Poster Presentations
A: Danielle Kandle, Aviano High School, Aviano, Italy
Mentor: Robin Clement, Teacher, Aviano High School
A Comparison of Microbes in Male and Female Restrooms
In this study the microbes in male and female bathrooms from three locations were
evaluated. Six samples were taken from each bathroom, from six different surfaces within the
bathrooms, totaling to thirty-six samples. The purpose of this study was to discover whether
there was a bigger build up of bacteria in male or female restrooms. I hypothesized that it would
ABSTRACTS: POSTER PRESENTATIONS- Rotation 1 (continued)
be the males that would have less hygenic restrooms, based off the percentages that 93 percent of
women wash their hands after using the bathroom compared to the 77 percent of men. After
completing this study, it appears that men are less sanitary when it comes to the restroom.
In this study the microbes in male and female bathrooms from three locations were
evaluated. Six samples were taken from each bathroom, from six different surfaces within the
bathrooms, totaling to thirty-six samples. The purpose of this study was to discover whether
there was a bigger build up of bacteria in male or female restrooms. I hypothesized that it would
ABSTRACTS: POSTER PRESENTATIONS- Rotation 1 (continued)
be the males that would have less hygenic restrooms, based off the percentages that 93 percent of
women wash their hands after using the bathroom compared to the 77 percent of men. After
completing this study, it appears that men are less sanitary when it comes to the restroom.
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B: Angelinah Phasouk, Ankara High School, Ankara, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn Er, Teacher, Ankara High School
Can Voice be Visually Identifiable?
In my experiment, participants were tested on whether they could identify a person based
on the spectrogram of their voice recordings. My participants recited the weather forecast and the
patterns of their spectrograms were scanned. They were given the notes of when the spectrogram
would be louder and quieter. After viewing the spectrograms, the participants had to guess whose
recording it was. Only two out of the four participants were able to guess correctly on one
spectrogram.
In my experiment, participants were tested on whether they could identify a person based
on the spectrogram of their voice recordings. My participants recited the weather forecast and the
patterns of their spectrograms were scanned. They were given the notes of when the spectrogram
would be louder and quieter. After viewing the spectrograms, the participants had to guess whose
recording it was. Only two out of the four participants were able to guess correctly on one
spectrogram.
C: Brandon Price, Ramstein High School, Ramstein, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Teacher, Ramstein High School
Does long periods of gaming have a negative effect on the strength of a person's hand?
The purpose of this research was to determine if playing video games can actually have a negative impact on an individual’s hand usage or hand strength, specifically starting at a young age. Many teenagers play games as a hobby or even as a job and there is an interest in the research community about the impact that gaming may have on teenagers. The participants for this experiment were high school students currently attending Ramstein High School. The independent variable studied was the number of hours that students spent playing video games (console, mobile, or computer) and the dependent variable was the strength of the individual’s hand. Each participant was asked how many hours they spent playing games and then were given a vernier hand dynamometer sensor that measures grip strength. All the participants for this study were told to grip the vernier sensor with their left hand, which attempted to minimize any confounding variables during the research. The results of the study concluded that long term video game playing has little to no correlation with the strength of a person's hand.
The purpose of this research was to determine if playing video games can actually have a negative impact on an individual’s hand usage or hand strength, specifically starting at a young age. Many teenagers play games as a hobby or even as a job and there is an interest in the research community about the impact that gaming may have on teenagers. The participants for this experiment were high school students currently attending Ramstein High School. The independent variable studied was the number of hours that students spent playing video games (console, mobile, or computer) and the dependent variable was the strength of the individual’s hand. Each participant was asked how many hours they spent playing games and then were given a vernier hand dynamometer sensor that measures grip strength. All the participants for this study were told to grip the vernier sensor with their left hand, which attempted to minimize any confounding variables during the research. The results of the study concluded that long term video game playing has little to no correlation with the strength of a person's hand.
D: Hampton Moore, Rota High School, Rota, Spain
Mentor: Noel Ramos, Teacher, Rota High School
The effect Spritz has on reading comprehension
The purpose of this paper was to figure out if Spritz affect a students reading comprehension. To test this students were tested with and without Spritz. On average each students score improved by 8 percent. This shows that Spritz is not just a viable reading method but should be used due to its increased comprehension. A special thanks to Karen Bliven, Jennifer Fry, and Tina Claxton for answering questions on reading comprehension and to Noel Ramos for advising me on the paper and being my JSHS Mentor.
