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Evidence and Use of the Washington Assessment of Risk and Needs

Evidence and Use of the Washington Assessment of Risk and Needs

Primary author: Brian French
Co-author(s): Bruce Austin; Thao Vo; Cihan Demir; Paul Strand

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The Washington Assessment of Risk and Needs (WARNS) is widely used in over 100 districts in the State of Washington. School districts and court entities rely on scores from the WARNS to inform conversations with youth and families about adolescent behaviors related to chronic school absences, or truancy. WARNS assesses six domains including peer deviance, aggression and defiance, substance abuse, depression and anxiety, school engagement, and family environment. With Washington having one of the highest rates of truancy in the United States, WARNS plays a critical role in understanding such factors. We present work in three areas to highlight support for the WARNS. First, our research highlights how we account for a students’ contextual environments when examining WARNS items for fairness, ensuring scores carry equal meaning across ethnic groups. Second, we highlight the development of a computerized adaptive test (CAT) that provides users with a time-efficient and short form of the WARNS, reducing assessment fatigue without degrading score accuracy. Third, we highlight the WARNS models of use from large to small districts around the State, and new developments including a Spanish version. The evidence and use of the WARNS help to bring student voices back into the truancy conversation in the State. Our work has resulted in increased use of the WARNS and decreases in student truancy and negative behavioral trajectories, and have led to distal outcomes of student success.

A Visual Content Analysis of the Color Black as a Means of Visual Communication in the 21st Century: A Look at Western Society Women’s Fashion from Vogue Magazine

A Visual Content Analysis of the Color Black as a Means of Visual Communication in the 21st Century: A Look at Western Society Women’s Fashion from Vogue Magazine

Primary author: Anastasia Frattali
Co-author(s): Rebecca Anderson
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Jihyeong Son

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

Abstract:

Color is involved in every aspect of our daily lives, from clothing to food, as a way to visually communicate messages and meanings to others. The purpose of this research was to examine how western society women in the 21st century is using the color “black” to communicate meaning(s) in their fashion. Symbolic Interaction Theory explains that the meanings of clothing are visually perceived by not only the wearers, but others as well. Therefore, the research question was “What are the meaning(s) of the color “black” in the 21st century?”

To address the question, a visual content analysis was conducted with Vogue Magazine from the years 2000-2018 with the three most prominent fashion month issues: March, July, and September. The content analysis confirmed four meanings of “black” color in fashion found in the literature reviews: sophistication, sadness, chic, deviation, and fetish wear. During the content analysis the researchers found an additional two meanings that were not established in the literature review; active wear and work wear. The researchers believe these to be new meanings being established in 21st century fashion, that were unable to be examined in the literature. In conclusion, chic and sophistication are the predominant meanings that are being portrayed by women in mainstream fashion to visually communicate meaning in their dress, when wearing the color black.

The results of this study can help to identify how mainstream fashion is utilizing black as a means of visual communication for contemporary women.

Modeling Growth Kinetics of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes for Cancer Immunotherapy in a High-Density Novel Centrifugal Bioreactor System

Modeling Growth Kinetics of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes for Cancer Immunotherapy in a High-Density Novel Centrifugal Bioreactor System

Primary author: Brenden Fraser-Hevlin
Co-author(s): Kitana Kaiphanliam; Bernard Van Wie
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Bernard Van Wie

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

Abstract:

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are designed to destroy cancer cells but often attack healthy tissue in the process. In immunotherapy, immune cells such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are extracted, modified, expanded in a bioreactor, and transferred into a patient—this is known as adoptive cell therapy (ACT). There is a need for ACT-based treatments that are widely accessible, scalable, and relatively inexpensive. To address this need, our lab recently developed a high-density, lab-scale centrifugal bioreactor (CBR) which can rapidly expand infected CD8+ T cells from a bovine model. In this study, we aimed to optimize CTL growth by determining kinetic growth parameters based on the levels of glucose and inhibitory metabolites in the culture. It is hypothesized that if we can develop a reliable kinetic growth model, then it will be possible to predict optimal CTL expansion parameters for the bioreactor. Early kinetic studies were performed last fall in which six different glucose concentrations were tested, giving a maximum specific growth rate of 0.0112 1/h and a Monod constant of 2.12 mg glucose/dL. The experiments were repeated recently with different glucose concentrations and the results from those studies will be presented. The optimization of this bioreactor will have a major impact on the availability and efficiency of patient-specific immunotherapy.

