal enhancement because:

1) Copper has greater thermal conductivity than sand.

2) Increased surface area for heat exchange between copper and sand particles.

3) Increased thermal penetration into the sand.

The system used for this experiment was a shell-and-tube sensible heat system operating with water as the heat transfer fluid (HTF). The thermal distribution was tracked using thermocouples throughout the system, a data acquisition unit, and LABVIEW software. Charging and discharging processes are executed with HTF operating at 70°C at 2 GPM and 20°C at 1 GPM, respectively.

ENHANCED RESULTS

(Fine Sand with Fin)

CONCLUSIONS

BENCHMARK RESULTS

Title: Evaluating the Performance of Silica Sand as a Sensible Heat Storage Medium

FUTURE STEPS

Future work will focus on the efficacy of using metallic additives embedded within the sand. For example, the metallic balls pictured below would create a matrix-like distribution within the sand, which helps disperse heat. Potential metallic options include aluminum or copper.

[

REFERENCES

1] https://5.imimg.com/data5/VF/GP/GS/SELLER-7676882/aluminum-balls500x500.jpg [2] https://www.bellballs.com/uploads/202026245/pure-solid-copperball57268856129.jpg

Abstract: Continuous innovation and expansion of society causes an increased demand for energy. As the energy sector seeks to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, there is a necessity for renewable energy storage to be both sufficient and efficient. There are two popular techniques used to store thermal energy- latent and sensible heat. Although latent thermal energy storage is desirable due to its high energy storage density, its medium requires longer processing time and greater occupational volume during phase change. Thus, sensible heat is a potential alternative due to its decreased processing time and lack of phase change. Furthermore, sand has greater availability and fewer environmental consequences. This work evaluates the thermal performance of silica sand within a shell-and-tube sensible heat system operating with water as the heat transfer fluid. Efficacy of enhancement will be determined by comparing the performance of the system with metallic additives to the benchmark case.

Presenter(s): Jessica Bernat, Paniz Niksiar, Kyle Shank

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering Department

Project Mentor: Saeed Tiari

Famil y Separ ation Fr om the Ber lin Wall Katie Arendash

Methods

The Berlin Wall, built unexpectedly on August 13, 196l, was a significant historical event for Berliners, Germans, and the world. It became a cathartic life-changing event that divided families and cut them off from connection for about 30 years. One of the most critical factors contributed to individuals who were tempted to flee, sometimes resulting in death.

This research will examine the role of the Berlin Wall in Germany, focusing on how it facilitated the segregation of families and the challenges the individual faced to being untied with family. I will begin by discussing the historical context in which events and impacts led to the Berlin Wall's construction. Next, I will examine how August 13, 1961, changed the people of Germany's lives forever. I will analyze the Berliner's response to the wall, such as the successful escape attempts that led to death. In addition, I will also explore the problem of cutting off East Germany from the world. Also, I will discuss the reason the wall was built to keep individuals. I will examine the Wall Disease that was affected by Berlin Wall. Then explore the reality of the wall's effect on the people of Berlin. Finally, I will discuss the long-term implications of the Berlin Wall for future generations. I will identify the issue of being separated from the world for an extended period. Through this research, I hope to contribute to a deep understanding of the historical significance of the Berlin Wall in the context of family division. By examining the impact of August 13, 1961, response, decision, effects, and long-term implications, I can gain insights into the Berlin Wall's complex relationship with human beings.

Introduction

On August 13, 1961, the people of East Berlin were awakened by heavy machinery that went straight through the division of Eastern and Western Berlin. The day the world was blocked off from East Germany became known as 'stacheldahtsonntag' or barbed-wire Sunday. East Germany was occupied and controlled by the "Mutant Creature of the Communist Party," the Soviet Union. A communist government put up a barricade in the middle of the night with streetlights kept off and stationed soldiers to keep people inside East Germany from escaping. It is estimated that 10,000 armed soldiers and a couple of thousand combat groups helped build the wall. The National Army of 7,000 soldiers and multiple tanks were on standby to prevent anyone from escaping. In addition, the train and roadway were blockaded to control the number of individuals leaving the country. That night, the communist party blocked 68 out of 81 crossing points. In addition, all 193 streets close to the border were closed, and 12 underground and surface trains and stations were closed. The original barricade was a wall built with barbed

Title: Family Separation from the Berlin Wall

“ The [Berlin] Wall is an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity, separating families, dividing husbands and wives and brother and sisters and dividing people who wish to be joined together.”

(President John F. Kennedy)

Facts

5,075 Successful Escapes

1,709 times border guards used firearms

119 escapees injured from firearms

37 bomb attacks

456 bulled impacts on the Berlin Wall Estimated 136 deaths from tried escapes

Wall Disease

Wall Disease is the effects a border wall has on human mental and physical health. The symptoms of the wall disease included a sense of being locked up and isolated from family and friends. The disease was discovered in the 1970s by German psychologist Diefried MullerHegman, who had an East German patient that developed a locked jaw and became suicidal after many attempts to take the train to West Germany to see her husband that been separated from him. Not only were there many more severe cases from the Berlin Wall, but it included patients who experienced psychosis, schizophrenia, and behavioral problems. The behavioral difficulties were alcoholism, anger, despair, sadness, and suicide. The wall imposes reshaping of their mental maps to adapt to their new reality.

Story from the Berlin Wall

Elke Kielberg was 13 years old when the border went up. Her close friend and cousin lived in East Germany. Her mother, on the morning of August 13, noticed warning signs that life had drastically changed went she grabbed a newspaper. She saw all the East Berlin roadways were closed with barbed wire and Eastern police officers with guns. Including seeing workers working on a permanent wall to barricade the streets. Kielberg's mother planned to stop at a relative's house for coffee that day. Instead, she and Keilberg's mother have been ripped away from her family and never saw them again.

On September 8, 1961, three weeks after the construction of the wall, bride Monika Schaar's wedding day. Her parents lived in an apartment house in Berauer Strasse that belonged to East Berlin, but the pavement out front was West Berlin. The door to the establishment was bordered up, and the lowest apartments were vacated. Neighbors lowered flowers and bouquets on a rope from the apartment house to celebrate the bride, her parents, and the family. The bride will remember her day as a situation she could not change.

On September 20th, 1961, an eviction and relocation order was placed for all tenants living in the apartment lined the border. Hence, Bernauer Street was a scene of individuals jumping from windows or rooftops to escape. During the evictions in that area, a man tried to run for his life by sliding down from the 1st-floor window. Of course, while he is running away, the Eastern police are holding onto the man from inside the apartment he had just slipped out of. Not to mention, Westerns on the streets grabbed onto his ankle and were trying to pull him down. A tug-a-war started over the man; however, gravity helped the Western bring him to the Western border. In addition, in the eviction and relocation, an escapee, 77-year-old Frieda Schulze, to West was held back by combat groups. Although, some West Berliners climbed up to the window and freed her, so she could jump into a sheet that the West Berlin fire brigade was holding. Frieda was lucky compared to 80-year-old Olga Segler, who leaped from her window to her death. After the relocation in that area, the apartments had East Berlin put up windows to be boarded up and barbed-wired barriers on the roofs. Even on October 4th, a Berliner 30-year-old man tried to ascend from a clothing line on the top but was caught by Eastern Police. In his final attempt to escape prosecution, he attempted to jump into a fire brigade jump sheet but missed and died. Eventually, the building in that area was demolished, and no one could run for their life

Abstract: The Cold War emerged at the end of World War II from the surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945. Germany and the capital were divided into four zones- the Western (America, France, and Britain) and the Soviet Union, each controlling a zone. In 1961, four million individuals fled from the Soviet Union sector, leaving the economy on the verge of a crash. On August 13, 1961, the people of the Soviet Union zone in Berlin were awakened by heavy machinery that went straight through the division of borders between the Soviet Union and the Western areas. That day world was blocked off as the Soviet Union constructed the Berlin Wall. For Berliners, August 13 was a cathartic life-changing event that divided families and cut them off from connection for about 30 years. Ultimately, the Berlin Wall led to numerous deaths, isolation, and traumatized generations of families wanting liberation in their country.

Presenter(s): Kathryn Arendash

Sponsoring Department: PSGA or History department

Project Mentor: Peter Agresti

The final obstacle was a concrete fence post and slab measuring 11 feet, known as the Berlin Wall.

Abstract:

In 2021 Erie County experienced 286 deaths associated with drug overdoses. Forty percent of the 286 deaths were associated with fentanyl and cocaine. Erie has one of the poorest area codes in the United States, in this neighborhood the trend of opioid epidemic has been increasing at rapid rates, with drug overdose deaths increasing by 400% from 2019-2020 (Dan Shank 2022). Using GIS and Erie Police Department Crime data, this project analyzes the spatial distribution of drug overdose within the city of Erie. It also examines the relationship between socioeconomic situation and incidents of drug overdoses in Erie. The project is raising awareness on the devastating effect of opioid epidemic in the social and ecological situation in Erie.

Figure 1

Map one shows the number of overdoses that occurred by block in Erie, PA from 20202022. With a total number of 1070 overdoses occurring between those years, the highest numbers had happened in an area from 13th –19th Street and between Cherry and State Street. Moreover, the Lower East Side had a relatively high level of overdoses between those years. Lower areas of overdoses were found away from the cities center, towards the suburbs.

Figure 2

The second map shows the hotspot areas where drug overdoes were most likely to occur from 2020-2022. This shows where in the city of Erie most drug use was occurring. There is a relation between number of people using drugs and number of people that will overdose. The more people using drugs, the more likely someone will end up overdosing. This map shows the lower west side and areas south, downtown Erie, and the lower east side as areas where drug overdoses are most likely to occur.

Figure 3

The final map shows Erie s poverty by block versus the number of overdoses. From this map, it can be stated that areas of lower poverty are more likely to be using drugs based off the number of overdoses occurring in those areas. The poverty level can directly play a role in people s decisions to use drugs. Increased stress, decreased hope, and low social support can greatly increase the likelihood of drug abuse leading to overdose

Fighting Dr ug Over dose: Erie’s Opioid Epidemic Charlie Raimondi raimondi002@gannon.edu

Adviser: Dr. Chris Magno

Course : GIS and Spatial Justice

Title: Fighting Drug Overdose: Erie’s Opioid Epidemic

Abstract: In 2021 Erie County experienced 286 deaths associated with drug overdoses. Forty percent of the 286 deaths were associated with fentanyl and cocaine. Erie has one of the poorest area codes in the United States, in this neighborhood the trend of opioid epidemic has been increasing at rapid rates, with drug overdose deaths increasing by 400% from 2019-2020 (Dan Shank 2022). Using GIS and Erie Police Department Crime data, this project analyzes the spatial distribution of drug overdose within the city of Erie. It also examines the relationship between socioeconomic situation and incidents of drug overdoses in Erie. The project is raising awareness on the devastating effect of opioid epidemic in the social and ecological situation in Erie.

Presenter(s): Charles Raimondi

Sponsoring Department: GIS

Project Mentor: Christopher Magno

Flight Attendant Injur y Prevention via the use of VR and Motion Tracking Techniques

W hen Opening and Closing the Air stair Door

Ethan Swierski1, Maria Arenas1 Xiaoxu Ji1 Biomedical Engineering Program1, Gannon University, Erie, PA

Background

About 13% of flight attendants are injured each year, which doesn t seem large but comes to about 13,500 per year. Out of those injuries, 58% were musculoskeletal (MS) involving the neck, back, and shoulders, with the most injuries being for stewardesses in the range of 4-6 years of experience [1].

Materials and Methods

Unity 3D was utilized to create a virtual environment in which the subject would open and close the airstair door three times. The airstair door is one of the three main causes of injury for flight attendants, hence the purpose of analysis.

Posture Analysis

The compressive and A/P shear forces exposed on the 4th/5th lumbar spine (L4/L5) was evaluated through JACK Siemens ergonomics software by inputting the magnitude and direction of force applied to each hand.

Expected Results and Future Work

It is expected for there to be direct relationships between body height, body weight, and compressive forces in L4 and L5, meaning that the taller and heavier people will experience a larger compressive force because they are larger people. There is also expected to be a significant difference between male and female subjects when it comes to compressive forces. This is expected since men are generally taller and heavier than women, following the relationship mentioned above [4]. In the opening of the door, more flexion is expect, and more extension is expected when closing the door. Physiologically, flexion happens more in movements that involve pushing, and extension happens more in movements that involve pulling [5]. Finally, it is predicted that subjects with larger body weights will have less trunk flexion, as it is harder to flex the trunk with a larger body weight [6].

Training simulations have been used in other areas, such as medicine, sports, and warehouses. They can be used to practice medical procedures, injury prevention in a variety of sports like football and baseball, and injury prevention in warehouse situations like lifting heavy objects and assembly line work. The application can reasonably be applied to stewardesses for the same effect [2].

Aim: To decrease the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders by evaluating the posture and form of a subject opening and closing the airstair door inside a virtual environment. In order to complete this, an airplane environment was designed in Unity 3D. The subjects then opened and closed the airstair door three times in the VR environment through the use of an Oculus Rift. The motion data was then recorded with the Xsens tracking system. Posture and force analysis was then done in JACK Siemens to determine if the posture would have an increased likelihood of injury

subject view but also interact with the game objects through the use of the controllers. To track the motion while the subject does the actions, an Xsens suit with trackers is worn. The motion data was then recorded with Xsens and further analyzed with JACK Siemens. Then, posture was evaluated for injury prevention to see if the subject is at risk based on their relative joint angles. Since most of the injuries occur in the back, that data will took priority with analysis.

By analyzing the entire task, the specific poses which place flight attendants at greater risk of getting injuries were analyzed. Such postures are assumed to provoke excessive forces on the lower back of participants. After stewardesses are trained using the Unity 3D, Oculus Rift, and Xsens, it is expected that the rate of injury will decrease. When comparing to other industries, a statistically significant difference was found before and after the use of this injury prevention method [3]. It is reasonable to assume that since injury prevention worked and lowered the risk of injury in an industrial setting, it will also work for flight attendants. To determine if it will be effective at the same rate as other industries, the effectiveness of injury detection will be evaluated since it is still in the research setting at the moment. It is important to validate the results and accuracy of the procedure and technology to determine if they are reliable and repeatable for every trial. The procedure should be valid since the Xsens trackers have been validated in reference to their accuracy of tracking. Hence, the results should be accurate.

Other professions that could benefit from this type of work include nurses, construction workers, paramedics, and police officers to name a few. Any industry with high MS injury rates could benefit from injury prevention from the use of VR. These professions often carry heavy loads, are in awkward postures, have forceful exertions, and repetitive loads [7]. This work could help optimize their motion and movements.

References

[1]US Department of Labor. (2021, September 8). Flight Attendants Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-materialmoving/ flight-attendants.htm#tab-3 [2] Flight Safety Foundation. (2002). Flight Safety Foundation. Flight Safety Foundation: Cabin Crew Safety. Retrieved March 13, 2022, from https:// www.flightsafety.org/ccs/ccs_jul-aug02.pdf [3] Raytheon. (2022, February 11). Home. https://careers.rtx.com/global/en [4] Rowland, M. L. (1990). Self-reported weight and height. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 52(6), 1125–1133. https://doi.org/10.1093/ ajcn/52.6.1125 [5] Kluger, D., Major, M. J., Fatone, S., & Gard, S. A. (2014). The effect of trunk flexion on lower-limb kinetics of able-bodied gait. Human Movement Science 33, 395–403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2013.12.006 [6] Gilleard, W., & Smith, T. (2006). Effect of obesity on posture and hip joint moments during a standing task and trunk forward flexion motion. International Journal of Obesity 31(2), 267–271. https:// doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803430 [7] U.S. Fire Administration. (2017). Emergency Services Ergonomics and Wellness. Retrieved March 13, 2022, from https://www.usfa.fema.gov/ operations/ergonomics/ch1-firefighterinjuries.html#:%7E:text=Table%

Title: Flight Attendant Injury Prevention via the use of VR and Motion Tracking Techniques When Opening and Closing the Airstair Door

Abstract: About 13% of flight attendants are injured each year, which comes to about 13,500 per year. Out of those injuries, 58% were musculoskeletal involving the neck, back, and shoulders. The highest causes of injury are from turbulence, putting in and taking the luggage out of the over head bin, pushing and pulling the service trolley, and opening and closing the airstair door, which will be the focus. Training simulations have been used in other areas, such as medicine, sports, and warehouses, so the application can be reasonably applied to flight attendants for the same effect. The training simulation was designed in Unity 3D, in which the trainee was placed in via an Oculus Rift. While the subject opened and closed the door, their motion was recorded with the Xsens tracking system. Then, the relative joint angles were analyzed in Jack to determine the compressive forces on L4 and L5 in the spine. Based on these forces, it was determined the likelihood of the subject to injure themselves while opening and closing the airstair door.

Presenter(s): Ethan Swierski, Maria Arenas

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Project Mentor: Xiaoxu Ji

Figure 1: Frequency of factors associated with stewardess back injuries [1]

2: The virtual environment created in Unity

Figure 3: A subject completing the opening and closing of the door in VR

Figure 4: The analysis of the Xsens motion with JACK Siemens

Map 1 and 2

The points that are mapped on Map 1 are all of the grocery stores in the City of Erie that sell meat. In Map 1 the poverty rate is also mapped in contrast with the stores meat can be purchased from. In Map 2 the grocery stores in the City of Erie are mapped in contrast with the poverty rate. In Map 2 around each grocery store is a walking distance of 0.25 and 0.5 miles. According to USDA a food desert is defined as an area with at least 100 household that lives 0.5 miles from the nearest grocery store.

As you can see many of the highest poverty blocks in the City of Erie are more than 0.5 miles from the closest grocery store or store to purchase meat from. Also many of the blocks with the highest levels of poverty do not have a grocery store or a store to purchase meat from in that block. These grocery stores and meat stores that people are having to travel to often do not have the best quality of food items for the people of Erie to purchase and consume compared to other stores in wealthier neighborhoods.

Food Quality and Pover ty in Erie, PA

Karina Rogers

Map 1

Advisers: Dr. Chris Magno and Dr. Matthew Gacura

Map 3

The points that are seen mapped on Map 3 are the grocery stores that are found in the city of Erie. They include stores such as Walmart, Giant Eagle, Save A Lot, Wegmans, Tops Market, Erie Co Op, Erie County Farms, and Larry s Central Market. Each of these points has a 0.25 and a 0.5 mile buffer zone around them. This shows us the walkability of the grocery stores for people around that particular area. According to USDA a food desert is defined as an area with at least 100 household that lives 0.5 miles from the nearest grocery store. In this map the hot spots of poverty in the City of Erie are mapped. As you can see many of the hot spot blocks for poverty in the City of Erie do not have a grocery store that is near to them in a walking distance of 0.5 miles or less. The stores that are available to the people traveling to purchase their groceries from may have a lesser quality of food available than stores in wealthier neighborhoods.

Future Works

Map 2

Map 3

In the future we would like to see more awareness brought to the quality of food that people in the City of Erie have access to. We would also like to see more awareness brought to the downtown area of Erie and the food deserts that are currently present. Some awareness in the past few years has been brough to this area with grocery stores like the Erie Co Op. We would like to see more affordable and quality options to be available to the people that are living in the downtown area and especially the areas that qualify as a food desert and the areas in the City of Erie with the highest amounts of poverty. We would also like to see more research done with the quality of food that is available to people living in urban areas especially in areas that have high instances of poverty and food deserts.

Bibliography Documentation. USDA ERS Documentation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https:// www.ers.usda.gov/data products/food

Title: Food Quality and Poverty in Erie, PA

Abstract: Using Geographic Information System as a tool to assist in analyzing our data, our research analyzes the connection between poverty, food deserts, and food quality of ground beef in Erie, PA. This research uses data from Dr. Matthew Gacura Ph.D. in the Biology Department at Gannon University regarding the microbial count of ground beef from different grocery stores in the City of Erie. This data was then used to find a correlation between microbial count and poverty and food deserts in the area that the ground beef was purchased for in the City of Erie. Previous research (Faareha Siddiqui, Rehana A. Salam, Zohra S. Lassi, and Jai K. Das 2020) explained how there is a significant relationship between nutritional status and economic standing.

Presenter(s): Karina Rogers

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Christopher Magno

Forest Management as a Defense Against Wildfires

Introduction

Wildfires have become an increasingly devastating ecological issue. Municipalities, governments, homes, families, schools, and local communities have been decimated by wildfires in the United States and abroad. Forest management is usually instituted in small forests that are new and used for harvesting trees for construction materials. Extremely destructive wildfires, being an increasingly intense threat, can be reduced. The concrete and effective step governments can take to reduce the destructive nature of these fires is forest management planning. The purpose concluded by this research is to provide the effective steps of reducing the devastation of wildfires. Through the survey of various scholarly sources and government projects and reports, the steps explained in this research are to clear dead and dry materials from the forest floor, remove undesirable species, and harvest trees useful for construction materials. To adequately carry out proper forest management planning governments must control government and private land. Thus, to properly reduce the threat of wildfires local communities must institute forest management planning to serve as a defense against wildfires.

Question

To what extent does forest management affect the destruction of forest fires?

Methods

• A primary literature search was conducted to obtain an overview of a variety of scholarly studies; sourced from EBSCOHost , Google Scholar, and JSTOR.

• A secondary literature search was conducted to obtain empirical data.

• Topics 1 and 2 were decided (1- What is forest management/wildfires, 2- forest management’s effect on wildfires)

• The keyword search method was used to obtain topics that were subsequently used in the card-sort method

Findings

(Topics 1 & 2)

1. Forest management is a lengthy process removal and cleanup of dead and dry materials (Pennsylvania Forest Management, 2023).

2. Wildfires are mostly caused by natural events, i.e., lightning, spontaneous combustion, volcanic eruptions, or human activities (Jazebi et al., 1970).

1. Forest management planning can adequately assess the risk of wildfires (Marques et al., 2017).

2. Forest management planning has a positive effect on decreasing climate change by mitigating how much carbon is sequestered and the positioning of forests to become healthier (Malsheimer et al., 2008).

3. Ways to manage forests thinning, mastication, mowing, lopping, and scattering, prescribed fire, and piling and burning of slash. (Charnley et al., 2017).

4. “Timber harvest achieves important forest management objectives, influences fire hazard, production of ecosystem services, and is a potential revenue source” (Charnley et al., 2017).

Luke B. Bratton Niomi Viera Bratton002@gannon.edu Viera002@gannon.edu

Conclusion

• The result of this exploratory research is an understanding of forest management planning as a defense against wildfires and a subsequent proposed solution for implementation.

• Forest management planning affects the destruction of wildfires by greatly reducing dead and dry materials from the forest floor.

Title: Forest Management as a Defense Against Wildfires

Abstract: Wildfires have become an increasingly devastating ecological issue. Municipalities, governments, homes, families, schools, and local communities have been decimated by wildfires in the United States and abroad. Forest management is usually instituted in small forests that are new and used for harvesting trees for construction materials. Extremely destructive wildfires, being an increasingly intense threat, can be reduced. The concrete and effective step governments can take to reduce the destructive nature of these fires is forest management planning. The purpose concluded by this research is to provide the effective steps of reducing the devastation of wildfires. Through the survey of various scholarly sources and government projects and reports, the steps explained in this poster are to clear dead and dry materials from the forest floor, remove undesirable species, and harvest trees useful for construction materials. To adequately carry out proper forest management planning governments must control government and private land. Thus, to properly reduce the threat of wildfires local communities must institute forest management planning to serve as a defense against devastation.

Presenter(s): Luke Bratton, Niomi Viera

Sponsoring Department: McNair Scholar’s Program

Project Mentor: David Gee

cancer treatment

Forging a Strong Bond: the Search for Novel BiTEs in Cancer Immunology Therapy

Jack Kloecker1, Dr. Davide Piovesan2, Dr. Matt Gacura3 Dr. Ria Betush1, and Dr. Gary Vanderlaan3

Abstract Chemistry in Human Cells

this case,

Covalent Inhibition: The Pharmacological Sword of Damocles

Figure 3 A class of KRAS G12C drug blockers, including ARS1620(left), work by covalently forming adducts to the sulfhydryl group found on the R-groups of cysteine amino acids via a Michael Addition ARS1620 binding to KRAS G12C locks the mutant oncopeptide into a trapped state that is unable to cycle GDP for GTP, reducing mitotic rates

While KRAS G12C covalent inhibitors are promising cancer therapies,

Title:

unique alleles for possible hapten targets shown here

Forging a Strong Bond: the Search for Novel BiTEs in Cancer Immunology Therapy

BiTE

Figure 6 Fab Phage display is a method by which antigen-binding fragments (Fab’s) can be selected to generate Bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTEs) capable of interacting with haptenated proteins

Zhang et al., 2022. Cancer Cell https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccell.2022.07.005

Beals et al., 1999 http://www.nimbios.org/~gross/bioed/webmodules/aminoacid.htm

O'Neil et al., 2010 https://web.nmsu.edu/~snsm/classes/chem435/Lab12/intro.html

Stieglmaier et al., 2015. Biological Therapy https://doi.org/10.1517/14712598.2015.1041373 Liu et al., 2021. Biochemical Pharmacology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114636

Abstract: KRAS G12C is one of the most frequently mutated alleles across all cancer types. Identification of mutation-specific drugs that target oncogene alleles have been discovered. Covalent inhibitors specific to mutant alleles should provide treatment, however, cancers develop resistance mechanisms. Through proteasome degradation of mutant peptides, short haptenated oligopeptides are produced. MHC-I display of haptenated oligopeptides effectively presents a foreign antigen to any CD8+ T-cells carrying a T-cell receptor (TCR). Advancements in cancer immunology have produced bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) that contain two different antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) fused together, one binding specifically to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and one targeting the hapten. BiTEs with Fab regions that are reactive against two different KRAS G12C chemotherapeutical drugs, ARS1620 and sotorasib, have been discovered. As most cancer missense mutations yield amino acids other than cysteine, we review existing covalent adduction strategies, repurposing known inhibitor drugs for novel BiTE strategies as cancer treatment.

Presenter(s): Jack Kloecker

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Celebrate Gannon 2023 | Undergraduate | Research/Scholarship

1 Nucleophiles are chemical species that are capable of donating an electron pair and electrophiles are an electron-deficient species Nucleophiles will attack electrophiles, displacing a leaving group, in

Abstract

African Swine Fever (ASF) has exerted tremendous economic impacts on global pork production and consumption rates, due to high mortality rates caused by hemorrhagic fever within domesticated pigs In the absence of a commercial vaccine or treatment, ASF-infected pigs are culled to prevent additional transmission Our World in Data (OWID) tracks economic metrics regarding meat production and consumption We datamined OWID for an approximately sixty-year period (1961-2019) for nearly 200 countries to reveal reliance trends for nations with extensive percapita production and consumption rates of various meats including pork High pork reliance translates to a larger number of porcine cells that might serve as a food reservoir of infectious ASF virions When overlayed against ASFV epidemiological incidence and prevalence, data analysis reveals the countries that might be at the greatest risk of ASFV outbreaks and would benefit the most from infection control strategies and development of novel vaccines and therapies

ASFV Transmission

For Asia, high ASFV vulnerability was found in China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Taiwan China was examined separately because the nation ranks the highest in

Title: Global Pork Production and Consumption

Comparing Global Pork Production and Consumption

Regional graphs depicting pork production and consumption data were generated to show temporal changes for each country through the years of 1961-2019 In order to show the most current and accurate data, values were sorted using five-year averages for each country between the years of 2015-2019 The averages for each country were then sorted to identify the countries with the highest production and consumption values The most prevalent countries for each metric were included in the graphs Countries appearing in both graph types for their respective region show the highest vulnerability to future ASFV epidemics For North and South America, countries with a high vulnerability include the United States, Canada, and Mexico For Western Europe, high vulnerability is present in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal As for Eastern European nations, Russia, Poland, Austria, Romania, Hungary, and Serbia show high vulnerability to ASFV

Geographical Distribution of Pork Production vs. Consumption

Geographical heat maps of Asia, Europe, and North America were produced using an average of data compiled from 2015-2019 in order to visually show the rate of pork consumption and pork production on a global scale Areas that have high rates of both metrics are especially vulnerable to future ASFV epidemics, due to high pork reliance and can be identified by comparing the graphics in either column

Future Research

Determine countries with vulnerability to future ASFV epidemics using a metric that overlays pork production and pork consumption data with ASFV epidemiological data

Identify areas with food insecurity as a result of epidemics such as endemic, epidemic, or sporadic ASFV cases • Target areas with high vulnerability to ASFV to prioritize future vaccine deployment to evade further epidemics

References

Gaudreault, N. N., Madden, D. W., Wilson, W. C., Trujillo, J. D., & Richt, J. A. (2020).

Swine Fever Virus: An Emerging DNA Arbovirus. Frontiers in veterinary science, 7, 215. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00215

Reveal Food Security Vulnerabilities From Unmitigated African Swine Fever Disease

Abstract: African Swine Fever (ASF) has exerted tremendous economic impacts on global pork production and consumption rates, due to high mortality rates caused by hemorrhagic fever within domesticated pigs. In the absence of a commercial vaccine or treatment, ASF-infected pigs are culled to prevent additional transmission. Our World in Data (OWID) tracks economic metrics regarding meat production and consumption. We datamined OWID for an approximately sixty-year period (1961-2019) for nearly 200 countries to reveal reliance trends for nations with extensive per-capita production and consumption rates of various meats including pork. High pork reliance translates to a larger number of porcine cells that might serve as a food reservoir of infectious ASF virions. When overlayed against ASFV epidemiological incidence and prevalence, data analysis reveals the countries that might be at the greatest risk of ASFV outbreaks and would benefit the most from infection control strategies and development of novel vaccines and therapies.

Presenter(s): Maria Kamvouris, Anna Betler, Karley Kennedy, Savannah Battleson, Billie Caruso

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Guilt by Association: Exploring Multidimensional Mathematical Space to Hunt for Priority Gene Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy

Abigail Palotas1,2, Rich Ligo2, Matt Gacura1, and Gary Vanderlaan1

1Dept of Biology 2Dept

TISSUE HPA scRNA

HPA METRIC DIMENSIONS DATA TYPE DATA UTILITY COSMIC 20-D discrete (base 2) The Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) measures 20 different ways that genes contribute phenotypically to tumorigenesis such as mitosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis HPA Patho 17-D discrete (base 2) The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) tracks prognostic genes for 17 different types of cancer such as breast cancer, lung cancer, or renal carcinoma HPA Tissue 54-D continuous (nTPM) HPA Tissue is a module that tracks the precise transcriptomes of 54 different human tissue types, obtained via next-generation sequencing HPA scRNA 76-D continuous (nTPM) HPA scRNA tracks the transcriptomes of 76 different cell types to establish baseline patterns of gene expression

COSMIC HPA PATHO residues were identified Subcellular localization data was obtained to identify cytosolic protein targets accessible to the endogenous pathway for MHC-I antigen display We next removed genes without a COSMIC signature, yielding 219 unique genes For each gene, we pulled down binary COSMIC data, binary prognostic HPA Pathology data, and transcriptomic read counts from several HPA modules, including HPA Tissue and HPA single-cell RNA (scRNA) Each gene has a location at a Cartesian coordinate in multidimensional space depending on the dataset This allows for the calculation of dK the distance of each gene from KRAS BiTEs activate T cells BiTE molecules contain two different regions One region is specific towards the T cell and the other binds to ARS1620haptenated antigens presented on MHC-I molecules Binding of the BiTE activates the T cell adjacent to the cancer cell T cells then drive apoptosis of the cancer cell In theory, this strategy should work on any missense mutations resulting in cysteine substitutions for peptides localized to the cytosol for MHC-I access

tumor suppressor vs oncogene tags, and atavistic tags on top of TDA outputs to examine enrichment

Tomczak et al., 2015. Contemporary Oncology https://doi.org/10.5114/wo.2014.47136 Tate et al., 2018. Nucleic Acids Research https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gky1015 Karlsson et al., 2021. Science Advances https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abh2169

Stieglmaier et al., 2015. Exp Opin Biol Therapy https://doi.org/10.1517/14712598.2015.1041373 Chazal & Michel 2021. An Introduction to Topological Data Analysis: Fundamental and Practical Aspects for Data Scientists https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2021.667963

Title: Guilt by Association: Exploring Multidimensional Mathematical Space to Hunt for Priority Gene Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract: The KRAS G12C allele drives cell proliferation in many tumors. Mutant-specific chemotherapeuticals exist that covalently haptenate the cysteine’s sulfhydryl group, rendering KRAS G12C non-functional. However, tumors with high mutation burdens can evolve resistance. Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) alert the immune system to the presence of haptenated conjugates on MHC-I molecules on the surface of cancer cells. BiTE therapy causes cancer cell apoptosis. To search for KRAS-like genes for BiTE innovation, we datamined the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) measures how genes cause cancer. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) maps cancer transcriptomes. Using a workflow of TCGA, COSMIC, and HPA, we identified 219 gene targets. Topological data analysis uses qualitative geometric features to analyze datasets. Each gene was identified with a Cartesian coordinate in multidimensional space and sorted via filter functions to identify genes nearest KRAS, potentially revealing targets for novel BiTE immunotherapy designs.

Presenter(s): Abigail Palotas

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Celebrate Gannon 2023 | Undergraduate | Research/Scholarship

Introduction

The Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh Wildlife Center (HARP WLC) is a non-profit rehabilitation center located in Verona, Pennsylvania, that is strongly dedicated to protecting the state's native wildlife. The wildlife center is run by many well skilled and licensed rehabbers as well as several volunteers and interns. Together, this team works very hard providing care and rehabilitation to injured or orphaned animals that are brought into the center. The wildlife center is very busy all year, but it is the busiest during the baby seasons. Each year the wildlife center sees around 4,000 animals.

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh Wildlife Center Internship

Figure 3. Enrichment

The picture below shows a litter of juvenile opossum foraging for food. At the HARP WLC, it is very important to provide animals with as much enrichment as possible before they are released back into the wild. In this picture, the young opossums have tree branches to climb on, hide outs to crawl in, a foraging pan, and their food is given to them inside cardboard boxes. This gets the young opossums to learn how to interact in their environment and it teaches them how to look for food. All these things are considered enrichment. Anything that gets the animals to think about doing something such as finding food or learning how to course a tree branch allows the young animals to develop the skills, they need to so they can survive in their natural environment

Statistics

The first diagram below shows some of the species that we admitted over the summer and how many we had throughout the season. The second shows more numbers involving how much time was spent helping our native wildlife and rates for rehabilitation and release.

Kelsi Smith

Katie Kefalos, Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation

Melanie Gustafson-Ropski, M.A. Smith376@gannon.edu

Figure 1. Red-tailed hawk X-ray

A red-tailed hawk was brought in by a good Samaritan who had stated that he saw the bird get electrocuted. The bird had relatively good body condition and came in with a full crop. After a physical exam and a flight test it was evident that most of the injury was confined to the right wing. It was determined that to most effectively produce a treatment plan an x-ray was needed. In the x-ray we were able to see the in bone and in blood feathers. In blood feathers have a blood supply whereas in bone feathers do not. We could see that there was no damage to the bones in the damaged wing, but there was damage to the feathers.

Figure 4. Physical exams

At the wildlife center when an animal is admitted to the center a rehabber performs a physical exam on the animal to produce a care plan to ensure the most comfortable and quickest recovery. There are a lot of things that need to be looked over during a physical exam, there are 13 categories that need to be examined. You can see in the image below all the topics that are included in the exam procedure. The exam procedure is very important for the recovery of the animals because one injury can determine whether an animal gets released or not. The image below is a picture of the first physical exam that did during my internship, the animal was an eastern cottontail with a poor diagnosis.

Figure

red-tailed hawk

After

found the major issue, their focus shifted to strengthening the bird and preparing him to go back into the wild This process consisted of moving the red-tail to the flight cage The flight cage is a large building with several perches that allows birds to have enough space to practice flying and landing

Title: Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh Wildlife Center Internship

Figure 5 Irwin, The North American Porcupine Irwin was a permanent resident at the HARP WLC due to his health issues he was not able to be released into the wild Everyone at the WLC was very fond of Irwin as was I The love and compassion we had for Irwin was the same amount of care we give to all the wildlife admitted to the WLC This internship has strengthened my knowledge of animal care and as also strengthened my passion for taking care of animals

Acknowledgments

I would like to not only acknowledge but also thank everyone who made this experience possible for me. I would first like to thank the HARP WLC for allowing me to do my internship at their facility and teaching me so many things along the way such as different techniques for taking care of animals and different facts about our Pennsylvania species. would also like to acknowledge my advisor Mrs.Ropski who has helped me through the process and has overseen my internship, so was able to make this happen. .

Abstract: In Summer 2022 I explored the veterinary field by interning at the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh Wildlife Center (HARP WLC), a nonprofit organization that educates the public about Pennsylvania native wildlife and rehabilitates hurt and orphaned species. The facility has 12 spaces, and I learned proper techniques for cleaning these spaces, caring for different species medically as well as with enriched enclosures, and preparing diets and feeding the very young and the injured. The ultimate goal at the end of rehab is release back to the wild. During my internship, I was able to witness the great deal of hard work and dedication it takes to take care of our state’s wildlife, and I gained hands-on skills that will benefit my future career as a veterinarian.

Presenter(s): Kelsi Smith

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Melanie Gustafson-Ropski

Testing

The first test we conducted was to see if our design would generate Hydrogen gas. For this test, we had 2 five gallon buckets. The first bucket contained 25.02 pounds of water with .542 pounds of borax dissolved in it. This bucket was used as the testing bucket which contained the hydrogen generator. A second bucket with 29.22 pounds of water and .593 pounds of borax was used as the control for the experiment. The experiment setup included the first bucket with the hydrogen generator which was connected to the battery and a mu timeter to measure the current. A thermometer was also placed in the buckets to measure the temperature of the water. After connecting the battery, we observed the borax/water solution bubbling and generating hydrogen gas. A total of five sets of data were

Hydr ol ysis Inter nal Combustion Engine

Abstract

This poster presents the results of an engineering design project involving a group of undergraduate mechanical engineering students. The project involves design, development, and prototyping of an alternative option for powering internal combustion engines with hydrogen through the use of hydrolysis. The product is a system to be attached to existing engines to convert them to hydrogen. The purpose of this project is to create a working hydrolysis system. Due to time constraints, it will not be possible to convert an engine to hydrogen so for the basis of this project, all that will be completed is the actual system to create the hydrogen from water and electricity. Testing will be conducted to confirm that enough gas is being produced to have a similar energy output to gasoline.

Title: Hydrolysis Internal Combustion Engine

Design

The design of the hydrogen generator uses 2 metal rods, one as an anode and the other as the cathode. These rods have the positive and negative ends of the circuit hooked up to them, respectively. In order for the hydrogen generator to create hydrogen gas, the current needs to bounce back and forth between the poles in a zig-zag pattern. To accomplish this, metal plates are used. These plates resemble the shape of large washers. The washers and rods are made of 18-8 stainless steel. The rods measure 15” and are threaded with ¼” -20 threads. The plates have an OD of 2.5” and have 2 holes drilled into them colinearly, one at ¼” diameter, and another at 3/8” diameter. These plates are held onto the rods using ¼” galvanized hex nuts. To ensure the current crosses the washers, 3-D printed spacers are used to insulate one rod on each washer. These alternate up the design in the opposite direction the current is supposed to go. A zinc plated nylon filled locknut is placed at each end of both rods. This helps anchor the rods and washers in their respective places as well as providing an insulated attachment point to supports. A model of this design as well as a built prototype can be seen in pictures below.

(Undergrad Mechanical Engineering Students)

Kurchena001@gannon.edu

Process

For the design of the hydrolysis system, it was important that the product create as much hydrogen gas as possible while maintaining user friendliness and safety. A system that was simple to operate, all enclosed, and airtight was imperative as hydrogen gas is highly explosive when exposed to a catalyst, and is a very small molecule. For this reason, a system that generated the hydrogen as it is to be used was decided upon. The system we designed generated hydrogen at a similar rate to the engine it would be powering needs it. No hydrogen is stored for a long period of time in the product, but rather the product is turned on just before the engine it is fueling is started. This saves the hassle of pressurizing the hydrogen and danger of storing hydrogen gas unpressurized. For the hydrogen production, electrolysis is used. This involves running an electrical current through water to split the H2O molecules into H+ and O2- atoms. These are both diatomic atoms, so the resulting product is H2 and O2 gas molecules. These float to the top and are pulled into a second chamber where they are bubbled through normal water to stabilize any radicals that may have formed before being pulled out of the top of the second chamber into the carburetor of the engine.

Abstract: This poster presents the results of an engineering design project involving a group of undergraduate mechanical engineering students. The project involves design, development, and prototyping of an alternative option for powering internal combustion engines with hydrogen through the use of hydrolysis. The product is a system to be attached to existing engines to convert them to hydrogen. The purpose of this project is to create a working hydrolysis system. Due to time constraints, it will not be possible to convert an engine to hydrogen so for the basis of this project, all that will be completed is the actual system to create the hydrogen from water and electricity. Testing will be conducted to confirm that enough gas is being produced to have a similar energy output to gasoline.

Presenter(s): Mark Kurchena, Brenna Callahan, Brendan Cuddihy, Sean McPeak

Sponsoring Department: Mechanical Engineering

Project Mentor: Scott Steinbrink

Mark Kurchena, Brendan Cuddiny, Brenna Callahan, Sean McPeak

Generation Students at Gannon Univer sity

Adviser: Dr. Chris Magno

Title: I am First: Mapping the First Generation Students at Gannon University

Abstract: This research examines the spatial characteristics of the cities of residences of Gannon’s first-generation college students. Using Geographic Information System and data from the US census, the research analyses the demographic profiles of these cities. The research also examines the statistical relationship between the cities’ social conditions (poverty, income, and hosing insecurity) and the students’ high school GPA.

