2020 - ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Lauren Eddy, Ankara High School, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn Er, Ankara High School
Does Shampoo Affect the Tensile Strength of Hair?
This experiment was carried out to show the effects of shampoos with and without sodium lauryl sulfate. On top of this, it can show the prolonged effects on the health of the hair and scalp with the use of sulfate shampoos. My results showed that when hair was washed with shampoos without SLS it had a higher moisture content versus that of hair washed with SLS shampoo. The conclusion to be drawn from this is that, although not harmful, the elongated use of sulfates on skin and hair can affect its integrity as well as its appearance. Some problems or points of error include false claims from certain products, inconsistent conditions (water purity), and equipment errors.
Dylan Sachs, Rota High School, Spain
Mentor: Noel Ramos, Rota High School
A Study Of Nuanced Perceptions Of Online News In Men And Women Aged 18-32
This research investigated the polarized perception of the credibility of online news. While reports of bias in online journalism has caused underlying distrust of the medium, the ability of online news to satisfy readers’ emotional and partisan expectations plays a significant role in readers’ selection and response to online news. Research focused on four theories predicting negative reactions to online news, including the hostile media phenomenon, the mood management theory, the confirmation bias, and the third person effect. These emphasize how a reader’s individual partisanship and emotional state influence their selection and evaluation of online news stories. This research asked what nuance, if any, exists between the occurrence of these theories among men and women aged 18-32. A survey was designed to gauge this population. Participants were primarily students at a university in central Florida. 46 surveys were analyzed. Responses to six survey questions were analyzed that were worded specifically to question and gauge participants' reactions to the overarching hypotheses of the theories mentioned above. The t-test and chi-square test were used to determine if a statistically significant difference in responses occurred between males and females. It was concluded that all t-tests and chi-square tests produced a p-value over the chosen Alpha level of 0.05, signifying that there is insufficient evidence to suggest a difference of means or a relationship at the 0.05 level. Among readers of online news, these theories appear concurrently among men and women.
This research investigated the polarized perception of the credibility of online news. While reports of bias in online journalism has caused underlying distrust of the medium, the ability of online news to satisfy readers’ emotional and partisan expectations plays a significant role in readers’ selection and response to online news. Research focused on four theories predicting negative reactions to online news, including the hostile media phenomenon, the mood management theory, the confirmation bias, and the third person effect. These emphasize how a reader’s individual partisanship and emotional state influence their selection and evaluation of online news stories. This research asked what nuance, if any, exists between the occurrence of these theories among men and women aged 18-32. A survey was designed to gauge this population. Participants were primarily students at a university in central Florida. 46 surveys were analyzed. Responses to six survey questions were analyzed that were worded specifically to question and gauge participants' reactions to the overarching hypotheses of the theories mentioned above. The t-test and chi-square test were used to determine if a statistically significant difference in responses occurred between males and females. It was concluded that all t-tests and chi-square tests produced a p-value over the chosen Alpha level of 0.05, signifying that there is insufficient evidence to suggest a difference of means or a relationship at the 0.05 level. Among readers of online news, these theories appear concurrently among men and women.
Eliza Moore, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Using “Echolocation” to Create a Better Cane for the Blind
The goal of this project was to create a cane that uses an ultrasonic sensor to measure a distance, the code changes the distance to a tone, and the tone frequency is then sent out through a speaker. The hypothesis was that if this cane were created, it would allow users to feel safer while walking by sending out tones frequently in a way that the cane sounds like a metal detector when being used. The code was created in arduino and used an arduino board to run the sensor and speaker. To test this, 4 subjects were blindfolded. Holding the sensor in their hand, subjects were asked to walk towards a wall starting 150 centimeters away. Subjects were asked to say when they could hear a distinct change in the tone of the speaker to help measure how often the change was notable for distances. The conclusion from this test was that in 150 centimeters, subjects were able to detect between 8-9 changes, each about 15.68 centimeters away. The overall conclusion was that the cane was effective in helping the visually impaired by using “echolocation” from the ultrasonic sensor to help.
