19th Annual
Student Conference
for Research and Creative Arts
April 16 – April 18, 2013
Student Conference for Research and Creative Arts
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Conference Personnel ................................................................................................................................... 3
Directors ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Conference Coordinators ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Faculty Advisor Emeritus ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Faculty Advisor ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Faculty Advisory Committee .................................................................................................................................. 3
Thank You ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Conference Background ................................................................................................................................ 4
Workshops and Events .................................................................................................................................. 5
Presentation Options .................................................................................................................................... 6
Conference Program ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Abstract Listings ...........................................................................................................................................10
Oral Presentation Abstracts ..........................................................................................................................15
Poster Presentation Abstracts ......................................................................................................................35
Roundtable Abstracts ...................................................................................................................................78
Symposium Abstracts ...................................................................................................................................86
2
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Conference Personnel
Directors
Michael Hunt, M.A.
Pilar Goyarzu, Ph.D.
Conference Coordinators
Linda Early
Jeremy Mejia
Zeenat Tinwala
Kyle Wofford
Lee Ann Zahn
Faculty Advisor Emeritus
David Malin, Ph.D.
Human Sciences and Humanities
Faculty Advisor
Stuart Larson, Ph.D.
Human Sciences and Humanities, Fine Arts
Faculty Advisory Committee
Magdy Akladios, Ph.D.
School of Science and Computer Engineering
Kathleen Garland, Ph.D.
School of Business
Samina Masood, Ph.D.
School of Science and Computer Engineering
Chad Wetterneck, Ph.D.
School of Human Sciences and Humanities
3
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Thank You
We thank all of the presenters, sponsors, evaluators, volunteers, Universities, Colleges, and other individuals and
organizations who contributed to the Conference. Special recognition goes to the Offices and Departments within the
University of Houston-Clear Lake:
Office of the President
Dr. William Staples, President
Office of the Provost
Dr. Carl Stockton, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Student Services
Dr. Darlene Biggers, Associate Vice President of Student Services
School of Human Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Rick J. Short, Dean
School of Science and Computer Engineering
Dr. Zbigniew J. Czajkiewicz, Dean
School of Education
Dr. Dennis Spuck, Dean
School of Business
Dr. Wm. Theodore Cummings, Dean
Conference Background
The Student Conference on Research and Creative Arts at the University of Houston-Clear Lake began in 1994 under
the direction of psychology instructors Dr. Kyna Shelly and Michael Hunt. Understanding that their students who had
participated in research projects were hesitant to attend professional conferences, they agreed that a co-curricular
activity would provide students an opportunity to present their original work in a professional format and help prepare
them for their academic and professional careers.
The first conference consisting of 31 presentations by UHCL students has now grown into annual event with authors
from multiple colleges and universities.
The event is an interdisciplinary conference with students from fields such as Biology, Physics, Computer Science,
Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, Fine Arts, and Creative Writing.
In 2013, 246 applications were accepted that represented over 490 authors and co-authors.
4
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Workshops and Events
Curriculum Vitae Workshop
Chuck Crocker, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Workshop providing examples, tips and general advice to producing a noteworthy overview of one's experience and
job qualifications to potential employers.
Coffee House Session: Poetry
Presentation of original student poetry in an informal coffee house setting
Opening Reception for UHCL Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition 2013
A presentation of individual art pieces by students
Sponsor: Jason Makepeace, UHCL
Fitzgerald v. Nita & Western Railroad: A Mock Trial Demonstration of a Wrongful Death Case
Amador, Carmelina (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Elizabeth Apolinar, Kimberly Chapman, Allison Fields, Tyler
Gillespie, Kristin Hummel, Rique Kidd, Kimberly Laurel, Ashley Maxwell, Ashley Miller, Montana Nettleton, Sintia
Solis, Lorraine Speight, Bridget Turner
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. James C. Benson
Fitzgerald v. Nita & Western Railroad is a wrongful death case arising out of an auto accident at a railroad crossing.
The accident occurred at the intersection of County Road and the main line tracks of the Nita and Western Railroad
resulting in the death of Johnny Fitzgerald. Johnny's wife Debra is suing Nita & Western Railroad alleging that the
railroad was negligent in not providing adequate warnings, proper maintenance at the crossing and in the operation
of the train. The railroad alleges that Johnny was negligent in the operation of his car or that he intentionally drove
his car into the train in order to commit suicide. Two teams of Legal Studies majors will try this case to verdict in the
UHCL Mock Trial Courtroom before a presiding judge.
Amy Linn O’Sullivan Scholarship Award
Sponsor: Amy Linn O’Sullivan Scholarship Foundation
Dolphin Research Presentations and Award Recipients: Parvathi Nair and Stephanie Hendrickson
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Justin Wilkinson, NASA
Global Survey of Rivers, Evolution of the Amazon R., and Biodiversity
Innocence Project of Texas Panel
Sponsors: Dr. Steven Egger, UHCL and Jeff Blackburn, Attorney, Founder and Chief Counsel
5
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Cory Session, Michelle Mallin, Potential Exonerees
.
Presentation Options
All applications to the conference required a faculty sponsor who was familiar with the original work of the student (s).
Presenters received an evaluation following their presentations. The Conference and all presentations were open to
the public, free of charge.
Presentation options included the following:
1. Symposia
Topics are selected by faculty. Students present their research on the specific topic with a question and
answer period following.
2. Oral
Students present their work orally in 15-minute time-slots that included a question-and-answer period.
A pc was available to the presenter for PowerPoint or other supportive use.
3. Poetry
Students read original poems, memoirs, and other literary materials in an informal coffeehouse setting
4. Roundtables
Topics are selected by faculty. Students come prepared to discuss their opinions based on their research.
Roundtables are typically 30 - 60 minutes.
5. Poster Presentations
Students present their work in a poster format and are available during their poster session (1.5 - 2 hours) to
address questions and comments from interested conference attendees. Posters remain displayed for a
number of days following the Conference.
6. eAbstracts
Topics are selected by faculty. Students present their research on the specific topic electronically.
6
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Conference Program
Monday, April 15
7:00 pm -10:00 pm
Roundtable 1
Diversity and Dialogue in Houston Part I
Chair: Dr. Christine Kovic, UHCL
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Roundtable 2
Women Leaders Around the World
Chair: Gaye Cummins, UHCL
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Roundtable 3
Needs/Capacity Assessment for Intercultural and International Student
Services Project
Chair: Dr. Charlotte Haney, UHCL
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Workshop
Workshop: Curriculum Vitae
Speaker: Chuck Crocker, UHCL
Roundtable 4
The Gendered Public Health
Chair: Gaye Cummins, UHCL
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Roundtable 5
The Gendered Public Health
Chair: Gaye Cummins, UHCL
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Event 1
Coffee House: Poetry
Chair: Dr. Craig White, UHCL
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Symposium 1
2nd Annual Animation & Film Festival Symposium
Chair: Anne Henry, UHCL
Tuesday, April 16
Wednesday, April 17
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Oral Session 1
Judicial System: Policy Making
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Oral Session 2
Health
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Oral Session 3
Psychology I
Oral Session 4
Literature
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Symposium 2
Language and Power
Chair: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian, UHCL
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Symposium 3
Health Care Administration I
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Symposium 4
Health Care Administration II
Health Care Systems around the World
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Oral Session 5
Psychology II
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Oral Session 6
Texas
7
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Symposium 5
UHCL Student Research in the Amazon
Chair: Dr. Cindy Howard, UHCL
Event 2
Amy Linn O’Sullivan Scholarship Award
Amy Linn O’Sullivan Scholarship Foundation
Oral Session 7
Hispanics in USA
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Symposium 6
A Perspective on the Case of Leonard Peitier: What We See, What We Don’t
See, and What We Should See
Chair: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian, UHCL
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Symposium 7
Diversity and Dialogue in Houston Part II
Chair: Dr. Christine Kovic, UHCL
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Oral Session 8
Design
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Event 3
Keynote Speaker
Global Survey of Rivers, Evolution of the Amazon River, and Biodiversity
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Symposium 8
Working with Clients: A Symposium for Graphic Designers
Roundtable 6
Societal Focus on Work/Life Balance
Oral Session 9
Education
6:00 pm
Event 4
President Staples Remarks
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Poster Session I
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Event 5
Innocence Project of Texas
9:30 am- 11:00 am
Oral Session 10
Natural Sciences
11:00 am
Event 6
Provost Remarks
11:00 am- 12:30 pm
Poster Session II
2:00- 3:00 pm
Symposium 9
American Eating Rituals
Chair: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian, UHCL
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Roundtable 8
Domestic Violence & Silent Voice of Violence
3:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Event 7
Mock Trial: Trial of the Case of Fitzgerald v. Nita & Western
Railroad
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Oral Session 11
Art
5:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Event 8
Opening Reception for the 2013 UHCL Bachelor of Fine
Arts Exhibition
Thursday, April 18
8
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Symposium 10
The Beginnings of Modern Global Oppression
Chair: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian, UHCL
Symposium 11
Diversity and Dialogue in Houston Part III
Symposium 12
INDH 3430 Tech of Safety Engineering and Analysis
9
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Abstract Listings
Oral Presentation Abstracts ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
Le Fou Roux ................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Childhood Obesity and the Nurse as Change Agent: A review of Current Trends and Recommendations ............................... 15
Does Stress Cause Associated Bacterial Community Changes in Soft Coral Plexuara Homomalla?16s rDNA DGGE Analysis. .. 15
The Value of Pilgrimage in Medieval and Modern Society: Exploration of The Canterbury Tales as a Living Document .......... 16
Alzheimer's Disease .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
The Pleasure Pier: Galvestons Dedication to the Future............................................................................................................ 17
Fifty Shades of Plato ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Archer Fullingim and the Campaign to Preserve the Big Thicket of East Texas ......................................................................... 17
A Look Inside "Game of Thrones" .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Depression is Treatable .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Changing Atttitudes towards Mexican Americans ..................................................................................................................... 18
Cyber Bullying: Raising Awareness ............................................................................................................................................. 19
Challenges and Successes of First-Generation College Students in the Houston-Galveston Area. ........................................... 19
Backpack with Expandable Chair on the Go! ............................................................................................................................. 19
Empowerment of the Few in America ....................................................................................................................................... 20
An Exploration of Evolution: Genetic Implications of the PV92 Alu Transposon ....................................................................... 20
The Patron System: The Effects on Laredo, Texas ..................................................................................................................... 21
Special Education Problems ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
The Benefits of Yoga................................................................................................................................................................... 22
"When Life Begins..." .................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Stress and Bacterial Involvement in the Production of prostaglandins by the Octocoral Plexaura homomalla........................ 23
A Functional Analytic Perspective on Therapist Disclosure ....................................................................................................... 23
The Zen's of Arju-NO! ................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Treatment Strategies for OCD and Comorbid Disorders ............................................................................................................ 24
The Patron System: The Effects on Laredo, Texas ..................................................................................................................... 25
Is Legalizing Marijuana Beneficial? ............................................................................................................................................. 25
The Rift ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Engaging Latino Parents ............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Economic Appeal of Texas .......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Non-Viscous and Viscous Flow Involving Boundaries ................................................................................................................ 27
Transdiagnostic Group CBT for Anxiety Disorders ..................................................................................................................... 27
Latino Parental Involvement in One Elementary School: An Exploratory Case Study ............................................................... 27
Immigration: Another Window .................................................................................................................................................. 28
The History of the Seven Constitutions of Texas. ....................................................................................................................... 28
Learning to take Control of Stress before it takes Control of You.............................................................................................. 28
Jean Houston Baldwin Daniel ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
A Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Approach to Shame in Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders ............................... 29
A Healthy Lifestyle ...................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Abortion Laws in Texas............................................................................................................................................................... 30
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ................................................................................................................................................. 30
L.O.L (Laughing or Losing) .......................................................................................................................................................... 31
10
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Is Capital Punishment a true form of Justice? ............................................................................................................................ 31
Eating for our FUture ................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Finding the Relationship between Coupling Multipliers Supplied by NIOSH Lifting Equation and the Corresponding Muscular
Activity........................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
The Ku Klux Klan and Colonel Mayfields Weekly ....................................................................................................................... 32
Mediocrity in the U.S. Education System: Who's Really Responsible and Course of Actions Needed for our Students ........... 34
Poster Presentation Abstracts .................................................................................................................................................... 35
The Relationship between Management Styles,Engagement,Burnout and Intentions to Quit ................................................. 35
Properties Of Stability and HOPF Bifurcation for an HIV/AIDS Epidemic Model with Screening and Time Delay ..................... 35
Psychological Flexibility as a Moderator of the Relationship between Stress and Alcohol Consumption ................................. 35
Interaction of Zinc Finger Proteins with Human Inducible Nitric Oxide synthase ..................................................................... 36
Ignorance is Not Always Bliss: A Study of Teachers' Perceptions of Response to Intervention (RTI) ........................................ 36
A Case Study for Digital Publications and Applications .............................................................................................................. 37
Changing Stigmas of Ex-Offenders through Social Marketing .................................................................................................... 37
Differences in Protein Expression Among Ecotypes of Spartina alterniflora ............................................................................. 37
"Public Preferences of Restorative Justice Practices with Respect to Victim Status and Severity of Crime" ............................ 38
The Impact of Trauma on Interpersonal Intimacy...................................................................................................................... 38
Viewers Perceptions of Gender in iCarly .................................................................................................................................... 39
Anticipated Regret and the Decision for Sexual Risk Taking ...................................................................................................... 39
Black Illinois Legislators and Chicago Murders: Are Black Politicians Providing Substantive Representation to Reduce the
Murder Rate of Black Men in the City? ...................................................................................................................................... 40
Using Lag Schedules to Increase Variability in Response Greetings of Children with Autism .................................................... 40
Nontraditional Students' Needs and Services ............................................................................................................................ 40
Attachment Style and Emotion Regulation as a Predictor of Authenticity in Romantic Relationships. ..................................... 41
Product Branding ....................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Effect of Celebrity Endorsement on Voting Behavior ................................................................................................................ 41
Veiling of Women: Cultural or Religious .................................................................................................................................... 42
The Effect of Mainstreaming on Teachers' Attitudes and Stress ............................................................................................... 43
Stress and its Impact on Positive Academic Graduate Student Performance ............................................................................ 43
"The Substitutability of Live and Videotaped Attenti0n as Reinforcers" ................................................................................... 43
Effects of E-readers on Reading Comprehension and Speed ..................................................................................................... 43
The Effects of Personality Type on Social Media Usage ............................................................................................................. 44
Perceived Temporal Consensus and Relationship Conflict ........................................................................................................ 44
The Subject of Power in Art History:Society,Race,Class and Sex ............................................................................................... 45
Case Study of Two Mathematics Teachers' Implementation of STEM Education in an Urban STEM High School .................... 45
Testing the Effects of a Safety Auditing System On Safety Metrics for Five Manufacturing Facilities ....................................... 45
News Media's Effect on Racial Discrimination ........................................................................................................................... 46
Monitoring Water Quality at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site: Focus on the Effects of Hurrican Ike and
Drought to an Estuarine Environment ....................................................................................................................................... 46
The Relationship between Burnout and Education Performance of Working Graduate Students ............................................ 47
Storm Water Drainage Pollution: The Effects of Urban Runoff ................................................................................................. 47
The Effects of Physical Activity on Symptoms of Depression. .................................................................................................... 48
Increasing the Frequency and Variability of Greeting Initiations and Responses in Non-Vocal Adolescents with Autism using
the iPad ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Constellation Program Cancellation Effects at JSC ..................................................................................................................... 48
11
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Gun Control ................................................................................................................................................................................ 49
99% Independent: Should Scotland become an independent nations? .................................................................................... 49
Training Adults with High Functioning Autism to Use Incidental Teaching to Increase the Language Acquisition for Children
with Autism ................................................................................................................................................................................ 50
What Makes Trainees Willing to Recommend Certain Stress Reduction Techniques? ............................................................. 50
The Dark side of Social Media .................................................................................................................................................... 51
The FDA: A Failed Bureaucracy .................................................................................................................................................. 51
Boys will be Boys, Girls will be Girls? A Comparison of "iCarly" and "The Suite Life". ............................................................... 51
Deterministic Ramifications of Appeasement ............................................................................................................................ 51
Witness Identification in Capital Punishment: Racial Bias and DNA Exoneration ...................................................................... 52
Effect of Total Sleep Deprivation on Adult Rats Prior To Learning a Spatial Reference Memory Task. ..................................... 52
Purification Of a Fusion Protein using Pfu Polymerase & dUTPase. Kuvalekar, MP and Rashid, MB ........................................ 52
The Effects of a Life-Changing Treatment on the Interpersonal Relationships of Cancer Survivors .......................................... 53
Does Truthful Expressivity Contriute to Effective Group Function? .......................................................................................... 53
Stress and its Impact on Non-Traditional Graduate Students' Performance ............................................................................. 54
Understanding Magical Realism through Popular Fantasy Fiction ............................................................................................ 54
Postures while Using Handheld Touchscreen Devices ............................................................................................................... 54
Counseling Self-esteem for Children of Domestic Violence ....................................................................................................... 54
The Effects of Contriving the Relevant Establishing Operation When Teaching the What Mand-for-Information ................... 55
Religion Affects Views in Death Penalty ..................................................................................................................................... 56
Box Office Dynamics as Applied to IMAX Presentations ............................................................................................................ 56
Analytical Results for a Coupled Non-Linear System of Ordinary Differential Equations Modeling Flame Propagation ........... 56
Understanding English Language Learners in the Classrooms ................................................................................................... 57
The Use of Text Message Reminders to Improve Doctors Appointment Attendance ............................................................... 57
Effects of Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Physical Properties and contaminant transport in soil .................................................. 58
Properties of Equations .............................................................................................................................................................. 58
Comparison of Zooplankton at Sites along the Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil ............................................................................ 58
Stemcells as Dental Biomaterial ................................................................................................................................................. 59
Dental Biomaterial ..................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Long-term Mating Preferences: Men's Perspective of Potential Mate's Socioeconomic Status ............................................... 60
Ageism, Social Identity, and Terror Management Thoery: The Influence of Age Related Activities.......................................... 60
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Gd (III)-Cu (II) Hetero Metal Containing Compounds ..................................................................... 60
Public Perception of Sex Offenders ............................................................................................................................................ 61
Helping the Helpless ................................................................................................................................................................... 61
The Effects of Pre-trial vs. Post-trial Reinforcement Choice on Task Performance ................................................................... 62
A Comparison of the Ergonomic Implications of Using a Conventional Mouse, Touchpad, and Touchscreen Pointing Devices
.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
The Effects of Psychosocial Stress on the Perception of Facial Expressions .............................................................................. 62
Interactive Animations ............................................................................................................................................................... 63
College Students' Knowledge & Perceptions as Predictors of Perceived Threat of the Human Papillomavirus........................ 63
Drug Use and Perceptions of Crime ........................................................................................................................................... 63
Parents Perception of IPads for Babies and Toddlers ................................................................................................................ 64
The Deaf Community and the Police .......................................................................................................................................... 64
Your Marriage, Our Marriage, Their Marriage An Analysis on the Constitutionality and Beliefs behind DOMA ....................... 65
English Language Learnesr and Post-Secondary Studies............................................................................................................ 65
The Impact of Early Intervention on Teaching and Learning of Children with Autism .............................................................. 65
12
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Wearing English Language Learners' shoes: Learning More than What Words Can Teach ....................................................... 66
Identify Gaps In Fall Hazards In Residential And Commercial Construction Through A Comparison Study During The
Installation And Finishing Of Sheetrock ..................................................................................................................................... 66
Gender Preference of a Realtor ................................................................................................................................................. 66
Organization Socialization: Successful On-Boarding and Perceived Organizational Support Predicting Retention .................. 67
Permeation of 2-Butoxyethanol in Cavicide through Natural Rubber Latex Gloves .................................................................. 67
Demand Fading without Extinction ............................................................................................................................................ 68
Relationship between Soil Nutrients and Leaf Productivity on Cecropia on Lowland Central Amazon .................................... 68
The Flowers of the Hawaiian Islands .......................................................................................................................................... 68
The Effects of Organizational Design on Employee Satisfaction ................................................................................................ 69
Interactive Animations ............................................................................................................................................................... 69
Childcare on Campus .................................................................................................................................................................. 69
Secure Communities: Does the new immigration enforcement strategy actually make communities safer? .......................... 70
Feminizing Anger ........................................................................................................................................................................ 70
How do African American Women Perceive Their Own Attractiveness compared to Women of Other Races? ....................... 70
A Case Study of Sensory Diet Effectiveness ............................................................................................................................... 71
Does Stress Causes Associated Bacterial Community Changes in the Soft Coral Plexaura Homomalla? 16S rDNA Clone Library
Analysis....................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
What Factors Predict Stress Reduction Technique Use in Future Mental Health Practitioners? .............................................. 71
What Predicts Future Mental Health Practitioners Intention To Use Certain Stress Reduction Interventions? ....................... 72
Let's Keep Them Not Kick Them! Keeping Toddlers and Preschoolers from Expulsion ............................................................. 73
Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Life Satisfaction .......................................................................................... 73
Identifying Precursors to Severe Problem Behavior .................................................................................................................. 73
Emotions, Coping, and Relationships ......................................................................................................................................... 74
Confirmation Bias in Political Advertising .................................................................................................................................. 74
Heterosexism: A Mini-Study ....................................................................................................................................................... 74
The Effects of Social Support and Treatment on Job Stability and Job Satisfaction for Veterans and Paramedics with PTSD
Symptoms................................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Further Evaluation of the Brief Functional Analysis ................................................................................................................... 75
Student Self-Body Image ............................................................................................................................................................ 75
The Effects of Anticipated Regret on the Decision to Engage in Sexual Risk Taking .................................................................. 76
Remembering the Gifted Students ............................................................................................................................................ 76
Advertising Plan for Moxci Entertainment ................................................................................................................................. 77
Further Research on Deterministic Modeling Of Infectious Diseases ........................................................................................ 77
Roundtable Abstracts ................................................................................................................................................................ 78
Silence of the Women ................................................................................................................................................................ 78
To Label or Not to Label ............................................................................................................................................................. 78
Women Leaders Around the World: Johanna Sigurdardottir .................................................................................................... 78
Domestic Violence ...................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Super Female.............................................................................................................................................................................. 79
Women Leaders Around the World ........................................................................................................................................... 79
Women Leaders around the World ............................................................................................................................................ 80
The Silent Voice of Violence ....................................................................................................................................................... 80
Whose Babies Survive? .............................................................................................................................................................. 80
Needs/Capacity Assessment for Intercultural and International Student Services ................................................................... 81
13
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Selling Snake Oil ......................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Societal Focus on Work/Life Balance ......................................................................................................................................... 81
Women Leaders around the World ............................................................................................................................................ 82
Women Leaders ......................................................................................................................................................................... 82
Contaminated Water: What the Frack Is Going On? .................................................................................................................. 82
International Women Leaders ................................................................................................................................................... 82
Disturbed & Discriminated ......................................................................................................................................................... 83
Testing in the Streets ................................................................................................................................................................. 83
The Texas Tragedy ...................................................................................................................................................................... 83
High on Deliquency .................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Drug Use and Abuse Among Teenagers ..................................................................................................................................... 84
Death by Manicure ..................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Women Leaders around the World ............................................................................................................................................ 84
Contamination Conundrum ....................................................................................................................................................... 85
Symposium Abstracts................................................................................................................................................................. 86
The Poisonwood Bible: The Demoralizing Effects of Colonialism .............................................................................................. 86
Safety Snowalker ........................................................................................................................................................................ 86
Two Women, Two Solutions: Language and Power ................................................................................................................... 87
Working With Clients ................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Fall Protection - Dynamics of Pendulum Swings ........................................................................................................................ 87
Analysis of Spain Healthcare System .......................................................................................................................................... 88
Siemens Automated Robots ....................................................................................................................................................... 88
Working With Clients - A Guide for Graphic Designers .............................................................................................................. 88
Robot-Assisted Surgery .............................................................................................................................................................. 88
Designs for Disabilities Walker Rack for Mass Transit................................................................................................................ 89
Diversity and Dialogue in Houston Part III ................................................................................................................................. 89
A comparison of Water Quality Paramenters among Various Sites along the Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil............................. 90
A Critical Review of Thailands Health System- A Comparative Analysis with the U.S. Health System....................................... 90
Business Case for Structuring Medical Tourism in Ambulatory Surgical Centers ...................................................................... 91
Project Space Walk ..................................................................................................................................................................... 91
Cosmic Undertow ....................................................................................................................................................................... 91
SawStop: A look into Table Saws and there Safety Mechanism's .............................................................................................. 92
Wishful Thinking ......................................................................................................................................................................... 92
Ecology and Population Biology of Amazon Pink River Dolphins ............................................................................................... 92
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest ............................................................................................................................................... 92
A Comparative Overview of Long Term Care Delivery in Finland & the United States Healthcare System ............................... 93
The Moment of Death ................................................................................................................................................................ 93
A Perspective on the Case of Leonard Peltier: What We See, What We Don't See, and What We Should See ........................ 94
A Study of Turkeys Financial Healthcare System ....................................................................................................................... 94
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest: Land use and Effects on Water Quality ............................................................................... 94
The Beginnings of Modern Global Opression ............................................................................................................................. 95
Diversity and Dialogue in Houston Part II .................................................................................................................................. 95
Confined Space Safety ................................................................................................................................................................ 96
Avian Species Richness along the Upper Rio Negro in Brazil ..................................................................................................... 96
14
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Oral Presentation Abstracts
Aguilez, Nidia (Lone Star College North Harris)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Katharine Caruso
Le Fou Roux
Vincent van Gogh's life was one of struggle, mental illness and failed careers. Looking at his upbringing and adult life,
we will learn how all of this shaped and affected his work, who he was and, in turn, how this original tortured artist
shaped art history.
Akinmusire, Akinwunmi (Lone Star College North Harris)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Katharine Caruso
Childhood Obesity and the Nurse as Change Agent: A review of Current Trends and
Recommendations
Childhood obesity presents an enormous health challenge for the 21st century. The consequences are crossgenerational, and prevention must be the major goal of any comprehensive intervention program. Effectively
addressing the epidemic of childhood obesity will require a multi-pronged approach involving the family unit,
community, health care professionals and policy makers. The relationship between the nurse, the family unit, and the
community is a major asset in promoting health and preventing childhood overweight and obesity.
Appikonda, Sri Hari Chandan (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Gurjit Singh, Girdhar Jangly
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lory Santiago-Vã¡Zquez
Does Stress Cause Associated Bacterial Community Changes in Soft Coral Plexuara
Homomalla16s rDNA DGGE Analysis.
Does stress causes associated bacterial community changes in the soft coral Plexaura homomalla? 16S rDNA DGGE
analysis Sri Hari Chandan Appikonda, Gurjit Singh, Giridhar Prasad Jangly, Lory Z. Santiago-Vázquez Abstract: Soft
corals are being threatened by stressors such as abnormal ocean temperatures and bacterial infections. These can
cause coral bleaching, reduced coral health, and may lead to death. In addition to the corals well studied
dinoflagellate symbiont, corals have an associated microbiome that can shift from beneficial to pathogenic during
stress. The overall goal of our project is to identify the different species of bacteria associated to Plexaura homomalla
during normal and stressed conditions
15
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Barnard, Chelsea (Lamar University)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Zani
The Value of Pilgrimage in Medieval and Modern Society: Exploration of The Canterbury
Tales as a Living Document
Geoffrey Chaucer's 14th century work, The Canterbury Tales, is one of the most rich and complex narratives in
English literature. The stories, written in Middle English, are a combination of poetry and prose, describing a long
journey taken by pilgrims to Canterbury Cathedral. The work itself reflects a real event - the medieval pilgrimage to
the shrine of Saint Thomas a Becket. Chaucer's characters set out on this pilgrimage to Canterbury and occupy their
time spent travelling by telling tales. The fascination of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is how diverse and intriguing his
characters are; they come from various backgrounds, some secular and some religious, yet they take pleasure in each
other's company. The humanity and relationships displayed in the tales appear just as often in today's society as they
did in the 14th century. With Lamar University's David J. Beck Fellowship, I had the opportunity to embark on a
pilgrimage from Farnham in Surrey to Canterbury in Kent, documenting the experience by blog, journal, and poetry. I
walked 119 miles along North Downs Way, for approximately forty days, following in the footsteps of the pilgrims
before me. I joined various walking groups and shared life and stories with them. Just as Chaucer wrote on people of
varying backgrounds and beliefs, I researched the differing people and cultures in modern England. My research
project revisited that journey in its contemporary setting and explored Chaucer's Canterbury Tales as a living
document. Chaucer's work is a multicultural collection of stories told by characters from many different backgrounds
and social levels. Today, the pilgrimage road to Canterbury still exists; people still walk its paths, and today's England
is even richer in cultural and social diversity than it was in the medieval era. Geoffrey Chaucer understood the
importance of human interaction and, by exploring his world, I examined the value of pilgrimage and the uniting
bonds of humanity.