Presenter(s): Maida Kremic

Sponsoring Department: GIS and Spatial Justice

Project Mentor: Chris Magno

(

Title:

Abstract

Identifying Cysteine-Dependent Neoantigens Resulting from Missense Substitutions for Cancer Immunotherapy by BiTE Treatment

Sherin Puthenpurayil1, Nicholas Farrell1, Timothy Edwards1, Jenna Sins1 John Vieira1, Abigail Palotas1, Rabab Alamairy1, Savannah Battleson1 Jack Kloecker2, Davide Piovesan3, Matthew Gacura1, and Gary Vanderlaan1

1Dept of Biology, 2Dept of Chemistry, 3Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Gannon University

KRAS G12C Drug Inhibitors

involving haptenation by ARS1620

The KRAS Oncogene Drives Mitosis

(Left): Following tissue damage in normal cells, growth hormones such as epidermal growth factors (EGF) serve as ligands that bind to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) such as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) RTK activation activates guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that replace a GDP for a GTP on KRAS GTP-bound KRAS is the active form which transduces signals along three arms (i e mTOR, ERK, and NF-kB) to ultimately turn on genes important for cell division and anti-apoptosis KRAS is deactivated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) which stimulate the weak GTPase activity of each GTP-bound KRAS to eventually convert GTP to GDP GDP-bound KRAS is inactive and awaits another round of signal transduction from RTK activity

Right) In cancerous cells harboring the KRAS G12C missense substitution, the mutant KRAS G12C oncopeptide cycles much more rapidly than wild-type (WT) KRAS This elevated cycling of GTP for GDP and then GTP again permits KRAS G12C to signal more frequently to drive mitosis and survival

(Above) A class of KRAS G12C drug blockers, including ARS1620, work by covalently forming adducts to the sulfhydryl group found on the R-groups of cysteine amino acids ARS1620 binding to KRAS G12C locks the mutant oncopeptide into a trapped state that is unable to cycle GDP for

Cancer and the Immune System

In Cancer (COSMIC), the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) Pathology module for cancer prognostics, and various HPA modules such as single-cell RNA (scRNA) for transcript read counts to track expression levels

Detailed Bioinformatics Workflow

Taking a

Bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTEs) bypass TCR and CD8 to activate T cells BiTE molecules contain two different Fab regions that bind two different antigens One Fab region is specific towards CD3ε of the T-cell and the other binds ARS1620-haptenated antigens presented on MHC-I molecules Binding of the CD3ε subunit of the CD3 complex activates the T-cell, and this activation occurs adjacent to the cancer cell Following immunological synapse formation, T-cells release perforins and granzymes to drive apoptosis of the cancer cell In theory, this strategy should work on any missense resulting in cysteine substitutions for peptides localized to the cytosol for MHC-I access

(Above): The host immune system is well equipped to detect and destroy cancer cells The innate response leverages natural killer (NK) cells that are guided by antibodies of the humoral response NK cells recognize such antibodies via FcR proteins, which stimulates granzyme and perforin secretion Perforins penetrate the plasma membrane of the cancer cell and granzymes enter the cytosol to drive mitochondria dysfunction and subsequently, apoptosis NK cells that kill in this fashion use a mechanism known as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) Similarly, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) utilize T-cell receptor (TCR) proteins to detect foreign antigens displayed by MHC-I molecules on the surface of cancer cells to kill cancer cells via the granzyme perforin pathway as well

Identifying Cysteine-Dependent Neoantigens Resulting from Missense Substitutions for Cancer Immunotherapy by BiTE

Treatment

Abstract: The KRAS G12C allele is a missense substitution in the KRAS oncogene that enhances the rate of cell proliferation. This mutation is detected in ~19% of human cancer cells. KRAS G12C blockers have been recently approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers. G12C blockers like ARS1620 work by preventing reactivation of the mutant KRAS G12C peptide by covalently binding the 12th cysteine residue in the mutant protein. Cancer immunotherapy can exploit MHC-I display of ARS1620-haptenated KRAS G12C antigens using bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapy. Using several databases, we datamined over 100K point mutations to identify ~4K alleles arrayed across ~500 genes that yield a cysteine residue due to a missense substitution. Our work identifies candidate BiTE targets for a cancer immunotherapy approach involving haptenation by ARS1620.

Presenter(s): Sherin Puthenpurayil, Jack Kloecker

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

that differentiate into plasmablasts resist terminal differentiation, retaining mitotic activities PEL patients exhibit extensive plasmablast numbers that accumulate within the bodily cavities replete with fluids There is currently no available vaccine targeting the KSHV agent of PEL We datamined open-access portals including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for PEL-enriched cancer cases harboring frameshift alleles Roughly half of the frameshift alleles map to the TENT5C gene The TENT5C enzyme functions as a cytosolic poly(A) polymerase, extending the lifespans of messages that are key for B-cell and mRNA activities Rates of TENT5C mutant alleles in PEL cases provides a unique opportunity to hunt for neoantigens that form the basis of cancer for mRNA vaccine designs

KSHV-Driven Diseases

Identifying Neoantigens in TENT5C Frameshift Alleles for Cancer Vaccine Design Personalized to Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL) Caused by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes Virus (KSHV)

Rabab Alamairy1, John Vieira1, Jenna Sins1, Hayden Divers1, Ira Esperance1, Abigail Palotas1 Jack Kloecker1, Anna Betler1 Karley Kennedy1, Savannah Battleson1, Maria Kamvouris1 Malachi Harris1, Nicholas Farrell1, Sherin Puthenpuyaril1, Lexi Hulick1 Davide Piovesan2, Matt Gacura1, and Gary Vanderlaan1

PEL Hijacks Normal B-Cell Pathways TENT5C Stabilizes Messenger RNAs

(LEFT): In normal B-cell activation, naïve B cells encounter an antigen and are given mitotic rights by follicular helper T (TFH) or TH2 cells in the lymph nodes They are then allowed to enter the germinal center to develop along a plasmablast lineage towards terminally differentiated plasma cells PEL occurs when KSVinfected plasmablasts resist differentiation into plasma cells but retain extensive mitotic activity (RIGHT) Newly transcribed pre-mRNAs are processed in the nucleus by 5 -capping, splicing, and polyadenylation Nuclear poly(A) binding proteins (PABPN) control nuclear polyadenylation In the cytosol, mRNA are further processed by cytoplasmic poly(A)-binding protein (PABPC), which promotes translation TENT5C is an enzyme that is commonly mutated in PEL cases It polyadenylates immunoglobulin heavy and light chain mRNA, stabilizing B-cell lineages Degradation of mRNA is performed by 3 →5 exonuclease activity Poly(A) tail lengths track messenger RNA turnover rates

Putative Role of TENT5C in Primary Effusion Lyphoma

(ABOVE): In 2012 there were 14 million new cancer cases with 2 2 million (15 4%) of them being attributable to biotic carcinogens Of which, 44,000 were credited to HHV8 (BELOW): HHV8 is a major driver of KS, CD, and PEL PEL clinically presents as effusions in body cavities, including in the pleural cavity PEL affects more men than women in a 6:1 ratio

(ABOVE): TENT is a protein family with various paralogous subfamily members TENT 1-5, including TENT5C

(RIGHT): Normal TENT5C

(LEFT): Through TCGA, we identified frameshift mutations of the TENT5C gene that track with PEL We mapped these alleles to the human genome using Ensembl, and with CCDS as a guide, predicted neoantigen sequences We used EMBOSS or PepSysCo to design either an mRNA or peptide subunit vaccine

1Department of Biology

2Department of Biomedical Engineering

PEL-Enriched TENT5C Neoantigens

Of TENT5C frameshift alleles with neoantigens >8 amino acids, seven

Future Work

Identify neoantigen sequences for genes other than TENT5C for enriched in PEL cases on TCGA Review immune checkpoint inhibitors in existing clinical trials involving PEL cases for possible vaccine synergy

Analysis Labs PepSySco http://tools.iedb.org/pepsysco Kazazian K., Haffani Y., Ng, D. et al. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-020-01161-3 Liudkovska V., Dziembowski A. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1622 National Cancer Institution The Cancer Genome Atlas Program. https://www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/organization/ccg/research/structural-genomics/tcga National Cancer Institution The Consensus

Title: Identifying Neoantigens in TENT5C Frameshift Alleles for Cancer Vaccine Design Personalized to Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL) Caused by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes Virus (KSHV)

Abstract: Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), is a non-integrating oncovirus that causes a wide spectrum of malignancies or disorders, including Castleman Disease (CD), Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), and Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL). KSHV-infected B-cells that differentiate into plasmablasts resist terminal differentiation, retaining mitotic activities. PEL patients exhibit extensive plasmoblast numbers that accumulate within the bodily cavities replete with fluids. There is currently no available vaccine targeting the KSHV agent of PEL. We datamined open-access portals including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for PELenriched cancer cases harboring frameshift alleles. Roughly half of the frameshift alleles map to the TENT5C gene. The TENT5C enzyme functions as a cytosolic poly(A) polymerase, extending the lifespans of messages that are key for B-cell and mRNA activities. Rates of TENT5C mutant alleles in PEL cases provides a unique opportunity to hunt for neoantigens that form the basis of cancer for mRNA vaccine designs.

Presenter(s): Rabab Alamairy, John Vieira, Jenna Sins, Hayden Divers, Ira Esperance, Abigail Palotas

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Identifying Neoantigens Resulting from Frameshift, Somatic Mutations in the Tumor Suppressor Gene, APC for Colorectal Cancer Vaccine Therapy Design

Nicholas Farrell1, Timothy Edwards1, Jenna Sins1, John Vieira1, Abigail Palotas1 Rabab Alamairy1, Savannah Battleson1, Sherin Puthenpurayil1, Jack Kloecker2 Malachi Harris1, Davide Piovesan3, Matthew Gacura1, and Gary Vanderlaan1 1Dept

alleles in turn possess the potential to generate novel peptide sequences that serve as onco-antigens when presented by MHC class I display systems Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs, CD8+) with reactive TCRs can then be activated in for an anti-cancer granzyme/perforin response

Title: Identifying Neoantigens Resulting from Frameshift, Somatic Mutations in the Tumor Suppressor Gene, APC for Colorectal Cancer Vaccine Therapy Design

Abstract: One frequently mutated gene in colorectal tumors is Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC). The APC gene encodes a protein that is essential for the destruction of _-catenin. Loss-of-function (LOF) alleles in APC result in the inability to degrade _-catenin. If APC LOF alleles arise from frameshift mutations, a premature stop codon is typically encountered. Truncation can yield a neoantigen peptide sequence that may be sufficient to activate the host immune system. Using a Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) filter to yield high-confidence oncogenic driver alleles, we mapped all 178 known frameshift lesions of APC obtained from colorectal cancer biopsies, as documented in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Each frameshift allele is translated to a predicted neoantigen frameshift consequence using NCBI CCDS (Consensus Coding Sequence). Neoantigens greater than 11 amino acids can be presented natively via host MHC-I alleles. We identified four consensus regions amenable to cancer vaccine design.

Presenter(s): Timothy Edwards, Jenna Sins, John Viera, Abigail Palotas, Rabab Alamairy, Savannah Battleson

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Identifying Viral Immunogens for Nanobody Design to Treat African Swine Fever Disease

Karley Kennedy1 , Savannah Battleson1 ,Anna Betler1, Maria Kamvouris1 Dr. Chris Magno2, Dr. Matt Gacura1, & Dr. Gary Vanderlaan1

1Dept

2Dept of Criminal Justice

old piglets were divided into three groups, two groups vaccinated with one control

The vaccine not only failed to protect against the ASFV challenge, but it also expedited the morbidity and morality from the ASFV All pigs in vaccinated groups showed vaccinated lesions, while only 2/5 Pigs in group 3 showed mild lesions The vaccinated group exhibited poorer outcomes than the control group following viral challenge Such findings are likely explained by the mechanism of antibody-dependent enhancement

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is a phenomenon where antibodies act as a "trojan horse" to allow the entrance of the virus into the host cell Following antibody-mediated opsonization of the virus, the Fc region of the antibody binds with the Fcγ receptor (FcγR) located on the plasma membrane of the macrophage For most viral agents, the phagocytosing cell would destroy the engulfed virion via phagolysosomal degradation However, ASFV evades phagolysosomal degradation, hijacking host ribosomes and polymerases to synthesize infectious virions In ADE, viruses effectively utilize the FcγR-mediated phagocytic pathway to quickly infect monocytes and macrophages The likelihood of

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a large enveloped dsDNA icosahedral

Title: Identifying

Viral Immunogens for Nanobody Design to Treat African Swine Fever Disease

Abstract: Typically, repeat exposure to disease agents results in a stronger immune response. However, for some infectious agents, opsonization by host antibodies drives pathogenesis by permitting the opsonized agent entry into host macrophages and dendritic cells via a phagocytic pathway, usually involving a Fc_R protein. In these cases, the presence of antibodies facilitates disease by the pathogen, and this phenomenon is called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) likely executes ADE in pig macrophages, making a prophylactic vaccine impossible. Studies of camel serum revealed camelid antibodies lacking lightchains; these small heavy-chain-only antibodies (HCAbs) still possess antigen-binding specificities. Camelid HCAbs can be generated without Fc regions in case camelid Fc is capable of driving ADE. After examining the proteome of ASF virions, we found ASFV structural protein targets such p12, p30, p34, p37, and p54. Such immunological treatment would serve as passive immunotherapy to pigs with the ASF disease.

Presenter(s): Karley Kennedy, Savannah Battleson, Anna Betler, Maria Kamvouris, Billie Caruso

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Introduction

Throughout the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, Influenza continued to be present in the general population and was also found to be coinfecting COVID patients Gannon’s COVID19 Lab began sporadic Influenza qPCR testing last academic year, and this year the testing became routine for all COVID-positive samples and those who reported being symptomatic, even if the sample was COVID-negative The procedure was taken from the CDC, in which mRNA that was isolated from nasopharyngeal samples and was tested against standards for both Influenza A and Influenza B The data is a culmination of testing from September 2022March 2023 for the competition between the incidence of Influenza compared to the incidence of COVID-19 on the university’s campus and the rates of coinfection found within the same time frame

Methods

Influenza Presence in a Campus Setting

Gwendolyn Ciletti-Dougherty Jeanette Schnars, Ph.D. Madison Heeter ciletti001@gannon.edu

Results

After 7 months of data culmination, including 443 isolations, our data provided a lot of insight into the relationship between the two viruses on our campus Some key findings include:

• The two viruses take turns being prevalent across campus, the high incidence rates do not occur within the same time periods

• Influenza did not disappear during the pandemic, unlike many theories stated

• Gannon’s campus finds Influenza A to be the predominant strain spreading across students, staff and faculty, with a ratio of 103:1 over the testing period

Co-infection is present within the closed population, at a rate slightly lower than that of the general population

Co-infection

Competition

JANUARY 12 COVID+ Tests

Influenza A+ Tests

Figure 1. A screenshot of the results of an Influenza qPCR run. These four curves represent the standardized range for a sample being considered positive for Influenza A or B.

1

6

45

COVID+ Tests 14 Influenza A+ Tests

The term “cold and flu season” has been widely used to describe the winter months When SARS-CoV-2 spread across the globe, it affected the typical “cold and flu season Our data allowed us to break down case counts by week to see the shifts in which virus was more prevalent Both viruses continually mutate, and the shifts can give a hint as to which is currently most virulent at a given time on Gannon’s campus

Title: Influenza Presence in a Campus Setting

CO-INFECTION RATE 2.74% IN GANNON’S POPULATION

Figure 2 SARS-CoV-2 virion in comparison to an Influenza virion. Both look very similar with a spherical shape and surface proteins surrounding the outside of the virus.

Future Projects

This project can be continued across future academic years to try to determine if these patterns remain constant or if they are still shifting as SARS-CoV-2 is generally new to the population, when compared to Influenza Other projects could include testing for other illnesses such as the common cold, RSV, among others to see if the different viruses have a distinct relationship in timing and prevalence among the Gannon population

References

2. Pawlowski, C., Silvert E., O'Horo J. C., Lenehan P. J., Challener, D., Gnass, E., Murugadoss, K., Ross, J., Speicher, L., Geyer, H., Venkatakrishnan A. J., Badley A. D., & Soundararajan V. (2022). SARS-COV-2 and influenza coinfection throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: An assessment of coinfection rates, cohort characteristics, and clinical outcomes. PNAS Nexus 1(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac071 2.https://sa1s3optim.patientpop.com/assets/images/provider/photos/22 72612.jpg Figure 3. The COVID-19 Lab Crew at the 2022 Pennsylvania Academy of Science.

Abstract: Throughout the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, Influenza continued to be present in the general population and was also found to be coinfecting Covid patients. Gannon’s COVID-19 Lab began sporadic Influenza qPCR testing last academic year, and this year the testing became routine for all COVID-positive samples and those who reported being symptomatic, even if the sample was COVIDnegative. The procedure was taken from the CDC, in which mRNA that was isolated from nasopharyngeal samples and was tested against standards for both Influenza A and Influenza B. The data is a culmination of testing from September 2022 -March 2023 for the competition between the incidence of Influenza compared to the incidence of COVID-19 on the university’s campus and the rates of coinfection found within the same time frame.

Presenter(s): Gwendolyn Ciletti-Dougherty

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Celebrate Gannon 2023 | Undergraduate | Research/Scholarship

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease in which the patient's immune system attacks the protective sheath, composed of myelin, that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerve fibers. This is also known as demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS) and it is a hallmark of MS [1]. It is important to note that there are subtypes of MS.

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that the body produces at local tissue sites [3]. It is promptly and transiently produced in response to infections and tissue injuries, and contributes to host defense through the stimulation of acute phase responses, hematopoiesis, and immune reactions [4]. Although its expression is strictly controlled by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, dysregulated continual synthesis of IL-6 plays a pathological effect on chronic inflammation and autoimmunity [5]. In the initial stage of inflammation when IL-6 is synthesized, it then moves to the liver through the bloodstream, and many other proteins accompany it to initiate response in the body [4].

Inter lukin-6 and Multiple Scler osis

Connection Between

Multiple sclerosis results in altered permeability of the blood

-brain barrier, allowing increased concentration of antibodies and leukocytes from blood stream into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the central nervous system. Interactions between T-cells and B-cells that have diffused into the CSF participate in the demyelination of neuronal cells through an intricate signaling pathway. Damage to the myelin sheath elicits a pro-inflammatory response. The activation of IL-6 via macrophages and T-cells that have permeated the blood -brain brain results in increased expression of the inflammatory marker in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Chart of Multiple Sclerosis Cases

1. IL-6 binds to a chain of nonbinding IL-6R.

2. The IL-6 complex connects to 2 gp130.

3. Activation of gp130 signals body for inflammation.

Trans-Signaling:

1. IL-6 binds to a chain of soluble sIL-6R.

2. The IL-6 complex connects to 2 gp130.

3. Activation of gp130 signals body for inflammation.

Title: Interleukin-6 and Multiple Sclerosis

Discussion

Disease activity and progression of MS have been shown to display increased levels of IL-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid. Activated T-cells and macrophages, which also activate IL-6, were more susceptible to entering the blood-brain barrier of patients with MS due to inflammation of the membrane. The expression of IL-6 may be linked to the expression of tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha (TNF-α) because patients that have MS have also shown an increase in TNF-α, which could be contributed to a weakened immune system caused by the demyelination of the sheath surrounding the axons in the brain.

Patients with a delayed diagnosis of MS experience longer disease progression without treatment. They are shown to have higher CSF IL-6 levels [7]. These patients were then reported to have a worse response to treatment for the condition [7]. This could indicate the possibility that IL-6 makes current treatments for MS more ineffective, however, to determine whether this is purely correlation, further research must be conducted.

Comparison of Normal and Diseased Neuronal Cells

In the diseased nerve cell, the myelin sheath of the axon has been damaged due to inflammation and poor bloodbrain barrier permeability. This causes the signal of the axon to travel slower and be less conductive. Since the signal is unable to reach the neighboring axon in time or since the signal is distorted, the muscles are unable to contract causing many of the symptoms seen in MS. In the normal nerve cell, the myelin sheath can speed up the signal and allows it to be delivered to the neighboring axon faster and with clear communication. This allows for the muscle to contract nor-

Abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers and disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This is known as demyelination and is one of the main characteristics of MS. MS is a disease with a highly variable clinical course indicating that it is regulated by many factors. However, currently, the specific pathophysiology of MS remains unclear. Interleukin (IL)-6 is most known as a classic cytokine with pleiotropic activity, and dysregulated production and potential upregulation of IL-6 can result in the development of various diseases, one of which includes MS. High levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as IL-6 have also been shown to lead to demyelination and axonal damage. This observation draws a connection between the characteristics of MS and prompts an investigation into the involvement of IL-6 activity in the pathogenesis of MS.

Presenter(s): Athena Martinez, Varvara Liashenko, Jillian Sullivan

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Prasad Dalvi

Athena Martinez, Varvara Liashenko, Jillian Sullivan, Prasad Dalvi

ABSTRACT

The STEM Center is underutilized at Gannon University as most students do not know when they need tutoring. In addition, many professors do not have a useful outlook on how students are doing until it is too late. This results in students not engaging with tutors and student data that is being stored with no purpose. For our senior project, we are creating a machine learning model that predicts students that need tutoring, allowing them to get help from the STEM Center earlier. The second part of our project is creating an application that will display to students their classes and which classes they require tutoring for. Our goal is to increase utilization of tutors and bolster student outcomes in STEM courses.

Machine Learning and STEM Tutoring

ARCHITECTURE

METHODOLOGY

For this project, a machine learning model will be used to predict whether a student would benefit from attending a tutoring session. Model features are being engineered based on generated data that has been modeled off of the STEM Center’s data. It considers the course (how students typically do in the classes, certain section information, etc.), the professor (how long they have been teaching, what department they are a member of, how well students typically do in their classes, etc.), and the student (major, number of credits taken previously, whether they are retaking a course, etc.).

PROJECT SCOPE

Title: Machine Learning and STEM Tutoring

Abstract: The STEM Center is underutilized at Gannon University as most students do not know when they need tutoring. In addition, many professors do not have a useful outlook on how students are doing until it is too late. This results in students not engaging with tutors and student data that is being stored with no purpose. For our senior project, we are creating a machine learning model that predicts students that need tutoring, allowing them to get help from the STEM Center earlier. The second part of our project is creating an application that will display to students their classes and which classes they require tutoring for. Our goal is to increase utilization of tutors and bolster student outcomes in STEM courses.

Presenter(s): Julia Takagi, Nikoly Dos Santos, Jacob Rose

Sponsoring Department: Computer Science and Software Engineering

Project Mentor: Adam Nogaj

Julia Takagi

Jacob Rose

Nikoly Dos Santos

Mapping Nanoplastic Pollution in Presque Isle Bay

Sergey Chikunov, Matthew Queiroz, Lisa J. Nogaj Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Gannon University Erie PA

Purpose

Lake Erie has a significant impact on the tourism, economy, and beauty of Erie, Pennsylvania. However, plastic waste pollution continues to threaten marine life in freshwater ecosystems like Presque Isle Bay, especially because nanoplastics have higher bioavailability and thus are more toxic to organisms.1

Background

Figure 1. Macroscopic plastic waste breaks down into smaller nanoplastics through mechanical and UV radiation, but it is currently unclear how nanoplastics are distributed across Presque Isle Bay and through the water column. Our goal is to determine particle shapes, sizes, and concentrations. Our findings will promote preventative measures.4

Results and Ongoing Analysis

Filtration Method

Figure 2. A 5-step deadend filtration method using gravity and syringe filtration was used to remove particles >200 nm. Sequential filtration with successively smaller pore sizes was necessary to prevent filter clogging.3

Work Cited

As demonstrated through initial ESEM and NTA analysis, our 5-step filtration method was mostly successful in removing particles >200 nm from lake water samples. Next, we will perform ESEM and NTA measurements and elemental analysis on our full suite of samples, which will provide insights on what percentage of filtered particles are plastics and their concentration at each sampled location and depth.

Title: Mapping Nanoplastic Pollution in Presque Isle Bay

Abstract: Lake Erie has a significant impact on the tourism, economy, and beauty of Erie, Pennsylvania. However, plastic waste pollution continues to threaten marine life in freshwater ecosystems like Presque Isle Bay, especially because nanoplastics have higher bioavailability and thus are more toxic to organisms. Macroscopic plastic waste breaks down into smaller nanoplastics through mechanical and UV radiation, but it is currently unclear how nanoplastics are distributed across Presque Isle Bay and through the water column. In this study, we obtained water samples across the Bay at four consistent depths. Using a five-step filtration method, we removed particles >200 nm so the remaining nanoparticles could be characterized using environmental scanning electron microscopy. Further studies will leverage atomic force microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis to determine particle shapes, sizes, and concentrations. Our findings will promote preventative measures for industries and the public, to halt the introduction of new nanoplastics into the lake.

Presenter(s): Matthew Queiroz, Sergey Chikunov

Sponsoring Department: Chemistry

Project Mentor: Lisa Nogaj

Title: Modern American Conservatism: The Great Depression to Present

Abstract: Within the American political system, there are two predominate, though conflicting, schools of thought; liberalism and conservatism, with the latter being the less predominant among younger voters. Following WWII, American conservatism has undergone several periods of transition and modernization, with each point having been influenced by the issues of the time, as well as a leading conservative figures. This research highlights the roles and contributions of Senator Robert Taft, Senator Barry Goldwater, President Richard Nixon, President Ronald Reagan, and radio personality, Rush Limbaugh, to this modernization effort. In addition, this research assesses how each of the aforementioned figures has shaped Gen Z’s consideration and engagement with the conservative ideology, in addition to the youth perception of their day.

Presenter(s): Michael Montgomery

Sponsoring Department: PSGA

Project Mentor: Peter Agresti

Abstract

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a gene that codes for MTHFR protein production. MTHFR protein aids the body in processing folate, a natural, water-soluble form of Vitamin B9, and is found naturally in several types of food. People who carry a genetic variant of the MTHFR gene are unable to convert folate to its active form, which is used within the body for important processes, such as DNA and RNA production, healthy red blood cell production, and protein metabolism. These processes are important in the overall function of the human body.

Folate plays in important role in breaking down the amino acid, homocysteine. People who have the genetic variant for MTHFR may experience low levels of folate and high levels of homocysteine which can exert harmful effects in the body. There are two common forms of the mutation that can occur on the MTHFR gene that is located on Chromosome 1, C677T and A1298C. Those who are homozygous for one of these variants are more likely to experience health problems related to the genetic variant. There are more people in the United States that have one or two copies of the most common MTHFR variant, than people who do not have an MTHFR variant. It is estimated that about 30-40% of the American population may have a mutation located at C677T on the MTHFR gene. It was found that the A1298C variant was present in 7-14% of North Americans, European, and Australian populations. This is an educational poster that examines the MTHFR gene and variants, the correlation between folate and homocysteine levels, symptoms caused by the MTHFR variants, related health conditions, MTHFR variants and pregnancy, and manageability.

MTHFR C677T

MTTHFR C677T is the most common MTHFR variant. At the position 677 on the MTHFR gene the expected base for the DNA sequence is cytosine (C), but the variant is thymine (T). There are three genotypes that can occur in relation to the MTHFR C677T variant. This is because one MTHFR gene is inherited from an egg parent, and one MTHFR gene is inherited from a sperm parent. An individual may have the genotype MTHFR 677 CC (no variant), MTHFR 677 CT, or MTHFR 677 TT.

MTHFR Genetic Variant

Cassandra Acey* and Dr. Steven Ropski

Folate and Homocysteine

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is the enzyme that is produced by the MTHFR gene that is responsible for converting a form of folate, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to the primary form of folate found in blood, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This form of folate is imperative for the chemical process that converts homocysteine to the amino acid methionine. Individuals who have a variant in their MTHFR gene are unable to convert 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This leads to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood, and lower levels of methionine. Methionine is an important compound to many systems within the body. It takes a role in breaking down fats preventing accumulation of fat within arteries. It is also an aide in the digestive system where it facilitates the elimination of heavy metals which is preventive to toxic damage in the liver. This compound is also an important antioxidant and is needed by the body to produce creatine which is an essential compound for muscle building and energy production.

Linus

Institute, 9 Aug. 2022, https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/high-homocysteine. Homocysteine: A measure of detoxification and methylation status ELISA ACT Biotechnologies. (2021, December 13). Retrieved March 11, 2023, from https://www.elisaact.com/homocysteine/ An MTHFR variant can cause lower levels of naturally occurring folate in the body due to the inability to convert to its active form. It has been found that those who are homozygous for the genotype MTHFR C677T Variant (MTHFR 677 TT) have a lower blood folate concentration by 16% compared to those who have the MTHFR 677 CC genotype. Although the body is not able to convert 5,10methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (active form of folate), people with the MTHFR C677T variant are still able to process all types of folates, including folic acid. Folate is a natural dietary supplement found in many foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, nuts, seafood, eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, and grains. Folate is important in red blood cell formation and for cell growth and function. Along with this, a form of folate called folic acid is needed during gestational periods to aid in the formation of the neural tube.

Symptoms and Related Health Conditions

Leech, A. J. (2021, October 28). Mthfr C677T and A1298C: Explained in plain english Diet vs Disease. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.dietvsdisease.org/mthfrc677t-a1298c-mutation/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 15). MTHFR gene, folic acid, and preventing neural tube defects Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/mthfr-gene-and-folic-acid.html

MTHFR A1298C

Another variant that is commonly seen is MTHFR A1298C. This variant can be found at the 1298 position on the MTHFR gene. The expected base for the DNA sequence at this location is adenine (A), but the variant is cytosine (C). Although a common variant, there is limited evidence at this point in time that shows this variant independently has negative consequences to one's health.

MTHFR A1298C & MTHFR C677T

It is possible to inherit both the C677T and A1298C variant if both parents have a copy of one of these variants. If an offspring has a copy of the C677T and A1298C variants, they are at higher risk of elevated blood homocysteine levels like those who are homozygous for the C677T variant.

MTHFR Variant Reports

9 common variants of the MTHFR gene have been reported as well as 34 rare changes in the MTHFR gene sequence. Rare MTHFR gene variants may have a significant impact on an individual’s health.

Title: MTHFR Genetic Variant

MTHFR and Pregnancy

Folate intake is important for women who are pregnant. It is recommended that pregnant women take a man-made form of folate called folic acid. MTHFR variants inhibit the processing of folic acid and folate into a usable form. Despite proper intake of folic acid or folate, MTHFR variants can decrease folate blood concentration, since the body is unable to process the folic acid into a usable form. This can cause neural tube defects when the brain and spinal cord form in an embryo through the folding of a neural plate into the neural tube. Folate deficiency in the first few

Managability

Acknowledgement

Literature Cited

Leclerc D, Sibani S, Rozen R. Molecular Biology of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) and Overview of Mutations/Polymorphisms. In: Madame Curie Bioscience Database [Internet]. Austin (TX): Landes Bioscience; 20002013. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6561/ Leech, A. J. (2021, October 28). Mthfr C677T and A1298C: Explained in plain english Diet vs Disease. Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.dietvsdisease.org/mthfr-c677t-a1298c-mutation/ Marcin, A. (2022, March 27). What you need to know about the MTHFR gene. Healthline. Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-gene Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, February 23). Folate (folic acid). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-folate/art20364625#:~:text=Folate%20(vitamin%20B%2D9),%2C%20beans%2C%20peas%20and%20nuts Mthfr mutation and 6 natural ways to manage symptoms Parsley Health. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/mthfrmutation/#:~:text=It's%20important%20to%20opt%20for,vitamin%20D%2C%20and%20vitamin%20B6. Tapia-Rojas, C., Lindsay, C. B., Montecinos-Oliva, C., Arrazola M. S., Retamales R. M., Bunout D., Hirsch, S., & Inestrosa N. C. (2015, November 21). Is L-methionine a trigger factor for alzheimer's-like neurodegeneration?: Changes in AΒ oligomers, tau phosphorylation, synaptic proteins, Wnt signaling and behavioral impairment in wild-type mice - molecular neurodegeneration BioMed Central. Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://molecularneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13024015-0057-0#:~:text=Methionine%20aids%20in%20the%20breakdown,toxic%20damage%20in%20the%20liver

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Homocysteine test:

Abstract: Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) is a gene that codes for MTHFR protein production. MTHFR protein aids the body in processing folate, a natural, water-soluble form of Vitamin B9, and is found naturally in several types of food. People who carry a genetic variant of the MTHFR gene are unable to convert folate to its active form, which is used within the body for important processes, such as DNA and RNA production, healthy red blood cell production, and protein metabolism. There are more people in the United States that have one or two copies of the most common MTHFR variant, than people who do not have an MTHFR variant. This poster examines the MTHFR gene and variants, the correlation between folate and homocysteine levels, symptoms caused by the MTHFR variants, related health conditions, MTHFR variants and pregnancy, and manageability.

Presenter(s): Cassandra Acey

Sponsoring Department: Biology Department

Project Mentor: Dr. Steven Ropski

Murals for Safer Walking Routes in Erie Varun Salve

Title:

Murals for Safer Walking Routes in Erie

Abstract: According to the study (Sam Schwartz 2022), street art and murals can make streets safer for pedestrians and encourage drivers to slow down. To address the need for a safer, walkable, and secured route, the Erie Arts and Culture (EAC) curated and commissioned “50 new murals along the routes that students use when walking to and from school” [Erie Arts and Culture 2021). Using GIS (Geographic Information System) story map application, this research identifies and maps all the locations of these murals and analyzes how these murals impact the safety and security of students who walk to and from school. The study reveals that the number of crimes on students’ walking routes has decreased over time since the installation of the murals. The research concludes that murals and other forms of public art can encourage people to keep the area clean and increase foot traffic, both of which improve the route’s safety.

Presenter(s): Varun Salve, Matelyn McAfoos

Sponsoring Department: Criminal Justice

Project Mentor: Chris Magno

NIMBUS

Near-Earth, Investigative Mycological & Bacteriological Ubiquity Surveyor

Ira Esperance1,Jenna Sins1, John Vieira1, Timothy Edwards1, & Landen Mayher1 Nick Devine2, Steven Rowland2, Nick Conklin3, Matt Gacura1, & Gary Vanderlaan1

1Dept of Biology, 2Depts of Electrical & Computer Engineering, 3Dept of Physics

Mighty Food for the Little Ones

Title: NIMBUS: Near-Earth, Investigative Mycological & Bacteriological Ubiquity Surveyor

Abstract: Recently, astrobiologists detected high levels (parts per billion, ppb) of PH3 in the atmosphere of Venus suggesting the possibility of microbial life. If microbes truly do occupy the Venusian clouds, can we say the same of our very own skyline? NIMBUS, (Near-Earth, Investigative Mycological & Bacteriological Ubiquity Surveyor) is an aerial drone capable of hauling payload canisters laden with customized collections of nutrient media. Canisters are sterilized via an ethanol wash followed by an overnight ultraviolet bombardment. The lids have magnetic seals to minimize in-transit contamination. The experimental design collects aerial samples in 100-foot altitudinal increments, up to a 400-foot ceiling per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Retrieved payload media are incubated in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, followed by DNA extractions of cultured microbes for species for bacterial and fungal profiling. These are sample results retrieved from a NIMBUS flight performed on February 1st, 2023, at the Gannon University campus.

Presenter(s): Ira Esperance, Jenna Sins, John Vieira, Daniel Rutkowski

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Our West Bayfr ont Crime-2022

Abstract: Using Geographic Information System as a tool for analysis and the recent crime data from Erie Police Department, the research analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of crime in Our West Bayfront (OWB) neighborhood. The research aims to assist the OWB organization to reduce crime in their area. The research maps both serious and non-serious offenses and examines the trends of crime from 2018 to 2022.

The serious offences of Our West Bayfront Crime 2022, is also important to get noticed; which shows that, burglary

Title: Our West Bayfront Crime - 2022

This map contains crime by block in Our West Bayfront for 2022. The mapping shows that there

This map illustrates the non serious offences in the Our West Bayfront Environment. There are more frauds committed among the non serious offences than other crimes.

Conclusion/Recommendation:

There can be proactive ways of reducing crimes in Our West Bayfront.

Police constantly being around the hotspot, reducing the consumption of anything that increases crime: Drugs, maximum consumption of alcohol, heated arguments.

Furthermore, there should be a program for second chance.

That is creating job opportunities through skills learning, and including some level of spiritual teaching. For example, Religion helps a lot in reducing crime. If a person wants to commit a crime, even police is not around, perhaps he or she may acknowledge the Prescence of whom they worship. This may not work for everyone, but it will definitely work some.

Abstract: Using Geographic Information System as a tool for analysis and the recent crime data from Erie Police Department, the research analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of crime in Our West Bayfront (OWB) neighborhood. The research aims to assist the OWB organization to reduce crime in their area. The research maps both serious and non-serious offenses and examines the trends of crime from 2018 to 2022

Presenter(s): Kaisamusa Kamara

Sponsoring Department: CyberSecurity

Project Mentor: Chris Magno

Abstract

The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PASSH) is a veterans home located in Erie, PA. The ongoing project with PASSH is to engineer and implement two raised, wheelchair accessible garden beds with a water collection and distribution system in the newly constructed front entrance. The garden beds will be constructed in order to provide the best function for the residents and the space that they will be placed in. Since many of the PASSH residents are in wheelchairs, it was pertinent to assure easy accessibility to work within the garden as well as easy navigation around the garden beds. The water collection and distribution

and Water Distribution

PASSH Environmental Stimulation Through Raised Garden Beds

Raised Garden Beds

The main task surrounding the garden beds was to make them accessible to the residents. Height, depth, and accessibility were some main constraints when designing the garden beds (Figure 1). As seen in Figures 3 and 4, the garden beds measure 7 x 4 ft . They will be placed in opposite sides of the main entrance of the front patio area of PASSH (Figures 2, 6, & 7). Along with the six legs, to add structural integrity, each bed will have a truss style support structure and a middle wood beam running across the length of each garden bed.

Water Distribution

A fifty-gallon rain barrel will be used to collect rain water from the downspouts of the front patio area of PASSH (Figure 5).

A mesh filtration system will be implemented to assure flow and prevent buildup of solid debris. Once collected, a system of hoses will be used to distribute the collected water to the garden beds.

Project Statement

To engineer raised and wheelchair accessible garden beds and a water collection and distribution system to positively stimulate and environmentally engage the residents of PASSH.

About PASSH

PASSH opened in 1886 and continues to be a historic landmark in Erie, PA. It houses around 200 residents where many of the residents are wheelchair-bound and have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Thanks to the care of the professional staff, the residents receive exceptional care and can enjoy an active lifestyle. The residents can participate in BINGO, holiday parties, billiard tournaments, and soon outdoor gardening activities.

Each bed will need to hold approximately 1,000 pounds of soaking wet soil and support around 8 inches of soil. One garden bed will hold a mixture of colorful flowers and the other will hold fragrant herbs. The garden beds will have a protective inside liner (with proper drainage) to prevent the weathering and wear of the wood.

The water collected will be used to water the soil and not the plant itself. This will be done to prevent harmful ingestion of pathogens and bacteria. Additionally, the plants will be washed with potable water to reduce any potential risks of illness to the residents.

Title: PASSH Environmental Stimulation Through Raised Garden Beds and Water Distribution

PASSH Layout Acknowledgements

Ken Vybiral, Volunteer Resource Coordinator (PASSH)

NSF S-STEM Grant

Nick Divine, Design and Fabrication Engineer (Gannon)

Dr. Varun Kasaraneni, Env. Sci. & Engi. Associate Prof. (Gannon)

Dr. Lin Zhao, Electrical & Cyber Engineering Professor (Gannon)

Dr. Scott Steinbrink, Mechanical Eng. Associate Professor (Gannon)

Abstract: The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PASSH) is a veterans home located in Erie, PA. The ongoing project with PASSH is to engineer and implement two raised, wheelchair accessible garden beds with a water collection and distribution system in the newly constructed front entrance. The garden beds will be constructed in order to provide the best function for the residents and the space that they will be placed in. Since many of the PASSH residents are in wheelchairs, it was pertinent to assure easy accessibility to work within the garden as well as easy navigation around the garden beds. The water collection and distribution system was designed to be nearly self-sustaining in order to prevent extra labor for the PASSH maintenance crew. All of this together will become an efficient system to improve the lives of the residents of PASSH.

Presenter(s): Lindsay Steis, Brady Johnson, Tyler Seelnacht, Katlin Sidare, Jacqueline Sandquist, Scott Fennell, Hunter Telford, Andrew Snowdy

Sponsoring Department: SEECS

Project Mentor: Scott Steinbrink

PROMOTING COMMUNITY ARCHAEOLOGY IN JORDAN

With a large number of museums with vast collections, the United States gives its citizens many opportunities to learn about cultures from all around the world. However, Many US museums are revealing or discovering that some of their artifacts have made it to museums as the result of illegal trading and looting from archaeological sites (La Follette 670). There has been discussion over whether or not museums in western nations should return artifacts taken from their origin countries during times of colonialism (Al Quntar 19). As a result, protecting artifacts from looting and promoting education is crucial to help developing countries protect their national identity (Al Quntar 22).

Community Archaeology

A major aspect of establishing museums in developing countries where many artifacts originate from is community archaeology. Community archaeology connects modern communities with their cultural legacy and leads to the ultimate ownership and preservation of cultural heritage projects by these communities. These communities are either the people who live near an archaeological site or the descendants of a cultural group that lived near an archaeological site (Marshall 216). It gives some control over excavations to surrounding communities (211) and empowers community members to become involved with archaeological projects.

A fitting example of a community archaeology project is the development of the Madaba Regional Archaeological Museum Project that has been co-directed by Dr. Suzanne Richard of Gannon University. A project originating in 2015, its purpose is to protect the cultural objects of Madaba in Jordan (Richard et al. 361).

