Title: | Developing a Web-based Tutorial System For Physics Education |
Author(s): | Andrew Baruth |
Abstract: | Over the past few years the Internet has given birth to a potential of transforming the educational process. Now information and activities can be accessed anytime and anywhere, taking information out of the formal class setting. Computer assisted instruction allows immediate feedback as well as increased accessibility. For this reason the concept of a textbook has begun to change. We are exploring how to make it easier for instructors to jump into this educational process by helping them with the construction of interactive content. We have created a set of reusable pieces that can be used universally, which include multiple text sections, much like those found in a textbook, and we have added different multimedia to enhance their effectiveness. This multimedia ranges from graphics to java applications. We have also created a series of computer-graded questions that allow immediate feedback to both the student and the instructor. At this time we have added some content to this system in the area of physics;. however, we have developed software that allows instructors to produce their own text sections and questions, with their own multimedia, and assemble them into their own free standing web-based lesson. This feature allows this system to be very dynamic and literally never looks the same twice. At this time we are carrying out a formative evaluation to determine the appeal and user-friendliness of the software. Upon the conclusion of these results we hope to find that we have produced an effective method of using the Internet as a tool for the educational process and are allowing instructors with little time or budget to make their way into this new educational process. |
Title: | Computer Controlling a Telescope |
Author(s): | Brett Barwick |
Abstract: | This project involves creating a motion control system for a telescope using a PIC18c452 microcontroller. A stepper motor powered by an Allegro unipolar stepper motor chip will be attached to each of the two axes on an equatorial mounted Celestron telescope. Along with the stepper motors an encoder will also be attached to each axis. Using the 16-bit PIC18c452 microcontroller, the stepper motors will be moved so as to point the telescope at a given coordinate. The encoders that are attached to the two separate axes will provide position feedback to the microcontroller so that the microcontroller will know where to tell the stepper motors to go. Ultimately a system will be constructed in which the PIC18c452 will control the stepper motors using position data obtained from the encoders. A handheld control pad will be connected to the PIC18c452 and have a 4x20 LCD, along with a 4x4 keypad. The handheld control pad will provide a user interface with the PIC18c452. Coordinates will be entered on the handheld control pad and the PIC18c452 will move the telescope to that position. |
Title: | Effects of Creatine Supplementation On Muscle Fiber Size |
Author(s): | Travis Beck |
Abstract: | Creatine supplementation has become a common practice among many athletes, and it has been proven that ingestion of this supplement is an aid to regeneration of ATP through the ATP/PC system. Little is known about the hypertrophic effects of creatine supplementation. In response to this, five Harlan Sprague Dawley rats were fed a normal diet in conjunction with creatine supplementation, and five other rats received just a normal diet. All the rats were subjected to the same progressive exercise regimen. After four weeks, gastrocnemius muscles were taken from each of the rats, and the tissue samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy. |
Title: | Projects In Computer Networking |
Author(s): | Daniel Bontrager |
Abstract: | One particular area of great importance in the computer field is computer networking. In partial fulfillment of my seminar requirements, I worked on two computer-networking projects. The first project involved discovering a method in which to "ghost," or copy, the hard drive of one Apple Macintosh computer to another. Prior to the completion of my project, there was no existing software to do this or standard by which to follow. Throughout the project, I improved my independent learning skills, learned about the "ghosting" process, and increased my knowledge in computer networking, all of which aided me in developing a step-by-step procedure for "ghosting" the Macs. The second project involved organizing an IP restructuring plan for Doane's network. An IP address is a unique number to recognize a computer on a network. The IP address availability on Doane's campus has slowing been becoming more scarce as the student-computer ratio has increased but the number of IP addresses to distribute has remained static. Also, with the increasing IP address numbers, the need for a newer and more powerful primary domain controller was recognized. My project provided a solution to these issues. My poster session will outline each project based on the problem-solving framework phases of RADIS (Recognize a problem; Analyze the requirements; Design a solution to meet the requirements; Implement and test the solution; and Support the implementation). This framework is used throughout IST courses and projects. |
Title: | Aggressive Behavior of Convict Cichlad Fish |
Author(s): | Amanda Creighton |