The purpose of this paper was to figure out if Spritz affect a students reading comprehension. To test this students were tested with and without Spritz. On average each students score improved by 8 percent. This shows that Spritz is not just a viable reading method but should be used due to its increased comprehension. A special thanks to Karen Bliven, Jennifer Fry, and Tina Claxton for answering questions on reading comprehension and to Noel Ramos for advising me on the paper and being my JSHS Mentor.
E: Alanna Brooks-Murphy, Hohenfels High School, Hohenfels, Germany
Mentor: Timothy Roth, Teacher, Hohenfels High School
The Effect of Pressure on the Biodegradability of Plastic
This research paper discusses the effects of pressure on the degradation of plastic from
commissary grocery bags. As the demand for plastic materials grows, so does the amount of
plastic waste. This waste is not biodegradable and often takes about 450 years to decompose into
microplastics that stay in the environment (Australia). Due to this the researcher decided to
explore the biodegradability of such plastics and how pressure affects their decomposition. She
hypothesized that the degradation would be speed up with more pressure on the plastic.
This research paper discusses the effects of pressure on the degradation of plastic from
commissary grocery bags. As the demand for plastic materials grows, so does the amount of
plastic waste. This waste is not biodegradable and often takes about 450 years to decompose into
microplastics that stay in the environment (Australia). Due to this the researcher decided to
explore the biodegradability of such plastics and how pressure affects their decomposition. She
hypothesized that the degradation would be speed up with more pressure on the plastic.
F: Samantha Belleman, Brussels High School, Brussels, Belgium
Mentor: Mari Brown, Teacher, Brussels High School
An Analysis of Red Dyes
In this analysis, three different red dyes were tested in order to find which transmitted the most red light. Due to their common use in commercial products, Red 4, Red 40, and a mixture of Red 6&7 were used. However, pure versions of the red dyes could not be found, so impure samples from commercial products were used. First, each dye was painted onto plain paper to conduct a survey. The survey was taken on a social media platform, and the results showed that people think Red 40 is the most pigmented though this may have been skewed due to survey bias. A spectrometer was used to test each dye for total red transmittance at various molarities. Although the data was liable to inaccuracy because pure pigments were not used, it did display an insightful trend. Not enough data points were taken to support the hypothesis, but Red 4 did have the highest average transmittance. Therefore, more research must be done in order to prove Red 4 to be the most pigmented, but the trend aligns with the hypothesis. Since beauty companies often have difficulties creating red vegan products because Red 4 is derived from the
cochineal insect, the creation of a new vegan red dye would be beneficial. The production of Red 4 has been harmful to the environment in the past. With the sequencing of the DNA of the cochineal insect, a new vegan red dye has the potential of being created. However, more equipment and testing would be necessary. In conclusion, this analysis demonstrated that Red 4 tends to reflect the most red light, but further data needs to be taken in order to confirm this study.
In this analysis, three different red dyes were tested in order to find which transmitted the most red light. Due to their common use in commercial products, Red 4, Red 40, and a mixture of Red 6&7 were used. However, pure versions of the red dyes could not be found, so impure samples from commercial products were used. First, each dye was painted onto plain paper to conduct a survey. The survey was taken on a social media platform, and the results showed that people think Red 40 is the most pigmented though this may have been skewed due to survey bias. A spectrometer was used to test each dye for total red transmittance at various molarities. Although the data was liable to inaccuracy because pure pigments were not used, it did display an insightful trend. Not enough data points were taken to support the hypothesis, but Red 4 did have the highest average transmittance. Therefore, more research must be done in order to prove Red 4 to be the most pigmented, but the trend aligns with the hypothesis. Since beauty companies often have difficulties creating red vegan products because Red 4 is derived from the
cochineal insect, the creation of a new vegan red dye would be beneficial. The production of Red 4 has been harmful to the environment in the past. With the sequencing of the DNA of the cochineal insect, a new vegan red dye has the potential of being created. However, more equipment and testing would be necessary. In conclusion, this analysis demonstrated that Red 4 tends to reflect the most red light, but further data needs to be taken in order to confirm this study.