Propelling Research to a Practical Level: New Challenges in High Energy Density Li-S Battery

Propelling Research to a Practical Level: New Challenges in High Energy Density Li-S Battery

Primary author: Shuo Feng
Faculty sponsor: Yuehe Lin

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

Abstract:

Lithium-sulfur battery (Li-S) has been intensively studied in the past years due to its high theoretical energy density and economic benefit. However, there are still several obstacles that greatly limit its practical application such as low conductivity, large volume change and polysulfides shuttling. It is widely reported that nano materials can solve these problems and significantly improve batteries’ performance. Despite the efforts, many of the results are derived from an ideal condition, that is, a low sulfur loading ( 10 µL/mgs). The insufficient active materials as well as the large amount of electrolyte not only results in a low practical energy density but also glosses over some challenges in Li-S batteries. Hence, a high sulfur loading cathode (>4 mg/cm2) and a lean electrolyte condition (= 4 µL/mgs) should be determined in order to deliver repeatable results and reliable conclusions. In this poster, we demonstrate various strategies to achieve high energy density Li-S battery and elucidate the new challenges in this field. Moreover, by investigating the distinct phenomenon under flooded and lean electrolyte condition, we develop a reasonable test protocol and propel Li-S battery research to a practical level.

This work was supported in part through the PNNL-WSU Distinguished Graduate Research Program (SF).

Magnetically Assisted Additive Manufacturing for Freeform Optics

Magnetically Assisted Additive Manufacturing for Freeform Optics

Primary author: Mojtaba Falahati
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Roland Chen

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

Abstract:

In modern optical systems, freeform optical components are used to modify the focal length or to correct the wavefront. For instance, wavefront control and correction has been always a critical issue in adaptive astronomical telescopes. Freeform lenses are optical correctors which are widely used to improve the optical performance through the aberration correction. Traditional optical manufacturing techniques such as machining, molding and casting processes demand sophisticated and expensive equipment. Here we introduced magnetism and interfacial force into Additive Manufacturing to develop tunable magnetic liquid molds for rapid, low-cost and straightforward fabrication of freeform lenses. Using customized extrusion-based 3D printers, a magnetic ink was printed either within an immiscible optical elastomeric environment such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or on a cured elastomeric substrate. The profile shapes at the liquid-fluid interface were regulated using an external adjustable magnetic field. Depending on the field configuration, various freeform optical surfaces can be generated during printing process that served as tunable liquid molds to shape the surrounding optical elastomer into a concave aspherical lens after curing. An apparatus was assembled to provide different magnetic force and to control the gradient of applied magnetic field on the droplets. A home-built Shack-Hartmann sensor was employed to measure the focal length of the formed lenses and the lens profiles were extracted using an axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA). The effects of magnetic field intensity, gradient of magnetic field, and magnetic susceptibility were investigated. This technique can be used for forming lenses with different sizes, shapes and magnifications.

