-
Host-based CD-ROM Data Recovery
Danial Ahari
The compact disc, an optical disc storage medium that has been in day-to-day use since at least the mid-1980s, is typically very resistant to damage and corruption via its use of error correcting codes. However, in the case of severely damaged or degraded discs, its robust on-disc systems for detecting and correcting errors can reach the limits of their usefulness. This study considers these error correcting codes and examines (1) the error correcting ability of these algorithms as they are typically utilized (i.e., as a built-in feature of the optical drive) and (2) the error correcting ability of these algorithms when they are bypassed within the drive and instead performed on the host computer. To compare these approaches, two disc images were produced, with one disc image produced by allowing the optical drive to perform error correction itself and the second disc image produced by bypassing the drive's error correction capabilities and performing error correction (as described in ECMA-130) on the host computer. These disc images were then compared using a front end built on top of an open source host-based system for analyzing the error detection and correction codes in a disc image. Using this system, the number of errors found in the two types of images were directly compared. The results of this comparison are mixed, but they do show likely promise for future research on the topic.
2023 -
Fracture and Deformation of Materials Under Extreme Conditions
Andrew Baumgardner
The shear strength of anisotropic materials under high rate loading is a difficult property to measure. The goal of this project was to use finite element analysis and experimental testing to design a new high rate shear test method for fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs). A better understanding of deformation of FRCs at high rate can improve the crashworthiness and resilience of aerospace structures and automobiles. This project involved iterating designs of a fixture to be used in a tension scenario in a load frame and in a Split-Hopkinson Bar to subject an FRC specimen to as pure shear as possible. This process involved simulation to verify the concept followed by machining iteration and testing. Digital Image Correlation systems were used to analyze the deformation and corroborated by physical measurements from the test hardware. Future use of this fixture and test approach can be used to improve simulation models of fiber-reinforced composites.
2023 -
Microfluidic Synthesis of Liposomes for Antigen Presentation in Cell Culture
Anna Bell
Liposomes are vesicles composed of phospholipids forming a spherical bilayer in an aqueous environment. Liposome membranes are flexible, which makes them a great platform to mimic the physiological plasma membranes of immune cells. While there are many alternative methods to synthesize liposomes, the recent progress in using microfluidics for the synthesis of liposomes enabled better control over the parameters that affect the resulting liposome properties, such as size and polydispersity (PDI). Here we investigated how the two main parameters, the total flow rate (TFR) and the flow rate ratio (FRR), affect the formation of liposomes in two different microfluidic chip designs. Results demonstrated that at a low FRR range (below 15), FRR had an inverse relationship with Z-average. However, as the FRR increased over 15, the Z-average also increased. We also observed that there is a threshold in FRR above which the hydrodynamic focusing is no longer stable, causing uneven mixing of the lipid components and PBS. The PDI increased as FRR increased, regardless of the two tested flow rates or chip designs. These results suggest that maintaining a lower FRR would be most beneficial to synthesize liposomes with uniform sizes below 200 nm in Z-average, which would work best as a model platform to present antigens to immune cells in cell culture.
2023 -
Deep Dive Into Animation: Creating an Original Animated Short
Aislinn Boggan
The goal of this project is to create an original animated short film and tell an action-packed, atmospheric, and simple original story through the medium of animation. Inspired by both my love for mermaid stories and the mysteries of the deep ocean, the film, which I titled “Thalassophobia” follows the adventures of a mermaid character and her struggles with loneliness, connection, and fear of the unknown set in a mysterious fantasy version of the deep ocean. Developed primarily using 2D animation, digital illustration, video editing software, and other tools provided by the fine arts department in Wilson Hall, the film was developed from an original story and script to storyboard, rough animation, and fully colored final film using original backgrounds and characters.
2023 -
Achieving Voxel Rendering Effects using World-Class CPUs
Ian Bohanan
“Marching Cubes” is a technique to find the surface of a digital object. However, it is slow because it visits each point in the object one by one. We reduced the problem by combining the Marching Cubes technique with Agner Fog’s Vector Class Library to exploit advanced vector processing capabilities of the CPU to calculate the surface of multiple cubes at once.
