Does Low-Cost Electroantennography Differentiate Pheromone vs. Non-pheromone Compounds?

As part of our development of entomology experiments for undergraduates, we previously created a very low-cost method for collecting electroantennograms (EAG). We have already demonstrated measurable, duration-dependent electrical responses in adult Podisus maculiventris (Spined Soldier Bugs) when an artificial pheromone mixture (benzyl alcohol, (E)-2-hexenal, alpha-terpineol) is flowed over a freshly amputated head and antennae in a moist air stream vs. a non-spiked air stream. However, it remains unclear whether this method can discriminate between different chemicals, including the individual components of the pheromone and in comparison to non-pheromone chemicals. In this work, we compare the EAG signal from adults and 5th instars of P. maculiventris to the individual components mentioned above, and linalool, a trace component in the pheromone, as well as non-pheromone chemicals of similar volatility such as octane, heptyne, toluene, and cinnamaldehyde. Our results will be shared in the poster

Worth A Thousand Words

WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Jessica Zajac Department of Art + Design , Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL 60625 Memory is a universal experience, yet the methods we employ to preserve it vary widely. From photographs to ticket stubs, from letters to mementos, we create time capsules to encapsulate our ever-expanding treasury of thoughts and experiences. In my project, I aim to delve into the intricacies of why we choose to share memories in particular ways, what triggers certain recollections, and how we process and cherish them. I seek to capture the often overlooked details that tend to slip from memory\u27s grasp. Central to my project is a meticulously crafted spiral-bound book, structured around thematic categories of memories and a timeline highlighting pivotal moments in life. Drawing upon my skills as a graphic designer, I infuse the project with a variety of digital and physical elements, such as tip-ins, textures, scents, and a vivid palette of colors, to stimulate the senses and evoke the ethereal essence of memory. Through this exploration, I aim to provoke a deeper understanding of the connection between memory and perception, inviting contemplation on how these elements intertwine to shape our understanding of the past, and creating an interactive dimension that invites my audience to actively engage with the material and include their own perspectives and memories

Collabed Cultures Blind Box Set

COLLABED CULTURES BLIND BOX SET Ana Can1 1Department of Arts & Sciences, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL 60625 Growing up in a single-parent household with a Puerto Rican mother, my exposure to my Belizean heritage was limited. As a result, I found myself primarily immersed in Puerto Rican culture, shaped by my upbringing and my mother\u27s origins. This led to a situation where I often had to navigate the complexities of self-identification, feeling a disconnect from my Belizean roots due to my lack of knowledge about them. While this upbringing was what I knew and perhaps what was deemed best at the time, I\u27ve come to realize the significance of exploring and understanding the hidden facets of both my Puerto Rican and Belizean backgrounds. Seeking to bridge this gap and deepen my connection to my heritage, I\u27ve embarked on a project aimed at uncovering the lesser-known aspects of both cultures. Recognizing the vastness and diversity of culture. My project centers on creating a blind box set featuring culturally significant figures, each representing a unique aspect of Puerto Rican and Belizean heritage. This collection will not only serve as a personal journey of discovery but also as a means of sharing valuable insights into these rich cultures with others. In addition to the figures, the project will include meticulously designed packaging, accompanied by a small pamphlet detailing each figure\u27s significance and providing a list of others that can be collected. Furthermore, I will create two informative posters exploring the symbolism, deities, and everyday significance of the Taino and Mayan cultures. To ensure authenticity and depth in my portrayal of these cultures, I\u27ve delved into extensive research on Taino and Mayan symbols, exploring their true meanings and how they intersect with daily life and spirituality. From this research, I\u27ve carefully selected symbols that resonate with me to include in the set, aiming to capture the essence and richness of both Puerto Rican and Belizean heritage. Through this project, I hope to not only enrich my own understanding but also contribute to the celebration and preservation of these vibrant cultures

Using Chicago-Based Vocal Repertoire to Meet Pedagogical and Stylistic Learning Objectives

