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Showcase Abstract 2020

Parents, Peers and Pot: An Exploratory Study of Adolescents’ Social Media Sharing of Marijuana-related Content

Parents, Peers and Pot: An Exploratory Study of Adolescents’ Social Media Sharing of Marijuana-related Content

Primary author: Jessica Willoughby
Co-author(s): Stacey Hust; Jiayu Li; Leticia Couto; Soojung Kang; Shawn Domgaard

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Adolescents often post content related to risk behaviors online, and social media posting related to substance use has been found to be associated with intentions to use and substance use. However, there is a dearth of research about what may motivate an adolescent to share marijuana-related content. This study aimed to examine the types of content related to marijuana that adolescents are posting on social media and what may influence such sharing. We conducted an online survey in Washington state (N=350), a state in which recreational marijuana use is legal for persons aged 21 and older, and examined adolescents’ social media sharing of marijuana-related content. Thirty-one percent of adolescents in our study reported sharing marijuana-related content on social media, with 24% of adolescent participants sharing marijuana-related memes. Peer marijuana use and perceived parents’ approval of marijuana were positively associated with the likelihood of posting marijuana-related content on social media. Increased perceived parental monitoring was negatively associated with posting marijuana-related content on social media, however, increased parental media monitoring was not. Our research highlights the factors that may influence adolescents’ decisions to share marijuana-related content on social media. Internal factors, such as personal beliefs, were not associated with sharing such content in the final model, whereas external factors, such as perceived peer use and parent approval, were. Our results have implications for communicators, who may want to address adolescents’ norm perceptions, and parents, who may want to informally monitor their children instead of monitoring their social media.

Understanding the Molecular Basis of Fusarium solani Mediated Root Rot in Pisum sativum

Understanding the Molecular Basis of Fusarium solani Mediated Root Rot in Pisum sativum

Primary author: Bruce Williamson-Benavides
Faculty sponsor: Amit Dhingra

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

Abstract:

Pisum sativum (pea) yields have declined significantly over the last decades predominantly due to root rot caused by the fungus, Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi (Fsp). Yield losses caused by Fsp range from 15 to 60%. We hypothesize genes exhibiting differential expression and associated polymorphisms in response to Fsp challenge, will confer tolerance or susceptibility of pea to Fsp. To gain a comprehensive insight into the molecular changes that accompany Fsp infection, we performed a comparative time-course gene expression analysis of tolerant and susceptible P. sativum genotypes challenged with the Fsp pathogen. Differential gene expression and molecular pathway analyses revealed that transcription factors, pattern recognition receptors, disease-related genes, as well as genes that participate in the production of hormones and metabolites such as salicylic acid, jasmonate, ethylene, lignin, and flavonoids were differentially expressed between tolerant and susceptible genotypes. 769 differentially expressed genes with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified and the putative SNPs were evaluated for being polymorphic across four tolerant and four susceptible P. sativum genotypes. The total set of SNPs with validated polymorphisms was used to screen two segregating populations generated from sets of tolerant and susceptible parents and currently a linkage-analysis is being performed. This work is expected to facilitate an understanding of the complex relationship between a host plant and its native pathogen. It is also expected to result in the identification of gene-linked molecular markers that will provide a cost-effective avenue to breed peas for resistance to root rot.

Pitch Organization of Quarter-Tone String Trio Using Frequency Ratios of 11/9 and 8/7

Pitch Organization of Quarter-Tone String Trio Using Frequency Ratios of 11/9 and 8/7

Primary author: Michael Williams
Faculty sponsor: Scott Blasco

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Using just intonation, also called pure intonation, is the tuning of musical intervals as small whole number ratios (such as 3:2 or 4:3) of frequencies. The pitches of this piece are based on two different intervals, or frequency ratios, of 11/9 and 8/7. I create two separate series, one consisting of added ratios 11/9 (11/9, 11/9*11/9, 11/9*11/9*11/9, etc.) and another of added ratios of 8/7. The first organization of pitches is made from a series of 11/9 intervals divided into series of fifths, notated at the nearest quarter tone. An interval of a near-perfect fifth is created by adding two 11/9 intervals together. By adding two 8/7 ratios, the series of frequencies sounds somewhat uneven, and kind of disorienting. In order to combat this unevenness in the 8/7 series, I divide it into three different series based on the series of fifths compiled from the series of 11/9 series. The first series of 8/7 series frequencies matches closely with the beginning of the 11/9 frequency series. The second and third series are tempered by some 45 cents to make the 8/7 series more even between the frequencies. By combining the 11/9 series with the 8/7 series altogether, a microtonal quarter-tone scale is created. This scale is used for my string trio.

