Upper-division Undergraduate Students Research Articles

Dos Hemisferios: putting high-quality Ecuadorian wines on the map

Learning outcomes The learning objectives include understanding the unique environment and challenges that business leaders face when developing new businesses in emerging markets, evaluating the firm’s internal and external environments, analyzing sales data and distribution channels and formulating new strategies. Case overview/synopsis Dos Hemisferios Winery, founded in 1999 as a hobby, grew into a family business. The Ecuadorian winery expanded production after winning an international award for its Paradoja blend in 2009. With a $10m investment in a new plant in 2017, the winery capacity increased to 500,000 bottles. President Robert Wright recognized the need to increase sales, aiming to sell at least 425,000 bottles annually at an average price of $8 per bottle to break even and become profitable in 2024. To tap into Ecuador’s top market in Quito, representing 46% of sales, Dos Hemisferios aimed to boost monthly revenues to $50,000 by addressing challenges such as low awareness and consumer reluctance. Initiatives under consideration included partnerships and events, winery tours, enhanced social media, new products and improved sales channel distribution. Complexity academic level The Dos Hemisferios case is appropriate for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students in global business and strategy courses. The learning objectives for the case study include: understanding the unique environment and challenges business leaders face when developing new businesses in emerging markets; evaluating the firm’s internal and external environments to determine its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; analyzing sales data and distribution channels for the business; and providing students with the opportunity to formulate strategies to gain more share of the Ecuadorian wine market. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

Exploring the Chemistry of the Mechanical Bond: Synthesis of a [2]Rotaxane through Multicomponent Reactions.

The synthesis of a [2]rotaxane through three- or five-component coupling reactions has been adapted to an organic chemistry experiment for upper-division students. The experimental procedure addresses the search for the most favorable reaction conditions for the synthesis of the interlocked compound, which is obtained in a yield of up to 71%. Moreover, the interlocked nature of the rotaxane is proven by NMR spectroscopy. The content of the sessions has been designed on the basis of a proactive methodology whereby upper-division undergraduate students have a dynamic role. The laboratory experience not only introduces students to the chemistry of the mechanical bond but also reinforces their previous knowledge of basic organic laboratory procedures and their skills with structural elucidation techniques such as NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies. The experiment has been designed in such a customizable way that both experimental procedures and laboratory material can be adapted to a wide range of undergraduate course curricula.

Experienced provers’ uses of contexts while engaging in combinatorial proof of binomial identities

Combinatorial proofs of binomial identities involve establishing an identity by arguing that each side enumerates a certain set of outcomes. In this paper, we share results from interviews with experienced provers (mathematicians and upper-division undergraduate mathematics students) and examine one particular aspect of combinatorial proof, namely the kinds of contexts that experienced provers used to establish combinatorial proofs of binomial identities. Our findings show that overall, our participants used a variety of contexts in their work; we also demonstrate ways in which previous experiences influenced the contexts they chose, and we offer some instances in which features of a context supported their combinatorial proof production. We offer some theoretical implications of our work, and we conclude with a discussion of limitations and avenues for future work.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Metal-Free Organic Dye-Sensitizer for Solar Cell: An Advanced Organic Chemistry Research-Based Laboratory

A multistep synthesis of a metal-free organic dye-sensitizer for solar cells was developed as a multifaceted research project for upper-division undergraduate students with a goal of introducing students to the application of organic synthesis in material science, and renewable energy research. The characterization of the dye is done by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), NMR, IR, melting point, UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.

Screening the PRISM Library against Staphylococcus aureus Reveals a Sesquiterpene Lactone from Liriodendron tulipifera with Inhibitory Activity.