Benavides, Leopoldo (Laredo Community College); Alinna Sarmiento, Vanessa Vicharelli
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Alzheimer's Disease
There are a great variety of diseases and illnesses that humans can acquire. Some people may be born with a certain
type of condition, others may acquire it at some point in their life. A good amount of these diseases are still being
researched by scientists and are only beginning to be understood. Many of these still rather unknown diseases are
psychological disorders. A psychological disorder, or mental illness, is any kind of condition which affects the brain,
often affecting the behavior of the person and impairing their ability to function normally in life. There are a vast
range of illnesses which would fall under the category of psychological disorders. One of these more well-known
psychiatric conditions is a form of Dementia known as Alzheimers disease. Dementia is a general term used for
conditions causing memory loss and impairing other intellectual abilities seriously enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimers disease is an illness which causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common
form of dementia, accounting for about fifty to eighty percent of dementia cases. Once a person has the disease,
there are seven stages of development which the person to expect to go through, with each stage getting
progressively worse. As of right now, there are no known cures for Alzheimers disease. But there are several
remedies which can help prevent, or even delay the development of the disease.
16
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Berry, Quinton (Lee College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. John Britt
The Pleasure Pier: Galvestons Dedication to the Future
A place of mystery and history, the island of Galveston, Texas beckons to visitors to experience its sandy beaches and
everlasting waves of prosperity. First discovered by the Spaniards and previously guarded by the Karankawa Indian
tribes, the island was first nicknamed Mal Hado or the isle of doom. Known for its toughness and constant drive,
Galveston abounds with urban legends and ghost stories, and at the center stands The Pleasure Pier. Located on the
Gulf side of the Seawall at the end of 25th street, the iconic Pier represents the vision of three collective generations.
Built as a navy pier 20 years after the Great Storm of 1900, the government donated the pier to the city and it soon
became a playground for wise guys and later, a resort for rich dignitaries. Today, it serves as the booming enterprise
of local visionary Tilman Fertitta. The Pleasure Pier is the icon of Galveston, reflecting the rise and fall of the city
through decades riddled with resplendent beauty and deadly vices. With the luck and vision of Fertitta, it would
appear that both The Pleasure Pier and Galveston Island itself, stand the same chance of success.
Blair, Saul (Lee College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. John Britt
Fifty Shades of Plato
Fifty Shades of Plato Abstract The iconic novel "Fifty Shades of Grey" by E.L. James centers on the lasciviously-sensual
journey of the young Anastasia Steele with her eccentric-billionaire lover, Christian Grey. The book highlights the
historically unacceptable dominant-submissive, sexually-taboo relationship these two characters enter. Despite its
polarizing language and dark tones, the novel is widely read and lauded, especially among women. Dubbed "mommy
porn," this novel piques the interest of even disinterested readers by questioning why society has eschewed such
relationships publicly yet reveled in this book. This novel lauds the words and phrases that depict what society has
condemned in phtography and film, and still many women embrace this novel as liberating by failing to grasp the
false reality of a fairy-tale relationship. Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" uses shadows to convey false realities, or
obstacles that prevent enlightenment for those who are captivated by these images. "Fifty Shades of Grey"
challenges traditional views on sex and relationships by revealing that a Cinderalla-type "shadow" will ultimately lead
back into the same old repressive "cave" women have come to scorn.
Bullard, Halle (Lee College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. John Britt
Archer Fullingim and the Campaign to Preserve the Big Thicket of East Texas
When viewing America's natural wonders, many do not consider the struggle for the preservation of forests,
mountains, battlefields, and other national landmarks. When lumber and petroleum interest threatened to devastate
the uniquely biologically diverse Big Thicket in East Texas, people in the region launched a campaign to preserve this
natural wonder. An unlikely leader arose, in the person of Archie .Fullingin, the publisher and editor of a small town
newspaper, The Kountze News. Fullingin was known for being outspoken and peppery, yet courageous and
determined. Through his newspaper, he kept his readers informed on everything that concerned the Big Thicket from
animal sightings, to educational meetings, to politicians introducing bills promoting either the establishment of a
national preserve or opposing such legislation, Fullingins newspaper also promoted tourism to the region which
17
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
strengthened the campaign to save the Big Thicket. Without Archer Fullingin, the Big Thicket might not have become
the national preserve it is today.
Bustamante, Andres (Laredo Community College); Monica Escobedo
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
A Look Inside "Game of Thrones"
The Game of Thrones is an Emmy Award Winning HBO series that has pushed the envelope in production by creating
a whole other world with limited CGI(computer generated imagery) involved. The series is set in the fictional
continents of Westeros and Essos with a history of one thousand years while resembling Medieval Europe. It is an
adaption of the "The Song of Ice and Fire" book series by George R. R. Martin. Martin began writing the series in 1991
and the first book was not published until 1996. To this day only five of the seven books have been published with
the expected publication date of the final book to be in 2020. However, Martin has been quoted saying that
wrapping everything up in two more books is "my plan, my intent, that's what I'm going to try to do. But at this point,
I know better than to promise anything and write it out in blood." It is also striking how closely the TV series remains
to these monster books. Starting with the third season the plot will only incorporate half of the third book allowing
the writers to add more detail. This adaptation was incredibly ambitious because of the nature and complexity of the
books. This involved creating Pseudo-languages, fictional religions, a very diverse character pool, filming on different
locations, and the creation of the sets and costumes to match the time period as well as the descriptions in the book.
Delgado, Anabel (Laredo Community College); Olga Gonzalez, Alejandro Villarreal
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Depression is Treatable
Depression is more than just a feeling of sadness; it is a serious mental disorder that affects how a person feels,
behaves and thinks. It affects all people regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity. Approximately 18.8 million
American adults in the United States, have a depressive disorder. 2.5% of children and 8.3% of teenagers suffer from
depression too Depression is treatable. There are a variety of options. The most important step is asking for help.
How many Americans, however, actually get the proper help? About two thirds of people with major depression
never seek appropriate treatment. The consequences can be devastating. The absence of professional treatment can
lead to personal suffering, missed work, broken marriages, family and friend neglect, health problems and even
death. Many people are oblivious to their own deep sadness. They simply refuse to recognize it. They do not request
the proper help. Those who do realize the seriousness of their condition usually go to a friend instead of a
professional or reliable adult.
Duarte, Sandra (Laredo Community College); Alejandra Mendoza, Victor Castillo
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Changing Atttitudes towards Mexican Americans
Census figures predict that Hispanics will become a minority-majority in 2043. The realization that Hispanics will
continue to play a privotal role in United States politics has lead both major political parties in efforts to court
Hispanics. It is now important to remember the attitudes that have surrounded immigrants, particularly immigrants
18
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
from Mexico, and the often negative attitudes that have persisted throughout the decades. One often forgotten
event during the Great Depression, the Mexican Pepatriation of the 1930s, exemplifies these negative attitudes when
and estimated 500,000 Mexican immigrants were systematically and coercively "repatriated" in attempts to preserve
American jobs for "Real Americans." The attitudes of that era seem to be consistent with many attitudes widely held
among certain factions of today's politics. Arizona's SB 1070 and Alabama's HB 56 are two examples racial profiling
that leads to marginalizing of Hispanics. With the rising importance of the Hispanic electorate in today's politics, it is
necessary now more than ever for the nation to consider that past in helping determine the evolving attitudes
towards Mexican-Americans and the discourse over immigration.
Espinoza, Eila (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Cyber Bullying: Raising Awareness
Nowadays, technology thrives on playing a significant role in our society as it continues to evolve. However, the
existence of technology has allowed easier access for harassment. Although bullying is a recurring issue, cyber
bullying has begun to dictate the lives of victims across the nation. Cyber bullying refers to the act of demeaning and
harassing an individual through technological means. The objective is to intentionally cause emotional distress upon
its victims and is increasingly becoming a psychological threat to our society. In fact, there have been a few cases of
suicide because of cyber bullying. Unfortunately, society underestimates the menace that cyber bullying poses and
remains somewhat ignorant towards managing the situation. In hopes of raising awareness, I intend to discuss the
most efficient ways of dealing with and reporting such circumstances to authorities. In doing so, I anticipate in
thwarting victims' vulnerabilities towards cyber bullying by increasing their alertness to the consequences and
arousing their responsiveness.
Estrada-Wicks, Imelda (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christine Kovic
Challenges and Successes of First-Generation College Students in the Houston-Galveston
Area.
This presentation will explore the barriers first-generation students face in the United States, with emphasis in the
Houston-Galveston area, and it analyses the intersection of these barriers with the economic status, race, and
ethnicity of first-generation students.
Garcia, Jesus (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Backpack with Expandable Chair on the Go!
Backpack with Expandable Chair on the Go! Sometimes college students encounter many obstacles in their daily life.
However, one adversity that is, above all, the heaviest, is having a backpack that weights almost like the student.
Chiefly, the problem comes when the student cannot find a seat or a bench on their way to their destination (school,
home, etc.) I have identified certain instances when a student might find difficulties carrying his or her backpack.
These include: • When waiting for the bus and seats are no longer available • When walking long distances, the
19
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
student gets tired and suffocated by the heavy books within his/her backpack, and tries to find some place with a
bench like a park, café, etc. • When a student finds a special place to read peacefully, in this case, under a tree;
however, there is grass, earth, etc. • Last but not least, when having carried a heavy backpack for a very long
distance the student starts experiencing a back pain that intensifies as days go by. Throughout my college life, I have
experienced from each and every one of these four scenarios. At the same time, I have also tried to bring up a
practical solution that would not only facilitate my life as a student but that one from others, as well. The Backpack
with Expandable Chair on the Go! project incorporates both an innovative and comfortable solution for the fours
scenarios mentioned above. First, four light- weighted metal tubes will be used to create the structure supporting the
students weight. Then, a piece of canvas will be attached to the metal tubes extremities so the students body can
actually rest on it. The chair will be sewed to the backpack and, in a disguising way; the student will be able to save it
inside the backpack without feeling his/her back uncomfortable due to the metal tubes. This is because an extra
piece of sponge will be also sewed on the back section of the backpack along the metal tubes.
Garza, Ruben (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Empowerment of the Few in America
America is a unique democracy different from any other in our world. In America, we believe what is best for the
individual is best for the country. Our no one left behind attitude attracts many to this land of opportunity. Our
beliefs and values show Americas laws from the fundamental elements that embed our constitution to present issues
today. America has an attitude of Protection of rights. Americans are abolitionist of oppression. We believe that the
majority should be checked so as not to infringe on the liberties of the few. We believe that the majority should be
checked be so as not to infringe on the liberties of the few. We believe in government that is accountable to not only
the majority but all the people. We believe in liberties endowed to every being. America has granted power for
minority people through the constitution and humanitarian values. It is our beliefs that minorities not be ignored but
empowered.
Goble, Brigitte (Lone Star College North Harris)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Katharine Caruso
An Exploration of Evolution: Genetic Implications of the PV92 Alu Transposon
This presentation details the hereditary significance of a short piece of noncoding DNA known as the PV92 Alu
transposon. Used as a genetic marker, this transposon serves as evolutionary evidence for the Out of Africa theory of
human origins. This study also identified the best protocol for extracting and isolating cheek DNA. Once obtained, the
DNA was amplified by PCR and then separated by electrophoresis so that the presence/absence of PV92 Alu could be
determined.
20
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Guevara, Iris (Laredo Community College); Vicente Mancha
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
The Patron System: The Effects on Laredo, Texas
Living in a city is one thing, but understanding its past is something else. We recently discovered (in our government
courses) that Laredo, Texas was once under a horrible municipal government, the Patron System. We would like to
understand the beginning, the middle, and the end of J.C. Martins destructive plan in running a municipal
government with corruption. But to understand the Patron System we must dig deeper into the roots. Therefore, we
need to examine the history of J.C. Martin as to why he decided to run under this system. In addition, J.C. Martin was
a strong mayor, running a strong, yet corrupted government. We would like to unravel what happened during his
time as mayor, and how his greedy decisions affected Laredo as a city. Are we still paying the price in fixing his
mistakes, for instance? There are a lot of questions that are brought into the surface for answering, but will anyone
answer them for us? Of course they will not. That is why digging into the roots is important. We can discover
everything that happened and how it changed Laredo as a city. We can understand why it all ended the way it did
and how that changed for the better, or worse. We can never fully comprehend why Laredo, a Southern city of Texas,
was dominated by this Patron System, even though South Texas was the main target. But we can learn from their
mistakes by simply acknowledging the citys history.
Guillen , Manuel (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Special Education Problems
Special education is a new growing program. Considering that, it is growing too rapidly it has many projects and
problems that are just put aside. In fact, the first thing is labeling students that don't need the help. For example,
students that just need help with remedial course are considered special and are referred to the special education
programs. For instance, there are many students that do not speak the English language and that is why they have to
take remedial classes. Of course, they do not have a true serious disability. Its evident that, they just do not know
English. Having to fund all of these students programs under special education takes the funds from the truly disable
students. Second, the students coming in to the special education program aren't preparing enough to go to college
and surely sometimes come out without knowing anything. Certainly, some disabilities do affect the student in their
learning capacity and why fund in students who are not going to grow as a student. This means that, students with
small disabilities are those students being affected because they can learn and get a degree. Absolutely, parents with
kids with major disabilities send their kids to college because they are used to have them in high school and once
they are out they need to send them somewhere. Indeed, they are not used to having them at home all day. Students
that truly have the chance to do something with their future don't have the chance to advance because of the waste
of funds. Third, need to test more children for learning disability while they are young not wait till they are in higher
levels of education. Students in high schools that were tested and come out having a learning disability were passed
during their high school years just so that teachers won't deal with them anymore. In addition, they were given the
good grades and answers of everything. Furthermore, they expect college is going to be the same as in high school.
Fourth, the state exam that these students take are accommodated for their disability but now schools take
advantage of these with certain students that won't be able to pass it. They do accommodations for students that
really don't need it so that they will pass and make the school look better. That is, the test doesn't count against
them but it surely does count against the school. We need to help students to have better scores on state tests by
actually helping the one who really needs it and truly teaching them. We need to fix these problems and fast not only
to help the schools but as well as our state. We need to start labeling students in the right category rather than just
21
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
putting them in special education. If the students need more help get the teachers to tutor after school or get tutors
to get the students unstuck of the problem where their having trouble? Have teachers teach rather than babysit and
have the district check up on the students every month to ensure that the teachers are doing their job. We need to
test students for disabilities in third or fourth grade so we could help these students that are in need of these
accommodations. We need to take the state exams more serious for these students so that the schools won't look
bad and the state has better scores.
Hernandez, Brandy (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
The Benefits of Yoga
The practice of Yoga has become increasingly popular throughout the West because of the drastic results seen within
our bodies. Our life approach in the United States is stressful and rapid, therefore, we must find a method of
relaxation. This unfortunate system can easily cause stress, anger, depression, and anxiety. My presentation will go
over Cortisol also known as the stress hormone, and the fight-or-flight response. Doctors are accepting certain
Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies, such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing, than they have
been in the past. It is difficult for doctors to find a reason not to prescribe yoga. The practice of yoga involves
stretching the body while forming asanas (poses), which naturally relaxes yet energizes the body. Examples include
downward dog, sun salutations, etc. Overcoming stress is simple if we set our minds to it. Stress can take a harmful
toll on our bodies over time, but fortunately we can easily prevent it!
Hernandez, Eduardo (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
"When Life Begins..."
The purpose of this research is to identify when human life begins. On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court in Roe V.
Wade legalized abortion in the United States. The decision by the federal judges ruled that a woman could have an
abortion in the early months of pregnancy without any legal interference, and in the latter months with a few
regulations. The ruling was based on woman's rights to privacy guaranteed by the Ninth and Fourteenth Amendment
of the U.S. Constitution. However, the Supreme Court also stated that at that point in time, the moment when
human life began could not be decided. If human life begins at conception, then a fetus's right to live would be
defended by the Fourteenth Amendment, and Roe V. Wade would have to be overturned. In this research, the
different stages of human development during different periods of pregnacy will be explored. Such stages will include
the formation and behavior of an embryo and fetus inside the womb. In conclusion, with the assistance of recent
biological discoveries of modern technology and medical practices, this research will answer the question, when does
life begin?
22
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Jangly, Giridhar Prasad (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Sri Hari Chandan Appikonda
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lory Santiago-Vã¡Zquez
Stress and Bacterial Involvement in the Production of prostaglandins by the Octocoral
Plexaura homomalla
Soft Corals are important producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. Plexaura homomalla contains 2-3% by
weight of prostaglandins, pro-inflammatory compounds in mammals. Their functions in the coral remains unknown.
P. homomalla has an associated microbiome believed to contribute to the coral's fitness. This microbiome can
change from beneficial to pathogenic during stress. The goal of this study is to elucidate the role of bacteria and
stress in prostaglandin production with the aim of developing chemical markers of stress in soft corals. We
hypothesize that bacteria are the producers of P.homomalla's prostaglandins and that prostaglandin concentrations
and the microbiome will dramatically change during stress. We have developed a Liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry method to analyze prostaglandins using a Zorbax C-18 column and an electrospray ionization source
under negative ion mode and a TOF detector. The second phase of this project will involve the quantification of
prostaglandins and the measurement of microbiome changes in stressed corals. The final phase will test the ability of
P.homomalla's microbiome to produce prostaglandins to begin to elucidate the role of prostaglandins and bacteria
during stress.
Knott, Lindsey (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chad Wetterneck
A Functional Analytic Perspective on Therapist Disclosure
Historically, client disclosure in psychotherapy is an essential element of case conceptualization, emotional
processing, and monitoring progress. Recently, the attention of much controversy and research is focused not on
solely client disclosure but therapist in-session disclosure. Since it is generally accepted that a therapist should act
only in the clients best interest, the professional opinions and research literature are divided on whether therapist
disclosure is beneficial or necessary leading to basis of this controversy. Some theoretical standpoints in the field
seek to consider the risks and benefits of therapist disclosure and whether to use it within their modality. While
traditional Cognitive and Behavior therapies rely on a relatively directive approach that focuses on symptom
reduction with little therapist disclosure, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a behavioral approach that relies
on genuine interaction to harness a strong therapeutic relationship as the central point of client interpersonal
change; in order to do so, FAP strongly suggests the use of intimacy building behaviors, like therapist disclosure. The
purpose of this presentation is to review the literature regarding potential risks and benefits of therapist disclosure.
Additionally, we propose potential implications of therapist disclosure in the application of FAP, issues related to this
topic in which research may be lacking, and ways in which the field is presently examining therapist disclosure. In a
previous study of 95 therapists from a variety of backgrounds, we found that comfort with disclosure was related to
therapist intimacy in personal relationships but not in the therapeutic relationship. Although there was no statistical
significance due to small sample size, there was a greater correlation between comfort with disclosure and intimacy
in the therapeutic relationship in FAP trained therapists than the total sample, implying that FAP seeks to create a
more intimate, curative therapeutic relationship than other modalities. Presently, we are studying changes in
therapist interpersonal risk-taking behaviors, including self-disclosure with a small FAP training group (n=10). We
hope to find significant differences in disclosure and intimacy within these individuals. This finding would help
support the functional analytic perspective that suggests to therapists to utilize intimacy building behaviors, like
disclosure, within the therapeutic relationship to treat clients interpersonal issues, like intimacy.
23
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Lee, Debra (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Mary Margaret Lobb
The Zen's of Arju-NO!
The paper submitted for the 2013 Student Conference Application was prepared as an assignment for Humanities
3035.02: Basic Texts III - Non-Western Traditions, Spring 2013. The paper presents the advise given by Krishna to
Arjuna in the Indian epic, Bhagavad Gita, and compares and contrasts differing views from other teachers of the axial
age, Laozi and Buddha. In the axial age, philosophies and spiritual teachings focused on personal responsibility for
one's actions and behavior with regard to actions and responsibilities within the community. The way to encounter
the highest consciousness and understand the meaning of life and relationship of the soul with the Universal force
(Brahman, Dao, Nirvana) was to live by a conscious and compassionate ethic. The Indian epic, Bhagavad Gita, 500
BCE, translated by Juan Mascaro, presents the story of the despondent warrior, Arjuna, who is tormented over
having to kill his kinsmen in battle and is seeking the advice of his teacher and charioteer, Krishna, regarding the
conflict of his heart and conscience with his duty. Krishna addresses Arujna's problem by teaching him the way of
finding Yoga peace and wisdom through resolution to his duty as a warrior, and insists that he take action and fight.
Arjuna would receive different advice from the other spiritual teachers of the time. Laozi, the Chinese teacher of 300500 BCE, as recorded in the "Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching)" translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English, would instruct
Arjuna not to go into battle. Laozi believed that war and violence were a waste of energy and his philosophy of "wu
wei," the practice of finding peace in "inaction," most definitely opposes Krishna's action oriented practices. Buddha
also would not support Arjuna's battle because his teachings prohibit the taking of life and promote compassion for
all living beings as basic Buddhist teaching. He would explain to Arjuna "the middle way," of avoiding the extremes of
action or inaction and show him his reason for suffering and how to avoid it as described in the Four Noble Truths,
from "Samyutta Nikaya, The Sermon at Benares," translated by A. L. Bashem, and encourage him to continue in his
way of compassion as described in the Buddhist Scriptures, of 300-500 BCE, translated by Donald Lopez.
Lee, Eric (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chad Wetterneck
Treatment Strategies for OCD and Comorbid Disorders
OCD has been labeled a hidden epidemic affecting between 5 and 10 million of the U.S. population (Hollander, 2007).
OCD is commonly comorbid with other disorders; yet, the impact of comorbid disorders on the treatment of OCD
and, conversely, the impact of the treatment of OCD on comorbid disorders is not well established. Studies show that
OCD is most commonly comorbid with depression and anxiety disorders (Torres et al., 2006). Abramowitz and
colleagues found that patients with OCD and severe depression show significantly less improvement compared to
patients with OCD who were less depressed or not depressed (Abramowitz et al., 2000). The impact of comorbid
anxiety disorders on OCD treatment outcome is less well understood (Steketee et al., 2000). Understanding the
impact of comorbid disorders on the treatment of OCD is important because one disorder often impacts the severity,
course, and treatment of the other disorder. Persons with more than one disorder often have more treatmentresistant symptoms. Data and clinical case examples from a specialized residential and intensive outpatient
treatment program will be presented. Together, this discussion will provide a more comprehensive understanding of
specialized treatment strategies to target OCD and comorbid disorders.
24
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Mancha, Vicente (Laredo Community College ); Iris Guevara
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
The Patron System: The Effects on Laredo, Texas
Living in a city is one thing, but understanding its past is something else. We recently discovered (in our government
courses) that Laredo, Texas was once under a horrible municipal government, the Patron System. We would like to
understand the beginning, the middle, and the end of J.C. Martins destructive plan in running a municipal
government with corruption. But to understand the Patron System we must dig deeper into the roots. Therefore, we
need to examine the history of J.C. Martin as to why he decided to run under this system. In addition, J.C. Martin was
a strong mayor, running a strong, yet corrupted government. We would like to unravel what happened during his
time as mayor, and how his greedy decisions affected Laredo as a city. Are we still paying the price in fixing his
mistakes, for instance? There are a lot of questions that are brought into the surface for answering, but will anyone
answer them for us? Of course they will not. That is why digging into the roots is important. We can discover
everything that happened and how it changed Laredo as a city. We can understand why it all ended the way it did
and how that changed for the better, or worse. We can never fully comprehend why Laredo, a Southern city of Texas,
was dominated by this Patron System, even though South Texas was the main target. But we can learn from their
mistakes by simply acknowledging the citys history.
Martinez, Arturo (Laredo Community College); Melissa Cavazos, Blanca Rigal
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Is Legalizing Marijuana Beneficial?
Arturo Martinez Melissa Cavazos Blanka Rigel Is Legalizing Marijuana Beneficial? Many Americans have their different
beliefs about legalizing marijuana. Some people believe that legalizing it will help the economy and medical system.
Others believe that it will increase crime rate and become addictive for people, especially teens. Marijuana comes
from a plant called cannabis. This plant is easy to find and grow. Marijuana has been around for many centuries. It
wasnt until the 20th century when people started questioning whether it was good or bad for the country. Legalizing
marijuana will raise the United States economy by extracting money from the black market economy that greatly
profits from the selling of the drug. With the marijuana industry in our country, thousands of job opportunities would
be created during these troubling times. Having said this, legalizing cannabis will greatly help the United States
overwhelming debt. It has been studied that marijuana will help the medical system. It is an anti-inflammatory, an
anti-tremor, appetite-stimulant, and pain reliever. People that suffer from migraines, cancer, and eating disorders
will have a great advantage if marijuana is legalized. Politicians question that if states legalize marijuana it might
violate the federal law. With these key points brings the question, should marijuana be legalized in the United
States?
Mcleod, Hunter (Sam Houston State University)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Haggard
The Rift
This paper will explore the ramifications of Modern Art on the relationship between art, artist, critic and the viewing
public and will discuss a burgeoning movement in art from strict conceptualism towards a more technique and
aesthetics-based definition of art. For generations, art and artists focused on the skill and techniques required to
25
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
depict objects as close to reality as humanly and technologically possible. Once any particular artist had achieved an
acceptable level of skill he or she would use said skill to create works appreciated primarily for their aesthetic appeal.
Often works would carry strong messages, deep penetrating ideas and ideals yet two elements remained constant;
skill and readability. By readability we refer to the ability of the average person to look at a work and have an
acceptable understanding of its meaning with little to no knowledge of the artist, movement or back-story of the
work. During the twentieth century this changed dramatically. No longer does skill alone define an artist, nor is the
weight of their work measured by craft or message, and all but vanished is readability from most Fine Art of today.
Even the ability for the layman to understand the works of artists considered to be of the highest caliber has been
called into question. Abstract, conceptual, and minimalist trends appear across a number of movements that vary as
widely in style as they do theory, yet each asserts that they are not only Art but more-over the highest form of art.
These forms are seen by connoisseurs as the pinnacle of the arts, while those who depart from them are seen as old
fashioned and sometimes not even artists in the modern sense of the word. Similarly, those who dare to question the
meanings of these movements are chastised by those invested in them and labeled everything from unrefined to
unintelligent. This has been the case for the better part of a century, but I contend that a shift is occurring. A young
generation of artists who have grown tired of the restraints placed on them by the art world and art education alike
have sought out the old in searching for the new. Unlike those who have come before these artists don't forsake the
good whilst casting out the bad. They use the freedoms granted from the past hundred years, combined with skills of
classical Academic arts. I contend in this paper that it is this group of artists, if any, that can bridge the gulf left in the
wake of twentieth century art movements and reunite art with those it was always intended for; the common
person.
Molina, Edwin (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Timothy Coleman, Prudencio Reyna
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cheryl Sawyer
Engaging Latino Parents
Nearly all research supports the critical role of parents as an indicator of future educational success. Moreover,
strong parental engagement seems to have a strong statistical connection with the following variables: test scores,
attendance, drop-out rates, delinquency, truancy, and many more issues that plague our public educational system.
Culturally, Latino parents are statistically less likely to become involved or engaged. Some research suggests that
language has a huge role in that statistical claim. Efforts to increase involvement/engagement could be the method
to solving some of these pressing matters. Yet, research also indicates that the earlier these interventions are
implemented, the higher the rate of success. The following will present some practical ideas of how to start the
implementation of early parenting programs district wide, as well as suggesting measurable objectives for these
programs to support and maintain their existence.
