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During the environmentally influenced demise of the Moche of Peru (a.d. 200–800), archaeological and biological data provide evidence that Moche communities chose differential responses of resilience, including forging new political alliances, expanding economic production, and adopting new religious practices. At some communities, former Moche elites intermarried and formed political alliances with Cajamarca peoples from the adjacent highlands, while others – such as the nearby inhabitants of Talambo – were able to moderate external highland cultural influence and remained economically independent during a period of political and environmental instability. Such varied responses indicate that the impacts of political collapse on prehistoric peoples were not uniform and often provided new social and political opportunities

In our program, we were required to complete a course entitled Leadership for Team Development. This course was a flipped course with readings, videos, an ignite presentation and other materials we completed for ourselves. In class we completed a variety of exercises collaboratively with an intact team. For our final team project in this 400 level course we were tasked with creating games that would teach at least two topics that were important to teams to know and use and yet these concepts were often misunderstood by team members and their leaders. Nine teams completed this assignment, and the class played nine very different games. Feedback from the professor and from the gamers indicated that students in the class were thinking, laughing, and engaging in the learning process. After the games, we were required to write an individual paper that included metacognition and extension to the workplace. In this session we have two student teams presenting results. The games we will showcase are low tech, but could be developed into electronic games with some code and some creativity. The first game includes game pieces that are familiar to most of us: Lego blocks. With this game many areas could be explored including the importance of avoiding role ambiguity and assumptions. Clearly defining individual roles within a team has been shown to correlate with improved team effectiveness, yet many assume that holding vague roles allows members to more readily share information and ideas (Gratton, Erikson, 2007). We aim to prevent this common misconception by examining the disadvantages of leaving individual team member roles undefined. We also explore possible consequences of making assumptions and the value of asking questions. This game illustrates problems with relying solely on the taskrelated information that has been provided to a team while conveying the importance of taking additional factors into account. The second game, Empower Tower, is also low tech but is played with materials that may be familiar to freshman engineering courses. Two presenters will discuss how their game helps give students a deeper insight into three concepts important to teams: hidden agendas, empowerment and devil’s advocates. Hidden agendas are something many leaders and managers are either unaware of or fail to account for in a professional setting. Hidden Agendas are basically what people actually want, not what they say they want. Not all hidden agendas should be surfaced. Empowering members of the team can yield more diversified and complete decisions and projects. Empowered teams decide “how to do it” but also whether the tasks should be done at all (Ford u26 Fottler, 2001). Finally, with ‘Devil’s Advocacy’ a common misconception is that a devil’s advocate is the person who argues just for the sake of arguing. When enacted correctly, a devil’s advocate proposes questions to fill in holes or gaps in the idea or decision. Devil’s Advocates can be are very helpful for a team, particularly if the role is purposefully passed around to different members. Employers are expecting that engineers and students from related disciplines know how to work collaboratively. We also know that increasing knowledge of team design and team development issues enhances that collaboration and ultimately increases the success of projects they complete. Creating physical, board games or online games to teach concepts insures that we understand the concepts. Holding a ‘Game Night’ with a debrief for students should be an engaging learning experience that is remembered for a long time

As phototrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria are continually exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) as they harvest solar energy. Long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVA) in particular contributes to most of the UVR that reaches the Earth’s surface and damages living cells through photooxidative stress. In phototrophs, this can lead to harmful photosensitized light-harvesting proteins and pigments. To mitigate damage to the cell, some cyanobacteria produce a UVAabsorbing pigment in the extracellular sheath, known as scytonemin. Scytonemin is a heterocyclic, dimeric molecule that is produced by some cyanobacteria upon induction by UVA. It is hypothesized that it is regulated by a putative two-component regulatory system (TCRS; NpF1277 and NpF1278) that is upstream and adjacent to the scytonemin biosynthetic gene cluster in the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133. TCRSs are commonly made up of a sensor kinase which senses the environmental stress and a response regulator that is activated by the sensor kinase to initiate gene expression of a cellular response. The expression of the TCRS genes NpF1277 and NpF1278 in N. punctiforme have been evaluated in response to several environmental stressors: UVA, short-wavelength UVB, oxidative stress, and high light. Cells were stressed for 20, 40, and 60 minutes and the expression levels of the TCRS genes were compared to unstressed controls using quantitative PCR. Cells under UVA, UVB, and high light stress showed an up-regulation of both TCRS genes by 20 minutes. Aside from an up-regulation for both genes after 40 minutes of UVB and 60 minutes of high light, 40 and 60 minutes of stress generally resulted in either a down-regulation or no significant change for all four stressors. This research shows how regulation occurs for the sunscreen scytonemin in cyanobacteria and how they cope with stress under certain environmental conditions.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1035/thumbnail.jp

