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In 2011 a Student Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Symposium in 2011 A student research, scholarship, and creativity symposium April 29, 2011 Payson Smith and Sullivan Gym Maine Medical Center USM Portland Campus Research Institute www.usm.maine.edu/research in 2011 Innovative teaching and creative work—whether in a lab or in a studio—are the heart of any dynamic university culture. Thinking Matters is a one-day, once-a-year event, but it is the capstone that reflects what’s going on all year long in departments all across campus. Welcome to Thinking Matters 2011! SM takes deep pride in the research, scholarship, and creative expression produced in our community. Think- Uing Matters is a cherished tradition at USM, one that is dedicated to celebrating engaged education, exploration, and ingenuity. Connecting students to the wonder of learning speaks to the heart of USM’s mission, and our sponsorship of this inspiring event is evidence of our abiding respect for en- gaged teaching and learning, and the wisdom they produce. t is my pleasure to welcome faculty, students, staff, and family members to another Thinking Matters Program. SMCC has Ibeen a proud participant over the years and we plan to continue this collaboration which fosters engaged learning and intellectual inquiry. This celebration is a culmination of the hard work and dedication of our students and faculty. Our students especially enjoy the opportunity to share their work with USM students and faculty. I urge you to enjoy the variety of topics offered and be sure to commend the students on a job well done. in 2011 schedule 8:30–11:30 a.m. Poster Session Sullivan Gym 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Lunch on Your Own 12:15–1:30 p.m. Oral Session 1 Payson Smith 1:45–3:00 p.m. Oral Session 2 Payson Smith 3:00–3:15 p.m. Afternoon Break Payson Smith 3:15–4:30 p.m. Oral Session 3 Payson Smith table of contents Poster Sessions .........................2 Oral Sessions ...........................43 thank you The Thinking Matters Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those in the USM community who contributed their time and energy to create another successful Thinking Matters. A special thank you to Lourdes Alvarez whose help was invaluable. We look forward to working with you in the future. Thinking Matters 2011 Coordinators Faculty Co-Coordinators: • Elizabeth Bischof, Assistant Professor of History • Karen Wilson, Assistant Research Professor: Environmental Science and Policy Staff Coordinator: • Patricia Bola, Administrative and Financial Manager: Research Administration and Development in 2011 poster sessions 1. Wii-Habilitation health hazard worldwide and is associated with several common diseases Presenter: Lauren Adams such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some forms of cancer. Co-authors: Lyndsey Harrison, Katlyn Gardiner A gene know as leptin (comes from Greek letter lepton, meaning thin) Faculty Mentor: Jim Schilling been studied for some time. It is a primary hormone which aids in keep- ing the body from consuming too much food. Leptin is produced by part Department: University of Southern Maine, of the brain that tells the body it no longer needs to receive any more Exercise, Health and Sports Science food and then sends these signals to the stomach, which an individual Abstract: There are many forms of physical rehabilitation being utilized interprets as being full. Sometimes the brain makes a mistake, lead- across the world. Some of the major downfalls that health care profes- ing one to overeat because the feeling of fullness never presents itself. sionals have noticed within the area of rehabilitation is the complaint of Research has been performed on certain ingredients and foods that may not having enough time, money or fast enough results from the patients. stop leptin signaling the brain, leading an individual to overeat in order By using Nintendo’s® motion sensory gaming console, the Wii®, patients to satisfy their hunger. When leptin is not present, the hunger hormone can acquire similar physical rehabilitation results they can find in a clini- (grehling) will make the body feel hungry and will tell the brain it needs cal setting, but in the comfort of their home and for the initial one-time food. Certain foods that have been shown to decrease leptin and increase price of the game unit. Wii-Habilitation® has been utilized across the grehlin are fructose and refined sugars. Leptin and obesity are strongly globe and for a variety of different physical injuries or illnesses. This correlated and are important factors to look at when dealing with weight system can be used to increase joint mobility, reduce pain and restore loss or eating issues. individuals to having a pain free active daily lifestyle —all of which com- prise the baseline goals of rehabilitation. In one review, the Nintendo® 3. Understanding the genetic of core deafness system was used to increase joint range of motion for wrist extension Presenter: Shamso Ahmed ® and flexion. The Wii remote is a hand-held device that is linked with a Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Ehrenfeld