Dr Suzanne Richard richard002@gannon.edu

More museums are being established in “postcolonial nations” and are helping their surrounding populations regain control of their heritage (Herle 65). It is important that every person has the ability to see and interact with their own cultural heritage. Cultural heritage and objects can help a person have a "sense of individual and collective belonging” (“Cultural Heritage”). The Madaba Regional Archaeological Museum will allow citizens in Madaba, Jordan to connect with their heritage and to have access to education about their past.

Title: Preserving Cultural Heritage and Promoting Community Archaeology in Jordan

Abstract: In the United States, we have access to museums and institutions where we can see archaeological artifacts. However, the journeys of these artifacts from their source countries are not always peaceful or ethical. Many Middle Eastern and African nations have rich histories and are the sources of great quantities of archaeological evidence. Unfortunately, many have been afflicted by a history of colonialism, looting, or violence, which has led to these nations being stripped of their cultural heritage. It is imperative that museums and research institutions are established in these source countries to raise awareness of the importance of history, cultural heritage, and identity in those countries. For example, Gannon University’s Dr. Suzanne Richard has been involved in establishing a museum in Madaba, Jordan. This “community archaeology” collaborative project will help provide education and access to cultural heritage of the Madaba region and preserve Jordan’s history and identity.

Presenter(s): Lauren Vargo

Sponsoring Department: History Department

Project Mentor: Suzanne Richard

It will create a “community-based museum” and will work with and educate Jordanians about preservation methods (Richard et al. 362). The strategy of the project is to protect cultural objects, traditions and the memory of the past, promote tourism, develop sustainability, and involve and promote local ownership of the Museum (Richard et al. 364).

Madaba Regional Archaeological Museum Project

*Artist renditions of inside the proposed museum *artist 3D rendition of the planned museum

Background

Production of a Cost Ef fective Active Ankle-Foot Or thosis

Elisabeth McAllister2, Thomas Olaes2, Ethan Swierski1, Joshua Weiss1, Ivor Wood2 Biomedical Engineering Program1 and Mechanical Engineering Program2, Gannon University, Erie, PA

According to the Center for Disease Control in their article Stroke Facts”, more than 795,000 people suffer from strokes each year [1]. AFO s are often the cheapest and most effective method for treating drop foot. A traditional AFO is static, meaning that it provides support and doesn t actively help with the movement of the foot while walking. In extreme cases, the dorsiflexors are not strong enough to walk, even with the assistance of a brace. In cases such as this, an active AFO is needed. Active AFO s differ from static AFO s by causing movement of the foot through the use of an actuator. They are not regularly available on the market and are often only available in research settings. This is in part due to how expensive they can be. By creating a more cost effective active AFO, it would allow more widespread availability for public use.

Materials and Methods

Creo was used to create the primary model of our Active foot orthosis, with the creation of the model being based off of a scanned model of a human foot. A drawing of the Creo assembly is shown in figure 1. Ansys was used to analyze the structural integrity of the orthosis under load.

Electrical Components

The main electrical components used in this project are a battery, an Arduino nano, an electric actuator, and a potentiometer. Some of these can be seen in figure 4. A lithium ion battery pack will be worn around the waist of the patient. This placement will prevent excess weight from hindering the leg. The battery will supply power to an Arduino nano that controls the movement of an actuator attached to the back of the leg brace. As described in the paragraph below, the Arduino is programmed to receive data from the potentiometer about the angle of the foot plate. The potentiometer will be located at the joint of the leg brace and foot plate, which is positioned at the ankle bone. When it is time for the angle of the foot to be adjusted, the actuator will receive a signal to move the piston in or out. This piston will be attached to the foot plate and will cause the plate to rotate about the joint.

Expected Results and Future Work

Aim:

Our goal through this project is to help improve the quality-of-life of patients experiencing mobility issues, both from strokes and other medical situations. Static AFOs are the primary option on the market and have the potential to improve walking ability, gait speed, and balance [3] We believe an active AFO can add to these improvements. Static AFOs make up the majority of the market, but these require a certain degree of muscle strength to provide push off torque. An active AFO could resolve this issue by providing muscle support and allowing the orthotic to be used regardless of muscle strength. An alternative to an AFO is functional electrical stimulation (FES). As pointed out by the American Stroke Association, patients with cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators are unable to use this treatment option [4]. Our active AFO design aims to be safe, affordable, comfortable to wear, lightweight,

The orthosis is primarily being printed out of PLA as to decrease the points of stress from having to cut several separate pieces and slot them together. The actuator will be mounted from the rear of the orthosis while the holes seen in the design represent the locations where Velcro straps will be put in to hold the foot in place. To determine the angle of the foot, a potentiometer will be utilized to induce a variable resistance in the circuit. This will be detected by the onboard microcontroller to induce a push off force to assist in the testing subjects walk. Figure 3 shows the printed out frame.

Title: Production of a Cost Effective Active Ankle-Foot Orthosis

In this project, an Arduino nano is used to control the rest of the electrical components. To understand how this works, you will need to understand what it needs to do and how it was coded. It first started with identifying what exactly needs to be done: the actuator needs to extend and retract when a foot is at certain points in a walking gait cycle. To determine when to activate the actuator, a potentiometer was used to measure the angle of the ankle. A potentiometer does not inherently measure angles, so a small code needed to be written to convert the input received from the potentiometer to an angle. The angles then needed to be assigned values for when the actuator would be activated and deactivated. A goniometer can be used to measure the angles of the ankle during the toe-off and heel strike phases of a walking gait cycle. These angle values can be used as the limits. The potentiometer will be able to turn and measure the angle of the device. Once it reaches the angle specified for toe-off, the actuator will extend so the heel is ready to come in contact with the ground. When it rotates fully to the angle for heel strike, the actuator will retract to point the toes.

With this design, the ankle will move about 50 degrees plantar flexion and 20 degrees dorsiflexion, the normal range of motion for a human ankle [5]. Since normal motion is different depending on the person, the length of push and pull can be changed dependent on the unique joint needs of each patient. Patients with drop foot will now have a more cost effective alternative for an active AFO. The active AFO will provide the same level of comfort and support as a static AFO, in addition to actuating motion that couldn't occur otherwise. The level of actuation force can also be changed in accordance to the needs of the patient, with more force for weaker patients and less force for stronger patients. Limitations with the design are the battery life and duty cycle for the actuator. The battery life is calculated to last about 30 minutes, which isn t sufficient for most patient use. A way around that is to get a heavier battery, plug into an outlet, or change the actuation to something else, like hydraulic. The duty cycle is how long the hydraulic can be active for. Since the actuator is active for almost the entire time, one with a longer duty cycle is needed. The current max duty cycle is 15 minutes, but more expensive actuators are needed for longer cycles. This was outside the current budget, so a longer duty cycle wasn t possible.

References

[1] Stroke Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/ facts.htm#:~:text=Stroke%20statistics,-In%202020%2C% 201&amp;text=Every%203.5%20minutes%2C%20someone%20dies%20of% 20stroke.&amp;text=Every%20year%2C%20more%20than%20795% 2C000,are%20first%20or%20new%20strokes.&amp;text=About%20185% 2C000%20strokes%E2%80%94nearly%201,have%20had%20a% 20previous%20stroke.

[2] Jonah. (2014, August 9). Active ankle Foot Orthotic AFO) SlideServe. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.slideserve.com/jonah/active-ankle -foot-orthotic-afo

Drop. American Stroke Association, American Heart Association, 4 Dec. 2018, https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/physicaleffects-of-stroke/physical-impact/foot-drop#:~:text=Two%20of%20the% 20most%20common,usually%20prescribed%20early%20in%20rehabilitation.

[5] Department of Social & Health Services. (2023). Range of Joint Motion Evaluation Chart. DSHS. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https:// www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/FSA/forms/pdf/13-585a.pdf

Abstract: About 20% of stroke survivors suffer from drop foot, resulting in 159,000 people annually. Ankle foot orthotics (AFO) are often the cheapest and most effective method for treating drop foot. A traditional AFO is static, meaning that it provides support but not actively help with the movement of the foot while walking. In extreme cases, the dorsiflexors are not strong enough to walk, even with the assistance of a brace. In this project, we are providing an active AFO design that enables the movement of the foot through the use of an actuator. The active AFO is composed of a supportive component, like a static AFO, but it will be jointed at the ankle to allow rotation. The battery powered linear actuator then pushes the foot component of the AFO down, forcing the foot to dorsiflex. It is expected that the current active AFO design can provide a mor cost effective solution to treating drop foot.

Presenter(s): Ethan Swierski, Elisabeth McAllister, Joshua Weiss, Thomas Olaes, Ivor Wood

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering

Project Mentor: Xiaoxu Ji

Pr oximity of Gannon Students

To Continental U.S. Navy Installations

Brandan Rea Tommylee Sierra

Advisor: Chris Magno GIS & Spatial Justice

Map 1 Map 1 shows the locations of all the Continental United States Navy Installations. Most Navy Installations are located on the east coast of United States. Specifically, Virginia, which is home to 12 Navy Installations.

Map 2 Virginia is home to 682 Gannon students. Most Naval Installations in Virginia are located in the south eastern part of the state. In this research we mapped the poverty levels of the counties located around the naval stations in the south eastern part of the state. The research found that there is such a high level of poverty near these naval stations.

Map 3 Map 3 shows the spatial distribution of Gannon students in every state. Most Gannon students live in the tristate area in the north eastern part of the United States.

Map 4 Map 4 shows the hotspot of where most of the Gannon Student Population comes from. That hotspot spans over three states including Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.

References View all installations. Military Installations. (2023) from https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/view-all

Navy - Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (n.d.). from https://www.dfas.mil/Portals/98/Documents/ Onboarding/Navy_CustomerFAQ_Onboarding.pdf? ver=2020-04-20-150226-587

Published by Statista Research Department, & 31, J. (2023, January 31). Total Military Personnel Navy by Rank U.S. 2023. Statista. from https://www.statista.com/ statistics/239345/total-military-personnel-of-the-us-navy-by -grade/

Community support essential for military installations, DOD official says. U.S. Department of Defense. (n.d.). from https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/article/ article/1873252/community-support-essential-for-militaryinstallations-dod-official-says/

Title: Proximity of Gannon Students To Continental U.S. Navy Installations

Abstract: United States Navy installations are located all over the United States and the world. The U.S. Navy utilizes these locations to maintain, train and equip military personnel for combat operation. Navy personnel are trained to win wars, deter aggression, and maintain peace and security. With over 346 thousand active-duty personnel, these service members and their families sacrifice a lot for their country. One of the many sacrifices they make is moving around to different US military and navy installations around the US and the world. This influx of people can have a big impact on communities where the installations are located. This research spatially analyzes the proximity of Gannon students’ residence from these navy installations. The research also examines the impact of navy bases and installations on the city of residence of Gannon students near the military town.

Presenter(s): Tommylee Sierra, Brandan Rea

Sponsoring Department: Cybersecurity

Project Mentor: Christopher Magno

Title: Reducing Plastic Waste: Developing a Means to Recycle 3D Printer Filament

Abstract: 3D printing has grown in popularity within the past decade becoming more readily available for consumer, educational, and industrial use. No matter the printer, a user is bound to face failed prints, support systems, purge blocks, and discarded prototypes. The goal of this project is to construct the partial extrusion and spool winding subsystem system that is under $2500 if produced entirely and will provide at least a 50% return in filament mass from scraps. The end product from the constructed system will be a rewound spool of useable filament that has a compatible diameter that can be reused in other 3D printing projects. This system will provide consumers with a more affordable option of recycling scrap prints to further refeed their hobbies or business while also reducing a source of plastic at risk of invading the environment.

Presenter(s): Masen Collins, Kieran Gagnon, Kyle Ives, Seth Sanders

Sponsoring Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering

Project Mentor: Scott Steinbrink

Self-Sustaining Indoor Plant System (SSIPS)

Kaylee Hatfield hatfield001@gannon.edu

ABSTRACT

Daniel Hughes hughes027@gannon.edu

Lydia Nemeth nemeth003@gannon.edu

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Gannon University

In this poster, we present the technical details of the design, construction, implementation, and testing of the Self-Sustaining Indoor Plant System (SSIPS) under development for the engineering senior design course. The SSIPS project is intended to help those who do not have the resources, physical capabilities, or environment to maintain proper plant care. The final system will contain various subsystems to control 4 major environmental factors that affect plant survivab l ty; these include sunlight, temperature, mo sture, and pH maintenance. The system will be self-sustaining and require little maintenance and replenishment of resources by the user. Through a series of regulatory pumps and automated systems for each factor, the overall system will regulate the levels for each based on the needs of the specific user-designated plants. Relevant system information will be displayed on an LCD screen and configured through a control panel that is attached to the system.

Plumbing System

In general, plants need nutrients and water to survive. The plumbing system consists of two storage containers, a soil moisture sensor, the Arduino, 2 DC motors, various piping parts, and a sprinkler system.

Moisture Subsystem

The moisture subsystem consists of a 500 mL storage container to hold the water. The container is connected to the DC motor, which is followed by the sprinkler system that disperses the water to the plant in a top-down system. When the soil moisture sensor reaches a specific level, the system will pump a specified amount of water into the system based on the plant.

Nutrient Subsystem

The nutrient subsystem consists of a 200 mL storage container to hold the nutrient liquid. The container is connected is connected to a separate DC motor, and then connected to the same sprinkler system as the moisture system. The nutrients are released on a time basis; every two weeks, a specific amount of the liquid will be mixed into the following water cycle.

UV System

Another major environmental factor that the SSIPS will control is UV. The UV system consists of the LED UV lights and the Arduino. The system is also run on a time basis that is adjusted based on the needs of the plant.

Title: Self-Sustaining Indoor Plant System (SSIPS)

Temperature System

Temperature is also a major factor for sustained plant life. If the plant s environment becomes too cold, they can be covered in frost and freeze over. On the other extreme, if the plant s environment is too hot, the plant’s can shrivel and die.

Heating Subsystem

The heating subsystem consists of the temperature sensor, 4 heating pads, and the Arduino. When the sensors senses that the plant’s environment is too cold, the heating pads will turn on until the environment returns to the set range.

Cooling Subsystem

The cooling subsystem consists of the temperature sensor, 4 fans, and the Arduino. When the sensors senses that the plant s environment is too hot, the fans will turn on until the range is returned to.

Arduino Configuration

The system is controlled by an Arduino microcontroller that is interfaced either directly to the devices or indirectly by independent control units. The Arduino allows for integration of both hardware and software. The microcontroller provides a versatile interface that allows for the operation of measurement devices that collect environmental data as well as devices that adjust the system. The system is controlled via an HMI (Human Machine Interface) developed by the team that allows for dynamic and in-depth operation of the system. The HMI consists of an LCD screen for display and an independently developed five button analog direction pad. The D-Pad operates by dividing 5-volts to different integers, as each button connects a different value resistor, creating an electronic distinction between the 5 buttons that the microcontroller can easily recognize.

Testing

For the project, there is a test plan in place to verify the operation of all systems, subsystems, and the integrated system. For testing purposes, succulents are currently in the unit. Succulents thrive with higher amounts of sunlight, temperatures around 70 F, and for the soil to be completely dried out between waterings.

Conclusions

The SSIPS will provide a better option for those who want to grow more diverse kinds of plants but do not have the capability to do so. Through monitoring, timers, and automated responses, SSIPS will allow plants to sustain life indoors without natural conditions.

Abstract: In this poster, we present the technical details of the design, construction, implementation, and testing of the Self-Sustaining Indoor Plant System (SSIPS) under development for the engineering senior design course. The SSIPS project is intended to help those who do not have the resources, physical capabilities, or environment to maintain proper plant care. The final system will contain various subsystems to control 4 major environmental factors that affect plant survivability; these include sunlight, temperature, moisture, and pH maintenance. The system will be self-sustaining and require little maintenance and replenishment of resources by the user. Through a series of regulatory pumps and automated systems for each factor, the overall system will regulate the levels for each based on the needs of the specific user-designated plants. Relevant system information will be displayed on an LCD screen and configured through a control panel that is attached to the system.

Presenter(s): Kaylee Hatfield, Lydia Nemeth, Daniel Hughes

Sponsoring Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Project Mentor: Ramakrishnan Sundaram

Simplification of Geometr y of Spine to Anal yze the Heating in High Density Spinal Cor d Stimulation

Sarah Thomas, Katie Sidare, Morgan Schreck, and Dr. Saeed Tiari

Introduction

Spinal Cord Simulation (SCS)

SCS is used to control pain in patients with chronic back pain or spinal cord injuries by stimulating the nerves and interrupting pain signals.

Lead is placed in the epidural fat layer located around the spinal cord.

Heat is produced due to electrical charge [1].

Increased core temperature can lead to thermoregulary impairments and cell heat production issues.

Spinal cord and cerebral spinal fluid should not exceed a temperature greater than 44 oC [2].

High Density Spinal Cord

Simulation

Is voltage controlled.

Delivers a higher charge per second due in increased duty cycle [1]. Has different/greater benefits versus current controlled SCS.

Mission Statement

Study the localized heating of core body temperature due to HD SCS of T8 T12 vertebrae using Ansys.

Results

Geometry Simplification

T8 T12 vertebrae are modeled as rectangular layers. The innermost layer is the spinal cord, then a layer of the cerebrospinal fluid and then the layer of epidural fat which the HD SCS lead will be in. The geometry is axisymmetric (x axis)

Ansys Process

First, we modeled the simplified geometry using the Ansys Fluent software. We defined the materials used according to values taken from the literature. Afterwards, we applied a mesh to the structure and defined the boundaries. Finally, we found the solution using the built-in calculation feature.

Future Steps

Perform mesh analysis

Perform time step analysis

Experiment with heat generation of lead

Experiment with lead type.

Figure 3 shows the localized heating of the epidural fat during HD SCS. The maximum temperature reached was at the center of a lead and minimally in the epidural fat and was 48OC. The majority of the epidural fat, the cerebral spinal fluid, and the spinal cord did not show a significant increase in heating and stayed at the average core body temperature of 37OC.

Title: Simplification of Geometry of Spine to Analyze the Heating in High Density Spinal Cord Stimulation

Abstract: High-density spinal cord stimulation (HD-SCS) delivers a higher charge per time by increasing frequency and pulse duration, which increases stimulation energy. HD-SCS is used to treat patients with chronic back pain. T8-T12 vertebrae were modeled as simplified layered cylinders. The core layer will be the spinal cord. Next comes a layer of dura, then a layer of cerebrospinal fluid. The last two layers will be a layer of epidural fat, and finally, a layer of bone. This does discount the intervertebral disc. Ansys will be used to determine important heat transfer measurements and properties.

Presenter(s): Morgan Schreck, Sarah Thomas, Kaitlin Sidare

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Department

Project Mentor: Saeed Tiari

Social Engineering & Passwor d Hygiene

Abstract: Our research focuses on building a social engineering and password hygiene website, that will enable the Erie school district to be aware of the social engineering and password attacks, and train the student to take precautionary methods to these online attacks.

This is the header of our website. It contains everything we offer as a company. Clicking on any of the menu should take you to the respective place.

Conclusion:

To Ensure the Erie School district is safe from Social engineering and Password attacks, students must be able to use our websites and familiarize themselves with it. We may try to expand to other places around the country, but Erie is our priority for now.

These are the services we offer.

Password generator takes you to our password generator page. It helps you generate a very strong password with your preferred cases. This is seen in figure-3 on the left.

The Test Password helps you to know whether your password is weak or not. It takes into consideration Lowercase letters, uppercase, numbers, special characters. This can be seen in figure-4 on your right.

The Exercise page contains education of various social engineering attacks, and some exercises quiz to test your understanding. Seen in figure-5 on your right.

Title: Social Engineering & Password Hygiene

Abstract: Our research focuses on building a social engineering and password hygiene website, that will enable the Erie school district to be aware of the social engineering and password attacks, and train the students to take precautionary methods to these online attacks.

Presenter(s): Dante Baxter, Tommylee Sierra, Mitchel Daubert, KaisaMusa Kamara

Sponsoring Department: CyberSecurity - CIS Department

Project Mentor: Dr. Mei-Huei Tang

Kaisamusa M. Kamara , Dante Baxter, Mitch Daubert, Sierra Tommylee

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Sustainable Solution: Prepar ation of Nanocellulose Reinfor ced Br ewer’s

Spent Gr ain as a Full y Bio-based 3D Printable Composite

Zainab Al Tamimi, Dr. Longyan Chen, Dr. Davide Piovesan, Dr. Xiaoxu Ji, Allen R Madura, Jacob Lehotsky

Department of Biomedical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA

exhibits improved mechanical strength and thermal stability. Finely grinded BSG particles are blended with NFC hydrogel in different ratios. Our results show the composite is a sticky gel-like material. We studied the effects of cross-linking agents on the mechanical stability of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to evaluate the surface morphology. It is expected that this fully bio-based composite will be a low-cost, recyclable, and sustainable 3D bioprinting material.

BSG are discarded barely shells and must be (1) grinded into powder to (2) be homogenously mixed with the hydrogel. After the BSG-NFC mixture is made, we (3) crosslink it using a curing agent to solidify. (4) The final product is pipped out to air dry. A bioprinter was also prepared for this purpose and to prospectively create 3D structures for tensile testing.

Figure 1: Bulk BSG Figure 2: Processing of NFC

Figure 3: 2000g High-speed Multi-function Comminutor

We combined a modified 3D printer, PRUSA i3 MK3, with a motorized pump controlled using G-code. A SanDisk is inserted into the controller to cause the motors to turn and move the plate a distance and push the pipe in turn to dispense the mixture.

Figure 5: Mixing 1:3 ratio of BSG:NFC Plate

Pipe Motor Controller

Abstract Materials and Methods NFC

Discussion Figure 4: Bio-printer

3D Printer Dispense Figure 6: SEM - Particle morphology of 1:3 BSG:NFC

Tubing

5 minutes of grinding was enough to render the BSG husks into a fine powder that easily dissipates when unsettled. The best ratio of BSG to NFC hydrogel was 1:3 based on texture or viscosity, ease to later cure and particle morphology from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in figure 6. After trying curing agents such as CaCl2, isopropyl alcohol and glyceraldehyde, so far only glyceraldehyde exhibited lasting mechanical stability, which are allowed to dry as seen in figure 8.

5 min BSG NFC hydrogel Figure 8: Drying of BSG-NFC crosslinked with glyceraldehyde Figure 9: Drying of BSG-NFC crosslinked with glyceraldehyde

Graph 1: Particle Analysis - Particle size distribution of 5 minute grinded BSG Figure 7: Closer inspection of bio-printing nozzle

For the bioprinter, the velocity or volume flow of dispensing was calculated to be 32.16mL/min for a plate displacement of x = 5cm and feed-rate (F) = 600mm/min.

Glyceraldehyde can be used for post curing a 3D BSG-NFC structure. A bio-printer will enable automation of the process and its creation invites more bio-printing opportunities. Applications for this BSG mixture can include transdermal drug delivery, adsorption of heavy metals and in packaging. Figure 9 visualizes how transdermal drug delivery can be carried out by hosting the antibiotic in the mixture that is placed against the skin and is covered by a protective NFC film. The drug is allowed to diffuse into the epidermis because of BSG-NFC s porous structure. The mixture also has the capacity to be modified to adsorb toxic particles such as heavy metals in waste management. As for packaging, our form of BSG can be used as a biosensor by including an indicator with a color change that responds to a particular environmental disturbance and provides information about the content s travel history.

Skin Antibiotic [1] Ikram, S., Huang, L. Y., Zhang, H., Wang, J., & Yin, M. (2017). Composition and nutrient value proposition of brewers spent grain. Journal of Food Science 82(10), 2232–2242. [2] Mussatto, S. I., Dragone, G., & Roberto, I. C. (2006). Brewers' spent grain: Generation, characteristics and potential applications. Journal of Cereal Science 43(1), 1–14. [3] Monteiro, C. C., Monteiro, A. R., & da Silva, F. M. (2020). Product development with biopolymers made from Brewers spent grain (BSG) and Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), using 3D Food printer. Advances in Manufacturing, Production Management and Process Control 133–139. [4] Chen, L., Ying, B., Song, P., & Liu, X. (2019). A nanocellulose‐paper‐based SERS multiwell plate with high sensitivity and high signal homogeneity. Advanced Materials Interfaces 6(24), 1901346. [5] Ee, L. Y., & Yau Li, S. F. (2021). Recent advances in 3D printing of nanocellulose: Structure, preparation, and application prospects. Nanoscale Advances 3(5), 1167–1208. [6] Finny, A. S., Popoola, O., & Andreescu, S. (2021). 3D-printable nanocellulose-based functional materials: Fundamentals and applications. Nanomaterials 11(9), 2358.

BSG-NFC

Title: Sustainable Solution: Preparation of Nanocellulose Reinforced Brewer’s Spent Grain as a Fully Bio-based 3D Printable Composite

Abstract: Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is the largest waste generated by the brewing industry, with ~12 million tonnes produced worldwide yearly. In this study, we produce a fully bio-based 3D printable composite using BSG material reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC). NFC is a derivative of natural polymer cellulose with a unique adhesive property and often exhibits improved mechanical strength and thermal stability. Finely grinded BSG particles are blended with NFC hydrogel in different ratios. Our results show the composite is a sticky gel-like material. We study the effects of cross-linking agents on the mechanical stability of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile testing are used to evaluate the surface morphology and mechanical resistance, respectively, followed by 3D printing of a prototype. It is expected that this fully bio-based composite will be a low-cost, recyclable, and sustainable 3D bio-printing material.

Presenter(s): Zainab Al Tamimi

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Project Mentor: Longyan Chen

Celebrate Gannon 2023 | Undergraduate | Research/Scholarship

Title: The Creation and Testing of Fungal Based Biomaterials for Multipurpose Use

Abstract: Current environmental and economic situations demonstrate the need for development in green industry and renewable materials. Fungal-based biomaterials are a cost-effective industrial material and food surplus for communities. This project aims to repurpose waste generated by Erie businesses into substrates for fungi. Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, and Hericium erinaceus are white-rot mushrooms, that decay high in cellulose substrates. Their fungal biomass is resilient and versatile material, that can be sold for many purposes. Fungal bricks were created and tested during the spring semester of 2023. P. ostreatus and T. versicolor were the fungi used. Several substrates were sterilized and inoculated to determine the most suitable for growing biomaterials. The substrates used are recycled paper, brewer-spent barley grain, sawdust, and coffee grounds. The fungi were grown at room temperature for 1 to 2 months, for maximum growth. Growth was stopped using heating/drying. The mechanical properties were tested using an MTI-10k.

Presenter(s): Karina Rogers, Rabab Alamairy, Sarah Dubrul, Keaton Bryson, Allison Doverspike

Sponsoring Department: Biology Department

Project Mentor: Matthew Gacura

Microbial communities are complex dynamic systems that can be influenced by a variety of environmental conditions and other mechanisms.

These communities are colonized by a wide array of microbes.

One such community can be found within sourdough starters.

Sourdough starters are cultures used in the production of sour dough bread, originating from the local environment, containing primarily yeasts, pollens, and native bacteria.

• However, these communities may be highly dynamic and influenced by not only the surrounding environment, but the substrate they are grown in (i.e., the dough itself).

In this study it is our intent to quantify/identify the microbial communities found within the Erie, PA and determine how various factors may influence them.

The Effect of Substrate Type and Surrounding Environment on the Microbial Communities of Sour

Dough Bread Starter Cultures in Erie, PA.

Incubation and Sourdough Starters

Chaylise Oden, Michaela Smith, Gary Vanderlaan, and Matthew Gacura

Community Analysis Results

at either 97% similarity for fungi or 99% similarity for bacteria.

• Taxonomic ids were given to OTUs using GenBank.

Sourdough Community Composition

Bacterial Community Composition

We obtained 276,632 sequences that could be placed into 306 OTUs

Fungi Community Composition

We obtained 359,150 sequences that could be placed into 73 OTUs.

Fungal OTUs were also matched to their closest taxonomic group.

All soils were dominated by genre found in the fungal phylum Ascomycota (figure 5).

The lowest number taxonomic groups could be found in the barley sample incubated indoors, with its community dominated by the genus Wickerhamomyces The genus Saccharomyces could be found in other samples, particularly wheat incubated outdoors.

Erie PA, sourdough microbiome contains a diverse of array microbes that depend upon incubation location and substrate

Figure 9 Average abundance of fungal genera detected in sourdough starter cultures. The data is organized by substrate (either wheat or barley) and incubation location (either outside or inside).

Title: The Effect of Substrate and Environment on the Microbial Communities of Sour Dough Bread Starter Cultures in Erie, PA

Abstract: Sourdough starter cultures are complex dynamic systems easily influenced by various environmental conditions such as local environment and substrate. The purpose of this study is to better understand the diversity of this community and determine the influences in its formation. It is hypothesized that substrate and surrounding community will influence the microbial community found within starters. Starter cultures were created using flour from two grain types, wheat or barley and incubated, in indoor or outdoor environments. DNA was extracted from all 12 samples and analyzed using Illimuna sequencing focusing on the 16s rRNA gene for bacteria and the Internal Transcribed Spacer region for fungi. Outdoor samples were found to be more diverse than the indoor samples. The genus Lactobacillus dominated the bacteria communities while Phaffomycetaceae and Saccharomycetaceae dominated fungal communities. Bacterial community composition was strongly impacted by both incubation location and substrate type, while fungi showed a less clear pattern.

Presenter(s): Chaylise Oden, Michaela Smith

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Matthew Gacura

Abstract

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a dsDNA virus that causes hemorrhagic fever in domestic swine with a nearly 100% mortality rate ASFV’s natural reservoir is warthogs and bushpigs Soft ticks serve as vectors that spread ASFV from natural reservoirs to domestic swine, and infected swine can propagate ASFV without ticks Since its discovery in 1921 in Kenya, ASFV is endemic in African countries and continues to spread globally, challenging infected domestic swine populations The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) tracks ASFV, and data is shared with the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) We datamined this epidemiology database across six decades for 70 countries We used data wrangling methodologies to visualize the spatial and temporal ASF case risk for new outbreaks This work helps assess the overall transmission patterns at a global level for ASF, in which no commercial vaccines nor treatments currently exist

General ASFV Lifecycle

ASFV has three main transmission cycles: (1) the sylvatic cycle, (2) the tick-pig cycle, and (3) the domestic cycle The natural reservoir for ASFV resides in warthogs and bush pigs which remain unaffected Soft ticks in the genre Ornithodoros spp serve as biological vectors for this disease Once infected, wild and domestic swine can transfer the virus to naïve swine in both populations (wild and domestic) ASF disease in domestic swine is exceptionally deadly, characterized by a hemorrhagic fever with petechiae across the body and conjunctivitis in the eyes due to vascular damage

Timeline of Initial ASF Outbreaks

The first documentation of ASFV was in Kenya in 1921, however this virus had most likely gone undetected until this time The disease is prevalent in countries – such as those in the Iberian Peninsula – where the soft tick biological vector is native Since its documentation, ASFV has posed a significant threat to swine populations in European countries who have experienced multiple outbreaks and recoveries The first case of ASF disease in Asia was reported in China in 2018; this is concerning because China is responsible for producing nearly 85% of the world’s pork Most recently, this disease has been documented in Hispaniola (Dominican Republic & Haiti) in 2021 As of now (March 2023), the United States is ASFV-free, however we must remain vigilant

Two Decades of ASF Morbidity

Geographical Distribution of ASFV

Log2-transformed ASF data were mapped as geographical heat

Conclusions / Future Work

Countries with Ornithodoros tick vector experience endemic ASF disease outbreaks Regions bordering countries currently experiencing ASFV outbreaks are at greater risk of novel transmission Epidemiological ASFV data overlaid with pork production data may reveal ASFV’s toll on food insecurity and the emergence of other zoonotic pathogens • ASFV therapies should be distributed to the most at-risk countries first to prevent global ramifications of disrupted pork supply

References

Blome S., Franzke K. & Beer, M. (2020). African swine fever – a review of current knowledge. Virus Research, 287. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198099

The cases of African Swine Fever Virus are plotted for a roughly twenty-year period (2005-present) for various countries in which data are available on the WOAH and WAHIS databases Although the bottom panel depicts countries with lower ASFV incidence, these regions can become epicenters of future de novo outbreaks if they have sufficient transmission, especially for countries with a sizeable pork industry When compared with similar datasets for pork production and consumption, a prediction of the next outbreak can be made with greater accuracy

Title: The Epidemiology of a Century-Old Killer: African Swine Fever Disease

Costard, S., Mur, L., Lubroth J., Sanchez-Vizcaino, J.M., & Pfeiffer, D.U. (2012, November 1). Epidemiology of African Swine Fever Virus. Virus Research. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168170212004200

Dixon, L. K., Stahl, K., Jori, F., Vial, L., & Pfeiffer, D.U. (2019, November). African Swine Fever Epidemiology and Control. Annual Reviews. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-animal-021419-083741

Abstract: African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a dsDNA virus that causes hemorrhagic fever in domestic swine with a nearly 100% mortality rate. ASFV’s natural reservoir is warthogs and bushpigs. Soft ticks serve as vectors that spread ASFV from natural reservoirs to domestic swine, and infected swine can propagate ASFV without ticks. Since its discovery in 1921 in Kenya, ASFV is endemic in African countries and continues to spread globally, challenging infected domestic swine populations. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) tracks ASFV, and data is shared with the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). We datamined this epidemiology database across six decades for 70 countries. We used data wrangling methodologies to visualize the spatial and temporal ASF case risk for new outbreaks. This work helps access the overall transmission patterns at a global level for ASF, in which no commercial vaccines nor treatments currently exist.

Presenter(s): Anna Betler, Maria Kamvouris, Karley Kennedy, Savannah Battleson, Billie Caruso

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

disease (AD) Disease severity in patients, similarities in pathophysiology, and common therapeutics in these disease conditions are discussed

We conclude that DM can influence progression of these psychiatric and neurological disorders and vice versa MDD, AD, and PD may also affect DM development

Parkinson’s Disease

• Both PD and T2DM patients show some level of dopaminergic dysfunction in the brain DaTscans which are commonly used to diagnose PD, have shown subclinical striatal dopaminergic dysfunction in patients with either T2DM or PD alone This suggests that having both T2DM and PD could exacerbate dopaminergic dysfunction and increase neurovascular burden overall

Olivia Kelly*, Samantha Geci, Natalie Carris, Jillian Sullivan, James Colvin, Athena Martinez, Varvara Liashenko, Emily Misko, Prasad Dalvi

Department of Biology, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, Gannon University, Erie PA

Alzheimer’s Disease

Hyperglycemia, a symptom of DM, can cause an accumulation of amyloid-β in the brain, which corresponds with hallmark AD pathology • Blood glucose levels can influence neuroinflammation and neuronal activity, affecting overall risk of dementia and AD

Summary of Similarities Between DM and Other Pathologies

Figure 1 Mechanisms of insulin deficiency or resistance in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

HPA axis

Figure 2 HPA axis function affects the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands, which regulate bodily stress. CRH = corticotrophin-releasing hormone; ACTH = adrenocorticotropic

Title: The impact of

Conclusions

links between multiple signaling mechanisms

• There is a need for future research focusing on therapeutic approaches for DM comorbidities medicine treating DM or one of its comorbidities could serve as preventative methods for diminishing disease severity

diabetes mellitus pathology and treatment on development of neurological and psychiatric disorders

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition resulting from insulin dysregulation. Pancreatic _-cells are unable to produce enough insulin, or secreted insulin is unable to overcome insulin resistance. Glucose metabolism becomes dysregulated, resulting in DM characterized by hyperglycemia and chronic systemic inflammation. This review discusses connections between DM and several different psychiatric and neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Disease severity, pathophysiology similarities, and common therapeutics are reviewed. Specifically, the effect of systemic inflammation is under focus as a potential underlying cause of each of these diseases; treatment for inflammation is also discussed as a contributor to pathogenesis. Review of biological pathways and molecular events associated with these diseases allow for further investigation into connections between each of these conditions. While no claims of causation can be made, DM does show significant associations with PD, MDD, and AD.

Presenter(s): Olivia Kelly, Samantha Geci, Athena Martinez, Varvara Liashenko, Emily Misko

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Prasad Dalvi

The impact of diabetes mellitus pathology and treatment on development of neurological and psychiatric disorders

Food Poisoning could B. Cereus

“Meating” the Pathogens

Getting Grounded in Beef

Title: The Impact of Price and Store Location on the Microbial Contamination of Ground Beef Products in Erie, PA

Abstract: Microbial contamination of meat is a problem. 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne diseases yearly, with 3,000 deaths (CDC). Food safety may be an issue socioeconomically. This may be detected in areas that only have access to lower quality and cheaper priced meat. We hypothesize low quality ground beef will have more microbial contamination. We hypothesize socioeconomic conditions effect microbial contamination. Two different ground beef samples were sampled from stores around Erie, PA. Locations were selected upon the socioeconomics. Serial dilution and spread plate inoculation were used for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from each. Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were cultured using various types of media followed by incubation in either aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Colonies were counted and cfu/g was calculated. Statistical analyses determined quality, location, and store impact of each sample. Price effected quality. Location was not a significant factor overall.

Presenter(s): Leah Lombardi, Karina Rogers, Liliya Stebak, Lily Zheng

Sponsoring Department: Microbiology Department

Project Mentor: Matthew Gacura

Leah Lombardi, Karina Rogers, Liliya Stebak, Lily Zheng, Gary Vanderlaan & Matt Gacura

The link between Alzheimer ’ s Disease (AD) and Interleukin-6

Samantha Geci, Nicole Warner, Hunter Sorenson, Prasad Dalvi Department of Biology, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, Gannon University, Erie, PA

AD Prevalence and Mortality Abstract and Review of Neuronal Communication

• Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in elderly population that impairs cognitive functioning to the degree of interfering with daily activities

• Currently, there is no cure for AD which makes research in this area a priority within the medical field The risk factors for development of AD include aging, environmental and genetic factors, vascular disease, infection, and head injuries

• Inflammation is a major factor in the pathophysiology of AD, leading to aging and the disruption of peripheral immune system

Interleukin (IL)-6 is an inflammatory marker produced glial cells in the CNS, and by monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and adipocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Published research indicates that IL-6 may contribute to the development of AD, in which altered levels of IL-6 in the CSF of AD patients directly correlate with cognitive decline

IL-6 Mechanism of Action

IL-6 is produced in a local lesion, where it then travels to the liver via the bloodstream

IL-6 reduces transferrin, albumin, and fibronectin

• Following the induction of IL-6 in the liver, there is a rapid increase in C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen, and haptoglobin

• With increased levels of SAA over a long period of time, chronic inflammatory disease will occur

Correlation

Discussion of Correlation Between AD and IL-6

Within the human genome, located on chromosome 17, is a gene called the microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) gene.

• The MAPT gene is responsible for encoding tau proteins within the human brain.

• Tau proteins aid in stabilizing axonal microtubules, which are abundant in nerve cells within the brains grey matter. In those of a mature age, elevated tau phosphorylation has been detected.

However, in patients with AD, the phosphatase activity has elevated significantly that increases phosphorylation of tau proteins, also referred to as hyperphosphorylation, which is 3-4 times higher in AD patients than healthy controls.

When hyperphosphorylation occurs, the tau proteins undergo an abnormal chemical change, which causes them to disassociate from the axonal microtubules.

• This chemical change not only causes instability within the microtubules, but also causes the free-floating tau proteins to aggregate to one another.

These aggregates, as they build up within the axons, are referred to as betaamyloid plaques which continuously enlarge and become twisted leading to neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs).

NFTs will block sympathetic pathways which is why the neurons lose their ability to function.

NFTs are one of the most common biomarkers for AD and have been shown to directly correlate to cognitive deficits and declining dementia scores.

• The accumulation of these NFT’s causes chronic neuro-inflammation that increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion within the central nervous system (CNS).

Due to this process, the increased presence of IL-6 within the CSF can be used as a biomarker of AD.

We concluded that IL-6 is an inflammatory biomarker for AD

From our research we found neuronal communication is disrupted in people who have AD due to the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles

Our research also suggested that there were elevated levels of IL-6 in CSF of AD patients due to the accumulation of NFTs

Although there is no cure for AD, our findings in our research are of medical importance and is a step in the right direction to one day finding a cure for this neurodegenerative disease

• There are two recently approved treatments that remove beta-amyloid

Title: The Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Interleukin-6

Abstract: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in elderly population that impairs cognitive functioning to the degree of interfering with daily activities. Currently, there is no cure for AD which makes research in this area a priority within the medical field. The risk factors for development of AD include aging, environmental and genetic factors, vascular disease, infection, and head injuries. Inflammation is a major factor in the pathophysiology of AD, leading to aging and the disruption of peripheral immune system. Interleukin (IL)-6 is an inflammatory marker produced glial cells in the CNS, and by monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and adipocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Published research indicates that IL-6 may contribute to the development of AD, in which altered levels of IL-6 in the CSF of AD patients directly correlate with cognitive decline. This research review focuses on understanding the relationship between IL-6 and AD.

Presenter(s): Samantha Geci, Hunter Sorenson, Nicole Warner

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Prasad Dalvi

The percentage of civilian military-age men and women who exceed military enlistment standards for weight-for-height and PBF has risen considerably in the past 5 decades. Between 1959–1962 and 2007–2008, the percentage of civilians aged 17–42 years who exceed the Army's enlistment standards for weight and body fat more than doubled for men and tripled for women.

The State of the Youth: The Growing Recruitment Crisis in the Armed Forces

Matthew Anderson anderson331@gannon.edu

In a recent article released by the Military Officers Association of America, the state of our ability to acquire fresh recruits has never been in this much jeopardy. According to the article, “only one in 11 eligible Americans aged 18 to 24 want to serve, and the pool of those who meet basic eligibility requirements is itself steadily shrinking. (MOAA II)”

A new study from the Pentagon shows that 77% of young Americans would not qualify for military service without a waiver due to being overweight, using drugs or having mental and physical health problems

44% of the participants were disqualified for more than one reason or condition.