Four commercial grades of Nitinol wire were tested in a uniaxial test rig at slow and fast cyclic actuation rates in order to understand strain evolution during near-isobaric conditions. A thin wire diameter of 0.010” was selected in order to enable enhanced heat transfer and thus response time during high thermal testing. Strain evolution is compared through 100 actuation cycles in equiatomic NiTinol, Ni-Ti-Cr, and Ni-Ti-Co. We observe improvement in cyclic actuation stability with diminishing grain size, strengthening precipitate dispersions, and ternary alloy additions. Future work will be discussed towards informing processing conditions for high and stable work output in wire-based low and medium temperature applications.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1048/thumbnail.jp

This project provides a foundation for a multi-generational decay study of the Dr. Jack Sunderman monument located in the Jack A. Sunderman Geogarden on the IPFW campus. Like most systems of nature, the decay process of stone is complex. The monument in question will be affected by a variety of weathering processes. The ultimate goal is to identify all processes and differentiate their effects. Characterization, detailed observations, periodic measuring and the occasional sampling of the monument reveal weathering processes. The monument was closely observed from October 2013 through March 2014. Copious amounts of literature is available that document techniques and methods for the evaluation of stone properties such as porosity, permeability and capillary movement. Furthermore the Salem limestone is a well-studied building material. Simple methods are explored by the author in hopes of providing a basic interpretation of decay observed on the monument. Observations include absorption and dehydration rates, salt precipitation, capillary movement, discoloration, staining, and surface alteration. The most noticeable change is discoloration. The discoloration comes from a variety of sources such as atmospheric pollution and the oxidation of Iron-bearing minerals. Efflorescence of salt also causes a white discoloration although the salt is soluble and is quickly washed off by rain. The removal of efflorescence accounts for a miniscule amount of statue material but should be considered part of the decay process. Present observations and research lead to a conclusion that the short term decay of Salem limestone is negligible and the stone is resistant to decay and weathering at the scale of a human’s lifespan. This research provides consumers evidence of Salem limestone’s durability and helps to explain the popularity of Salem limestone as a building material.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1045/thumbnail.jp

Water contamination is a prevalent topic in today’s world. Everyone needs water to survive, and water free of contaminants is essential to providing a healthy and comfortable way of life for the human populous. To determine the level of contamination of groundwater in Fort Wayne, Indiana, water level, pH, temperature, and conductivity were measured in four wells on the Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) campus and the adjacent creek. Also determined were the nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, and phosphate levels. The USEPA maximum suggested acceptable levels are 10.0, 1.0, 250.0, and 5.0 mg/L for nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, and phosphate respectively. The data was collected over an 8-month period. The results show that all parameters tested were within the USEPA acceptable drinking water limits (averages are shown in parentheses). Nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, and phosphate levels range between 0.0-3.0 (1.5), 0.0-0.01 (.004), 0.0-252.0 (67.4), 0.0-7.9 (1.9) mg/L respectively. The pH was between 4.8-10.2 (7.1) and the conductivity values range between 111- 1118 (674.4) ppm. The overall results show that the waters at IPFW are suitable for drinking.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1052/thumbnail.jp