Ngo, Donald (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike McMullen
Economic Appeal of Texas
This project will compare residents who are born and raised in Texas and immigrants in Texas in terms of their views
on the state economy. I will be using Facebook's survey application to collect large amounts of data efficiently with at
least 100 responses from Texas residents and compare the data to other websites that has similar data about Texas's
economy.
26
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
O'Bryant, Kelly (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Devanayagam Palaniappan
Non-Viscous and Viscous Flow Involving Boundaries
Mathematical models for the flow of a fluid in the presence of impermeable(non- penetrable) obstacles/boundaries
are discussed. The velocity fields for two- dimensional viscous and non-viscous (inviscid) fluid flow around a circular
cylinder are provided. Several flow patterns are depicted using the relevant mathematical expressions. Significant
changes in the flow behavior are observed, especially in the case of viscous flow. Possible extension of our study to
include permeable/porous boundaries is also indicated.
Osegueda, Adriana (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chad Wetterneck
Transdiagnostic Group CBT for Anxiety Disorders
Prevalence rate among individuals with primary anxiety and comorbid depression is 50- 60%. Current research states
that non-targeted mood disorders improve with CBT for a principal anxiety disorder. The aim of the present study
was to determine the effect of comorbid depression on anxiety symptom outcomes for patients receiving a
transdiagnostic group CBT treatment for anxiety disorders. The current sample was taken from a larger RCT and is
comprised of 144 subjects with primary anxiety disorders who were randomized to 12-session transdiagnostic group
CBT. Participants were assessed pre- and post- treatment using a battery that included the ADIS and also completed
the STAI at every group therapy session. Mixed effects regression models (unconstrained, partially constrained and
fully constrained) were used to determine differential treatment effects for subjects with and without secondary
comorbid depressive disorder on anxiety symptom outcomes as determined by session-by- session STAI scores.
Setting the intercept at session 12, the AIC supported the unconstrained model, while BIC supported the model in
which the intercept was constrained. The fully constrained model demonstrated poor fit relative to the other models.
The results indicate that while the comorbid depression group was a more sever subgroup (as evidenced by higher
session 1 scores on the STAI relative to the non-depressed group), this group improved significantly faster relative to
the non- depressed group and end of treatment scores for both groups were only marginally different. Thus,
comorbid depression was not found to inhibit or dampen the effect of treatment on anxiety symptom outcomes.
Pena-Gaviria, Nelly (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Judith Marquez
Latino Parental Involvement in One Elementary School: An Exploratory Case Study
The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the stakeholdrs' perceptions of Latino parental
involvement in one elementary school of a district that had recently shifted from majority Anglo enrollment to
majority Latino enrollment, and to describe how the characteristics of the school affected the participation of Latino
parents in the education of their children. This case study provided the opportunity to listen to the voices of the
parents', front desk personnel, teachers', and administrators' and use exploratory techniques to undestand the
stakeholders' points of view of Latio parental involvement. This investigationsought to gain a deeper understanding
of the relationships between parents and eductors and help school personnel be more attentive to the needs and
concerns of Latino parents, evaluate their practices, and create a school environment that encouraged and
supported Latino parental involvement. The study found that the children were being explicitly or implicitly named as
27
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
a motivating factor for Latino parents to become involved in the school, that there were a limited number of Latino
parents that were actually involved in the education of their children, and that the school's stakeholders had
conflicting points of view about Latino partental involvement. Moreover, the sutudy found that Latino parents
wanted to be involved; however, there were barriers that disminished the desires of Latino parents to be involved.
Ramon, Ashley (Laredo Community College); Mauricio Gamboa, Derek Garza
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Immigration: Another Window
Our country was founded with immigrants. Where would we be without them? Immigrants have helped our country
develop and succeed financially and grow as a nation. Some people, completely against illegal immigrants, have not
taken the time to look at positive actions because of the immigrants arrival. Immigrants have a great impact on all of
our lives. We will inform you the different aspects of immigration. We will give you information with the statistics,
regarding what an immigrant endures crossing into the United States to achieve the American Dream.
Ramos, Manuel (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
The History of the Seven Constitutions of Texas.
Each of the Constitutions from Texas is different because each one belongs to a particular period of the United States
history and also to the Texas History. Each one was created with a purpose and is characterized for something in
particular but some of them were modified to fulfill the ideology of the politicians and citizens of that period. Each
Constitution has some history on it and by that way we can understand how one follows the other. We can analyze
each Constitution and find which one was the most clear and precise. Many people thinks that the Texas Constitution
of 1876, the one in which Texas still operates today, is not the most efficient Constitution and those other previous
Constitutions were more clear and precise.
Rivera, Rumalda (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lee Cox
Learning to take Control of Stress before it takes Control of You
This presentation will address various factors that lead to stress and the outcomes that are a result of it. Areas of
topic will identify top causes of Adolescent stress, early indicators, mental illnesses linked to stress, as well as
preventative measures put in place to help eliminate future consequences.
28
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Savage, Heather (Lee College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. John Britt
Jean Houston Baldwin Daniel
The late Jean Houston Daniel, the wife of former Texas governor Price Daniels, was an individual who graced Texas
with her charm and devotion to the preservation of the story of this state. A descendent of Sam Houston, her family's
roots are intertwined in the history of Texas, and she has selflessly devoted much of her life to the preservation of
Texas history. Daniel's greatest accomplishments include preserving the Texas Governor's mansion and its mementos
collection, donating historic archives and artifacts to the Sam Houston Regional Library, and maintaining
memberships in numerous civic and charitable organizations. Daniel co-authored two books: Executive Mansions and
Capitols of America and The Texas Governor's Mansion: A History of the House and Its Occupants. In partnership with
her husband, Daniel generously donated land in Liberty, Texas to the Atascosita Historical Society, where the Sam
Houston Regional Library is located. Daniel was instrumental in preserving Texas history, archives, and historic
artifacts; without her determination and devotion to this preservation, much of the state's historic documents and
artifacts would have been lost and even forgotten. Jean Houston Daniel is a graceful light that will forever shine in
the history of the Lone-Star capitol.
Singh, Sonia (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chad Wetterneck
A Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Approach to Shame in Obsessive-Compulsive
Spectrum Disorders
The Obsessive-Compulsive (OC) Spectrum includes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Trichotillomania (TTM),
and Pathological Skin Picking (PSP). Research within these disorders related to interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
is currently limited. The purpose of this study is to assess the presence of shame within individuals with clinically
significant levels of OC-Spectrum disorders and discuss possible treatment implications. Shame can be defined as an
emotion associated with negative self-judgment and self-evaluation and includes different facets, such as character,
behavioral, and bodily shame. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a therapeutic approach based upon radical
behaviorism that uses the manipulation of in-session behavior to treat intrapersonal and interpersonal difficulties of
clients. If shame is present within the OC-Spectrum, it is possible that FAP would be a useful treatment for OCspectrum disorders. Participants (n = 223) were screened for each OC-spectrum disorder and were administered the
Dimensional Obsessive Compulsive Scale (DOCS), Skin Picking Scale (SPS), and the Massachusetts General Hospital
Hairpulling Scale (MGH) in order to establish a sample of clinical levels of OC-Spectrum symptom severity. Also, the
Experience of Shame Scale (ESS) was used to measure shame and included subscales addressing character shame,
bodily shame, and behavioral shame. We hypothesized participants with clinically significant symptoms of OCSpectrum disorders will report higher levels of higher levels of shame. Results indicated that a positive relationship
exists between PSP (r = .28, p < .001 ) and OCD (r = .30, p < .001 ), but this relationship was not observed for TTM.
Based upon the results of this study, treatment implications and suggestions of using FAP to treat shame within OCspectrum individuals will be discussed.
29
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Solis, Gabriela (Laredo Community College); Erika Rosas
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
A Healthy Lifestyle
The word healthy has different meanings for everyone. Most people would agree that diet and exercise are key
components of a healthy lifestyle. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published jointly by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture provide pointers for healthy eating for all age
groups throughout the life cycle. MyPyramid gives a graphic model of the Dietary Guidelines. The American College
of Sports Medicines guidelines for exercise include the health-related components of fitness which include aerobic
fitness, resistance exercise, flexibility and balance. The benefits of exercise include improvements in body function
along with physiological and psychological benefits.
Valdez, Alma (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Abortion Laws in Texas
Abortion is an extremely controversial topic. Even bringing up the word abortion can cause arguments and
conversations that last for hours. Here in Texas, abortion laws have been changed and modified throughout the
years. There are many cases and arguments that have been made. It's almost unbelievable how our state has had so
many ups and downs regarding abortion. It's truly interesting to learn about all the changes Texas has made to
abortion laws. I propose to deliever an oral presentation and powerpoint to show and further inform you on abortion
laws in Texas, the changes, and the many controversies that have occurred throughout the years.
Vasquez, George (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a sickness that is now more common than before. Every year more and more
people are diagnosed with this disorder and are given more reason to live a difficult life. The author chose this topic
for his presentation because of the amount of people that notonly live a difficult life because of this disease, but
because of the outcomes that happen due to living this life. During this presentation, the viewers will be exposed to
more information about OCD and ways to prevent the patients from feelingthat there is no way out. Because there is
no way to prevent a patient from getting this disease, there is a way for patients to control their symptoms and not
get so frustrated with their sickness.
Vela, Pablo (Laredo Community College); Jorge Maldonado
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
30
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
L.O.L (Laughing or Losing)
Hey mom, I will be home in ten minutes. This is a message that takes seconds to send. How would you feel if ten
minutes turns to several hours? The next message you receive is news that your son, daughter, mother, father,
friend, or someone important in your life was taken away because of a simple text message. Every person has the
right to live life to the fullest and experience everything that is possible. In this life it could be a first birthday,
graduating college, getting married, holding up your first born child, or growing old until it's truly time to leave.
Having a life taken away by a text message is a crime that could never be brought to justice. Every day you see people
be entertained on their phones while driving on the road. You wonder what kind of conversation they are having
with the other person. Is it worth risking their life or the life of a poor innocent bystander? Once a tragic event occurs
such as people being killed by a text message, one is left to wonder .This is not a laughing manner. This is serious.
Changes that need to be made. My partner and I will discuss the dangers of texting and driving. Future lives can be
saved.
Velazquez, Jazmine (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Is Capital Punishment a true form of Justice?
Capital Punishment has been used for several centuries all over the world. It is a way that people have dealt with
crime scenes since the beginning of times. Nowadays,the capital punishment system in America is considered as a
system of justice, in which people "take a life for a life." People believe to have comfort after the convict who killed
their love one was sentenced to death row;however in the process of this punishment, many innocent people have
died. With the loss of several inculpable people, it makes it controversial to decide if capital punishment is a true
form of justice.
Velda De Ramos, Ana (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Eating for our FUture
Why is so important to have a healthy food routine? When we are adults, we dont realize in the things we eat. Some
of our parent taught us whatever they knew about a healthy meal. In some cases, our parents gave us what they
thought it was healthy at the time, but does it mean that it was the right choice? There is a possibility that in our life
time we might choose the wrong ingredients to our meals. How can we change that habit and help our family to eat
healthy meals? I know that in our society we have less change to be active, much work at school, playing video
games, watching television, the activities we do are and the food we eat are not helping our metabolism to work as
its full potential. What can we do to stay healthy in this society? For those people that dont go to the gym or dont
like to walk, there is a better way. Eating more grains, vegetables, and having the right food portion in our plates
would help. One of every five children and adolescents are overweight, and its our job to help them get through the
emotional and physical with positive attitude. There are many children with common diseases for example, high
blood pressure, diabetes, depression and more. But there are also children and teenagers with eating disorders that
produce anorexia and bulimia and much more. But how can we help them if we dont have good eating habits? We
can star by ourselves, then with our children, and family. Teaching them that the food is good for us, but we need to
make the right choices. To have smaller plates at home would help, to eat more frequency at home than restaurants.
That there is a bad fat which we should eat less, and that there is good fat that helps our body. There are more ways
31
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
to help them because one day they would have to make the same choices we made. Also, the food pyramid we used
to know as guidance to the portions we eat is not available anymore. It has been modify to my plate for our better
understanding. Even if a child sees the plate would easily know what the portions they supposed to eat are. In little
children, we can star by showing them the different colors of food and veggies, that the more colorful the meal is the
better. That eating food with artificial colors might not be so good for our body. If people dont exercise they should
at least eat healthy. That way they would be more energetic, positive and would be able to perform their work easily.
Remember that we are what we eat, and if we eat healthy our whole family would eat healthy.
Wang, Yi (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Magdy Akladios
Finding the Relationship between Coupling Multipliers Supplied by NIOSH Lifting Equation
and the Corresponding Muscular Activity
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different coupling on muscular activity in two population
groups. Thirty participants (half Chinese, half Caucasian) were selected for the present experiment. Each participant
performed 3 different lifting tasks involving three coupling methods ("Good", "Fair", and "Poor") with identical
horizontal distance = 10 inches, vertical distance = 30 inches, distance being moved <10 inches, twisting angle = 0
degree, and average frequency = 0.2 lifts/min. A questionnaire was disturbed to obtain the demographics and
anthropometrics of the subjects. After each lift, a survey of rating of perceived exertion )ranges from 1-10) was
conducted; also, a selection preference of coupling was determined by the subjects after all the three lifting tasks.
The muscular activity of the subjects while performing the tasks was recored using a surface Electromyogram (sEMG).
From the data collected by sEMG, mean values of the Root Mean Square (RMS) results were considered. In order to
compare and analyze the data collected from different scenarios, all of the sEMG data were being normalized. The
results showed that: (1) "Poor" coupling method was significantly different from "Good" and "Fair" coupling, it
demanded more muscle strength to lift and thus increased the lifting stress upon the muscle groups utilized during a
lift; (2) strong correlation was found between subjects' psychological subjective feedback (rating of perceived
exertion) and the results of the objective measures (sEMG data) obtained from the experiment; (3) there was
somewhat difference between the datasets collected from Chinese and Caucasian subjects, however, the difference
was not significant (0.01 < p-value < 0.05); (4) the result obtained from the present study accorded with the
classification of coupling multipliers supplied by the NIOSH Lifting Equation.
Yolland, Allyson (Lee College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. John Britt
The Ku Klux Klan and Colonel Mayfields Weekly
A revitalized Ku Klux Klan became a major force in American culture in the United States in the early part of the
twentieth century. Colonel Mayfields Weekly was a pro-Klan newspaper in Houston, Texas, during the prohibition
era. The paper stood behind the Klans every move, reporting in detail the Klans activities. The newspaper reflected
and enthusiastically endorsed the position of the Klan. The influence of the Klan can be seen in the fact that major
Houston businesses purchased advertisements in Colonel Mayfields Weekly. This paper examines Colonel Mayfields
Weekly influence on the people of Houston, how it promoted the Klans ideas, how it encouraged the morals that the
Klan believed America should have, and how the paper portrayed the issues the Klan dealt with.
32
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
33
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Zepeda, Christina (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Mediocrity in the U.S. Education System: Who's Really Responsible and Course of Actions
Needed for our Students
Christina Zepeda ABSTRACT Education System: Plan of Action Mediocrity in U.S. Education System: Who's Really
Responsible? I just recently heard an interesting story in one of my classes; whereas now elementary schools are
starting a trend where they do NOT have competitions with winners that place third, second and first, since it may
hurt all the other students feelings. Well thats understandable, but what about the kids that work hard to stand out
but cannot? There is no goal to reach, no first place for the students to rise to. At this rate, will they get rid of honor
roll and the honor programs as well? It is a well-known fact that the United States education is trailing VASTLY behind
all the other countries. We test lower than many other countries and while other countries are making many
improvements in their education we are only making very incremental improvements. The fact is that many people
seem to blame the teachers but it isnt the teachers at fault. The teachers are told what they can and cannot teach by
the administration, and yet many people seem to think it is the teachers at fault. My grandmother was a high school
English teacher for 40 year and just recently retired. I would like to make an informed presentation about this subject
while hopefully correcting some misunderstandings about it, and then present my plan of action to correct the
course of our mediocre education system.
34
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Poster Presentation Abstracts
Alice, Tatiana (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Jacquelyn Harris, Suraj Patel, Silva Kimberly, Angela Hernandez,
Dawn Reinhart
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
The Relationship between Management Styles,Engagement,Burnout and Intentions to Quit
Management styles have received much attention over the past decade. It has been discovered that a more
participative and engaging environment creates a more productive work environment. Creating this type of
environment reduces burnout and intention to quit. In the current study, three types of management styles are
examined: participative, consultative, and authoritative/autocratic. It is proposed that engagement and burnout are
mediators between management styles and intention to quit. Participants include 60 older and younger adults and
they will finish a set of questionnaires regarding management styles, burnout, and intention to quit. It is predicted
that participative and consultative management styles and intention to quit will be negatively correlated and
mediated by engagement. Authoritative management style and intention to quit will be positively correlated and
mediated by burnout.
Alshehri, Nada (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mufid Abudiab
Properties Of Stability and HOPF Bifurcation for an HIV/AIDS Epidemic Model with
Screening and Time Delay
Abstract We consider an HIV/AIDS epidemic model through which we study the stability of an SIR delay differential
equations. This study depends on parameters: β (rate for susceptible individuals), θ (rate of unaware infected
individuals). These two parameters depend on the time delay. Our ultimate goal is to prove that the risky behavior of
the unaware or aware infected individuals do not depend on the time delay. Also, we would like to explore the
impact of parameters β and θ on the stability of the epidemically infected equilibrium point.
Atidepe, Rosine (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Joanne Linden
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
Psychological Flexibility as a Moderator of the Relationship between Stress and Alcohol
Consumption
The purpose of this study is to explore whether psychological flexibility moderates the relation between stress and
drinking among graduate students. Alcohol consumption for years has affected different aspects of college students
life such as their academic performance and health. Different coping styles of stress have been associated with how
and whether individuals consume alcohol while under extreme stress. Also the association between different
concepts such as personality types and alcohol has been studied. The association between psychological flexibility
and depression, anxiety and stress has also been studied. Findings from previous research acknowledge a relation
between alcohol and stress among college population members. However, there appears to be a gap concerning the
effect of psychological flexibility on stress and alcohol consumption among graduate students.
35
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Aware, Nikita (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Rexhina Alushi, Ramya Lakshmi Parimi, Bhumika Timilsina, Rose
Nyaguthii, Nikita Koottiyaniyil, Prabhakara Karthik, Reem Alzahrani
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammad Rashid
Interaction of Zinc Finger Proteins with Human Inducible Nitric Oxide synthase
Nitric Oxide (NO)is a gaseous molecule involved in a number of physiological processes and is synthesised from Larginine by family of NO Synthases.Insufficient NO is reported to cause hypertension , cardiovascular diseases and
impotency. Excessive Nitricc Oxide production which can be produced by Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase is
implicated to be responsible for mediating various diseases that include inflammation based infertility in males.NO
levels for longer duration can target many proteins that interact with it and modufy their functions. The molecular
mechanism behind the role of NO in male infertility ia yet to be revealed. We have been studying the regulation of
NO synthesis in tissues particularly human testis.Our strategy is to find what other protein(s)interact with iNOS in
modifying its function thereby controlling the NO production.We have screened human testis cDNA Library using
iNOS- fragments as bait in a Yeast Two-Hybrid Technique (Y2H). DNA sequencing and BLASTing the putative
interacting protein-cDNA samples, we found out many samples with matches to Zinc Finger proteins isoforms and
proteins involved in sperm motility , sperm membrane proteins.Zinc fingers are the most prevalent transcription
factor DNA-binding motifs.As NO is able to S-nitrosate thiols of zinc-sulphur clusters leading to reversible disruption
of zinc finger structures, this provides a molecular mechanism to regulate the transcription genes.Currently we are
gathering data and sequences to establish the relation between iNOS and Zinc finger proteins.
Bales, Nita (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Beavers
Ignorance is Not Always Bliss: A Study of Teachers' Perceptions of Response to
Intervention (RTI)
According to the Iris Center, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) leaves it up to
schools and districts to decide whether to use the IQ-Discrepancy model or Response to Intervention (RTI) in
identifying students with possible learning disabilities
(http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/rti01_overview/rti01_03.html). Throughout the years, educators have grown
frustrated with the discrepancy model due to the fact that it seems to leave struggling students without help until
they have gone so far as to fail. This model has also been known to misdiagnose low achieving students with a
learning disability. It is because of this that more schools and districts are moving to the RTI model, which allows for
early intervening as soon as students begin to show that they are at risk of falling behind. Unfortunately, as with any
shift in education, there are often people that view the change with a negative outlook. After teaching at a school
which has recently made this shift from the discrepancy model to RTI, I have felt the pain and witnessed the stress
that it has put on the faculty and staff. It is because of this that I decided to delve into the multitude of information
about RTI that is available to educators. The more I researched, the more I understood that the shift to RTI is not
intended to make education more difficult, but instead is intended to make education more accessible to all
students. According to Mary Beth Klotz and Andrea Canter, "Strong leadership and effective collaboration are
essential ingredients in implementing RTI. Schools must be prepared to offer a variety of proven instructional
strategies; staff must be trained to measure student performance using methods that are sensitive to small
increments of growth; parents must be kept informed of these new procedures and made partners in the process"
(http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/revisedPDFs/rtiprimer.pdf). This is where I feel that much of the
negative attitudes come into play. When a teacher is uninformed about RTI, then they do not feel that they are
capable of implementing the program and do not see its full potential. The purpose of this project is to collect and
analyze data that speaks to the attitudes of teachers about Response to Intervention (RTI). My goal is to obtain an
36
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
overview of what information the teachers are lacking about RTI, which I feel may be affecting their outlook on the
program in a negative way. My hypothesis is that teachers have negative attitudes about Response to Intervention
(RTI) due to a lack of understanding of the program.
Barends, Mary Lynne (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Stuart Larson
A Case Study for Digital Publications and Applications
Digital media technology has an incredible and powerful impact on how we communicate. This case study is an
exploration of the newly released digital publishing software and hardware technologies, operating systems, and
interfaces and platforms, which are used to create interactive digital publications and applications for viewing on
Apples iPAD and compatible reading devices. Overarching technology research includes interactive techniques and
processes, and compatibility formatting for the production and delivery of an immersive user experience. This poster
session will be accompanied by the iPAD prototype digital publication, A Journey at the NASA Johnson Space Center,
which will be on display. This technology demonstration illustrates a sampling of interactive techniques and
applications.
Billstein, Braysha (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Laureen Izygon, Raé Obiyo, Dynisha Taylor-Oliviea
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chris Ward
Changing Stigmas of Ex-Offenders through Social Marketing
Inmates are released from prison by the thousands each year. The existing studies show that in order to successfully
avoid recidivism, an ex-offender needs to obtain and maintain employment. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for
offenders to reintegrate into the community due to obstacles that affect the employer's decision to hire an exoffender candidate. Due to the successful social marketing research that has been previously done for different
communities, a social marketing campaign should be able to persuade an employer to hire an ex-offender. For this
project, participants will be assigned to one of three groups. The first group will watch a social marketing video, and
then look over a filled-out job application that indicates the candidate is an ex-offender. A second group will receive a
fill-out job application that indicates the candidate is an ex-offender. A final group will receive a filled-out job
application that does not identify the candidate as an ex-offender. Only the first group will view the social marketing
video. All groups will fill out a questionnaire asking about qualifications a potential employee should have and what
qualifications the job application demonstrated. In addition, participants will be asked if they would hire the job
applicant. Data will be analyzed to indicate if the video presentation will change attitudes toward the qualifications of
the applicant. It is hoped that employers' stigmatizations of ex-offenders will change through positive social
marketing so that ex-offenders can better reintegrate into the workforce.
Borski, Jeffrey (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cindy Howard
Differences in Protein Expression Among Ecotypes of Spartina alterniflora
Coastal wetlands are among the most productive and endangered ecosystems in North America. In the estuaries of
the Gulf Coast, these wetlands are dominated by the perennial marsh grass Spartina alterniflora. This keystone
37
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
species has been observed to grow in two distinct growth morphs, typically classified as short and tall ecotypes. S.
alterniflora growth morphology has been shown to exert a significant impact on the overall function of marsh
ecosystems. The shoreline protection capacity of the marsh, the quality of nesting habitat for shore birds, and the
health of the rhizobacterial community have all been shown to have links to the growth form of S. alterniflora. The
physiological basis of height morphology in S. alterniflora has been under investigation for over forty years. Research
has failed to conclusively establish whether the S. alterniflora height morphs arise from local environmental
conditions or if they are the product of genetic differences between individuals. In this study, I investigated the links
between plant molecular physiology and growth form using gel electrophoresis. I collected 120 individuals of S.
alterniflora from eight sites around Galveston Bay (15 individuals per site). Sampling sites were classified by the
growth form of S. alterniflora individuals present. Isozyme profiles were analyzed for each individual using 10%
denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with broad-range molecular weight standards. Protein
separation on the gels was visualized using the highly sensitive silver staining process. Gels were then analyzed for
band molecular weight and intensity using a gel documentation system. Electrophoresis data was compared by S.
alterniflora shoot height, chlorophyll content, and site type to elucidate the relationship between plant protein
expression and ecotype.
Bowling, Matthew (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Tim Rejcek, Camiele Cyril
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
"Public Preferences of Restorative Justice Practices with Respect to Victim Status and
Severity of Crime"
Although progressive policies have been implemented in criminal justice systems around the world, restorative
justice is a punitive form of justice still widely used in contemporary criminal justice systems. This study analyzes
public preference for a criminal justice model know as restorative justice that is defined in opposition to retributive
justice, which at its core offers communication between the victim(s) and offender(s). In addition, this form of justice
is reconciliatory and attempts to heal both victim(s) and offender(s). Although it has been used for crimes that are
more petty (e.g., small theft, vandalism), it has yet to be widely adopted for more severe crimes such as murder,
assault and/or rape. In this study, the public's preference for restorative justice is explored through variables such as
victim status (whether or not they have been the victim of a crime) and/or the severity of crime through a self-report
questionnaire.
Bravo, Marcella (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Adriana Osegueda, Candace Dixon
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
The Impact of Trauma on Interpersonal Intimacy
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in 20-25% of people who have been exposed to or witnessed an
event that involves a direct threat to ones life or physical/psychological integrity (Golub, 2012). Trauma survivors
with PTSD often show impairment in social interactions and relationships. Relationships with close relatives and
intimate partners are often difficult and conflicted after the traumatic event, making it difficult to maintain healthy
and necessary interpersonal relationships (Nietlisbach & Maercker, 2009). Research suggests that intimacy itself
appears to play a key role in the development, maintenance, or long-term recovery for a number of disorders,
including PTSD. The purpose of the current study is to examine how intimacy levels are affected in individuals who
have experienced different traumas and have varying levels of PTSD symptom severity. We hypothesize that
individuals who have experienced an interpersonal trauma will show higher PTSD symptom severity levels than those
38
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
who have experienced a non-interpersonal trauma. Additionally, we expect to find that individuals with higher PTSD
symptom severity will show lower levels of interpersonal intimacy and functioning. Lastly, we expect to find gender
differences in relation to the severity of PTSD symptoms and interpersonal functioning levels. Approximately 500
individuals who have experienced a trauma will be recruited to participate in the current study. Correlation analyses
will be used to determine relationships between interpersonal intimacy and PTSD symptom severity and
presentation, as well as the relationships between different types of trauma, gender, and variables such as
interpersonal intimacy, self-compassion, interpersonal competency, experiences in close relationships, attachment
styles, and depression. Data will be collected via eight self-report questionnaires comprised of several validated
measures. Results will be discussed under the implications of PTSD treatments.