2023 -
Diet-Mediated Heart Disease Risk via the Gut Microbiome
Emily Bolton
Background: Recent advances in microbiome research suggest the gut microbiome has a role to play in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Though the American Heart Association (AHA) has broad dietary recommendations to prevent CAD, the role of the gut microbiome is not considered. The aim of this study is to examine existing literature on the role of probiotics (fermented dairy), prebiotics (high-fiber foods), and processed foods (NOVA groups 3 and 4) on markers of atherosclerosis via the gut microbiome. Methods: A search was conducted for human intervention studies using PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase. Twenty-two articles met eligibility and were included in this review. Results: Probiotic ingestion decreased low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol and increased short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, especially butyrate. Prebiotic ingestion had no effect on inflammatory markers, and effects on SCFAs and blood lipids were variable. The best outcomes were seen with almonds, walnuts, whole apples, resistant starch, and multi-fiber bread. Processed foods tended to exhibit pro-inflammatory, pro-cholesterol, and anti-SCFA effects, especially when fiber was artificially removed. Non-nutritive sweeteners did not alter any markers, while refined grains increased CRP, Il-6, and IL-1β. Some even recorded a decrease in SCFAs and an increase in blood lipids from baseline. No trial was powered to detect significance at the metagenomic level, but trends between bacterial species and SCFAs, CRP, Il-6, and blood lipids were seen throughout the literature. Conclusion: Findings suggest that probiotic, prebiotic, and processed foods may play an important role in the development of CAD via the gut microbiome. Interindividual variation across the prebiotic literature suggests that AHA guidelines on fiber may be overstated, and diet education for CAD prevention may benefit from the inclusion of a microbiome context. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between microbiota and atherogenesis in human subjects.
2023 -
MAPK Activation in Pancreatic Ductal Cells Expressing Wild-type CFTR
Kaitlin Bryce
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a lung disease caused by a genetic mutation in the human gene cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator (CFTR), and those affected by CF are often also affected by CF related diabetes. The goal of this project was to investigate mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation in human pancreatic duct epithelial (H6C7) cells in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. H6C7 cells were grown in media supplemented with EGF and bovine pituitary extract. Cells were incubated with 25 ng/ml human EGF for the times 0, 5 and 20 minutes. Cell extracts were analyzed by western blotting using CFTR, phospho-p38 MAPK, and phospho-ERK1/2 antibodies. The western blots were quantified using Image Lab software and the data was statistically analyzed using Graphpad Prism 9. The results showed that H6C7 cells expressed a nonsignificant decrease in CFTR activation following stimulation. There was a significant increase in phospho-p38 MAPK activation, which peaked at 20 minutes. The results also showed phospho-ERK1/2 activation was rapid following EGF stimulation, however, it dramatically reduced after 20 minutes and was not statistically significant. The significance of the p38 MAPK results may prove useful in further research, however more research is needed to fully investigate the effect of EGF stimulation on CFTR expression and MAPK activation in H6C7 cells.
2023 -
Calibrated Thrust Measurement for Rotating Detonation Engines
McClellan Buckhalter
Propulsion Research Center: APECSLab The Propulsion Research Center (JRC) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) houses state-of-the-art laboratories that includes a propulsion test stand, vacuum chamber facility, electric propulsion laboratory, gaseous cold flow injection testbed, and the high-pressure solid energetics facility. Within the past year, the PRC has welcomed a new laboratory, the Advanced Propulsion, Energy, and Combustion Science laboratory (APECSLab) under the guidance of Professor John Bennewitz. Under Prof. Bennewitz, one of the focuses of the APECSLab is the design and testing of small-scale Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines (RDREs) for in-space applications. Project Problem The thrust stand currently housed in the APECSLab facility was originally designed to test rockets with thrust levels approaching 500 lbf. However, the small-scale RDRE is designed to produce thrust ranging from 1-25 lbf. Consequently, in its current configuration, the test stand flexure stiffness is too high to obtain thrust measurements with low measurement uncertainty for the desired thrust range suitable for small-scale RDRE testing. Approach To solve this issue of over-stiffness, two areas were identified to lessen the stiffness of the test stand. By decreasing the thickness of the flexures and replacing the large-scale load cells with appropriate small-scale versions, the stiffness of the test stand will be adequately reduced and allow for small-scale RDRE testing, as well as provide high-resolution thrust measurements with minimized uncertainty. A Computer Aid Design (CAD) model of the entire thrust stand was first created to fit and confirm all new part parameters were correct and would interface with the existing test stand. Currently, initial calibration of the thrust stand with the appropriately sized load cell has been performed to