Implementation of Active Learning Techniques in an Undergraduate Public Relations Course: Comparing Individual Social Networks and Brand Communities

Implementation of Active Learning Techniques in an Undergraduate Public Relations Course: Comparing Individual Social Networks and Brand Communities

Primary author: Corrie Wilder

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Everett

Abstract:

This paper describes an in-class social network mapping activity that serves as an overview of social identity and social objects—the building blocks of a social network. Active learning techniques were used to introduce the concept of personal networks, brand communities, and the role of public relations professionals in fostering relationships. The social network mapping activity illustrated the application of the following theories: Travers and Milgram’s (1969) “the small world problem,” Tajfel’s social identity theory (see Tajfel & Turner, 1979), and Granovetter’s (1973) “strength of weak ties.” It prompted students to consider which individuals are in their networks and how they are connected through unique social objects. Furthermore, they determined where audiences overlap and weaker network ties reside and related these connections to the development and nurturing of a brand community. Through active learning exercises that included quick-writes and manual social networking mapping, students visualized how various connections use social objects to create communities. They ultimately learned that messages spread further and faster when shared through weak ties that bridge otherwise unconnected communities.

Staff Perceptions of Involuntary Nursing Home Closure and Relocation Processes

Staff Perceptions of Involuntary Nursing Home Closure and Relocation Processes

Primary author: Raven Weaver
Co-author(s): Karen Roberto; Nancy Brossoie; Pamela Teaster

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

Abstract:

Involuntary nursing home closures occur infrequently, but when they occur, they impact residents, their family members, and facility staff. Residents’ care needs are of primary concern, yet few studies have examined the centrality of and relationship between actions of staff to residents’ relocation adjustment. We interviewed 18 administrators and 44 staff working at 27 facilities to explore the relocation process for residents from two facilities that lost Medicaid certification because of low quality performance. Our research questions were: 1) What are the issues and challenges faced by facilities who accepted residents from decertified facilities? 2) How did relocation affect the lives of residents and their families? Using content analysis, we identified challenges that hindered relocation and affected resident/family experiences. Receiving facility staff perceived undue distress and hardship on residents/families because of inadequate notification about the situation. Limited, untimely, and poor communication led to residents being unprepared for moving. The efficiency and effectiveness of the resident discharge process was also viewed as unacceptable. Minimal documentation in residents’ charts hampered coordinating resident moves. Receiving facility staff offered recommendations for decertified facilities and receiving facilities to improve the relocation experience, including the need for open communication, thoughtful and early engagement in the process, and transparent and timely interactions. Findings suggest that resident-centered policies are needed to improve the involuntary relocation process and give voice to remaining/receiving staff, both integral to residents’ support system. We offer evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice to improve processes to ensure the well-being of residents facing involuntary relocations.

Network Clustering for Distribution System with Photovoltaic System and Electric Vehicles

Network Clustering for Distribution System with Photovoltaic System and Electric Vehicles

Primary author: Lusha Wang
Faculty sponsor: Noel Schulz

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

Abstract:

The penetration of both Photovoltaic (PV) system and electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing rapidly in distribution systems, which brings challenges to system operation. The distribution system should meet some requirement to operate safely, the most important one being that the voltage magnitude should be within the desired range. Compared with the traditional centralized voltage control where all the information of the system is obtained and an optimization problem is solved in the control center, the decentralized voltage control is more flexible and consumes less computation time, making it suitable for large-size distribution system. To realize the decentralized voltage control, proper division of the system and choice of regional agents should be well determined. The rapid change of system configuration and DG output as well as EV movement brings the need of rapid and frequent determination of network clusters. We proposed a new algorithm to cluster a distribution system with PVs and EVs. The modularity index is used to evaluate the clustering result. The original modularity index is purely based on system structure, so we add the information of PV generation and EV driving distance into the index to accommodate power system properties. The Louvain algorithm with the aim of maximizing the modified modularity index is used to cluster the distribution system, which shows great computation speed and reasonable results. An IEEE 123 node system is used to demonstrate the clustering result, with comparison of network clustering based on solely structure, structure with DG output and the three together.