Bridges, Doreen (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Gina Carlson, Vanessa Ochoa, Adriana Medina, Monica Walia
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Beth Hentges
Viewers Perceptions of Gender in iCarly
The goal of this study is designed to look at how children and their parents/guardians perceive subtle and explicit
messages about gender stereotypes by watching an episode of iCarly. Children and their parents will be viewing and
episode of iCarly. After viewing the episode, trained researcher will interview the parent and child separately. They
will also rate and classify the gender roles of the characters by completing a coding sheet. These codes were
developed through previous research coding categories. The results of both the questions and coding will be
statistically analyzed and presented by the research group. It is expected that children will notice more gender
stereotypical behaviors in the television characters, while parents will notice more counter-stereotypical behaviors.
Bright, Katrina (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Sara Leonard, Janet Zaborowski
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
Anticipated Regret and the Decision for Sexual Risk Taking
Sexually transmitted diseases are a very serious problem that can have far-reaching consequences financially,
physically and emotionally for not only the individual but the society as well. Sexual risk taking behavior such as
having unprotected sex perpetuates the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, HPV, and other serious health
issues. Considerable research has been dedicated to the prediction and explanation of such risky behavior in light of
all evidence that taking certain precautions such as condom use, would prevent the transmission of the spread of
disease. Education is certainly important but not assured to prevent one from engaging in this type of risky behavior.
Investigators have suggested motivations for this type of risk-taking behavior and the decisions that lead to the
behavior. Loewenstein, et al. (2001) describes not only the cognitive path that leads one to make a decision but also
the emotions and anticipated emotions that are engaged as one makes a decision. Regret is a cognitively based
emotion that leads one to weigh what might have been against actuality. Several studies indicate that the anticipated
emotion of regret will actually have an effect on behavior. If the outcome of a decision is likely to cause regret, and if
the details of that outcome are salient enough to the decision maker, a behavior will occur that minimizes the risk of
that regret.
39
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Brown, Meggan (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William Hoston
Black Illinois Legislators and Chicago Murders: Are Black Politicians Providing Substantive
Representation to Reduce the Murder Rate of Black Men in the City?
In 2003, the city of Chicago led the nation with 601 murders. While the state of Illinois is considered to have strong
gun control legislation, there has been minimal effect on the gun related murders that plague Chicago. Between 2003
and 2012, the city surpassed a murder total of 500 three different times with gun usage accounting for over 75%. In
addition, the killings of black males were reported in over 70% of gun related murders. This article asks the question:
Have black state legislators in Illinois set a race-based legislative agenda to impede the rate of black murders in the
city of Chicago? Also, have they introduced and passed significant legislation to offset the homicide rate in the city?
According to the 2012 U.S. Census, the city of Chicago had a black population of 32.9% and black legislators are
adequately represented in the state legislature. Using descriptive statistics, this study will analyze the above research
questions and discuss whether black legislators have provided substantive representation to reduce the number of
gun related murders of black Chicago residents. Results and implications will be discussed in this article and
conference presentation.
Caccavale, Mia (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Sarah Lechago
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Sarah Lechago
Using Lag Schedules to Increase Variability in Response Greetings of Children with Autism
This study is examining the effects of lag schedules of reinforcement in increasing the variability of responses to the
greeting "Hi". The participants are two young boys, Abel and Jax, both with a diagnosis of autism. A multiple baseline
with an embedded reversal is being employed. They were taught greeting responses that they were not consistently
emitting during baseline sessions prior to being introduced to the lag phases. The results of the two current
participants show that little variability was seen during baseline. Abel is consistently varied between two responses,
"How are you doing?" and "Hello", during the Lag 1 phase. It is expected that variability will increase as the lag
schedule increases for both participants.
Cano-Calhoun, Rosa (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Rebecca Simmons, Katie Smith
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
Nontraditional Students' Needs and Services
Studies show that nontraditional students face stressors that are different from those of a traditional college student,
as nontraditional students often have multiple life roles: work, family, and school. It is in universities' best interest to
provide services that assist students coping with and alleviating stresses students may encounter. This study will
identify the stressors for nontraditional university students and will review student services that some universities
offer to assist students in coping with those stressors.
40
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Carbone, Crystal (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Cynthia French, Anjali Arora
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chris Ward
Attachment Style and Emotion Regulation as a Predictor of Authenticity in Romantic
Relationships.
Attachment style and emotion regulation are examined as predictors of authenticity in romantic relationships.
Graduate students from the (University of Houston-Clear Lake) will answer questions about their romantic
relationships using three self-report measures that assess adult attachment (ECR-R), authenticity in relationship
(AIRS), and emotion regulation (DERS). This study hypothesizes that secure attachment style and ability to
successfully regulate emotional responses will be predictors of authenticity in romantic relationships. The potential
implications of this study may enhance our current understanding of what factors contribute to success, fulfillment,
intimacy, and longevity in romantic relationships.
Cavazos, Micol (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Jason Makepeace
Product Branding
I will be presenting a poster about Product Branding. A brief information will also be posted on what is product
branding and the importance of it. I will be designing a logo design for a "fake" frozen yogurt company. This will also
include the business card, a web page, business letter, a menu and a cup with the logo design.
Chambers, Joseph (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Mary Nguyen, Lauren Data
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chris Ward
Effect of Celebrity Endorsement on Voting Behavior
The use of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns has increased greatly over the past few election cycles.
Celebrity endorsements have been extensively researched with regard to advertisements for products, but relatively
few studies have analyzed celebrity endorsements' effect on voting choice in political campaigns. This study will
explore the implications of celebrity endorsements on voting behavior and whether or not the use of a celebrity will
have a positive effect in a political campaign. The present study hypothesizes that political candidates with the
support of a celebrity would be judged more favorably in the eyes of the voter than a political candidate lacking the
support of a celebrity. Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group or experimental group. Both
groups will read a news story related to a fictitious presidential candidate. The news story that the control group will
read will contain information about the candidate, including his background, accomplishments, and presidential
goals. Participants who are assigned to the experimental group will be given the same news story with an additional
endorsement from a fictitious celebrity. It is expected that participants given the political profile with the celebrity
endorsement will view the corresponding candidate to be more favorable and thus will likely approve of or vote for
the candidate. This research is valuable to understanding the tools that political campaigns can use to influence
voters as well as understanding the criteria that voters use in judging political candidates' worthiness in being voted
to political office.
41
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Chambler Delossantos, Maryam [Maria L. (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian
Veiling of Women: Cultural or Religious
Veiling of Women: Cultural or Religious Intro: "When I moved on to College it was just after 9/11, so they would call
me Osama bin Laden. It was awful," said Khan. (1) Khan moved from Bangladesh to New York at age eleven. She was
picked on and bullied for wearing the Islamic veil. Muslim women receive a lot of negative treatment from the public,
but push through it nonetheless. Khan is only one of many examples of Muslim women who continue to make a
difference go for female Muslims. Founding Hijab Day is Khan's way of teaching open mindedness and peace towards
those who choose to embark upon the journey of wearing the veil. The media depicts Islam as a religion that forces
every woman to wear the veil, which isn't the case. There are about one million Muslim women in America. Pew
Research Center found from a survey that only 43% of those one million women wear the hijab. (2) There's a higher
percentage of women who don't wear the veil opposed to those that do. This clearly indicates that women aren't
forced to wear it. My proposal will be research showing the truth behind the infamous veil. It's important that the
American nation understands such a huge population of it's people. Breaking down misconceptions about
communities that we live amongst allows us to be more united. Unity equals strength and strength is something
America loves to boast. People should be aware that Muslim women can easily adorn the veil and be successful in
the western world at the same time because the truth is that Islam isn't really as strict as the media portrays."
Statement of Purpose: The purpose of my research is to spread some light (or "Noor" as Muslims call it) upon the
veil. I take this topic very seriously since I'm a Muslim woman born and raised in America. I want to depict the
physical and non-physical beauty of Hijab. I will discuss great veiled women with outstanding achievements from
spreading awareness of Hijab to Muslim women competing in the Olympics. Muslim women are breaking barriers
and reaching levels that most never believed they would achieve. These women deserve to be in the spot light and so
will be the highlights of my essay. Justification of essay: I have personally experienced the discrimination from
ignorant people about the veil that I wear. I remember walking along the beautiful beach one warm yet breezy day
with my beloved sister. We looked at some feather earrings from a stand that was selling jewelry, but decided not to
buy it. As we were walking away two Latino girls said to each other in Spanish, "They probably don't even know what
earrings are for." They were even shocked to see us wearing heels as if all Muslim women live in a cave. They
automatically assumed we are Arab and wouldn't understand Spanish. They even assumed we aren't modernized
women. What woman doesn't love heels?! The veil is a religious tradition rather than a cultural one, which means a
variety of races practice the belief to wear the veil. Islam is practiced all over the world and not just the middle east,
which many people believe. Arabs dominating Islam is a common misconception. The largest Muslim country is
Indonesia and the largest race of practicing Muslims in America are African American. The races that practice Islam
are as diverse and colorful as the veils they proudly wear. Sources for Intro to proposal: Khalid, Asma. "Lifting The
Veil: Muslim Women Explain Their Choice."NPR. NPR, 21 Apr. 2011. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. Nye, Catrin. "Hijab for a Day:
Non-Muslim Women Who Try the Headscarf." BBC News. BBC, 31 Jan. 2013. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. Works Cited:
Ahmed, MD, Qanta A. In The Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom. Napperville:
Source, n.d. Print. Gehrke-White, Donna. The Face behind the Veil: The Extraordinary Lives of Muslim Women in
America. New York: Citadel,
Conrad, Casey (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Laura Sasser
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
42
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
The Effect of Mainstreaming on Teachers' Attitudes and Stress
Changes in the educational process, including decreased funding from state government and an increasing amount of
children in special education, have led to changing attitudes and stress of teachers in public school. The purpose of
this study is measure teachers attitudes toward mainstreaming, teachers attitudes toward mainstreaming when
interacting with students that have disabilities, and the stressors associated with the mainstreaming process.
Understanding teachers attitudes and stress associated with mainstreaming is important to help identify ways to
reduce stress and create healthier learning environments.
Cooper, Sherree (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Scott Mcintyre
Stress and its Impact on Positive Academic Graduate Student Performance
Stress is an important factor that all students encounter. When entering education on the graduate level those
stressors increase and can have physiological effects on the human body. Physiological effects include headaches,
moodiness, nervousness and sleeplessness. It can also lead to depression, heart disease and nervous breakdown. The
purpose of this study is to determine if there is a possible link between stress and its impact on positive academic
performance in graduate students. Also if stress can be used as a motivating component on positive performance.
This study hopes to find ways in which stressors can become more manageable and the onset of coping mechanisms
may become more rapid. Stress has played a vital role in research on undergraduate student performance but there
is not much research on stress and graduate student performance. This research will look at the effects of stress on
graduate student performance.
Crow, Tiffany (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dorothea Lerman
"The Substitutability of Live and Videotaped Attenti0n as Reinforcers"
A reinforcement assessment was conducted to establish live and videotaped attention as viable reinforcers for a
novel response. When the novel response was reinforced by live and videotaped attention the response was
reinforced on a dense schedule to create a high rate of responding. For the purpose of the current study the novel
response acts as an analogy for problem behavior maintained by attention. Noncontingent reinforcement of live and
videotaped attention was then compared to evaluate their effect on the novel response. The results of this study
were expected to reveal that live attention is a more potent reinforcer than videotaped attention because it was the
functional reinforcer. The results showed that NCR of videotaped attention produced similar results as NCR of live
attention and therefore make a viable alternative treatment for attention maintained problem behavior.
Darling, Nicolas (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Biaca Watkins, Olivia Perez, Krystle Wilson
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chris Ward
Effects of E-readers on Reading Comprehension and Speed
The use of e-books and e-readers in education and the workplace is increasing at a fast pace with the rapid
integration of technology in society. Current literature suggests there are several different possible effects of e-books
43
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
and e-readers on a persons reading ability. The present study will have participants randomly assigned to one of
three reading conditions; laptop, Ipad, or print book. All conditions will display the same prose. Participants will be
given five minutes to read. Upon being told to stop they will be instructed to fill out a CLOZE reading comprehension
assessment and a multiple choice test. Additionally the number of words read by each participant will be recorded.
Analysis of variance will be used to compare the three groups for any differences in reading comprehension and
reading speed. The comparison of reading ability across all three devices will allow for the researchers to determine
and show whether e-books and e-readers have a significant impact on the participants reading ability. The present
study will also allow the researchers to clarify some of the differences, such as in the positive or negative effects of ebooks and e-readers, found in previous research. Given the prevalence of using digital devices in education, it is
important that we understand the impact devices have on reading comprehension and speed
Davis, Brittany (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Kordette Wattley, Ronald Phillips
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
The Effects of Personality Type on Social Media Usage
The research gathered attempts to provide additional insight regarding the trends and correlations between the
participant's personality traits, defined types of Social Media, the time spent engaging in those Social Media forms,
and other variables including gender, age, and educational level. Specifically, the research seeks to highlight any
correlations between distinct personality traits and defined forms of social media an individual regularly engages in.
Previous research tends to focus heavily on links between overall internet usage and specific personality traits.
However, as the amount and diversity of various forms of Social Media has increased exponentially, the research
delving further into the correlations between personality and the specific types of activities engaged in online have
not. The personality traits of the participants are defined according to the Five Factor Model, also known as the Big 5.
The social media types whose rates of usage have been measured include the following: collaborative projects, blogs
and microblogs, content communities, social networking sites, vitual game worlds, and virtual social worlds.
Information for analysis has been gathered via the Big Five Inventory survey and self-reporting questionnaires.
Deleon, Brandi (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Karen Ramirez
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
Perceived Temporal Consensus and Relationship Conflict
Temporal consensus is the degree to which group mates share an understanding of the the temporal components of
their group tasks. For example,the significance of deadlines, task completion times, and how pacing of task activities
occurs. Temporal norms which are temporal standards specific to a group and temporal planning which occurs when
group delineate a time schedule for group tasks. Both temporal norms and temporal planning have been shown to
contribute to temporal consensus. Relationship conflict which is conflict based on interpersonal incompatibilities has
been shown to impede performance and hinder completion of group deadlines. There is a lack of information that
explores the relationship between perceived group temporal consensus and relationship conflict. In this study we
explore this relationship through the use of Likert-type questionnaire that assesses both relationship conflict and
temporal consensus. We hypothesize that perceived temporal consensus is negatively correlated with group
relationship conflict.
44
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Delgado, Marlene (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Ashley Newell
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jane Chin Davidson
The Subject of Power in Art History:Society,Race,Class and Sex
We are examining a unique historical angle about power in representing women in terms of Society,Race,Class, and
Sex from the Baroque to the present day. The Poster Presentation will recognize women artists over the centuries
such as Sofonisba,Gentileschi,Peggy Guggenheim,Niki de Saint Phalli, Dorris Duke,Frida Kahlo, Isabella Stewart
Gardner,Cindy Sherman, ect. The purpose of this presentation is to contrast how society has often ranked art that is
produced by women as being inferior to the art produced by men. By focusing primarily on Artemisia Gentileshi,
Frida Kahlo and Cindy Sherman and key texts pertaining to gender and identity, we aim to analyze how this social
construct works and how female artists manage to make their mark despite it.
Doan, Linh (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Vanessa Dodo Seriki
Case Study of Two Mathematics Teachers' Implementation of STEM Education in an Urban
STEM High School
Improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) literacy is a national priority that requires
teachers of science and mathematics to enhance their teaching by moving beyond the traditional teacher-centered
classroom to an integrated curriculum that promotes critical thinking, problem solving and actively engage students
in real life application. The objective of this study was to explore how the understanding and implementation of
STEM education compare between two high school mathematics teachers. The researcher utilized a collective case
study design to examine how two mathematics teachers, in an urban STEM academy, implemented principles of
STEM education into their teaching. The study occurred at a STEM designated academy in the Southwestern region
of the United States. The participants were two mathematics teachers, one taught Pre-Calculus and the other
Algebra I, along with their students. Classroom observations were conducted once per week during the fall semester
of the 2012-2013 academic year. The researcher used the Electronic Quality of Inquiry Protocol (EQUIP) (Marshall,
Smart & Horton, 2009) which is an observation protocol that evaluates the level of inquiry occurring in science and
mathematics classrooms, as well as teacher interviews, and open classroom observations based on the principles of
STEM education. A summary of findings across the following areas: instruction, discourse, assessment, and
curriculum was exemplary inquiry. The results indicated that while inquiry was evident in the classroom, few of the
principles of STEM education were observed. A comparison of the two teachers is presented as well as
recommendations that will move instruction to the proficient or exemplary level of inquiry in addition to integrating
principles of STEM education.
Eady, Christopher (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Magdy Akladios
Testing the Effects of a Safety Auditing System On Safety Metrics for Five Manufacturing
Facilities
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of completing a comprehensive safety audit in five
manufacturing sites on sustained safety improvement. A Safety Process Assessment (SPA) was completed at five
45
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
manufacturing sites utilizing a core group of auditors and a site representative. The auditors had extensive
knowledge in the subject fields through either professional experience and/or educational background and remained
the same through the locations to ensure consistency. At the completion of the audit, the auditors provided
corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) to the site to improve their safety systems. The study utilized widely
accepted key performance indicators (KPIs) as a means of tracking the safety performance of the locations. The
researcher gathered and analyzed the KPIs for a two year period prior to the audit and a two year period following
the audit to determine if there was an overall improvement in the safety performance. The researcher also evaluated
the CAPA status to determine if the closure rate of the identified gaps had any correlation to improvement in KPIs.
The results of the study indicated that although there was an improvement in the Recordable Injury Rate and Days
Away, Restricted, Transfer Rate, the improvement was not statistically significant.
Fowler, Debra (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Anna Hall
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
News Media's Effect on Racial Discrimination
Previous research supports the idea that racial discrimination still plays a role in American society. At the same time,
some findings suggest that overt discriminations have become less mainstream. This does not mean that
discrimination has been eliminated, but instead, has possibly been replaced by more subtle actions. News media is
one area where the subtleties have been found to be widespread. Media representations of racial minorities
influence the perceptions of those minorities on themselves and the perceptions of those minorities on the rest of
the population. The media influences viewers' perceptions of racial minorities by misrepresentation or a lack of
representation of a specific race, which activates negative stereotypes in the viewer. However, it is not know in what
ways news media can be changed to positively influence the viewers' perceptions of racial minorities.
Fraietta, Nicolina (San Jacinto College South); Jeffrey Robison
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Karen Duston
Monitoring Water Quality at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site: Focus on the
Effects of Hurrican Ike and Drought to an Estuarine Environment
The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site (SJBSHS) was once the home of a large amount of biodiversity nearly
two hundred years ago. The San Jacinto Battleground is located between Buffalo Bayou and the busy Houston Ship
Channel just east of Houston, in La Porte, TX. This vanishing 1,200 acre coast line faces several major problems
including coastal erosion, introduction of foreign-invasive plant and animals, as well as natural disasters and human
impacts. The goal of this project is to analyze various water quality parameters tested by students from San Jacinto
College South, under the direction of Dr. Karen Duston, from over the past 6 years (2007-2012) and to explore the
relationships of these parameters in this estuarine environment. Temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration,
conductivity and salinity, pH, and solids load were the primary parameters studied. This environmental monitoring
study investigated how the water quality of the Santa Ana Bayou system changed over a period of time. The effects
of natural phenomena, Hurricane Ike in 2008 and the drought of 2011, on this coastal environment were ascertained.
The results showed a slow recovery from degradation caused by natural disasters and man-made influences.
46
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
George, Liza (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Laura Marin
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
The Relationship between Burnout and Education Performance of Working Graduate
Students
Although burnout is well known to be detrimental to performance, the effects of burnout on students have not been
sufficiently documented, with the few studies that exist on working students' performance sometimes showing
mixed results. The purpose of this study is therefore to measure the likelihood on working and non-working students,
and the effects of different workloads on GPA. Thirty participants per category for an accumulated total around 90
participants will participate in the current study. They will finish the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Oldenburg
Burnout Inventory (OLBI). The expected results are: 1.) Students that work full-time will be more likely to experience
burnout and have lower GPA compared to students that work part-time and those that do not work, 2.) Non-working
students will experience the least amount of burnout and have better GPA than either of the other groups, 3.)
Burnout/Stress will act as a mediator between workload and GPA.
Glassford, Nicole (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kathleen Garland
Storm Water Drainage Pollution: The Effects of Urban Runoff
Pollution to storm drainage systems is a very serious, yet often overlooked form of pollution. The City of Webster
Texas is addressing this issue with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Just as we are the cause of
many of theses pollutants we can also be the solution. Most of us were introduced to the concept of how pollution
can affect the environment at a very young age. An example of this is the comic series "The Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles." This series gives a comical response to the effects that pollution can have on an ecosystem; often
incorporating social, environmental and animal rights themes. Just look at their creation, a "mutagen" entered the
sewer system causing the turtles to transform. The message is clearly there, pollution can alter life forms
dramatically. Don't get me wrong, it would be totally radical to see a crime fighting reptile yelling "Cowabunga
Dude!" The sad fact is we are more likely to see turtles floating belly up with their whole ecosystem devastated at the
hands of society. Polluted stormwater runoff can have adverse effects on plants, animals, and humans. When it rains,
any pollutant that is on your land or in the streets is mixed together with the flowing water. Impervious roads inhibit
absorption into the soil, leading to an excess amount of pollutants that reach water ways. Many people do not realize
that everything that enters storm drains is untreated and eventually flows into public water ways. Common
pollutants found in storm water drainage systems include: pesticides, chemicals, yard waste, automotive waste, pet
waste, and sediment. With coastal areas being the fastest growing areas in the United States, we need to be aware
and promote the prevention of the increased amount of contaminants that enter the waterways. More development
and human activities contribute to more impervious cover and therefore more sources of run off pollution. Galveston
Bay lies in one of the most urban watersheds in the country, with close to four million people in the immediate
watershed. The Galveston Bay Plan was funded by The Galveston Bay National Estuary Program during the
Characterization Phase of the GBNEP. This study estimated that over 43% of the total non- point source sediment
loadings, 55-65% of NPS nutrient loadings and over 85% of all fecal coliform, pesticides, oil and grease contribute to
pollution of local waterways from urban runoff. The City of Webster has developed objectives to achieve the goal of
the Storm Water Management Program to reduce and prevent the amount of pollution that enters the watershed.
The use of non-point source inventory is implemented as a tool to target demonstration projects and education
efforts by identifying areas at risk for high sediment loads with the use of erosion control measures. The city has also
designed a Model Storm Management Plan that addresses the issues of illicit discharge, post-construction storm
47
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
water management of newly developed and redeveloped areas and an education outreach program. They have also
established a strategy to demonstrate how to implement the storm water management plan. Awareness to the
public concerning their property runoff can be a major tool in the fight against pollution to storm drainage systems.
The fact that most of this water directly flows into public waterways that are used for recreational activities, like
fishing and swimming, should be a wake up call to citizens. What is dumped down the storm drain is not treated by a
wastewater treatment plant and the pollutants in the water have harmful effects on the environment and can even
pollute the citizens drinking water sources.
Gullaksen, Gemma (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Darrell Graham
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
The Effects of Physical Activity on Symptoms of Depression.
The effects of physical activity on symptoms of depression Depression has been identified as a serious debilitating
disorder previously treated only with antidepressants and various forms of cognitive therapy. Individuals frequently
experience a decline in mental health as a result of illness and other limitations, most importantly from a lack of
physical activity. In some cases, lifestyles have to be modified and combined with exercise to reach efficacy of
physical and mental wellness. The current study will examine the effects of physical activity on symptoms of
depression. One hundred and fifty younger and older adults will participate in this study. They will finish a set of
questionnaires measuring their physical activity level and symptoms of depression. We are expecting that physical
activity is negatively correlated with the risk of depression, and people who perform regular physical exercise have
higher well-being. Keywords: depression, physical activity, well-being.
Haddock, Lauren (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Dorothea Lerman
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dorothea Lerman
Increasing the Frequency and Variability of Greeting Initiations and Responses in Non-Vocal
Adolescents with Autism using the iPad
In this study, the effectiveness of prompting and positive reinforcement on the acquisition of iPad social greeting
initiations and responses in three non-vocal adolescents with autism was evaluated. In addition, a lag 1 variability
schedule was evaluated to determine if it would effectively increase the variability of acquired social greetings and
responses. Two participants reached mastery criterion of greeting independently for 80% or more of opportunities
for three consecutive sessions for both greeting initiations and responses. A third participant showed increases in
social greetings but has not reached mastery criterion. Increasing response variability using a lag 1 variability
schedule was evaluated for two participants and both reached the mastery criterion of 50% varied greetings for three
consecutive sessions.
Harris, Melissa (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William Hoston
Constellation Program Cancellation Effects at JSC
The Constellation Program was formed in 2004 as part of President Bushs vision to create a new generation of
spacecrafts for human spaceflight. In 2010, the Obama Administration canceled the program in an attempt to
48
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
address the U.S. federal budget, which halted spending on the Constellation program. The aftermath of this decision
prompted several rounds of layoffs for NASA. In addition, U.S. and Texas legislators introduced bills to address the
gravity of this decision and its impact moving forward. This article explores the following questions: What were the
economic and political effects of cancelling NASAs Constellation Program at the Johnson Space Center (JSC)?
Specifically, what have the utilities and consequences been in ending the program? And, what political and legislative
activities are being provided by U.S. and Texas legislators to address the concerns of NASA officials? In 2011,
President Obama signed the Continuing Appropriations Act that lifted the prohibition to terminate Constellation and
allow the initiation of the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Program at JSC and the Space Launch System (SLS)
Program at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Despite these efforts, the forecast of innovative exploration at NASA
continued to be slowed by minimal support from the Obama Administration. Further results and implications will be
discussed in the article and provided at the conference.
Harrison, Troy (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William Hoston
Gun Control
One of the major concerns of US citizens is gun violence. Gun violence is not a new occurrence in this country, seeing
that over a few thousand Americans are killed with firearms every year and thousands more are injured. In the past
two decades, however the ability to gain access to military grade hardware has increased significantly. The
introduction of assault weapons to the public has increased the ability to kill wound and maim multiple targets with a
single weapon in a very short time span. An excellent example of this is the recent shooting in Connecticut at Sandy
Hook elementary school. A lone gunman armed with a rifle killed almost 30 individuals, the majority of which were
children. My question is then: have Legislatures in Connecticut passed substantive gun control laws? That is in
response to the Sandy Hook tragedy, have legislatures introduced and or passed bills that address gun control and
registration?
Hassett, Sean (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William Hoston
99% Independent: Should Scotland become an independent nations?
By the end of 2014, Scotland's Parliament has been given temporary powers to convene a referendum vote to decide
Scotland's right to seperate from the United Kingdom (UK). For centuries the British Empire has reigned with
complete control over their neighbors to the North, Scotland. Economic indecisions, social change increasingly
disparaging, many non-autonomous nations and states striving to show they can do it better; these are not new
issues. Independence has been a topic previously discussed. However, the utilities and consequences of such a
decision are difficult to forecast. This article asks the research question: Should Scotland be an independent country?
Also, what would be the utilities and consequences of this decision? There could possibly be a future with or without
English control, whichever the decision; it will be final and binding. Results and implications will be discussed in this
article and conference presentation.
49
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Hawkins, Lynn (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dorothea Lerman
Training Adults with High Functioning Autism to Use Incidental Teaching to Increase the
Language Acquisition for Children with Autism
We trained one adult male with high functioning autism to implement incidental teaching to increase manding or
requesting with children with autism. We used written instructions, modeling, role-play, and feedback (immediate &
delayed) to train the 15 steps of incidental teaching. The HFA trainer had no intellectual disabilities, an IQ of 102, and
no problem behavior. The two children were three and four years old, diagnosed with autism, non- verbal, and no to
low problem behavior. They attended a day clinic for ABA services and were taught to use picture exchange for
requesting/manding. The results showed the HFA trainer acquired the skills to implement incidental teaching and
was effective at using it to increase the children's language skills. His percentage of correct responses for 15 steps for
teaching remained high even when introduced to a new child. The children's acquisition of manding increased
through out the study, from 0-100% independent responses. The study showed that an adults with HFA used
incidental teaching to teach two children to mand/request for desired items using picture exchange. Further
evaluation is needed to show if this training may be used as a vocational training program for those with HFA.