When considering youth disqualified for one reason alone, the most prevalent disqualification rates are overweight (11%), drug and alcohol abuse (8%), and medical/physical health (7%), and mental health (4%).

In a military context, “active-duty soldiers with obesity” are at a 33% greater risk for musculoskeletal injuries, according to a study cited in the CDC’s report “Unfit to Serve.”

The need for effective obesity prevention is urgent, as estimates indicate that an additional gain in weight and percent of body fat of just 1% would disqualify an additional 853 000 men and 1.3 million women from serving in the Army.

Title: The State of the Youth: The Growing Recruitment Crisis in the Armed Forces

At the close of the 2022 fiscal year,

Abstract: Since the implementation of the All-Volunteer Force after the Vietnam War the United States Military and Department of Defense have been facing ever-growing threat to our ability to meet recruitment goals. From demographic shifts, societal stigmas, civilian health, and even competition with the civilian sector, there is an increasing difficulty to obtain and retain recruits and military personnel. Between the increasing amount of civilians who are unwilling to serve and the mounting number of those unable to serve, the lack of a recruit base can and will force the DoD to restructure in need to address this forthcoming national security issue. This paper examines the elements to this issue, reviews pertinent data, and draws accurate conclusions based on the findings.

Presenter(s): Matthew Anderson

Sponsoring Department: CHESS (History Department)

Project Mentor: Peter Agresti

Quake Lake

Seismic Geyser Sapphire Pool

for volcanic steam and gasses. After 2.5 years, this fracture formed into a small geyser and as the years went the geyser began to grow into a larger, more powerful geyser whose eruptions would reach heights up to 50 feet (15.2 meters). This new geyser also dug a vent, which is an opening in earth’s surface that magma, or volcanic gasses can escape.

Steamboat Geyser

Steamboat Geyser is located in the Norris Geyser Basin. This is the worlds

Old Faithful Geyser

During the earthquake and landslide there were 28 fatalities, and most of the injuries and deaths reported happened in the Madison Canyon landslide. The rocks and debris covered the campground below where there were an estimated 200 people camping. Another issue that arose from the earthquake was the northward tilt of the Hebgen Lake-bed that triggered massive amounts of water to displace.

There was a reported 20-foot seiche that came over the Hebgen Dam, followed by many 3–4-foot surges of water. Campers during this earthquake and aftermath reported that they witnessed camping trailers floating down the Madison River, as well as cars and the people inside being buried by rocks and mud.

There were 28 individuals who died due to the injuries they sustained during the event or were presumed buried in the slide.

After the earthquake, American Red Cross and many local and national organizations from multiple states sent aid to help the victims of the earthquake and landslide. Officials rescued hundreds of victims who were trapped at Refuge Point, one of the highpoints in the canyon. Due to many of the closed roads, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Forest Service had to use helicopters to render aid to those with injuries, as well as search and rescue those who were trapped by the landslide. They were able to save over 300 people, but they also found 9 bodies of people in the earthquake zone who didn’t make it. The Wyoming Health Department was able to help by sending over 200 trailers to Yellowstone to be used as hospitals for the injured victims. There are still an unknown number of victims buried below the landslide.

Once it was determined that there were no more victims that could be recovered from the landslide, representatives from many denominations held a brief memorial service and led a group of roughly 50 people in prayer over the lives that were lost in the event. The representatives consecrated the area of Madison River Canyon where the landslide took place as the final resting place for the victims.

Sapphire Pool, located in Biscuit Basin, used to be a quiet hot spring pool. After the earthquake at Hebgen Lake, the pool was filled with mud and began having much larger eruptions. This spring pool formed into a major geyser and would have massive and spectacular eruptions that would reach heights of 150 feet (45.7 meters) and as far across as 200 feet (61 meters) In 1971 the water in Sapphire Pool began to clear and the vigorous activity ceased. It still actively boils and surges occasionally, but the minor geyser eruptions have not returned since the earthquake.

Title: The Yellowstone Earthquake of 1959

Abstract: On August 17th, 1959, an earthquake hit near Hebgen Lake in southwest Montana. It is one of the largest earthquakes observed in the United States, and the area surrounding it is still experiencing the effects to this day. The initial earthquake triggered a massive landslide that was traveling 100 mph, caused many fault scarps, and damaged roadways. The landslide moved than 80 million tons of rock down into the canyon below, which formed Earthquake Lake. In addition to the landslide, a few more effects were cracks and geysers that developed as a result of the earthquake. Although earthquakes can cause extensive damage in the environment, they can also be very important to the hydrothermal systems by helping to remove blockage of minerals in geysers.

Presenter(s): Kendall McGarity

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Steven Ropski

TPU Impact Guar d

Friction Testing

The main objective of this phase of the project was to perform friction testing to ASTM standards to determine which elastomer compounds had low coefficient of friction. The friction testing was completed using the apparatus in figure 1. Each specimen was tested at two weights and two speeds. The testing was completed at 0.1 and 10 mm/s according to ASTM standards.

Robert Michael, Ph.D., P.E. (Professor) Mark Kurchena (Undergrad Student Assistant)

The importance of friction testing is to reduce the risk of a glancing blow removing the guard from the column. Also when using a material with a low coefficient of friction, it allows for the forks to slide off rather than damage the guard or column. The data collected from this testing can be seen in figure 2, using this data, the best material can be chosen depending on the coefficient of friction as well as other material properties.

Title: TPU Impact Guard

Competitors

Some competitors of the product can be seen below in figure 9.

Of these options, it can be seen that most are bright yellow plastic

MTI-10K machine. This column section is where the guard is attached. The top of the apparatus was a section of a forklift fork attached to a load cell to collect the data. This apparatus can be seen below in figure 4.

Abstract: This poster presents results of an engineering design project involving undergraduate engineering students. The project involves the design, development, and prototyping of a next generation pallet rack column guard. The guard allows for the engagement and protection of a storage rack upright (column) from an impact force by an external object such as a forklift. The guard protects the storage rack by absorbing and damping the resulting impact force. The guard is constructed from an injection-molded thermoset elastomer. Elastomers can store and release more potential energy per unit mass (or volume) than steel and plastic guards. This translates to greater energy absorption which will help preserve the structural integrity of a rack upon impact thus protecting the general public in retail (big-box) stores and warehouses. The main objective of this phase of the project was to perform friction testing to ASTM standards to determine which elastomer compounds had low coefficient of friction. Stiffness testing was performed to benchmark the various guards against each other and determine optimal stiffness for rack protection. Future testing will include impact testing to simulate fork lift impacts on column guards and how various column guard geometries and materials affect forces (impact energy) delivered to the column.

Presenter(s): Mark Kurchena

Sponsoring Department: Mechanical Engineering

Project Mentor: Robert Michael

these lower back injuries in the beer industry

Figure 1 JACK Siemens PLM software 2]

Using Digital Human Modeling to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Beer Workers

Onara Hettiarachchige1,Alexa Littman2 , Xiaoxu Ji1

Biomedical Engineering1, Gannon University, Erie, PA

Results

Methods

In order to perform this study, 3 male subjects were asked to perform the following tasks:

Task 1: An empty beer keg (0.6 m (height) by 0.4 m (width)) of approximately 14 kg was lifted from the floor using the dominant hand to be placed on the keg cleaner in front of the subjects, as shown in Figure 2. The height of the keg cleaner is approximately 1 m from the floor.

Task 2: A full beer keg of approximately 72 kg was lifted from the floor using both hands to be placed on another full beer keg. TSB and Xsens was used to compare the joint angles of the shoulder, hip and trunk between the Predicted_HM and Real_HM. The forces exposed on the L4/L5 lumbar spine were also analyzed.

Introduction: Over one-third of workers in the U S labor force experienced musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) [1] MSDs in U S businesses cost USD 31 billion a year, and the highest percentage of cost is directed toward the material and stock workers [2] Given that the heavy lifting and repetitive tasks among the workers, including manually lifting empty half-barrel kegs, which weigh approximately 14 kg, and full kegs weighing 72 kg, directly resulted in a significant increase in work-related MSDs [2 5 7 The constant lifting, pulling, and pushing of these heavy weights and the high frequency and awkward postures typical of some tasks can also lead to a high risk of MSDs due to the excessive strain exerted on the lower back [2,7

Figure 2. Xsens MVN system [3]

Title: Using

Digital Human Modeling

Figure 5. Trunk and Hip angles in the digital human model

Spine#1: the center of two posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) Root the center of two greater trochanters

Conclusion The local brewery workers are at high risk during their daily activities, such as lifting kegs This study successfully evaluated the risk of injuries for workers in the local brewing industry by implementing the proposed fusion technology It greatly overcomes the time-consuming issue in the traditionally full-body simulation and the posture sensitivity issue in the current DHM technology From this study, the extremely large spinal forces exerted on their lower back were mainly due to the heavy load applied by the objects Adding an assistive device seems mandatory for the worker’s safety considerations if they are to move the loads alone Moreover, proper training to adopt a neutral posture is also important for workers to reduce trunk and hip flexion, which highly affects the magnitude of the compressive force as they lift the load

Discussion In Task#1 at Pose#1, the subjects lifted the empty keg from the floor, and the A/P shear force and trunk angular displacement show a strong correlation. The compressive force was increased with the increase in trunk flexion angle.

At Pose#2 in Task#1 as the subjects placed the empty keg on the keg holder, there still is a high correlation between the A/P shear force and trunk flexion. The average A/P shear force exerted on the lower back was greatly reduced at this pose compared with the force at Pose#1 due to the greatly reduced trunk flexion.

In Task#2, at Pose#1, the subjects lifted the full kegs from the floor. The full kegs are quite heavy, inducing a force applied on the lower back that is much higher than the recommended safety threshold limits for both compressive and A/P shear forces.

At Pose#2 in Task#2 as the subjects placed the full keg on top of another one, the forces exerted on the lower back of all three subjects were much greater than the recommended safety thresholds, even though they maintained a relatively neutral position. This is due to the extended arms of each subject that are paralleled with the trunk flexion, resulting in a load of full keg applied fully to the spinal discs.

to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Beer Workers

Abstract: Muscular injuries occur in brewery workers due to repetitive and incorrect postures. This research study evaluates the risk of injuries for workers in the beer industry using Digital Human Technology (DHM). The study focuses on using Jack Siemens and Xsens software to eliminate the risks of injuries by determining the posture that leads to the highest risks when lifting the beer kegs. Subjects performed tasks involving the lifting of both empty and full beer kegs from the ground and placing the keg on a table. During each task, the lifting hand force required by the subject to reach 3400N for Compressive force, and 700N for AP Shear force were analyzed. Therefore, Jack and Xsens enable simulations and help predict the position that can decrease the risk of these lower back injuries in the beer industry.

Presenter(s): Ranuki Hettiarachchige, Alexa Littman

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering Department

Project Mentor: Xiaoxu Ji

Background

Flight attendants deal with a variety of difficult and challenging situations on the job, and they unfortunately face a higher level of risk. In 2019, there were 4,980 cases of nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries among flight attendants, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]. These occurred at a rate of 517 per 10,000 full-time workers and were resulted from overexertion, bodily reaction, transportation incidents, contact with objects and equipment, slips, falls, and trips. According to studies, the primary risk factors were flight attendant seating, handling passenger luggage, the design and maintenance of service trolleys, and the design of the galley [2]. These constant and repeated movements could potentially lead to musculoskeletal injuries, most commonly in the shoulders and back.

Using V ir tual Reality and Motion

Tr acking to Evaluate Flight Attendants Risk of Injur y w hile Handling Lugga ge

Materials and Methods

Participants:

Twenty-two total subjects, 11 females and 11 males participated in this study. During the previous seven days, none of the participants had sustained an injury that prevented them from performing their normal daily work activities.

Table 1. Subject Demographics

subjects performed the tasks, the software Xsens was used which included 18 sensors that were played throughout the participants body. This software was not only used to capture the data, but as well it was used for analysis of the data to obtain joint angles. Finally, JACK Siemens ergonomic software was chosen in order to evaluate the compressive and shear forces of the exposed joints.

Expected Outcomes

Data collection was just recently completed and currently data analysis is on the way and will be finished by the end of the semester. As previously mentioned, JACK Siemens ergonomics software is being used to measure the compressive and A/P shear forces exposed on the 4th/5th lumbar spine (L4/L5) by entering the amount of force and its direction for each hand [3].

Software: Unity 3D was utilized to create a virtual environment of an airplane in which the participants would be integrated in to complete the task. Along with this software, the Oculus Rift was used so the participant was able to get into the virtual reality environment while being able to interact with the environment using the controllers. In order to track the motions while the

Title: Using

We expect to determine the specific poses that expose flight attendants to higher risk of injuries by doing joint degree analysis. As well, by obtaining the compressive and A/P shear forces at specific poses that exceed the safety threshold. Another outcome we are hoping to identify is of any correlation between the participants body height and body weight that could make them more susceptible to injury while completing this specific task.

Maria A. Arenas1, Ethan Swierski1, Dr. Xiaoxu Ji1 Biomedical Engineering1,Gannon University, Erie , PA

Future Work

Virtual reality keeps gaining popularity as one of the most popular types of training to help users avoid injuries in different industries. Professions that have shown high benefits from virtual reality include pilots, astronauts, surgeons, law enforcement, heavy equipment operators, professional athletes , to mention a few [4]. Next steps to this technology would not only be to avoid injury, but also help treating it in case they do happen. According to experimental research done by Bo Song and Peixing Tuo, the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality technology can help athletes recover more than 96% of their physical function, and the overall average rehabilitation effect can reach 93.79 points, which is doable to some extent [5]. Applying this to other professions where injury is more prominent, could help decrease the days away from work and allow for a quicker recovery. Not only this, but with more in depth research, treatment could be done in order to ensure a full recovery that would not prevent them from performing the same task in the future without any limitations.

References

[1] Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses for flight attendants in 2019 : The Economics Daily: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, July 14). https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2021/nonfatal workplace-injuries-and-illnesses-for-flight-attendants-in-2019.htm

[2] Study of Airline s Flight Attendants Finds More Than Half of Injuries Affect Muscles and Bones in Back, Neck, Shoulders. (2002). Flight Safety Foundation: Cabin Crew Safety, 37(4). https://flightsafety.org/?s=According+to+studies%

2C+the+primary+risk+factors+were+flight+attendant+seating%

2C+handling+passenger+luggage%

2C+the+design+and+maintenance+of+service+trolleys%

2C+and+the+design+of+the+galley.+ [3]Ji, X., Piovesan, D., Arenas, M., & Liu, H. (2022). Analysis of Healthcare Push and Pull Task via JACK: Predicted Joint Accuracy during Full-Body Simulation. Applied Sciences, 12(13), 6450. [4] V. (2020, July 10). Avoid Injuries By Using Virtual Reality Training. Viar360. https://www.viar360.com/avoid-injuries-byusing-virtual-reality-training/ [5] Song, B., & Tuo, P. (2022b). Application of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality Technology in the Rehabilitation Training of Track and Field Athletes. Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing, 2022, 1–11. https:// doi.org/10.1155/2022/9828199

Virtual Reality and Motion Tracking to Evaluate Flight Attendants Risk of Injury while Handling Luggage

Abstract: Flight attendants deal with a variety of difficult and challenging situations on the job, and they unfortunately face a higher level of risk. In 2019, there were 4,980 cases of nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries among flight attendants, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to studies, the primary risk factors were flight attendant seating, handling passenger luggage, the design and maintenance of service trolleys, and the design of the galley. The primary goal of this research was to build a virtual reality environment of an airplane using Unity and Oculus Quest. Within this environment, the task focus was lifting the luggage to the upper head compartments and putting it back down. The study included 12 total subjects, with 11 female and 11 males. The purpose was to capture human movement using virtual reality and the Xsens motion tracking system in order to determine the external force applied to both hands. In addition, we integrated motion tracking with ergonomics to obtain force analysis for better design and injury prevention.

Presenter(s): Maria Arenas, Ethan Swierski

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Project Mentor: Xiaoxu Ji

Figure 2. Example of subject completing the task. Left side image the subject is grabbing the luggage. Right side image the subject is placing the luggage inside of the overhead bin compartment.

Figure 3. System setup with Xsens software (left) and JACK Siemens (Right) for data analysis.

Vaccine Design Against African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) Inhibitors of Pig Interferon Responses

Savannah Battleson1, Karley Kennedy1, Anna Betler1, Maria Kamvouris1 Billie Caruso1, Chris Magno2, Matt Gacura1, Mara Vanderlaan, Gary Vanderlaan1

(ABOVE): ASFV disease is nearly 100% fatal in domestic swine Shown here are the characteristic hemorrhagic skin lesions Dissected organs reveal organ petechiae, typically in the kidney, bladder, and large intestine Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) and lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) are common as the virus traverses porcine macrophages its favored tropism

(LEFT) In the pig-pig cycle, ASFV agents spread via contact transmission, infecting barrier defenses (epidermis / dermis) or via the oral-fecal route In the former, virions breach the dermis, and the underlying skinassociated lymphoid tissue (SALT) to infect resident macrophages Next, virions shed into the cardiovasculature will infect rolling monocytes, which disseminate the viral agent via normal host circulation Activated, infected monocytes at distal sites extravasate to complete diapedesis to infect distal resident macrophages

Workflow

target Mean quality and lead candidate quality are shown in blue

(ABOVE): ASFV MGF proteins are virulence factors found in pathogenic Benin strains but absent

Title: Vaccine Design Against African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) Inhibitors of Pig Interferon Responses

Abstract: African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is lethal to pigs, and targets porcine macrophages. No commercial vaccine exists, and culling infected livestock controls disease. ASFV genes suppress host interferon (IFN) responses. Type I IFNs suppress viral lifecycles. The ASFV genome contains multi-gene families (MGF). The MGF360 and the MGF505 clusters are especially enriched in IFN-suppressing ASFV gene products. We systematically embarked on a non-structural protein analysis leveraging NCBI Virus and UniProt databases to seek out IFN-suppressing ASFV peptides. Our search has revealed about a dozen high-priority immunogen targets. As antibodydependent enhancement (ADE) poses a threat to effective vaccines against ASFV, we explored a design strategy exploiting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses without humoral activation. We leveraged the TepiTool algorithm to further localize immunogens to major histocompatibility type I (MHC-I) allelic profiles most representative of domestic swine populations. MHC-I display is critically important for Th1 activation, essential to drive CTL pathways.

Presenter(s): Savannah Battleson, Karley Kennedy, Anna Betler, Maria Kamvouris, Billie Caruso

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Walkability and Accessibility of Health Facilities of Erie’s West Bayfront

Analysis of Gym Facilities Map

GIS & Spatial Justice Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

Walkability Map

Analysis of Walkability Map

Conclusions and Recommendations

Analysis for Disease Prevalence Maps

2021. According to the data, large portions of the population that walked to work are commuting from the West Bayfront neighborhood. This data also shows that there are increased numbers of people walking to work from the East Bayfront and central Erie as well.

Title: Walkability and Accessibility of Health Facilities of Erie’s West Bayfront

There is much room for improvement in the health and well

-

being of Erie s West Bayfront community. However, given the lack of proximity of gyms to those living in the neighborhood, other methods of meeting daily PA guidelines may be necessary, including walking through the neighborhood. Much of the area

Abstract: In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for affordable health and wellness. While membership at a fitness facility can be a barrier to exercise for some, walking is an easy, accessible form of physical activity. Through a partnership between Gannon University GIS students and Our West Bayfront neighborhood organizations, the project assesses the condition of sidewalks and other walkable routes in West Bayfront neighborhood. Using Geographic Information System and data from field survey, the research examines the safety, security and walkability of sidewalks and other walking routes in West Bayfront neighborhood. The research also analyzes the proximity and accessibility of health facilities in West Bayfront.

Presenter(s): Cassandra Acey, Matelyn McAfoos, Athena Martinez, Skyler Parsons

Sponsoring Department: Criminal Justice

Project Mentor: Dr. Christopher Magno

Young-of-year Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill) and L. gibbosus (pumpkinseed) show significant differences in their pharyngeal apparatus, diet, and gut microbiome

Fish gut microbiomes are determined, in part, by the fish’s environment, diet, and development stage. Much is known about the gut microbes of bluegills, while no data have been published on pumpkinseeds. We compared the pharyngeal jaws, diets, and gut microbiomes of juvenile bluegills and pumpkinseeds to determine how the three datasets are related and to describe possible differences between the two species.

Juvenile bluegills and pumpkinseeds had significantly different pharyngeal shapes.

Different pharyngeal shapes facilitated significantly different diets between species.

Different diets contributed to significantly different gut microbiomes.

Juvenile bluegills and pumpkinseeds had significantly different pharyngeal shapes (P < 0.05). Bluegill pharyngeals had wider rami and narrower toothed plates than pumpkinseeds (red and blue areas of bluegill pharyngeal map, respectively).

Juvenile bluegills and pumpkinseeds ate significantly different prey items (P < 0.05). Indicator species were Hydracarina (water mites) for bluegills, and snails and planarians for pumpkinseeds (IndVal values, P < 0.05).

Juvenile bluegills and pumpkinseeds had significantly different gut microbiome composition (PERMANOVA, P < 0.05). Differences are due to the presence of a few low-abundance bacterial groups.

Title: Young-of-year Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill) and L. gibbosus (pumpkinseed) show significant differences in pharyngeal apparatus, diet, and gut microbiome

Abstract: Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill) and L. gibbosus (pumpkinseed) are closely related fish that develop a pharyngeal apparatus for processing food. Adults are known to differ, with pumpkinseeds having robust pharyngeals and preying heavily on mollusks. Ten size-matched young-of-year of each species (37-56 mm total length) were collected from Marina Lake on Presque Isle State Park. Species were compared by analyzing pharyngeal morphology, stomach contents, and gut microbiomes. Pharyngeals differed between the two species, were more robust in pumpkinseeds, and showed changes in shape with increasing fish length in both species. Bluegills and pumpkinseeds ate significantly different prey, with snails being more abundant in pumpkinseeds. Bluegill and pumpkinseed gut microbiomes also differed significantly, and bacterial composition changed with fish length in both species. Our results hint at the interrelatedness of fish gut microbiomes with diet and pharyngeal morphology and suggest that site effects may be minimized in juveniles.

Presenter(s): Weston Hrin, Angela Vicini, Michael Borowicz

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Michael Ganger

Michael Borowicz, Weston Hrin, Angela Vicini, Gregory Andraso, Russell Minton, Michael Ganger Department of Biology, Gannon University, Erie, PA

ERIE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP PLATFORM PRESENTATION

A Census of the Bat Population of Gannon University, Erie, PA

Title: A Census of the Bat Population of Gannon University, Erie, PA

Abstract: For the past thirteen summers, a census of the bat population has occurred on the Gannon University campus in Erie, PA. The data for the past eight years indicates a dramatic decline in the bat population. This fungal infection has killed 95% of bats in some caves and may result in the listing of three bat species as endangered in Pennsylvania. This study compares yearly data by building, time of year, and species composition to determine how White Nose Syndrome has affected the Gannon campus bats. The results will also be used to place bat houses at appropriate locations to encourage bat presence on campus. The data compiled reveals a rapid decline in the bat population in Erie since 2012. The conclusion of our study at this time is that bat presence, including that of Myotis lucifugus, has been negatively affected by the presence of White Nose Syndrome.

Presenter(s): Sarah Till, Rebekah Hollenbeck

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Steve Ropski

Evaluation of Heat Energy Loss in Homes

Title: Evaluation of Heat Energy loss in Homes

Abstract: The purpose of this project is to evaluate how heat energy is lost within the envelope of a home and propose solutions that may help to improve the energy efficiency of the home. Additionally, a cost analysis will be performed to determine the financial impact caused by the proposed solutions, and the reduction of CO2 emissions produced because of increased energy efficiency will be determined. To accomplish this, two types of home energy audits will be performed: An abbreviated in-home energy audit performed in homes of Erie’s West Bayfront residents, and a comprehensive audit performed in a model home. The abbreviated energy audit will include a walkthrough of the home where the focus is to provide inexpensive fixes in order to increase the quality of comfort. The comprehensive audit will be thorough and quantitative, with the purpose of providing the best solutions available while considering their feasibility and long-term return on investment.

Presenter(s): Kalob Sperling, Legend Perry

Sponsoring Department: Environmental Science and Engineering

Project Mentor: Michelle Homan

KiCo - Kitchen Composter

Title: KiCo - Kitchen Composter

Abstract: In light of the excessive food waste in landfills today, this project goal is to create an electric, table-top kitchen composter that is low in cost, odors, and noise levels. Additionally, this device will not require the addition of microbes, reducing maintenance costs over time. Waste reduction by volume aims for 80% and the output will be a beneficial and nutrient-rich fertilizer additive for plants. This is to be achieved through the work of environmental, electrical, and mechanical engineering students. Low product costs will be met by using materials like plastic and aluminum. Layered carbon filters will handle odor elimination and energy efficiency will be made possible by using the lowest possible temperature gradients and rpm values. This machine will be user-friendly and small enough to fit on a kitchen counter, making it highly convenient for any small household with passions for waste reduction or gardening.

Presenter(s): Katie Dybowski, Ashleigh Lutz, Kristen Heflin, Daniela Morales Dardon, Nasser Haider, Abdullah Mobarki

Sponsoring Department: Engineering

Project Mentor: Varun Kasaraneni

Phospahte Removal Using Porous

Glass

Title: Phospahte Removal Using Porous Glass

Abstract: The goal of the project is to efficiently remove phosphate from surface water using porous glass. Porous glass is made by mixing pulverized glass with calcium and other additives and heating at high temperatures (>600oC). The additives currently tested are lime (CaO) and silicon dioxide (SiO2). SiO2 is added to make air bubbles in the glass while melting so the glass will be porous and have a higher surface area. The calcium present will enable the removal of Phosphate. The porous glass will be made with various ratios of materials and will be tested for phosphate removal. Testing of porous glass will be done using batch experiments. The most efficient porous glass will be used to grow biomass that could utilize the phosphate absorbed. The combination of porous glass and biomass could provide a long-lasting and efficient removal of phosphate from water.

Presenter(s): Tyler Wilson, Jonathan Alker, John Insinna

Sponsoring Department: Environmental Engineering

Project Mentor: Hwidong Kim

Politics, Pop-culture, and the Patriarchy: What Feminism Means to Gen Z

Title: Politics, Pop-culture, and the Patriarchy: What Feminism Means to Gen Z

Abstract: The divide amongst women as feminism moved through first, second, and third waves contributed to the generational gap between feminists and the growing distinction between mainstream and radical feminism. Through consciousness-raising, the feminists of the second wave opened public dialogue for women’s issues, however the radicalism shifted focus and brought extremist ideas into a position of infamy. As the two feminist movements grappled for power, their shared interests were ignored, then carried on by the following waves. The leaders of the third wave critiqued their preceding wave on the exclusion of women of color and the ignorance of female sexuality. However, the third wave brings new technology and world-wide communication with access to the Internet. The 1990s mass-consumer market commodifies feminism and focuses on sexuality and gender performance. The emerging fourth wave, brought on by Generation Z, aims to solve not only the burdens left behind by previous waves, but also the current political issues and developing polarization across the globe.

Presenter(s): Addison Price

Sponsoring Department: Public Service and Global Affairs

Project Mentor: Jeff Bloodworth

Rain Garden for Gannon’s Campus

Title: Rain Garden for Gannon’s Campus

Abstract: A rain garden, or a bioretention area, is a depressed area in the landscape that is utilized to collect rainwater and increase the reabsorption into the soil. Rain gardens are a best management practice for stormwater management and use native vegetation to reduce runoff. As part of Gannon’s Senior Engineering Design, a rain garden will be designed for a location on Gannon’s campus. The rain garden will be placed in a location on Gannon’s campus that fits the regulations and guidelines for building rain gardens. The location will be determined based on soil characteristics, such as hydraulic conductivity and porosity. The infiltration rates of the soil will be calculated using the soil characteristics to determine the time it takes for runoff reabsorption. Design specifications, such as design volume, will be calculated to contain a 24-hour 5-year storm event. Using the calculated criteria, the rain garden will be designed, and a computer model will be created.

Presenter(s): Sydney Hanratty, Katelyn Halapin

Sponsoring Department: Engineering

Project Mentor: Varun Kasaraneni

To Kill An Ancient Killer: Synthesizing a Putative Anti-Mycobacterial Drug

Title: To Kill An Ancient Killer: Synthesizing a Putative Anti-Mycobacterial Drug

Abstract: Mycobacterium is a genus that contains many pathogenic bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT), the causative agent underlying tuberculosis disease in humans. Like many pathogens, MBT has evolved antibiotic resistance, and new antimicrobial treatments are needed. Lysine amino acid is non-essential MBT as all Mycobacterium spp. possess the genes and enzymes for lysine anabolism. The terminal enzyme in the lysine synthesis pathway is diaminopimelate decarboxylase (DAPDC), also known as lysine synthase (LysA). L-lanthionine sulfoxide has been previously shown to inhibit DAPDC activity and may be a promising antimycobacterial agent to slow down or possibly kill MBT. To test this drug, we will examine L-lanthionine sulfoxide’s antimicrobial properties on the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis, a sister species to MBT. Once the procedure is optimized, L-lanthionine and L-lanthionine sulfoxide will be isolated to test each of their antibiotic properties against M. smegmatis. Accurate synthesis products will be confirmed using an analytical suite comprised of nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and melting point determination.

Presenter(s): Devin Williams, Nikolas Guerriero, Mia Ambuski

Sponsoring Department: Gannon Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Project Mentor: Christine Saber

When a duck nests on your green roof... AGAIN

Title: When a duck nests on your green roof... AGAIN

Abstract: When curious waterfowl discover a green roof, the possibilities are endless and allows ongoing research. Located atop Gannon University’s Nash Library and Student Learning Commons is a now 5-year-old green roof. As many know, on May 23rd, 2021, a nesting mallard was discovered during a routine clean out of the plant beds. This mallard was a successful anomaly and would soon be a mother to 6 ducklings and safely removed by researchers and W.I.N. on June 21st. Through video equipment and close observations from the library staff and researchers there was an ability to closely monitor the behaviors of the mallard. While the mallard’s subtle but various behaviors were a primary focus, the idea that animals would make use of a green roof as habitat is significant and not well documented. While at the time we had never seen this before, it occurred again on April 20th, 2022. During the first nesting we were unable to tag the mallard but from gathered photos of the waterfowl’s markings, we were able to determine that it was the same mallard as before. This nesting cycle had varying instances including less vocalization, nonresearching individuals walking over the nest, and a different capture method the day after hatching. Even with these different variables, the mallard managed to hatch every egg while during the last cycle only half hatched. This pushes us to research the impact of green rooves even farther and what they mean for the future of waterfowl, animal, plant and human generations.

Presenter(s): Cassandra McLaughlin

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Steven Ropski

ERIE GRADUATE ENGAGEMENT POSTER PRESENTATION

Reducing Waste During Student Move-Out

Abstract

During move out week at the end of the school year, many items are thrown away. A total of 7 extra dumpsters are placed outside of residence halls and end up being filled with items that could otherwise be donated. When these items are placed into the dumpsters they are brought to a landfill. Our goal is to reduce the amount of waste from move out week that ends up in the landfill. Most of the items thrown out could be reused and repurposed. By partnering with local thrift stores, donation centers, food pantries, etc. we plan to have the resources available for students to donate their items they would otherwise throw in the dumpster.

Overall, we hope to create an awareness of the impact made when we dispose of our unwanted items in a more sustainable fashion.

Current Move-Out System

Students move out at varying times during finals week each May and many are faced with an abundance of unwanted items. During this time, two 15-yard containers and five 30-yard containers are placed outside of select residence halls around campus (see photo). These provide convenience to students as they fill these dumpsters with a combination of refuse and usable items. It is time for an intervention.

If each of these dumpsters are fully loaded, that would be a total volume of 180 cubic yards (4860 cubic feet) being sent to the landfill annually. That is roughly 1,080 13-gallon trash bags or 54 pick-up truck loads.1

The Problem

Reusable items improperly discarded in bulk each moveout

Furniture, clothing, appliances, houseware, nonperishable foods, school supplies, cookware, etc. taking up space in landfills and lessening landfill lifespans

Lost potential of good quality items that could be utilized by many people

Students traveling long-distance with limited luggage

space

Lack of awareness of local donation sites

Too much difficulty traveling to these donation sites

Easy access to dumpsters outside residence halls

Title: Reducing Waste During Student Move-Out

The Plan

Collaboration with local donation partners: thrift stores, food banks, etc. Coordinating a pick up system between these partners, the Physical Plant, and Residence Life

Providing easy access for students to donate their unwanted items right outside their residence hall

Spreading awareness of the importance of waste reduction/diversion

Advertising the many local donation sites for students to make donations on their own time outside of move-out week

Environmental Engineering Department

Solid

Potential Partners

Gannon Store U-Knighted

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Green Scene Thrift

Cobbs 2nd Time Around Thrift Shop Erie Salvation Army

Questions or Ideas?

Please feel free to reach out to either of us as we continue our efforts on this project. As current seniors, it would be great if a club or organization would express interest in taking over this project for future years.

Kristen Heflin Heflin001@gannon.edu 814-853-3671

Katie Dybowski Dybowski002@gannon.edu 814-594-4146

References

1. Cubic Yard calculator - how much waste can I put in a roll off Dumpster Bargain

Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://bargaindumpster.com/cubicyard-calculator/ 2. May 2022: Post-Move Out Dumpster Study at Cornell University Zero Waste Ithaca. (2022, October 12). Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://zerowasteithaca.org/ dumpsters-2022/ Future Please help us in making this project possible by donating your unwanted items in any of our donation bins placed in various residence halls during move-out week. Flyers will be distributed throughout campus listing the many donation sites in Erie, so please use these as a reference the next time you are left with some donatable items! Waste reduction helps the campus, the community, and the environment. More information is to come as details are further solidified. Dumpster Outside Gannon University s North Hall Food Discarded During Cornell University May 2022 Move-Out Items Discarded During Cornell University May 2022 Move-Out Items Discarded During Cornell University May 2022 Move-Out Furniture Discarded During Cornell University s May 2022 MoveInstructor : Dr. Kasaraneni

Abstract: During move out week at the end of the school year, many items are thrown away. A total of 7 extra dumpsters are placed outside of residence halls and end up being filled with items that could otherwise be donated. When these items are placed into the dumpsters they are brought to a landfill. Our goal is to reduce the amount of waste from move out week that ends up in the landfill. Most of the items thrown out could be reused and repurposed. By partnering with local thrift stores, donation centers, food pantries, etc. we plan to have the resources available for students to donate their items they would otherwise throw in the dumpster. Overall, we hope to create an awareness of the impact made when we dispose of our unwanted items in a more sustainable fashion.

Presenter(s): Katie Dybowski, Kristen Heflin

Sponsoring Department: Environmental

Celebrate Gannon 2023 | Graduate | Engagement

Kristen Heflin

Katie Dybowski

ERIE GRADUATE RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP POSTER PRESENTATION

The Effects of Assistive Technology on Memory for College Students with a History of Concussions

Claire Plunkett, OTS, Brianna Phillips, OTS, Rebecca Tatone, OTS, Anthony Ragin, OTS Dorothy Porcello, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L Gannon University Master’s of Occupational Therapy Program

concussion?

Current Research

Concussions negatively impact students ability to perform academically. College students often do not report concussions or receive accommodations for their symptoms, with many unable to complete their degree. Assistive technology was found to be a beneficial intervention for students post concussion.

Research Problem

Many college students with concussion report experiencing challenges in higher academics, specifically with regards to memory.

Research Purpose

To explore the use of an external memory aid for addressing memory concerns among college students with a history of concussion. By implementing the Google Keep app, participants are exposed to a potential resource to manage the effects of a concussion to increase their confidence as a student.

Participants and Demographics

9 participants completed the entire study.

77.8% of participants were between the ages of 21 to 23.

7 of 9 participants reported having 3 or fewer concussions.

• A majority of concussions occurred 6 months to one year prior to the study.

Example of Google Keep

Theory

PEO (Person-Environment-Occupation) Model

The PEO Model is the best supported approach when working with individuals who have experienced or are currently experiencing mild traumatic brain injury specifically.

Quantitative Results

The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks was used to analyze participants’ responses to the EMQ questions on the pre- and post-test. Use of the Google Keep app was associated with improved subjective memory (p= .012) and memory retrieval (p= .027). Google Keep did not have a positive impact on attentional tracking.

Qualitative Results

Themes: (1) Changes in cognitive abilities, (2) Changes in academic performance, (3) Changes in confidence, and (4) Changes since utilizing the Google Keep app.

After Using the Google Keep App: • 8 out of the 9 respondents identified that their confidence with memory had increased.

• 88.9% of participants reported a positive change in academic performance.

A majority of participants identified ease of use and accessibility of Google Keep as a facilitator of incorporating the app into daily routines.

Participant Response "I found that when my memory started to get better, I was less stressed and more calm I was confident in myself to remember important information."

Implications to Occupational Therapy

Findings support the importance of OT involvement in college-aged students experiencing concussions. Interventions incorporating external memory aids can be beneficial for clients with concussions in academic settings.

Limitations

Small sample size

Limited normative data for concussions with the EMQ Follow-up stopped after 3-week period

Future Research

Academic impacts of concussion in specialty populations

Title: The Effects of Assistive Technology on Memory for College Students with a History of Concussions

Abstract: Current research provides limited insight into academic experiences of college students with concussions. To further explore this, a mixed-methods study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the Google Keep app as a memory aid for college students with concussions. Purposive snowball sampling was utilized to recruit participants. Respondents completed a pre-test survey, ten-minute educational video module on Google Keep, and post-test survey at 3-weeks follow-up. Pre- and post-test surveys included the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ) and qualitative questions regarding participants’ experiences. Nine participants completed the study. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and a thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Results indicated significant positive changes in scores on the EMQ, demonstrating perceived memory improvement from pre- to post-test. Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: 1) changes in cognitive abilities, 2) changes in academic performance, 3) changes in confidence, and 4) impact of the Google Keep app.

Presenter(s): Brianna Phillips, Anthony Ragin, Rebecca Tatone, Claire Plunkett

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy Department

Project Mentor: Dorothy Porcello

A Multi-Modal Deep Learning Approach to Enhance Product Recommendations based on Customer Habits

Abstract

What is the Objective?

Any Existing Breakthroughs?

Results

References

[1]. “Amazon.com recommendations item-to-item collaborative filtering - Internet Computing, IEEE.” n.d. UMD Department of Computer Science |. Accessed February 6, 2023. https://www.cs.umd.edu/~samir/498/Amazon-Recommendations.pdf.

[2]. Adomavicius, G., & Tuzhilin, Toward the next generation of recommender systems: A survey of the state-of-the-art and possible

in this direction

Title: A Multi-Modal Deep Learning Approach to Enhance Product Recommendations based on Customer Habits

Abstract: The development of effective recommendation systems is a crucial aspect of modern e-commerce platforms. This work proposes a novel hybrid approach that combines content-based and collaborative filtering techniques for generating product recommendations on e-commerce platforms. The approach analyzes product content such as product images and descriptions and also utilizes customer details including previous buying patterns, age, gender to generate personalized product recommendations. Deep neural network based embeddings are used for efficient representation of the product content such as images and description. The K nearest neighbor approach is investigated for recommendation generation with different similarity measures. The proposed approach is evaluated on the H&M fashion dataset, and is expected to improve the quality of recommendations and enhance the user experience for online shoppers. Overall, this work is a valuable contribution to the field of recommendation systems and has the potential to benefit both customers and e-commerce platforms.

Presenter(s): Manisha Konjeti, Naga Venkata Nikhil Lebaka

Sponsoring Department: Masters in computer information science in data science

Project Mentor: Davide Piovesan

KOMAL ALLAPARTHI Department of Data science, GANNON UNIVERSITY

MANISHA KONJETI, Department of Information Technology, GANNON UNIVERSITY

NAGA VENKATA NIKHIL LEBAKA, Department of Information Technology, GANNON UNIVERSITY

Introduction

A Qualitative Study: Enga gement in Social Par ticipation for Individuals with Age-Related Vision Loss

Abbey Chenevey, OTS, Emily DeStefano, OTS, Lauren Greenlee, OTS, Caitlin McKee, OTS, and David LeVan, DHSc., CSRS, OTR/L chenevey001@gannon.edu

Currently affecting an increasing number of older adults in their daily function and participation in valued activities, agerelated vision loss (ARVL) can create significant long term disability, reduce well-being and quality of life, and is considered an important global public health issue (American Foundation for the Blind, 2013; Shah et al. 2020; World Health Organization, 2019).

Within ARVL, major diagnoses include cataracts, glaucoma, agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy resulting in a loss of visual function that cannot be improved entirely with intervention (Swenor & Ehrlich, 2021; McGrath & Corrado, 2019). As a result, older adults with ARVL may engage in social participation less often than those without ARVL (Desrosiers et al., 2009; Shah et al. 2020). For purposes of this report, social participation refers to involvement in meaningful and valued communitybased activities or interpersonal interactions with family, friends, or peers (Aroogh & Shahboulaghi, 2020; Gough et al., 2021).

Older adults with ARVL can experience a broad range of barriers to social participation. Previous literature and this study indicates certain barriers are most frequently reported by older adults with ARVL, including decreased functional mobility, driving cessation, and loss of reading ability. These barriers can lead to increased dependence on others often resulting in withdrawal from social participation (Berger, 2012; Siren et al., 2022).

Despite barriers to social participation, people with ARVL report a variety of strategies for accommodating their situation.

Meaningful relationships may provide a source of assistance and a way for people with ARVL to benefit the well-being of others (Girdler et al., 2008; Kang et al., 2023; Magnus & Vik, 2016). Another strategy, adaptation, is an inherently necessary aspect of living with visual impairment and older adults with ARVL may select a variety of adaptations to support social participation (Smith, 2008; Lee & Brennan, 2006; Tolman et al., 2005). Adaptation through use of low vision devices or environmental modifications can improve social participation (Berger et al., 2013; Pogrund, 2018).