Abstract: | This project investigated the role of a fish's sex in the aggressive behavior of convict cichlid fish. It is known that the longer a fish is resident in a territory, the more aggressive it becomes toward intruders. Does a female resident become more aggressive toward a female intruder compared to a male? Does a male resident be more aggressive toward a male intruder compared to a female? These questions will be answered using a standard procedure in which the intruder (contained within a glass tube) is introduced into the resident's territory. Elapsed time and event occurrence data (measures of aggression) will be gathered using a computer program and joystick. Both males and females will become resident in territories in 10 gallon aquaria. Territoriality occurs in many diverse groups of animals. Convict cichlids have been shown to engage in territorial behavior. When a fish is in an area for about 24-48 hours it is able to defend a territory because of reduced fear that generally occurs when a fish is placed into a novel area. It has been shown that isolating the animal for a few days in an aquarium confers a dominance advantage over a conspecific intruder. It has also been shown that the male is more aggressive than the female toward intruders at all stages of fry development; however, no one has investigated the level of aggression of males and females when no young are present. The goal of this activity is to determine if the sex of a convict cichlid influences the level of aggression displayed when an intruder is introduced into its territory. |
Title: | Effect of Triclosan Containing Soap on Human Normal Flora |
Author(s): | William C. Dorwart |
Abstract: | The frequency of use of antibacterial agents in household products has increased in recent years, and triclosan is one of the most common of these agents. Triclosan is found in a wide array of soaps, cosmetics, detergents, and it has been incorporated into fabrics and plastics. With consistent use of product containing triclosan the balance of the flora may be altered, and opportunistic pathogens or new organisms can be allowed to gain a foothold and cause an infection. Ten volunteer subjects were chosen to take part in an eight-day study relating use of an antibacterial soap versus plain water in testing the effect of the product on total numbers of microorganisms on the skin. Subjects were swabbed for three days to establish of baseline profile of their normal flora. During the next three days the subjects received treatment with the triclosan containing soap and twenty-four hours prior to treatment they were swabbed. Subjects were swabbed twice in the course of two day after cessation of treatment to monitor return of normal flora to pretreatment levels. All microorganisms plated onto tryptic soy agar and incubated at 370¢ª C for 24 to 48 hours. Counts of total colonies were made and compared on a day to day basis. During the first three days colony numbers remained consistent, during the three days of treatment significant fluctuations could be noted, and during the final two days colony numbers returned to baseline levels. |
Title: | News Bowl Web Application |
Author(s): | Nathan Eigsti |
Abstract: | News Bowl USA has been providing educational, current events for schools for the past 10 years by providing current event material and games. An annual "News Bowl" has been held as a competition between students in the same grade in their state and nation. In the past, the contest had been administered through paper tests or through the use of diskettes. For my senior seminar project, I created a web application that lets verified users access the test and tournament materials. Instead of mailing the paper test or disk for scoring, the web application provides instant feedback with their score. Once all teams have completed the test, users may access the same site to view their results for their state and the nation. To make the web application functional, I designed and developed a database to store all data including User IDs, passwords, scores, team names, and even the actual test. I then created Active Server Pages (ASP) that pull and record information from the database. The implementation of a web application allows users to take the test from any computer with an internet connection and significantly reduces costs for News Bowl USA. My poster session will include a description of the testing process, the design of my web application, in addition to a demonstration of the News Bowl Tournament. I will also discuss the process and problems I encountered in analyzing, designing, implementing and testing my web application. |
Title: | Examining the Effects of Chemical Compounds on the Aggression of Convict Cichlids |
Author(s): | Christopher Frey |
Abstract: | Territorial aggression in the Cichlid family of fish is well known. This particular study was an extension of such studies. Using a standard procedure to measure the aggression in convict cichlids, this study involved dissolving three chemical compounds in the water in which the fish inhabited for 24 hours. This was done to see if the compounds used had a significant effect on their aggressive behavior. In typical setups, a "resident" fish is put into a tank and allowed to establish its territory for the 24-hour period. Then an "intruder" fish is introduced and the aggression of the resident fish was observed. In this experiment, caffeine, ammonium nitrate, and lead nitrate were put into solution in the tank of the resident fish. Aggression increased from the control in the resident fish when using caffeine, was similar to the control in the resident fish with the ammonium nitrate, and was reduced from the control in resident fish with lead nitrate. |