Hellinghausen, Leigh (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Kim Tran
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Bistricky
What Makes Trainees Willing to Recommend Certain Stress Reduction Techniques?
Given that stress characterizes many psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, insomnia, anxiety) and medical
conditions (i.e., decreased immunity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, sexual dysfunction) and costs the U.S.
more than $300 million a year (Rosch, 2001), there is a significant need to disseminate and encourage use of
evidence based stress reduction techniques (SRTs). Our pilot study investigated possible predictors of recommending
various SRTs in a sample of graduate students (n=15) preparing for careers in mental health. Questionnaires were
administered to the sample before and after a month long psychoeducational course about various SRTs (i.e.,
focused breathing/breathing retraining, self- hypnosis/autogenic training, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation,
yoga and physical exercise). We hypothesized that personal factors (i.e., family health history motivation, personality
characteristics, and knowing someone who regularly practices SRTs), experience factors (i.e., having used a stress
reduction technique in the last month), and the psychoeducation intervention (newly acquired knowledge about the
stress reduction technique) would predict patterns of how participants would recommend SRTs to others. Results
indicated that participants who reported a positive family history for a stress-related mental health condition
recommended focused breathing/breathing (t (13) = 2.59, p=.02) and progressive muscle relaxation (t (12)= 3.05, p =
.02) significantly more often than those with no reported family mental health history. Also, participants who used a
particular SRT in the last month were more likely to recommend that same SRT. For example, there was a strong
correlation between using meditation in the last month and being willing to recommend it (r=.67, p=.01). Lastly,
there was a generalized increase in willingness to recommend all SRTs from before to after the psychoeducation
intervention. These preliminary findings suggest that personal factors, experience factors, and psychoeducation may
predict patterns of how clinicians recommend SRTs to clients. Although more research is needed, findings from this
study may help inform methods and practices in teaching SRTs, which could lead to optimal dissemination, reception,
and widespread salutary impact of these techniques.
50
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Hermosillo, Martha (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike Mcmullen
The Dark side of Social Media
Facebook is now known for connecting the world together through the web; however, there are pros and cons that
exist for using it. My research will focus on the negative aspects of what Facebook can do to ones' personal life. My
independent variable is the amounts of time spend on Facebook. My dependent variable is the effect Facebook has
on personal relationships and school. My hypothesis is: the more students spend time on Facebook, the lower their
grades will be. I as well predict that Facebook creates conflict among personal relationships this could be because
users might spend less time with their close families and friends.
Hernandez, Christine (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William Hoston
The FDA: A Failed Bureaucracy
Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began approving anti-depressant medications, countless individuals
have benefited from their affects. However, much controversy has loomed as to whether these anti-depressants
should be administered to adolescents. More than 8 million children and adolescents are taking anti-depressants in
the United States. Despite the FDAs black box warning against these medications, the usage continues to soar. The
center of the controversy is that these medications potentially increase the risks of suicidal behavior and violent
activities. In contrast, a plethora of clinical trials continue to argue that anti-depressants actually lower the number of
incidents of suicides among adolescents. Therefore, that has led this study to explore the following research
question: Should the FDA enforce stricter governmental regulations for anti-depressant medications prescribed to
adolescents? This study argues that FDA approval, diagnosis, and physician prescriptions should be scrutinized more
diligently. Results and implications will be discussed in this article and conference presentation.
Huff, Cheri (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Ashleigh Godfrey, Laleh Karimian, Nicole Bush
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Beth Hentges
Boys will be Boys, Girls will be Girls? A Comparison of "iCarly" and "The Suite Life".
Johnson, Douglas (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mufid Abudiab
Deterministic Ramifications of Appeasement
In his paper titled "A Mathematical Explanation for the Martyrdom Effect", Jeff Suzuki expands the work of the
predator and prey modeling as applied to the dove and hawk opposition factions to a given regime in power. Suzuki's
paper explored the cost to benefit ratio of suppressing the two different opposition factions to the regime. In my
research project, I explore how the opposition groups will react when the given regime acquiesces to one of their
demands.
51
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Kettler, Kenneth (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William Hoston
Witness Identification in Capital Punishment: Racial Bias and DNA Exoneration
DNA evidence has been accepted nationwide as a legal means to exonerate offenders in cases involving capital
crimes since the 1980s. Since then, 18 convicted offenders sentenced to the death penalty have been exonerated
because of prior faulty DNA testing. The majority of these offenders are racial and ethnic minorities. Many of which
are misidentified in the early stages of the criminal process. Misidentification is the leading cause of wrongful
convictions, representing more than 75% of DNA exonerations. Black males are disproportionately misidentified than
any other race. This article seeks to answer the following research question: Has the DNA exoneration of black males
in criminal cases that lead to the death penalty amplified the need to address false witness identification. The impact
of racial bias in witness misidentification is an important judicial issue and deserves added scholarly attention.
Further results and implications will be discussed in this article and conference presentation.
Kieltyka, Ryan (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Jessica Wooden, Jennifer Pido, Bertha Montemayor, Arthur Vallejo
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
Effect of Total Sleep Deprivation on Adult Rats Prior To Learning a Spatial Reference
Memory Task.
Animal models have demonstrated spatial memory impairments in juvenile rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia.
Previous research in adult rats has shown that sleep fragmentation prior to a water maze task impacted spatial
reference memory, but not spatial working memory and disrupted hippocampal plasticity. In this experiment, young
adult (>60 day) male, Sprague-Dawley rats were sleep deprived prior to learning the hippocampal dependent Water
Maze task. After 24 hours of sleep deprivation or normal rest, rats were given 3 blocks of 4 trials (12 trials total,
within 3 hours) in the hidden platform version of the Water Maze task. This was followed by two 30 second probe
trials, during which the platform was removed.
Kuvalekar, Manik (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammad Rashid
Purification Of a Fusion Protein using Pfu Polymerase & dUTPase. Kuvalekar, MP and
Rashid, MB
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique of generating appreciable quantities of DNA required for many
applications in molecular biology. DNA polymerase from hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus has the
proof reading function and widely used now a days in the PCR. However, long PCR reactions with the enzyme showed
polymerase inhibition by dUTPs generated from cytosine at high temperature. Pfu dUTPase enzyme can be used to
counter this inhibition by degrading dUTP. This is an expensive process.The objective of the project is a) to generate a
fusion protein of Pfu DNA polymerase and dUTPase, b)to purify the enzyme to homogeneity, and c) to analyze the
enzymatic function of fusion enzyme in comparison to wild-type polymerase. The mechanism of generation of the
fusion enzyme, its purification by affinity chromatography and enzymatic analysis will lead us to propose the future
applications of the fusion enzyme in long PCR that would be useful in preparing genomic libraries and so forth in an
inexpensive manner.
52
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Lazorwitz, Brenda (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Eeva Edds, Ika Lundin, Maria Teresa Trejo
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
The Effects of a Life-Changing Treatment on the Interpersonal Relationships of Cancer
Survivors
It is projected that cancer incidence will be increased by 45% from 1.6 million in 2010 to 2.7 million in 2030 (Smith,
Smith, Hurria, Hortobagyi, & Buchholz, 2009). Multiple studies have explored the change in interpersonal
relationships of younger cancer survivors but research on older populations is lacking even though 60% of survivors
are over 65 years old (Stava, Lopez, & Vassilopoulou-Sellin, 2007). Research has shown that social support
significantly contributes to cancer survivors well-being and interpersonal relationships (Crane-Okada et al. 2012; Den
Oudsten et al. 2009; Dolbeault et al. 2009) and that social support can increase cancer patients quality of life during
and after treatment (Den Oudsten et al., 2009). The current study seeks to explore the effect of cancer treatment on
the interpersonal relationships of cancer survivors over the age of 50 compared to younger survivors. Approximately
500 adult males and females with a history of completed treatment for cancer will participate in the study.
Participants will be asked to complete 11 measures assessing a number of variables. The measures include the
Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (Berkman & Syme, 1979), which will be used to measure different social
connections pre- and post-treatment. The Perceived Social Support - Friend Scale (PSS-Fr; Procidano & Heller, 1983)
and the PSS-Family Scale will both be given to measure the extent to which an individual perceives that his/her needs
for support, information, and feedback are fulfilled by friends and family. Preliminary results show that there is a
difference in the quality and quantity of interpersonal relationships of older cancer survivors compared to the
relationships of younger survivors. If the study finds a significant difference between the interpersonal relationships
of older and younger cancer survivors, more attention can be given to the rehabilitation and social support after
cancer treatment is over.
Leflore, Gloria (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Danyell Pennington
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
Does Truthful Expressivity Contriute to Effective Group Function?
Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate if truthful expressivity contribute to effective group function.
Expressing emotions is something everyone does on a daily basis. Would suppressing and faking emotions in a group
cause dysfunction? Emotional expressivity refers to the behavioral (e.g., facial, postural) changes that typically
accompany emotions, such as smiling, frowning, crying, or storming out of the room (Gross & John, 1995). Emotions
help us respond adaptively to environmental challenges and opportunities (Frijda, 1998). Our study will use the
Berkeley Expressivity questionnaire and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Gross & John, 1995), which will
measure the emotional expressivity in groups, including their willingness to interact, if they interact negatively or
positively and if they suppress their true feelings. Exploring emotions in college groups will help us understand if
people display their true emotions within group settings and if it contributes to effective group function.
Lewis, Monanishia (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
53
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Stress and its Impact on Non-Traditional Graduate Students' Performance
Studies have shown whether stress causes detriment in undergraduate student academic performance. Nontraditional graduate students have children, jobs, community obligations, and spouses that require attention in
addition to their academic requirements. Stressors are higher within the non-traditional student population. The
current will identify the top ten major stressors amongst the graduate student population at the (University of
Houston-Clear Lake), examine students current mental health status using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ
12) and assess students current coping strategies using the Ways of Coping Checklist (WCC). The researcher will
compile the three instruments to make one survey. The survey intends to determine whether current stressors for
non-traditional graduate students affect positive performance. Performance for the purpose of this study includes
academia roles as well as roles outside of school.
Little, Rachel (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian
Understanding Magical Realism through Popular Fantasy Fiction
Magical Realism is a genre that melds mundane settings and environments with magical elements - creating a world
that feels normal or realistic that includes an element of fantasy. While literary magical realism originated in Latin
America, elements and style can be found in literature across the globe. Whether magical realism is used to expand
or destroy what is considered "reality", the treatment varies by nation an genre.
Lopez, Jennifer (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Laura Parnell
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
Postures while Using Handheld Touchscreen Devices
Abstract Ergonomics has become very important with the increased use of new computer technology. This is due to
musculoskeletal injuries becoming prominent in the workforce and will be a growing concern as young workers enter
the job market because many of these young workers are already suffering ergonomic injuries. Additional research
into the ergonomic implications of handheld touchscreens is vital as the use of these devices is increasing in our
society. The following study will address one facet of ergonomic concerns with the use of handheld touchscreen
devices, specifically on user-adopted postures as related to tablet use.
Lopez, Kathy (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Electra James
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
Counseling Self-esteem for Children of Domestic Violence
Many households have family members that are subjected to violence on a daily basis. Too often this violence goes
unnoticed by outside family members, friends and the general public due to the many different forms that violence
can take. For instance, violence can be physical where actual slapping, kicking, punching, throwing and strangling
take place, or violence can be emotional where damaging verbal expressions and yelling are used by the perpetrator
such as you are no good, you are ugly and I wish you were never born. Furthermore, violence is often accompanied
by other devastating circumstances such as sexual abuse, drug abuse and alcohol abuse. In the National Survey of
54
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Childrens Exposure to Violence, the U.S. Department of Justice in 2009 stated that 60% of children were exposed to
some type of violence or abuse during the previous year, over 6% experienced sexual abuse, over 10% experienced
child abuse and nearly 30% of children witnessed some type of violence (Finkelhor et.al. 2009, p.4). Unfortunately,
these numbers continue to rise every year and more and more children become victims. Many times it is the children
that live in these violent situations that go unnoticed by family members, government agencies and counselors.
These young victims have been dubbed by other researchers as the forgotten victims. Parents too often assume that
their children were not affected by the violence because they were too young or were not directly involved in the
confrontations. Government agencies may overlook the distress that children are under when they have to step in
and assist families that are dealing with violence, and sometimes the real distress does not show up until several
years after the violence has stopped. Counseling may not even be sought for these forgotten victims because parents
and government officials overlook their psychological needs. Unfortunately, these young survivors may develop
serious mental impairments from the traumatic events that they were involved in or witnessed. One of the most
detrimental effects of being involved in or witnessing domestic violence is having low self-esteem. Low self-esteem
can lead to other serious problems such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders, just to name a few. Therefore, it
is imperative that the family and public recognize the importance of counseling treatment for these forgotten
victims. Psychological assistance will not only help these young victims understand their situations and cope with
distress, but it can boost their self-esteem and improve their chances of not developing more serious mental health
conditions later in life. Many studies have looked at the effects that counseling has had on women involved in
domestic violence (physical or mental) and substance abuse situations, but children have been studied very little. The
majority of research done on children has been in conjunction with their parents, which does not allow for a full
analysis of the forgotten victims experience and their improvement after counseling services were implemented.
Unfortunately, most of these victims were not able to seek counseling as children due to parents or guardians
deeming it unnecessary. Therefore, the effects of counseling on self-esteem for adults who were involved in
domestic violence (physical or mental) or parental alcohol or drug abuse as children needs to be investigated to
improve the lives of children that are currently experiencing violent situations. Proof that counseling during
childhood, adolescence, or adulthood improves self-esteem after experiencing domestic violence (physical or
mental), sexual abuse, or drug and alcohol abuse as children can improve the future of the new generations of
forgotten victims.
Low, Adeline (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Sarah Lechago, Rachel Hoffman
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Sarah Lechago
The Effects of Contriving the Relevant Establishing Operation When Teaching the What
Mand-for-Information
This study aims to assess the importance of contriving the relevant establishing operation (EO) when teaching the
"What?" mand-for-information to children with autism using a multiple baseline across participants design. Three
children with autism were taught to mand "What's that?" when presented with novel pictures. Participants were first
taught to mand in the absence of the relevant EO (no reinforcement for correct tacting) followed by the EO Present
mand-for-information training (edible reinforcement for correct tacting). In both training phases, only the
information was provided for asking "What's that?". There was an observed increase in the "What's that?" response
in both the training phases. However, the response generalized to untargeted unknown pictures and objects only
following the EO Present training phase for the first participant. There was no generalization of mands observed with
participants 2 and 3. Nevertheless, there was an increase in correct tacting of most of the previously unknown stimuli
following the increase in manding for information, which suggest that the children used the information requested to
tact the novel items. This study provided an extension to the existing literature on mand-for-information training by
55
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
demonstrating that contriving the relevant EO during mand-for-information training is essential to the generalization
of mands for information.
Lozano, Brenda (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Nelva Linnell, Gabriela Banda, LaWanda Brightman
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike McMullen
Religion Affects Views in Death Penalty
(University of Houston-Clear Lake) is a very diverse university that portrays many religions. Although many students
might share some views about how the death penalty is applied, with this study, we will be able to determine
whether religiosity affects their views on the death penalty. We believe that religiosity does affect views on the death
penalty. Some factors that will help us determine this will be to find out their religious faith, church attendance, time
spent worshiping outside of church, as well as their views on crimes. There are many factors that establish peoples
views. We have surveyed random students to try to prove our hypothesis. By further studying this topic we will
uncover whether religion affects views on the death penalty.
Maceyko, Aimee (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi); Kelly O'Bryant
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mufid Abudiab
Box Office Dynamics as Applied to IMAX Presentations
In our research project we apply the box-office model created by Edwards and Buckmire, in an effort to determine
whether the model accurately represents the behavior of IMAX presentations. The goal is to determine, from the
analysis of two such presentations, whether the dynamics of this particular subset can be accurately modeled using
Edwards and Buckmires differential equations model. Or alternatively, if the characteristics of standard feature films
and IMAX releases are sufficiently divergent to require alterations of existing parameters or potentially the addition
of new parameters to accurately depict the behavior.
Martinez, Christina (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Devanayagam Palaniappan
Analytical Results for a Coupled Non-Linear System of Ordinary Differential Equations
Modeling Flame Propagation
We investigate a coupled nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations subject to a set of field boundary
conditions. This system depicts the transfer of two variables: temperature, T and species, Y through a medium. Our
focus is centered on one of the key parameters associated with the system, Le, known as the Lewis number. It is
found that the Lewis number has a greater influence on the behavior of the temperature and species. For arbitrary
Lewis numbers, a general relation between T and Y has been derived. This general relation is employed to validate
some of the existing solutions for non-unity Lewis numbers. When the Lewis number is 1, (Le = 1), the system admits
an approximate analytical solution. Our exact results correctly predict the expected behavior of the temperature and
species associated with one dimensional flame propagation model.
56
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Martinez, Mari (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Jessica Mendoza, Viviana Romo, Cynthia Soto
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Nancy Wright
Understanding English Language Learners in the Classrooms
Abstract The number of English Language Learners (ELLs) in Texas schools has tremendously increased in the last
decade. By 2002, there was approximately 4,500,000 ELLs in United States schools (Kinder 2002), including learners
from many different languages other than Spanish. As a result, our nations teachers must prepare themselves to
meet the needs of English language learning students by acquiring necessary knowledge and skills. A classroom
teacher must understand that all ELLs go through the same stages of language acquisition and that it takes
approximately 5 to 7 years for a student to fully develop Cognitive Acquisition Language Proficiency (CALP). One of
the tools that can help teachers design effective lesson plans, in combination with the National and State standards,
is the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol Model (SIOP). It becomes evidence that texts that are appropriate
for native English speakers may not be suitable for students acquiring English (Vogt & Echeverria, 2008). Therefore,
the SIOP Model is the perfect companion for making content comprehensible for ELLs. The results of our study
strongly indicate that teachers can meet the needs of ELLs when they are adequately trained in and effectively
implement the SIOP model. Our study also explores how access to gifted and talented programs can be increased for
language learners.
Marullo, Chris (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Leigh Hellinghausen, Kelsey Fyffe, Diana Guzman
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mary Short
The Use of Text Message Reminders to Improve Doctors Appointment Attendance
As cellular phones have become increasingly prevalent in modern society, cell phone users have become increasingly
proficient in their use of the devices and in taking advantage of their versatility. Approximately 321.7 million cell
phone service contracts are active in the United States and its territories. Cell phones are useful tools for alerting and
reminding people of many different things, one of which could be medical appointments. Missed healthcare
appointments are problematic for patients as well as the healthcare system. When an appointment is missed,
potential consequences include postponed treatments and interference with the efficacy of ongoing care. Missed
appointments can also interfere with the efficacy of a clinic. Non-attendance reduces potential appointment times
for other patients, is an inefficient use of the medical staffs time, and increases morbidity, mortality and healthcare
costs. Using cell phone technology to remind individuals of their doctors appointments and increase attendance at
appointments could improve public health and help healthcare providers maintain efficiency. Studies have been
conducted on technology-based interventions and health-related behaviors by looking at topics such as the use of
PDAs to help manage diabetes, using text messages to remind and educate people with atopic dermatitis, and using
text messages to help manage chronic diseases. While these studies are useful, they are not generalizable to a
population of generally healthy people. The purpose of this study is to gauge the effectiveness of text messages sent
to patients cellular phones on the likelihood of attending their scheduled healthcare appointments. The study will
examine individuals attitudes about receiving text message reminders regarding their scheduled healthcare
appointments and study the effectiveness of text message reminders on increasing attendance at annual wellness
check-ups. We will administer a survey to 50 undergraduate and graduate students from (University of Houston-Clear
Lake) about text messaging behaviors, health care behaviors, and demographic information. The Modified Morisky
Scale and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II are also included in the survey. In part two of the study, participants
will be randomly assigned to either a text message group or a phone call group. Participants will sign up for an
appointment online after completing the survey and receive either a text message or phone call reminder 48 hours
before their appointment. Researchers will record which participants attend the appointment and will administer a
57
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
very brief survey about what motivated them to attend. Based on previous findings, the hypothesis of this study is
that receiving text message reminders from a general care physician will increase attendance at doctors
appointments.
Mayeaux-Stephens, Lindsey (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dongmin Sun
Effects of Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Physical Properties and contaminant transport in soil
Short term effects of inorganic fertilizers on physical soil properties and contaminant transport in soil This study
determined the short term effects of inorganic fertilizers on the physical soil properties and contaminant transport in
the soil. Soil texture, bulk density and porosity were determined for each sample using both the hydrometer and bulk
density tests. Modeling of water flow and solute transport in the unsaturated zone through Hydrus 1-D was applied
based on the soil texture and bulk density of the samples before and after treatment of the inorganic fertilizer. Both
the water content and hydraulic conductivity was examined for each of the samples from before and after treatment.
The treatments of inorganic fertilizer resulted in no significant changes within the bulk density or porosity and no
change in the soil textural class. There was a significant increase in the water content within the soil. Application of
the inorganic fertilizer had a small but not statistically significant effect on changing the soil physical properties.
Monchak, Alex (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Rafael De La Torre
Properties of Equations
The primary purpose of this research is to identify the key properties of a sample set of mathematical equations and
determine whether these properties apply to other equations. Similarities in the common properties of all of these
equations could also be applied to predict the existence of new equations. Key properties were created for this
study, and a method to capture the common properties among equations was developed. In addition, a method to
test properties of the sample set of equations was formed. Results show that key properties exist in all equations in
the representative random sample, and therefore the data suggests the proprieties exist in the population of
successful equations. To verify the predicative capability of equation properties, a future study is anticipated and
recommended to observe how well equation properties of the sample set for this study match equation properties
for an independent set of equations.
Nair, Parvathi (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cindy Howard
Comparison of Zooplankton at Sites along the Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil
The aim of the present study is to identify the zooplankton of the Rio Negro and to evaluate the habitat requirement
in terms of water quality on the diversity and density of the zooplankton communities. The samples were collected
from eight stations during the low water period, from December 31, 2012 to January 8, 2013. Each site was divided
into four stations and three samples were collected from each station. The sites were located on the river system in
between Manaus and Barcelos (site 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8), at Barcelos (site 3), and upstream from Barcelos (site 4, and 5).
The plankton samples were collected vertically at the depth of 1 meter using a Wisconsin net and the zooplanktons
58
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
were classified up to their class. The water samples were collected at the same sites as the zooplankton samples and
water quality parameters were determined in a parallel study carried out at the same time. Shannon diversity and
Pielou's evenness was calculated for each station. Inter-station comparisons were carried out using one way Analysis
of Variance (ANOVA). The dependence of zooplankton on water quality parameters was determined by regression
analysis. The results from this study indicated that the diversity and density of the zooplankton communities are
affected by nutrients such as total nitrogen and total phosphorus and other water quality parameters.
Niknam, Sharareh (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. M.Bazlur Rashid
Stemcells as Dental Biomaterial
In my poster, I want to show Stemcells as Dental Biomaterial. This poster, presents the Role of stemcells, and usage
as dental biomaterial, which will be utilized by dentists in future. Biomaterials are used to making devices to replace a
living system, or to function in close contact with living tissue for rehabilitation. Biomaterials are either
biocompatible properties, or biological materials used in all branches of dentistry, specially in Endodontics,
Peridontics, Fracture Treatments, and dental Implants. Some synthetic biomaterials include, Metals(Ti,Sr, Alloy,
Stainless steel), Ceramics (Aluminium Oxide, Calcium Phosphate, Hydroxy Apatite), Composits (Carbon-carbon, Wire
or Carbon reinforced bone cement). Biological material are like, Stemcells, and other aspects of tissue engineering
(Future Biomaterials). Human body has several sources of Stemcells, which are active during adult life. These
stemcells are responsible for renewal and regeneration of cells in our organism. So, it indicates a clear way for using
them in treatment disease and removes defects. Tooth tissue is an enrichment source of Neural Crest
Ectomesenchyme cells, which will repair many of oral disease like,Periodontal disease, Neural Regeneration, and
even Tooth Regeneration. Regenerative Treatment contains, an extra cellular Matrix, progenitor/stemcells, and
inductive morphogenetic signals. Since every tooth has different shape and morphology, so their signals are different
and are not clear. However the orofacial complex has shown a significant potential for fracture healing, bone
augmentation, TMJ cartilage treatment, or replace, pulpal repair, periodontal regeneration, and osseointegration for
dental implants.
Niknam, Sharareh (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammad Rashid
Dental Biomaterial
In My Poster, I want to show the different kinds of Biomaterials, that a dental clinician can utilize for patient
treatment. Biomatetrials are used to make devices to replace a part of living system or to function in close contact
with living tissue. Biomaterials are either Biocampatibility properties, or Biological material used in all branches of
dentistry, specially in Endodontics, Peridontics, Fracture Treatment, and Implants. Synthetic Biomaterials are like,
Metal( Ti, Sr, Alloys, Stainless steels), Ceramics (Aluminium Oxide, Calcium Phosphate, Hydroxy Apatite), Composites
(Carbon-Carbon, Wire or Carbon reinforced bone cement). Biological materials are like Stem cells, and other aspects
of tissue engineering(future Bio-material). However, the Orofacial Complex has shown a remarkable potential for
fracture healing, bone augmentation, TMJ cartilage replace or treatment, and pulpal repair, periodontal ligament
regeneration, and osseointegration for dental implant.
59
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
O'Connor, Sydney (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Renee Cushman, Sandra Barrera, Jessica Carville
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Robert Bartsch
Long-term Mating Preferences: Men's Perspective of Potential Mate's Socioeconomic Status
The goal of this research is to explore the importance males place on females occupational status, income, and level
of education in the assessment of a potential long-term partner. Previous research has found that men prefer
women to have similar or lower levels of education (Boberg, 2008; Greitemeyer 2007) and income (Greitemeyer,
2007; Anderson and Klofstad, 2012) to their own. Other research also indicates that men find women in high status
careers less desirable and approve of women in social roles supportive to their own (Leone, 2003). It is hypothesized
that men will want their long-term mates to have similar education, lower income, and slightly lower job status in
relation to their own. Data will be collected through questionnaires provided via SurveyMonkey, distributed by hand,
and utilizing the (University of Houston-Clear Lake) data collection day to collect data on campus.
Oswald, Cullen (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
Ageism, Social Identity, and Terror Management Thoery: The Influence of Age Related
Activities
With more and more individuals entering older age groups, age based prejudice becomes a growing concern.
Compared to other types of prejudice ageism has been somewhat neglected. The purpose of my study is to add to
the existing research on ageism. In particular I examine Tajfel and Turner's social identity theory and Greenberg's
terror management theory as well as differences related to gender. My hypothesis is that older individuals who are
depicted as engaging in activities typically associated with younger people will be rated more negatively by younger
individuals. The idea here is that participating in such activities will be a threat to the rater's social identity. I also
hypothesize that negative ratings will be correlated with high levels of death thought accessibility. The idea here is
that age based prejudice is at least partially related to the fear of death. My final hypothesis is that when a young
rater is rating someone of their own gender they will identify with them more and also perceive them as a greater
threat when they engage in youthful activities.
Pannala, Sirisha (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Jack Lu
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jack Lu
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Gd (III)-Cu (II) Hetero Metal Containing Compounds
We report research regarding the Gd-Cu and organic ligands, where Gd, Cu, and organic ligands are lanthanidetransition metal ions, 2, 5-pyridine dicarboxylic acid, 1, 3-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 2, 2--bipyridyl, 4, 4-dipyridyl and
L-alanine respectively. Under different reaction temperature and mole ratios, the self-assembly of the hetero metal
ions with different ligands under hydrothermal conditions generated a variety of 3d-4f containing compounds with
the strategy of synergistic coordination. Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray differaction
analysis.
