Thermoplasmonics: Quantifying plasmonic heating in single nanowires

Plasmonic absorption of light can lead to significant local heating in metallic nanostructures, an effect that defines the sub-field of thermoplasmonics and has been leveraged in diverse applications from biomedical technology to optoelectronics. Quantitatively characterizing the resulting local temperature increase can be very challenging in isolated nanostructures. By measuring the optically-induced change in resistance of metal nanowires with a transverse plasmon mode, we quantitatively determine the temperature increase in single nanostructures, with the dependence on incident polarization clearly revealing the plasmonic heating mechanism. Computational modeling explains the resonant and nonresonant contributions to the optical heating and the dominant pathways for thermal transport. These results, obtained by combining electronic and optical measurements, place a bound on the role of optical heating in prior experiments, and suggest design guidelines for engineered structures meant to leverage such effects.Comment: 17 pages, 4 figures + 3 pages supporting materia

A Novel Approach to Sequencing West Nile Virus Genome using IDT xGen and Illumina MiniSeq

The West Nile virus (WNV) has been identified as a cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States (CDC, 2023). It is a member of the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the Flaviviridae family. WNV is predominantly maintained in an enzootic transmission cycle between Culex species mosquitoes and birds as vertebrate hosts. Humans and horses are considered WNV incidental hosts (a.k.a dead-end hosts) and cannot be transferred to another host. Within the last five years (2018-2022), 8,386 WNV human infection cases have been recorded. In addition, 90 WNV human infection cases have been reported in 17 different states this year. Nebraska has recorded the 4th highest total number of cases since WNV was introduced into the US. Monitoring the genetic variability of WNV will allow researchers to elucidate transmission patterns and ultimately incorporate WNV genomics into estimates of human risk. Understanding virus evolution through time requires an in-depth understanding of genomics. This research project aims to develop a more efficient and effective method for sequencing WNV genomes to better understand evolution. In addition, a novel approach was adopted to sequence WNV from mosquito pools collected in Nebraska. The results of this research suggested that the IDT xGen could potentially be used to sequence WNV from mosquito pools.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/surp2023/1010/thumbnail.jp

Homelessness and Incarceration: An Examination of Barriers to Misdemeanor Resolution for the Homeless

Abstract: The relationship between homelessness and crime has been investigated in few studies despite the implications of prior offenses and incarceration on job seekers. This study examined the relationship among homelessness, misdemeanors, incarceration, and misdemeanor resolution. Factors hindering misdemeanor resolution were explored by surveying participants at two Veterans Administration (VA) Stand Downs (n=186). The sample includes the primary service population of homeless veterans and other homeless persons. Respondents reported on factors perceived as limiting them from resolving misdemeanors, along with socio-demographic, homeless status, misdemeanor, and incarceration data. Factor Analysis yielded three factors as barriers that have implications for social work practice

(POSTER) Design and Construction of a Transportable Swimming Pool Flume to Aid in the Development UIndy Swimmers

A transportable “endless pool” device to improve the speed, endurance, and stroke techniques of swimmers is being developed. To guide our design processes, we used the implementation of the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology. The “endless pool” will create a non-turbulent swim current that allows stationary swimming. It will be a high-volume propellor system which has a variable speed to help all ranges of swimmers. After researching existing devices, we created CAD designs that were used in computational fluid dynamics simulations to optimize performance parameters like backflow, turbulence, and device dimensions. From the initial simulation results, we addressed the backflow by creating a novel design. We then 3D printed a scaled model of our design and plan to test whether the scaled numbers are reliable, and the flow is laminar. To test this we had created a scaled model of the pool. Inside the scaled model we installed false walls to attempt to create a circular flow that will keep it as laminar as possible. If the false walls in the models simulation are reliable, we plan to use them in our final design. In the new UIndy “endless pool” swimmers can view their mirror reflection and video replays to analyze and improve their own technique. In addition to swimmer improvement, the University of Indianapolis Kinesiology department will be able to conduct research on the swimmers’ stroke technique

(POSTER) Pneumatically Assisted Autocutter: Providing a Safe Workplace Environment for People with Disabilities