Here we present the construction of the necessary equipment to investigate the electrical excitation frequency dependence of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) emissions. A DBD is a type of electrical discharge occurring between two electrodes just as many other discharges. However, in a DBD at least one electrode is covered with an insulating material which prohibits the formation of a complete arc. Instead a small amount of charge seeps through the insulator and builds up on its surface until a small discharge (in the form of a filament) can form. This happens all across the surface of the insulator at such a rate that the space near the insulator becomes filled with a haze of filaments. The light emitted from this plasma includes a significant amount of ultraviolet radiation. When combined with the energetic ions present in the plasma, DBDs can be used as a means of sterilization. What is unknown is how the emission from a DBD depends upon frequency of the excitation source. The most difficult part to performing this investigation is a power source that provides variable frequency at a constant power. We present our custom, variable-frequency, high voltage power supply and the subsequent tests of the same.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1067/thumbnail.jp

All three choral ensembles at IPFW combined to sing choral music selected around the theme of ‘night,” with Dr. North accompanying at the piano. This concert was held Wednesday November 11, 2015 at 7:30 pm in the Auer Performance Hall on IPFW’s campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Absorptionu22, data was collected regarding one hundred twenty-one children (seventy-four boys and forty-seven girls) who were previously exposed to various amounts of lead from area around a lead smelter. Researchers collected six values from the lead exposed children; blood lead levels in micrograms, age, sex, verbal IQ score, performance IQ, and the full IQ score. Various statistical analysis methods were calculated from these variables. In order to later compare results, descriptive statistics (such as the mean, median, standard deviation, and variance) for the entire sample was computed for comparison against the various levels of the sample (lead exposure level and sex of the child). The comparisons of the (sub-categories’) descriptive statistics for the sub-categories against the entire sampleu27s descriptive statistics would indicate if the sub-categoriesu27 values were significantly different from the entire sampleu27s values. The next statistical analysis method utilized was correlation which is the relationship strength between two variables. While calculating the correlation between the various variables, startling information revealed itself. Despite what one would expect, generally there was a negligible relationship between the various levels of IQ scores and the amount of lead exposure experienced. We may conclude from the study that the exposure to lead does not significantly affect childrenu27s verbal IQ or their performance IQ. In spite of the findings, we should provide a healthy environment for all, especially children. Reference Landrigan, P.J., R.H. Whitworth, R.W. Baloh, N. W. Staehling, W.F. Barthel, and B.F. Rosenblum. u22Neuropsychological Dysfunction in Children with Chronic Low-Level Lead Absorption.u22 Lancet 1.7909. Print.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1006/thumbnail.jp

The purpose of this research is to explore magnetron metal deposition (MDD) and its effectiveness in coating glass with conductive material. A particular interest in this research is the rate at which the conductive material is deposited on the glass slide and surface structure of the deposited material. To better understand the principles of MDD a glass slide is place in a very low pressure environment (approximately 10−4 Pascals) with a large potential difference applied between two electrodes. One of the electrodes consists of a conductive material foil (lead and nickel) which is then deposited onto the glass slide by way of sputtering. Sputtering is a physical vapor deposition method where an inert gas is let into the low pressure environment and a high potential difference is applied. The gas ionizes and results in the acceleration of ions into the conductive foil. The ejected material will then deposit onto the slide. The magnetron creates a magnetic field that concentrates the ionized gas in front of the target which results in more collisions between the ions and foil. It should also result in a more uniform layer of deposited material. The results are expected to be a mixture of different factors such as the material being sputtered, the time the system operates, the temperature of the system, the potential difference used and the amount of gas allowed in the chamber. The significance of this work is that the resultant deposited thin film can be used for further research into optical properties of thin films and superconductors and knowing the rate of deposition will mean that further experimentation can be fine-tuned for future research.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1005/thumbnail.jp

The Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) is a small rattlesnake that is in decline throughout much of its range. Due to these declines, it is listed as state endangered in Indiana and is a candidate for federal listing. However, systematic surveys have not been conducted in Indiana in nearly twenty years, making an assessment of the status of the species in the state difficult. I will present the methodology used to identify and examine the spatial extent of the Massasauga populations potentially remaining in Indiana. I used historical observation records and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify potential survey sites and the extent of suitable habitat surrounding these locations. Once populations are delineated they will be prioritized to determine the order they will be surveyed in. This work will assist not only in determining survey locations, but will also clarify the current status of historical populations.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1047/thumbnail.jp