Parker, Ryan (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Erin Newell, Marlene Guzman, Sharday Bolton
60
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chris Ward
Public Perception of Sex Offenders
Public fear of sex offenders leads to increased legislative restrictions intended to increase the perception of
community safety. This perception persists despite any evidence of a statistical impact on recidivism rates. These
policies lead to a false sense of security for community members, an increased workload for law enforcement, and
increased consequences for sex offenders. These effects are perpetuated by misperceptions that sex offenders are
socially deprived strangers from lower class societies with mental illnesses, an inability to improve from treatment,
and high recidivism rates; and that the sex offender registry and community notification system is essential to create
awareness in the community and maintain safety. In the present study, we seek to determine if fear and
misperception will be reduced by providing accurate information. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of
two groups. The control group will be asked to answer survey questions regarding personal perceptions of sex
offenders. The experimental group will be asked to observe an oral presentation of previous research findings prior
to answering the same survey questions. The survey is intended to assess the participants current knowledge and
opinion of sex offender issues and their personal behaviors related to their own safety and the safety of others. We
hypothesize that observing the presentation will lead to survey responses that more accurately reflect prior research
findings. This study is intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of research-based education in modifying an
individuals perception of sex offenders and decreasing the amount of fear that results from it.
Perez, Maria (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike Mcmullen
Helping the Helpless
This research includes the perspectives of a small group regarding programs that intervene with at-risk youth, the
necessity of societys awareness concerning adolescents who may be prevented from engaging in criminal activities,
and the need for funds in order to help adolescents who may find themselves deprived of a healthy and loving
environment. Society often disregards adolescents who engage in criminal activities because of the belief that they
are helpless; this research focuses on the belief that there is hope for these adolescents and that with help and
support they can excel in life.
Peters, David (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brenda Weiser
An Evaluation Of the (University of Houston-Clear Lake) Regional Science Collaborative
A mixed methods evaluation of the (University of Houston-Clear Lake) Regional Science Collaborative was done to
determine the collaboratives effect on the teacher self-efficacy and outcome expectancy of the participants. A
sequential explanatory mixed methods research design was used in the study utilizing a Science Teacher Efficacy
Belief Instrument (STEBI) to obtain the quantitative data and focus groups were utilized for the qualitaive data. The
quantitative data suggests an increase in the teacher self-efficacy after participation in the collaborative and a slight
increase in the outcome expectancy after participation. The qualitative data supports the quantitative data and also
offers some reasons for some of the anamolies in the quantitative data.
Peterson, Charles (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
61
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dorothea Lerman
The Effects of Pre-trial vs. Post-trial Reinforcement Choice on Task Performance
Researchers compared the relative effects of pre-trial versus post-trial choice on task performance. Individuals
diagnosed with autism were given a preference assessment to identify highly preferred items to be used as
reinforcers. The participants alternated between either choosing a preferred stimulus before a trial (pre-trial) or after
a trial (post-trial) in two separate conditions. The criteria for earning the preferred stimuli systematically increased
following each trial within each session. In addition, the participants were given a preference assessment in which
they chose between the two choice conditions, and a control condition. Results showed that responding was
undifferentiated for the first participant. Experimental procedures are currently under way with the remaining
participants.
Pham, Tri (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Lee Evaldez
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
A Comparison of the Ergonomic Implications of Using a Conventional Mouse, Touchpad,
and Touchscreen Pointing Devices
As technology develops, new pointing devices are designed to allow a growing number of computer users to interact
with their machine. Past research using electromyography (EMG) revealed that prolonged computer use could cause
repetitive strain injuries (RSI) in users. Other experiments revealed that physical design differences affected user
muscle activity and performance in various tasks with pointing devices. This study will use modified body discomfort
diagrams to allow participants to report their level of strain while completing common computer tasks such as online
shopping, digital drawing, and spreadsheet modification. Three pointing devices will be utilized: the traditional
mouse, the touchpad, and a touchscreen desktop. A common machine will use the three interaction devices to
minimize extraneous variables from form differences (desktop, laptop, tablet). The different devices and tasks can
then be compared to determine which can be the most strenuous. This data can be used for the design of future
pointing devices and analyses involving the classic mouse and the newer touch technologies.
Pido, Jennifer (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Arthur Vallejo Jr., Diaz Angelica
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
The Effects of Psychosocial Stress on the Perception of Facial Expressions
Stress is something that people face on a daily basis, it can effect us psychologically and physiologically. There is still a
lot unknown about exactly how stress effects the way people percieve facial emotions. In our study, we are looking
at how psychosocial stress effects the perception of the intensity of facial emotions. We are hoping to see a negative
shift in the perception of facial expression after the induction of the psychosocial stressor. Furthermore, we expect
that participants who started with a higher level of anxiety will be more likely to view facial expressions more
negatively in general than those with lower levels of anxiety. To test this, we first have the participants complete the
Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). Then, they complete the intial pre-test of the Facial Emotion Expression Test.
Next, stress is induced using the Treir Social Stress Test (TSST). Finally, particiapants take the post-test for the Facial
Emotion Expression Test. We will then run the results through SPSS to determine their significance.
Prather, Amanda (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Kristan King, Ruba Shaikh, Joe Gonzalez-Reinhart
62
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Leo Chan
Interactive Animations
Graduate students enrolled in DMST 5436 Flash Animation have created interactive on-line games and published
them to the web via the UHCL server. The projects for the conference were completed with Adobe Flash Professional
CS6 under the guidance of Dr. Leo Chan. Interactivity is made possible by Action Script 3.0, and these particular
games focus on the use of buttons so that the audience can engage both visually (captivating layouts, original images,
and animation) and kinesthetically (at the click of a mouse). The creators chose a variety of game objectives for
players of diverse ages, tailoring the style and layout to suit the intended audience.
Prudon, Jasmin (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Sarah Shahriari, Maggie Boddy
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chris Ward
College Students' Knowledge & Perceptions as Predictors of Perceived Threat of the
Human Papillomavirus
Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and an estimated
6.2 million cases occur annually. Experts have identified both men and women ages 20-24, as the highest risk for
HPV, especially if they attend college. According to the literature, many college students have low levels of
knowledge on the virus, yet majority of studies have failed to assess graduate students levels of knowledge. This
study utilized the Health Belief Model as the framework to assess college students levels of knowledge and
perceptions as predictors of perceived threat to HPV. The purpose of this study is to explore variables that could
potentially affect college students perceived threat to contracting HPV. A convenience sample of graduate students
will participate in an online survey on a college campus. Three separate versions of an informational pamphlet were
created in which contained low, medium, and high levels of information on HPV. The pamphlets include information
on topics such as transmission, incidence, prevalence, symptoms, Pap tests, and other relevant diseases. The
pamphlets will be randomly disseminated and read before the start of the online survey. The survey intends to
measure demographics, knowledge, and perceptions of HPV. A summary of background characteristics, sexual
history, HPV awareness, and knowledge, we will analyzed by means and frequencies for each variable. Three primary
outcome variables such as HPV knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity will then be examined.
This study will provide insight on the levels of knowledge and various perceptions held by graduate students on HPV.
It is imperative for future researchers to identify factors that predict screening behaviors in college students in order
to decrease the mortality and morbidity rates amongst this population.
Quasny, Heather (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Annalisa Peterson, Judy Hong, Meghan Johnson, Victoria
Zumwalt
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David Malin
Drug Use and Perceptions of Crime
Perceptions of crime are an important research area because as the public becomes more accepting of nonviolent
crimes and illicit drugs, it is necessary to reevaluate our criminal justice system and laws. Drug use and crime have
already been correlated (Walters 2012). According to research, there is also a general consensus among
demographics for violent and property crimes, however, attitudes towards victimless crimes vary greatly. The
purpose of this current study is to examine the relationship between nonviolent or victimless crime and previous
drug and alcohol experiences. One hundred participants participated in the current study and they finished a series
63
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
of questionnaires to measure their perceptions of nonviolent crimes or victimless crimes and previous drug and
alcohol usage. The expected results indicate that more experiences with drugs and alcohol are correlated with more
lenient perceptions of nonviolent or victimless crime. The results of this study will serve to discuss the correlation of
the extent of previous drug use with perceptions of the seriousness of nonviolent and victimless crimes.
Randall, Whitney (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Beavers
Parents Perception of IPads for Babies and Toddlers
The use of technology has grown to be one of the biggest changes in society today. One of the leading devices for
advancing technology access was the invention of the IPad in April 2010. IPads are avaliable for all ages with many
creative developmental appropiate apps designed specifically for young children. Children from the age 0-3 are being
exposed to this device in positive and negative ways. A review of the literature reveals that pediatrians and teachers
have mixed feelings of the effects that technology uses on young children and their development. Mattoon, Shifflet,
& Toledo state, "Many educators resist using technology out of concern that it is not developmentally appropiate for
young children"(pg. 40). On the reverse side, in Geist's study his teachers implemented IPads were great use in
projects for two year old children (2012). This study sought to explore parents' perceptions of the use and impact on
development that IPads have with their young child. The guiding research question is, "Do parents perceive that
IPads positively impact a baby or toddler's development?" It is hypothesized that parents do perceive that IPads
positvely influence their baby or toddler's development. The aims of this project will also address concerns that
parents have associated with their child's development being influenced due to technology. Parents invovled with
this study will complete a simple survey that utilizes qualitative question prompts. Analysis of the data will reveal
parent's perceptions. Refernces Mattoon, C., Shifflet, R. & Toledo, C. (2012). Touch tablet surprises: A preschool
teacher's story. Young Children. 2(3). 36-41 Geist, E. (2012). A qualitiative examination of two year-olds interaction
with tablet based interactive technology. Journall of Instructional Psychology. 39 (1). 26-35
Rasberry, Whitney (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike Mcmullen
The Deaf Community and the Police
There is a wide availability of research that analyzes the effects of minority status, race, and economic status on
attitudes towards the police, but the deaf community should be analyzed as well. Members of the deaf community
have their rights violated on a consistent basis by police officers, which could affect their attitudes outside of basic
social factors of hearing individuals. The deaf community is unique in the fact that they communicate differently than
the rest of society, and many police officers might not have the proper training to understand this method of
communication. A study of the members of the deaf community's attitude towards the police will expand our
knowledge on a group of society that is largely overlooked and misunderstood.
64
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Rendon, Laci (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian
Your Marriage, Our Marriage, Their Marriage An Analysis on the Constitutionality and
Beliefs behind DOMA
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a federal law that was passed in 1996 in order to stipulate and implement a
legal definition of marriage for legal purposes. From the moment that this act was signed, controversy around it has
plagued the United States, about whether the law infringes on homosexuals' rights as American citizens and about
the constitutionality of the law. Homosexuals and advocates of the same-sex rights contend that homosexuals should
have the same state legal rights and federal marriage benefits as heterosexuals. Advocates of DOMA argue that there
is a necessity to protect marriage from infringement on tradition and it's purpose of uniting man and woman for
procreation. It is necessary to understand all aspects of this subject to get a complete understanding of its existence.
In terms of aspects I speak in mind from the legalities, constitutionality, and to what is right by human nature and
society as a whole. It is my contention that DOMA is unconstitutional and an infringement on the homosexual
community and their rights. Additionally, I believe behind DOMA there is motivation of individual beliefs that differ
among everyone and individual beliefs should not be forced upon anyone who believes differently. Accordingly, this
paper will present both arguments of opposition as well as the advocates of DOMA and further discuss the
contention on this concept and how a simple concept such as individual beliefs have been hidden behind the legal
rhetoric.
Retta, Pileirol (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Clara Pena
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lee Cox
English Language Learnesr and Post-Secondary Studies
The purpose of the presentation is to explain the barriers and challenges that English Language Learners encounter in
high school and what helps prepare them with their readiness to a post-secondary education pathway.
Revis, Latonya (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Beavers
The Impact of Early Intervention on Teaching and Learning of Children with Autism
This Research Project is rooted in the many studies on early intervention for infants and toddlers with autism that
have emerged during the past decade. Earlier studies focused on promoting speech and communication skills and
early identification through assessments of children during the first three years of life, have come to the forefront of
special educators to address the need for early special education intervention at a rigorous rate. Teachers and other
professionals who often provide the bulk of services to very young children need familiarity with the characteristics
of autistic spectrum disorders and with the many methods that have been researched and recommended as best
practices. Multiple exposures, opportunities to practice, active involvement, and technical assistance are all
important aspects of learning for teachers and other professionals. Administrative attitudes and support are also
critical in improving schools, as are explicit strategies for keeping skilled personnel within the field. The overarching
purpose of this research is to explore Early Head Start and Head Start teacher's perceptions of teaching children with
autism based on their background experience, training, support systems, and resources. The results serve to inform
and guide future training for teachers.
65
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Ribeiro, Angelica (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Kent Divoll
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kent Divoll
Wearing English Language Learners' shoes: Learning More than What Words Can Teach
To completely understand other peoples views and feelings, we have to put ourselves in their shoes (Kubota,
Gardner, Patten, Thatcher-Fettig, & Yoshida, 2000). In order to have undergraduate teacher education students
develop an awareness of the linguistic and academic challenges that English Language Learners (ELLs) face, we
designed and presented a workshop which consisted of two Portuguese lessons. The first lesson was delivered
without the use of English as a Second Language (ESL) strategies whereas the second lesson included a number of
scientifically based ESL strategies (Echevarria, Vogt, & Short, 2013) designed to help the students understand the
concepts despite the language difference. After participating in each lesson, the students reflected on their views of
teaching ELLs and on how they felt as they went through challenges also faced by ELLs. In addition to reflecting, the
students compared and contrasted both experiences. As a result of having future teachers experience the frustration
of what it is like to be an ELL in a learning environment, the students (a) developed an awareness of the importance
of using ESL strategies and (b) created empathy for ELLs learning challenges. The results of this qualitative research
study are important because the number of ELLs in American school keeps increasing (Colombo, 2012) and yet many
teachers still need training on how to successfully serve ELLs (Carrasquillo, 1996).
Ricardo, Maria (University of Houston-Clear Lake);
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dennis Casserly
Identify Gaps In Fall Hazards In Residential And Commercial Construction Through A
Comparison Study During The Installation And Finishing Of Sheetrock
The increased number of fatalities and injuries due to falls in residential and commercial construction has resulted in
the need of an extended an enforcement measure for falls in this industry. Part of the activities performed in the
construction industry is the erection of interior walls, such as the installation and finishing of Sheetrock in residential
and commercial construction. In order to identify the cause of fall hazards during this activity, and understand the
potential risks involved during each task performed by workers on the work environment, conducted three levels of
survey (workers, supervisors, and management) to make a gap analysis. Data collection was made in 20 facilities,
alternate days during four weeks early spring 2013. The data was found in each project/facility visited when a survey
to each individual (workers and supervisors) was provided. Upper managements survey was provided internally by
Safety Manager who supported this research. A mayor gap in between supervisors and workers has been identify, as
well as the equipment and task significantly consider a fall hazards for workers during the installation and finishing of
Sheetrock
Risinger, Viola (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike Mcmullen
Gender Preference of a Realtor
I plan to research peoples attitudes, trust and confidence level in a Realtor. What determines their choice in selecting
a male or female Realtor to meet their real estate needs? Would like to know how satisfied they were with their
experience in buying or selling of their home. Would they choose the same gender again? Or the same Realtor? Why
or why not? Does the Realtors age make a difference in their decision to hire one? Most people do not know that
66
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
they do not have to pay for real estate services if they are buying, yet hiring a Realtor protects them and helps them
through the negotiating and closing process. Their services are similar to an attorneys service, but so much more. A
bond is formed and relationships are established. Does knowing the Realtor on a personal level matter in deciding
whether to hire one or not? For those that have never used a realtor, what is their perception or reaction to hiring a
realtor?
Roecker, Lauren (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Lisa Prusak, Detra Levige
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Alex Milam
Organization Socialization: Successful On-Boarding and Perceived Organizational Support
Predicting Retention
Abstract On-Boarding is more than orientation and filling out paperwork. It is a concept that organizations use to
assist their new employees who are acclimating to their jobs and to the organization as a whole. The goal of the OnBoarding process is two-fold; to make new hires feel welcome and to reduce the time it takes them to be productive
performers in their new organization (Money-Zine, 2012). On-Boarding utilizes organizational socialization tactics,
which strengthens the employees feelings of Perceived Organizational Support (POS) which in turn strengthens intent
to stay (Eisenberger &Stinglhamber, 2011). Statistics show that individuals who feel part of the company in the first
ninety days after hire are less likely to leave. New members who feel supported and valued by their organizations
exhibit higher productivity, performance, and intent to stay (Allen, Shore &Griffeth,2003;Bauer, Bodner, &Tucker,
2007). Organizations lose millions of dollars in revenue when they experience high turnover. It can take up to three
years to fully integrate individuals into their roles in the organization and for the company to realize a return on their
investment from the On-Boarding process (Vernon, 2012). The current study will investigate the tactics of
organizational support and the effect on POS and intent to stay. The objective is to determine whether On-Boarding
will strengthen the relationship between Organizational Socialization, its positive effect on POS and the prediction of
intent to stay.
Romero, David (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dennis Casserly
Permeation of 2-Butoxyethanol in Cavicide through Natural Rubber Latex Gloves
The use of disinfectants and protective gloves are important in working environments where there is a risk of
acquiring infections. Disinfectants and its components may cause adverse effects on the skin or systemically by
permeating through it. In this project, 5 brands of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) gloves and 1 brand of Nitrile gloves
were assessed for providing protection against the surface disinfectant Cavicide (Metrex Research Corporation)
which is commonly used in healthcare and laboratories. Cavicide consists of Isopropanol (17.2%), 2-Butoxyethanol (15%), Diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (0.28%) and Water (70-80%). Random
samples of glove material were selected and its thickness was measured with a digital caliper. Permeation tests were
carried out according to ASTM F739 and the use of a Foxboro Infrared Analyzer, MIRAN-1B. The experimental
apparatus, permeation rates, breakthrough times and efficacy of each glove type for protection of health care
workers against the use Cavicide will be discussed.
67
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Rothe, Brittany (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Jennifer Fritz , Trena Rouse, Jelisa Scott
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jennifer Fritz
Demand Fading without Extinction
Previous research has shown that demand fading can be an effective intervention for problem behavior maintained
by social negative reinforcement; however, it is unclear how the intervention could be used effectively when
extinction is not possible. In this study, the effects of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) on
demand fading without extinction will be evaluated for individuals when demand fading alone is ineffective. Initially,
demands will be eliminated and then slowly reintroduced across sessions while problem behavior continues to access
reinforcement in the form of a break from demands. If an 80% reduction in baseline rates of problem behavior is not
observed and maintained throughout the demand fading process, DRA will be implemented with demand fading
without extinction in an attempt to reintroduce demands while keeping problem behavior at low levels. The
treatment will be evaluated using a multiple baseline across participants design. We predict that problem behavior
will decrease immediately when demand fading is initially implemented without extinction, will increase as the
demand fading progresses, and will again decrease with the addition of DRA. Two individuals diagnosed with autism
currently are participating in this study and demand fading is in progress; however, we will evaluate DRA plus
demand fading without extinction for one participant.
Ruggeri, Angela (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cindy Howard
Relationship between Soil Nutrients and Leaf Productivity on Cecropia on Lowland Central
Amazon
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL NUTRIENTS AND LEAF PRODUCTIVITY ON CECROPIA ON LOWLAND CENTRAL AMAZON
Study of the relationship between nutrients availability of K, P and N, on the lowland central Amazon soil and the net
productivity based on chlorophyll levels to establish a relationship with successional Cecropia trees. Leaf productivity
of Cecropia tree will be compared with nutrients on the soil to evaluate if this specie of Cecropia is related and
respond to soil nutrients along the Amazon River. The results obtained on leaves measurements under variation of
conditions will help with the determination of what is the relationship between soils nutrients N, P, K and leaf
productivity on Cecropia on lowland central Amazon. Data obtained on macronutrients were assembled from the 60
samples collected on site. According to those calculations regression and ANOVA tests, the comparative analysis of p
values for N (p:0.003), and P (p:0.004) showed significant differences vs. the site as factor; meanwhile K (p:0.424) did
not show any significant difference vs. site. The diameter (p<0.001) and the height (p<0.001) vs. site showed a very
potential significant differences. These results were consistent with the regression analysis. The results indicated that
the relationship between macronutrients and NPP is related at least in the uptake and absorption of K.
Samiano, Mikayla (Laredo Community College); Kaila Kikugawa, Ashley Everett
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
The Flowers of the Hawaiian Islands
There are many beautiful plants and flowers that are seen in the islands of Hawaii but for every island, there is one
that identifies with each one of the islands. The flowers of the islands are all very unique just as the islands are from
one another. Hawaii is full of both the beauty of the city as well as the country. Oahu, the post popular island for
68
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
tourist to visit is represented by the ilima. The Big Island is represented by the ohia. Kauai is represented by the
mokihana berry which is very different compared to the other flowers. The lokelani, kukui blossom, hinahina, and
kaunaoa represent Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe and Lanai respectively. The last island is Niihau and this island is
represented by the white pupu shell. Every flower or plant has a very symbolic meaning and tie to the island they
stand for.
Scott, Aundrea (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Dominique Brown, Grace Saravia
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Camille Peres
The Effects of Organizational Design on Employee Satisfaction
The purpose of this study is to determine if organizational design effects employee satisfaction. Organizational design
is the structure utilized by an organization to help employees operate and maintain productivity. Organizational
designs play a vital role in satisfaction. However, most research has only linked the variable employee satisfaction
individually to organizational design or with the use of different measures. The goal of this research is to discover the
relationship, if any to the organizational design and employee satisfaction collectively. The major research question
for this research is: what is the effect of organizational design on employee satisfaction? Is the effect positive or
negative?
Shaikh, Ruba (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Kristan King
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Leo Chan
Interactive Animations
Graduate students enrolled in DMST 5436 Flash Animation have created interactive on-line games and published
them to the web via the UHCL server. The projects for the conference were completed with Adobe Flash Professional
CS6 under the guidance of Dr. Leo Chan. Interactivity is made possible by Action Script 3.0, and these particular
games focus on the use of buttons so that the audience can engage both visually (captivating layouts, original images,
and animation) and kinesthetically (at the click of a mouse). The creators chose a variety of game objectives for
players of diverse ages, tailoring the style and layout to suit the intended audience.
Sharon, Linda (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike Mcmullen
Childcare on Campus
Many students who attend the (University of Houston-Clear Lake) are parents. In order for these individuals to
attend class, they must have affordable, dependable, childcare available for their children. After inquiring about
childcare at the University, I was informed that childcare was not available on campus. San Jacinto College, a junior
college in Pasadena, Texas, has childcare available on campus. As I pondered the issue, I wondered if there was a
need for childcare at the University, and if so, what the barrier was in offering this service on campus. The (University
of Houston-Clear Lake) offers many great services to students, so why isn't the option for childcare one of them? I
decided research needed to be done on the topic to find out why childcare was not offered at the University. My
research will look at the need for childcare at the University, the childcare hours that are most needed, the best
childcare tuition options, and the barriers in providing the service.
69
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Smith, Imee (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William Hoston
Secure Communities: Does the new immigration enforcement strategy actually make
communities safer?
In March 2008, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched a new immigration enforcement strategy,
Secure Communities (SC). According to ICE, Secure Communities uses an already-existing federal information-sharing
partnership between ICE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that helps to identify criminal aliens without
imposing new or additional requirements on state and local law enforcement. Between 2008 - 2012, SC was partly
responsible for a total of 888,618 criminal immigrants removed from the U.S. Despite early success of the program, it
is criticized for its removal of non-criminal immigrants and potential for racial profiling. This research focuses on
whether the SC program makes communities safer from illegal immigrants. Specifically, the aim is to explore the
various elements of SC in an attempt to evaluate its utilities and consequences as a deportation program. Results and
implications will be discussed in this article and conference presentation.
Sulpacio, Linda (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jane Davidson
Feminizing Anger
As a woman of color, who is sixty-three I find myself being invisible at a large university where I have been attending
classes since 2004. It is not my professors who I am calling out,in fact, I have been to most of my women professors
homes ate with them, their families, met their daughters and sons even mothers and fathers. I am talking about
peers who are mostly white and black women, majority are students and administrators. I have felt this absence of
not being in the status quo of college politics. So, I have been angry about my situation and needed to express it in a
positive direction. I will have an art installation and written essay holding on to women of color feminist theorist.
Sutherland, Megan (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Crystal Murray, Iona Ledet
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chris Ward
How do African American Women Perceive Their Own Attractiveness compared to Women
of Other Races?
Past research have shown that there is significant difference in the way that other cultures view attractiveness. In
American culture, Caucasian features have been considered more attractive. Our study seeks to identify if this is still
true, and if not, the possible reason why those differences have shifted more favorably toward a higher rating of the
attractiveness of African American women. Five African American women were chosen to rate a picture of
themselves on attractiveness. Women participants will be presented with a series of ten women's headshots, five of
which were the African American women. Following each picture, participants will rate each picture on
attractiveness. Additionally, demographic information will be collected. We will compare the ratings self-identified
racial or ethnic group of participants to the ratings provided by the five African American women. We expect to find a
favorable shift from past to current cultural outlooks on African American attractiveness. It is important to identify
the different cultural outlooks on the attractiveness of African American women. Future research can explore the
specific causes of these differences.
70
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Thompson, Jungnam (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Beavers
A Case Study of Sensory Diet Effectiveness
Sensory integration is a collaborative system from our body inputs, so our brain takes all information to organize to
learn during our daily lives. The purpose of this research is to implement a sensory diet with two children in early
childhood special education as to explore the research question: Can implementation of a sensory diet, with the use
of specific strategies, help children attend and participate in learning experiences with greater frequency and ease?
The sensory diet will take place three times, such as arrival, center, and gross motor time, based on a classroom
schedule. The project will be held for a 4 week period, and the data will be analyzed to assess the effectiveness of
sensory integration and diet based on learning development in early childhood special education. It is hypothesized
that after exposure to the sensory diet children will be able to participate in activities or other classes with better
attention.
Tinwala, Zeenat (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Semhar Kesete, Catherine Sampson
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lory Santiago-Vã¡Zquez
Does Stress Causes Associated Bacterial Community Changes in the Soft Coral Plexaura
Homomalla? 16S rDNA Clone Library Analysis
Soft corals, important source of marine natural products (MNP), respond to stress by bleaching (loss of beneficial
dinoflagellate symbiont) and/or by displaying signs of disease. Both of these conditions can lead to death. In addition
to the dinoflagellate symbiont, corals have an associated microbiota that can turn from beneficial to pathogenic
during stress. Our study aims to identify these bacterial changes in stressed specimens of the soft coral Plexaura
homomalla. The experimental approach will include the analysis of the 16S rDNA gene, typically used the identify
bacteria, by clone library analysis. The corals were stressed by above normal temperatures and by simulated bacterial
infections by the addition of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The goal is to build a 16S rDNA clone library that will be
analyzed by DNA sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. Future goals will be to correlate these changes to 16S
rDNA changes of the same specimens analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), to MNP
production, and to changes in the soft coral transcriptome.
Tran, Kim (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Leigh Hellinghausen
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Bistricky
What Factors Predict Stress Reduction Technique Use in Future Mental Health
Practitioners?
In the mental health field, 60% practitioners have confessed that they have been too distressed to do a good job
(Bersoff, 2003). Thus, in order to provide optimal care, practitioners in training must learn to effectively manage
personal stress. Examining what influences practitioners to use certain stress reduction techniques (SRTs) might
inform mental health training programs about how to disseminate various evidence based techniques to
practitioners of tomorrow. Our longitudinal pilot study examined factors that might predict trainees actual use of
SRTs in graduate students (n=15) pursuing mental health careers. Students were given anonymous questionnaires
before and after a month-long psychoeducational course about various SRTs (e.g., focused breathing/breathing
71
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
retraining, meditation, physical exercise, yoga, self-hypnosis/autogenic training, and progressive muscle relaxation).