assess the sensor uncertainty for the thrust measurement. Results Upon completion of the CAD model, the necessary parts were acquired and machined to replace the existing parts identified for reconfiguration. Once all the new parts were fitted, the calibration for the new low-thrust load cells was performed under this HCR summer program. With the calibration complete, the test stand will be successfully reconfigured for future small-scale RDRE testing. Conclusion The work done to reconfigure and catalog the test stand in the APECSLab facility will allow for the performance assessment of a small-scale, multimode RDRE for different operating mode behavior (e.g., continuous rotation, spinning, planar). In particular, linking the engine performance captured with this upgraded thrust stand to the minimum geometry sustaining robust detonation will directly demonstrate the potential benefits of a detonation-based propulsion system for in-space propulsion applications. The CAD model will make adding future components to the test stand easier and more efficient. Due to the overall work done this summer, more tests will be able to be conducted leading to more advancement in RDRE research.
2023 -
Producing Nanoparticles under Oxygen-Free Conditions by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids
Sydney Calhoun
Synthesis of nanoparticles via pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) has been thoroughly researched in the past, but synthesis in inert and water free environments by PLAL is a completely novel and exciting avenue to explore. Providing an inert environment while also providing laser ablation is a challenging engineering task. A specialty airtight vessel must be developed that can be used in the glovebox as well as withstand the high fluence of the ND:YAG laser. Corning 7980 fused silica glass was found to withstand these high energies and thus could be incorporated into a vessel. Once developed, the vessel will be used to generate low or zero valent iron nanoparticles that may prove to be novel as a quantum material or electro/photo catalyst.
2023 -
Development of Mechanical Characterization Techniques and Analysis of Flexible Electronic Materials
Joshua Corbin
Flexible electronics are a growing technology in the field of additive electronic manufacturing. Due to their flexible characteristics, these electronic devices can experience large and complex strains during their applications as compared to traditional rigid electronic devices. These large and complex strains can lead to mechanical failure of the materials that flexible electronic devices are fabricated from. Common mechanical failures of these materials include cohesive cracking through their thickness and interfacial cracking between dissimilar materials. It is therefore important to have techniques to measure the mechanical properties of these materials to design future flexible electronic devices with improved reliability and to survive their extreme user conditions. The mechanical characterization method utilized in this research project measures the interfacial fracture toughness between conductive ink films and the flexible substrate they are printed on using a custom built interfacial wedge tester. The interfacial wedge tester fabricated here was improved from previous experiments and was designed to be simple, reliable and readily fabricated. During the research, the design of the interfacial wedge tester was improved by increasing the precision of hardware and accommodating a fixed optical measurement device. The specific materials used in this research project are Novacentrix JS-B25P Silver Nanoparticle Ink printed on a thin and flexible PET substrate (Novacentrix Novele Printing Media).The silver conducting ink layer of samples was exposed to elevated humidity conditions using an environmental test chamber to simulate real-world use applications. These elevated humidity exposure silver ink samples were compared to a control group of silver ink samples that were exposed to room temperature/humidity conditions. After humidity exposure, silver ink samples were allowed to dry at room temperature/humidity conditions for varying lengths of times. The results from the experiment show that high humidity exposure, in combination with prolonged dry time, can have a beneficial effect in the interfacial fracture strength of the interface between the silver conducting ink and its flexible substrate.
2023 -
Characterization of p75NTR Interactors in Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons
Lorelei Darzi
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the deterioration of neurons that communicate via dopamine. These dopaminergic neurons undergo a phenomenon known as oxidative stress, which obstructs neuronal functioning and results in cell death. There is no treatment for PD that is highly effective in preventing neurodegeneration, so it is imperative to research its mechanisms at the molecular level. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is a poorly understood protein that is involved in neurodegeneration. Oxidative stress has been shown to induce p75NTR signaling by triggering regulated proteolysis of the receptor. In the present study, we evaluated whether receptor internalization is required for oxidative stress-induced p75NTR signaling. Our results indicate that blockade of receptor internalization with dynasore prevents p75NTR proteolysis in 6-OHDA treated cells. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of coreceptors that may potentially influence p75NTR signaling in dopaminergic cells, and we determined that sortilin is present in LUHMES cells whereas TrkB and TrkC receptors are not expressed.