We present a pneumatic autocutter to help workers with disabilities for reduced operator fatigue, increased efficiency, thereby giving enhanced capabilities when working on a production line without worrying about their ability to effectively do their jobs. We are students in a sophomore level six sigma based course through the R.B. Annis School of Engineering at the University of Indianapolis. The specific process of production being discussed involves cutting bulky cardboard frames with a metallic wire-mesh covering. The current process requires a considerable amount of physical labor from the operator; prolonged work results in gradial operator debility and injury. For Gateway 1, we analyzed the given customer requirements and converted them into specific engineering requirements and created specifications based on these requirements. We proceeded to rank the specifications based on the goals of the client and used this to create potential designs in the Gateway 2. During the second phase, we took the requirements and constraints we were given to come up with ten separate designs that fulfilled those requirements. We then decided on the top three designs that best fit the specifications and created CAD drawings, a failure-mode and effects analysis, and a cost analysis for each design. We then chose the best design according to our client’s requirements and presented all three designs and reasoning for choosing to pursue the best design to our client. For Gateway 3, we will begin fabricating the testing system and then perform trials and optimize critical parameters

WIZE WIZARDS WORDS OF WIZDOM

In keeping with our Kiwiana theme, we will have a Wise Wizards Panel (yes, think Lord of the Rings movie) to answer interactive questioning from the delegates. Panel members are prestigious previous Geoffrey Dyson awardees, Life members, and ISBS Fellows: Professors Patria Hume, Bruce Elliott, Joe Hamill, Walter Herzog and Juris Terauds. Professor Walter Herzog is a Professor at the University of Calgary. Professor Joe Hamill is currently President of the International Society of Biomechanics. Professor Patria Hume was the inaugural SPRINZ Director at the Auckland University of Technology. Professor Juris Terauds and Professor Bruce Elliott are both Emeritus Professors. Professor Bruce Elliott’s philosophy has always been “a good question leads to beneficial research”. Come prepared to ask these wise biomechanists all the things you have ever wanted to know about biomechanics, as a discipline and a career. Via the session chairs Associate Professor Jacqueline Alderson and Professor Gareth Irwin, and using a dedicated feed arranged by our ISBS Social Media Coordinator Kylie Robinson, you will be able to ask questions like; What does it take to have a successful academic career as a biomechanist? Where are some of the best experiences that can be gained in applied biomechanics? What is your crystal ball prediction of what biomechanics specialists will focus on in 10 years time? We hope that delegates, especially student and early career researchers, take up this unique opportunity to gather insight from those in whose footsteps they walk

Providing Insight into the Relationship Between Constructed Response Questions and Multiple Choice Questions in Introduction to Computer Programming Courses

This Research-to-Practice Work in Progress (WIP) investigates the format of student assessment questions. In particular, the focus is on the relationship between student performance on open-ended, constructed-response questions (CRQs) versus close-ended, multiple-choice-response questions (MCQs) in first-year introductory programming courses. We introduce a study to evaluate whether these different response formats return distinct or comparable results. In order to assess this, we compare and correlate student scores on each question type. Our focus is on assessments (exams and tests) in first-year classes. The paper investigates two first-year programming courses with a total of seven sections and approximately 180 combined students. The subject of the sequential set of courses is the procedural C programming language. Based on extant studies comparing student performance on MCQs to their performance on open-ended questions, we investigate whether MCQ scores predict CRQ scores. Preliminary results on the comparison between student performance on these two question formats are presented to assess whether MCQs produce similar results as CRQs, or whether MCQs yield unique contributions. Possible avenues for future work are also discussed

Determining Schistosoma haematobium Population Structures in Ethiopia

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a Neglected Tropical Disease caused by parasitic helminths that affects over 240 million people around the world. Praziquantel has been used to treat individuals infected with schistosomiasis through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs but a recent reduction in its efficacy has been observed, creating concern that the parasite will evolve to become resistant to the chemotherapy drug. Monitoring changes in the population structure of Schistosoma haematobium using microsatellite markers can be a useful metric to determine praziquantel efficacy since variations in the repeat sequences of microsatellites indicate genetic diversity. Since little is known about the population structure of S. haematobium–despite urogenital schistosomiasis being a pressing issue in Ethiopia–18 microsatellite multiplex assays developed in a prior study were tested on stock DNA to validate them for use to study the effects of praziquantel on parasitic S. haematobium in Ethiopia. Through a combination of bioinformatic analysis, PCR, and Next Generation Sequencing on the MinION, 13 of the 18 microsatellite markers were validated, highlighting the importance of developing microsatellite multiplex assays not only based on length distribution, but also based on Next Generation Sequencing data.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/surp2023/1015/thumbnail.jp