The goal of this project was to create a cane that uses an ultrasonic sensor to measure a distance, the code changes the distance to a tone, and the tone frequency is then sent out through a speaker. The hypothesis was that if this cane were created, it would allow users to feel safer while walking by sending out tones frequently in a way that the cane sounds like a metal detector when being used. The code was created in arduino and used an arduino board to run the sensor and speaker. To test this, 4 subjects were blindfolded. Holding the sensor in their hand, subjects were asked to walk towards a wall starting 150 centimeters away. Subjects were asked to say when they could hear a distinct change in the tone of the speaker to help measure how often the change was notable for distances. The conclusion from this test was that in 150 centimeters, subjects were able to detect between 8-9 changes, each about 15.68 centimeters away. The overall conclusion was that the cane was effective in helping the visually impaired by using “echolocation” from the ultrasonic sensor to help.
Paul Sherrill, Brussels High School, Belgium
Mentor: Amy Parlo, Brussels High School
A Comparison of Measures to Reduce Air Pollution
Air Pollution is an important issue, with over 80% of people living in substandard air quality according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 4.2 million people die because of ambient air pollution, again according to the WHO. This experiment looked at two potential methods (the independent variables) of reducing indoor air pollution: a commercial air filter or leaving a window open. This comparison was made with (dependant variables) the United States’s Air Quality Index (AQI) and Particulate Matter smaller than two point five micrometers (PM 2.5 ). This experiment found that in AQI and PM 2.5 that the air filter was the most effective method. It is also important to note that the calculated p value for each of the comparisons exceeded the significance level, α, at .05. Therefore, we cannot reject the null hypothesis. Although differences did exist in the measured AQI and PM, they were not statistically significant enough to state that one method was more effective than another at improving air quality in the home nor more effective than the control group with no air quality reduction efforts.
Air Pollution is an important issue, with over 80% of people living in substandard air quality according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 4.2 million people die because of ambient air pollution, again according to the WHO. This experiment looked at two potential methods (the independent variables) of reducing indoor air pollution: a commercial air filter or leaving a window open. This comparison was made with (dependant variables) the United States’s Air Quality Index (AQI) and Particulate Matter smaller than two point five micrometers (PM 2.5 ). This experiment found that in AQI and PM 2.5 that the air filter was the most effective method. It is also important to note that the calculated p value for each of the comparisons exceeded the significance level, α, at .05. Therefore, we cannot reject the null hypothesis. Although differences did exist in the measured AQI and PM, they were not statistically significant enough to state that one method was more effective than another at improving air quality in the home nor more effective than the control group with no air quality reduction efforts.
Colin Roedl, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
The Evolution of Racial Representation in Television Production: An Analysis of Racial
Diversity within Prime Time Television
Racial representation on television has been changing ever since television was invented. This study aims to do two things: 1.) Track the trends television has been setting since the 1960s and showcase what the future of television might look like; 2.) Identify the audience’s opinions on the growing diversification within television as well as what racial groups believe about the past, present, and future of diversity on television. Using the research of Riva Tukachinsky and Dana Mastro, this project aimed to dive more deeply into the depiction of people of color on television since the start of television and less on their portrayal. This is done by creating an examination for each television show on primetime television (ABC, NBC, and CBS) to go through. The results show that minorities were heavily underrepresented on television from 1957 to 1990 and 19 shows passed the test during this period. The survey also shows how minorities agree that representation is necessary, as opposed to Caucasians, and how they felt underrepresented on television as a child while whites believe they were represented on
television as a child and that they are still represented now. The research will potentially serve as a blueprint for further studies to look into race portrayal and the future of racial representation on television which could be extended out to other countries and point out differences in television representation.
Diversity within Prime Time Television
Racial representation on television has been changing ever since television was invented. This study aims to do two things: 1.) Track the trends television has been setting since the 1960s and showcase what the future of television might look like; 2.) Identify the audience’s opinions on the growing diversification within television as well as what racial groups believe about the past, present, and future of diversity on television. Using the research of Riva Tukachinsky and Dana Mastro, this project aimed to dive more deeply into the depiction of people of color on television since the start of television and less on their portrayal. This is done by creating an examination for each television show on primetime television (ABC, NBC, and CBS) to go through. The results show that minorities were heavily underrepresented on television from 1957 to 1990 and 19 shows passed the test during this period. The survey also shows how minorities agree that representation is necessary, as opposed to Caucasians, and how they felt underrepresented on television as a child while whites believe they were represented on
television as a child and that they are still represented now. The research will potentially serve as a blueprint for further studies to look into race portrayal and the future of racial representation on television which could be extended out to other countries and point out differences in television representation.