Title: | Internship Database and Web Interface |
Author(s): | Melanie S. Gabel |
Abstract: | Internships can be very important for a student at Doane College. Students are required to take an internship for their major, while others may take it just for the experience. Sometimes finding an internship can be difficult, often an internship that a student completed in the past is a good lead for other students seeking internships. Prior to my project, to find out what previous students had done for their internships, a student would have to go to Career Development and search through a spreadsheet of past internships to find one that fit their needs. Darlene Williams, Director of Career Development, desired a database to keep track of the past internships that would be web accessible and searchable so it would be more readily available for students. For my project, I designed, built, and implemented a database application that would store information about internships. I also designed, developed and implemented an interface so students can search the database via the web. The site enables students to search for a past internship by city, state, company, and major. A student also has the ability to sort by any of the four search criteria. In my poster session I will discuss the process I went through in analyzing, designing and implementing the database application and web interface. I will also demonstrate the database application and web interface. |
Title: | Databases in Business |
Author(s): | Scott Heiman |
Abstract: | A common practice in business today is the utilization of databases. Databases benefit companies by allowing vast amounts of information to be entered, shared, sorted, filtered, modified, analyzed, and viewed with relative ease. My poster presentation will center around a database I analyzed, designed and created for O'Malley Grain to search and make reports on potential and current customers, and their grain needs. The main goals of my database are user-friendliness, the ability to do many different searches, and providing timely and useful reports. I created this database with Access, and incorporated some Visual Basic programming to perform some complex searching and reporting tasks. My poster session will outline the process I went through in designing and developing this database application along with discussing key issues, such as security, with which I had to deal. I will also provide a demonstration of the application. |
Title: | Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution |
Author(s): | Loni Jensen |
Abstract: | The purpose of this research is to find a common procedure that can be used with multiple compounds for a first year organic chemistry laboratory. Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS) is a standard topic covered in organic chemistry. However, there is only one common lab procedure that has been published for the lab and it uses only one common compound, which is toluene, so that everyone will have comparable results. I am trying to find other compounds, such as benzonitrile and acetophenone that can be used for the lab to teach comparison testing using "identical conditions." This way the students can have their own experiment to test the nitration and bromination aspect of EAS. This procedure must remain simple and the product results must be easily separated using gas chromatography (GC). Additionally, I am attempting to create a good exercise of molecular modeling using the MacSpartan Plus computer program that will in turn enable the student to create a potential energy diagram. |
Title: | Becoming an IT Professional |
Author(s): | Arthur Kant |
Abstract: | One of the most important resources of an organization is information. The way in which information is managed can be the deciding factor for the organization's success. In order to achieve positive results it is imperative for the organization to obtain information technology professionals who understand this importance and are willing to take the steps necessary to stay to up-to-date with their education. The information systems field is one that requires constant reviewing and updating of one's skill set. One of the method's available to professionals today is vendor-specific certification. In my poster session I will outline the path that I have taken to become an IT Professional focusing on my latest certification journey and its results. |
Title: | Sargent Packing Online: An Interactive Active Server Page Application for Internet E-Commerce |
Author(s): | Ed Knott |
Abstract: | E-Commerce is quickly becoming the exchange of choice for consumers and businesses alike in our new and evolving technological society. With the click of a button products can be purchased and shipped all over the world. My project focused on making the products of a small Midwestern meat packing plant available for purchase online. Sargent Packing is a small packing plant that currently does not have an Internet presence and markets to a small customer base in western Nebraska. In order for the company to expand they realized that they must capitalize on other markets besides that of the scarcely populated Midwest and found the possibility of making their products available online very appealing. In conjunction with my senior seminar project at Doane I designed and developed a Web site for them in which they could market and sell their products online. For the Sargent Packing e-commerce project it was decided that the shopping cart system the site would use should be ASP-based (Active Server Page). An ASP is an HTML page that is dynamically created on the web server before the page is sent to the user. The script in the web page accesses data, in this case it will be using data stored in a MS Access database, and then builds or customizes the page "on the fly" before sending it to the user. My poster session will include a live demonstration of the Sargent Packing e-commerce Web site and I will also be available to discuss the process that I went through in analyzing, designing, implementing, and testing the Web site. |