2023 -
Short Film Adaptation of Soseki Natsume’s Ten Nights’ Dreams
Celeste Davis
This project takes the short story "Ten Nights' Dreams" by Soseki Natsume and adapts it into a short animated film. The film was made using both traditional mediums such as paper and pencil as well as digital tools.
2023 -
Merchants and Mill Workers: Harrison Brothers and Huntsville Commerce, 1897-1903
Merritt Fisk
Between 1897 and 1903, the Harrison Brothers store on South-Side Courthouse Square underwent many changes in customers and merchandise. This research revels a distinct economic connection between downtown Huntsville merchants and cotton mill villagers that influenced Harrison Brothers abrupt change of merchandise from tobacco to Queensware ceramics in 1900. The Harrison Brothers' ledgers, which recorded customer credit accounts, and their daybooks, which recorded daily transactions, give insight into the store's operation, customer habits, and significant events in the store's history. These accounting books and other sources in the Harrison Brothers Hardware Collection from the UAH Archives and Special Collections present an in-depth view of Harrison Brothers and Huntsville in relation to significant developments in the pottery and tobacco industries in the United States during the late Industrial Revolution. These industry developments and the rise of the cotton mill industry affected Huntsville’s merchants and consumers. Addressing subjects such as race, gender, and social class through an economic lens, this research offers an intricate view of Rocket City’s well-known hardware store that once sold Queensware in Cotton Mill City.
2023 -
Timing of a Fast Optical Switch
Miles Gannett
A Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) Pockels cell was placed in an optical transverse configuration in line with a fast modulation high voltage source. Two crossed polarizers were configured to allow light through the system during a voltage pulse across the Pockels cell. Sources of additive noise were identified with power spectrum analysis. Noise power in the active pulse was measured to be 3.412*10^-15 (V^2/sqrt(Hz)). Accounting for this noise and digital signal filtering, timing information of the active pulse was captured. A rise time of 15.94 ± 0.416 (ns) with a recovery time of 1.39 ± 0.072 (μs) was demonstrated using our setup. The measured pulse width was stable about 1.37 ± 0.016 (μs).
2023 -
The Prospective Use of FTIR and Surface Tension in Measuring Concentrations
Maddie Liz Golembeck
Quantifying concentrations of chemical compounds in solutions is often an important analytical demand in order to control a chemical process. Quick, accurate, and efficient methods are always preferred. This research investigated the potential for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR spectroscopy) and surface tension to determine concentration accurately and efficiently for solutions of oleic acid (OA) in hexane (HXN) or acetonitrile (ACN). The peaks for the functional groups belonging to OA, HXN, and ACN were measured from solutions at different concentrations. Three FTIR spectra were taken for each solution mixture. Similarly, the surface tension was measured at different concentrations using a surface tensiometer. For the OA/HXN mixtures, calibration curves were created for FTIR and preliminary calibration curves were created for surface tension. For OA/ACN, a noticeable phase separation occurred. This discovery was confirmed after the fact by a paper in 1952. The calibration results were successfully applied to an extraction process for OA/ACN using hexane. The findings show promise for continuation in an independent study project for Fall 2023.