Logan Ridenbaugh, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentors: Dr. Cole Anderson, LRMC Infectious Disease Laboratory, Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School
Effects Of Storage Time And Temperature On Norovirus Positive Stool Specimens Collected On Whatman FTA Elute Cards
Traveler's diarrhea (TD) remains a significant burden to operational readiness during military deployment and overseas travel. Pathogen detection is limited to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection in advanced laboratories and requires immediate processing or cold-chain management of stool samples. In this study, the researcher investigated the performance of Whatman Flinders Technology Associates Elute cards (FTA cards) in stabilizing Norovirus (NoV) positive stool samples for PCR detection at room temperature and 37° C for 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months. Detection rates and cycle thresholds (C t ) were compared between frozen and FTA card stored samples using NoV-specific PCR. Overall, the researcher did not detect a significant difference in positivity rates between frozen and FTA card stored samples. When comparing C t values, prolonged 37° C exposure for 2 months caused C t values to increase, notably a significant difference was observed between room temperature (RT) 1-month and 37° C 2-month storage conditions. The findings support the use of FTA cards for storage of stool samples and advancing the usage for molecular based pathogen detection.
Traveler's diarrhea (TD) remains a significant burden to operational readiness during military deployment and overseas travel. Pathogen detection is limited to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection in advanced laboratories and requires immediate processing or cold-chain management of stool samples. In this study, the researcher investigated the performance of Whatman Flinders Technology Associates Elute cards (FTA cards) in stabilizing Norovirus (NoV) positive stool samples for PCR detection at room temperature and 37° C for 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months. Detection rates and cycle thresholds (C t ) were compared between frozen and FTA card stored samples using NoV-specific PCR. Overall, the researcher did not detect a significant difference in positivity rates between frozen and FTA card stored samples. When comparing C t values, prolonged 37° C exposure for 2 months caused C t values to increase, notably a significant difference was observed between room temperature (RT) 1-month and 37° C 2-month storage conditions. The findings support the use of FTA cards for storage of stool samples and advancing the usage for molecular based pathogen detection.
Hampton Moore, Rota High School, Spain
Mentor: Noel Ramos, Rota High School
Using Evolutionary Algorithms to Create Continuous Equations from Correlated Variables
This paper analyzes the usage of evolutionary algorithms to create a continuous equation from a series of points. For each of the five equations tested the system was trying to map, 500 tests were done for both evolutionary algorithms and a randomness algorithm with the slowest and fastest 10% of results removed. It was found that evolution algorithms were faster than random algorithms on the equations f(x) = x + 5, f(x; y) = xy, and f(x; y) = (xx + y)=2 all with P-Values below 0.0001. The evolutionary algorithm and the random algorithm performed about the same on f(x) = xx being within 2ms of each other. The random algorithm was shown to be over twice as fast on the equation f(x; y) = (x + 5) y with it finishing in on average 144913ms and the evolution algorithm finishing in on average 326268ms.
This paper analyzes the usage of evolutionary algorithms to create a continuous equation from a series of points. For each of the five equations tested the system was trying to map, 500 tests were done for both evolutionary algorithms and a randomness algorithm with the slowest and fastest 10% of results removed. It was found that evolution algorithms were faster than random algorithms on the equations f(x) = x + 5, f(x; y) = xy, and f(x; y) = (xx + y)=2 all with P-Values below 0.0001. The evolutionary algorithm and the random algorithm performed about the same on f(x) = xx being within 2ms of each other. The random algorithm was shown to be over twice as fast on the equation f(x; y) = (x + 5) y with it finishing in on average 144913ms and the evolution algorithm finishing in on average 326268ms.
Sierra Goodfellow, Vicenza High School, Italy
Mentor: Ryan Goodfellow, Vicenza High School
The Effectiveness of LED Bulbs in Attracting Halyomorpha Halys
This experiment was designed to test whether or not LED lights are effective in attracting Halyomorpha halys (the brown marmorated stink bug). In this experiment, the researcher created four traps using LED and incandescent light bulbs, and rotated them through four areas in a domestic setting. The results of the experiment showed that both incandescent and LED bulbs attracted H. halys; however the incandescent bulbs attracted more of the bugs. An ANOVA analysis showed that there was no statistical difference between any of the different lights. This means that LED lights can be used to attract H. halys, but more research is needed to determine if they are as effective as incandescent lights.