Title: | An Investigation into Lead(Pb) Contamination using Ictalurus punctatus |
Author(s): | Travis D. Kopf |
Abstract: | Lead can come from many different places in a watershed such as old car batteries, lead paint, lead pipes, and abandoned houses. These items can easily leak lead through the soil, into streams, and finally end up in the local lake or pond. The lead then precipitates into the sediment and can be picked up by organisms and, in the case of fish, can be passed on to humans. Lead contamination in humans, especially children, is a serious health threat. The channel catfish was used as an indicator to the amount of lead present in the two aquatic environments on the basis that it was a bottom feeder and would have a higher instance of coming into contact with the lead precipitates in the sediment. By digesting sediment samples, water samples, and fish tissues with concentrated HNO3 and analyzing them by atomic absorption (AA), approximate lead levels could be determined. The samples could then be compared to the EPA's minimum compliance level for lead found in solid waste, 0.05mg/L. It was found that one lake had a slightly higher presence of lead in all categories, including fish tissues, sediment, and water samples; however, almost all samples complied with the EPA's standard for lead levels. |
Title: | Joe College Radio Automation System |
Author(s): | Aaron Lupo |
Abstract: | Joe College is a software-based audio cataloging and automation system, written in Visual Basic 6.0 on a Windows 98 platform. The system is dependant on Microsoft Access for database systems and Microsoft Media Player for audio playback. Development of Joe College started in the fall of 1998, with the implementation of WinAmp to play music on KNDE 91.9 The Kidney while the station was unmanned. After several successful trials, it was proposed that a more permanent system be developed. After three and a half years, Joe College was developed. The system uses a database to store music and production material, allows the user to record or "rip" material for use, automatically catalogs and stores material, allows the user to schedule material for on-air play, and allows the user to tailor the "personality" of the station by scheduling certain songs to play at certain times. All this is done through a Windows graphical interface. The proposed presentation would include an overview of the software development lifecycle (Recognition, Analysis, Design, Implementation, and Support), as well as an outline on what was involved in the research and development of Joe College. To close, the software would be demonstrated, either live in the room or through VNC to the machine at the radio station. |
Title: | Pseudo-Random Number Generators used in Genetic Algorithms |
Author(s): | Duane McElvain and Dan Hoelting |
Abstract: | What we did: A genetic algorithm (GA) is a method of solving computer science problems using simulated evolution of possible solutions. The evolution of these solutions is controlled by pseudo-random numbers. The focus of our study was to determine if the quality of the pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) affected the performance of the genetic algorithm, over an array of problems. Why we did it: We did this as part of an undergraduate research project funded by the Cooper Grant. This took place over six weeks during the summer of 2001. How we did it: We researched and coded adequate problems. Adequate for our purposes meant keeping the problems somewhat small and simple. Due to limited time and computer processing power, we chose to keep all of our problems below 20 bits in size. We then used these problems (42 total) to test the GA and PRNG's to get our results. Papers describing our results will be presented at a national conference this coming summer. We plan to have a laptop running our GA test suite to demonstrate how we obtained our results. Examples of our work: We will describe a couple problems that have interesting results and display them graphically on our poster. |
Title: | MRSA Presence Within an Acute Nursing Facility |
Author(s): | Timothy Mitchell |
Abstract: | MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is an organism that causes significant health problems among the residents of many nursing facilities and hospitals. MRSA is difficult to treat due to its resistance to a multiple antibiotics, particularly the beta-lactam antibiotics. Initial samples from inanimate objects were obtained to determine the background presence of MRSA in the resident care facility. Nasal swabs were obtained from both residents and staff to determine the frequency of non-symptomatic carriers within persons associated with the facility. Samples and swabs were cultured on mannitol salt agar (MSA) (37 degrees C for 24-48 hours) for identification and quantitation of Staphylococcus sp. Oxacillin (laboratory equivalent of methicillin) was used to assay the isolates for beta-lactam antibiotic resistance. Of the 65 samples taken, 27 produced S. aureus, and three showed variable amounts of resistance to the drug. Even though no individuals were symptomatic for Staphylococcus infections at the time of sampling, the presence of beta-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus demonstrates the need for constant vigilance in the area of infection control in resident facilities. |