Infections caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus continue to pose threats to human health and put a financial burden on the healthcare system. The overuse of antibiotics has contributed to mutations leading to the emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and there is a critical need for the discovery and development of new antibiotics to evade drug-resistant bacteria. Medicinal plants have shown promise as sources of new small-molecule therapeutics with potential uses against pathogenic infections. The principal Rhode Island secondary metabolite (PRISM) library is a botanical extract library generated from specimens in the URI Youngken Medicinal Garden by upper-division undergraduate students. PRISM extracts were screened for activity against strains of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). An extract generated from the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) demonstrated growth inhibition against MSSA, and a bioassay-guided approach identified a sesquiterpene lactone, laurenobiolide, as the active constituent. Intriguingly, its isomers, tulipinolide and epi-tulipinolide, lacked potent activity against MSSA. Laurenobiolide also proved to be more potent against MSSA than the structurally similar sesquiterpene lactones, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone. Laurenobiolide was the most abundant in the twig bark of the tulip tree, supporting the twig bark’s historical and cultural usage in poultices and teas.

Learning research skills: Business students’ instructional preferences and the impact of the pandemic

This study will capture a snapshot of the instructional preferences of business students and the behavioral and personal characteristics that affect their choice. A survey was distributed to upper division (junior and senior level) undergraduate business students, to gather information about students’ instructional preferences, assessment of research skills, and personal/behavioral characteristics that affect their choice. The study found both in 2020 and 2021 that business students prefer to learn new research skills in a one-on-one appointment in-person rather than a classroom setting or on their own through web guides or videos. Students in both years rated themselves as having good to excellent research skills and cited work and family responsibilities as the top reasons that prevented them from seeking research instruction. This study highlights the instructional modality preferences of upper division undergraduate business students and the factors that prevent students from receiving research assistance.

Iron-Based Tandem Catalysis: From Petroleum toward Pharmaceutical Laboratories for Organic Undergraduate Students─Product Identification by TLC and 1H NMR

Catalysis and catalytic cycles are widely used in both research and industry. The addition of a catalysis experiment into the undergraduate laboratory curriculum is important and necessary training to expand student learning. Here, an experiment demonstrating iron-based tandem catalysis was developed and implemented in an organic chemistry course for second-year and upper-division undergraduate students at Mississippi State University. The experiment uses TLC and 1H NMR to track the reaction and identify the core pharmaceutical structure produced during the experiment. Reactions contained inside the catalytic cycles include iminium generation, imino-ene condensation, and aza-Prins reaction. The catalytic cycle approach allows for a decrease in time for reaction, chemicals, and waste produced. This experiment was successfully tested over two semesters (110 students) at a major university. Learning objectives were met to support student understanding of catalytic cycles and reaction mechanisms. This laboratory experiment provided hands-on experience using TLC and 1H NMR to identify a core structure of pharmaceutical compounds produced from petroleum.

Multivariate Polymer Laboratory on Synthesis of Alginate Hydrogel Beads and Analysis of Dye Loading and Release

We have developed a multivariate and multidisciplinary lab experiment on the synthesis of alginate hydrogel beads of various sizes and dye encapsulation for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. This experiment introduces students to several common concepts in polymer chemistry, materials science, and drug delivery. The experiment series runs over two 3-h laboratories where students first synthesize alginate beads by dropwise addition of an alginate solution into aqueous CaCl2. The alginate bead size is regulated physically via the dropper opening and chemically via cross-linking ion variation, cross-linking time, and surfactant. During the second lab session, students explore the effects of bead size and solution environment on the gel’s loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and controlled release using a model dye. Finally, students present their results, methodology, and data analysis to the class. A report and an exam allow the students to demonstrate their knowledge. Students learn critical drug delivery concepts throughout the project, including controlling particle size, loading capacity, and encapsulation efficiency. They also acquire valuable insight into the applications of gel particles and standard techniques used in industrial and academic research. The developed lab experience includes experiments of varying difficulty and can be adapted to first- and second-year undergraduate students by simplifying the suggested laboratory procedures.