2023 -
Describing the effects of antibiotic-resistance ribosomes on gene expression in bacteria
Kieffer Haehnlein
The ribosome is the cellular structure responsible for protein synthesis and is the target of certain antibiotics in bacteria. All peptides leave the ribosome through a region called the exit tunnel, which is composed of proteins and rRNA. Interactions between peptides exiting the ribosome and the component of the exit tunnel called the constriction site can be a determining factor in whether gene expression will continue. Previous research efforts have found that SVS1144 Escherichia Coli (E. coli) experience a decrease in expression of the lysine-dependent acid-resistance gene CadB when the cells possessed the K90D mutation, in which the 90th residue of the ribosomal protein UL22 is switched from a lysine to an aspartic acid. This project aimed to record how CadB expression was affected by the presence of the K90D mutation in SVS1144 E. coli, as well as in MG1655 Δ7 E. coli carrying the +Ains mutation in 23S rRNA. Both bacterial strains were transformed with two types of plasmids carrying a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene. One plasmid was a transcriptional fusion plasmid and the other was a protein fusion plasmid. Detection of GFP was achieved using confocal microscopy and western blotting. Results from confocal microscopy persistently showed a decrease in transcriptional activity among SVS1144 bacteria with the K90D mutation compared to the wild type cells and no significant difference in any expressional activity between wild type and +Ains cells of MG1655 Δ7. Preliminary data from western blotting yielded mixed results and will need further testing.
2023 -
Civility as a Nursing Concept in the Clinical Setting
Dawson Hammons
Background: Incivility in nursing education and practice is a worldwide problem. Many research articles support this claim and have offered different methods to combat incivility. Before one tries to combat incivility, civility must be investigated within the organization. Objectives: This study set out to find lived experiences of nursing students, and if student-led interviews created a more authentic response when discussing aspects of civility among faculty, students, and hospital staff in the clinical setting. Method: This ethnographic qualitative study took place over 10 weeks in the Research and Creative Experiences for Undergraduates (RCEU) program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. This was one arm of a two-arm study addressing civility within the College of Nursing clinical setting. One clinical data unit was analyzed using NVivo the SAMMSA method. A clinical and classroom data unit were synthesized to find overarching themes. Results: The data revealed three overarching themes: (I) the role of the instructor is to lead student learning, (II) students will use real world experiences to define civility unless it’s taught in the nursing curriculum, and (III) students desire their instructors to value them as individuals capable of becoming competent nurses. Conclusion: This study of student-led interviews on civility in the clinical nursing setting has the potential to set the standard for how to obtain authentic student responses. Further research is required with more participants.
2023 -
Studying feedback from super-massive black holes at the center of giant elliptical galaxies
Kokoro Hosogi
Every galaxy with a central bulge has a supermassive black hole (SMBH), and SMBHs can inject energy by jets and shocks that can be observed in radio and X-rays. These energy produced during the growth of SMBHs could affect the growth of the host galaxy. In this study, we focused on NGC 4636, which is a red giant elliptical galaxy in the galaxy cluster Virgo. NGC 4636 has an active galactic nucleus (AGN) that is an extremely bright region at the center. We organized and reduced the optical integral field spectroscopy data from the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument with the existing pipelines. By using this processed data, we produced flux and kinematic maps of warm ionized gas such as H⍺ and [NII] to trace the imprint of the SMBH feedback.The emission lines of these gasses can be used to see motions in the galaxy and locations where it is relatively active in star formation, that leads us perform further analysis of the stellar population of NGC 4636.
2023 -
Alabama Lied to Me! Uncovering Alabama’s Public Memory
Halle Huber
The project proposal, written by my advisor, Dr. Saunders, focused on looking at popular Alabama legends to uncover why certain legends are presented as truth. My project focuses on Mobile Alabama’s claim to the first Mardi Gras and Gadsden, Alabama’s claim to harbor an “Indian Princess who jumped over a waterfall to escape an arranged marriage.” Over the summer, I have been in contact with the Alabama Public Library System, Etowah Historical Society, Noccalula Falls Park, Mobile Carnival Museum, and references in Louisiana, to find historical sources of the two legends ranging from newspaper clippings, to poems, to books starting from the 1800s until the present. I have organized the stories from the oldest to most recent to find the changes in each narrative. Through this project, we have discovered that Mobile’s claimed “first parade” happened on New Year’s Eve instead of Mardi Gras and that the story of “Efoladela” has turned into “Noccalula the Indian Princess.” In my paper, I argue that both legends have remained in their altered versions to attract tourists. Mobile uses the claim of “the original Mardi Gras" to compete with the popularity of New Orleans’s Mardi Gras. Noccalula Falls keeps the legend of “Princess Noccalula '' and her “lover’s leap” because the “Romeo and Juliet-like forbidden love story” attracts tourists rather than just a natural scenic view.