Previous literature on ARVL and social participation has indicated

and 3 (18.7%) were male. Participant diagnoses were as follows, with some participants holding more than one: six diagnoses of glaucoma, nine diagnoses of cataract, one diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, and eight diagnoses of macular degeneration. Age range: 60- 87; Mean age: 73 years

Theme One: Adaptive Strategies

The majority of participants expressed that dealing with their chronic diagnosis required the need to adapt to new challenges within their daily lives through the use of various strategies, which can be grouped into 5 different categories: (1) reliance on other senses (hearing & touch), (2) lighting, (3) safety, (4) reading, and (5) education (Fig. 2).

Theme Two: Assistive Devices

When adaptive strategies were not enough to manage daily struggles, data shows that participants utilized various assistive devices to increase comfort in social activity participation. Among the 16 participants, the most common assistive devices included a cane, magnifiers, glasses, and general safety devices (Fig. 2).

Theme Three: Cognitive Strategies

Participants who continued participating in social activities cited a general positive attitude or coping strategies that aid in their motivation to participate. The cognitive strategies patterned throughout the data include resilience, positivity, and spirituality (Fig. 2)

Theme Four: Social Supports

The data provided patterned evidence that social support, including both family/friends and community services, enhanced the participants social participation (Fig. 2). These helped to provide a sense of belonging for participants to continue to socially participate, as well as physically transport those who have lost the ability to drive to and from desired activities.

Theme Five: Ongoing Participation in Social Activities

The underlying theme that dominated the participant interviews was the correlation between those who participated socially prior to their ARVL diagnoses and those who did not. Participants who were previously involved in various social activities were more likely to continue them or even add more. Data presents individuals that prioritized social participation had a higher likelihood of participating with their ARVL (Fig. 2).

In addition, data indicated that many individuals reported increased participation due to COVID, as a result of modifying their activities to continue to participate in previously established social activities.

Discussion

Healthcare providers should:

Guide patients through the modification of their environment and daily routines to continue social participation.

Provide information on resources such as community services, adaptive strategies, and assistive devices that can help ease the burden of ARVL.

Encourage social participation as it is important for overall wellbeing and can aid in creating a social support system (Hashidate, 2021; Shah et al., 2020).

Implement mental health intervention within practice to provide individuals with ARVL a way to increase positive coping strategies which relates to social participation.

Impact of COVID-19

Results of this study indicate that virtual activities may hold promise in promoting increased social participation of adults with ARVL, due to the ability to socially participate within their own homes, eliminating barriers such as driving; further research may be necessary to increase the strength of this indication.

Title: A Qualitative Study: Engagement in Social Participation for Individuals with Age-Related Vision Loss

Abstract: Currently, among the top 10 disabilities, age-related vision loss (ARVL) affects an increasing number of older adults in their day-to-day lives (McGrath & Corrado, 2019). The goal of this study was to discover how older adults with ARVL, including glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, engage in social participation. Participants were required to live in the United States, read and converse in English, and pass a cognitive screen. 16 individuals were selected through non-probability sampling and interviewed about the impact of their ARVL. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Then, the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis by the researchers; further review of the data was completed by two external investigators (occupational therapists) who are specialized in the fields of low vision and geriatrics.

Presenter(s): Abbey Chenevey, Emily DeStefano, Lauren Greenlee, Caitlin McKee

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: David LeVan

Title:

A TWO-STEP DESOLATION METHOD FOR PREPARING OF THE GELATIN NANOPARTICLES

GOUTHAM CHANDRAPPA , SHIVANI SHELAR , RACHANA MAMIDI, MADURA ALLEN R, LONGYAN CHEN*

Department of Biomedical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

Abstract

• As our project in the Nanotechnology for Engineering course (BME 491/GBME 589), we are reporting a two-step desolation method for preparing gelatin nanoparticles that can be used for drug delivery application

This method involves two main steps: solubilization and desolation of gelatin in a water solution, followed by cross-linking of the desolated gelatin particles to stabilize them

• The as-made gelatin nanoparticles were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a particles analyzer It is expected that the small, stable gelatin nanoparticles that can be used a biocompatible carriers for target drug delivery

The simplicity and effectiveness of the twostep desolation method make it a valuable technique for producing gelatin nanoparticles in large quantities

Background

Gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used as drug and gene carrier to targeted sick tissues including cancer, tuberculosis, HIV infection along with the treatment of vasospasm and restenosis due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability

Objective

Controlled particle size: The procedure provides an excellent way to regulate the particle sizes, as it utilizes the gelatin with similar molecular weight

Improved stability: Increasing the stability of the gelatin nanoparticles by using glutaraldehyde to cross-link the gelatin fibers

• Increased yield: It can boost the production of gelatin nanoparticles

• Enhanced drug delivery: gelatin nanoparticles are biocompatible and biodegradable, they can be employed as medication carriers

Preparation of Gelatin Nanoparticles

Results

• Particles are coated with gold using sputter coating and observed under SEM and the average size of gelatin nanoparticle is found around 300 nm

Future works

The two-step desolvation process is critical to the stability and functionality of the gelatin nanoparticles

• Future studies could focus on optimizing the desolvation process to improve the yield and quality of the nanoparticles

References

A Two-Step Desolation Method for Preparing of the Gelatin Nanoparticles

Abstract: As our project in the Nanotechnology for Engineering course (BME 491/GBME 589), we are reporting a two-step desolation method for preparing gelatin nanoparticles that can be used for drug delivery application. This method involves two main steps: solubilization and desolation of gelatin in a water solution, followed by cross-linking of the desolated gelatin particles to stabilize them. The as-made gelatin nanoparticles were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a particles analyzer. It is expected that the small, stable gelatin nanoparticles that can be used a biocompatible carriers for target drug delivery. The simplicity and effectiveness of the two-step desolation method make it a valuable technique for producing gelatin nanoparticles in large quantities.

Presenter(s): Goutham Chandrappa, Shivani Shelar, Rachana Mamidi, Madura Allen

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical

Project Mentor: Longyan Chen

A Virtual Instruction Module to Promote Knowledge and Acceptance of Telehealth in School-Based Practice

Research Objective

To determine whether an instructional module on the use of school-based telehealth can promote knowledge and acceptance among OT practitioners.

approval

Megan Catanese, MS, OTR/L

Post Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michele Karnes

Capstone Advisor: Dr. Janis Leinfuss

agreed

with all

Background

Only 8.3% of OTs used telehealth prepandemic

• 57.5% used telehealth during the pandemic, yet only 5% were trained The Diffusion of Innovation framework suggests that implementing telehealth without training led to mixed reviews

• Lack of practitioner training is among the most significant factors influencing favorability and use.

• Asynchronous instruction was used to educate practitioners on telehealth in schools, addressing a gap in knowledge related to practitioner competency.

Title: A Virtual Instruction Module to Promote Knowledge and Acceptance of Telehealth in School-Based Practice

Abstract: Occupational therapy (OT) delivered via telehealth grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its considerable use in the school environment, few OT practitioners were trained to provide virtual services. An asynchronous instruction module was developed to further educate practitioners on the use of telehealth in schools. Post-instruction survey results indicated that online instruction effectively enhanced knowledge and feelings of acceptance of telehealth as a delivery model. Enhancing familiarity with telehealth may improve outcomes, adding credence to OT’s place within technology-driven care.

Presenter(s): Megan Catanese

Sponsoring Department: Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Department

Project Mentor: Michele Karnes

Advisor: Piovesan, Davide

R. Sritha Reddy

Title: Abusive Cyberbullying Word Detection using Machine Learning Algorithms

Abstract: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and others are becoming more and more popular as a primary means of communicating with others because of advancements in information technology and the internet. Cyberbullying is the practice of sending inappropriate messages to a person or community that sparks a contentious discussion among users. Most instances of cyberbullying occur on social networking platforms where users threaten or insult other users in their responses to posts. Using abusive language is the act of insulting another individual using threatening messages. This behavior makes it difficult to prevent cyberbullying. Abusing someone is a misuse of technology’s advantages. And because of its effects, there are currently more cases than ever before. Because the amount of information available online makes it impossible for people to keep track of everything, the detection of abusive words used in internet bullying is crucial. The objective of this research is to build a Machine Learning classification model that can detect or flag abusive words with the highest level of accuracy.

Presenter(s): Sritha Reddy Reddy

Sponsoring Department: Computers and Information Science (MS-CIS Data Science)

Project Mentor: Davide Piovesan

Accessibility at Post-Secondar y Institutions

Meagan Bader OTS, Grace Bobosky OTS, Grace Bor mes OTS, Corinne Fischer OTS T hesis Advisor : Dr. Lindsay Church OTD, OTR/L

Title: Accessibility at Post-secondary Institutions

Abstract: Students, faculty, and staff at post-secondary institutions who identify as living with physical disabilities may face barriers to accessing all institution related services. A cross-sectional descriptive study using survey methodology was conducted to explore campus accessibility experiences of students, faculty, and staff at post-secondary institutions across the United States who self-identified as living with a physical disability. The student-designed, 26 question survey was completed by 23 participants. Results indicated variations of accessibility features and perceived barriers across post-secondary institutions specifically in terms of navigating and utilizing campus facilities. Future research should consider a qualitative design and include expansion of the survey to compare specific post-secondary institutions, geographic regions, and increasing clarity of survey items. Implications could lead to the development of a comprehensive self-assessment tool to determine barriers to accessibility at post-secondary institutions.

Presenter(s): Corinne Fischer, Meagan Bader, Grace Bobosky, Grace Bormes

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy Department

Project Mentor: Lindsay Church

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Performance, Value, and Confidence for Persons with Stroke after Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Pilot Study

PICO

Background

• Occupational therapists (OTs) view clients holistically, considering ADL performance, confidence and value in performing ADLs.

• This is important in inpatient rehabilitation (IRU) settings where the goal is for the patient to return home. The inability to accomplish ADLs can lead to unsafe conditions and poor quality of life, especially if the patient resides home alone1

• This capstone project focuses on the outcomes and the correlation of the OSA and Medicare Section GG Functional Abilities and Goals codes following skilled OT intervention in an inpatient rehabilitation setting by those who had survived a stroke.

Medicare Section GG Codes

Standardized patient assessment mandated for collection in all post-acute care settings by the Improving Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT)2

• Completed within the first three days of admission and the last three days before discharge to measure functional self-care and mobility changes.

The self-care items included in the Medicare Section GG codes include eating, oral hygiene, toileting hygiene, showering/bathing self, upper body dressing, lower body dressing, and putting on/taking off footwear and items are rated on a Likert scale from dependent to independent (0-6).

Occupational Self Assessment-Daily Living Scales (OSA)

• Based on the Model of Human Occupation that measures the participant's self-perception of occupational competence and value of activities of daily living3

12 self-care items that the participant rates on a scale of 1-4 based on their confidence and importance in performing the ADL4

• 1= high perceived difficulty or task not being important

• 2= some difficulty performing task or occupation is important

• 3= performs the occupation well or occupation is more important

4= performs the occupation extremely well and occupation is the most important

• If item does not apply (ie. if they were not doing it before admission) it can be omitted.

Title: Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Intervention: A Pilot Study

Is there a correlation between activities of daily living (ADL) independence, as measured by the Medicare Section GG Functional Abilities and Goals codes, and perceived confidence in ADLs, as measured by the Occupational Self Assessment (OSA) for persons with stroke after skilled occupational therapy intervention in an inpatient rehabilitation setting?

Inclusion Criteria

• Cerebral vascular accident (CVA) diagnosis.

• Admittance to the inpatient rehabilitation unit for at least six consecutive days. Minimum score of 13 on the Brief Interview of Mental Status. Ability to participate in skilled OT intervention.

Procedures

IRB approval from Gannon University and written approval from WVU Medicine.

• The primary investigator (PI) determined the inclusion criteria

• PI completed assessments using the Medicare Section GG codes and the OSA within the first three days of admission, rating the participant’s independence in various ADL tasks.

Skilled OT intervention was completed as part of the IRU stay as per the treatment plan.

• The final three days prior to discharge, the occupational therapist working with the patient repeated the Medicare Section GG codes and the OSA.

Meagan Hyslop MS. OTR/L

Post-Professional

Doctoral Program

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Danielle DiLuzio

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michele Karnes

Results

All participants (n=4) were diagnosed with acute stroke, age ranging from 51 to 82 years old. The Spearman correlation coefficient was utilized to evaluate the mean differences. Results yielded a negative correlation between the mean results of the Section GG codes at admission and discharge (p -.18). This shows that there is not a significant relationship associated with the OSA scores and the Medicare Section GG codes. Furthermore, results yielded a positive correlation between the OSA at admission and the OSA at discharge (p=.69). Although there was a negative correlation between the scores of the two assessments at discharge, the majority of the scores for both assessments increased as a result of skilled OT intervention

References

1Edemekong, P., Bomgaars, D., Sukumaran, S., and School, C.(2022). Activities of Daily Living. National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470404/

2Strunk, E. (2019). Section GG changes: What do they mean for your organization. Medbridge https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/blog/2019/01/section-gg-changes-what-do-they-mean-for-your-organization/

3Kielhofner, G., Dobria, L.,

Significance to the Field of Occupational Therapy

OTs are holistic, client-centered and aim to focus on a patient's physical ability to perform a task and their confidence and interest in meaningful activities. This capstone project raised awareness for the OT profession concerning assessments that rate the patient's perceived and actual ADL ability. Results can assist clinicians as they may show the effectiveness of OT interventions by examining the patient's ADL independence improvement and their self-confidence in independently carrying out their own care.

• Practitioners may emphasize performance more than how their patients feel and what they value.

• This study is necessary to patients because it is client-centered, and they will be able to witness their progress and further grow their confidence in their ADL independence upon discharge.

Performance, Value, and Confidence for Persons with Stroke after Occupational Therapy

Abstract: The purpose of this capstone was to determine if there was a correlation between activities of daily living (ADL) independence, as measured by the Medicare Section GG Codes Functional Abilities and Goals codes, and perceived confidence in ADLs, as measured by the Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA) for persons with stroke after skilled occupational therapy intervention in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Results yielded no statistical significance between the OSA scores and the Medicare Section GG Codes. However, most of the participant’s scores for both assessments increased due to skilled OT intervention.

Presenter(s): Meagan Hyslop

Sponsoring Department: Post Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program

Project Mentor: Danielle DiLuzio

The participant meets all inclusion criteria and completes informed consent forms.

The participant completes the OSA and the Medicare Section GG Codes with the OT. Participant engages with skilled OT intervention as part of their plan of care.

The participant completes the OSA and the Medicare Section GG codes upon discharge.

Title: Comparison of Waste Management Practices Among Three Continents (Africa, Asia and North America)

Abstract: This abstract presents an overview of waste management practices in Africa (Nigeria), Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal), and North America (The United States of America). Waste management is a critical issue in these regions due to the rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization. In Nigeria, waste management practices are limited, resulting in health and environmental problems. Bangladesh and Nepal face similar challenges, with inadequate infrastructure and poor waste collection services. In contrast, the United States has developed advanced waste management systems, with effective waste disposal, recycling, and reuse practices. However, the US faces challenges with managing hazardous waste and reducing waste generation. Overall, these regions have varying waste management practices, with differing levels of success. The adoption of best practices and sustainable waste management approaches can help address the challenges and improve waste management practices in these regions, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and public health.

Presenter(s): Adeoluwa Olasehinde, Sanjida Akter, Padma Champagain

Sponsoring Department: Environmental Science Engineering

Project Mentor: Varun Kasaraneni

Introduction Creativity and social connectedness are meaningful aspects to occupational therapy. Creativity is a cognitive ability that challenges the mind to think divergently to produce original and valuab e deas us ng one s imagination 16. Social connectedness is considered an attribute of the self that reflects cognitions of enduring interpersonal closeness with the social world”,11,12. Both aspects can be seen not only in occupational therapy treatments, but potentially throughout groups and communities as well. The data collected from this study supports the original founders of occupational therapy and their dedication to arts and crafts combined with occupational therapy s established holistic approach, and scientific medical practices to help increase chronically ill patients well being.

Background

Creativity is essential for all aspects of health and wellness in a person which can improve one s overall quality of life4

Community mural painting is a process of collaboration that involves:8 understanding, openness, creativity, and social skills8

enhancing individual accountability and positive group interdependence8 There are four factors that can have an impact on creativity:

Creativity and Social Connectedness

Model

The Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) model consists of three domains, person, environment, and occupation. The researchers analyzed the occupational performance of social connectedness of the participants. The better these domains fit into each other for each child, the more it promotes participation through the act of occupations they enjoy. 3

Title: Creativity and Social Connectedness

Karen Probst, OTD, OTR/L, CEAS lacey003, lynn010, probst004, septembe001, tomasko002

Results

The results indicated that feelings of social connectedness were significantly improved through the use of arts and crafts activities in youth ages 8 13

Discussion

After reviewing the limitations, several recommendations were identified in this study that include:

Increased funding to promote more creative and fun activities

Choosing a different time of day to complete activities

Conducting a similar study in a larger public school or community center while also having in person advertisement to increase the number of participants

Provide increased time for activities to allow for more creativity, social connectedness, and time to complete each activity

This study can be used as a reference for future professionals, such as occupational therapists, recreational therapists, art therapists, teachers, and mental health program directors who are working with children within this age range to increase feelings of social connectedness through engagement in group arts and crafts activities. Specifically, this research emphasizes the importance of occupational therapy turning back to its roots of using arts and crafts as therapeutic activities, for patient s overall increase of purpose and well being. 13

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of participation in arts and crafts activities on feelings of social connectedness within youth ages 8-13. Six participants were recruited from a private school in Erie County. The research design used was quasi-experimental and the theory that guided the activities was the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model. Participants engaged in five arts and crafts activities that included tie-dying, painting, interactive sidewalk chalk, creating a friendship banner, and designing a puzzle. The Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (SCS-Revised) was used as a pre-and post-survey to assess participants perceptions of social connectedness. The Wilcoxon reported a statically significant change in overall score with a p-value of .046. The results supported the hypothesis that feelings of social connectedness would be improved using group arts and crafts. Results may guide future occupational therapists, as well as other professionals such as teachers working with this age range.

Presenter(s): Victoria Lacey, Karly Lynn, Jenna September, Ashley Tomasko

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Karen Probst

Victoria Lacey, OTS, Karly Lynn, OTS, Jenna September, OTS, Ashley Tomasko, OTS

PICO Research Questions

1.What are the current trends and perceptions among kindergarten to fifth grade educators about assistive technology use?

2. What is the frequency of use and comfort level with low-tech assistive technology of kindergarten to fifth grade educators?

3. What is the frequency of use and comfort level with high-tech assistive technology of kindergarten to fifth grade educators?

Participants

: Inclusion criteria: elementary teachers working with through fifth grade in New York State Exclusion criteria: not currently working as an educator in

Current Trends and Perceptions of Assistive Technology in School-Based Settings by Tomasina

Lamper MS OTR/L

Tomasina Lamper MSOTR/L PPOTDS

tlamper@hotmail.com

Title: Current Trends and Perceptions of Assistive Technology in School-Based Settings

Abstract: Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, educational activities have become increasingly reliant on technology. This research examined educators’ perceptions of assistive technology. Survey data from elementary educators were analyzed to gain an indepth understanding of perceptions and trends in assistive technology use. The results of this indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted how educators view assistive technology as a tool for facilitating educational activities. There was a correlation between frequency of use and comfort level with devices considered high-tech. Occupational therapists can use this information to guide future interprofessional education and collaborative interventions involving assistive technology with school professionals.

Presenter(s): Tomasina Lamper

Sponsoring Department: Post Professional Doctoral Occupational Therapy Department

Project Mentor: Michele Karnes

Design and development of ARDEL (Active-assist Rehabilitation Device for Elbow)

S. Desai1, D. Piovesan2

1Biomedical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2College of Engineering and Business, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

Utilization

Abstract

• The purpose of this research project is

Design of ARDEL

activities for patients as well as healthy human beings

Introduction and Background

• Stroke is caused either due to a blockage or hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)

• Stroke causes localized brain damage that could potentially lead to long-term disability Nearly every 40 seconds someone in the US has

▪ ARDEL consists of a dual strap arm brace for the upper arm and forearm These braces are connected to each other with flat loadbearing links with a hinge alongside the elbow ▪ ARDEL has a pulley integrated into the upper arm rigid link at the hinged end This hinge is designed to be easily adjusted with predrilled holes in the pully to achieve maximum adaptability

▪ With different configurations, the devices can be modified to the very specific requirements of each patient ARDEL has equipped with elastic bands stretched over the offcentric CAM When the device is bent due to elbow flexion, the elastic straps are stretched over the pulley ARDEL is designed to assist the extension motion with consideration to the force production requirements associated with the day-to-day arm use

▪ This provides the highest assistance at the end of the range of elbow extension which is gradually reduced with flexion of the joint The elastic bands are replaceable according to patient-topatient variability

1. A therapist should strap adjustable braces on the arms

2. The upper arm braces should be strapped as close to the shoulder as possible while the forearm braces should be strapped as close to the wrist as possible

3. This reduces the concentration of force over a wide area, minimizing discomfort due to forces exerted by the elastic bands

4. The upper and lower links should be hinged at the predrilled holes with hole 1 for the lowest assistive force, up to hole 5 for the highest assistive force

5. The elastic bands should be selected according to the assistive force required for the patient

6. The strap should then be hooked to the given points on the upper and lower links, going over the pulley at the hinge

Rehabilitation

With the ‘Active assist exercise technique’, the patient should be subjected to the concerned exercises under supervision ARDEL will be providing the required assistance in the movements

Conclusion

Once the patient is comfortable with the ARDEL, there will be minimal help required for exercises This increases the possibility of a reduction in the rehabilitation time This device can also be worn for extended periods after the therapy to assist the patient with dayto-day activities

References

1. CDC, “About stroke,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 02Nov-2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm.

[Accessed: 12-Nov-2022].

2. CDC, “Stroke facts,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14Oct-2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm.

[Accessed: 12-Nov-2022].

3. D. J. Reinkensmeyer L. E. Kahn, M. Averbuch, A. McKenna-Cole, B. D. Schmit and W. Z. Rymer, “Understanding and treating arm movement impairment after chronic brain injury: progress with the ARM guide,” J. Rehabil Res. Dev., vol. 37, no. 6, pp. 653–662, 2014.

4. H. Zeng, J. Chen, Y. Guo, and S. Tan, “Prevalence and risk factors for spasticity after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Front. Neurol., vol. 11, p. 616097, 2020.

5. “Physical effects of stroke,” Stroke Association, 30-Nov-2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.stroke.org.uk/effects-ofstroke/physical-effects-of-stroke. [Accessed: 12-Nov-2022].

6. A. A. Wong and S. J. Read, “Early changes in physiological variables after stroke,” Ann. Indian Acad. Neurol., vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 207–220, 2008.

Title: Design and Development of ARDEL (Active-assist Rehabilitation Device for Elbow)

Abstract: Upper limb hemiparesis is the most common impairment post-stroke, the non-motorized exoskeleton for the rehabilitation of the elbow joint. We propose ARDEL (Active-assist Rehabilitation Device for Elbow) to increase elbow joint mobility. For elbow joint rehabilitation, the ‘active assist exercise’ technique is widely used by therapists. With this technique, a patient is subjected to repeated movements of the elbow joint with active assistance if the patient is unable to achieve the required range of motion. Our device aims to provide the required assistance to the patient with elbow extension. The ARDEL also allows and actively supports supination and pronation, which most of the devices in the market do not. The design can be 3D-printed and assembled easily while keeping the costs and is targeted primarily towards patients who lack access to a therapist.

Presenter(s): Shubhankar Desai

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Project Mentor: Davide Piovesan

Title: Development of a Portable Hand-held Device for COVID-19 Detection by using Isothermal Amplification

Abstract: We have witnessed the crucial role of the diagnosis testing through the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years. The gold standard the virus testing relies on PCR or RT-PCR. However, PCR test is a time consuming process and it requires special equipment. Rapid antigen test is another method, but it exhibits low sensitivity. In this study, we are developing a portable device that enable the detection of COVID-19 in about 30 min using isothermal nucleic acid amplification method. The device includes a 3-D printed cassette optical units and detection sensor, connected with an Arduino board for signal processing. The device only costs ~ $200. The device will be able to detect virus without purification under similar sensitivity of PCR results. It is expected that this device can be used for point-of-care testing in environments with constrained resources.

Presenter(s): Goutham Chandrappa

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical

Project Mentor: Longyan Chen

Effect of Exercise on QOL of Individuals with Disabilities

Allison Routhier, OTS; Cassidy Burns, OTS: Jenna Emley, OTS: Sara Fromknecht, OTS Advisor: Stephanie Kubiak, PhD, OTR/L

Title: Effect of Exercise on QOL of Individuals with Disabilities

Further research is needed to examine the relationship between wheelchair users'’ participation in exercise and how it affects their QOL.

strength and endurance, which can promote better mental health and a higher QOL (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018). The participants’ total means in each of the WHOQOL-BREF domains were slightly higher than a 2018 study, with the biggest difference in scoring being in the domain of social relationships (Chesani). Limitations of this study included a small sample size, minimal diversity, time constraints, and it may exhibit selection bias. Scan QR code below for references.

Abstract: Individuals living with a physical disability often encounter obstacles that may impact their quality of life (QOL) in a negative way. These obstacles include anxiety, depression, lower rates of self efficacy, less participation in physical activity, and more restrictions in social activities (Rajati, 2018). The concept and meaning of QOL can vary and typically has different meanings from person to person, but the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.” Exercise is known to have numerous benefits, one being that it can improve an able-bodied individual’s QOL. This study sought to see if this held true to individuals living with a physical disability, and compared the QOL of wheelchair users who exercised regularly and wheelchair users who did not exercise regularly. This study’s sample consisted of ten individual wheelchair users, recruited through an informational flyer posted on social media. The research used a cross-sectional quantitative design, which allowed the researchers to examine data at one specific period in time. In this case, the study involved looking at the relationship between wheelchair users’ current levels of participation in exercise and wheelchair users’ QOL. To utilize this approach, the research study used a survey instrument that consisted of 67 questions. The full survey required 10-15 minutes to complete, and it was available online for participants in the United States to complete from November of 2021 to November of 2022. There was no significant difference found between the QOL of wheelchair users who exercised regularly and the QOL of wheelchair users who did not exercise regularly.

Presenter(s): Cassidy Burns, Sara Fromknecht, Jenna Emley, Allison Routhier

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy / Health Sciences

Project Mentor: Stephanie Kubiak

Introduction

of Peer Mentor ship on Veter ans

Experiencing Homelessness

Kathryn DeDionisio, OTS; Brianna Potter, OTS; and Sydney Swoger, OTS David LeVan, DHSc

Out of the estimated 19 million veterans living in the United States, approximately 50,000 are homeless and have nowhere to stay at night (Schaeffer, 2021; Weber et al., 2017). When individuals return from the military they are faced with many factors that contribute to an increased risk of homelessness Factors include mental health conditions, the inability to obtain employment and housing, and the lack of access to affordable medical care (Baggett et al., 2010; Tsai et al., 2018).

Results

Data was collected by interviewing three individuals that self-identified as a peer mentor who works with homeless veterans. After analyzing the data, the researchers were able to identify five main themes: peer mentor skill development, connection through experience, connection to resources, veterans’ personal factors, and veterans’ environmental factors. Due to the research question, each theme was labeled as a perceived facilitator or barrier to success in decreasing the reoccurrence of homelessness in veterans.

Peer Mentors Perceived Facilitators to Success in Decreasing the Reoccurrence of Homelessness in Veterans

Peer Mentor Skill Development Connection Through Experience Connection to Resources

Peer mentors reported using active listening, reframing, and guided problem solving, which were learned through both formal and informal education.

“I use many skills I learned in my Master’s Degree such as active listening, reframing, and more.” Peer Mentor 1.

Peer mentorship is a new and developing service that pairs the veteran with a trusted individual, whose role is to supply resources and guidance for community reintegration. Peer mentorship programs consist of matching peer mentors with a homeless individual, and together they identify what the most important needs of the veteran are (Smelson et al., 2011; Yoon et al., 2017). The purpose of this master thesis project is to learn more about peer mentorship programming and how this unique approach to preventing the reoccurrence of homelessness can inform occupational therapy (OT) practice.

Methods & Research Design

Research Problem: Currently, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of peer mentorship services and how they differ from traditional programs such as supportive housing.

Research Question: How does peer mentorship affect the reoccurrence of veterans experiencing

homelessness?

Population: Persons who work or volunteer in a peer mentorship position with veterans experiencing

homelessness

Inclusion Criteria: 18 years or older, had a GED or high school diploma, were peer mentors (were previously homeless, have a mental health diagnosis, are a veteran, of similar age to the veteran they are serving, or knowing someone who has experienced any of these)

Exclusion Criteria: had less than one year experience

Research Design: phenomenological qualitative design

To be an affective peer mentor, one must find commonalities between themselves and the veterans they are serving. These individuals must listen with an unbiased ear.

“I try to find a

Peer mentors stated that veterans need educated on resources that address housing, mental and behavioral health, employment, life skills training, and more.

Discussion

Peer mentorship can facilitate success in decreasing the reoccurrence of homelessness by connecting veterans to resources, forming relationships with them through experience, and peer mentor skill development through informal and formal education. All three peer mentors reported addressing access to various resources which is consistent with previous literature (Smelson et al., 2011). However, connection through experience is a new discovery that involves prioritizing building therapeutic relationships before beginning to address other needs. Another new finding was peer mentor skill development. The researchers found only one formal peer mentorship training program through the Veteran s Affair (VA), however peer mentors in this study reported their institutional education and continuing education, not related to the VA, contributed to their success. Peer mentors also identified veterans’ personal and environmental factors as barriers to decreasing the reoccurrence of homelessness in veterans. These findings were consistent with the literature review in providing examples such as behavioral health disturbances, inability to comply with attendance policy and isolation from others (Homeless Policy Research Institute, 2018; Tsai & Rosenheck, 2015).

Title: Effects of Peer Mentorship on Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

Implications to Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OT) can apply their training to support peer mentorship programs for homeless veterans. OT’s have expertise in taking an occupational profile that addresses client factors, contexts, and performance skills and patterns (American Occupational Therapy Association 2020).

These domains address the personal and environmental factors of veterans that all three peer mentors in this study contributed to being facilitators and barriers to the reoccurrence of homelessness.

OT’s can use their skills gained through formal education and experience to build a therapeutic relationship to then provide interventions to this vulnerable population. OT s can connect veterans to resources by being aware of local and national organizations. Additionally, if the OT does not feel they can build a therapeutic relationship with the veteran they are treating or if the veteran has needs out of the therapist s scope of expertise, they can refer their client to peer mentor services (available upon request).

Conclusion

Peer mentors believe that their programs can be effective in decreasing the reoccurrence of homelessness within the veteran population. Peer mentors believe their ability to develop a relationship with veterans through experience, use knowledge and skills, and connect veterans to resources improve their success rate. Ongoing factors that limit success of peer mentorship programs and subsequent reoccurrence of homelessness include veterans’ personal and environmental factors. There is an opportunity for OT practitioners to collaborate with peer mentors in developing and providing programs to prevent the reoccurrence of homelessness. Further research is needed to determine if peer mentorship is an effective approach to decreasing the reoccurrence of homelessness in veterans.

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank Dr. David LeVan for his support and guidance through our research process.

Abstract: Veterans make up an overwhelming amount of the U.S. homeless population. Psychosocial diagnoses, minimal support systems, and a lack of transitional services result in veterans becoming homeless when returning from active duty. New emerging services such as peer mentorship aim to provide resources that attempt to decrease homelessness among veterans. This study interviewed three peer mentors to determine how peer mentorship affects the reoccurrence of homelessness in the veteran population. Results identified common factors that facilitate and inhibit success to independent living. Occupational therapists and healthcare professionals can apply the findings of this study when treating veterans within their scope of practice.

Presenter(s): Sydney Swoger, Brianna Potter, Kathryn DeDionisio

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy Department

Project Mentor: David LeVan

Efficacy of a Current Fall Prevention Model at a Local Non-Profit Equipment Exchange Program

Intro

• Falls have an impact on each of us, whether it be personally or someone we care about. An older adult experiences a fall every second of every day. More than 28,000 older people died as a result of falls in just 2015; that is, 74 older adults every day. According to the CDC, in 2018, 1 in 4 older adults reported falling-this equals about 36 million falls. More than 8 million falls required medical attention or limited activity for a least a day and more than 32,000 older adults died from falls- that’s 88 older adults every day. The number of falls and fall injuries will increase as the population of older adults grow. In 2030, the number of predicted falls are 52 million to 73 million older adults(2020).

There are simple steps older adults can take to prevent falls and decrease falls risk. The STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative was created by the CDC and consists of tools and instructional resources to help with fall prevention(2020).

The scope of the problem is that there are older adults in Erie, PA that are unaware of their risk for falls. In order to address this problem, Individuals picking up used durable medical equipment(DME) from a local non-profit equipment exchange program in Erie, Pennsylvania were given the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries(STEADI) 3- item questionnaire to fill out in order to access if this survey tool can accurately predict falls in older adults.

Methods

Methods

Individuals picking up gently used durable medical equipment (DME) from a local non-profit equipment exchange program in Erie, Pennsylvania were prompted with the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI) 3-item abbreviated questionnaire and contacted by telephone 6 months later to assess if this survey tool can accurately predict falls. Individuals were also given a STEADI pamphlet upon equipment pickup to educate community members on fall risk.

Title: Efficacy of a Current Fall Prevention Model at a Local Non-Profit

Rachel Tanilli, SPT Tanilli001@gannon.edu

Alix Schoenfeld, SPT Schoenfe003@gannon.edu

Constance Lewis, PT, DPT Leiws080@gannon.edu

Karen

Probst, OTD, OTR/L, CEAS Probst004@gannon.edu

Results

• Our researchers found that while the abbreviated 3-item STEADI suggested that 80% of community members (in need of DME by way of an equipment exchange program) were predicted to be at risk for a fall, only 22.5% actually suffered a fall within a six-month followup period.

• Additionally, only 34% of individuals recalled receiving a pamphlet when picking up equipment, and of those 31 individuals, only 10 of them (32%) remembered what the pamphlet said.

Conclusion

• Additional studies are recommended to improve the participant percentage (only 90 out of 255 individuals, or 35%, answered the follow-up call questions) as well as increasing the length of wait time to assess for subsequent fall incident beyond six months.

Ninety individuals, who ranged from caregivers to the individual themselves, chose to participate in the followup research phone call.

Individuals who chose to participate were asked over the phone did they have a fall(ensuring understanding of what a fall is), did they receive a pamphlet(and recall what

Equipment Exchange Program

The STEADI appears to have a fair predictive validity for predicting falls, according to current research. Yet, applying STEADI in various contexts might help promote fall prevention in community- dwelling adults. There may be a need for large-scale studies in the future to look at the efficiency of the STEADI and continually improve the predictive validity to predict future falls(Chia- Cheng, 2022)

The simple use of a brochure handout to decrease fall risk amongst community-dwelling adults does not seem to be an effective educational strategy within the Erie, PA community.

References Center for Disease Control and Prevention. STEADIolder adult fall prevention(2020). Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html

Chia-Cheng,L.(2022). The predictive validity and clinical application of Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI) for fall risk screening. Advances in Geriatric Medicine and Research, 4(3), 1-

Abstract: To determine if the CDC’s three-item abbreviated survey tool can accurately predict falls, individuals who picked up gently used durable medical equipment (DME) from a local non-profit equipment exchange program in Erie, Pennsylvania were prompted with STEADI’s three-item abbreviated questionnaire and contacted by telephone six months later. Individuals were also given a STEADI pamphlet upon equipment pickup to educate community members on fall risk. A follow-up research phone call was conducted with 90 individuals, ranging from caretakers to individuals themselves. The short 3-item STEADI predicted that 80% of community members (requiring DME) would experience a fall within six months, however only 22.5% had a fall during that time period. In addition, only 10 of 31 people could recall what the brochure said upon picking up equipment. Therefore, distributing brochure handouts to reduce community-dwellers’ risk of falling is unlikely to be an effective educational method in the Erie, Pennsylvania area.

Presenter(s): Alix Schoenfeld, SPT, Rachel Tanilli, SPT, Constance Lewis, PT, DPT, Karen Probst, OTD, OTR/L, CEAS

Sponsoring Department: Physical Therapy

Project Mentor: Constance Lewis

12.

Abstract

Efficiency of Sorting Algorithms

N. Manoj Swamy1 and D Piovesan2

1Master in Computers and Information Science, Data Science, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

2Biomedical, Industrial, and Information Systems Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

Complexity of data set

algorithm has their own individual benefits in terms of handling multi-

are designed to bring best

in terms of power usage when run

Factors effecting an algorithm

Time consumed can be calculated using a simple stopwatch • Python stopwatch implemented into the algorithms Start, record, end and output during the lines of algorithm is run

Title: Efficiency of Sorting Algorithms

Space complexity can be calculated by counting the variables and data type used and number of loops they are involved in Space used can be a constant through out the program or can be increase linearly or logarithmically with size of n [e g.: n or log(n)] Merger sort holds the portion of sorted data before merging; its space complexity is O(log(n))

Is it necessary to have stats ?

Data scientist and AI developers can easily decide between either of the algorithms that best suit their processor the are using.

Game designers and Business analyst can choose the right sorting algorithm to have larger corotational data sorted in fastest time possible.

Data Engineer and Software developers can code such that they have lesser power and space

Abstract: Sorting algorithms are essential components in a variety of applications where large amounts of data need to be processed and analyses quickly. Most Tech companies, whose domains are focused into finance, shipping, trading, healthcare and space, use sorting algorithms in their daily applications. For example, Geographical data collected from satellite is programmed to convert into binary, compress it, store it before the image is captured. However, there is a significant trade-off between computational performance and power consumption when selecting a sorting algorithm. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the time and power consumed by different sorting algorithms with respective to the processor when sorting the same data set. The research questions are whether different sorting algorithms consume different time and power to sort the same data set. Inter linkage between computational performance and power consumed, and the trend between time and power varies on larger data points. Using different processor that supports multi-processing can reduce the time and power consumed. Each algorithms runs a list and sorts them in either ascending or descending order, but the complexity is the first measure of algorithm’s performance. Using Approximate Entropy we can measure the chaoticness of the list. The study uses fifteen commonly used sorting algorithms, including selection sort, quick sort, merge sort, bubble sort, insertion sort, and heap sort, to sort the same set of data. The time and power consumption are measured using a programmed stopwatch and Power API toolkit. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for developers and system designers in selecting the appropriate sorting algorithm that balances computational performance and power consumption based on the specific application requirements.

Presenter(s): Manoj Swamy Narindi

Sponsoring Department: Computer Science

Project Mentor: Davide Piovesan

Envir onmental Safety in the

Br

ewer y

Shaylee Bloom OTS, Emily Georgetti OTS, Oré Goddard OTS, Shayla Kerelitch OTS, Angela Stevick OTS, Dr. Nicole Lavery OTD, OTR/L, CKTP, CEAS

Hypothesis:

Using the NIOSH RNLE, all brewery workers will have a lifting index greater than 1.0 during production tasks, indicating an increased risk for injury.

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to determine the workers' ergonomics during brewing tasks and their perceptions of safety in the brewery. Determining these factors will help occupational therapists (OTs) identify the need for environmental modifications to increase efficiency and ergonomic safety in the brewery

Research Problem:

There is limited research regarding OT s knowledge of injury type, risk and prevalence; occupational deficits; and OT s role in creating a safer environment within the brewing industry (Lavery, 2021).

OTs are skilled in the areas of work rehabilitation, ergonomics, and injury prevention, creating an opening for further understanding of ergonomics in the workplace. The purpose of this research is to further analyze workers body mechanics and environmental perceptions in the industry.

Research Design:

A Mixed method approach Qualitative design:

A nonexperimental case study approach reporting each participants’ views on environmental safety within their brewery. Quantitative design

The NIOSH tool was used to collect quantitative data. This tool assesses the handling risks associated with lifting and lowering tasks in manual labor workplaces. When integrating the data, a convergent design was implemented to interpret the qualitative and quantitative findings after merging them.

Title: Environmental Safety in the Brewery

Discussion: This thesis investigated the perceptions of local brewers regarding environmental safety and body mechanics Common themes identified amongst the brewers perspectives on environmental safety in the workplace were environment, safety, and body mechanics. Participants 1 and 2 recorded a LI of 0.2-0.3, indicating a low risk for injury, while Participant 3 was the only brewer who recorded a LI greater than 1.0 indicating a significant risk for injury.

The research gathered in this study demonstrates an opportunity for improvements within the brewery workplace to improve brewers’ body mechanics during production tasks and decrease the risk for injury. Implications for OT:

It is within OTs scope of practice to perform work evaluat ons o help those who may be struggl ng n the r work Dysfunction in this area can affect other important occupations such as leisure, sleep, social participation, and health management.

Working in a brewery requires frequent repetitive movements like lifting and twisting, which can eventually result in acquiring MSDs. It was common for the participants to experience muscle aches and pains when performing lifting tasks, especially with the kegs. It is OT s role to educate and implement injury prevention strategies.

Combining the RNLE recommendations with OTs knowledge of anatomy, physiology, expertise in environment and activity analysis allows OTs to modify breweries layout and educate the workers on proper body mechanics to reduce risk of injury.