G: Natirina Pangelinan, Vilseck High School, Vilseck, Germany
Mentor: Susan Holt, Teacher, Vilseck High School
What is the Relationship Between Time, Facial Expressions, and Emotion?
The overall purpose of the study is to prove or disprove the common conjecture that the longer a certain expression lasts on someone’s face, then the more of that emotion the person must have felt. The facial expression focused in this investigation is fear. The researcher conducted recorded interviews with eight subjects, reading each of them three short stories. After each interview the researcher asked the subjects to pick which story they thought was the scariest and the least scary. The researcher then timed how long the facial expression of fear lasted on each subjects’ face during each story and compared the two sets of data. The researcher discovered that 75% of the data supported and proved the hypothesis. The researcher observed that with certain spoken words, the subjects displayed sustained, exaggerated expressions of fear. The researcher demonstrated that certain words do trigger a more prolonged response and emotion from people.
The overall purpose of the study is to prove or disprove the common conjecture that the longer a certain expression lasts on someone’s face, then the more of that emotion the person must have felt. The facial expression focused in this investigation is fear. The researcher conducted recorded interviews with eight subjects, reading each of them three short stories. After each interview the researcher asked the subjects to pick which story they thought was the scariest and the least scary. The researcher then timed how long the facial expression of fear lasted on each subjects’ face during each story and compared the two sets of data. The researcher discovered that 75% of the data supported and proved the hypothesis. The researcher observed that with certain spoken words, the subjects displayed sustained, exaggerated expressions of fear. The researcher demonstrated that certain words do trigger a more prolonged response and emotion from people.
H: Davit Markarian, Brussels High School, Brussels, Belgium
Mentor: Mari Brown, Teacher, Brussels High School
Multiple Return Values: Performance Compared to Arrays
Functions are an important feature of any programming language. With the ability to split up code and be able to call it with any inputs and be able to receive an output, functions are what makes the complex software today possible. However, while function input parameters have been very flexible, allowing for many parameters and even a varying amount of them, returned output has only been limited to one value. In popular dynamic languages, such as Python, JavaScript, or Lua, it is possible to return arrays with any values needed, effectively making this a non-issue. Though this may be a solution, it isn’t as efficient or flexible as it could be. Another possible solution is multiple return value capability, which allows more than one value to be returned and then be stored in separate variables or even be put into a list. This paper explores the performance efficiency of multiple return values compared to arrays in terms of speed, code generation, and memory usage. This is done by analyzing the compiled code generated by both the Lua and Python interpreters for small test programs that utilize the two techniques. By looking at the individual instructions and data declarations, combined with the internal code of the interpreters and compilers, it was possible to get an idea of the relative performance between the two techniques in the two languages. Hypothesizing that multiple return values would perform significantly better than their array counterparts, the researcher wrote and analyzed the tests. The first language, Lua, showed significant performance differ-ences between the two techniques, while Python showed less difference. Either way, multiple return values were still shown to have some performance benefits, supporting the hypothesis partially. The goal of this paper was to understand if multiple return values were a better alternative to returning arrays and whether language designers should consider adding them to their languages.
Functions are an important feature of any programming language. With the ability to split up code and be able to call it with any inputs and be able to receive an output, functions are what makes the complex software today possible. However, while function input parameters have been very flexible, allowing for many parameters and even a varying amount of them, returned output has only been limited to one value. In popular dynamic languages, such as Python, JavaScript, or Lua, it is possible to return arrays with any values needed, effectively making this a non-issue. Though this may be a solution, it isn’t as efficient or flexible as it could be. Another possible solution is multiple return value capability, which allows more than one value to be returned and then be stored in separate variables or even be put into a list. This paper explores the performance efficiency of multiple return values compared to arrays in terms of speed, code generation, and memory usage. This is done by analyzing the compiled code generated by both the Lua and Python interpreters for small test programs that utilize the two techniques. By looking at the individual instructions and data declarations, combined with the internal code of the interpreters and compilers, it was possible to get an idea of the relative performance between the two techniques in the two languages. Hypothesizing that multiple return values would perform significantly better than their array counterparts, the researcher wrote and analyzed the tests. The first language, Lua, showed significant performance differ-ences between the two techniques, while Python showed less difference. Either way, multiple return values were still shown to have some performance benefits, supporting the hypothesis partially. The goal of this paper was to understand if multiple return values were a better alternative to returning arrays and whether language designers should consider adding them to their languages.