The Waynesville formation is part of the stratigraphic succession of Indiana bedrock which allows us to look back on environmental conditions during the late Ordovician period, 450 million years ago. Due in part to a fossil record which is overwhelminlgly dominated by a single species, the Waynesville formation functions as an outdoor labratory illustrating various preservation processes operating on directly comparable shells. Shell blackening during preservation has been a particular point of interest. Based on the correlation of shell blackening with occurrences of shell fragmentation and abrasion in large brachiopods, the shell blackening seen in Upper Ordovician (Cincinnatian) brachiopods has previously been identified as a sign of long residence on the sea floor, and has been attributed to the accumulation of iron sulfides and organics in microborings. This in turn suggests extremely low oxygen microenvironments within shells. The results of our studies are broadly consistent with prior hypotheses.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1055/thumbnail.jp

Three dimensional models of the dorsal plates of the thyreophoran dinosaur Stegosaurus and the osteoderms of an extant alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) were constructed utilizing 3D vision technology to study the potential vascular structures for the dermal ossifications of both species. 3D (stereoscopic) vision devices, which present two different images of a 3D object capture from the same projection plane, allow users to perceive depth from a rendered scene that is natural and intuitive to comprehend when compared with a 3D object rendered on a traditional 2D screen. A system was developed that displays surface models of the each structureu27s exterior and the possible soft tissue areas of the interior. Cross section images were created from volumetric CT scan images, which had potential soft tissue areas highlighted using SPIERS software. The segmented volumetric data sets were transformed into triangular meshes using the Marching Cubes Algorithm. Phong shading was applied to the triangular meshes providing a surface model view from the CT scan images. The system superimposes two computer-generated surface models and a cross section image on two different viewpoints to render a stereoscopic view of the Stegosaurus dorsal plate and the American Alligator scute. The system provides several interactive data analysis tools which enable users to navigate the dermal plates of Stegosaurus in virtual spaces from various directions, locate the slicing plane for cross section images, and magnify areas of interest. The system allows users to analyze internal structures of fossils while referencing associated exterior surface models and cross-sectional images in stereoscopic vision. The models of the Stegosaurus dorsal plate and alligator scute allow users to visualize soft tissue/vascular areas that could have facilitated blood flow between the osteoderm and the animals’ interior, possibly allowing for thermal regulation.http://opus.ipfw.edu/stu_symp2015/1017/thumbnail.jp

Disorder can be identified as disorganization of sequence, rate, and/or temporal perspective, which are the basic components of psychological time. It follows then that restoring temporal order should be the overarching treatment goal (Sears, 2007). For clients frozen in the past, anxious of the future, or focused on internal stimuli, engagement in the creative arts provides opportunities to get grounded in the present while simultaneously experiencing temporal regulation and movement towards health. The teaching team of this Master Class will discuss how this concept of time applies to their work with clients impacted by trauma, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other mental health issues, and how these disorders reflect disruptions of time. Participants will engage in a variety of exercises designed to demonstrate how the creative process can influence temporal perception, and the ways in which art and music therapy are effective in regulating temporal order

In the second half of the 20th century, quality systems used in manufacturing and service industries changed from measuring inputs to measuring outputs. ABET made this transition in 1997, changing from a focus on inputs (courses taught by professors) to measuring outputs (skills and knowledge gained and retained by students). Students, professors, program coordinators, and department chairs must answer three questions: [1] what are we doing well, [2] what are we not doing well, and [3] how do we improve? In some cases, we can use graphical data presentation techniques to answer these questions. Scatter graphs show relationships between variables that are not evident in tables, and they show changes in variables with respect to time. A student may ask “why is my grade lower than I would like?” We can use graphs to show the studentu27s progress in real time as the semester advances, then predict the final course grade based on alternate hypotheses (e.g., “I will earn 90% on all remaining assignments”; “I will barely pass the remaining assignments”). As a professor, I asked why the failure rate in Strength of Materials is so high, then used a variety of graphs to determine the indicators for success and failure. As a consequence, my department made a curriculum change in Fall 2014; we should see results starting in Fall 2015. This paper shows how I used graphical data presentation techniques in undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Technology classes to improve student success, teaching effectiveness, and curriculum. A nearly identical paper will be presented at the ASEE national conference in Seattle this summer