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Showcase Abstract 2020

College Student Boredom: A Prevention Science Intervention Target for Substance Use?

College Student Boredom: A Prevention Science Intervention Target for Substance Use?

Primary author: Erica Doering
Co-author(s): Elizabeth Weybright; Linda Caldwell; Sammy Perone
Faculty sponsor: Elizabeth Weybright

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Boredom is conceptualized as an unpleasant state of “wanting, but being unable, to engage in satisfying activity” (Eastwood et al., 2012, p. 482). Although boredom is a normative part of emerging adulthood, it is associated with substance use in college students – a group at risk for substance misuse. Despite researchers call for “development of methods to target and alleviate state boredom” (Vogel-Walcutt et al., 2012, p. 90), there are few behavioral interventions addressing boredom as a motive for engaging in substance use. The purpose of this study is to understand how college students experience boredom and its association with risk behavior to inform substance use prevention approaches.

A sample of undergraduate students (N=480, Mage=19.5, 85% female) completed an online survey of quantitative and qualitative measures related to boredom. Quantitative data was descriptively analyzed to identify the association between substance use and boredom measures.

Descriptive analyses resulted in significant, moderate correlations between boredom sensation seeking and substance use (tobacco, 0.22; alcohol, 0.26; marijuana, 0.27) for annual and monthly use but not daily use. Boredom proneness is positively correlated with annual marijuana use. Findings suggest daily users are not using for boredom sensation seeking (boredom susceptibility; disinhibition; experience, thrill, and adventure seeking) reasons compared to annual and monthly users. Therefore, motives differ for more intense substance use. Findings build on prior research and theory to inform associations between experiences of boredom and substance misuse. This may hold implications for future research on intervention components addressing boredom for substance use prevention.

Multi-functionalized Nanoparticles for Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis Across the Blood-Brain Barrier

Multi-functionalized Nanoparticles for Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis Across the Blood-Brain Barrier

Primary author: Shichao Ding
Co-author(s): Yang Song; Prashanta Dutta; Yuehe Lin
Faculty sponsor: Yuehe Lin

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) as a unique and protective organization in the human brain could prevent most drugs from reaching their target, which not only limits the therapy effect but also becomes one of the biggest challenges in drug development. At present, the scientific community has witnessed an exponential increase in utilizing nanoparticles as nanomedicine for drug delivery. In particular, there is a great interest in the BBB for brain disease treatment by using a multifunctional nanomedicine system. Therefore, researching the transport efficiency of nanoparticles across the BBB has potential meaning for directing applications to deliver drugs and imaging probes to the brain. Herein, we cocultured one-cell or three-cell BBB models and utilized to study nanoparticle transport mechanisms. Various designed nanoparticles with different sizes and functions were applied to enhance transport efficiency in vitro. All researches will provide comprehension of how various properties of nanoparticles are benefited in the BBB study, what’s more, they could usher to the development of novel nanomaterials and nanotechnology-based therapies.

Music from the Margins

Music from the Margins

Primary author: Chris Dickey

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

There is an alarming lack of diversity in today’s classical music programming. In the past two years, for example, one of the world’s leading orchestras—the Chicago Symphony Orchestra—announced an upcoming season’s program that lacked a single piece written by a woman. Dickey, a tuba player and member of the LGBTQ+ community, also notes a lack of diverse programming in his own field of tuba performance. He performed a recital tour to four Midwestern universities that showcasing a variety of music, some of which was composed by individuals holding marginalized identities (women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color). Discussing inclusive, thoughtful programming with audiences of aspiring educators, composers, conductors, and performers was an effective way to change the conversation in classical music. Addressing music from underrepresented populations did not diminish the music written by those of a dominant identity; instead, this project helped people understand how rich the music truly is when one makes an effort to be more inclusive. The tour addressed a large-scale problem in classical music by understanding gender, gender identity/expression, race, sexual orientation, and culture through the lens of music performance. Music is a shared cultural experience, one capable of expressing a group’s values and traditions. Bringing these underrepresented composers into the conversation can stimulate more interest and understanding of what those groups represent in a global society. This project asserted Washington State University’s artistic presence nationally and its commitment to expanding individual opportunity and equity.

Exploring the formation of molecular bonds between starch and fiber during production of cereal-based puffed snacks using infrared spectroscopy

Exploring the formation of molecular bonds between starch and fiber during production of cereal-based puffed snacks using infrared spectroscopy

Primary author: Debomitra Dey
Co-author: Bon-Jae Gu
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Girish Ganjyal

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Puffed snacks are manufactured using “Extrusion processing” which is a high-temperature-high-shear-short-time processing system. Most puffed snacks are rich in starch. There is an increase in the demand for high-fiber snacks. However, most high-fiber snacks currently available have poor taste and texture. Fiber is known to be inert in the expanded starch matrix during extrusion. However, our preliminary studies indicated, addition of small amounts of fiber can improve the texture of puffed products. Thus, it is critical to understand the starch-fiber interactions to develop products with high fiber without compromising the texture and taste.