I: Baylee Kindrick, Aviano High School, Aviano, Italy
Mentor: Robin Clement, Teacher, Aviano High School
The Amount of Bacteria on a Touchscreen
The bacteria and fungus living on screens are abundant. This experiment shows that amount of
colonies found on the screens and can be further investigated on what kind of bacteria is found.
The screens were swabbed and mixed with sterilized water to make sure no contamination
occurred. The water was mixed with a vortex mixer and poured onto Lucia so the bacteria could
began growing. They grew at room temperature for three days before the counting of the
colonies began. The colonies were counted and recorded which will be demonstrated by graphs
and tables.
The bacteria and fungus living on screens are abundant. This experiment shows that amount of
colonies found on the screens and can be further investigated on what kind of bacteria is found.
The screens were swabbed and mixed with sterilized water to make sure no contamination
occurred. The water was mixed with a vortex mixer and poured onto Lucia so the bacteria could
began growing. They grew at room temperature for three days before the counting of the
colonies began. The colonies were counted and recorded which will be demonstrated by graphs
and tables.
J: Lara Potgieter, Ankara High School, Ankara, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn, Teacher, Ankara High School
The researcher chose this project due to their interest in taking group photos and eye-lid
dynamics. In particular, the researcher was interested in how likely it was to take a photo of a
large group of people without anyone blinking - thereby ruining the shot. The researcher
wondered at what point would a group be too large for their photo to be taken (i.e. less than 1%
chance of having an ‘all eyes open’ shot)? And how would this number change if the
photographer were trying to take a candid photo? The most notable difficulty the researcher
encountered was how to test the likelihood of a successful shot without having possibly hundreds
of subjects (a logistical impossibility). This was remedied by using 6 participants, developing a
mean for each of the different scenarios, and using this as the ‘eyes open’ baseline for the
average individual. The researcher began the experiment by setting up an environment with little
stimulation where individual subjects’ videos were taken. The subjects smiled for the camera,
blink rates were analyzed, and the researcher determined a baseline eyes open percentage for staged photos. Then, participants were asked to partake in a memory game (memory fixation)
and then reading a passage (visual fixation). Using these averages, the researcher could then use
mathematics to determine at which point the number of people would cause a 1% success rate of
taking a successful photo. After calculations were carried out, the researcher found their
hypothesis to be an underestimate with a 1% success rate only being reached once there were
186 participants for memory fixation activities, 206 for visual fixation activities, and about 253
people for a staged photo.
dynamics. In particular, the researcher was interested in how likely it was to take a photo of a
large group of people without anyone blinking - thereby ruining the shot. The researcher
wondered at what point would a group be too large for their photo to be taken (i.e. less than 1%
chance of having an ‘all eyes open’ shot)? And how would this number change if the
photographer were trying to take a candid photo? The most notable difficulty the researcher
encountered was how to test the likelihood of a successful shot without having possibly hundreds
of subjects (a logistical impossibility). This was remedied by using 6 participants, developing a
mean for each of the different scenarios, and using this as the ‘eyes open’ baseline for the
average individual. The researcher began the experiment by setting up an environment with little
stimulation where individual subjects’ videos were taken. The subjects smiled for the camera,
blink rates were analyzed, and the researcher determined a baseline eyes open percentage for staged photos. Then, participants were asked to partake in a memory game (memory fixation)
and then reading a passage (visual fixation). Using these averages, the researcher could then use
mathematics to determine at which point the number of people would cause a 1% success rate of
taking a successful photo. After calculations were carried out, the researcher found their
hypothesis to be an underestimate with a 1% success rate only being reached once there were
186 participants for memory fixation activities, 206 for visual fixation activities, and about 253
people for a staged photo.
K: Logan Ridenbaugh, Ramstein High School, Ramstein, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Teacher, Ramstein High School
Are the colony forming units for a homemade kombucha tea brew higher than commercially branded kombucha products?