2023 -
Methanol and Aqueous Synthesis of ZIF-8 Metal-Organic Framework
Jackson Jones
Metal-organic frameworks are crystalline structures composed of metal ions connected by organic linkers. Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) is composed of zinc ions connected by 2-methylimidazole linkers. Typically, ZIF-8 is synthesized in methanol, but due to the cost, as well as potential environmental and health impacts of methanol, water is being studied as a solvent for the preparation of ZIF-8. In this work, ZIF-8 was synthesized in aqueous solutions at molar ratios of 8, 16, and 60 by mixing solutions of 2-methylimidazole and zinc nitrate hexahydrate in water. For comparison, it was also synthesized in methanol solutions at molar ratios of 8, 16, and 32 moles of 2-methylimidazole to zinc by mixing solutions of 2-methylimidazole and zinc nitrate hexahydrate in methanol. The resulting samples were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD). It was observed that both the choice of solvent used and the molar ratio of reactants affected the composition and structure of the product. While the products synthesized in methanol and the molar ratio 60 product were consistent with literature values for ZIF-8 for both FTIR and pXRD, the 8 and 16 molar ratio products synthesized in aqueous solutions were not consistent with expected values. This indicates that using these methods, ZIF-8 was not synthesized in aqueous solutions at lower molar ratios.
2023 -
Weather Radar Characteristics of Thick Cloud Layers over the Eastern Range Associated with a Triggered Lightning Risk
Emma Koontz
Whenever a launch is made from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and Kennedy Space Center (KSC), there are certain weather criteria that must be met. The Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC) includes a specific rule involving thick cloud layers over 1400 feet thick and is concerned with the presence of potential lighting threat. In this study, we use existing databases of LLCC violations and Surface Electric Field Mill readings to analyze cases in regards to the Thick Cloud Layers Rule. Public Nexrad Radar Data gathered for case specific dates from Google Cloud Storage will be analyzed using Gibson Ridge 2 Analyst and Python. The database used had cases sorted into Definitive Lighting Risk, Possible Lighting Risk, and No Lighting Risk. In the study we focus on an in depth radar analysis of Definitive Risk and No Risk cases clearly violating the Thick Cloud Rule to determine if there is a difference in cloud structure, reflectivity, and behavior in cases with and without a significant Electric Field Mill response. The findings of this research will contribute to the overarching goal of assessing whether the existing LLCC can be made to be less restrictive in order to increase launch opportunities, while maintaining launch safety.
2023 -
Cancer Risk in Human Spaceflight & Directions for Space Nursing: A Rapid Scoping Review
Brighton Krejci
Background: As humans venture further into deep space, it is essential to possess an adequate understanding of the unique challenges and cancer risks associated with its exploration. Because of radiation exposure and other hazards, one of the risks facing space crews is carcinogenesis. Although utilizing engineering solutions such as radiation shielding to mitigate health risks like carcinogenesis is important, an over-reliance on these countermeasures would add excess mass and cost to the spacecraft. Therefore, we need to have a better understanding of cancer risks of being in a spacecraft to guide the study of health-based countermeasures that reduce the risk of cancer while also ensuring optimal spacecraft performance. Methods: Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review across PubMed, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect to explore published peer-reviewed health literature about cancer risks in space. We included original research articles utilizing human subjects or cells that found or evaluated risk factors or carcinogens that lead to oncogenesis from spaceflight. Results: Our search recovered a total of 600 unique results, of which 77 were deemed eligible for data extraction after screening. Factors contributing to cancer from space travel covered by literature include radiation, environmental toxins, microgravity, immune dysfunction, and genetic predisposition. Research subjects consisted of biological samples and human subjects, the latter of which were generally astronauts. Discussion: Research on cancer risk among humans who fly in space is in its infancy. This review concluded that research literature is concentrated primarily in Earth-based studies and radiation studies. Numerous journals from various scientific disciplines have contributed to research. There is also evidence supporting the interactions between cancer-causing factors in space to further increase risk such as the relationship between microgravity and radiation. However, we identified gaps in literature related to the pathophysiology behind immune suppression and a lack of consensus regarding risk probability models. A sound, multidisciplinary approach to studying cancer risk is necessary to ensure safe travel in deep space. There is a great need for more research to be conducted in a true spaceflight setting due to the constraints of Earth-based research and the lack of human settlements beyond low Earth orbit. Nursing practice is a vastly underrepresented profession in this discussion, which presents an opportunity for it to contribute to the field of space healthcare and expand on important questions related to risk reduction. As such, the need and directions for nursing research are also discussed.