For nearly a century, Chicago has been fertile ground for both developing and established musicians. The city’s residents have made significant, ongoing contributions to nearly all 20th- and 21st-century genres. By exploring a collection of Chicago-based vocal repertoire across a range of artists, eras, and idioms, this project will present pedagogical and stylistic elements that can be utilized in a music-teaching environment. In this instance, “Chicago-based vocal repertoire” can include, but is not limited to, the following: classical, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and other songs and styles developed by composers and artists with significant ties to Chicago. “Significant ties” can include, but is not limited to, the following: being born and raised in Chicago, being an area resident for a period of time, or visiting the area on a consistent basis so as to be influenced by Chicago music and culture. “Artists” may include, but is not limited to, the following composers and/or performers: Betty Jackson King, Donny Hathaway, Florence Price, Freddy Cole, Joe Williams, Lil Hardin Armstrong, Micki Grant, and Oscar Brown Jr. This project will be accompanied by a slide show and pre-recorded musical examples. For context, song selections will be introduced via a brief artist bio and historical highlights of Chicago at that time. Then, two main areas for learning opportunities will be presented for each song. First, pedagogical considerations such as larynx and throat position, use of articulators, and general singing mechanics will be explored. Second, stylistic aspects such as use of vibrato, slides, squalls, shouts, vowel modification, and so forth, will be discussed. The goal of this presentation is to provide information that can be tailored to meet the needs of music students of all ages and abilities in the classroom, the private studio, in outreach and community programs, and wherever else vocal repertoire may be sung

IoT Technologies to Enable Location Based Services (LBS) for Smart Tourism

Location-based Services (LBS) are special types of services that are triggered to deliver certain content (e.g., text, image, video) to users with respect to the users’ exact or approximate location or proximity to certain points of interest. LBS can address the field of smart museums with a goal of enhancing the museum experience for visitors with dynamic and personalized content. In this UHP thesis, we explore a set of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that can enable the work of LBS in the field of smart museums. The project envisions an immersive museum journey where visitors can seamlessly access interactive exhibits, receive context-rich information, and participate in engaging activities. In this project, we focus on Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, Zigbee, and Quick Response (QR) codes. Such IoT technologies are integrated with an Android mobile application for the museum visitor to interact with the displayed art pieces. This endeavor aligns with the broader goals of promoting technology-driven innovation in cultural spaces, fostering a deeper appreciation for history, art, and heritage

PTSD and Overgeneralization: An Exploratory Study Utilizing Zebrafish

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly referred to as a memory processing disorder. While memory processing does play a significant role in the presence of PTSD, this study suggests that PTSD may be caused by overgeneralization occurring during fear associative learning. It is suggested that an individual overgeneralizes the presence of traumatic stimuli in a safe environment, following a traumatic event occurring in an unsafe environment, due to the presence of a specific stimuli. The study will utilize Zebrafish to determine if overgeneralization occurs, following exposure to aversive stimuli. Zebrafish have been researched as a possibility for furthering research in trauma and stress related disorders due to their wide range of behavioral cues and their ability to process associative learning. The aim of this study is to determine if significant changes in the environment reduce the stress response

Building a natural history collection using the art of taxidermy and the science of study skin preparation

Natural history collections are useful tools for data collection and for educational use in classrooms. The Biology Department of Northeastern Illinois University does not currently have a cohesive natural history collection, though we offer classes in the identification of local fauna. Since most universities have legacy collections that are decades or centuries old, we have a unique opportunity to create our own natural history collection, the preparation of which is beneficial to students interested in the subject, and revives rarely practiced techniques to display and preserve species of interest. We worked on two species, the European Starling and the American Robin, to perform and perfect protocols in the art of taxidermy and study skin preparation. We also spoke with curators at the Field Museum to incorporate their knowledge of specimen accession, preparation, and display. We are working to use specimens collected from window strikes at NEIU to develop a comprehensive display of local bird species and a deep collection of study skins for scientific and educational purposes. The use of ethically obtained specimens (in contrast to historical collections that would sacrifice animals for display) helps bring awareness to the problem of window strikes, which is threatening migratory bird species worldwide and especially in Chicago. The collection will help faculty and students interested in the topic to have a more visual and hands-on experience for learning species identification and will provide myriad opportunities for designing and answering scientific research questions based on actual specimens