The purpose of this research project was to determine if a homemade kombucha tea would yield a higher amount of probiotic microorganisms when compared to eleven commercially available kombucha products. Kombucha is a fermented sweet tea produced from a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast and has origins dating back 2,000 years to the Far East. The consumption of kombucha has been associated with health benefits in humans. Recently, kombucha has been marketed for it’s positive effects on the digestive system through live bacteria and yeast which are called probiotics. Homemade kombucha is relatively inexpensive and can be easily produced versus having to find a commercially available product. The experiment was conducted at Ramstein High School. A homemade kombucha tea brew was produced and samples were collected on different fermentation days. Those samples were placed into a homemade incubator and then the bacterial colony forming units (CFUs) were counted and graphed. A mean was obtained for each sampling day and then used to create a quadratic equation. The quadratic equation gave an estimated maximum of CFUs in the homemade kombucha brew. When the homemade kombucha tea was compared to the eleven commercially available products, it was determined that two of the products had more CFUs while nine had less. This project demonstrated a homemade kombucha tea brew yields more CFUs than the majority of the commercially available products used in the study.
The purpose of this research project was to determine if a homemade kombucha tea would yield a higher amount of probiotic microorganisms when compared to eleven commercially available kombucha products. Kombucha is a fermented sweet tea produced from a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast and has origins dating back 2,000 years to the Far East. The consumption of kombucha has been associated with health benefits in humans. Recently, kombucha has been marketed for it’s positive effects on the digestive system through live bacteria and yeast which are called probiotics. Homemade kombucha is relatively inexpensive and can be easily produced versus having to find a commercially available product. The experiment was conducted at Ramstein High School. A homemade kombucha tea brew was produced and samples were collected on different fermentation days. Those samples were placed into a homemade incubator and then the bacterial colony forming units (CFUs) were counted and graphed. A mean was obtained for each sampling day and then used to create a quadratic equation. The quadratic equation gave an estimated maximum of CFUs in the homemade kombucha brew. When the homemade kombucha tea was compared to the eleven commercially available products, it was determined that two of the products had more CFUs while nine had less. This project demonstrated a homemade kombucha tea brew yields more CFUs than the majority of the commercially available products used in the study.
L: Charlotte White, Lakenheath High School, Lakenheath, United Kingdom
Mentor: Michael Seitz, Teacher, Lakenheath High School
An Analysis of the Relationship Between Peanut Allergy Policies and the Rate of Allergic
Reactions in DoDEA Schools
As food allergies are common in school-aged children, many schools implement peanut-free policies for the safety of students as well as visitors and staff members. A questionnaire was distributed to DoDEA school nurses to gather data on allergy policies and reaction rates in DoDEA schools. The questionnaire response rate was 15/37 (41.4%). In the 2017-18 school year, 6/15 schools (40.0%) reported having peanut-free lunch tables, 5/15 (33.3%) reported having at least 1 peanut-free classroom, and 0/15 (0.0%) reported having a completely peanut-free school. At least 1 allergic reaction occurred in 7/15 schools (46.7%). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the use of peanut-free tables and the rate of allergic reactions. There was no statistically significant correlation found between peanut-free classrooms and the rate of allergic reactions. Additionally, the rate of allergic reactions was found to be higher in DoDEA schools than recently reported reaction rates in U.S. schools. This data supports the hypothesis that some peanut-free policies are associated with lower allergic reaction rates in schools. This information may be useful for schools deciding whether or not to implement certain peanut-free policies.
Reactions in DoDEA Schools
As food allergies are common in school-aged children, many schools implement peanut-free policies for the safety of students as well as visitors and staff members. A questionnaire was distributed to DoDEA school nurses to gather data on allergy policies and reaction rates in DoDEA schools. The questionnaire response rate was 15/37 (41.4%). In the 2017-18 school year, 6/15 schools (40.0%) reported having peanut-free lunch tables, 5/15 (33.3%) reported having at least 1 peanut-free classroom, and 0/15 (0.0%) reported having a completely peanut-free school. At least 1 allergic reaction occurred in 7/15 schools (46.7%). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the use of peanut-free tables and the rate of allergic reactions. There was no statistically significant correlation found between peanut-free classrooms and the rate of allergic reactions. Additionally, the rate of allergic reactions was found to be higher in DoDEA schools than recently reported reaction rates in U.S. schools. This data supports the hypothesis that some peanut-free policies are associated with lower allergic reaction rates in schools. This information may be useful for schools deciding whether or not to implement certain peanut-free policies.