We hypothesize, that the application of FT-IR (Fourier Transform-Infrared) spectroscopy can be employed for identification intermolecular changes between starch-fiber during extrusion. The mixture of starch and insoluble fiber were preconditioned water and extruded. The extrudates were characterized using FTIR and the expansion ratio (ER) were measured.

The ER was highest for low fiber extrudates. The FTIR spectra showed significant changes in the regions of 1045-950 cm-1 and 3500-3000 cm-1 providing an estimate of the degree of starch gelatinization and O-H bond formation during extrusion processing. The increase in insoluble fiber led to a decrease in the degree of starch cooking, which can be the result of the competition from fiber for absorption of water. This study presents the application of FTIR for qualitatively identifying the bonds formed between starch and fiber. We believe the information on molecular bond formation can be a valuable tool for the industry to develop direct-expanded products with high-fiber content.

Discovery and development of a multi-tenant engagement program for a Net-Zero building in Spokane, WA

Discovery and development of a multi-tenant engagement program for a Net-Zero building in Spokane, WA

Primary author: Julia Day
Co-author(s): Shelby Ruiz

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The Catalyst Building is part of the first phase of a Spokane re-development project and city-wide sustainability initiative. This pioneering project, expected to be completed in May 2020, will be the first net-zero energy and zero carbon building in Eastern Washington state. While many state-of-the-art and innovative energy-saving and carbon-reducing technologies have been implemented into the design (e.g. cross-laminated timber, shared central plant / eco-district, etc.), the owners realize that building occupants play a critical role in achieving aggressive energy goals. The authors have been tasked with the development of a tenant engagement and education program for the multi-tenanted Catalyst building to promote energy efficiency, health, and community within the project. These efforts will encourage a culture of energy efficiency and sustainability for Catalyst building occupants in ways that will positively impact the South Landing Development. As part of this program, tenants will learn strategies to save energy within the building and their community (e.g. human-building interface and interaction with energy usage including heating/cooling, plug loads, lighting, bicycle commuting, etc.)
This poster presents findings from an extensive literature review that was conducted to guide the development of the Catalyst Building tenant engagement program. Key topics include social science and behavioral change theories, occupant/tenant engagement strategies (such as technology and gamification), effective occupant and adult education, and best-practices case studies. These findings have guided the development of a robust tenant engagement program for the South Landing District to maximize net zero energy and zero carbon goals.

Health Education through Arts-based Learning (HEAL): Facilitating learning and engagement by blending arts and sciences

Health Education through Arts-based Learning (HEAL): Facilitating learning and engagement by blending arts and sciences

Primary author: Robert Danielson
Co-author(s): Molly Kelton; Libby Grace; Jeb Owen; Alison White; AnaMaria Martinez; Pat Butterfield; Michaela Fallon

Primary college/unit: College of Education
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:
Common goals for STEM education typically include the integration of multiple disciplines to encourage interdisciplinary thinking, recognition, and application of STEM concepts to real-world contexts. Integrating art into STEM disciplines enhances this goal, encouraging students to interact with and create multiple models of complex ideas. In addition, art can promote enhanced engagement, learning about science, visualization of scientific concepts, scientific reasoning, and scientific communication. Our broader project, Health-Education through Arts-Based Learning (HEAL), funded by both a WSU Seed Grant and now the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leverages arts-based communication to focus on zoonotic diseases and ecosystem dynamics. A partnership among university researchers, community organizations, and experts in science and science communication, HEAL attempts to build the capacity of educators and biomedical institutions to engage rural, predominantly Latinx students in locally relevant science activities. The purpose of this study is to investigate how arts integration into a STEM intervention might support learning, reasoning, and thinking about socio-scientific issues. Art of Insects, an after-school program serving upper elementary students in rural-agricultural communities, utilizes an arts-based approach to developing systems-level understanding of zoonotic diseases and ecosystem dynamics. Participants included late elementary students from predominantly Latinx rural-agricultural communities that participated in Art of Insects (n=19) in Fall 2018. Preliminary findings reveal that student thinking around mosquitoes and disease systems expanded after completion of Art of Insects, particularly through greater attendance to multiple elements and their relatedness and recognizing multiple interacting causal forces.

Youth Develop Life Skills Through Forestry Program

Youth Develop Life Skills Through Forestry Program

Primary author: Missy Cummins
Co-author(s): Hannah Brause; Somer Meade

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Skamania County Extension

Abstract:

With 90% of the County forested, generations of Skamania County families have developed deep connections to the land, the timber, and the conservation efforts that protect them. Over the last several decades cultural, social, and economic changes have created a disconnect between the youth in the community and the natural resources. Many teens are unaware of the role the forest plays in the region. Recent changes in the community make obtaining the job experience and real-world skills teens need challenging. Also, local agencies require assistance completing projects benefitting the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and other county assets.
To help address these needs, WSU Extension has partnered with the Stevenson-Carson School District, Mt. Adams Institute, and the U.S. Forest Service to create the Forest Youth Success program for youth development and employment.
Youth are given a survey measuring skill set and knowledge before then after participating. In the 2019 season, twelve youth participated in the program. Evaluation results indicated the following (N=12): Before FYS, 33 % (n=4) planned to use financial resources. After FYS, 83% (n=10) plan to use financial resources. Before FYS, 41% (n=5) indicated they follow directions and contribute to getting a job done. After FYS, 91% (n=11) Before FYS, 33% (n=4) understood what future job opportunities there are in natural resources. After FYS, 83% (n=10) understand what future job opportunities there are for natural resources.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, approximately 725 youth have participated in the program developing life skills and bettering the community.