“The Bed We Made For You”: Earth’s Average Surface Temperature as a Baby Quilt

“The Bed We Made For You”: Earth’s Average Surface Temperature as a Baby Quilt

Primary author: Lisa Waananen Jones

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The use of textiles as a form of storytelling and documentation extends to the earliest human civilizations. “Cloth relates to humanity is its mortality and transience—both cloth and our body can be cut, stitched, age, and decay. … It evokes memory. The child clings to their comfort blanket, and in times of crisis we too still reach for cloth and its human connections” (Nickell, 2015). As numerical data has grown as a form of documentation, recent textile projects shared and popularized on social media have incorporated climate and weather data.
This work of data art visualizes a widely used NASA dataset of Earth’s annual average surface temperature, 1880-2018, in this textile tradition as a half-square triangle baby quilt with color encoding. A diverging blue-red color scheme is common in temperature visualizations for a public audience, such as annually published news graphics using this dataset by The New York Times and Bloomberg News. This project makes use of the dual symbolism of blue and pink for temperature data and the symbolic colors used for babies. Each year in the dataset is represented by a half-square of fabric, with color representing the degree to which that year was warmer or cooler than the preindustrial average. The entirely hand-stitched quilt shows the distinct pattern of rising temperatures and invites contemplation about the role of generational traditions and heirlooms in a changing world.
Karen Nickell (2015) “Troubles Textiles”: Textile Responses to the Conflict in Northern Ireland, TEXTILE, 13:3, 234-251, DOI: 10.1080/14759756.2015.1084693

The Contribution of Sleep to the Development of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

The Contribution of Sleep to the Development of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Primary author: William Vanderheyden

Primary college/unit: Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Campus: Spokane

Abstract:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises as the result of experiencing a physical and/or psychological trauma. Human populations with PTSD show features of sleep disturbance that include insomnia, nightmares, and difficulty staying asleep through the night. Sleep disturbances are considered a hallmark feature of PTSD, yet little is known about the contribution of sleep to the pathogenesis of the disorder.

Using a rodent model of PTSD called “Single Prolonged Stress” we have begun examining if 1) sleep deprivation prior to trauma exposure has any impact on the development of PTSD and 2) if increasing sleep quantity via optogenetics in trauma exposed animals can improve the outcomes associated with trauma exposure.

Preliminary data show that pre-trauma-exposure sleep deprivation has no impact on subsequent PTSD-like cognitive impairments. However, post-trauma-exposure sleep improvements are able to restore cognitive function back to non-trauma exposed levels.

These data identify sleep as a potential therapeutic for trauma exposed populations.

Validation of the baking step for brownies to control Salmonella

Validation of the baking step for brownies to control Salmonella

Primary author: Phoebe Unger
Co-author(s): Arshdeep Singh; Amninder Singh Sekhon; Monipel Ansong; Lakshmikantha H. Channaiah; Minto Michael
Faculty sponsor: Minto Michael

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

Abstract:

Salmonella can survive under dry environment of flour for extended periods of time. Salmonella can flourish when flour is hydrated while preparing batter or dough, and could cause serious foodborne illnesses if the product is improperly baked. The main goal of this study was to validate a simulated commercial baking process for brownies that has ~7 log CFU/g Salmonella population. The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. All-purpose flour was spray inoculated with a 5-serovar Salmonella (Enteritidis, Montevideo, Newport, Senftenberg and Typhimurium) cocktail, and dried back to original pre-inoculation water activity. Brownie batter was prepared from inoculated flour and baked in a conventional oven at 176.7°C for 40 min in a 12″ by 12″ pan. Samples were taken at five-minute intervals during baking. Microbial populations were enumerated using injury-recovery media (brain heart infusion agar overlaid with xylose lysine deoxycholate agar). The initial Salmonella population in brownie batter was 6.9 log CFU/g. The Salmonella population was below the detection limit (0.60 log CFU/g) after 30 minutes of baking. The bacterial population at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes were calculated as 6.7, 6.5, 5.5,4.4 and 2.6 log CFU/g, respectively. As expected, the water activity of brownies decreased during baking. This study validated that a typical commercial brownie baking process utilizing an oven temperature of 176.7°C and baking for at least 40 min would achieve >5-log reductions in Salmonella populations. However, validation studies should be individually conducted for brownie products with different baking parameters.