M: Paul Sherrill, Brussels High School, Brussels, Belgium
Mentor: Mari Brown, Teacher, Brussels High School
An Experiment on a Symbolic Artificial Intelligence Chess Engine’s Efficiency
This paper attempts to support the continued viability of traditional AI (Symbolic AI) vs. Adaptive Machine Learning (AML) by using a symbolic artificial intelligence chess engine (app from Mac OS). It examines how think time affects the number of wins and game time, with a central idea that the more think time given to the engine the more wins. This wins versus losses relationship is important to consider due the fact that AI is being applied to more day to day technology such as self-driving cars where “losing” is not an option. One of the most important applications for self-driving AI is the ability to consistently recognize things like stop signs and people where failure/loss is not acceptable. Fifteen games were timed and the win/loss/draw results recorded for five different settings: 2, 64, 128, and 256 seconds of think time and “think ahead” two moves. The results showed that think time does not appear to significantly affect the win/loss/draw ratio when symbolic AI is played against itself. However it appears that the ratio changes with think ahead 2 moves, further research is needed. In conclusion, the evidence from this paper does not support the idea that the more think time the higher the number of wins. The results also do not support a relationship between longer games and more wins. Future research should examine if the computer vs computer aspect affected the results, by comparing Symbolic AI vs Adaptive Machine Learning and Symbolic AI vs human opponents.
This paper attempts to support the continued viability of traditional AI (Symbolic AI) vs. Adaptive Machine Learning (AML) by using a symbolic artificial intelligence chess engine (app from Mac OS). It examines how think time affects the number of wins and game time, with a central idea that the more think time given to the engine the more wins. This wins versus losses relationship is important to consider due the fact that AI is being applied to more day to day technology such as self-driving cars where “losing” is not an option. One of the most important applications for self-driving AI is the ability to consistently recognize things like stop signs and people where failure/loss is not acceptable. Fifteen games were timed and the win/loss/draw results recorded for five different settings: 2, 64, 128, and 256 seconds of think time and “think ahead” two moves. The results showed that think time does not appear to significantly affect the win/loss/draw ratio when symbolic AI is played against itself. However it appears that the ratio changes with think ahead 2 moves, further research is needed. In conclusion, the evidence from this paper does not support the idea that the more think time the higher the number of wins. The results also do not support a relationship between longer games and more wins. Future research should examine if the computer vs computer aspect affected the results, by comparing Symbolic AI vs Adaptive Machine Learning and Symbolic AI vs human opponents.
N: Teigan Benoit, Alconbury High School, Alconbury, United Kingdom
Mentor: Michele Jackson, Teacher, Alconbury High School
Can Algae Help Reverse The Effects Of Pollutants In City Based River Water?
The water in city rivers contains many impurities and pollutants which is detrimental to the environment. This experiment focuses is on using naturally occurring algae instead of artificial substances to fix this problem. Water from the Nene River, was paired with 3 common indigenous algaes, (Mesostigmatophyceae, Chlorokybophyceae, Chlorophyta) each weighing 500g. Experiments were conducted in an insulated greenhouse, and lasted 16 days. Tests conducted include biological oxygen demand (BOD), pH and phosphate. Success of the experiment was determined by the amount of change between the test results of the samples. The result rate was different in all algae tested. The algae samples all showed measurable change, such as pH level lowering. Water turbidity was measured and noted, as with temperature and depth of water.
The water in city rivers contains many impurities and pollutants which is detrimental to the environment. This experiment focuses is on using naturally occurring algae instead of artificial substances to fix this problem. Water from the Nene River, was paired with 3 common indigenous algaes, (Mesostigmatophyceae, Chlorokybophyceae, Chlorophyta) each weighing 500g. Experiments were conducted in an insulated greenhouse, and lasted 16 days. Tests conducted include biological oxygen demand (BOD), pH and phosphate. Success of the experiment was determined by the amount of change between the test results of the samples. The result rate was different in all algae tested. The algae samples all showed measurable change, such as pH level lowering. Water turbidity was measured and noted, as with temperature and depth of water.