References

Bade, S. & Eckert, J. (2008). Occupational therapists critical value in work rehabilitation and ergonomics. Work, 31(1), 101-111. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18820425/ Delaney, E., & Haines, M. (2016, December). Industry on tap: breweries. https://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2017/industry-on-tap-breweries/home.html Dorsey, J., Finch D., Ehrenfried, H., & Jaegers, L. (n.d.) Occupational Therapy Practitioners & Ergonomics. American Occupational Therapy

Bloom014@gannon.edu

Georgetti001@gannon.edu

Goddard001@gannon.edu

Kerelitch001@gannon.edu

Stevick001@gannon.edu

Lavery003@gannon.edu

Research Question: What are workers perceptions of environmental safety in the brewery industry?

Qualitative Results

After analyzing each worker s responses, three common themes were identified: work safety, environment, and body mechanics.

Work safety

Participants rated their feelings of safety in the workplace on a scale of 1-10 (1- feeling very unsafe and 10 - feeling very safe) during canning and keg handling/washing tasks. All participants rated their safety from 8-10 for both tasks. All three participants said they felt comfortable reporting any safety concerns and felt confident that they would be addressed considering they work in a small brewery.

Environment:

Participants acknowledged the location of the brewing station requires a lot of back and forth” when walking to complete brewing tasks: The only thing that's not really comfortable at our brewery is a lot of our controls are on a brew deck up at the top of the stairs.”

A variety of precautions were reported to be implemented.

Including: wearing earplugs for hearing protection; wearing gloves and pants to protect from hot liquids; and wearing composite-toed boots to prevent foot injuries if a keg were to fall on one s foot.

Body mechanics:

Participant 3 describing the impact of keg washing Any of that [keg washing] puts a physical effect on your body there like especially with the twisting and stuff. It s not great for your back and your elbows.”

Participant 2 reported never experiencing a work-related injury, however, has encountered back pain as a result of heavy lifting.

Participant 3 reported pulling his back as a result of heavy lifting.

Abstract: The intention of this study was to determine brewery workers’ ergonomics and their perceptions of safety within the workplace. Data was collected from a small sample size at a local brewery in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Three brewery workers’ body mechanics were analyzed when completing various brewery tasks by using the Revised NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Lifting Equation (RNLE). The RNLE is an assessment that determines a recommended weight limit, and the applications manual provides suggestions for injury prevention for manual lifting tasks like the ones the brewers perform. The researchers analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data to provide feedback on safe lifting strategies. The study also highlights the importance of occupational therapy’s role in analyzing ergonomics to reduce the risk of workplace injuries.

Presenter(s): Shaylee Bloom, Emily Georgetti, Oré Goddard, Shayla Kerelitch, Angela Stevick

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Nicole Lavery

EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF A LATENT HEAT THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE UNIT ENHANCED BY BRANCHED FINS

SHIVA PANDIRI, KYLE SHANK, QUENTIN JUSTICE, DR. SAEED TIARI

and discharging times were verified through the system energy responses

The study determined that using branched fins in the thermal energy storage system resulted in a shorter charging and discharging time compared to radial and benchmark cases

The increase in heat transfer area between the PCM and HTF with the same volume of copper in the fins led to a more significant decrease in the charging and discharging times

• No significant difference was found between the Y and snowflake configurations

REFERENCES

[1] Shank, K.; Bernat, J.; Regal, E.; Leise, J.; Ji, X.; Tiari, S

Experimental Study

Title: Experimental Analysis of a Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Unit Enhanced by Branched Fins

Abstract: Researchers are finding ways to improve the capabilities of solar power, and some research has focused on latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) and the high energy storage density of phase change material (PCM). Despite their high energy storage density, most PCMs are limited by their thermal conductivity. To improve heat transfer (HT) within PCM, passive HT enhancement techniques can be beneficial. The aim of this analysis is to experimentally determine the thermal enhancement of PCM using branched fins. Three copper fin configurations, one simple-radial and two branched will be used in the experimental setup. The novelty of the study is the varied geometry yet constant volume of copper between each configuration. The shell and tube LHTES system consists of an acrylic cylinder that houses Rubitherm RT-55. A copper pipe with attached fins passes through the center of the cylinder and allows for passage of heat transfer fluid (HTF), water.

Presenter(s): Shiva Pandiri, Kyle Shank, Quentin Justice

Sponsoring Department: Mechanical Engineering

Project Mentor: Saeed Tiari

Abstract

Facial Emotion recognition (FER) systems are important applications that can be used when more security or personal data about the individual is needed However, it is difficult for facial expression recognition algorithms to distinguish changes in face appearance that occur over time and aging To be more specific, facial occlusions such as facial folding caused by aging, beards, mustaches, etc are critical factors that affect the performance of facial expression recognition In this project we are using Convolutional neural networks (CNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) methods to overcome the challenges due to facial occlusions Our web application will analyze facial expressions at run-time and will generate a graph of various emotional expressions recognized from the subject over a certain period of time

The data set for this emotion expression prediction has been collected from Facial Emotion Recognition (FER) 2013

Introduction

• Facial expression recognition is used in various situations, in the customer feedback or security

• The previous applications such as FACES have worked on patients to find their mental status

• In another application, PEEKABEAT, recognize the face and suggests the best music which suits your face

The main purpose of this application is that the end user i e customer can easily provide the feedback of service in the store and later the manager or owner can see the results of the customer, whether to improve the service or not

Methodology

Webcam captures the faces of people for future processing using web cameras or external web cameras

After catching pictures, the caught pictures will be stored in h5py record, which stores all facial information and stored in the dataset h5py record helps us to speedup handling of the caught pictures

We will preprocess the pictures from the dataset

• Preprocessing will change the shading pictures to dark scale pictures

• Next process is to train the facial data to the host system

• Here, we will perceive the faces utilizing LBPH (local binary pattern histogram) calculation

• By this, the face will be detected The classification is done using CNN with the FER2013 dataset

Facial Emotion Recognition using CNN and SVM

Advisor: Md Tajmilur Rahman

Dheeraj Varma, Bhupathiraju ; Saipavan, Konireddy

Use

The customer has three choices to start camera, stop camera, adjust canvas.

• If you click on start camera, the camera will be opened and start capturing the emotions.

• If you click on stop camera, the camera will be stopped, and the graph and analysis will be displayed of your captured emotions and the retailer has the privilege to see this

• If the emotions are not capturing properly, then if you click on adjust canvas the face will be properly detected

Systematic Architecture and ER Diagram

Title: Facial Emotion Recognition using CNN and SVM

A webcam is used to capture, detect and recognize the emotions of a person. Rectangular frame on the face region is obtained on the screen.

Some pictures were trained to the model to give the better output.

The highest probability of emotion acquired with respect to the features, is shown as the facial emotions and one out of seven emotions are displayed with the detected image.

Screenshots

Future Work

• We can use this application for enhancements of security in the banking applications. We can add voice recognition to this application and asks the customers the reason of their valuable feedback.

The Education field also gets stronger with this whenever some sleeps in the class or in attendance.

Abstract: Facial Emotion recognition (FER) systems are important applications that can be used when more security or personal data about the individual is needed. However, it is difficult for facial expression recognition algorithms to distinguish changes in face appearance that occur over time and aging. To be more specific, facial occlusions such as facial folding caused by aging, beards, mustaches, etc; are critical factors that affect the performance of facial expression recognition. The training and testing data sets of facial emotion prediction are from Facial Emotion Recognition (FER) 2016. In this project we are using Convolutional neural networks (CNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) methods to overcome the challenges coming from facial occlusions. A variety of prediction systems are created, and the outcomes of the predictions are compared.

Presenter(s): Dheeraj Varma Bhupathiraju, Sai Pavan Konireddy

Sponsoring Department: Computer Science

Project Mentor: MD Tajmilur Rahman

Identification of Common Defects in Modern Web Browsers

Dr. MD Rahman, Tajmilur, Rahul Singh Brijesh, Mir, Yousuf Sultan

Dept of Computer Science, Gannon University, Erie, PA

singh041@gannon.edu

mir002@gannon.edu

Title: Identification of Common Defects in Modern Web Browsers

Abstract: In today’s world, technological advancements are happening at an unprecedented pace. With the advent of cutting-edge technologies like 3D gaming, high graphical video games, virtual reality,and improvements in networks from 3G to 4G and now 5G, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for developers to keep up with these rapid changes. As web browsers are evolving and improving quickly, it’s getting tougher for developers to stay flexible and adapt to these changes, making them more susceptible to errors. While there has been a lot of research on software bug prediction,very little work has been done on identifying common bugs in modern web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. To address this gap, we conducted a study to identify and categorize the most common bugs in Google Chromium and Mozilla Firefox web browsers as two representatives of modern web browsers. We collected data from the publicly available bug reports and the historical development data from their GitHub repositories. We used natural language processing (NLP) techniques to pre-process text data and applied machine learning algorithms such as TF-IDF Classification, and KNN, Naive Bayes to analyze the clusters of the most commonly appeared bugs. Our study sheds light on the most frequent and problematic bugs encountered by web developers.

Presenter(s): Rahul Singh, Yousuf Sultan

Sponsoring Department: Computer Information Science

Project Mentor: MD Tajmilur Rahman

Impact of Remote Exercise on Wheelchair Users’ Quality of Life

Cassandra Borrello, Sydney Kiser, Kelly Loughran, Emma Puskar

Advisor: Stephanie Kubiak, PhD, OTR/L, CLT

DISCUSSION

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to explore the potential benefits exercise has on a wheelchair (WC) user’s quality of life (QoL) while utilizing Kakana, an online adapted fitness platform.

BACKGROUND:

• Nearly half of all adults with disabilities do not participate in physical activity (CDC, 2021).

Exercise is crucial in combatting chronic diseases, which adults with disabilities are three times more likely to have (CDC, 2021).

Exercise can have a positive impact on social, psychological, and physical aspects of QoL in WC users (CoteLeclerc et al., 2017).

• The implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was over 20 years ago. However, the exercise options for WC users remains limited (Troy et al., 2015).

• Resources regarding inclusive and adaptive exercise are limited for WC users.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Title: Impact of Remote Exercise on Wheelchair Users’ Quality of Life

Pre-test Results (N=6)

• Six participants completed the pretest Results indicated that participants’ physical super dimension value is higher than the psychosocial super dimension

Post-test Results (N=1)

One participant completed the posttest Results indicated that participant’s overall QoL decreased; physical super dimension value increased, and psychosocial super dimension decreased.

Overall Participation There are potential obstacles that could prevent WC users from exercising in a public environment including poor accessibility and layout (Ashadi et al., 2022).

Kakana attempted to eliminate environmental barriers to improve accessibility to exercise. The lack of participants in our study suggests that there are additional potential barriers defer individuals from participating.

Psychosocial Factors

Individuals with physical disabilities are five times more likely to experience frequent mental health distress (CDC, 2020).

• Poor mental health amongst WC users could be attributed to a variety of factors including social and personal attitudes, loss of roles, abuse, socioeconomic factors, environmental barriers, and a lack of access to healthcare (Noh et al., 2016).

Remote Exercise

• Because Kakana is a virtual exercise platform, this could have deterred participation due to lack of social support, self- efficacy and coaching or instruction (Argent et al., 2018).

Physical Super Dimension

The physical domains: independent living, senses and pain increased after the use of Kakana.

• Exercise via Kakana could have indirectly improved these scores by increasing functional strength and mobility.

Pain could have increased due to chronic pain that is consistent with the participant’s SCI or operation of manual WC (Hand et al,. 2018; Mason et al., 2020).

CONCLUSION

Future research should be conducted to further explore the physical and psychosocial barriers WC users encounter that prohibit participation in exercise, and to explore OT’s distinct role in providing accessible exercise to WC users.

REFERENCES

Scan QR code at the top of the poster for references and abstract

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this research was to explore the potential benefits exercise has on a wheelchair (WC) user’s quality of life (QoL) while utilizing an online exercise platform. Population: WC users were recruited to trial Kakana (an online accessible exercise platform) for 90 days. Six participants fit the inclusion criteria of utilizing a WC, while one completed the entire study. Design: A quasi experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted to assess changes in QoL. Outcome Measures: Each participant completed the 35-item AQOL-8D standardized measure to assess their QoL before and after utilizing Kakana. Results: Participant reported a decrease in QoL after utilizing Kakana. Further research is required to explore alternative factors that may have impacted results. Conclusion: Exercise opportunities are limited for WC users despite an abundance of health benefits. Further research is needed to explore the barriers that inhibit WC users’ participation in exercise.

Presenter(s): Cassandra Borrello, Sydney Kiser, Kelly Loughran, Emma Puskar

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Stephanie Kubiak

Title: Knowledge and Confidence for Promoting Primitive Reflex Integration Among Occupational Therapists

Abstract: Occupational therapists interact with children with retained reflexes; however, they often miss the opportunity to work on reflex integration due to a lack of advanced education in this area. An online course was developed to increase knowledge and awareness of primitive reflexes and assessment and treatment options for preschool children. Forty participants completed the preand post-test surveys, with 17 completing a one-month follow-up survey. Results revealed statistical significance improvements in confidence (p = >.01) and knowledge (p = >.01) from pre- to post-test. Follow-up suggested carryover of knowledge from pre-test to onemonth follow-up; however, results were not significant. Participants commented on the benefit of videos, the need for increased testing of reflexes, and integrating intervention activities in practice and provided recommendations for future education.

Presenter(s): Erin Ludwig

Sponsoring Department: Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Project Mentor: Michele Karnes

Language Tech IOS Application

Title: Language Tech IOS Application

Abstract: The Fast-Growing Tech world creates foremost impact on human’s life as it evolving with highly trained machines which ultimately makes healthy interaction between Humans. Undoubtedly, Communication is pivotal to transmit our thoughts to others as it develops bridges to speakers. Delivering proper meaning of language, the one who speaks in front of others makes the communication better. In order to do that, Translation of Language is necessary to overcome the issue of Language Barriers. Certainly, if users do not understand the language of the speaker then it raises the awful situation for users and they have improper details. To avoid certain difficulties, Language Tech Application is helpful. Language Tech Application translates from source language to any targeted language preferred by Users, The great functionality is converted in any form of language such as Text, Speech, Camera and most importantly it supports Real-Time Translation of language. Especially, it design for Gannon International as well as Special needed Communities of Gannon University. This IOS application is build-up with Kivy - Python Based IOS Application, and has unique features in Mobile Application Development. This New technology of Language Tech application brings Better Understanding along with Deaf- Blind User, they will receive Understanding of language in their own preference which is this application more focusable part.

Presenter(s): Siddhi Brahmbhatt

Sponsoring Department: Computer Science

Project Mentor: MD Tajmilur Rahman

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

This project included development of two one-hour modules for practicing occupational therapy (OTPs) practitioners and students to increase knowledge and confidence in assessing and providing occupational therapy interventions for persons with chronic pain.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Will an online educational course module promote OT practitioners' (OTPs) and OT practitioner students' (OTP students) knowledge and confidence in using evidence-based assessment and interventions for persons with chronic pain (CP).

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pain is a widespread condition that can impact a person’s activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, social roles, and productivity. Literature has highlighted OTPs' need for increased knowledge and confidence in selecting or using evidence-based practices (EBP) to minimize barriers in evaluating and treating persons with CP The goal was to educate EBP utilized in OT that included assessments and interventions to promote appropriate practices the facilitate efficient treatment outcomes

Managing Chronic Pain Through Occupational Therapy: Evidence-Based Assessments and Interventions

Occupational Therapy and Chronic Pain Management

METHODOLOGY

Danielle N. Miles, MS, OTR/L, MHA, PTA Post Professional Doctoral Program

d.miles716@gmail.com

Faculty Advisor and Capstone: Dr.

Michele Karnes

QUALITATIVE RESULTS

THEMES

Barriers limit the implementation of evidence-based research into practice

• Challenging factors with treating clients with CP

• Beneficial aspects of course modules

SIGNIFICANCE TO OT

OTPs should use EBPs and nonpharmaceutical strategies in conjunction with medications to manage a person’s chronic pain symptoms, which can improve quality of life

Appropriate practices can enhance referrals and strengthen OTs role in the treatment of persons with chronic pain.

FUTURE RESEARCH

• Future research to determine whether OTPS are selecting the appropriate EBP OT assessments or interventions according to their practice setting. Analyze outcomes assessment data to determine and strengthen OT intervention results.

• Analyze how OTPs can better interact with the interprofessional team (physicians, insurance companies, and clients) to increase and enhance nonpharmacological OT interventions for the chronic pain population.

Title: Managing Chronic Pain Through Occupational Therapy: Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention

Abstract: Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) provide therapeutic, holistic approaches to minimize pain and improve activity engagement based on the client’s goals and needs. Chronic pain is a widespread condition that can impact a person’s activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, social roles, and productivity. Research has highlighted OTPs’ need for increased knowledge and confidence in selecting and using evidence-based practices (EBP) to minimize barriers in treating persons with CP. Two one-hour online course modules were designed for practicing OTPs and OTP students to promote knowledge and confidence in providing evidence-based practices for enhancing CP self-management. The modules included patient testimonies, treatment models, assessments, and interventions used in occupational therapy. Post-test results indicated an average of 78%, for knowledge questions, with therapists reporting they felt Quite Confident in applying EBP for persons with CP. Findings also revealed existing barriers and challenges to implementing EBP with this population.

Presenter(s): Danielle Miles

Sponsoring Department: Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program

Project Mentor: Michele Karnes

Mesoporous Materials Made of Mixed-Grain With Mushroom Mycelia Reinforcement as an Alternative to Styrofoam

1Ahm. Abu Zaid, 1R. Mammadov, 1S. Desai 1S. Angadi, 2G. Vanderlaan, 2M. Gacura, 1D. Piovesan

1College of Engineering and Business, & 2Biology Department, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

Abstract

• This project tests the feasibility of 6MRs as an alternative to Styrofoam

• 6MRs were made with Mycelia with Barley and Coffee Grounds as a base

• Mycelia(root fibers) grow through the grain and coffee grounds have the material the necessary reinforcement

Samples were prepared of the same size according to the ASTM standards 6MRs and Styrofoam

6MRs were tested for compressive strength

Setup

Growth of Mushrooms

• To create 6MRs, we added mushroom mycelium (the threadlike part of a mushroom) to a mixture of grain and other materials

The mycelium grows and spreads throughout the mixture, forming a strong network of fibers We incubated the mixture at a specific temperature and humidity to encourage the mycelium to grow After a certain amount of time, the mycelium fully colonized the mixture and formed a solid block We then harvested the block, cleaned it, and used it for testing

By using mushroom mycelium to reinforce the mixture, we were able to create a strong, lightweight, and eco-friendly material

Incubation Treatment

• The samples were kept in an incubation chamber for 24 hours

• The incubation chamber was held at ����������������

The Humidity of the incubation chamber was maintained at 50% at all times

Testing Process

Stress Test Graphs

ASTM D-1621 tests show 6MRs absorb more force than Styrofoam at low load, and less strain at high load

6MRs' properties due to the low compressive strength of Mushroom Mycelia and the high strength of grains and other reinforcement agents

6MRs have a wider range of applications than Styrofoam

Future of CFRC in medicine?

• 6MRs have the potential for use in various applications.

• More research is needed to fully understand the properties and potential of 6MRs.

What are 6MRs?

• 6MRs are a new type of material made by growing mushrooms on grains like barley or other byproducts like coffee grounds. The mushrooms form a strong network that holds the grains together and creates many tiny holes in the material.

• 6MRs are very light and can be made into different shapes like blocks or sheets.

• The tiny holes in 6MRs trap air, making them useful for keeping things warm or cool.

• 6MRs could be used instead of other materials like a foam to make many different things

To test the strength of 6MRs, we used a machine that can squeeze the material between two plates. We also tested Styrofoam (a commonly used material) in the same way for comparison.

• We followed a standard method called ASTM D-1621 to make sure the tests were fair.

• We compressed each material until it either broke or was squished by a certain amount. We also tested how well each material can stop heat from flowing through it using a method called ASTM C518. We sandwiched a piece of each material between two plates with a temperature difference and measured how much heat passed through. By comparing the results of these tests, we can learn how strong and insulating 6MRs are compared to Styrofoam.

Further development of 6MRs may lead to improved mechanical and thermal properties.

6MRs may offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

The use of 6MRs in commercial products may become more widespread in the future.

References

Title: Mesoporous Materials Made of Mixed-Grain With Mushroom Mycelia Reinforcement as an Alternative to Styrofoam

Abstract: This project aims to find the feasibility of mesoporous materials Made of Mixed-grain with Mushroom Mycelia reinforcement (6MRs) as an alternative to Styrofoam for its compressive and thermal-regulatory strengths. Our initial tests using ASTM D-1621 standards to identify the compressive strength of 6MR to compare the compression effects which provide higher force absorption than Styrofoam at low compressive load significantly lower strain than Styrofoam at higher loads. This high range of ability is due to low compressive strengths of Mushroom Mycelia reinforcement while high compressive and shear strength of grains and other reinforcement agents. Because of this property, it opens 6MRs to wide variety of applications than Styrofoam.

Presenter(s): Shubhankar Desai, Rauf Mammadov, Ahmed M Abu Zaid, Santosh Angadi

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Project Mentor: Davide Piovesan

Does implementing an educational module on the role of OT have an impact on the perceptions of pre-service educators in regard to their comfortability and willingness to collaborate interprofessionally with school-based OTPs?

Investigate the current perceptions of future educators on interprofessional collaboration with OTPs.

Gain an understanding of the current willingness, confidence, and comfortability that future educators possess regarding collaboration with the profession of OT prior to entering the workforce.

Occupational T herapy Inter professional Collaboration W ith Educator s

The Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model breaks down occupational performance into three factors, the person, environment, and occupation. All factors are dependent on each other and directly affect occupational performance.

Title: Occupational Therapy Interprofessional Collaboration with Educators

Taylor Mandley, OTS

Paige Sherbine, OTS

This research was constrained by the number of participants that were available for the study due to accessibility and convenience of the population. Although the data was significant and demonstrated a large impact on this population, to be able to generalize the impact of the study, a greater participation size from various education programs and locations should be collected.

The results of this study demonstrate that the use of an educational module could be an important tool for fostering stronger interprofessional relationships between OTPs and educators. If educators are entering the classroom with this foundational awareness, there may be less need for OTPs to advocate for the carryover of services, explain their role, or experience complicated collaboration.

This study found that the use of an educational module to prepare pre-service educators for collaboration with OTPs in future practice had a positive statistical impact. Based on the improvement in pre and post-test survey results, there is evidence to suggest that including an educational module, such as the one used in this study, could potentially lead to greater outcomes in service delivery and interprofessional collaboration in the school-based setting between educators and OTPs.

Abstract: This study explored if implementing an educational module on the role of occupational therapy (OT) had an impact on the perspectives of pre-service educators in regard to their comfortability and willingness to collaborate interprofessionally with schoolbased occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs). A quantitative, quasi-experimental study, pre-test post-test design was conducted on 27 participants enrolled in a northwestern Pennsylvania University that included the use of The Interprofessional Socialization and Value Scale-21 (ISVS-21) survey for data collection. A dependent T-test was used to analyze the results and indicated that the education majors’ average score after viewing the educational module (M = 5.37, SD = 0.792) was significantly higher than before viewing (M = 4.74, SD = 0.984), with t (26) = -4.76, d = .688, p

Presenter(s): Taylor Mandley, Paige Sherbine, Luisa Fanara, Adrianna Carlson, Madyson Abbey

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Karen Probst

members of the healthcare team (WHO, 2010).

Theoretical Framework students across programs should encourage open conversation that challenges current beliefs about roles, knowledge, and skills within each discipline.

Phase 2: Allow students to learn "from, with, and about each other, leading to the development of a sense of belonging"

Phase 3: Dual-identity development where students become comfortable within their discipline-specific roles and can fluently communicate and problem-solve amongst a team of peers from other health professions

Occupational Therapy Taking the Lead: A Faculty Development on Interprofessional Education in a Rural School of Health Professions

Darla J. Kent, MS, OTR/L

Post Professional Doctoral Program

Results

Quantitative results from pre to posttest knowledge assessments indicated an increase in IPE knowledge for participants, with a change from 78%

Title: Occupational Therapy Taking the Lead: A Faculty Development on Interprofessional Education in a Rural School of Health Professions

Abstract: This capstone project designed, implemented, and evaluated the effectiveness of a faculty development training module regarding Interprofessional Education (IPE). Eight faculty participants representing PA, Nursing, OT, and HS programs, completed the pre-learning materials and two-hour in-person workshop. Quantitative results from pre to posttest knowledge assessments indicated an educationally significant increase in IPE knowledge for participants, with a change from 78% to 93% correct responses. Ratings on the course evaluation survey regarding the instructor, course, and technology were ranked at either agree or strongly agree. Thematic analysis of open-ended questions indicated three common themes, learning, collaboration, and future opportunities.

Presenter(s): Darla Kent

Sponsoring Department: Post Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program

Project Mentor: Michelle Karnes

Researchers recruited participants by hanging posters at local clinics and posting in Facebook groups. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews that asked the caregivers in-depth questions regarding the families QOL before, during, and after OT services.

Limitations

Small sample size

Only five caregivers were interviewed due to the time restraints and limited response to marketing (Siysal et al., 2018).

Bias All caregivers interviewed were mothers, which could lead to a potential bias since mothers tend to have different workload’s than fathers, siblings, or other caregivers (Parker et al., 2015).

COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic caused interruptions to everyone’s daily routines; affecting social participation and community outings, as well as the children of the families most completed school, extracurriculars, and therapy virtually for the time period (Hen-Herbst & Fogel, 2022).

Themes Content analysis identified three themes:

1) Having a child with sensory processing difficulties impacts the family unit

2) Sensory processing difficulties impacts the child’s ability to participate in their daily occupations, which impacts both the child and the family unit

3) Occupational therapy positively impacted the QOL for families of children with sensory processing difficulties

Occupational Therapy’s Effect on Quality of Life in Families with Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties

Kariane Coffield, OTS

Avery Hill, OTS

Claudia Ostertag, OTS

Brynn Wasielewski, OTS

Sage Westman, OTS

Coffield001, Hill051, Ostertag001, Wasielew007, Westman001

Hypothesis

Families’ QOL will improve during and after occupational therapy

intervention

Results

Four out of five caregivers fell into the ”yes” category stating that OT improves the QOL for families with children with sensory processing difficulties

One out of five caregivers fell into the “not yet, but optimistic for future improvements in QOL” category

Researchers concluded that OT positively impacted the QOL for families of children with sensory processing difficulties

Functional Implications to OT

The researchers determined that the greatest improvements in QOL for families receiving OT services are seen with mutual collaboration between the caregiver and therapist and when the caregivers are active participants in the therapeutic process. Coaching and training were effective tools used by occupational therapist to facilitate improvements in QOL for both the children with sensory processing difficulties and for their families.

Conclusion

The findings of the researcher’s study supported the researcher’s hypothesis that sensory-based OT intervention positively affects the QOL of families with a child with sensory processing difficulties. The first two themes identified through our interviews showed sensory processing difficulties’ impact on the child and the caregiver’s QOL in daily routines. Our third theme indicates that OT services contributed to increased awareness of diagnosis, increased self-regulation skills for children, and provided tools for increasing ease of daily living. Caregiver/therapist collaboration and caregivers being active participants in therapy is critical to ensure the most successful outcomes from OT for the family unit’s QOL. Therefore, it is important for occupational therapists to include caregiver education, coaching, and training into their treatment session to increase long-term results and improve family QOL.

References

Schaaf, R. C., Toth-Cohen, S., Johnson, S. L., Outten, G., & Benevides T. W. (2011). The everyday routines of families of children with autism: examining the impact of

Title: Occupational Therapy’s Effect on Quality of Life in Families with Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties

Abstract: Occupational therapy may positively impact families with children with sensory processing difficulties, as the impact on families has not been studied previously. The research study was a qualitative study with a phenomenology approach. The researchers defined QOL as the level of comfort and happiness of the families when engaging in daily activities and routines (Schaaf et al., 2011). The data collection occurred through a one-time semi-structured interview that allowed the researchers to ask additional questions for further clarification over zoom. The researchers interviewed five caregivers with children between the ages of 4 and 9.5 years old currently receiving occupational therapy using at least one sensory-based approach. Through thematic analysis of the interviews, the researchers identified three major themes. The three major themes were 1) having a child with sensory processing difficulties impacts the family unit, 2) sensory processing challenges impact the child’s ability to participate in their daily occupations, which impacts both the child and the family unit, and 3) occupational therapy positively impacted the quality of life for families of children with sensory processing difficulties.

Presenter(s): Claudia Ostertag, Kariane Coffield, Sage Westman, Brynn Wasielewski, Avery Hill

Sponsoring Department: The Occupational Therapy Department

Project Mentor: Janis Leinfuss

Pediatric Feeding, Eating, and/or Swallowing Approaches

Shannon Flood OTS, Elizabeth Lohan OTS, Caitlyn McLaughlin OTS, Jacob Schrift OTS, and Dr. Julia Hawkins-Pokabla OTD, OTR/L Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy Program

Title: Pediatric Feeding, Eating, and/or Swallowing Approaches

Abstract: This study was a quantitative descriptive research study that determined the most commonly used feeding, eating, and/or swallowing approach amongst certified occupational therapy assistants (COTA), registered occupational therapists (OTR), and licensed speech and language pathologists (SLP). An anonymous one-time survey was deployed via email and social media outlets and remained open from January until November of 2022. The survey yielded 120 respondents and was completed in its entirety by 91 subjects. Results from this survey determined that the most commonly used feeding, eating, and/or swallowing intervention approach amongst allied health professionals is the sequential oral sensory approach (SOS). Furthermore, the results showed that the majority of allied health professionals believe that the approach they utilize is effective. This study aims to provide allied healthcare professionals with further insight into the perceived effectiveness, popularity, and common challenges seen when using different pediatric feeding, eating, and/or swallowing approaches.

Presenter(s): Elizabeth Lohan, Shannon Flood, Caitlyn McLaughlin, Jacob Schrift

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Julia Hawkins-Pokabla

Phishing Attack Detection Using Machine Learning Techniques

Saketha Ram Sarangu1 , Davide Piovesan2

1Data Science, Communication and Information Systems Engineering , Gannon University , Erie, PA, USA

Abstract

Why

is

How phishing URL is detected

• Recent survey conducted in the year 2020 phishing mails accounted for 54% of the cyber fraud

Anatomy of Phishing URL Features

Users don’t care about the URL and most of the times they can't know weather it is malicious or not.. Phishing URLs often use misspelled or lookalike domain names that are designed to mimic legitimate websites.

• Phishing URLs may use subdomains that appear to be associated with legitimate websites. Phishing URLs may be longer or more complex than legitimate URLs. 30 such features of URL have been detected till date.

• As ML algorithms become more sophisticated, attackers may begin to use more targeted attacks that are tailored to specific individuals or organizations While ML algorithms can help detect and prevent phishing attacks, education and awareness will continue to be crucial in preventing attacks..

• Individuals and organizations will need to stay informed about the latest threats and best practices for staying safe online AI algorithms can be trained to analyze the content of emails and identify suspicious phrases or patterns. It might flag an email as suspicious if it contains urgent language or requests for personal information

AI algorithms can be used to monitor network traffic in real-time and identify suspicious activity, such as a sudden spike in phishing emails or attempts to access suspicious URLs.

Email headers , URL , user behavioral data is taken • Clean data by removing duplicates Selected features of URL are tested and trained using ML algorithms Logistic regression, SVM(Support Vector Machine),Decision trees are the machine learning algorithms used. Trained algorithm is validated by measuring its accuracy, precision, recall and F1score. • Accuracy of these algorithms can range from 85% to 99%. [1]2019 Third International conference on I-SMAC (IoT in Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud) (I-SMAC). (n.d.). IEEE. [2] Ghimire, A., Jha, A. K., Thapa, S., Mishra, S., & Jha, A. M. (2021). Machine learning approach based on hybrid features for detection of phishing URLs. [3] Thirumal Lai, C., Mekhala, M. S., Perumal, V., Rizwan, P., & Gandini, A. H. (2020). Machine Learning Inspired Phishing Detection (PD) for Efficient Classification and Secure Storage Distribution (SSD) for Cloud-IoT Application

References

Abstract: Phishing is a common cyber-attack on people in which the hacktivist uses visually and semantically real looking websites by which they try to disclose unique information. A phishing website URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is to obtain the personal information like username, passwords and online banking transactions. Phishing techniques started to progress rapidly, and it needs to be prevented. Machine learning is a powerful tool used against phishing attacks. This study conducts a review of existing techniques and implement experiments to detect whether a website is malicious or not. RQ1: What features of the URL should be taken for accurate performance measure?RQ2: Which Machine Learning Algorithm should be chosen for accurate results? However Random Forest Method, SVM, Decision Tree, KNN and CNN are the algorithms used against phishing. In this paper experiments are further investigated with different datasets taking 30 already existing features of URL for comparative analysis.

Presenter(s): Lakshmi Sundara Saketha Ram Sarangu

Sponsoring Department: Bio-Medical Engineering

Celebrate Gannon 2023 | Graduate | Research/Scholarship

2Biomedical, Industrial, and Information Systems Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

Title: Phishing Attack Detection Using Machine Learning Techniques

Vijay K Javvaji1, D. Piovesan2 Abstract

1Engineering Management 2Biomedical, Industrial and Systems Engineering. Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.

Figure

Title: Resin Material made of clear and tough resin at differently mixed ratios to study the strength, structure and the possibility of compatibility.

Abstract: In this experiment, two types of resin were used: clear and clear tough resin, provided by Anycubic. Clear resin is a multipurpose resin for 3D printing, with good rigidity, low shrinkage, high success rates, and excellent detail performance. Clear tough resin is exceptionally strong and can withstand both compression and bending, making it suitable for use in sections that require durability. The experiment involved mixing the two resins at different ratios to determine if they could be printed together and to test their strength. Samples were printed using a PRUSA SL1 speed printer and were washed in contaminated and fresh isopropyl alcohol. The samples were then tested for compressive strength using ASTM D-1621 standards. The testing procedure involved compressing the samples at a constant rate until they failed or reached a predetermined deformation of 13%.The results showed that the samples with a higher ratio of clear resin were stronger, and the mixed resin was stronger than the regular resin. This information is important for future projects that require durable 3D printed materials.

Presenter(s): Vijay Javvaji

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical engineering

Project Mentor: Davide Piovesan

Resin Material made of clear and tough resin at differently mixed ratios to study the strength, structure and the possibility of compatibility.

Stress Management Training for Occupational Therapy Student Stress in a Hybrid/Bridge Program

Title: Stress Management Training for Occupational Therapy Student Stress in a Hybrid/Bridge Program

Abstract: Graduate level students in occupational therapy programs often struggle with stress and maintaining balance. Online stress management training modules were created to address occupational therapy student stress in a hybrid, bridge program at a college in North Carolina. Students then implemented a stress management technique of their choice once weekly for an academic semester. Fourteen participants completed the pre and post survey, pre and post perceived stress scale, and weekly stress level log. Quantitative data revealed statistically significant gains in knowledge of stress management techniques however did not demonstrate a statistically significant change in perceived stress level. The addition of stress management training modules as a part of occupational therapy curricula may benefit graduate level occupational therapy students.

Presenter(s): Kayleigh Fessenden

Sponsoring Department: Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Project Mentor: Michele Karnes

Studying the critical survival time for a person while submerged in cold water at normal and flooding speeds.

G. Coppola, S. Desai, S. Tiari

College of Engineering and Business, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

Abstract

• Functions of the human body are dependent on a homeostatic core temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius

• This temperature is maintained through metabolic heat generation and cooling depending on the ambient temperature of the surrounding environment

• If the body fails to maintain homeostasis and the core temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius or lowers below 35 degrees Celsius then hyperthermia and hypothermia occur, respectively

• An article titled “A multisegmented human bioheat model under immersed conditions” published in the International Journal of Thermal Sciences presented data on heat exchange of the human body subjected to room temperature air and water conditions

• This article describes the thermal behavior of the human body while submerged neck down in steady-state water at 25oC

• The next step is to simulate the thermal behavior of the human body under flowing water resulting in heat loss by forced convection

Methodology

• Flooding is a form of natural disaster that can be dangerous for a variety of reasons, one of which being accidental hypothermia as the human body will lose heat approximately four times as fast when submerged in water rather than exposed to air

• While solving numerical problems, the human body is considered to act like a cylinder

• This is why we simplified the model to be cylindrical with concentric layers

• Ansys Fluent software axiomatic analysis was used to do the simulation In this case, the model was subjected to 15 MPH or 6 78 m/s flowing water at 15oC Here, the cylindrical model acted as a cylinder perpendicular to the flow of water

Simplified Model

Test Results

Thermal Properties of body Layers

References

Title: Studying the critical survival time for a person while submerged in cold water at normal and flooding speeds

Abstract: Research from China created a model for body’s exposure to stagnant 25oC water and air. This involves a free convection. Although emergency situations like storms and floods can subject a human to forced convection due to the velocity. A mathematical model for human body’s thermal behavior can be created to determine the availability of time before hypothermia is introduced. This model can predict the time needed to lose enough heat to drop core temperature by 10oC. this can help define the difference in danger to a human being with stagnant and flowing water or air.

Presenter(s): Shubhankar Desai, Gregory Coppola

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Project Mentor: Saeed Tiari

Synthesis of poly lactic acid by ring open polymerization for biomedical applications

Snehal Vakati1, Gary Vanderlaan2, Matthew Gacura2, Xiaoxu Ji1 Longyan Chen1, Davide Piovesan1

1Biomedical, Industrial and Systems Engineering 2Biology Department

Lactic acid fermentation

Abstract

• In this study, lactic acid synthesis and polymerization of polylactic acid are investigated in the existing engineering labs by fermentation of Brewers spent grain (BSG) As fermentation does not degrade the phenols in the spent grain, they are employed as a byproduct in the development of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) PLA is a flexible and biodegradable aliphatic polyester manufactured from renewable resources Its main raw material is lactic acid, an organic acid that is naturally formed during glycolysis as the precursor to pyruvate, a downstream metabolic product • As PLA discs are typically microporous, it is viable to use the Kirby-Bauer Method to identify if an antibiotic is sensitive resistant by analyzing its elution properties An indirect indicator of the compound's capacity to suppress the microbe is presence or lack of growth surrounding the disks

Methodology

Polymerization

Acknowledgements

Why PLA?

a 1 Gallon anaerobic fermenter for 72 hours at 37 C After fermentation the supernatant is separated by a cheese cloth and later subjected to centrifugation at 10,000 rpm The supernatant is vacuum filtered using 0 45 nm filter papers and collected the solid residue that’s left after fermentation is used for the growth of the oyster mushrooms The purified lactic acid is free from most of the impurities and can be further processed for polymerization of PLA In a rotary evaporator operating at 60 C, high vacuum, and atmospheric pressure, polymerization takes place In the presence of a metal catalyst

Title: Synthesis of poly-lactic acid by ring open polymerization for biomedical applications

Abstract: The goal of the authors effort is to propose an innovative method for converting brewers’ spent grain into poly-lactic acid (PLA), a biopolymer and testing the elution properties of the polymer by various antibiotics and cultivating oyster mushrooms (pleuratus ostreatus) from the fermented spent grain. The spent grain from the nearby brewers provides the feedstock for this specific process. We fermented spent grain with a probiotic strain (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), a gram-positive, anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium that aids in the conversion of the sugars in the spent grain into lactate (lactic acid). The lactic acid is extracted from the fermenter leaving behind the ligno-cellulosic pulp, which is then utilized to grow mushrooms. In a rotary evaporator, lactic acid is polymerized into poly-lactic acid by direct condensation after being filtered under vaccum. In current laboratories, this polymer may easily be spun, bonded and melt blown using 3-D printing or industrial molding procedures.

Presenter(s): Snehal Reddy Vakati

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Project Mentor: Piovesan Davide

advanced disease states Recent studies have continued to shed light on the endless potential that immunotherapy has against scenarios such as this One particularly promising immunotherapeutic technique involves the bioengineering of bi-specific T-cell engagers BiTEs) to create personalized treatment options for a variety of diseases, including cancers caused by oncoviruses Together, with the usage of carefully chosen medications, BiTEs are able to specifically identify and kill mutant cells Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncovirus known to cause primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) There are characteristic somatic mutations in individuals diagnosed with PEL after KSHV infection Point and missense mutations that result in a cysteine residue, will allow for anti-cancer medication sotorasib to directly tag mutated cells and present the tagged mutation through the MHC-1 system allowing for detectability and consequential immunological attack, as previously shown with ARS1620 and K-Ras(G12C) PEL-enriched alleles were identified then filtered out for missense consequences, missense substitutions yielding cysteine residues, and ultimately the determination of MHC-1 accessibility Our study identifies 73 alleles across

Target Identification for Passive Immunotherapy in Primary Effusion Lymphoma: Taking a BiTE out of Cancer

cavities, eventually causing life-threatening disease states Exogenous antigens that challenge cognate BCRs on B lymphocytes begin the activation process With Th2 or Tfh cell assistance, B-cells can enter an activation pathway through several steps towards plasma cell differentiation Plasma cells are in G0 of the cell cycle, and secrete large amounts of antibodies PEL is fundamentally a non-solid tumor condition KSHV-infected B-lymphocytes are prone to bypass terminal differentiation, and fail to enter G0 instead primary effusion lymphomas cycle repeatedly through the eukaryotic cell cycle Mitotic daughters of KSHV-infected plasmablasts in the PEL condition inherit the infectious agent

There

Sulfhydryl groups on cysteine residues provide a unique opportunity for the binding of certain anti-cancer medications Physiological pH at neutrality permits chemical adduct reactions For example, sotorasib and ARS1620 are two different covalent drugs that can adduct to human KRAS G12C Adduction locks the KRAS G12C in a state that frequently turns on, which permits the oncogene KRAS G12C to drive elevated rates of mitosis

Adduction by either sotorasib or ARS1620 prevents G-protein cycling by KRAS G12C Thus, this drug mechanism of action not only adducts to cysteine, it also serves as a specific chemotherapeutical capable of treating the many cancers associated with KRAS G12C missense mutations From an immunology perspective, a foreign haptenated adduct such as ARS1620 or sotorasib is small enough in molecular weight to survive the proteasome during endogenous antigen sampling, and presentation of the hapten on MHC class I molecules is possible Bi-specific T-cell engagers are fusions between two different antibodies, carrying two different antigen-binding fragments (Fab regions) BiTEs permit the activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes to drive an anti-cancer killing response In tumors with high mutation burden, BiTEs help paint cancers for destruction

Title: Target Identification for Passive Immunotherapy in Primary Effusion Lymphoma: Taking a BiTE out of Cancer

Abstract: Viruses are notorious for their ability to infect their host and surpass host defenses. Oncoviruses are a rare form of virus that not only remain latent in their host cells, but can drive malignancies. Recent studies have continued to shed light on novel cancer immunotherapy approaches that may be useful in targeting oncoviruses. One particularly promising technique involves the bioengineering of bi-specific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) to create passive immunotherapy solutions personalized to a patient’s specific mutant allele. Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncovirus known to cause primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). There are characteristic somatic mutations in individuals diagnosed with PEL after KSHV infection, and our work reveals 73 suitable alleles across 59 genes that might serve as candidates for BiTE immunotherapy involving either ARS1620 or sotorasib. Topological data analysis will allow us to see each candidate gene in multidimensional space to determine the best targets for PEL treatment design.