Polyurethane Foam Production Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Lignin as a Partial Polyol Substitute

Polyurethane Foam Production Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Lignin as a Partial Polyol Substitute

Primary author: Dylan Cronin
Co-author(s): Xiao Zhang

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Tri-Cities

Abstract:

Polyurethane is one of the world’s most important classes of industrial polymers due to its incredible versatility, ease of use in manufacturing, and low cost. This material is frequently used in the form of rigid and semi-rigid foams and represents a $70 bn/year market across the construction, transportation, furniture, and packaging industries. The current industry standard for polyurethane production is entirely dependent on petrochemical feedstocks for the supply of the two major components – polyol and isocyanate. This study investigated the substitution of up to 40 wt% of the polyol component of polyurethane foams with lignin. Preparing the material in this way both reduces the consumption of non-sustainable materials, and also allows for the potential incorporation of characteristics such as enhanced biodegradability and ultraviolet light stability.
This lignin was prepared using a novel, deep eutectic solvent (DES) procedure. This DES procedure is a mild, industrially scalable process, which yields a product of high purity, and more importantly of high structural homogeneity. The compatability of the lignin with traditional polyols was further improved via oxypropylation of the lignin structure, allowing for greater degrees of lignin substitution whilst maintaining an acceptable rigidity.
The goal of this work was to combine the societal need and commercial benefits of effectively utilizing forestry and agricultural wastes to produce bio-based materials and plastics from carbohydrates and lignin. Utilizing biomass wastes such as these not only helps to ensure the availability of a low-value and annually sustainable feedstock, but also provides new revenue streams for associated industries.

HoloLens Clutter Detection and Senior Care Support System

HoloLens Clutter Detection and Senior Care Support System

Primary author: Aaron Crandall
Co-author(s): Konstantin Shvedov; Jarred Eagley; Austin Craigie; Jacob Stocklass

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

With the advent of modern medicine and a declining birthrate, our communities have been faced with an aging population. Older adults who live independently wish to stay safe, retain their independence, and not be a burden on their families. The Center for Advanced Studies in Adaptive Systems (CASAS) has ongoing work in the field of gerontechnology to support adults as they age. Significant research into caregiver needs pointed to issues of home maintenance and tripping hazards among independent older adults. Caregivers for seniors needed to know more about whether a home is cluttered or safe without being intrusive to the senior’s daily lives. This work’s hypothesis is that a 3D mapping system, notably the Microsoft HoloLens, can be used to build in-home models and track the changes in safe walking paths, in-home clutter, and detect tripping hazards. This information is provided to caregivers to help with home care and safety issue tracking. This project has developed a system which builds and algorithmically analyzes 3D maps of the home for clutter, renders the state of the home from a clutter and safety perspective, then notifies caregivers if issues are found. Ongoing work to test and evaluate the quality of the tools and to get user feedback about its effectiveness are underway. Once complete, this work shall provide new insights into how to sense and analyze living spaces for home care, and methods of notifying caregivers of when an independent senior might need an intervention to help take care of living spaces.

The effects of music versus mindfulness on affective responses to self-paced treadmill walking

The effects of music versus mindfulness on affective responses to self-paced treadmill walking

Primary author: Anne Cox
Co-author(s): Sarah Ullrich-French; Amanda McMahon

Primary college/unit: College of Education
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Positive affective responses are positively associated with exercise behaviour. Thus, researchers have focused on identifying strategies that are most effective at optimizing positive affect during exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using dissociative (music) and associative (mindfulness) strategies during exercise on affect-related variables in women not currently meeting physical activity guidelines. Participants (N = 31, Mage = 28.6, SD = 9.9) completed three self-paced exercise sessions (control, music, mindfulness) on a treadmill in a randomized order. Affective responses and ratings of perceived exertion were measured at four points during the 20-minute exercise session and affective responses, enjoyment, mindfulness, remembered affect and forecasted affect were measured after the exercise session. Results showed that participants’ affective responses during exercise were similar across conditions. Significantly higher enjoyment, remembered and forecasted affect were reported for the music condition compared to the control. There were no differences between the music and mindfulness conditions. The only significant difference between the mindfulness and control conditions was higher forecasted affect in the mindfulness condition. Results suggest that the use of mindfulness as an associative attentional strategy during exercise may support positive affective responses that are similar in magnitude to music. The qualities of acceptance and nonjudgement characteristic of mindfulness distinguish it from other forms of associative attention.