O: Rajaei Williams, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Electromagnetic Brakes. A Research Project on the Effectiveness of Electromagnetic Brake Mechanisms on Metalised Roads
The author wanted to test to see if an electromagnet would be effective in slowing down a car when the brakes are fully engaged. The author used a battery for the power source, copper wire for the coil, and a soft iron drill tip for the core. The test was conclusive that the electromagnet did indeed slow the vehicle down. First without it was 2.9 seconds and with it was 2.7 seconds to stop. The weight of the device may have affected the experiment, but if it was proportional to the size of a car, the magnet would be extraordinarily powerful, but this would depend on the materials used. This means that the hypothesis was correct and vehicles can still be safer if the proper steps are taken. In conclusion, the authors hypothesis was in fact supported by the results and an electromagnet could aid in the quick stopping of a car if the roads are also magnetized. The possible errors of this experiment were thar the rig was light and the magnet was not of proportional weight, and that the “road” was all metal.
The author wanted to test to see if an electromagnet would be effective in slowing down a car when the brakes are fully engaged. The author used a battery for the power source, copper wire for the coil, and a soft iron drill tip for the core. The test was conclusive that the electromagnet did indeed slow the vehicle down. First without it was 2.9 seconds and with it was 2.7 seconds to stop. The weight of the device may have affected the experiment, but if it was proportional to the size of a car, the magnet would be extraordinarily powerful, but this would depend on the materials used. This means that the hypothesis was correct and vehicles can still be safer if the proper steps are taken. In conclusion, the authors hypothesis was in fact supported by the results and an electromagnet could aid in the quick stopping of a car if the roads are also magnetized. The possible errors of this experiment were thar the rig was light and the magnet was not of proportional weight, and that the “road” was all metal.
P: Aliia Woodworth, Stuttgart High School, Stuttgart, Germany
Mentor: Stephanie Payne, Michael Taylor, Morgan Jennison
Effects of Physical Activity on Memory
Due to the increasing necessity of an alternative to petroleum fuel, biofuel production through microbial genetic engineering has become a promising avenue for finding the ideal substitute. In order to achieve the maximization of butanol and isobutanol production in E. coli, genetic alterations must take place in order to delete or overexpress bacterial efflux pumps for the elevation of the uptake of sugars. This paper will examine the processes involved in isobutanol creation as an alternative fuel energy source through bacterial transformation of Escherichia coli or E. coli cell colonies.
Due to the increasing necessity of an alternative to petroleum fuel, biofuel production through microbial genetic engineering has become a promising avenue for finding the ideal substitute. In order to achieve the maximization of butanol and isobutanol production in E. coli, genetic alterations must take place in order to delete or overexpress bacterial efflux pumps for the elevation of the uptake of sugars. This paper will examine the processes involved in isobutanol creation as an alternative fuel energy source through bacterial transformation of Escherichia coli or E. coli cell colonies.
Q: Amanda Schaul, Aviano High School, Aviano, Italy
Mentor: Robin Clement, Teacher, Aviano High School
The Active Usefulness of Cinnamon Flavored Mints and Gums for Killing Human Mouth
Bacteria
The measuring of the effect of two brands of cinnamon flavored gum (Big Red, Trident) and two brands of cinnamon flavored breath mints (Altoids, Icebreakers) on mouth bacteria were evaluated. The tests were run on 6 subjects over the course of 8 hours and the results were evaluated for a week. There was also a control test run with Juicy Fruit gum to test whether or not the results were the same with gum that was not cinnamon flavored. As well as a final test with actual cinnamon in a very low dose (⅛ tsp.) to evaluate actual cinnamon effectiveness. The results were not what the researcher expected. All of the gums and mints reduced the amount of bacteria in the mouth including the Juicy Fruit gum. The Big Red reduced it the most, but only marginally. On further investigation the researcher realized that the Altoids had no real cinnamon in it at all and the other three cinnamon flavored products had both natural and artificial flavoring in them. The final experiment with straight cinnamon resulted in the lowest amount of final bacteria in the mouths. This would support the evidence that cinnamon is an effective bacterial killer. The final conclusion the researcher came up with was that gums and mints in general reduce the amount of bacteria in a human mouth. However, actual cinnamon provides the highest amount of bacterial disinfectant.