Presenter(s): Hayden Divers, John Vieira, Jenna Sins, Rabab Alamairy, Ira Esperance

Sponsoring Department: Biology

Project Mentor: Gary Vanderlaan

Hayden Divers1*, John Vieria1, Jenna Sins1, Rabab Alamairy1, Ira Esperance1 Dr. David Piovesan2, Dr. Matt Gacura1, Dr. Gary Vanderlaan1

[3].

A different study tested pitch and roll from –10 degrees to zero for 2 different frequencies and results were satisfactory [4]. We tested a Stewart Platform for the accuracy of pitch rotation and the pitch rotation s effect on the surge horizontal movement. All other values during testing are kept constant to ensure only pitch is being tested. In the future the platform can be used to perform risk stu8dies on pilots during flight

The Accuracy of Pitch Rotation and Its Effect to the Surge Movement for Flight Simulation

Spencer Miller Davide Piovesan

the pitch to surge are within the range of fidelity to be considered a flight simulator training device. Pitch to surge graphs are not displayed as the correlation is not meant to be strong when shown visually in a plot.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Limitations were discovered as the frequency being tested increased

This caused the plot to become seemingly solid at 6.31, 10, and 15.849 rad/s.

3 waves per second at 15.849 rad/s meaning 180 in 60 seconds

20 second time period was used for trials 10-12

Indoor GPA can be used to determine the position of the Stewart platform as well instead of accelerometer [6] Future work will be completed to control the Stewart platform without predetermined position points Fidelity of pitch rotation of the Stewart platform was verified using gain and phase values

The values were plotted to ensure the platform is within standards

The accuracy of the flight simulator is also correlated to the knowledge of the situation retained by the pilot Simulator can be used to reduce accidents caused by inexperienced pilots

REFERENCES

[1]Airlines For America, Safety Record of U.S. Air Carriers.” https:// www.airlines.org/dataset/safety-record-of-u-s-air-carriers/. [2]Allerton, David J. The Case for Flight Simulation in General Aviation” Researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/287975829_The_case_for_flight_simulation_in_ general_aviation.

[3]Myers, Paul, et al. Flight Simulator Fidelity, Training Transfer, and the Role of ... https://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi? article=1203&context=ijaaa. [4]Pradipta, Justin, et al. Development of a Pneumatically Driven Flight Simulator ... - IEEE Xplore. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/ document/6584085/.

[5] Manual of Criteria for the Qualification of Flight Simulation Training Devices.” Vol. 4, ICAO, 2015

[6]Mosqueria, G., et al. Analysis of the Indoor GPS System as Feedback for the Robotic Alignment of Fuselages Using Laser Radar Measurements as Comparison.” Robotics

Title: The Accuracy of Pitch Rotation and Its Effect to the Surge Movement for Flight Simulation

Abstract: The flight simulator has been efficiently used to prevent accidents before the pilot has started operating a real aircraft due to the safety and accuracy of the simulation. In the year 2000 there were 49 plane accidents recorded by US airlines, this number has since reduced to a total of 21 accidents in the year 2021. While this value may never be zero, a way to minimize the accidents is to better train the pilots operating these aircrafts. In this study, a Stewart platform will be tested for the accuracy of pitch rotation as well as to understand how the pitch rotation effects the surge horizontal movement. Using MATLAB, a code is written to generate data in the form of a sin wave for 12 different trials using 12 different frequencies. This data is then used as an input to move the platform to the desired positions. These movements are recorded using an Arduino sensor. The data from the sensor are then compared to the calculated data using MATLAB. The calculated and collected data are plotted together to show the correlation between the two plots, and the gain and phase values are calculated. The gain and phase values are then plotted on a graph containing fidelity lines which are obtained from the requirements for a flight simulator training device. The frequencies being tested are also obtained from the same requirements.

Presenter(s): Spencer Miller

Sponsoring Department: Biomedical Engineering

Project Mentor: Xiaoxu Ji

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

The research objective for this Capstone Project investigated the current understanding on the scope of occupation al therapy practice in intensive care units amongst multidisciplinary team members

Background

• The benefits of OT services in the ICU are overshadowed by PT interventions. Even though patients demonstrate impairments with ADLs, functional mobility, cognition due to prolonged bedrest in the ICU.

Functional limitations can be caused by periodic mechanical ventilation and sedation, lack of external stimuli, edema in extremities due to immobility.

• Skilled OT interventions resulted in a lower incidence of delirium, decreased lengths of stay in the hospital, and improved ADL abilities following discharge from the ICU (Bergbower et al., 2020).

Occupational Therapy Working in the ICU

Who: PT (n = 6) RN (n = 4) Nurse Case Manager (n = 1) Director of Rehab (n = 1)

Administrator (n = 1) Case manager (n = 1) ST (n = 2) OT (n = 4)

When and Where: Online survey using Survey Monkey for two weeks February (1st-13th)

Why: To gain a better understanding of a healthcare provider’s perspectives on occupational therapy’s role in the ICU and barriers affecting the utilization of OT in this setting.

Methods

IRB approval attained from Gannon University

• Email link for survey provided and distributed through online platforms

• Participation remained anonymous and no identifiers were collected

• Survey was closed and stored on Survey Monkey’s website and secured with individualized password

Results

The results of this survey demonstrates the need for increasing the role of OT in the ICU. Although mobility is crucial in regaining functional abilities, OTs are trained to address cognitive and psychological needs associated with mechanical ventilation, sedation, and prolonged bedrest. The results of this survey demonstrates the need for increasing the role of OT in the ICU. The survey demonstrates that OT is recognized and valued.

Recommendations

Advocating for improving utilization of OT in the ICU.

• Defining the roles of OT and establishing protocols is vital to the development of consistent OT involvement within the MDT.

• Providing additional training on using outcome measures in the ICU to further justify the need for OT interventions.

OTs need to embrace and increase their role in the ICU and infusing themselves in a stronger role with the interdisciplinary team.

Title: The Current Level of Knowledge of Health Care Providers Regarding Occupational Therapy Working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Abstract: In the past, patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) were not often provided with occupational therapy services. Many interventions in the ICU focused on utilizing physical therapy (PT) for therapeutic exercise and to address mobility impairments; however, the role of occupational therapy (OT) increased in the ICU. Early mobility protocols have been established over the years but primarily focused on range of motion, strengthening, and ambulation. However, recent studies have shown the benefit of OT in the ICU to address impairments with delirium, activity tolerance, and activities of daily living (ADLs). This project aimed to understand what other health professionals know about OTs’ role in the ICU. A survey was used to collect data regarding determining the effectiveness of OT intervention as it relates to improving ADLs, decreasing the length of stay in the ICU, and increasing the role of OT within the multidisciplinary team.

Presenter(s): Michael Montemayor

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Michael Urban

a Four-

Limitations

• Only two participants

Participant 1’s motivation level decreased throughout program

• Participants from separate schools, receiving separate handwriting and other academic education

Results Discussion

• The handwriting program occurred for four weeks, which might not have been a long enough duration to create a significance difference in the participants’ handwriting legibility. Meeting once per week for four consecutive weeks may not have been the best frequency to initiate a change in skill development.

Future Research

Collaboration with other professionals for development of program

Duration longer than four

References

Title: The Development of a Four Week Handwriting Program for Second Graders: A Pilot Study

Abstract: The 2020 pandemic resulted in mandatory school closures. During the switch to virtual learning, students participated significantly less in handwriting tasks. Schools, communities, and pediatric occupational therapists now face the challenge of assisting children in closing the handwriting skill gap caused by virtual learning. This project was a pilot study to develop, implement, and gain feedback from a community-based handwriting club for second-grade students. The handwriting club included gross and fine motor tasks, visual perceptual activities, and handwriting practice. Two students participated; one showed an improvement in handwriting legibility by 13%. Both participants’ parents reported an overall satisfaction with the program, with appreciation for the program occurring with a peer.

Presenter(s): Brandi Hague

Sponsoring Department: Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Program

Project Mentor: Kathleen Yancosek

The Effects of Physical Activity on the Well-Being of People with Anxiety

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder have a lower quality of life (Revicki et al., 2008), and exercise is associated with increased quality of life (Gillison et al., 2009). This study examined the relationship between physical activity, psychological distress (stress, anxiety, and depression), and quality of life in individuals experiencing anxiety or having a diagnosed anxiety disorder (N = 77). Participants completed an online survey which included demographic questions, the GLTEQ, QOLS, and DASS-21. The main finding of this study suggests the frequency of light exercise is related to an increased quality of life (r = .36, p = .001) and increased anxiety (r = .26, p = .020). Findings have implications for occupational therapists who work with people with physical and mental health conditions and also have anxiety disorders or experience anxiety.

Literature Review

Anxiety disorders can cause increased anxiety, depression, stress, and a lower QoL (Panayiotou & Karekla 2013).

Approximately 18% of individuals ages 18-54 have an anxiety disorder (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2021).

Anxiety can have an impact on all four subcategories of QoL: physical health, mental health, social health, and functional health (Post, 2014).

Depression affects more than 340 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of disability (Carek et al., 2011).

Exercise has been shown to decrease anxiety in individuals who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (Vancampfort et al., 2021).

Anxiety disorders were one of the most common conditions where individuals seek alternative treatment, such as exercise (Pelletier et al, 2017).

•People with anxiety disorders reported higher levels of perceived stress, depression, health problems, stressful life events, and tendency to seek social support (Panayiotou & Karekla ,2013).

Individuals who had clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders showed that exercise has a moderate positive effect on their anxiety (Saeed et al., 2019). There were not enough studies to provide strong support for the impact of physical activity on people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (McDowell et al., 2019).

Occupational therapy promotes physical health, mental health, and wellbeing in people with, or at risk of experiencing, a range of developmental, physical, and mental health disorders (AOTA, 2021).

Purpose

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity and psychological distress (anxiety, stress, depression) and QoL in individuals who reported having been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or who experience anxiety

Hypotheses

There were two hypotheses for this study:

1. Increased frequency of physical activity will be related to reduced psychological distress including anxiety, stress, and depression.

2. Increased frequency of physical activity will be related to increased QoL.

evidence of a relationship between exercise and psychological distress, which we were expecting to find.

Relationship Between Type of Exercise and Assessments of Psychological Distress and QoL

S. E., & Carek, S. M. (2011). Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine 41(1), 15– 28. https://doi.org/10.2190/PM.41.1.c Gillison F. B., Skevington, S. M., Sato, A., Standage, M., & Evangelidou, S. (2009). The effects of exercise interventions on quality of ife in clinical and healthy populations; a meta-analysis. Social Science & Medicine 68(9), 1700–1710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.02.028 Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Mental health disorder statistics. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics McDowell, C. P., Dishman, R. K., Gordon, B. R., & Herring, M. P. (2019). Physical activity and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 57

A question from the QoLS was inadvertently dropped; this question asked the participants about their satisfaction at work.

The GLETQ answers were set up as fill in the blank answers where participants then answered with words and numbers that did not make sense.

The GLETQ tool was a limitation because it did not ask for the type of physical activity or the length of physical activity engagement.

Participants may have answered with random answers and copied and pasted from the question. Participants may have completed the survey multiple times (potential to win a gift card).

Title: The Effects of Physical Activity on the Well-Being of People with Anxiety

Abstract: Individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder have a lower quality of life (Revicki et al., 2008), and exercise is associated with increased quality of life (Gillison et al., 2009). This study examined the relationship between physical activity, psychological distress (stress, anxiety, and depression), and quality of life in individuals experiencing anxiety or having a diagnosed anxiety disorder (N = 77). Participants completed an online survey which included demographic questions, the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). The main finding of this study suggests the frequency of light exercise is related to an increased quality of life (rs = .36, p = .001) and increased anxiety (rs = .26, p = .020). Findings have implications for occupational therapists who work with people with physical and mental health conditions and also have anxiety disorders or experience anxiety.

Presenter(s): Julia Kreidinger, Amanda Geci, Moragn Woodson, Kori Ryan, Rachel Dameron

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Christine Linkie

Racheal Dameron, OTS

Amanda Geci, OTS

Julia Kreidinger, OTS

Kori Ryan, OTS

Morgan Woodson, OTS

Christine Linkie, PhD, OTR/L

Therapy

Doctoral Program

The Role of Occupational Therapy in High School Transition to Adulthood: Enhancing Social Participation Skills of Teens with Intellectual Disabilities

(ID) Through a Unified Life Skills Class

Research Objective

This research assessed changes in the social participation of teens with intellectual disabilities (ID) after engagement in a semester-long high school unified life skills class.

Background

Social participation involves social interaction with others, which may involve friends, peers, and community members (AOTA, 2020).

• Teens with intellectual disabilities receive adult support throughout their school careers. While these supports may be beneficial during the school-aged years, they may create a barrier to the individual's level of independence as they transition to adulthood.

The IDEA notes that the secondary transition plan should address the individual's preferred occupations, strengths, and interests, while focusing on education, recreation, employment, and independent living, aligning with occupational therapy’s purpose of promoting participation in life’s daily occupations, including social participation (AOTA, 2020).

Setting

Rural high school in central New Hampshire, which included 770 students from 2 towns.

Students ages 14-21 years, with and without intellectual disabilities, were enrolled in a high school unified life skills class, which took place within a Family & Consumer Science classroom.

The classroom consisted of refrigerators, microwaves, small appliances, a washer, a dryer, and tables for workstations, which was well-suited to address ADLs, IADLs, pre-vocational, and leisure skills.

Guiding Conceptual Framework

Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process 4th Edition

The OTPF-4 identifies social participation as an occupation. An occupation is recognized as a meaningful daily activity that one engages in.

• Social participation is an occupation within the OTPF-4 that supports other occupations such as leisure, work, play, and IADLS.

The Unified Life Skills Class was infused with concepts from the OTPF-4, particularly in the areas of Social Participation.

Methods:

• Previously collected, de-identified Social Profile scores were analyzed for students with ID.

• As per school protocol, Social Profile pre-test & post-test were administered by 2 OTRs during wk 1 and wk 14 of a semester-long high school unified life skills class. Data sets were de-identified

De-identified data was delivered to the researcher

The researcher analyzed the de-identified data to identify enhancement in social participation skills

Results

Using Excel, a one-tailed paired t-test was used to analyze the social participation summary pre and post-test scores. An alpha of 0.05 was the confidence interval used. The p-value of p = 0.024 indicated statistical significance in the pre-test to post-test social participation summary scores The results indicate the enhancement in the use of more mature levels of social participation skills.

Sara E. Krause, OTR/L, ATP

krause012@gannon.edu

Faculty & Capstone Advisor: Dr. Michele Karnes

Significance to Occupational Therapy & Potential Implications

The results of this study reinforce the role of OTPs in the occupation of social participation.

Providing group-based

Title: The Role of Occupational Therapy in High School Transition to Adulthood Enhancing Social Participation Skills of Teens with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Through a Unified Life Skills Class

Abstract: Developing independence with daily life skills is vital during the transition to adulthood. Teens with intellectual disabilities (ID) often require assistance for engagement and independence with social participation and life skills. This project assessed the social participation of teens with ID enrolled in a semester-long high school unified life skills class, co-taught by an occupational therapist and regular education teacher. The OTPF-4 guided the class, which emphasized the occupation of social participation through peer-mediated instruction. Students with Autism or ID were grouped with peer support partners. De-identified data were analyzed to compare five students’ Social Profile scores from pre-test to post-test. Data analysis revealed statistically significant improvements (p = 0.025) in social participation summary scores, indicating enhanced maturity levels in social participation following participation in the class. This capstone supports the role of occupational therapists in transition services for teens with disabilities and in addressing the occupation of social participation.

Presenter(s): Sara Krause

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Michele Karnes

The Strategies and Supports that School-Based Occupational Therapists Used to Help Their Students Succeed During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to how schoolbased occupational therapists (OTs) provide services. This capstone project sought to define the strategies and supports that therapists used to meet the needs of their students. Invitations were sent to occupational therapists across professional websites and social media to participate in a twentyquestion survey. Therapists found several supports helpful during telehealth sessions, including caregiver assistance and intervention in therapist-designed individual sessions. Respondents indicated that the most successful in-person strategies were cleaning between sessions and the use of protective equipment (PPE). These results will inform therapists of the best treatment strategies for future pandemics or natural disasters.

Background

The Novel Coronavirus Disease 19, or COVID-19, brought abrupt changes to the lives of everyone worldwide. Every aspect of everyday life changed.

• Many experienced changes in activities daily living skills (ADLs), the workplace, the school environment, and leisure activities (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020e).

• Changes also occurred within occupational therapy practice, including the transition to telehealth, cleaning protocols, and social distancing practices that impacted hands-on patient care (Aaronson et al., 2021).

• Occupational therapists had to adapted quickly to these changes.

Methods

• IRB approval

• Developed informed consent and survey

• National survey along with informed consent sent to OTs on professional social media sites

• Participants completed a twentyquestion online survey

• Results analyzed through Excel

Quantitative Results

Most successful Telehealth strategies and supports:

Individual treatment sessions (80%)

• Parental assistance (77.33%)

• Therapist designed sessions (45.33%)

• Family provided materials (33.33%)

Visual motor activities (23.38%)

• Therapy websites (22.67%)

Most successful in-person strategies and supports:

PPE usage (80.82%)

• Cleaning between sessions (49.32%)

• Activities of daily living (ADL) strategies (39.73%)

• Just-right-challenge (35.62%)

• Animated movements (32.58%)

• Collaboration with school team (28.74%)

Lindsay Warner, OTR/L Post Professional Occupational Therapy Program

warner028@gannon.edu

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michele Karnes

Capstone Advisor: Dr. Janis Leinfuss

Qualitative Themes

Telehealth Themes:

• Caregiver supports

• Collaboration supports

Online strategies

• Use of materials strategies

In-person Themes:

• Cleaning strategies

• Material management strategies

• Social distancing strategies

• Face mask strategies

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic brought abrupt changes to service provision. Seasoned and new graduates alike struggled to keep up with new therapy delivery parameters. With all the strategies and supports learned during the pandemic, teaching practicing therapists how to succeed in future pandemics or natural disasters is essential

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020e). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), 7412410010. https://doi.org/10.5014ajot.2020.74S2001

Aaronson, B., Glick, S. N., Kirk, C. J., McCloud, W. A., Sasser, T. R., Zen, D. M., & Englund, J. A. (2021). Assessment of feasibility of face covering in schoolaged children with autism spectrum disorders and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. JAMA Network https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33999167/

Title: The Strategies and Supports that School-Based Occupational Therapists Used to Help Their Students Succeed During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to how school-based occupational therapists (OTs) provide services. This capstone project sought to define the strategies and supports that therapists used to meet the needs of their students during the pandemic. An online survey was conducted between May 2022 and June 2022. Invitations were sent to OTs across professional websites and social media to participate in a twenty-question survey. Eighty OTs completed the survey. Therapists found several supports helpful during telehealth sessions, including caregiver assistance (77.33%), family-provided materials (33.33%), and intervention in therapist-designed individual sessions (45.33%). Respondents indicated that the most successful in-person strategies were cleaning between sessions (49.32%), the use of protective equipment (80.82%), and utilizing animated movements to keep student attention (32.58%). OTs learned essential lessons taught by the COVID-19 pandemic that led to new strategies and supports that can be applied to future practice, pandemics, or other natural disasters.

Presenter(s): Lindsay Warner

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Michele Karnes

ERIE GRADUATE RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP PLATFORM PRESENTATION

Industrial Health Evaluation of Makerspace

Title: Industrial Health Evaluation of Makerspace

Abstract: The new Makerspace located in Gannon Universities I-Hack building creates the opportunity for students and Gannon community members to create and build utilizing various 3D printers among other equipment. Concerns in the Makerspace lab consist of industrial health hazards relating to the 3D printers and other equipment. Sampling and monitoring evaluations will consist of airborne, noise, and ventilation hazards. This project will allow the opportunity to apply industrial hygiene principals and tools to evaluate workplace hazards in the Makerspace lab. The project goal will be to develop a workplan, collect the monitoring data, analyze the results, and develop a concise technical report outlining the results and recommendations.

Presenter(s): Katie Dybowski, Allison Daisley, Luke Moon

Sponsoring Department: Environmental

Project Mentor: Michelle Homan

Recycling Survey and Waste Audit

Within the Gannon Community

Title: Recycling Survey and Waste Audit Within the Gannon Community

Abstract: This project involves conducting a recycling survey and waste audit in Gannon University to identify the current state of waste management practices and to then recommend strategies to increase sustainability. The audit will involve a thorough assessment of the waste generated in the university, including its source, composition, and disposal method. The data collected will be analyzed to identify areas of improvement in waste reduction, recycling, and composting. The proposed audit will enable Gannon University to understand its current waste management practices and identify areas for improvement. The findings will help the university to develop and implement a waste management strategy that aligns with its sustainability goals. The audit will also help the university to identify opportunities for waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, which can lead to cost savings, environmental benefits, and improved public image. Overall, this proposal seeks to provide Gannon University with a comprehensive understanding of its waste management practices and to offer recommendations for a more sustainable future. By embracing recycling and waste reduction strategies, Gannon University can help create a more sustainable campus and contribute to a healthier environment for future generations.

Presenter(s): Katie Dybowski, Kristen Heflin, Padma Champagain, Sanjida Haque

Sponsoring Department: Environmental Engineering

Project Mentor: Varun Kasaraneni

RUSKIN GRADUATE

HEALTHCARE INITIATIVE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT POSTER PRESENTATION

Introduction

Conservative Management for a 71-year-old Female with Cervical Radiculopathy: A Case Report

Katie Heenan SPT, Katherine Calvert PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Gannon University

Interventions

pain, improving range of motion, and improving neck disability and quality of life than exercise alone³.

Purpose

The purpose of this case report is to assess the effectiveness of therapist-directed neural mobilization in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy.

Example of In Clinic PT Session

Therapeutic Exercises Chin Tucks Pulley with cervical rotation TheraBand Resisted Rows Theraputty Grip Compressions

Neural Mobilization

• Therapist-directed Median Nerve Mobilization

Manual Therapy Soft Tissue Mobilization and Trigger Point Release to bilateral Upper Trapezius and Levator Scapulae

Suboccipital Release Passive Physiological Intervertebral Motion to Cervical Vertebrae

Modalities

• Hot Pack –Administered for 10 minutes to cervical spine and bilateral upper trapezius to conclude treatment session.

Plan of Care

Title: Conservative Management for a 71-year-old Female with Cervical Radiculopathy

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges clinical instructors Priyah Shah, PT and Alicia Nixon, PT, DPT, BCB-PMD for their continued supervision and guidance during patient rehabilitation and the patient for their willingness to participate in this case report.

Abstract: To present a case investigating the therapeutic management of cervical radiculopathy by use of a multi-modal rehabilitation program incorporating therapist-directed neural mobilization. Methods: A 71-year-old female presented with radiculopathy symptoms secondary to a medical diagnosis of a C6-7 herniated nucleus pulposus. Interventions consisting of neural mobilization, therapeutic exercise, modalities, and manual therapy was administered over the course of 10 weeks. Results: 7-point reduction on the VAS, increased cervical ROM, and improved objective measures for cervical radiculopathy test item cluster. Conclusion: Therapistdirected neural mobilization was effective in decreasing pain, restoring functional mobility to the cervical spine, and improving distal paresthesias.

Presenter(s): Katie Heenan

Sponsoring Department: Physical Therapy

Project Mentor: Katherine Calvert

Conservative Management Following Supraspinatus Tear: A Case Report

Daniel Long II, Dr. Katherine Calvert Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Gannon University

PICO Question

For a 60-year-old patient following a RTC repair, would it be better for the therapist to perform arthrokinematic assessments or have the patient perform PROM exercises to improve their mobility and help with pain management before exercise?

Background

- 60-year-old patient w/ minor tear of supraspinatus

- MOI involved a forceful distraction of the glenohumeral capsule while walking dog

- Medical hx involves Type II diabetes, elevated BMI, former smoker and currently wears a prosthesis on the right LE

Purpose

The purpose of this experiment was to see which intervention was more useful in treating an acute tear of the supraspinatus. The success of the intervention could be determined objectively with ROM values and subjectively with pain levels reported daily.

Problems Faced

- Prothesis on Right LE caused for there to be difficulty w/ transfers

- Compensatory movements throughout treatment due to strength and decreased ROM

- Radicular symptoms impacted patient's grip strength

Pain > 8/10

•Arthrokinematic assessments grade 1

•Bolster rolls, codmans

• Arthrokinematic assessments grade 2-3

Results/Data

Goals

stock shelves without difficulty

•

SANE score to 85

• Increase GH flexion to >160 degrees

Conclusion

- Patient responded well to arthrokinematic assessments and PROM exercises before progressing, depending on subjective pain levels and quality of movement

- The data shown indicates that both abduction and flexion ROM increased over time towards the recommended range of 180 degrees

- Patient was compliant w/ HEP and adherence to exercises could be another factor as to why prognosis was accurate References

Title: Conservative Management Following Supraspinatus Tear: A Case Report

Abstract: Rotator cuff tears are a common injury, particularly in the older population. Shoulder instability, age and muscle weakness can all be contributing factors that cause this traumatic injury. Pain resulting from a tear is a psychological issue, but ultimately can affect objective values such as range of motion and strength – two measures that can alter someone’s ability to function independently in their day-to-day lives. In this case study, the subjective variable of pain was constantly measured to analyze its correlation to physical performance in a patient with a supraspinatus tear.

Presenter(s): Daniel Long II

Sponsoring Department: Physical Therapy

Project Mentor: Katherine Calvert

Introduction:

Healthcare Gaps in the Care of Individuals with Disabilities

Grace McLaughlin, MPH, PA-S; Melissa Hawkins, MS, PA-C Gannon University

With approximately sixty-one million Americans with some form of disability in the United States, there is a demand to reform the medical education system for training healthcare professionals.10 There is a need for healthcare providers who are properly trained to be able to care for individuals with disabilities in the healthcare setting. In a 2021 evaluation of physicians’ capabilities to meet the healthcare needs of a patient who is disabled, the findings found that 59.3% of healthcare providers felt that they lacked the abilities needed to care for a patient with disabilities.11

This raises impeding questions as to why providers with extensive educational backgrounds and residency training feel that they lack the skills necessary to treat and manage medical conditions for this subset of the population. What key element is missing in medical education programs that can make medical providers feel more able to provide healthcare services to this underserved population.

To help address this need, a Health Promotion Disease Prevention (HPDP) program was brought to Special Hearts Farm, a Florida-based program where individuals with disabilities are offered adult day training and supported employment related to farming and gardening.

Title:

Healthcare

My Inspiration for This Project: My Brother, Christian who has disabilities.

Literature Review Findings:

• Healthcare providers hold implicit biases toward disabled patients that affect healthcare practices19

• Disabled patients have increased utilization of medical services and poorer health outcomes17

• Physicians who were confident in their abilities to provide quality care to patients with disabilities in 2021 were only 40.7% of interviewed practitioners11

• 43.5% of physicians interviewed did not “welcome” patients with disability into their clinics11

• Only 18.1% of providers strongly agree that the healthcare system treats this population unfairly.11

• Practitioners who were strongly confident in their abilities to provide the “same quality of care” to disabled patients had “significantly” higher responses to welcoming disabled patients to their practice.11

• Practitioners’ lack of disability education is leading to increased medical errors and decreased proper preventative care for disabled patients.2

• Disability education has little structure to how it is taught to medical professionals and needs reform to produce competent providers to care for this population.9

Conclusions:

• Reform of medical education programs incorporation of disability training is vital to reduce healthcare disparities affecting disabled patients.9

• Incorporation of “real life” experiences with individuals with disabilities into healthcare programs can yield positive effects on practitioners’ confidence to treat disabled patients19

• Continued disability education for both current and incoming providers is needed to initiate change in the healthcare culture.

• Incorporation of required continued medical education (CME) training focused on disability education for all healthcare professionals.

• Assessments of healthcare providers biases towards disabled patients and improvement plans to reduce discrimination in the healthcare setting11

Health Project Location: Special Hearts Farm

• Location was chosen as my target audience due to my passion for the betterment of the healthcare delivery system for individuals with disabilities.

• Focused to identify perceptions, misunderstandings, and lack of educational knowledge towards disabled patients to be able to identify healthcare gaps, find unmet medical needs, and improve the care of individuals with disabilities.

• Client presentation focused to discuss clients' perceptions of healthcare workers, decrease fear of doctors’ visits and decrease clients’ anxiety during physical exams at doctors’ offices.

• Many clients reported a reduction in anxiety when I took off my white coat during my presentation.

• Staff presentation focused on research findings and medical first aid training for staff members.

• All staff reported feeling “more confident” in their abilities to provide first aid to clients in medical events and to identify common medical issues associated with farming: rashes, heat exhaustion, dehydration and wound care.

• Discussed with board members on avenues to connect with local medical programs and aid with “real life” experiences for healthcare students to interact with individuals with disabilities.

• Board members felt “confident” in their abilities to inform and discuss research findings with others in their community to raise awareness and train others in the care of individuals with disabilities.

Gaps in the Care of Individuals with Disabilities

Abstract: With approximately sixty-one million Americans with some form of disability in the United States, there is a call for reform of the medical education system in place for training healthcare professionals.10 There is a lacking unmet need of properly trained providers in the healthcare setting for disabled patients. In 2021 evaluation of physicians found that 59.3% of healthcare providers felt that they lacked the abilities needed to care for a patient with disabilities.11 What key elements are missing in the medical education programs that can lead to medical providers feeling more able to provide healthcare services to this underserved population.

Presenter(s): Grace McLaughlin

Sponsoring Department:

Project Mentor: Melissa Hawkins

Eccentric Exercise at the Knee Coupled with Hip Strengthening Exercises for Treatment of a High School Basketball Player with Patellar Tendinopathy: A Case Report

Volschow SPT | Chris Arrigo MS, PT, ATC | Gannon University

Background

•Patellar tendinopathy is an overuse injury that results from repetitive loads/stressors and is common in jumping athletes such as basketball players.1

•Patellar tendinopathy is a term used to describe an injury to the patellar tendon with or without inflammation.

•Patellar tendinopathy has been associated with decreased ankle dorsiflexion ROM.2

•Patellar tendinopathy may be associated with vastus lateralis tightness as well as decreased hamstring flexibility.3

•Eccentric exercise at the knee with hip muscle strengthening has been shown to increase function and decrease pain in those with patellar tendinopathy.4

•Class IV Laser Therapy may have beneficial effects on those dealing with tendinopathies.5

Examples

Results

Purpose

The purpose of this case report was to describe a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care that was used in the management of a high school athlete with bilateral patellar tendinopathy.

Patient description

Patient was an 18-year-old male presenting to the clinic with bilateral anterior knee pain, with complaints of worse symptoms in the right knee. The patient reported that symptoms began “a few months ago.”

Reported aggravating factors were squatting, running, jumping, and playing basketball.

• Pain was produced during deep palpation of the inferior pole of the patella.

• Patient also demonstrated weakness in the hip musculature.

• Patient’s goal was to return to playing basketball again without any knee pain.

Physical Therapy Session

Title: Eccentric Exercise at the Knee Coupled with Hip Strengthening Exercises for Treatment of a High School Basketball Player with Patellar Tendinopathy: A Case Report

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to describe a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care that was used in the management of a high school athlete with bilateral patellar tendinopathy. Patellar tendinopathy is often an overuse injury that results from repetitive stressors, which is common in jumping athletes. Common complaints of patellar tendinopathy are pain with running, jumping, cutting, and squatting. This case report showed that 10 weeks of physical therapy consisting of eccentric exercises at the knee coupled with hip strengthening were efficient in reducing pain and the return to sport of a high school basketball player.

Presenter(s): Joshua Volschow, Chris Arrigo, MS, PT, ATC

Sponsoring Department: Physical Therapy

Project Mentor: Emilie Robinson

Joshua

Figure 2. Hip 4-way Machine 7 Figure 3. Pilates Reformer 8 Figure 4. Pilates Chair 9

Figure 1. Knee Anatomy6

RUSKIN GRADUATE

RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP

POSTER PRESENTATION

Introduction

The aim of our research is to determine if there is a relationship between smartphone use and the amount and quality of sleep among graduate students.

Methods

Inclusion Criteria:

- Full-time graduate students from Gannon University- Ruskin Campus.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Individuals without access to a smartphone and those diagnosed with a past/present sleep disorder/diagnosis.

Outcome Measures:

- Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Smartphone Addiction Scale, and time spent on a smartphone through data collection tools: iOS Screen Time and Android’s Digital Wellbeing.

Statistics:

- Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Spearman Correlation Coefficient, and Kendall tau-b Correlation.

Smartphone Addiction and Sleep Quality in Graduate Students

Results

Of the 56 total participants, 92.9% (n = 52) of participants utilized an Apple iOS Smartphone on a weekly basis, 7.1% (n = 4) used an Android device.

The mean Smartphone Addiction Scale score amongst graduate students was 88.93, with 66.07% of participants suggesting a moderate smartphone addiction. The mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score was 7.04, suggesting mild sleep difficulties in 66.07% of participants.

Discussion

Future research is needed to fully understand the effect of screen time and quality of sleep as well as occupational therapy’s involvement in participation of sleep. Limitations include being unable to gather the same amount of data with iPhones and Androids, using smartphones only vs other technology, and data collected during Hurricane Ian.

Conclusion

There is a relationship between smartphone addiction and quality of sleep in graduate students. Therefore, graduate students who plan on a career in a health profession should learn to use their smartphones wisely and allow for an appropriate amount of sleep.

Title: Smartphone Addiction and Sleep Quality in Graduate Students

Abstract: We examined the correlation between smartphone use, sleep duration, and quality of sleep among graduate students. Participants were full-time graduate students who own a smartphone and do not have a diagnosed sleep disorder. Outcome measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and time on the smartphone. Descriptive statistics, Kendall’s tau-b, Spearman’s rho, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation tests examined the relationships between variables, and a one-way ANOVA examined if there were differences between age, program, screen time, and the PSQI and SAS. This poster will focus on the results of this study.

Presenter(s): Taegan Allen, Juliana Bell, Maie Grisham, Megan Townsend

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Taegan Allen, OTD-S Juliana Bell, OTD-S Maie Grisham, OTD-S Megan Townsend, OTD-S

Introduction:

Structural and/or functional abnormalities of the soft palate and pharyngeal muscles characterize the condition known as velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). It is defined by insufficient anterior closure of the oropharynx and the nasopharynx, resulting in hyper-nasality, swallowing difficulties, and speech-related problems.

A palatal lift prosthesis (PLP), also commonly known as palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP), is a viable option in treating velopharyngeal dysfunctions by lifting the soft palate to provide appropriate closure. The pharyngeal obturator, a speech aid prosthesis (SAP) or ‘speech bulb,’ also manages VPI by providing adequate closure to the velopharyngeal sphincter.

Purpose of Study:

Review if using different prosthetics when working with adults diagnosed with velopharyngeal dysfunction improves speech, swallowing and reduce hypernasality.

Case Descriptions:

A total of seven case studies (n=7) were compiled for this review:

● 22-year-old patient (sex unknown) presented with an extensive oro/nasopharyngeal defect,

● 25-year-old male patient, with a history of cancer developed velopharyngeal incompetency (VPI) after surgery.

● 27-year-old male patient presented with a hard and soft palate defect.

● * 31-year-old male patient with a history of a traumatic brain injury presented with an official dysphagia diagnosis.

● * 37-year-old male patient presented with a congenital palatal defect.

● * 53-year-old male patient presented with postoperative bilateral hypoglossal nerve injury which led to dysphagia.

● * 67-year-old male patient presented with lower cranial nerve palsy and dysphagia.

Prosthetics for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

Ayanna Russell, BSc.: russell042@gannon.edu

Gwendolynn Basden, BSc.: basden001@gannon.edu

Rita Lenhardt, DHSc.: lenhardt001@gannon.edu

Methods:

Videofluoroscopic Swallowing

Examination:

Swallowing was evaluated by using a videofluoroscopic swallowing examination.

• The participants were given barium-containing jelly and barium containing thickened water and were instructed to swallow the barium with and without a PLP.

• To analyze the improvement of swallowing, the barium was timed before and after applying the prosthetic.

Nasalance Scores:

• Hypernasality was assessed and scored using a percentage scale: greater than 35% (<35%) indicates a moderate degree of hypernasality; and over 60% (<60%), indicates a severe degree of hypernasality.

• Nasalance score percentages were recorded by instructing subjects to read sentences that include high pressure consonants, low pressure consonants and nasals in combination with speech therapy.

Speech Therapy:

• Intensive speech therapy services were applied in order to regain optimal function of velopharyngeal port, speech, and swallowing in daily activities. Overall, speech intelligibility was assessed by instructing the subjects to produce the sounds that they have difficulties with, in addition to plosive sounds (such as /p/ and /b/), before and after prosthetic intervention, ensuring that the prosthetic is efficient.

Results:

• Average percentages from the seven listed case studies of 11.14% in high-pressure consonants, 11.79% in low-pressure consonants, and 2.25% in nasals show a significant decrease and improvement at the end of speech therapy.

Left:

• Results show the bolus transit time going from 41 seconds before the PLP, to 7 seconds with the PLP, thus showing the subjects improved pharyngeal function after the intervention of the PLP.

Title: Prosthetics as an Effective Treatment Method for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

Results cont’d:

• Intra-subject reliability was tested, and a strong correlation between the test and retest results was confirmed among the participants with the prosthetic inserted.

Discussion:

Prosthetic rehabilitation with concurrent speech therapy is the optimal treatment in many cases, as opposed to surgery.

The primary goal of the prosthesis’ was to restore functional normality. Confirmed by comparisons, significant improvement in velopharyngeal function was achieved after prosthetic insertion in combination with speech therapy. By reducing hyper-nasality, speech improved and swallowing and bolus transport improved due to reduction of regurgitation.

Limitations:

• Even though the studies provide promising results for prosthetics for VPD, more research with larger sample sizes, control groups, and extended follow-up periods is needed to evaluate their effectiveness fully.

Recommendations:

• Future research could investigate the impact of patient characteristics such as age, the severity of the condition, and comorbidities on treatment outcomes.

Key Words/Acronyms: plp, sap, vpd, vpi, velopharyngeal, dysfunction, impairment, incompetency, palatal lift prosthesis, speech aid prosthesis, speech bulb, prosthetic

References:

Abstract: Structural or functional abnormalities of the soft palate and pharyngeal muscles characterize the condition known as velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). A palatal lift prosthesis and a speech aid prosthesis can help manage VPD by providing adequate closure to the velopharyngeal sphincter. This literature review evaluated the effectiveness of palatal lift prostheses for the treatment of VPD. Results identified reductions in hyper-nasality, swallowing difficulties, and speech-related problems. Moreover, significant improvement in velopharyngeal function was achieved after prosthetic insertion in combination with speech therapy. Future research is recommended to evaluate the long-term use and effectiveness of palatal lift prostheses.

Presenter(s): Gwendolynn Basden, Ayanna Russell

Sponsoring Department: Speech Language Pathology

Project Mentor: Rita Lenhardt

Palatal Lift Prosthesis Inserted vs. Extracted

Left: PLP inactivated. Right: PLP Activated (Asfar and colleagues, 2018).

PLP inactivated, soft palatal gap. Right: PLP Activated, soft palatal gap closure. (Asfar and colleagues, 2018)

Introduction:

• Research shows mindfulness-based meditation improves mental health and some studies show app-based mindfulness meditation shows positive effects among students (Flett et al., 2019).

• Academic stress and anxiety are among those psychosocial issues that increase the need for interventions that address them (Hjeltnes et al., 2015).

• Research indicates a need for more accessible and affordable mental health resources for graduate students.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this study is to see how app-based guided meditation impacts graduate student stress, sleep, anxiety, and overall mindfulness.

The Impact of a Meditation App on Graduate Students' Health

Methods:

• Pre-Posttest Randomized Experimental Design

• Convenience and snowball sampling from 5 universities (Central Michigan University, Gannon University Erie & Ruskin, San Diego State University, South Florida University)

• N= 47 (Experimental: n= 23; Control: n= 24)

• Other outcomes: Self-developed weekly check-in survey to account for potential covariant environmental factors that could influence the results

Inclusion Criteria:

•Graduate-level college students

•Between the age of 20-49

•Own a smartphone

•Students who are not already practicing or trained in guided meditation

•No scheduling conflicts

•Not hearing impaired

Treatment:

Assessments Used:

• Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

•Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

•15 – Item Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15)

•Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A)

• The experimental group completed a 15-minute guided meditation from the Insight Timer App at least once daily for four weeks. They completed weekly check-in surveys and submitted screenshots of their weekly progress.