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This experiment was designed to test whether or not LED lights are effective in attracting Halyomorpha halys (the brown marmorated stink bug). In this experiment, the researcher created four traps using LED and incandescent light bulbs, and rotated them through four areas in a domestic setting. The results of the experiment showed that both incandescent and LED bulbs attracted H. halys; however the incandescent bulbs attracted more of the bugs. An ANOVA analysis showed that there was no statistical difference between any of the different lights. This means that LED lights can be used to attract H. halys, but more research is needed to determine if they are as effective as incandescent lights.
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Sophie Hoffman, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Examining x-ray sources to detect possible optical candidates/counterparts in the Omega
Centauri globular cluster.
This project aims to examine the globular cluster Omega Centauri to find potential optical counterparts to X-ray sources within the cluster. Using the programs and archive SAO DS9, VizieR, and Hubble Legacy Archive to determine which sources contain an optical counterpart by using blue and red filters to create a color magnitude diagram. Using these color magnitude diagrams to identify outliers in the white dwarf area, will reveal optical counterparts. With these methods 18 possible optical counterparts
were found. The possible optical counterparts include the sources 12c, 13g,14f, 22j, 23f, 23g, 24i, 31e, 31f, 32h, 32i, 33n, 33q, 43k, 43j, 43l, 44f, and 64f.
Centauri globular cluster.
This project aims to examine the globular cluster Omega Centauri to find potential optical counterparts to X-ray sources within the cluster. Using the programs and archive SAO DS9, VizieR, and Hubble Legacy Archive to determine which sources contain an optical counterpart by using blue and red filters to create a color magnitude diagram. Using these color magnitude diagrams to identify outliers in the white dwarf area, will reveal optical counterparts. With these methods 18 possible optical counterparts
were found. The possible optical counterparts include the sources 12c, 13g,14f, 22j, 23f, 23g, 24i, 31e, 31f, 32h, 32i, 33n, 33q, 43k, 43j, 43l, 44f, and 64f.
Charlotte White, Lakenheath High School, United Kingdom
Mentor: Michael Seitz, Lakenheath High School
Minimizing Error in Machine Learning Algorithms by Adjusting Model Hyperparameters
Machine learning allows a computer system to detect patterns and make inferences without the need for explicit instructions. Machine learning techniques can be applied to many fields both inside and outside of computer science, such as economics or healthcare. The researcher’s focus in this study is not on the prediction of specific data but rather on the optimization of the machine learning model itself in order to produce more accurate predictions based on any data set. To optimize the model, the researcher analyzed the resulting error of twenty-seven combinations of three input values (batch size, step size, and learning rate) upon the prediction of median house values given the population in a compact geographical area using data from the 1990 U.S. Census. While the researcher hypothesized that each individual variable
would have a direct, independent effect on the resulting error, the data demonstrated that this is partially true, but also that two of the input variables are interdependent in producing ideal results. This study produced nine combinations of the three variables that yielded optimal predictions that may be used with other data sets, while simultaneously demonstrating the complexity of the optimization of machine learning models.
Machine learning allows a computer system to detect patterns and make inferences without the need for explicit instructions. Machine learning techniques can be applied to many fields both inside and outside of computer science, such as economics or healthcare. The researcher’s focus in this study is not on the prediction of specific data but rather on the optimization of the machine learning model itself in order to produce more accurate predictions based on any data set. To optimize the model, the researcher analyzed the resulting error of twenty-seven combinations of three input values (batch size, step size, and learning rate) upon the prediction of median house values given the population in a compact geographical area using data from the 1990 U.S. Census. While the researcher hypothesized that each individual variable
would have a direct, independent effect on the resulting error, the data demonstrated that this is partially true, but also that two of the input variables are interdependent in producing ideal results. This study produced nine combinations of the three variables that yielded optimal predictions that may be used with other data sets, while simultaneously demonstrating the complexity of the optimization of machine learning models.