The Role of an Afterschool Science Mentoring Program in Underrepresented Youth’s Perceptions of Science

Because perceptions toward science in middle school youth are not firmly established and tend to decline during adolescence, intervening at this age is important. Previous studies have shown that students’ career expectations by the time they leave 8th grade are significant predictors of graduating college with a science degree. The aims of this study were to examine whether and how youths\u27 perceptions of science change as they participate in an after-school science mentoring program. This qualitative study consisted of 40 racially diverse youth (mostly African American and Latino/Hispanic) in grades 4th to 8th at two Boys and Girls Clubs in an urban area. Youth were qualitatively interviewed at the start and end of the program year. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts were conducted and revealed that youth generally had positive perceptions of science at the beginning of the program year, with many stating science was a source of recreation and an opportunity for self-improvement (e.g., improved intelligence and empowerment). Participants had similar perceptions of science at the end of the program year and two additional themes emerged: change in science interest and increased confidence. Youth also acknowledged differences between their perception of science at school versus in their after-school program. These findings suggest the importance of programs to cater to youths’ experiences and developmental needs instead of purely focusing on academic improvement. This may encourage more underrepresented children and adolescents to pursue science and may increase the number of individuals from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in the sciences

Soul of the Cityscape

In my photography, I am amazed by the interplay between light and shadows. Through my lens, I aim to capture the beauty of architecture and atmosphere in my images. My photography focuses on exploring the different shapes of architecture that makes each building unique. I strive to create images that convey the idea that buildings are not just structures, they are physical manifestations of our societal values, priorities and cultural identity. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty around the cityscape and appreciate how architecture shapes our world. Preferring to shoot during the early morning or amidst rainfall, I aim to evoke emotions through dramatic imagery that highlights the cityscape\u27s essence. For this work I choose to capture images surrounding the Millennium Park as it is situated in the heart of downtown Chicago and home to several iconic buildings. I utilized black and white photography in this series to immortalize fleeting moments, inviting the viewers to appreciate the enduring allure of architecture

Fly into the Genetic Maze: Unraveling DNA stability and Mutagen

DNA, the fundamental molecule encoding genetic information, undergoes continuous replication and repair processes crucial for the survival and reproduction of living organisms. Mutations, alterations in the DNA sequence, can arise from various factors such as errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens, or underlying health conditions. DNA2, an essential gene involved in preserving DNA stability and regulating replication, plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular health. To understand the function of the DNA2 repair gene, we utilized Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, as a model organism. With approximately 70% genetic similarity to human disease causing genes, fruit flies have been important in scientific research for decades, serving as a valuable model for studying various diseases. In this study, we investigated DNA2 function in fruit flies using three distinct alleles: DNA2D1, DNA2D2, and DNA2lS. Our goal was to subject DNA2-deficient flies to mutagens that cause different kinds of DNA damage to better understand the contribution of DNA2 to DNA repair. Previously, our lab found that both DNA2D1 and DNA2D2 flies exhibit sensitivity to MMS, which causes large DNA adducts, as well as to mutagens that impair DNA replication. We extended this research by investigating how lower doses of MMS influence the sensitivity of DNA2 mutant flies, as well examining the response of DNA2 mutants to the mutagens bleomycin (double strand breaks) and potassium bromate (oxidative stress). We exposed DNA2lS/D1 and DNA2lS/D2 larvae to mutagens and then calculated relative survival by comparing the percentage of mutagen-treated mutants treated to the percentage of mutants that were untreated. Our results revealed that DNA2lS/D1 and DNA2lS/D2 flies showed similar dose-dependent sensitivity to MMS, suggesting that there is no difference in DNA damage response between the two alleles. DNA2 mutants were not sensitive to bleomycin or potassium bromate. Our results support the previous findings that DNA2 plays a role in responding to replication stress, but is not required in other types of DNA repair. These findings advance our understanding of DNA repair mechanisms, which can lead to future cancer and disease treatments