Title: | Environmental Transfer of the Atrazine-Catabolic Plasmid pADP-1 from Pseudomonas sp. Strain ADP to Indigenous Bacteria in Garden Soil Mesocosms |
Author(s): | Jessica J. Sharpnack |
Abstract: | Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States and is also one of the most resistant to microbial degradation. The potential for transfer of an atrazine-catabolic plasmid from Pseudomonas sp. Strain ADP to indigenous microorganisms in garden soil mesocosms was investigated. Twelve mesocosms, each containing garden soil with no prior herbicide exposure, were established in 2-liter bottles. It was verified that the culturable indigenous bacteria in this soil did not have atrazine-degrading capabilities. The experiment was performed in triplicate, with a control and three experimental groups. The control group received no amendments. The first experimental group was inoculated with Pseudomonas ADP, the second group was amended with atrazine (50 g/g soil), and the third group was amended with atrazine (50 g/g soil) and inoculated with the donor bacterium. After all amendments were made, the soils were moistened with sterile distilled water and thoroughly mixed. The mesocosms were incubated for 2 weeks in a greenhouse maintained at approximately 65-75ºC and moistened every 2-3 days with sterile distilled water. At the end of the incubation period, surviving microorganisms were isolated from each mesocosm and tested for atrazine-degrading capabilities. The number of atrazine-degrading colonies versus total bacterial colonies per gram of soil prior to the incubation period was compared to that after the incubation period to determine the degree to which the atrazine catabolic plasmid was transferred from the donor inoculum to the indigenous microorganisms. |
Title: | Internet Communication on a Small Campus |
Author(s): | Anthony Spencer |
Abstract: | Over the past decade, the communication of individuals through a layer of technology has firmly established itself with the rise of the Internet. My senior seminar project was to perform a survey of a small campus to measure the communication preferences of college students in both comfortable and uncomfortable situations. My hypothesis was that when conflict is added into a communication situation, college students would prefer emerging (Internet-based) forms of communication over more traditional forms. When communicating over the Internet, a layer of abstraction is placed between the two communicators, allowing a person to approach uncomfortable communications more easily than when communicating face-to-face. During my presentation, I will discus this phenomenon, explain my survey, and reveal my results, allowing some time for questions. |
Title: | Using High Speed Digital Video to Study Ripple Tank Waves |
Author(s): | Justin Stark |
Abstract: | Using high speed digital video enhances the ability to study ripple tank waves. The high speed capabilities of up to 10,000 frames per second gives the ability to capture the high frequency waves. The study involved creating the proper setup, capturing the wave action, and producing an interactive video that can be used by professors and students. The information gained can be used in the physics classroom when encountering wave concepts. I will discuss the challenges faced with the setup and also show examples of some wave videos. |
Title: | Restoration of Boswell Observatory's Program Clock |
Author(s): | Mark VanSkiver |
Abstract: | For the first half century of Doane's existence a time ball situated on top of Merrill Hall would drop at noon, signaling the time to professors, students and people of the surrounding area. For my senior project I wanted to help bring this tradition back to Doane by automating the process of both raising and dropping the Doane College time ball. I will present the work I have done on the restoration of Boswell Observatory's Program Clock and the plan for using it to control the motion of the time ball. I will present a history of the time ball and its operation and provide a detailed description of the function of the Boswell Observatory program clock and how it will be used to raise and lower the time ball. When this project is complete, an old tradition at Doane will have been reborn. |
Title: | Digitized Video Analysis of Wave Phenomena |
Author(s): | Brandon Wiese |
Abstract: | To better understand the theories behind wave phenomena, our Physics 435 class performed experiments dealing with different types of waves. To narrow down our investigation of wave phenomena, our class decided to focus on one aspect, the plucking of a string. Our goal for the semester was to be able to make a mathematical model of the motion of a wave in a string that is fixed at both ends. To our advantage, we were able to use a high-speed digital camera to see the exact motion of these waves. The three experiments included a spring that was plucked while fixed at both ends, a string fixed at both ends and plucked from the center, and a string fixed at one end and connected to a hanging mass on the other. The three experiments were conducted and the data was then compared with theoretical data. We took uncertainty measurements and performed the experiments very carefully in order to see a correlation between the data. |