Bacteria
The measuring of the effect of two brands of cinnamon flavored gum (Big Red, Trident) and two brands of cinnamon flavored breath mints (Altoids, Icebreakers) on mouth bacteria were evaluated. The tests were run on 6 subjects over the course of 8 hours and the results were evaluated for a week. There was also a control test run with Juicy Fruit gum to test whether or not the results were the same with gum that was not cinnamon flavored. As well as a final test with actual cinnamon in a very low dose (⅛ tsp.) to evaluate actual cinnamon effectiveness. The results were not what the researcher expected. All of the gums and mints reduced the amount of bacteria in the mouth including the Juicy Fruit gum. The Big Red reduced it the most, but only marginally. On further investigation the researcher realized that the Altoids had no real cinnamon in it at all and the other three cinnamon flavored products had both natural and artificial flavoring in them. The final experiment with straight cinnamon resulted in the lowest amount of final bacteria in the mouths. This would support the evidence that cinnamon is an effective bacterial killer. The final conclusion the researcher came up with was that gums and mints in general reduce the amount of bacteria in a human mouth. However, actual cinnamon provides the highest amount of bacterial disinfectant.
R: Kimora Smith, Ankara High School, Ankara, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn, Teacher, Ankara High School
Which Range of SPF Is More Protective for Skin?
According to the CDC, skin cancer is an ordinary form of cancer prominent in the United States of America. A common remedy used globally to prevent this cancer and possible burning of the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun is, sunscreen. Sunscreen provides a barrier for your skin, and UV rays, to prevent the risks the sun is able to bring, such as skin cancer and burning of the skin. UV rays, or ultraviolet, is an electromagnetic radiation that is present in sunlight. There are two types of UV rays that affect the skin traumatically. UVA rays age skin, while, UVB rays cause sunburns. The various SPF, or sun protection factors, ratios range in many numbers, however, some are more effective than others to prevent the outcomes of skin damaging. Instead of using one’s skin as the reactant for this trial, the observer will test this experiment using UV beads. UV beads contain pigments that change colors when exposed to UV rays. When exposure occurs, the beads will change from their original white color to distinct hues depending on the pigment(s) added to the beads. This results due to the fact that when UV rays expose themselves to UV beads, a chemical reaction occurs in which a wave length is released, therefore the color of the bead is revealed. These wavelengths are so short they can break chemical bonds in your skin, and if exposed long enough, can cause skin cancer or skin aging. UV beads are an ethical substitute to use for this experiment since, they are precise to how our skin reacts to UV light. It also prevents putting the experimenter’s skin in risk of sunburns or skin cancer.
According to the CDC, skin cancer is an ordinary form of cancer prominent in the United States of America. A common remedy used globally to prevent this cancer and possible burning of the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun is, sunscreen. Sunscreen provides a barrier for your skin, and UV rays, to prevent the risks the sun is able to bring, such as skin cancer and burning of the skin. UV rays, or ultraviolet, is an electromagnetic radiation that is present in sunlight. There are two types of UV rays that affect the skin traumatically. UVA rays age skin, while, UVB rays cause sunburns. The various SPF, or sun protection factors, ratios range in many numbers, however, some are more effective than others to prevent the outcomes of skin damaging. Instead of using one’s skin as the reactant for this trial, the observer will test this experiment using UV beads. UV beads contain pigments that change colors when exposed to UV rays. When exposure occurs, the beads will change from their original white color to distinct hues depending on the pigment(s) added to the beads. This results due to the fact that when UV rays expose themselves to UV beads, a chemical reaction occurs in which a wave length is released, therefore the color of the bead is revealed. These wavelengths are so short they can break chemical bonds in your skin, and if exposed long enough, can cause skin cancer or skin aging. UV beads are an ethical substitute to use for this experiment since, they are precise to how our skin reacts to UV light. It also prevents putting the experimenter’s skin in risk of sunburns or skin cancer.