The course focused on the rationale, supportive evidence base, and specific procedures for each technique. First, we
predicted an intervention effect, such that trainees would report using more SRTs outside of the classroom than they
did prior to the psychoeducational course. Second, we hypothesized that trainees anxiety level (BAI; Beck Anxiety
Inventory) would be positively correlated with number of techniques used. Third, we proposed that the tendency to
experience certain psychological relaxation state categories (SRSI-3d; Smith Relaxation States Inventory-3d) would
predict use of specific SRTs at follow-up. [Relaxation states, or R-states, are categorized into four overarching
relaxation experiences (e.g., basic relaxation, mindfulness, positive energy, and transcendence) and can emerge
spontaneously or through intentional stress reduction practices (Smith, 1993)]. Based on Smith (1993), we
hypothesized that those who experience greater mindfulness at time 1 (made up of the mindful acceptance, quiet,
centering, awareness, awakening, and innocence R-states) would report using meditation with greater frequency at
time 2. Results supported an intervention effect-a significant increase in the number of techniques tried from before
the course to after the course (F(1, 13)= 9.46, p=.01). Additionally, BAI scores prior to the course showed a robust
positive trend correlation with number of SRTs used at follow-up (r=.49, p=.09). Furthermore, consistent with our
prediction, those who reported greater tendency to experience a mindfulness R-state category on the SRSI-3d at time
1 also reported greater use of meditation at the time 2 (r= .55, p=.04). These results suggest that a psychoeducational
course about various SRTs may encourage trainees to try a broader array of techniques for reducing their stress. Our
results suggest that anxiety level may be one factor that encourages them to try new techniques. Additionally, it
appears that trainees tendencies to experience certain R-states may correspond with which SRT they choose to use.
More research is needed and is being done to find what factors encourage practitioners to use SRTs. Nonetheless,
these findings have implications for how mental health training programs can encourage trainees to effectively
manage their stress and, thus, provide better care for their clients.
Tran, Kim (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Leigh Hellinghausen
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Bistricky
What Predicts Future Mental Health Practitioners Intention To Use Certain Stress Reduction
Interventions?
In order to provide optimal care, practitioners must learn to effectively manage their own stress. However, little is
known about what encourages practitioners to use stress reduction techniques (SRTs). Given that intention to use a
technique is a pre-requisite of actual use, we seek to understand how SRTs could be effectively disseminated through
a graduate course about stress management and by assessing what factors affect trainees intentions to try new SRTs.
A pilot study examined predictors of intention to use various SRTs in a stress management class of graduate students
(n=15) pursuing mental health careers and preparing to manage stress that is inevitable in this field. We proposed
that any of a list of factors might predict students intentions to use SRTs, including pre-existing SRT knowledge and
skills, and how often one tends to experience certain psychological relaxation states (R-states). R-states, which are
categorized into four overarching relaxation experiences (e.g., basic relaxation, mindfulness, positive energy, and
transcendence), can emerge spontaneously or through intentional stress reduction practices (Smith, 1993). We
hypothesized that participants who have less SRT knowledge and skills, and participants who endorsed greater
personal health motivation for taking the course would express greater intention to try new SRTs to manage their
own stress. We also predicted that the tendency to experience certain R-state categories would predict students
intention to use specific SRTs over others. For example, we hypothesized that those who experience greater basic
relaxation (made up of the sleepy, disengaged, physically relaxed, rested, and at ease R-states) would express greater
intent to use meditation. Consistent with predictions, we found that those who endorsed lower pre-existing
knowledge (r= -.62, p=.01) and skills (r= -.53, p=.04) of SRTs reported greater motivation to learn about new SRTs to
help manage their own stress, and greater intentions to try new SRTs (knowledge: r=-.58, p=.02; skills: r=-.59, p=.02).
72
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Somewhat inconsistent with our hypothesis, those who reported greater tendency to experience a basic relaxation Rstate category endorsed a greater intention to use a focused breathing/breathing retraining technique (r=.59, p=.02).
The results also suggest that those who had less prior knowledge and skills related to various SRTs were more
motivated to manage their stress levels. Additionally, trainees tendencies to experience certain relaxation states may
correspond with which SRT they intend to use. One caveat is that intent to behave does not perfectly correspond
with actual behavior, and this correspondence in terms of SRT use is another area in need of study. Nonetheless, the
reported findings may help us better understand how to educate aspiring mental health practitioners about SRTs so
that they can choose how to manage their personal stress and care for their clients.
Trevino, Eva (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Beavers
Let's Keep Them Not Kick Them! Keeping Toddlers and Preschoolers from Expulsion
The purpose of this research project is to address the expulsion of toddlers and preschoolers from child-care
programs. The researcher will survey child-care directors in the community for information about the expulsion of
children who exhibit difficult behaviors. Directors will be asked about the types of behaviors that lead to the
expulsion of children and how long those behaviors occur before the child is expelled. Next, directors will be asked if
they are aware of community resources available to help with problematic behavior and if they access any of these
community resources for assistance when children exhibit these behaviors. Based on the information given, the
researcher plans to modify, if needed, the resources available to child care directors and work to increase the
exposure of the resources available to assist in the decrease of problematic behavior leading to child expulsions.
Urias, Danielle (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Penni Nickles, Elise Nelson, Romeo Gomez
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Life Satisfaction
The goal of our research is to build upon previous findings while simultaneously exploring the correlation between
emotional intelligence, life satisfaction, and the formerly un-researched aspect of birth order. We predict that
emotional intelligence and life satisfaction will be positively correlated. We expect this as previous research has
shown similar findings.
Vaughn, Kristen (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Jennifer Fritz, Jelisa Scott, Brittany Rothe
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jennifer Fritz
Identifying Precursors to Severe Problem Behavior
Some individuals may engage in problem behaviors that are too severe for a typical functional analysis in which the
behavior is observed repeatedly. Previous research has shown that individuals tend to engage in behaviors that
typically precede the occurrence of a more severe behavior, and identifcation of these precursor behaviors is a
critical step in the assessment process. We conducted a structured assessment that included play and ignore control
conditions to more precisely predict precursors maintained by the same source of reinforcement as the target
problem behavior, and we selected precursors using various conditional probability analyses. To date, our results
73
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
show that including these control conditions in the assessment resulted in selection of precursors with the same
function as problem behavior and reduced risk posed by severe problem behavior.
Verploeg, Tori (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Lauren Esworthy
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
Emotions, Coping, and Relationships
Alexithymia is a cognitive-affective deficit characterized by difficulties in identifying and describing ones emotions
(Müller, Bühner, & Ellgring, 2004). Alexithymia has been associated with a variety of negative factors including
depression, anxiety, low life satisfaction, and an overall decrease in mental health and well being (Saxena, Dubey, &
Pandey, 2011). It has also been linked to social dysfunction and poor relational health among peers (Saxena, Dubey,
& Pandey, 2011; Liang & West, 2007). Coping is any cognitive or behavioral attempt to overcome, decrease, or
endure stressful situations (Folkman & Lazarus, 1985). Several studies have demonstrated that maladaptive coping
strategies are related to distress and poor health. Because both alexithymia and maladaptive coping strategies can
contribute to negative health and poor social relationships, further research investigating the relationship between
the two factors is imperative. The main purpose of the current study is to gain a better understanding of the
relationship between alexithymia, gender, and coping styles. A secondary purpose is to assess if an individual with
alexithymias quality of life, interpersonal competency in relationships, or personal awareness relates to how they
cope. We hypothesize that individuals with higher alexithymic tendencies will rely more on a problem-focused coping
style. Also, individuals with high alexithymic tendencies will endorse a lower quality of life. Finally, individuals with
alexithymic tendencies will have less personal awareness and interpersonal competency. Approximately 150
participants will be recruited to participate in this study. Data will be collected via eight self-report questionnaires
comprised of several validated measures. Data will be interpreted using SPSS software, and analyses will include
correlations and t-tests.
Vo, Christopher (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
Confirmation Bias in Political Advertising
My study will be examining whether or not our own political affiliations will create confirmation bias in political
advertising. All participants will be given a background questionnaire and a short political test to help determine their
own political affiliation. They will then be given a hypothetical candidate biography to read about. One group will be
assigned a bio from a democratic candidate the other a republican, all other information will be the same. They will
then be given a short test on what they have read. The purpose of the study is to determine whether or not our own
political leanings will effect how much information we retain from political advertisements or other political
information depending on the party affiliation of the information.
Watkins, Bethany (University of Houston-Clear Lake);
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Heterosexism: A Mini-Study
In this mini-study participants are interviewed and complete quiz which is scored and graphed. Demographics and
results vary individually but are analized within specific groups. By conducting this min-study it brought the issue of
heterosexism to the participants' attention and in turn encourages heterosexuals to refrain from devaluing
homosexuals.
74
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
White, Terry (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
The Effects of Social Support and Treatment on Job Stability and Job Satisfaction for
Veterans and Paramedics with PTSD Symptoms
Military personnel and ambulance first-responders are high risk populations for the development of Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals working in these types of occupations are exposed to dangerous situations and
repeated witnessing of traumatic events. PTSD symptoms may interfere in different aspects of daily living. Previous
research has shown that obtaining employment adequate to establish financial stability upon return to civilian life
from the military is frequently complicated by symptoms of PTSD. PTSD symptoms also interrupt job satisfaction of
paramedics (first responders). Other studies indicate that factors such as social support and professional treatment
of PTSD can be helpful in the management of PTSD symptoms. The purpose of the present study is to examine the
relationship between social support, treatment, and job stability/job satisfaction of combat veterans and ambulance
first responders who have been diagnosed with PTSD. Participants include 75 adults between the ages of 18 to 68.
They will complete the Job Satisfaction Survey and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. We are
expecting to see a positive correlation between social support and job satisfaction/stability, as well as a positive
correlation between treatment and job satisfaction/stability. Keywords: social support, treatment, job stability, job
satisfaction, combat veterans, first responders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Wimberly, Barbara (University of Houston-Clear Lake); TRENA ROUSE, JELISA SCOTT
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jennifer Fritz
Further Evaluation of the Brief Functional Analysis
Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of functional analyses (FAs) in determining the maintaining
variable of problem behavio (Hanley, Iwata, & McCord, 2003). However, this can only occur if problem behavior is
observed during the sessions. In a review of 79 brief FAs, problem behavior was only observed in 63% of the cases
(Derby, Wacker, Sasso, Steege, Northup, Cigrand, & Asmus, 1992). One possible reason for the nonoccurrence of
problem behavior in clinical settings is the lack of reinforcement history for problem behavior with the therapist. The
purpose of the current study is to evaluate a method for obtaining differentiated results in a brief functional analysis
when the target problem behavior ir not initially observed. We exposed participants to programmed contingencies
by initially providing consequences for any behavior, appropriate or problematic. Then only the target behavior
produced programmed consequences, which resulted in the occurrence of problem behavior after exposure to the
programmed contingencies. These procedures will provide a means for identifying behavioral function during brief
functional analyses in novel settings.
Yost, Carrie (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike Mcmullen
Student Self-Body Image
I am studying eating disorders because I want to know if the media has a significant influence on the development of
ones body image. I believe that the media does play a significant role in the development of body image issues
because the media is such an influential part of society. Standards are based on what is deemed desirable as well as
75
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
expectations that are unrealistic. If whats portrayed in the media is changed to realistic expectations, it is possible
that the pressure to look a certain way would be decreased, therefore, causing a decrease in a persons negative body
image. My independent variable is the influence of the Media and the dependent variable is a persons self-body
image. UHCL Students are my sampling frame with 100 being surveyed as my study population.
Zaborowski, Janet (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Sara Leonard, Katrina Bright
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Xiaodong Ma
The Effects of Anticipated Regret on the Decision to Engage in Sexual Risk Taking
Abstract: Unprotected sex has been shown to increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases, and yet even with the knowledge of possible consequences, people still engage in this sexual
risk-taking. Studies have shown that anticipated emotions, especially negative emotions such as regret or worry,
often have a direct impact on the decisions an individual will make regarding risky behavior. If the anticipated
emotion is salient to the decision maker before the decision is made, it can either induce action or inaction
depending on the choice that will reduce the anticipated negative affect. The present study will investigate the role
of anticipated regret in the decision making process regarding the sexual risk-taking behavior of having unprotected
sex. Sixty younger and older adults will participate in the current study. They will answer a questionnaire regarding
their recent use of condoms and also answer questions based on several scenarios to measure their anticipated
regret and the extent to which they might engage in risky sexual behaviors. The expected results will show that when
the anticipated regret of engaging in unprotected sexual behaviors is high, participants are less likely to engage in
risky sexual behavior. The results will be discussed under the theoretical model of risk as feelings and also the
implications for interventions of sexual risk-taking behavior.
Zaidan, Amanda (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Beavers
Remembering the Gifted Students
With new high stake state testing, schools have become data driven causing teachers to spend extra amount of time
planning, teaching and re-teaching those students who lower achieving. With so much focus on those students,
higher achieving gifted students are easily forgotten or overlooked in the classroom landscape. Since teachers know
the gifted students have mastered the grade level material, they often do not go out of their way to enrich these
students' education or differentiate instruction as best practices would recommend. The idea for this research
project came about while looking at my own students in my classroom. My school is a Title 1 school with more than
90% of our students on free or reduced lunch and a high mobility rate. Our school test scores tend to be lower than
the district average, so our administrators are constantly focusing on interventions and new resources to assist and
bring up the struggling students. Among my 20 students, I have no more than five students who are actually on grade
level academically, the rest are struggling with grade level material. I constantly find myself teaching on a lower level,
re-teaching concepts and continually pulling struggling students in small groups. I often wonder where do my higher
achieving students fit in all this? Research has shown that gifted students need different learning opportunities than
their peers that are more in depth in exploration and at a faster pace. The goal of this project is to gain and
understanding of the perspectives of the gifted and talented students at my school with regards to what they think
and feel towards school, their teachers and classmates; as well as their feelings toward being labeled gifted (GT).
Specifically, the research question that guides this research project is: Do gifted students have negative feelings
associated with their identified giftedness? My hypothesis is that the GT students at my school tend to feel left
76
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
behind in the classroom, without much enrichment from the teacher. As a result, I perceive that a majority of the
gifted students have negative feelings associated with their giftedness and related learning experiences.
Zeglin, Christopher (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Stuart Larson
Advertising Plan for Moxci Entertainment
Moxci Entertainment is a local Houston recording label that specializes in the rap genre. Moxci Entertainment
currently relies on word of mouth and face-to-face promotions to promote the companys artists and events. Moxci
Entertainment was established in 2007 and performs shows all over Texas and in several areas of Louisiana. This
project is based on helping Moxci Entertainment develop a much more efficient and effective means of promoting
their brand by creating a website, media kit, iPAD application and other marketing materials to help Moxci
Entertainment expand their brand and audience base. Research into local independent as well as corporate record
labels was done to determine the best possible means to help Moxci Entertainment develop a look and feel that
would set them from their competitors. I will present all materials that I have created for Moxci Enterainment at the
2013 Student Conference.
Zhao, Lei (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mufid Abudiab
Further Research on Deterministic Modeling Of Infectious Diseases
Abstract Our work is based on the paper "Deterministic Modeling of Infectious Diseases: Application to Measles and
Other Similar Infections" by Trottier, Helen and Philippe, Pierre. In their paper, they used the SEIR modeling to
provide the reader with an understanding of how epidemics evolve and how it can be controlled. The authors assume
that the epidemic happens under ideal circumstances: individuals mix at random within the population, age and sex
are not crucial variables, and the population size is assumed to remain constant over time with no new entries from
births (new susceptible). Although the SEIR model is valuable, the result from this paper is still not close enough to
the reality of the infectious diseases. In my research project, I use SEIR model, change the transition rates among
different phases of the epidemics, and relate Infectious, recovery, and susceptible phases. My approach is closer to
reality due to the fact different countries have different births rate and children from different families have distinct
medical care needs.
77
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Roundtable Abstracts
Baker, Norie (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Silence of the Women
There is a long history of inequality in America's political policies and a lag in the attainment of civil rights. Healthcare
issues for women include, being charged more than men for health insurance and even being denied benefits based
exclusively on sex. A large gap in the labor force between women and men was created after WWII when women
were made to quit their jobs and were expected to become homemakers. A campaign by the US government began,
aimed towards women to make life look more attractive at home than it would be in the factory. The enticement
directed towards women was a capitalistic push to buy gadgets and appliances which would not only help get the
women out of the factories an let the returning soldiers have their jobs back, but it would help with the troubled
economy. There has been an ongoing political assault against women in the United States and government policies
have been the weapon. Comments such as "legitimate" rape, the unacceptability of the use of the word "vagina" in
public when referring to a woman's reproductive system, unjustified higher rates of health insurance, a demeaning
and sexualized view of women of power in the media, and a downward trend of fewer women participating in
politics are consequences of sever discrimination. These attitudes mentioned here create further discrimination,
inequality, and negative stereotypes that affect our young girls career choices and help to keep them from believing
they can impact society in positive ways. Discriminatory practices must be resolved if America is to be seen by the
rest of the world as a leader in human rights. Nobody is equal until everybody is equal. Women must become an
equal voice in th e political arena in order to insure our healthcare is not left in the hands of those who discriminate
against us with such severity.
Baxter, Laurie (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
To Label or Not to Label
Since the introduction of genetically modified foods into the world's food supply the United States is the only nation
that does not require the labeling of food as genetically modified. This is a very important issue regarding public
health. Evidence from animal studies show the increase of allergies and reproduction problems. The need for labeling
of genetically modified foods is an important issue to public health. The public should have the right to choose what
foods they consume, and know what those foods contain.
Baxter, Laurie (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Women Leaders Around the World: Johanna Sigurdardottir
I have selected Johanna Sigurdardottir has a noteworthy leader. She is currently the prime minister of Iceland and
the only openly gay female prime minister in the modern world. She has been involved in politics for over 30 years.
78
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
She has all the chacteristics of what a leader should be. She has proven she can take charge, delegate, problem solve,
and protect the citizens of Iceland while maintaining her popularity. She is also an active feminist and a promotor of
gender equality.
Bowen, Michelle (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lee Cox
Domestic Violence
What is domestic violence? It is a behavior that the abuser uses to control and gain power over a victim. Domestic
Violence can affect anyone of dating age (typically age 12 and older). By this definition violence does not only pertain
to physical abuse, but also emotional & financial abuse or any other means to control a victim. There are certain risk
factors that put people at higher risk of being in an abusive relationship. Did you know 4 out of 5 victims are females,
but it is believed that the number of abused men is much higher? Why don't men report abuse? The United States
Bureau of Justice conducts studies on domestic violence and develops statistics based on gender, age, race/ethnicity,
and marital status. These studies show a decrease in overall domestic violence, but they don't depict the true
number of victims. There are many community resources in the Houston area that are available to help victims of this
type of abuse. This presentation will help you to learn the signs of domestic violence and where to get help.
Cano, Elisabeth (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Super Female
Did you know that there are Super Females who walk among us? These females are not to be confused with Wonder
Woman or Oprah but there is something special about what makes them super. Triple X Syndrome, also known as
XXX, Trisomy X, and several other names, is a rare disorder that many people have no knowledge of. This disorder
occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 newborn girls and although there is no true cause for it, there are several theories.
Many females are not diagnosed until they are adults and some may never be diagnosed at all. Considering there are
no major physical features for a female diagnosed with Triple X Syndrome, one cannot simply point these females
out on the streets. However, for those who have been diagnosed there are several common signs and symptoms.
Treatment depends on which symptoms are present and how severe they are. For some of these females life can be
very frustrating and filled with medication, doctor's appointments, and parent-teacher meetings. One of these Super
Females just so happens to be my 17 year old sister, Chelsey, and this is her story.
Carter, Jamie (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Women Leaders Around the World
Women Leaders Around the World - Ruth Dreifuss
79
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Chairez, Maria (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Women Leaders around the World
Maria Chairez Abstract Professor Cummins Women Studies Women Leaders Around the World In a world dominant
by men, women have somehow been able to be at the same level as men or at times ahead of them. Women have
been forced to rise as men to be seen and heard. An example of a Woman Leader Around the World is the President
of Liberia; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a woman in Liberia, a country that oppresses women from
working and educating themselves. President Sirleaf comes from a country where men, children and women were
held as slaves.
Cogan, Terry (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Andrew Shelton
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian
The Silent Voice of Violence
This panel will examine two aspects of violence, its psychological effect on the individual and the society within the
individual's support system. Ways in which the negative impact of the violence can be mitigated will be explored.
Both panelist agree that violence is a part of all cultures, with no prejudice regarding gender, race, or ethnicity. But
within these aspects, the impact can take on a different texture and result. Terry Cogan will look at the silence that
surrounds communities when women are the victim of violence. Why must silence be a complicit partner to
violence? How can society move forward to provide women a voice to heal and move away from the feelings of
shame? Andrew Shelton will look at the effects of traumatic stress from combat and the correlating psychological
breakdown that can occur. Why should suicide ever be a result of this breakdown? What can society provide to break
the connection between event and action?
Do, Cynthia (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Whose Babies Survive?
Public health is a topic that should concern everybody. It affects all societies in every corner of the Earth. It affects all
classes, ages, and genders in the society. It doesnt matter whether health care services are offered by the private
sector or by the government, by profit or by non-profit organizations; the health care policies should be
comprehensive enough to include everyone in the society. There are many areas in health care one can study. I
would like to focus on maternal health care. The treatment and preventive medicine for this field affects two
generations. It is the most economical health care, yet will be very expensive if we neglect it. Tuovinen et al. (2011)
discovered that offspring of Finnish mothers with hypertension during pregnancy had lowered intellectual abilities. In
the United States, Suter et al. (2010) showed that the placentas of women who smoked during the pregnancies were
under stress from carcinogens. Pick and Cooper (1997) showed the level of prenatal care was correlated to the level
of income and the lack of health care among the poor resulted in higher infant mortality rates in South Africa. These
studies tell us sick babies come from mothers who did not receive proper health care. Good prenatal care not only
gives mothers good health during their pregnancy but also gives babies a head start with their lives. I will show the
disparities in maternal health care correlate to the mothers race or ethnicity (Sarnquist 2010) and where they live.
80
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
This practice leaves one segment in the society receiving inadequate healthcare. This imbalance in the system will
eventually be paid for by everyone in the form of increased social welfare or societal discontent.
Fitch, Nancy (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Sarah Broadway, Ashley Connelly, Eduardo Estrada, Anna Garrett,
Emily Gonzales, Havard Grisham, Phillip Kissel, Eden Landers, Ashley Partridge, Blanca Pedroza, Colden Snow, Andrea
Strege, Amanda Thompson, Kimberly Thurman, Lisa Wilkins, Katrece Williams
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Charlotte Haney
Needs/Capacity Assessment for Intercultural and International Student Services
The Applied Qualitative Methods Class of Spring 2013 has conducted a Needs/Capacity Assessment with the support
of the Intercultural and International Student Services to provide valuable qualitative and quantitative information
for the department and the students they serve.
Garrett, Anna (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Selling Snake Oil
Many of us have opted to use social networks like Facebook and Twitter to keep up with our friends and family.
Sometimes we see shared posts or trending twitter posts about something that catches our attention. For example, a
small meme style infographic image that stated that flu vaccines contained mercury, antifreeze, phenol, animal
blood, animal viruses, and formaldehyde. That would get your attention, right? The closest to finding a source that
quote led to an image bank of similar thoughts - quotes from doctors that may or may not be real, various conspiracy
theories, and a conspicuous lack of sources or genuine contact information. More and more often people are turning
to the Internet for sources of information about vaccinations for themselves and children, and receiving mixed
messages that are potentially hazardous to their health.
Henson, Rachelle (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Renee Dees
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian
Societal Focus on Work/Life Balance
We live in a fast paced world and many people, in particular women, have demanding responsibilities to their jobs,
their families, their aging parents, and balancing everything is a challenge. As a result, many companies have
Work/Life Balance policies supporting a balance between the two and government entities have even suggested
regulating this area ensuring that companies provide certain amounts of time off for this purpose; however, in the
age of doing more with less coupled with technological advances such as smart phones that enable us to work 24/7,
it is now the expectation that we do work 24/7. Rachelle Henson explores if Work/Life balance is even possible in
todays world. Should companies do more to ensure that employees adhere to such policies being that research
supports that people who are successful in this area are actual more productive and produce better business results?
Rene Dees wrestles with the theme of positive thinking in the workplace and in the lives of employees. Can positive
thinking lead to an employees work/life balance?
81
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Kerl, Rebecca (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Women Leaders around the World
Michelle Obama is the first lady of the United States. She is also, the first African American first lady of the United
States. She is the wife of the 44th president, President Barack Obama and a mother of two beautiful daughters Malia
and Sasha. In addition to being first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama is a lawyer, Chicago city administrator,
and a community outreach worker. Michelle has supported the military families and put efforts to fight childhood
obesity.
Kilgore, Jessica (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Women Leaders
Woman Leader in Jamaica. Portia Miller, who is the prime misister of Jamaica, she is the seventh Minister in Jamaica
who holds a spot in several departments in this country.
Negrete, Melissa (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Contaminated Water: What the Frack Is Going On?
The EPA sets national standards and limitations on the amount of contaminants that tap water is allowed to contain,
however, many of these contaminants pose potential health risks at low concentrations. In the 1980s to the early
2000s, researchers have shown that cleft birth defects were greater in Northwest Harris County where there is a high
rate of radioactive contaminants (Cech, Patnaik, Burau, & Smolensky, 2008). The extent to which regulated
contaminants including radium and unregulated contaminants effect public health is of great concern and demands
further research, more efficient water treatment guidelines, and public education for individuals living in high risk
areas. The EPA recognizes the importance of further research to investigate both regulated and unregulated
contaminants in order to set regulations and limit exposure (EPA, 2012). Although the health risks of prolonged
perchlorate exposure have not been thoroughly evaluated, sensitive populations including infants, elderly, and
disabled may develop thyroid problems which could impair cognitive development (Mendez & Eftim, 2012). The need
for further research is especially important in order to protect special needs populations and educate the public on
potential health risks associated with consuming tap water in high risk areas.
Pena, Ruthmarie (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
International Women Leaders
Eva Peron was one of the most influential women in Argentina. Her courageous effort to help those in need and
finding opportunities for the less fortunate, has made her one of the top recognizable leaders of the past. Her story
82
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
begins with a sad start, which ultimately makes her into a strong independent women. When it comes to gender role,
the researcher does not believe being a leader, it has to be a man. In some countries, women are the leaders; they
are equal as men.
Riney, Kendra (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Disturbed & Discriminated
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community (LGBT) is at greater risk for mental illness and substance use
and abuse than their heterosexual counterparts. Access to healthcare and rehabilitation are in far reach for most of
these individuals. Same-sex benefits are not granted to most of the LGBT population making this a public health
issue. Denial of equality is a human rights abuse. Until this community is granted equality, mental disorders and
substance abuse and use will continue to increase. Although there has been much success in recent years to obtain
equality, the healthcare system and the general population have a long way to go. Further research needs to be
conducted on this population now that laws are being passed to help fight against human rights abuses, access to
healthcare, and other public health issues.
Snow, Colden (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Testing in the Streets
When HIV/AIDS was brought to the worlds attention in the 1980's it was a strange and confusing time for many
people. One community that was greatly affected in the United States and the World was the LGBT community,
specifically gay men. For decades safe sex was promoted as way of prevention of contracting HIV which over time
develops into AIDS. In recent years I have noticed that there seems to be a new trend. With free HIV testing offered
across the United States it appears that gay men turn to the free testing and they are making the choice not to use
condoms more often then not. The question I hope to be answered is why this is occurring. Why risk getting HIV and
get tested often, when one can get a condom just as easily?
Thurman, Kimberly (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
The Texas Tragedy
The goal of this paper is to aid the Texas health care consumer in navigating the benefits available for the
underinsured, uninsured, and indigent by providing information regarding the programs that are currently in place to
serve these populations. Texas Medicaid is discussed in brief due to the limitations of eligibility while the benefits
provided through County Hospital Districts are addressed in greater depth due to broader eligibility for the public. An
overview of Texas Senate Bill 420, House Bill 871, and The Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act of 1985 are
provided in order to supply the reader with a sampling of the policies which currently dictate public health care
policy in Texas.
83
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Umana, Maria (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
High on Deliquency
My topic presenation is about women leader around the world.I will be introducing to the humanitarian work and
leadership of Mother Teresa. She tried to alleviate human suffering by helping one person at a time.
Umana, Maria (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Drug Use and Abuse Among Teenagers
My presentation topic is about drug use and abuse among teenagers. I will be explaining who is at risk of using
drugs, what are the most popular drugs, and what are the coping mechanisms that influecen drug use and abuse.