sensor that would sit on top of a television; the Wii-habilitation® system Department: Southern Maine Community College, can measure initial range of motion values for flexion and extension by sensing the movement and direction of the hand. Throughout the activi- Liberal Studies ties provided by the Wii® it will stimulate movement of the wrist joints. Abstract: How do people become deaf? Approximately 8% of the US This specific set-up opens the door for similar cost effective game based population is considered deaf and hard of hearing. The purpose of this applications for other joints and motions. project is to discuss the current genetic research on deafness. The presentation will investigate if the possibility of gene therapy to correct several of these mutations. It will also include the common forms of syn- 2. Connection between Leptin and Obesity dromes deafness, the American Sign Language, the norms of deaf cul- Presenter: Muhidin Adan ture, schools for the deaf and most important person of the deaf world, Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Ehrenfeld Thomas Gallaudet. I will also compare the advantageous of deaf person Department: Southern Maine Community College, to the core deaf person who is deaf after birth and the many causes of Biology deafness such as meningitis, Rubella (1960s) and German measles. Abstract: Obesity results when body fat accumulates over time as a re- sult of calories consumed exceeding calories expended. Obesity is major 2 thinkingmatters 4. Evaluation of In-Service Training About 7. Levels, Trends and Fate of Polycyclic Aromatic Islamic Beliefs and Values Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Dirt and Dust from Roads Presenter: Muse Ali in the Long Creek Watershed, South Portland, Maine Faculty Mentor: Tara Healy Presenter: Jessica Barilone Department: University of Southern Maine, Co-authors: Naomie Chouinard Social Work Faculty Mentor: Lucille Benedict Abstract: There has been increased media and public attention about Department: University of Southern Maine, Islam and Muslims after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In the Environmental Science aftermath of the 9/11 climate, the mental health needs of American Mus- Abstract: Long Creek, located in South Portland, Cumberland County, poster sessions lims have also increased. Studies indicate, however, that many mental Maine has been classified as an urban impaired stream. Potential causes health providers are not culturally competent to serve American Muslims. for impairment are believed to be associated with extensive impervi- In order to address this need, a local mental health agency is providing ous areas, e.g. asphaltic pavement, within the drainage basin affecting its staff with in-service training about Islamic beliefs and values. This surface water runoff discharging to Long Creek. In the largest urbanized study evaluates the effectiveness of this in-service training about Islamic segment of Long Creek Watershed, impervious surface coverage is in beliefs and values for mental health professional. This evaluation has excess of 55%. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were evaluated been approved by USM’s IRB. The evaluation utilizes pre and post design. in dirt and dust samples collected from various locations along roadways A questionnaire measuring participants’ knowledge and attitudes about and paved surfaces in the Long Creek Watershed. Samples of dirt and Islamic beliefs and values will be completed immediately before and dust were obtained from paved areas based on visual accumulations of after the in-service training. It is anticipated that participants will report material in low-lying areas, and from dirt and debris collected during increased cultural competency about Islamic beliefs and values follow- routine street sweeping. Additional samples were collected from catch ing the in-service training when compared to the pretest measure. The basins located throughout the basin which divert surface water runoff study will guide mental health agencies towards providing their staff with into the municipal storm water system, ultimately discharging to various culturally competent training. tributaries of Long Creek. Distribution of PAH compounds within fine- grained street dirt samples obtained from highly trafficked areas in Long 5. Human Population Effecting the Amazon Rainforest Creek Watershed are dominated by high molecular weight PAHs, with Presenter: Carrie Arsenault concentrations 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than those found in street Faculty Mentor: Charles Gregory dust samples collected in rural areas outside the basin. Department: Southern Maine Community College, Marine Biology and Oceanography 8. Growth rate performance of Ganoderma Abstract: From humans logging the trees of the forest to many organ- lucidum mycellum on agar plates containing isms of the rainforest now on the extinction list, there is proof all around different carbohydrate sources that human population is having a negative effect on the Amazon Rainfor- Presenter: Jason Batchelor est. There needs to be a way to stop the reduction of the rainforest.
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