2023 -
Knowledge, Perceptions and Beliefs of Palliative Care by Primary Providers
Lundin Krejci
Background: Many people diagnosed with serious illnesses are troubled with considerable pain and discomfort that affects their quality of life. Palliative medicine aims to combat patient discomfort using evidence-based approaches to improve patient quality of life. However, referral to palliative care services is often laden with difficulties surrounding various factors. Due to the most current rating of palliative care in Alabama of “D” by the Center of Advanced Palliative Care, identifying barriers to palliative care in Alabama is imperative. Objective: This study aims to gather data about the knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs of health providers in North Alabama to identify potential barriers to palliative referral. Methods: Participants were recruited through the Huntsville Hospital System, where participants participated in a cross-sectional online survey. The survey consists of 8 questions with a following demographics section. Analysis of the survey will be used to determine the survey’s psychometrics and identify palliative care barriers. Results: Results are currently pending and will be complete by December 2023. Impact: If successful, this study will identify additional barriers to palliative care referral in North Alabama. The information from this study can be used in the creation of targeted educational programs, or implementation into already existing educational programs to increase referrals to palliative care.
2023 -
Development of Electrode Geometry for testing Dielectrophoresis (DEP) feasibility in applications of Artificial Gravity
Jaden Lueders
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is an electrostatic force exerted on polarizable particles and structures constrained inside a non-uniform electric field, often finding applications in the control of cells on microscopic scales for particle separation and testing. No current commercial technology exists on large-scale applications that use DEP to manipulate macroscopic objects comparable to methods used by DEP on microscopic scales. Research into macroscopic DEP applications in the field is limited due to the higher voltage requirements for testing and problems presented by arcing. If large-scale manipulation of objects can be proven using DEP at high voltages it could range in applications such as artificial gravity for deep-space travel, fluid manipulation in industrial applications, particle separation from large quantities of fluids, or object levitation. We attempt to prove the feasibility of DEP on the macroscopic scale through the construction of niche electrode geometries necessary for inducing asymmetric electric fields and subsequently testing such geometries using a high-voltage power supply and various target materials. Using the proposed electrodes we gather force measurements in Newtons on a golf ball, wood sphere, marble, and ping-pong ball in a controlled testing fixture and at varying voltage levels. We conclude from testing that the asymmetry of the electrodes, along with the material properties of the target, play a heavy role in inducing a macroscopic DEP force. Therefore, this suggests that gravity-like forces can be achieved on the macroscopic scale on a limited range of dielectric materials using limited high voltage and creative electrode design. Future research will focus on modeling larger-scale DEP applications and achieving DEP levitation using higher voltages.
2023 -
Civility as a Nursing Concept in the Classroom Setting
John David McGovern
Background: A culture of civility in nursing education is crucial for a healthy learning environment to thrive. This study is the first of its kind in this field. It sought to empower student researchers to learn the qualitative research process, while utilizing student-led interviews. Objectives: This study sought to understand the lived experiences of nursing students, and learn if using student-led interviews increased the authenticity of participant responses. Methods: This ethnographic qualitative study took place over a 10-week period. The study had two arms, with one arm focusing on the classroom setting while the other studied the clinical setting. This project focuses on the classroom arm. Both arms utilized the SAMMSA method to analyze one data unit, for a total of two data units. Results: The synthesis of the themes found in both units found three themes: (1) The role of the instructor is to lead student learning. (2) Students will use real world experiences to define civility unless it is taught in the nursing curriculum. (3) Students desire their instructors to value them as individuals capable of becoming competent nurses. Conclusion: The role of civility in nursing education is crucial. Both students and faculty should have a voice in the civility discussion. The use of student researchers in this study allowed for both voices to be present in the research process. Further research with student researchers and larger data units would be beneficial.
2023
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.