Warren, Amy (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Death by Manicure
Abstract This paper discusses the hazards workers face from chemical exposure while working in nail salons. The
chemicals that they are exposed to on a daily basis are harmful and under regulated. There is a lack of data on many
of these chemicals in a salon environment. Many studies address the health concerns of consumers receiving these
services but do not address worker safety. With nail salons opening at record pace, these workers, the majority of
whom are Vietnamese women, face many health risks due to exposure on an ongoing basis. Keywords: worker
exposure, nail salons, womens health, chemical regulation
Watkins, Bethany (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Women Leaders around the World
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, the last ruler of the Macedonian dynasty, came to power as queen in 51 B.C. when her
father Ptolemy XII died. As a powerful and respected leader of Egypt she formed both romantic and political
relationships first with Julius Caesar and after his passing she bagan her relationship with Marc Antony until she
committed suicide in 30 B.C. At thirty two years or age she titled herself "Queen Cleopatra, the Goddess, the
Younger, Father-Loving and Fatherland-Loving" (Schiff 2010). She was an outstanding leader in the political arena and
in her spare time experimented with medicine and ideas for self-help. Almost two millennia have passed since her
tradgic suicide but her ability to captivate the world has not dimmed.
84
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Watts, Lytoshia (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Gaye Cummins
Contamination Conundrum
Abstract Every Preschool has standards and procedures that they must reinforce. One major important procedure is
Sanitation. Sanitation is very important in Preschools and Daycare's because, it keeps the environment clean and
most important it keeps the children and teachers safe from different germs and viruses. There are different steps to
sanitizing and cleaning things such as toys, mats (the kids sleep on) and the classroom in general. Every teacher
should go through some type of training on Sanitation when working for a Preschool/Daycare. In this paper we will
explore regulations, health insurance, chemicals, soaking process for toys, different viruses you can get, staff point of
view and childs point of view towards Sanitation.
85
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Symposium Abstracts
Allison, Kiara (Lee College)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Gordon Lee
The Poisonwood Bible: The Demoralizing Effects of Colonialism
Generally, people are influenced by the authoritative figures around them. However, leaders that have ill intentions
or imprudent ethics can manipulate their subordinates into accepting a false reality. In Platos Allegory of the Cave,
puppeteers are leaders who cast shadows, or inaccurate depictions of life, to the manacled prisoners below.
Similarly, Nathan Price, a character in Barbara Kingsolvers novel The Poisonwood Bible, attempts to spread the Word
of God to a Congolese village. His selfish ambition and misconception of the gospel cause pain and suffering for the
natives as well as his family. Platos text offers an alternative to the imprisoned natives by illustrating that in order to
attain enlightenment a prisoner must reject these shadows and, at the beckoning of a compeller, ascend out of the
cave and into the light. Plato suggests that people must make the conscious decision to abandon their current state
of ignorance and seek out truth. In the novel, Leah Price, Nathans daughter, recognizes his corruption and rejects his
teachings, adopting the Congolese culture as her own and serving as a compeller for the inhabitants of the Congo.
While Nathan represents the disparaging power of colonialism, Leah demonstrates how cultural and spiritual
enlightenment can restore a dying culture.
Barrera, Brenda (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Esmeralda Romero, Andrea GonzaleZ
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Magdy Akladios
Safety Snowalker
Our report is over an invention called the Snowalker. Every day during winter season and cold climate area people
depend highly on the city snow plow system. In many high elevation or heavy snow accumulating areas, companies
with snow removal equipment offer to provide services to remove the snow. The problem is that many of the smaller
snow plows put workers lives at risk even injury from a quarter-inch irregularity in concrete. An estimated 72,000
emergency-room visits each year are attributed to snow-removal injuries "Many times the driver will be thrown into
something when the snow blower hits an obstacle," said Van Anken, 26. No more. Thanks to Minnesota inventor
Grant Hanson of Glenwood, commercial snow blowers can now glide over obstacles such as raised sidewalk sections
or manhole covers and keep going. That should protect drivers, reduce damage to equipment and, get sidewalks
cleared a little faster. The new mechanical technology is called the Snowalker. The device consists of a mechanical
connection that sits between a city vehicle and its snow blower. When the snow blower hits an obstacle, the
Snowalker redirects the force of the collision to lift the snow blower over the obstacle and give it a push forward, all
so quickly that an observer can barely see what happened. Some city workers say the Snowalker may have changed
city snow removal forever.
86
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Bazaman, Meryl (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Abby Estillore
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian
Two Women, Two Solutions: Language and Power
How can language change life? Graduate students Meryl Bazaman and Abby Estillore offer different solutions to this
question in their two person panel that highlights their own, original research. Meryl Bazamans text-based, memoir
driven research in her paper, Phoolan Devi: Evoking the Goddess, focuses on the benefits of language manipulation in
the life of highly controversial, Indian feminist icon, Phoolan Devi. Revered and Reviled as the Bandit Queen, Phoolan
Devi justifies and maintains her status by employing the goddess Durga, an Indian goddess typically portrayed as a
representative of justice, linguistically in ways that support her progression from rape survivor to criminal to
parliament member. Abby Estillores film analysis research from her thesis entitled Isabel Coixet: Screening the
Unspeakable in The Secret Life of Words centers on analysis of the film The Secret Life of the Word (2005), a movie
that discusses the ramifications of rape and violence during the Balkan-Yugoslavian War. In particular, the movie
focuses on the struggle of protagonist Hanna Amiran, a rape survivor that chooses silence (the removal of language)
as a means of revolutionizing her life. By removing herself from language, Hanna Amiran is able to regain control
through evoking the power of the unspoken. While their strategies are different, the outcomes of how these women
manipulate language can and do revolutionize their lives and encounters. Through exploration of each distinct
method, we learn how molding language, either actively or through absence, allows for further advancement in the
business of lived life.
Brahm, Jennifer (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Stuart Larson
Working With Clients
This panel discussion will be for aspiring Graphic Designrs. I am thinking of both positive and negative experience
working with clients, and offering advice to students who are now just starting their work with clients. This
experience can be anything from the misconception that clients have, or the lack of willingness to pay, or advice on
what to charge and how to document and protect yourself from possible failure and/or hardships.
Castaneda, Michael (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Jennifer Flores, Samantha Reynolds
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Magdy Akladios
Fall Protection - Dynamics of Pendulum Swings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011 there were a total of 666 reported fatal falls, slips and trips, a
14% total of all work related fatal ijuries in the United States. This project discusses how pendulum swings or industry
falls are a relevant hazard to the industry workers. It will also elaborate on how these hazards are created by the
workers through incorrectly using fall protection equipment. Numerous case studies will be used to enhance the
reader's knowledge of possible injuries or fatilities if they are subject to a pendulum swing or fall in an industrial
setting. Another concept discussed is the mechanics of how the mass, anulation, length, and placement of the
lanyard can affect the force applied to the worker when a fall occurs.
87
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Chandrasekar, Divya (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Abha Adat, Daena Aleman, John Gonzalez, Angela Carter
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ashish Chandra
Analysis of Spain Healthcare System
Recently, the health care systems worldwide have come under scrutiny and many nations have had legislations
passed to address its perceived flaws. The U.S Healthcare System is no exception and it is often compared to the
systems of other industrialized countries, especially those of the European Union (EU). The purpose of this research is
to analyze the health care system in one of the EU countries, specifically Spain. Our paper will compare it to the
system in the United States, present both positive and negative aspects of Spanish health care, as well as propose
several strategies for improving its infrastructure. Consumers ability to access, afford, and depend on quality health
care in Spain as well as U.S and other nations will also be analyzed. We will also discuss the impact the political and
legal systems have on these three factors- accessibility, cost and quality. Special attention will be given to the impact
of the global economic downturn on Spain as well as to the proposed reform that came from the nations economic
trouble.
Contreras, Aranza (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Francisco Lopez, Shalyn Stickler, Megan Ash
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Magdy Akladios
Siemens Automated Robots
Siemens is a safety corporation that ensures the safety of the productivity as a basic requirement for factory
automation. Chrysler and Jeep are some of the different industries that use this technology for the safety well being
of the workers in manufacturing facilities. For our proposal we want to introduce and expand our knowledge on the
safety engineering of these machines. We will develop on the safety concerns, issues, and injuries that result from
the interaction with such machinery, and research the safety improvements developed to increase productivity and
decrease injuries. Technology and safety are merging and expanding on productive and efficient ways to provide a
better working environment. We will examine the impact of how this new technology can be reliable, cost effective,
sturdy and durable, and doesnt create new hazards in the industry.
Creek, Kathryn (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Stuart Larson
Working With Clients - A Guide for Graphic Designers
Davalath, Varna (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ashish Chandra
Robot-Assisted Surgery
Today, robotic machines operate in many areas of the healthcare industry from prostheses and rehabilitation therapy
to delivering medications and performing surgeries. The use of robots has shown many advantages for both patients
and physicians. This study attempts to analyze the extent of the impact robot-assisted surgeries have on patients and
88
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
physicians as well as on hospitals. Of course, like all technology, operating surgical robots also have certain
drawbacks that must be considered. In addition to distinguishing the strengths and shortcomings of robots, this study
will also address the financial and ethical implications robots will have in the medical field. Lastly, this paper
examines the role surgical robots will play in the future of medicine.
Freeman, Gloria (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
Designs for Disabilities Walker Rack for Mass Transit
As a disabled person, I face challenges that most Americans don't notice, on a regular basis. I suffer many situations
that can cause injury, undue stress, and embarrassment every day. These problems are compounded by indifference
and insensitivity on the part of the people who see us, the disabled in compromising situations, but do nothing to
assist us. I can drive, but I choose not to. I use the local transit system. The system in our city does not have enough
newer buses running the routes, which leaves the disabled passengers to ride the older narrower buses. They have
higher steps, do not kneel as low as the newer buses, and they are so narrow that a disabled person needs to raise
their walker over the coin box to enter the bus. This is a very stressful way to start the day. I have designed a walker
rack that can be attached to the front of a city bus as easily as a bicycle rack. This will not interfere with the use of the
bicycle rack. This rack is to be constructed of medium-weight aluminum with a top bracket to house two (2) walkers.
The closure bracket will be latched once the walker is loaded to insure that the walker does not become dislodged
during travel. I would like to someday present this design to the American Disablilities Commission in Washington,
DC. This rack should be a requirement for all mass transit in the Unbited States.
Garza, Shannen (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Patricia Lewis, Sarah Quiroz
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christine Kovic
Diversity and Dialogue in Houston Part III
The city of Houston is a particularly rich arena for researching diversity, dialogue, and immigration. A 2012 report
from the Kinder Institute of Urban Research of Rice University finds that recent population growth in Houston has
made it the most diverse city in the country. The fourth largest city in the United States, Houston is one of the few
cities without an ethnic or racial majority and an important center for international business and trade. Over twenty
percent of its population is foreign born, and in the year 2005, Houston became one of twenty cities in the world
(nine of them located in North America) with over one million foreign-born residents. The city includes large groups
of migrants from diverse regions including Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Houston-based sociologist
Stephen Klineberg observes that in its racial and ethnic makeup, the city is similar to projections for the nation as a
whole by the middle of the twenty-first century. The papers in this roundtable explore multiple forms of diversity in
the greater Houston area and consider the spaces in which dialogue across difference take place. As a whole, the
papers assess the utility of various methodologies for study of differences based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality,
religion, class, and nationality.
89
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Hendrickson, Stephanie (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cindy Howard
A comparison of Water Quality Paramenters among Various Sites along the Rio Negro,
Amazonas, Brazil
The Amaxon River and its tributaries, including the Rio Negro, comprise the largest river system in the world. Most of
the water quality research conducted on the Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil is located in the lower region by the city of
Manaus. There has not been much focus on the upper region of the Rio Negro. This study's objective is to determine
the quantities of selected water quality parameters and to compare these water quality parameters among the
different tributary sites along the upper Rio Negro during the seasonal low water period. A total of eight sites along
the upper Rio Negro will be sampled: six blackwater, one whitewater and one mixed black and whitewater sites.
Water quality parameters include: dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, percent oxygen
saturation, turbidity, conductivity, flow velocity, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, calcium, magnesium, total phosphorus,
total nitrogen and tannin lignin will be analyzed at the tributary sites. I expect the results of the tributary sites that
are closer together will have similar water quality data than with those that are farther away. There should be similar
water chemistry correlation with the land use patterns observed near the sites. This study will be in a location of the
northern region of the Rio Negro which has not been studies; therefore my results will add to the scientific
knowledge of water quality and the Amazon Rainforest.
Hritcko, John (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Darrel Levy, Nayan Jaggi, Spoorti Mandali, Huzefa Lokat, Anuj
Merchant
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ashish Chandra
A Critical Review of Thailands Health System- A Comparative Analysis with the U.S. Health
System
Thailand has a long and successful history of health development and has recently started to expand in medical
tourism. The majority of health care services in Thailand are delivered by the public sector and most of the hospitals
are operated by the Ministry of Public Health. Thailand also has a variety of organizations set up to aid those who are
financially disadvantaged. One area of concern for the Thailand Health System is a lack of disease control. Through
the adoption of various disease control measures, Thailand will be able to slowly eradicate diseases that have
plagued the region. Another issue with the health care system in Thailand is that most physicians are specialists.
There is a scarcity of general practitioners, which consequently causes the healthcare system to malfunction.
Without oversight of a general practitioner, patients are more likely to consult the wrong specialist. Patients are also
less likely to be proactive with their preventive health maintenance, as most individuals do not see a physician on a
routine basis unless there is already an underlying issue. Furthermore, emergency transport facilities in Thailand are
not fully developed. Due to lack of transportation infrastructure and heavy traffic, it is very difficult to obtain timely
medical care in the case of an emergency. By improving the infrastructure of the roads and by implementing a fast
emergency helicopter response lift, the commute time of individuals needing medical help will likely decrease and
the outcomes of the patients will improve due to timely treatment. This presentation will enlighten the audience
about the various aspects of the Thai health system and how it compares to that of the U.S. health care system. The
authors will also provide examples of diverse medical opportunities that have flourished in Thailand over the past
decade.
90
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Kasargod, Divya (University of Houston-Clear Lake); M. Femi Ayadi
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. M. Femi Ayadi
Business Case for Structuring Medical Tourism in Ambulatory Surgical Centers
Medical tourism is basically a term applied to the process where people from all around the world travel to foreign
countries to obtain healthcare services. The estimated report by Deloitte Center for Heath solutions (2009) projects
that, United States lost $ 15.9 billion in domestic consumer spending to medical tourism in 2008. A patient residing in
an area where he is unable to get relief from his health problems due to high treatment costs, long delays in getting
the treatment or both, looks for ways and means to get relief as soon as possible at a equal or lower cost. The
practice of finding healthcare services within one's own country but outside of their region is known as domestic
medical tourism. According to a study by Missouri's Hospital Association, domestic medical tourism is suggested to
create over 3,000 jobs and generated $ 124 million in non-medical travel expenditure in 2009. Apart from
highlighting some of the advantages and disadvantages of international and domestic medical tourism, this research
explains certain benefits of domestic medical tourism that could be used to decrease the overall healthcare costs.
This research paper mainly concentrates on a business model to encourage an Ambulatory Surgical Center to build
up their international and domestic medical tourism and get attuned to such process. The idea was developed for an
orthopedic and spine surgical center located in Houston, considering that orthopedic procedures are one of the 75
percent of medical tourism procedures where consumer out of pocket payments are high, therefore the option of
domestic medical tourism will be attractive. Domestic medical tourism could easily surpass the $2.1 billion that
Americans spend outside the U.S on healthcare (Paul Keckley,Deloitte 2008, survey of Healthcare consumers). It can
be predicated that competitions introduced from foreign countries and healthcare reforms may make the healthcare
providers to think in a different way which might improve the conditions of healthcare in USA and lead to increase in
such medical tourism. If specialty clinics such as Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is able to invite patients from across the
nation on the basis of their specialization, expertise, research and patient success, then there is no reason others
cannot follow the suit.
Leathers, Reggie (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Reggie Leathers, Bernie Cannariato Jr, Carlos Lacaya, (Terry) Zhiti
Chen, (Tony) Zhuo Qi
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Anne Henry
Project Space Walk
Players will have different choices of control methods to explore the adventures of EVA history by experiencing zerogravity environments as an astronaut to achieve series of mission goals.
Mackey, Rebekah (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Anne Henry
Cosmic Undertow
This animation is based upon the poem Cosmic Undertow. This poem is trying to relate the fragility of everyday
human life to that of a huge universe that we reside in. No matter how big or small, everything has triumphs and
defeats; there's always something bigger and always something smaller. The black hole of this animation signifies the
main force that is so powerful that it overcomes all planetary life.
91
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Mccann, Matthew (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Charles Varghese, Emily Hubbart, Arietza Cuntreras
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Magdy Akladios
SawStop: A look into Table Saws and there Safety Mechanism's
The table saw, an iconic tool to every craftsman and integral to many workshops around the globe. Throughout the
years, many safety mechanisms have been tried and tested in order to protect workers from injuring themselves
while using the table saw. One of the most recent safety mechanisms built for table saws, called SawStop, has the
ability to detect a humans flesh and stop the table saw blade before it can cause injury to the operator. As great as
this safety mechanism is at stopping injury, it will not prevent 100% of injuries from occurring. Our groups goal is to
analyze the innate hazards with using a table saw, what safety mechanisms have been used in the past, the
effectiveness of the SawStop, and how the SawStop compares to previous safety mechanisms. By comparing the
effectiveness of previous safety mechanisms for table saws to the SawStop, our group hopes to learn the reasoning
behind their design, and hopefully better understand the process of using a table saw safely.
Medina, Ricardo (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Anne Henry
Wishful Thinking
Wishful thinking is an Animation using Autodesk Maya 2008. It was a Senior Project that I will be presenting at the
conference and discussing the steps the process for this animation.
Nair, Parvathi (University of Houston-Clear Lake); stephanie Hendrickson
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cindy Howard
Ecology and Population Biology of Amazon Pink River Dolphins
The Amazon river basin is home to Amazon pink river dolphin or Boto (Inia geofrenssis). Their population is
diminishing due to incidental mortality in fisheries, habitat loss and degradation, collision with boats, and directed
killing. The aim of this paper is to discuss the ecology of the pink river dolphin and grey river dolphin, their population
structure in the Rio Negro river basin and various methods that are used to estimate the dolphin abundance.
Currently, the publications on the abundance of these dolphins are scarce. The data collected in the past come from
short term surveys which were limited to sightings on a few days and in small areas. Therefore, it is necessary to
develop appropriate survey methods in the study area to estimate the abundance of the dolphins.
Nair, Parvathi (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Stephanie Hendrickson, Alyson Shepherd, Nichole Wisdom
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cindy Howard
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest
Many of the regions in the Amazon are still unexplored and are full of unknown species. The Amazon River basin is
over 4000 miles long and collects water from more than 200 tributaries as it winds through much of South America.
The Rio Negro is one of the most significant blackwater contributors to the Amazon system. This collection of
92
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
presentations will introduce you to the water quality, land use, micro and macro fauna of this region. We will present
and discuss about the ecology and population biology of dolphins in the Rio Negro river basin, Birds of the Amazon,
the general trends in amazon deforestation and the consequences of certain land uses, water quality parameters and
diversity of zooplanktons among various sites along the Rio Negro.
Nisnisan, Marie Jeanne Ellenor (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Chi Nguyen, Elizabeth Ogundare, Son Pham,
Melissa Phillips, Swathi Punreddy
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ashish Chandra
A Comparative Overview of Long Term Care Delivery in Finland & the United States
Healthcare System
When comparing the distinct approach to long-term care delivery of the United States of America with that of other
Western countries such as Finland, it is important to note how the increase in life expectancy impacted both
healthcare systems respectively. Several factors, such as the accessibility, affordability, and quality of long-term care
services must be taken into consideration in order to identify ways to meet the healthcare demands of the aging
population, as well as those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. In the midst of healthcare reform, examining a
country that has already taken certain actions would provide great input into possible developments. Thus, by
examining the healthcare delivery system of a nation like Finland, which adopted universal healthcare since 1917, the
United States may gain valuable insight into how Finlands programs may affect it in the future. In this presentation,
the authors will provide a general overview of the healthcare systems of these two countries, and how they vary in
addressing the long-term healthcare needs of their populations.
Paris, Jade (Laredo Community College)
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Daniel Mcinnis
The Moment of Death
The Moment of Death What exactly determines when a person is officially declared "dead"? With new technological
advancements that allow us to manipulate a person's time of death, among religious, personal, and medical
standpoints, to define what it truly means to be "dead" can become difficult to delineate. For family members the
moment of death is when their loved one is void of personality, no longer being able to exhibit any of the
characteristics that make someone human (based on experiences, memories, emotional responses, and belief). From
a medical standpoint it can vary from the lack of any electrical signals being admitted from the brain, to two of the
main factors that determine life, a viable heart beat and having the ability to breathe independently. I propose to
deliver in oral presentation discussing when the exact moment of death is and how death is defined medically,
culturally, and religiously.
93
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Parker, Jennifer (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Lori Spence
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian
A Perspective on the Case of Leonard Peltier: What We See, What We Don't See, and What
We Should See
Our research focuses on the effect that perception plays in society and the effect that it has on institutions such as
our judicial system. We take a deeper look into the different perspectives within the case of Leonard Peltier and we
effectively show why Leonard Peltier should be released from Federal prison on time served. Leonard Peltier is
considered to be a political prisoner by many groups including Amnesty International, SCLC, and the National
Congress of American Indians. He has written many books such as Prison Writings: My Life is my Sun Dance and
Ghost Rider Roads: American Indian Movement 1971-2011. His case creates a conundrum for the American Legal
System, and we discuss why this is. We will also discuss what can be done about it. Lori Spence presents an in depth
detailed look at the case of Leonard Peltier. She will discuss the trial and then provide a strong case for why Leonard
Peltier should be released from prison on time served. Jennifer Parker discusses the importance of perspective and
perception throughout the trial process. In closer detail, she shows why people should take a deeper look into the
different perspectives of people because of their background, culture, and society at large. She then discusses what
effects this has on a person's perception of a given event.
Sadhu, Sailakshmy (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Joseph Trevino, Huong Vo, Hina Siddiqui, Sai Sadhu, Neha
Singh, Vandana Thota
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ashish Chandra
A Study of Turkeys Financial Healthcare System
Over the last two decades, healthcare systems all over the world have undergone great changes. Due to political,
economic, and technological advances, Turkey in 2003 remodeled its healthcare system for its citizens. Turkeys
political party recognized the need for change to ensure more of its citizens were able to receive and benefit from
healthcare services. Meticulous improvements in the private healthcare sector proved to be the key to the countrys
current healthcare success. Geographically, Turkey is the land bridge connecting Europe and Asia, with a large rural
population on the west side of the country. Prior to the reform, most of the healthcare was largely financed by the
government, which brought about a significant patient to healthcare professional ratio. This discrepancy lead to care
not being sufficient, leaving the patient to fend for themselves. As late as the 1980s, infant mortality, disease due to
contaminated water, and HIV infections were high. By providing insights about the healthcare financial system in
Turkey, the authors hope to enlighten the audience about the aspects and contributions relevant to the success of
healthcare reforms in Turkey. Furthermore, the authors will compare Turkeys system to find ways to improve the
insurance and payment options offered in the United States. Additionally, the authors aim to explore the concept of
medical tourism as a means to educate innovative strategies to a wider audience.
Shepherd, Alyson (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cindy Howard
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest: Land use and Effects on Water Quality
The main channel of the Amazon River is 4000 km long and originates in the Peruvian Andes. Land use strategies
along the Amazon River have changed a great deal since the Europeans first began settling South America. I will be
94
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
presenting my Graduate Research Proposal which will explore the correlation between land use and water quality
along a tributary of the Amazon called Furo dos Botos.
Spiers, Lisa (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Victoria Narcisse, Carlos Delgado
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shreerekha Subramanian
The Beginnings of Modern Global Opression
Charles Mann is a journalist and authoe who demonstrates through his work, "1493", how a small group of people
created a chain of events extending 500 years back that have made the world what it is today, a world which has
been forever changed by a monopolized, capatialistic view and government oppression. Throught "1493" Mann
brings to light that Christopher Colombus did not discover the Americas. However, through the means of King
Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Colombus introduced globalization to the worl along with the positive and
negative effects of that coincide with globalization. Willingly or not, plants, animals, germs, cultures, and people were
forced to take part in modernization of the world. Survival is the underlying theme of "1493". Lisa Spiers will focus on
the movement of people to foregin land for slave induced labor and the controversial topics that acompany this
mode of labor, which is still taboo in the 21st century. Mann also points out that people will do whatever necessary
for survival. Victoria Narcisse will focus on the world's first monetary system and the Japanese Wokou, which is the
world's first introduction to piracy. Mann tells us that piracy results from government oppression, resistance of the
working class, and the failing monetary system of the early Chinese Dynasties. Piracy still exists through government
oppression. Carlos M. Delgado links governmental oppression to is rooted history in the Americas through "The
Conquest of Mexico", a 16th century text complied by America's first ethnographer, Bernadino de Sahagun. This
journey amplifies the oppression, exploitation, and dehumanization imposed by Eurocentrisim as the ideology fueling
the colonial conquest. These ideologies remain ever present undergirding the anti-immigrant biasness in U.S. policy
against migrants from Mexico, southern neighboring countries of Mexico, and resistance towards reform in
immigration policies. Often the lives of individuals and governments remain at odds but the inherent tensions are
historically tethered and reveal darker truths about capitalism and survival in the globle today.
Terekhova, Evajane (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Traci Viscarra, Nora Ventura, Ash Gupta, Mina Yamane,
Jennifer Skeens, Kate Boggess
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christine Kovic
Diversity and Dialogue in Houston Part II
The city of Houston is a particularly rich arena for researching diversity, dialogue, and immigration. A 2012 report
from the Kinder Institute of Urban Research of Rice University finds that recent population growth in Houston has
made it the most diverse city in the country. The fourth largest city in the United States, Houston is one of the few
cities without an ethnic or racial majority and an important center for international business and trade. Over twenty
percent of its population is foreign born, and in the year 2005, Houston became one of twenty cities in the world
(nine of them located in North America) with over one million foreign-born residents. The city includes large groups
of migrants from diverse regions including Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Houston-based sociologist
Stephen Klineberg observes that in its racial and ethnic makeup, the city is similar to projections for the nation as a
whole by the middle of the twenty-first century. The papers in this roundtable explore multiple forms of diversity in
the greater Houston area and consider the spaces in which dialogue across difference take place. As a whole, the
papers assess the utility of various methodologies for study of differences based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality,
religion, class, and nationality.
95
19th Annual Conference for Research and Creative Arts Proceedings, Cont.
Triplett, Dustin (University of Houston-Clear Lake); Sandra Ramos, Jeff Wyatt
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Magdy Akladios
Confined Space Safety
Confined spaces can be found anywhere in the world. From manholes and mines, to coves and water wells, confined
spaces have been existence for centuries. With the growth of industrial advances and economical security found in
numerous occupations, the utilization of confined spaces is evidently on the rise. According to OSHA, in 2010 there
were 63 worker fatalities and 28 hospitalizations associated with confined spaces. Accident statistics suggest that
about 60% of deaths in confined spaces resulted from oxygen deficiency and lacking air quality testing. Our group
would like to evaluate the new technological advances and regulatory compliances, along with current policies and
procedures used to make confined spaces safer. We would also like to provide information regarding the new
technological equipment available for use.
Wisdom, Nichole (University of Houston-Clear Lake)
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cindy Howard
Avian Species Richness along the Upper Rio Negro in Brazil
The amazon rainforest is one of the most diverse and highest in species richness environments in the world. Much is
unknown about the habitats in this rainforest. Species are still being discovered daily. Among the many species
known to live in this neotropical area, bird species richness is one of the highest. Using gps data and bird sightings, a
study was completed on the Rio Negro during low water to determine which habitat studied would have the most
bird species richness. It was hypothesized that the high forests would have the most richness, but when this study
was completed, it was discovered many bird species congregate to human disturbed habitats.
96