Type IV Secretion System Effectors of Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Type IV Secretion System Effectors of Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Primary author: Deirdre Fahy
Co-author(s): Jason Park; Michael Dodd; Kelly Brayton

Primary college/unit: College of Veterinary Medicine
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap) is a tick-transmitted obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen. Ap achieves intracellular infection by delivering effector proteins into the host cytosol utilizing a Type IV secretion system (T4SS). In contrast to other intracellular pathogens e.g. Legionella pneumophilia and Coxiella burnetii, where 100s of T4SS effectors have been found, only 4 have been identified in Ap. Our goal was to extend the repertoire of known Ap effectors. To predict effectors, we used the recently published T4SS effector prediction software OPT4e to identify Ap proteins containing features characteristic of T4SS substrates. To screen for T4SS translocation, effector candidates were fused to a reporter enzyme, which if translocated to the host cell cytoplasm generates a product detectable by ELISA. To overcome the genetic intractability of Ap, fusion constructs were assayed for translocation by the heterologous T4SS of Legionella pneumophila. Although only 7 of 70 screened proteins were translocated in a T4SS dependent manner, there are likely more effectors since a negative result may be due to the heterologous nature of the reporter system. Three of the translocated substrates localize to the host cell nucleus when ectopically expressed. Bioinformatic analysis identified putative C-terminal nuclear localization signals (NLS) in all three of these T4SS substrates. Deletion of these NLS sequences abrogated both nuclear-specific localization and also T4SS translocation, which is consistent with the requirement for specific C-terminal features in translocation of known effectors. Functional characterization of these and other effectors will inform their role in Ap replication, pathogenesis, and transmission.

Thermal performance of a novel masonry block made from recycled gypsum drywall waste

Thermal performance of a novel masonry block made from recycled gypsum drywall waste

Primary author: David Drake
Co-author(s): Taiji Miyasaka

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

Abstract:

Developing new product applications for waste recycled from building construction and demolition (C&D) provides environmental and economic benefits. However, challenges remain for recycling certain low-value C&D materials, such as gypsum drywall waste, which is banned from landfilling in some areas due to hydrogen sulfide emissions during decay. The gypsum and paper components in drywall have low thermal conductivity relative to concrete and brick, suggesting a novel insulative masonry block system made from recycled gypsum drywall waste could have higher thermal performance than conventional concrete masonry units (CMU). The authors have developed such a system, referred to as Drywall Waste Block (DWB), and have previously published investigations of DWB engineering properties including compressive strength, water absorption, bulk density, and thermal conductivity. This paper describes investigation of resistance to heat flow of a reinforced DWB wall assembly, using a calibrated hot box apparatus as specified in ASTM C1363-11. The hot box apparatus was designed and fabricated as a cost-effective alternative to commercially testing services, affording rapid iteration during the research and development phase of novel building products made from unconventional materials. Some aspects of the apparatus design, fabrication, and characterization are discussed. Thermal performance of the DWB wall relative to a comparable CMU wall is discussed, as are areas for further research.

The effects of football team performance on merchandise sales at Washington State University

The effects of football team performance on merchandise sales at Washington State University

Primary author: Melissa Dominy
Co-author(s): Raeleigh Earls
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Rhee

Primary college/unit: College of Education
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Merchandise sales are a crucial form of revenue and branding for sport teams. Major sport teams like Dallas Cowboys and New York Nicks rely on brand image for institutional recognition and revenue. In collegiate football, Washington State University possesses a strong football culture throughout the fanbase and community, encompassing thousands of spectators. Cougars fans come from near and far to support their football program, showcasing their dedication to the program and their individual fan identification through merchandise. Team identification, just as brand loyalty, produces an emotional connection with a sports team and results in a positive impact on the purchasing behavior of individuals. From the consumer’s perspective, purchasing and using team-licensed merchandise can strengthen the relationship between fans and the team, willing fans to showcase their support. Brand equity has been defined as a set of assets such as name awareness, loyal customers, perceived quality, and associations that are linked to brand; such as Washington State University Football. Brand awareness is the likelihood and ease that a brand name will be recognized The objective of this study was to contribute to existing research on consumer purchasing intentions, investigating the relationship of team success with consumer spending on merchandise. This study analyzes merchandise sales from the 2014-2015 WSU Cougars football season (losing season) and the 2015-2016 WSU Cougars football season (winning season). The analysis investigated the relationship between Coug Football performance and merchandise sales, exploring the relationship of team identification and perceived value.

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.