• The control group was placed on the waitlist and received access to the Insight Timer app once the study was completed.

Title: The Impact of a Meditation App on Graduate

Students’ Health

Jennifer Jones, OTDS

Margaret Logan, OTDS

Katie McKibbin, OTDS

Faculty Advisor: Bonnie Decker, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Results:

Conclusion:

The results show there was no significant difference in anxiety, stress, and sleep when comparing the experimental group to the control group.

The results reported a significant change in only the Post-test Description subtest in the FFMQ, suggesting that there is a difference between groups in the way we label our experiences and express them into words.

Limitations:

2/5 universities did not participate

• 28 dropouts

• All communication was via email

Abstract: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of the Insight Timer Mindfulness Meditation app on graduate students’ perceived stress, anxiety, sleep, and overall mindfulness. Graduate students ages 20-49 and students who do not regularly practice guided mindfulness meditation were subjects. The experimental group completed the 15-minute meditation app once a day for one month. Pre and Post outcome measures were the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, 15-item Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptives and t-tests were used to compare the two groups. The poster will highlight the results and conclusions of this study.

Presenter(s): Viviane Bennese, Jennifer Jones, Katie McKibbin, Margaret Logan

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Viviane Bennese, OTDS

Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

Treatment of the face and mouth muscle dysfunction.

Corrects orofacial functions (chewing & swallowing) while promoting nasal breathing. Techniques include raising awareness and orofacial exercises to improve tongue posture, lip seal, and nasal patency.

Mouth Breathing

Disorder of the upper airway or blockage can negatively influence the following: facial structure development, posture, nutrition, physical health, mental health, academic performance, and communication regarding speech. 30-50% of the US population are mouth breathers.

Oral Myofunctional Therapy & Speech Language Therapy Collaboration for Mouth Breathing Clients: A Dynamic Duo

Integration of Oral Myofunctional Therapeutic Techniques for Mouth Breathing Clients in Speech Therapy

1. Provides a More Efficient & Effective Therapy Route Potentially Shortening the Duration of Therapy:

+ Structural systems required for functional speech are retrained and strengthened. These systems may operate with proper mobility, decreased pain, and relived tension. Oral health is also greatly improved with decreased bacteria growth within gums, teeth, and tongue.

+ Cognition and attention improve with stable hemoglobin levels. Oxygen deprived brain networks may be causing attention difficulties, ultimately prolonging therapy.

+ Clients are to be analyzed on a deeper level - Consideration of the “bigger picture.” Clinicians must acknowledge mouth breathing as a potential, underlying root cause of speech concerns and eliminate it to ensure the issue is truly being addressed.

2. lmproves the Quality of Life for Clients Beyond Speech Concerns:

+ Improved physical health- Stabilized blood pressure, decreased rates of cardiac failure, improved gut/oral health.

Alison D. Campbell BS campbell189@gannon.edu Dr. Rita Lenhardt

OMT Techniques

(2013) assessed speech alterations in 439 mouth breathing children.

Mechanisms Affected

+Altered facial structure

+Malocclusion

+Limited tongue mobility

+Higher palatal arch

+Poor oral health

+Poor breath support

Speech Consequences

+Articulation disorders

+Tongue interposition

+Frontal/lateral lisp

+Sound omissions

Further Consequences

+Deoxyhemoglobin levels create false ADHD diagnosis

+Sleep Disorders +Higher rates of cardiac failure

+Altered facial characteristics

Ex: Receding jaw, elongated face, retracted nose

Title: Oral Myofunctional Therapy & Speech Language Therapy Collaboration for Mouth Breathing Clients: A Dynamic Duo

Abstract: The goal of Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is to correct orofacial functions while promoting nasal breathing through exercise, increased self-awareness, and corrective strategies. This literature review evaluated the effectiveness of OMT for the treatment of speech disorders. Speech-language pathologists have successfully incorporate OMT techniques with mouth breathing clients to eliminate the possible root cause of the speech concerns. Moreover, reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and strengthened motor systems in correcting sound production were noted. Further research is recommended; however, the potential to increase desired results, shorten duration of treatment, and improve quality of life make OMT a viable treatment option.

Presenter(s): Alison Campbell

Sponsoring Department: Speech Language Pathology

Project Mentor: Rita Lenhardt

+ Improved mental health- Greater self-confidence, increase of hemoglobin & nitric oxide, better sleep, greater satisfaction in social, academic, and work performance.

Title: Technology’s Impact on Mental and Physical Health

Abstract: This correlation study examined the impact various types of technology have on the mental and physical health of college students. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, the Physical Activity Scale, the Quality of Life Scale, and a screen-time questionnaire that also included demographic information were e-mailed to participants. Descriptive statistics, Kendall’s tau-b, Spearman’s rho, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation tests examined the relationships between variables, and a one-way ANOVA examined if there were differences between age, program, screen time, and the DASS, PAS, and QoL This poster will focus on the results and discuss implications for occupational therapy.

Presenter(s): Catherine Coombs, Kendra Schalow, Danairi Malave, Khayilla Louissaint

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

PICO Question

Do individuals with feelings of anxiety experience a decrease in anxiety symptoms and/or increased quality of life when participating in group interventions compared to individuals that do not?

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Full-Text articles originally written in English

• Peer-reviewed journal article

Group Interventions

Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) Individuals with anxiety symptoms or anxiety disorders (i.e., generalized anxiety, social anxiety, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria: Articles over 10 years old Articles that are editorial

• Articles that are systematic reviews

• Individuals on Anxiety Medications

Databases Used

• CINAHL

• PsycArticles

Google Scholar

• Ebscohost

• PubMed

Systematic Review: How Does Group Therapy For People with Anxiety Impact Quality of Life and Anxiety Symptoms?

Primary Outcome Measure: Anxiety

Judi-Ann Adman - OTDS

Catherine Coombs - OTDS

Jennifer Jones - OTDS

Madelyn Wengyn– OTDS

Bonnie

Decker, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Emails : Adman001@gannon.edu

Coombs002@gannon.edu

Hyppolit001@gannon.edu

Wengyn001@gannon.edu

Interpretation

• Group-based therapy can result in improved anxiety symptoms, decreased depressive symptoms, and reduced stress levels.

• Studies indicated either significant improvement or no significant change in patients’ symptoms.

• More high-level research should be conducted to improve the amount of research surrounding group therapy.

Further research may identify:

1. The type of group interventions that work best.

2. The appropriate frequency and duration.

3. Anxiety disorders are the most receptive to group therapy treatment.

Significance to OT

This study is significant to Occupational Therapy because results indicate that group therapy is an effective intervention to increase the quality of life and decrease anxiety symptoms with secondary findings of decreased depression symptoms.

Conclusion

Group interventions have been used by healthcare practitioners, psychologists, teachers, and counselors to address various mental and physical health issues and improve quality of life.

• Research surrounding group therapy supports its implementation to improve symptoms associated with mental disorders. Group therapy provides clients with a sense of belonging and a safe space to discuss feelings and symptoms associated with their diagnoses.

• Based on the research outcome measures, group therapy can effectively treat mental health concerns.

Title: How

Does Group Therapy For People with Anxiety Impact Quality of Life and Anxiety Symptoms?

Abstract: This review examined the impact of group interventions (i.e., conventional therapies and cognitive behavioral group therapy) on participants’ quality of life and anxiety symptoms. Inclusion criteria were participants of all ages and genders that experienced anxiety symptoms or anxiety disorders and were not on anxiety medications. Articles that were full-text, peer-reviewed, and written in English were eligible for inclusion. Eight databases were used, and 21 articles were included in this review. Findings suggest group interventions can effectively improve anxiety symptoms and increase quality of life with secondary findings of decreased depression symptoms in the participants.

Presenter(s): Catherine Coombs, Jennifer Jones, Judi-Ann Adman, Madelyn Wengyn

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Introduction: Criminal justice professionals and researchers are concerned with prisoners’ capacity to cope with stress, aggression, and emotional regulation (ER).27

Implementation of coping mechanism interventions are necessary to enhance ER in prisoners.27

Inclusion Criteria

•Experimental designs

•Prisoners or ex-convicts

•Male and female

•18+ years old

Exclusion Criteria

•Mental health diagnoses

•Cognitive impairments

•Non-coping interventions

Methods

Google Scholar, PubMed, ERIC, DOAJ, CINAHL, & Cochrane Library. Articles published between 2012 - 2022. There were 301, 093 articles identified. 24 articles were included in the systematic review.

The Effects of Coping Mechanism

Interventions on Incarcerated Adults’ Emotional Regulation

Taegan Allen, OTDS

Viviane Bennese, OTDS

Heidi Curtis, OTDS

Caroline Gates, OTDS

Faculty Advisor: Bonnie Decker, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Discussion

There was a strong level of evidence for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). There was no outstanding outcome measure used for ER.

Conclusion

CBT demonstrated a significant, positive difference in the prisoner’s ability to cope with their emotions, problem-solve, and decrease adverse reactions.

Role of Occupational Therapy

OT’s should collaborate with the criminal justice system to improve prisoners’ emotional control through CBT interventions.

References

Title: The Effects of Coping Mechanism Interventions on Incarcerated Adults’ Emotional Regulation

Abstract: This systematic review examined the effectiveness of coping interventions on incarcerated adults’ emotional regulation. Twenty-four articles included incarcerated adults with emotional dysregulation. Those diagnosed with mental disorders were excluded. Cognitive behavioral therapy was a frequent intervention strategy. Mindfulness, emotional regulation, relaxation, problem-solving, breathing, and verbalizing emotions were taught in 8-40 weekly 90-minute to 2-hour group sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy improved emotional regulation, coping skills, and problem-solving, and reduced unfavorable behaviors. However, there is not enough level 1B evidence to generalize the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy interventions with this population, therefore more RCT’s are needed.

Presenter(s): Heidi Curtis, Taegan Allen, Viviane Bennese, Caroline Gates

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

The Correlation Between Stress and Executive Function in Graduate Students

Introduction

Graduate students experience normal or above average feelings of stress (Goyer et al., 2022). Increased stress can have negative effects on executive function (Nesbitt et al., 2021). Organization, emotional control, planning and prioritizing are skills that fall under executive function (Hill Center, 2019). This study focused on the impact that stress has on a student’s executive functioning skills.

Methods

Students were recruited to participate via convenience sampling through flyers and emails. 36 students met the criteria and were interested. Data was collected using both the Executive Skills Questionnaire Revised (ESQR) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Results

A one-way ANOVA found

● Gender had a significant effect on the scores on the PSS (F(18,16) = 3.048, p = .015); however, there were only four males in this study.

● The ESQR total score was significantly effected by plan management (p<.001) and time management (p<.004). Pearson’s Kendall’s tau b Correlations found:

● High correlations between the subtests for the ESQR and the ESQR total score.

● Significant correlations between the PSS and the ESQR were found (r = .495, p = .003 )

○ The higher the scores on the PSS (high levels of stress), the lower the scores on the ESQR (poor executive function.)

● A correlation was also noted between the ESQR total and the graduate program (b = .327).

Limitations

Some limitations to this study were the sample size and the ratio of male to female participants. Additional research should be conducted with a larger, more diverse sample size to ascertain whether these findings are applicable to members of the general public.

Title: The Correlation Between Stress and Executive Function in Graduate Students

Heidi Curtis, OTDS

Aneeka Murjany, OTDS

Chelsea Reji, OTDS

Faculty Advisor: Bonnie Decker, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Conclusion

We found a correlation between stress and two categories of executive functioning: time management and plan management. Therefore, as a person experiences an increase in stress it will result in a decline of their ability to effectively plan ahead and manage their time.

Implications to OT

The results showed correlations between to a students perceived stress levels and their executive functioning skills. Further research can be conducted to determine specific stress interventions and their effect on executive functioning skills.

References

Abstract: This correlational research focused on the impact that stress has on a student’s executive functioning skills. We hypothesized that as a student’s stress increases, they will begin to display dysfunction in their executive skills. A total of 36 graduate students from different allied health programs participated. Data was collected using both the Perceived Stress Scale and the Executive Skills Questionnaire using Google forms. Descriptive and Kendall’s tau-b, Spearman’s rho, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics examined the relationships between variables. This poster will highlight the results of the study and the implications for occupational therapy.

Presenter(s): Heidi Curtis, Aneeka Murjany, Chelsea Reji

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Introduction

Problem solving skills are used within everyday life and are required to be a successful student.4, 15 Physiological stress responses cause an inability to problem-solve effectively.14

First year students experience high volumes of stress, potentially impacting their ability to problem solve.8

Mindfulness meditation techniques have been shown to be successful in decreasing levels of perceived stress.2, 3, 8, 10

Studies have also shown a link between mindfulness techniques and increased problem-solving skills.6, 9, 12, 18

Purpose

To examine the effects of guided mindfulness meditation on problem-solving abilities in first year graduate students.

Methods

Participants:

● 2 first-year graduate students (gender = female; age = 21 years; program = SLP and OT)

Assessments:

● ACLS (problem-solving abilities)1

● PSS (perceived stress levels)5

○ Pre and post assessments conducted

Intervention:

● Two-weeks long

● 10-minute daily guided mindfulness meditation video via a YouTube link

Meditation on Problem-Solving Abilities in First Year Graduate Students: A Pilot Study

Judi-Ann Adman, OTDS Ajla Balic, OTDS Taylor Cycenas, OTDS

Faculty Advisor: Bonnie

Decker EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Results Discussion

Total time to complete each problem solving task decreased from pre to post tests for both participants in all three stitching tasks, suggesting that guided mindfulness meditation may improve problem-solving abilities in first year graduate students.

Perceived stress levels also appeared to decrease following the two-week long intervention, suggesting that guided mindfulness meditation may decrease levels of stress in first year graduate students.

Conclusion

Engaging in daily guided mindfulness meditation may lead to decreased perceived stress levels and increased problem solving abilities in first year graduate students.

There was a 28.57%

Future Research

Future research should be done using an experimental, pretest posttest control group design; more participants; an RTC; both females and males; and doing the intervention for a month long.

References

Title: The Effects of Guided Mindfulness Meditation on Problem-Solving Abilities in First Year Graduate Students: A Pilot Study

Abstract: This study examined the effects of using guided mindfulness meditation to improve problem-solving abilities in two first year graduate students. We hypothesized that mindfulness techniques would improve problem solving abilities. Subjects included first-year graduate students 18 years and older from Gannon University. The intervention was a daily 10-minute guided mindfulness meditation video for 30 days. The outcomes measures were problem solving abilities and perceived stress levels. Descriptive statistics and graphs examine the pre and post test differences. This poster highlights the results and discusses implications for programs that admit first year graduate students.

Presenter(s): Taylor Cycenas, Ajla Balic, Judi-Ann Adman

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Figure 1: Pre and post PSS scores for both subjects.

decrease for subject #1 and a 9.09% decrease for subject #2 from pre to post scores.

Figure 2: Pre and post ACLS running stitch times (in seconds) for both subjects. There was a 35.55% decrease for subject #1 and a 25.35% decrease for subject #2 from pre to post scores.

Figure 3: Pre and post ACLS whipstitch times (in seconds) for both subjects. There was a 12.61% decrease for subject #1 and a 39.34% decrease for subject #2 from pre to post scores.

Figure 4: Pre and post ACLS cordovan stitch times (in seconds) for both subjects. There was a 35.92% decrease for subject #1 and a 14.21% decrease for subject #2 from pre to post scores.

Introduction/Background

• Leisure activities are valuable occupations important for an individual’s overall health and well-being. 1

• Social and contextual factors changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the way individuals perform their daily occupations. 7

• This study aims to identify if leisure activities have changed for college students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

• Qualitative phenomenology design

• Inclusion Criteria: Full time college students, ages 18 to 35, and must have been enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in 2019, 2020, and currently.

• Purposive and snowball sampling

• Short-answer survey e-mailed to participants

Leisure Participation in College Students

During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Data Analysis

• Differences in leisure activities occurring based on the participants age and cohabitation status.

• Identification of themes.

• No difference in leisure activities occurred based on age or gender. Results

• Themes: passive and active leisure activities

• Sub-Themes: social and solitary leisure activities.

• Both passive social and active social activities decreased from 2019 to 2020 and have increased for all participants since.

• Active solitary activities amongst all participants increased from 2019 to 2020 and have since decreased.

• Passive solitary activities amongst all participants increased from 2019 to 2020 and have been maintained since.

• 20 participants reported that their leisure activities had changed since 2019 and 9 reported that they had not.

• 11 of the participants that reported a change in leisure activities perceived this change as negative while 7 reported a positive change and 2 were neutral.

Title: Leisure Participation in College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Alicia Eichmann

Caroline Gates

Lauren Key Madelyn Wengyn

Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

• OT’s can assist college students by addressing mental health and leisure participation that may have been impacted during this time.

• OT’s can better help college students identify and participate in new leisure activities that can improve their overall well-being.

Conclusion

• Leisure activities did change for college students from 2019 to 2020 and currently in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Further research is needed to support these findings to ensure that they are accurate and can be generalized to the rest of this population.

References

Abstract: This qualitative study describes how leisure activities changed for college students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 29 participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. They responded to written questions via a Google Forms survey. Questions included demographic information and how their leisure activities changed during 2019, 2020, and currently. Trustworthiness was completed by member checking, using thick descriptions, and an audit trail. Two themes were identified: passive and active leisure activities, with two sub-themes including social and solitary leisure activities. This poster will highlight the results of this study and address implications for allied health professionals.

Presenter(s): Alicia Eichmann, Lauren Key, Caroline Gates, Madelyn Wengyn

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Animal-assisted interventions influence anxiety: A Systematic Review

Methods

Introduction:

• Occupational therapists facilitate participation in daily occupations and can utilize evidence-based practice to choose interventions

• Animal-assisted therapy is seen as a modality to facilitate the rehabilitation process

• Can be used with a wide array of patients of any ages with acute or chronic diseases

• Uses animals to help facilitate therapy and rehabilitate the client

Search Terms:

• Animal-assisted therapy

• Animal-assisted intervention

• Occupational therapy

• Experimental design

• Anxiety

Data Bases:

• CINAHL

• EBSCOHost

• Nash Library

• Pub Med

• Google Scholar

Inclusion Criteria:

g

• Include animal assisted therapy intervention

• Written in English

• Measured anxiety

Levels of Evidence: a

• Level I = 10 articles (43.5%)

• Level II = 7 articles (30.4%)

• Level III = 6 articles (26.1%)

Assessments used:

a

• The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

• Perceived Stress Scale

• Face Anxiety

• State Anxiety Inventory for Children

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Iten Scale

• Social Anxiety Scale for Children Revised Version

• Spence Children Anxiety Scale

Maie Grisham, OTD-S

Margaret Logan, OTD-S

Khayilla Louissaint, OTD-S

Teanna Parisio, OTD-S

Faculty Advisor: Bonnie Decker, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Results:

• 1,458 articles found

• 23 articles used

• 3 main themes identified

• Use of certified therapy dogs

• Use of dogs without certification

• Use on non-canine

Discussion:

•Evidence supports

• Use of AAT to improve anxiety

•Future Research

• Standardized assessments

• Anxiety, Stress, Depression

• OT focus

References:

https://www.freepik.com/

Title: Animal - Assisted Interventions Influence Anxiety: A Systematic Review

Abstract: This systematic review analyzed the influence of animal-assisted interventions on anxiety. Occupational therapists can use animal-assisted interventions to facilitate the rehabilitation process with an array of clients of any age with acute or chronic diseases. Article eligibility included use of animals as an intervention, anxiety as a measured outcome, written in English, and full-text availability. This review included 23 articles. Evidence supports the use of animal-assisted interventions to decrease anxiety. More randomized controlled trials with increased numbers of subjects are needed to validate the use of animal-assisted interventions in OT.

Presenter(s): Maie Grisham, Margaret Logan, Khayilla Louissaint, Teanna Parisio

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Introduction

● This systematic review aims to investigate the effectiveness of art therapy on behaviors and symptoms in children with disabilities.

● Art therapy is a term that includes the use of multiple creative techniques as a form of intervention.

● Within occupational therapy, various settings and populations can benefit from art therapy.

Methods

● Inclusion criteria: Individuals with physical/mental disabilities, children under the age of 18, interventions must include visual art (painting, collage, drawing, sculptures, etc).

● Exclusion criteria: Any article prior to 2012

● Search terms: Art therapy, autism, autism spectrum disorder, children and disabilities, occupational therapy

● Databases: CINHAL, ERIC, EPSCO, Google Scholar, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, SJESR, and MDPI

The Effect of Art Therapy Interventions

on Children with Disabilities

Results

Out of the original 3,955 articles found, 20 were used in this systematic review. Two of the biggest themes identified are painting therapy and formal intervention.

Outcome Measures

Over 30 unique assessment tool were used to measure fine motor skills and psychological aspects including; anger, attitude, behavior, aggression, etc. Some measures used more than once were the CSI-4, The Draw-a-Person Test, the ADHD-T, and the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale.

Discussion

● Moderate level of evidence was found to support the use of art therapy as a therapeutic intervention in children with disabilities.

● Further research can include various aspects of art therapy such as music, dance, sculpting, and digital art.

Conclusion

● Due to the lack of consistency, it is difficult to make accurate comparisons

● Art therapy could be effective for a wide variety of populations and diagnoses.

● Adaptations specific to the populations could potentially reveal improve results.

● Further research should be conducted.

References

VerywellMind, 2023

Title: The Effect of Art Therapy Interventions on Children with Disabilities

Faculty Advisor: Bonnie Decker, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Abstract: This systematic review investigated the efficacy of art therapy on the behaviors and symptoms of children from 4 to 18 with physical or mental disabilities. Articles were included if they were in English, had full text, and were completed since 2012; 20 articles were included. Art therapy interventions included painting, collages, drawings, or sculptures. Outcomes focusing on improvements in anxiety, depression, mood, behaviors, and symptom management were primarily significant and favorable. However, stronger research designs are needed. Specific adaptations based on the subject’s diagnoses may improve results. Further research should be conducted.

Presenter(s): Danairi Malave, Aneeka Murjany, Braedon St. Clair, Ajla Balic

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Braedon St. Clair, OT-S Danairi Malave, OT-S Aneeka Murjany, OT-S Ajla Bilac, OT-S

PICO Question

• What is the effect of compression therapy on the quality of life in individuals living with upper extremity lymphedema?

Introduction

• This systematic review aims to understand the effect of compression therapy on quality of life (QoL) in those with upper extremity lymphedema.

• Occupational therapists commonly use compression therapy when treating clients with lymphedema.

• There is limited research discussing how this treatment option may impact the QoL of clients diagnosed with lymphedema.

Methods

• Inclusion criteria: Upper extremity lymphedema, compression therapy, QoL measure

• Exclusion Criteria: Pneumatic compression

• Search Terms: Lymphedema, compression therapy, compression garments, compression bandaging, and QoL

• Databases: Google Scholar, One Search, CINAHL Complete, OpenAIRE, and PubMed

Effect of Compression Therapy on Quality of Life

in Individuals With Upper Extremity Lymphedema: A Systematic Review

Results

Demographics

Articles Identified: 7,310 Gender: Women (only 1 study included men)

Articles Included: 20

Diagnosis: Breast Cancer

Age: 40 - 50 years old

Outcome Measures

The following outcome measures were used to assess QoL:

• European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life

• European Organization for Research and Treatment-QoL questionnaire and breast cancer-specific module

• Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast

• Quality of Life Instrument

• Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire

• Lymphedema Functioning, Disability, and Health Questionnaire

• Lymphedema Quality of Life Inventory 9

• Short Form-36

• Dartmouth Primary Care Cooperative Informative Project

Monica Farag, OTDS

Lauren Key, OTDS

Katie McKibbin, OTDS

Riley Mintrone, OTDS

Discussion

• Differences in treatment protocols despite similar assessments

• Higher level studies focused on compression garments had different findings

• None of the studies found that compression therapy negatively impacted QoL

Conclusion

• Compression therapy may positively impact QoL

• Important for OTs to understand when deciding on client treatment

• Further research is needed

References

Title: Effect of Compression Therapy on Quality of Life in Individuals With Upper Extremity Lymphedema: A Systematic Review

Abstract: This systematic review focuses on the effect of compression therapy on quality of life in people with upper extremity lymphedema. Articles were included if subjects had upper extremity lymphedema, received compression therapy as an intervention, and outcomes included quality of life. Using 5 databases, 20 articles were identified that were published in English in peer-reviewed journals since 2006. Articles were excluded if only pneumatic compression treatment was used. Findings suggest that compression therapy may have a positive impact on quality of life, but further research is needed to rule out other potential factors.

Presenter(s): Riley Mintrone, Lauren Key, Katie McKibbin

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

What impact does graduate school have on the life of full-time students aged 20-35?

Riley Mintrone, OTDS Carly Palkovich, OTDS Teanna Parisio, OTDS Braedon St. Clair, OTDS

Introduction

• Enrollment in a full-time graduate program has a significant impact on student lives.

• Previous studies have analyzed the association between stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, and quality of life (QoL) in students.

Methods

• Correlational design

• Inclusion criteria: full time graduate student

• Exclusion criteria: diagnosed mental health condition

• An assessment was distributed via email. Measures included:

• Demographics

• The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

• Abbreviated World Health Organization's Quality of Life Measure (WHOQOL-Bref)

• The Role Checklist

• 39 participants completed all measures

Results

• A correlation between The Role Checklist and the PSS demonstrated significant results including home maintainer (- .434**), friend ( - .412**), and family member (- .4*).

• There is a significant correlation between the role of friend and QoL (0.436**).

• Results indicate that increased stress due to roles can negatively impact QoL in students.

Discussion

• Results support previous findings

• Marital and homeowner status may influence the correlation between the PSS and QoL

• Limitations: relatively small sample size

• Findings demonstrate importance of roles influencing stress and QoL in graduate students.

• Roles are included in performance patterns in the OT framework and are crucial for OTs to understand the impact of roles on their clients

• Future research should address a wider population for generalizable results.

References

Title: Impact Graduate School Has on the Lives of Students

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact graduate school has on the life of graduate students. Participants included full-time graduate students aged 20-35 attending in-person classes. They could not be diagnosed with a mental health condition. Outcome measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Abbreviated World Health Organization’s Quality of Life measure (QoL), and the Role Checklist (RC). Descriptive and correlation statistics examined the relationships between variables, and a one-way ANOVA examined if there were differences between age and program on the PSS, Qol, or RC. This poster will focus on the results of this study.

Presenter(s): Carly Palkovich, Teanna Parisio, Riley Mintrone, Braedon St. Clair

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality on Upper Extremity Motor Performance in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Introduction/Background

• Virtual reality (VR) is defined as, “synthetic environments consisting solely of computer-generated virtual objects.9”

• VR can be used as an intervention for a variety of conditions and deficits including stroke, Parkinson's, musculoskeletal disorders, etc.

• This review seeks to find the impact VR has on improving upper extremity (UE) motor performance and function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

• Inclusion Criteria: Children 21 or younger, CP diagnosis, VR as an intervention method, and measures of UE performance.

• Exclusion criteria: Published in languages other than English

• Sources included EBSCOhost, PubMed, CloudSource, CINAHL, Nash Library, Google Scholar (articles from 2006-2021)

Results

• 21 full-text articles identified and assessed (16 RCTs)

• 9 Level 1B, 8 Level 2B, 6 Level 3B

• Moderate to strong evidence for improving UE function and fine motor skills.

Findings

• Upper extremity and hand function5, 7, 10, 11, 19, 22, 25, 26, 27, 35, 36

• Fine motor improvement6,11,15,17,24,25,36

• Functional mobility7,19,30,31

• Occupational performance3,6,15,23,26,27,35

• Gross motor improvement3,6,15,23,26,30,31,35

• Intrinsic factors3,6,15,23,26,27,35

• Caregivers’ perceptions5,6

• Visual perceptual skills1

Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

• To achieve the best outcomes, VR should be implemented for at least 360 minutes over the course of 3 weeks or more.

• Occupational therapists should consider recommending home-based VR to enhance the child's quantity and quality of UE movement outside of the clinic

Juliana Bell, OTD-S

Alicia Eichmann, OTD-S

Carly Palkovich, OTD-S

Chelsea Reji, OTD-S

Faculty Advisor: Bonnie Decker, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

VR Interventions

• Includes different levels of immersion for VR

• Nintendo WiiTM Sports Resort, Wii Fit, Move it to improve it, Kinect-based XBOX, PlayStation EyeToy, home-based rehabilitation, computer-assisted VR.

Conclusion

• The literature supports the use of VR as an intervention for children with CP to improve UE motor performance and skill.

• A greater number of RCTs with larger sample sizes, similar outcome measures and intervention frequencies, are needed to suggest the most effective type of VR for clinical occupational therapy use.

References

Title: Effectiveness of Virtual Reality on Upper Extremity Motor Performance in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Abstract: This review seeks to understand if virtual reality (VR) is effective in improving upper extremity motor performance (UEMP) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-one studies were included from five databases from 2006-2021. Studies included children 4-20 that have CP, VR intervention, and measured UEMP. The results showed that VR improved upper extremity function and fine motor skills when used for a minimum of 360 minutes for 3 weeks. Additional findings included improvements in gross motor function, functional mobility, occupational performance, and intrinsic factors. Further studies are needed to support VR effectiveness in occupational therapy.

Presenter(s): Chelsea Reji, Carly Palkovich, Juliana Bell, Alicia Eichmann

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

(Peters, 2009) (Disability Insider, 2020)

Introduction

Over the last decade, the role and number of Speech Language Pathologists working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has grown dramatically.

Multidisciplinary NICU teams need to implement consistent, collaborative care and role delineation for all involved professionals

Medically complex infants in the NICU often require care from a large variety of professionals of different subspecialties

Service delivery varies considerably from hospital to hospital.

With the role and processes of incorporating each team member varying so drastically between units, it can be difficult to provide cohesive care and collaboration amongst the multidisciplinary team in the NICU.

This is a critical issue within the field of speech language pathology, and neonatal care in general, because the consistent collaborative care plans have a direct impact on the patient’s ability to thrive as well as the overall success of NICU.

Methods

• Over 600 infants spread across more than 40 different hospitals in the United States.

45 speech language pathologists were directly surveyed in addition to the speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other members of the NICU teams that took part in the studies conducted within the 40 aforementioned hospitals.

• Researchers implemented collaborative developmental care projects and recorded qualitative and quantitative data from staff, caregivers, and patients throughout and after implementation.

Data was collected through electronic medical records as well as various surveys completed by caregivers and team members.

Data from the various research studies was then combined and analyzed.

Evidence of reduction of NICU costs due to increase of collaborative work model

Average daily cost per NICU patient: $3,000

With a 3 day decrease in length of stay, this could save: $9,000 per NICU patient

In a NICU setting caring for 50 infants a year on average, hospitals could save ~$450,000 annually

The Importance of Collaboration, Continuity of Care, and Role Delineation in the NICU

Lainee Rettke B.S. Kalin Mezey B.S.

Dr. Rita Lenhardt, CCC-SLP

Variability For the Speech Language Pathologist In the NICU

The Speech Language Pathologist, although an extremely important team member in the NICU, is often the team member with the least consistent role and implementation across hospitals. This inconsistency can be seen in how the SLP begins their career in the NICU (CHART 1), what their role looks like (CHART 3 & CHART 6), how they implement their role (CHART 4), and arguably the most important aspect when and how they are introduced to the infant's case (CHART 2 & CHART 5).

The research shows a statistically significant increase in the infant’s ability to self-regulate when speech therapy is introduced at an earlier postmenstrual age. In addition, it also showed introducing the SLP at a later post-menstrual age led to a statistically significant increase in higher stress levels. This direct impact on the infant's selfregulation and stress levels are one of the strongest supports in the argument for a more consistent implementation of SLP care across NICUs.

Results

• The results of the research studies strongly support the collaborative multidisciplinary approach including all neonatal therapists as members of the multidisciplinary team. After implementation of these collaborative developmental care projects, NICUs across the United States saw decreases in length of stay, readmissions, line days, and complications such as intra-ventricular hemorrhages.

Implementation of these collaborative developmental care plans increased skin-to-skin sessions as well as 2-person caregiving.

The overall results of this research clearly indicate the team dynamic, and continuity of care have a direct impact on the outcome of the infant’s ability to thrive and eventually discharge from the unit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to create a more collaborative, consistent and cohesive plan of care for these medically complex infants.

Education amongst professionals to understand the role and importance of each team member creates a more cohesive setting in which medically complex infants get the best overall care.

If each team member is brought on from the start and respect each other's roles, they can work together more seamlessly as it is clear this collaboration is crucial in the health of NICU patients and their families.

Title: The Importance of Collaboration, Continuity of Care, and Role Delineation in the NICU

Abstract: Implementation of a consistent collaborative plan of care, including role delineation, is essential for the benefit of the preterm infant and their timely discharge from the NICU. This literature review assessed the length of stay, readmission rate, and other measures of health for preterm infants as well as the involvement of speech language pathologists (SLPs) on the NICU team. The SLP is often the team member with the least consistent role implementation across hospitals despite evidence showing their positive impact on the infant’s health. Research shows that NICU teams need to implement consistent, collaborative care, that includes SLPs.

Presenter(s): Lainee Rettke, Kalin Mezey

Sponsoring Department: Speech Language Pathology

Project Mentor: Rita Lenhardt

▪Is there evidence to prove VSM is effective?

▪Is VSM a valid intervention for the school age ASD population?

▪Why is there limited research about VSM?

▪VSM is evaluated for possible positive effects on children with ASD in assistance of functional behavior.

▪Clinical judgement must be made for each individual to correlate what presentation of VSM will be most beneficial.

▪Research is unable to fully verify if VSM training would generalize to an educational setting regarding proactive speech and language treatment.

▪Academic Search Ultimate, CNHAL

▪Single-subject or multiple-subject with a multiple-probe design.

▪Participants: n=9

▪Search Criteria

▪Children with autism spectrum disorder

▪Video-Self Modeling

▪School-aged children with ASD

▪Functional behaviors

▪ Three studies were reviewed including children diagnosed with ASD and under the age of 18 (n=9)

Video Self -Modeling and School-Age Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Video-self modeling (VSM) is a treatment method used to improve social communication skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). VSM intervention includes an individual recording themselves complete specific steps of a task, then providing the video to the learner as a model to complete the desired functional goal.

• The effectiveness of VSM in the treatment of social communication skills in school aged children with ASD is reviewed in this poster.

• The research questions are crucial regarding speech and language treatment.

Nicole Sbatella, B.A.

Haley Baker, B.S.

Ashley

Garlitz, B.S.

Alexus Rivera, B.A.

Rita Lenhardt, D.H.Sc., CCC-SLP

▪Non-representational, small sample sizes.

▪Variability between the participants communicative abilities

▪VSM was not generalized to other environments

▪ Limited amount of intervention sessions per week over studies duration.

• Collection of more frequent data on the participants

▪Include more participants of diverse backgrounds.

▪Apply VSM to teach a variety of educational skills and social pragmatic functions.

▪Use of VSM intervention was shown to improve functional skills in children diagnosed with ASD.

▪The data for maintenance of these skills post intervention are listed in the results section.

Discussion of Research Questions:

▪In the studies reviewed, the treatment phase lasted for 5 -8 weeks (Chart 1 & 2).

▪Maintenance checks were conducted 3 months post intervention.

▪Positive productivity throughout the study is not always mirrored by positive maintenance results, as reflected in chart 1.

CHART 1

Title: Video Self-Modeling and School-Age Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

▪Evidence-based practice needs to be further researched to conclude an adequate form.

▪Further research is needed to conclude the validity of VSM intervention technique to individuals with ASD.

▪The availability of limited research studies could be attributed to the time consuming and maintenance procedures of VSM interventions.

Abstract: Video self-modeling (VSM) is an intervention technique that promotes age-appropriate pragmatic skills based on a videorecorded model of the individual. In this review of literature, VSM is analyzed to evaluate its effectiveness in assisting positive pragmatic modifications for school-age children with autism spectrum disorder. Results of the technique’s overall positive behavioral effect are mixed. However, there is evidence of its successful application for individuals with a specified profile, such as having the ability to verbally express emotional state. Further research is recommended to verify that VSM intervention techniques are a valuable form of treatment of social communication skills.

Presenter(s): Alexus Rivera, Haley Baker, Nicole Sbatella, Ashley Garlitz

Sponsoring Department: Speech Language Pathology

Project Mentor: Rita Lenhardt

Virtual Reality-Based Intervention to Improve Social Skills in School-Aged Children with

Introduction

• School-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have deficits in communication, specifically in pragmatics, also known as the social aspect of language.

• While traditional therapy methods have been shown to improve social skills in individuals with ASD, some studies report that the implementation of virtual reality (VR) can also enhance these skills.

• In this literature review, seven articles were assessed that related to the application of VR to improve collaboration, social communication, social anxiety, emotional regulation, and inflexibility to changes among schoolaged children with ASD.

Number of Participants in the Studies and Diagnoses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (299)

Intellectual Disability (2)

Typically Developed (33)

(Leatham, 2018)

Methods

• Pre-tests of communication skills and post-tests of their progress were provided for many of the children in the studies while others completed different tasks during sessions of VR intervention without the completion of pre-tests or post-tests.

• Pre-tests were used during the conduction of some of the studies to assess their prior communication skills and post-tests provided information on how effective the VR intervention was on assisting children with autism spectrum disorder.

• After each session, the researchers asked the children questions to gain information about their experiences, feelings, awareness, and understanding.

• The therapy sessions ranged from 515 weeks.

Results

Percentage of Improvement from Pre-Test to Post-Test

Discussion

• This literature review aimed to evaluate whether virtual reality could be used as an intervention tool to improve the social skills in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder.

• Significant improvements were found in the following areas: social and emotional reciprocity, nonverbal and verbal communication, and turn-taking

• The majority of participants reportedly enjoyed the experience of using VR.

• Further research is needed to determine the most beneficial type of virtual reality (e.g., collaborative virtual reality vs. immersive virtual reality) for intervention along with larger sample sizes.

Limitations

• Implementation of VR can be costly

• Participants may be deterred due to experiencing motion sickness.

• Personalization of some VR software, such as immersive virtual reality, is limited due to its programming.

• With all seven studies combined, it was found there was a 15.07% improvement in social and emotional reciprocity and a 41.02% improvement globally.

References:

Title: Virtual Reality-Based Intervention to Improve Social Skills in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract: School-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have deficits in communication, specifically in pragmatics, also known as the social aspect of language. While traditional therapy methods have been shown to improve social skills in individuals with ASD, some studies report that the implementation of virtual reality can also enhance these skills. This literature review assessed the application of virtual reality to improve collaboration, social communication, social anxiety, emotional regulation, and inflexibility to changes among school-aged children with ASD. Across all studies, social skills significantly improved among individuals. Continued investigation is needed prior to the mainstream implementation of the technique.

Presenter(s): Lucy Sanders, Alex Dorn, Abby Harcombe, Malina Thomakos

Sponsoring Department: Speech Language Pathology

Project Mentor: Rita Lenhardt

Introduction

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of horticultural therapy on the quality of life in individuals with cancer.

Methods

Four databases identified 11 relevant articles: 9 included adults, 1 included only children, and 1 included both. Each article focused on two aspects of quality of life:

○ Psychosocial: physical, economic, social, mental, emotional, cultural, and spiritual factors

○ Physical: physical activity, biometric data (cortisol levels) nutritional consumption, anthropometric data, physical performance, and perceptions of discomfort and weariness.

The Effect of Horticultural Therapy on Quality of Life of People With Cancer: A Systematic Review

Results

Quality of Life as it relates to Psychosocial Health

○ Significant improvements in reassurance of worth and social support, 8 functional well-being,14 spiritual well-being,14 tension/anxiety,14 confusion,14 problematic behaviors,6 social immaturity scores,6 and attention problems 6

○ No improvements in mental health as it relates to QoL, 3,4 but one found improvements in social functioning.4

○ Positive feelings about the program’s impact on their quality of life 4 , and positive improvements in anxiety, stress, and feelings of a clear mind 5 , increases in feelings of connectedness, inner being, and stewardship. 21

○ 60% of participant's improvement in pain and anxiety diagnosis 3 , Quality of Life as it relates to Physical Health

○ 60% of participant's improvement in pain and anxiety diagnosis 3 ,

○ Functional physical performance improvements ,4

○ Assessments measuring fatigue and energy during horticultural therapy resulted in decreased vitality scale scores in two level 3B articles. 13,14

Kendra Schalow, OTDS Megan Townsend, OTDS

Discussion

This review supports the idea that engaging in horticultural therapy may lead towards trends of improvement in many aspects of health that impact the overall QoL of patients with cancer. Positive results were seen with psychosocial and physical health components of QoL but there is not enough evidence to support improvements in overall QoL for these individuals following this intervention. A limitation to this review include a lack of high-level research available on horticultural therapy as an intervention for cancer patients.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists can determine if this intervention would be a good fit for their clients with cancer when addressing health related QoL. Benefits of participating in horticultural therapy as an OT intervention may depend on the individual, severity of the diagnosis, interest in the activity of gardening, access, and other personal or contextual factors.

Title: The Effect of Horticultural Therapy on Quality of Life of People With Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of horticultural therapy on the quality of life in individuals with cancer. Four databases identified 11 relevant articles. Inclusion criteria were adults with cancer or cancer survivors, interventions involving nature-based therapy, horticultural therapy, garden therapy, and outcome measures regarding quality of life. The themes that emerged were quality of life’s impact on both physical and psychosocial health. This review supports the idea that horticultural therapy may improve many aspects of health that impact the overall quality of life of patients with cancer.

Presenter(s): Megan Townsend, Kendra Schalow, Taylor Cycenas

Sponsoring Department: Occupational Therapy

Project Mentor: Bonnie Decker

Reference

Faculty Advisor: Bonnie Decker, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Taylor Cycenas, OTDS