Teaching Procedural Skills in Atomic Absorption and Atomic Emission Spectrometry Using a Simulator Designed with Excel Spreadsheets to Upper-Division Undergraduate Students

Teaching Procedural Skills in Atomic Absorption and Atomic Emission Spectrometry Using a Simulator Designed with Excel Spreadsheets to Upper-Division Undergraduate Students

Upward feedback falling on deaf ears: the effect on provider organizational citizenship and counterproductive work behaviors in the audit profession

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how firms can enhance feedback systems by studying the effects of offering junior auditors an opportunity to provide upward feedback and acknowledging their voice has been heard and will be considered for evaluation purposes.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a 2 × 1 + 1 (voice confirmation × opportunity + no opportunity) between-subjects experimental design that manipulated upward feedback opportunity (i.e., opportunity or no opportunity) and voice confirmation for those that do receive upward feedback opportunity (i.e., receive indication upward feedback was heard and will be considered or receive no indication upward feedback was heard). Within the no upward feedback opportunity condition participants did not have a chance to receive voice confirmation.FindingsThrough analysis of 117 upper-division undergraduate accounting students, the authors find the receipt of upward feedback opportunity and voice confirmation positively influence justice perceptions. Furthermore, the authors find interactional justice is positively associated with organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB), negatively associated with counterproductive work behaviors (CWB) and mediates the association between upward feedback voice confirmation and both OCB and CWB through indirect-only mediation. The authors also find distributive justice facilitates competitive and indirect-only mediation between upward feedback opportunity and OCB and CWB.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the influence of giving staff auditors the opportunity to provide upward feedback and informing upward feedback providers (e.g., staff) their voice has been heard and will be considered for evaluation purposes.

One-Pot Synthetic Approach to Dipyrromethanes and Bis(indolyl)methanes via Nitrosoalkene Chemistry

A one-pot regio- and stereoselective synthesis of a dipyrromethane and a bis(indolyl)methane based on two consecutive reactions of nitrosoalkenes with pyrrole or indole, respectively, is described as an experiment to be carried out by upper-division undergraduate students in a laboratory classroom. Importantly, the ability of electrophilic conjugated nitrosoalkenes to react via Michael addition or hetero-Diels–Alder reactions with electron-rich heterocycles will provide an opportunity for students to acknowledge alternative reaction pathways underlying certain transformations. Reactions were performed under mild conditions using water as a solvent, followed by purification through column chromatography on silica gel, and characterization of the desired products by NMR and IR spectroscopy. This laboratory experiment combines organic synthesis, determination of the purity of compounds (TLC analysis and melting point measurements), as well as structural analysis (interpretation of 1D NMR spectra). Several important organic chemistry concepts, such as stereo- and regioselectivity, in situ generation and reactivity of conjugated nitrosoalkenes, conjugated 1,4-addition reactions, and cycloaddition reactions, are also discussed.

Identification of Synthetic Organic Pigments in Contemporary Artists’ Paints by FT-IR and FT-Raman: An Advanced Analytical Experiment

The identification of coloring substances is a relevant task in the field of conservation and restoration, but it can be challenging as in real samples the target analytes are inserted in a very complex matrix made of binders and additives. Understanding this concept is fundamental for upper-division undergraduate students interested in conservation science; therefore, this laboratory experiment aims to make students aware of this problem and leads them to develop a simple protocol combining two spectroscopic techniques, FT-IR and FT-Raman, and basic chemical treatments to overcome this difficulty. The case of the two quinacridone pigments, PR122 and PV19, is presented and discussed, although the same approach can be extended to other commercially available organic pigments.

Teach What You Preach: A Comprehensive Guide to the Policy Memo as a Methods Teaching Tool

Students and instructors alike have lamented the nature of methods instruction in political science curricula. Existing research has presented a number of innovative approaches to engage students in this important learning enterprise, from blogging and simulations to data visualization and the use of clickers. This article builds upon this literature by arguing that the policy memo is particularly suited for introducing basic methodological concepts to upper-division undergraduate students. To facilitate its use for this purpose in addition to its utility as a knowledge assessment tool, I offer a policy memo template based on over ten years of experience as a strategist and analyst in the U.S. military. The article also includes a detailed description of the basic methodological concepts that can be developed through each section of the template. Specifically, the policy memo can be used to introduce students to concepts like identifying a critical research question, defining and measuring variables, conducting a literature review, developing hypotheses, using data to assess hypotheses, evaluating the authoritativeness of sources, and devising the theoretical implications of one’s research. I present some preliminary results that support the policy memo’s inclusion as a tool of methods instruction, but the pedagogical literature - which argues for integrative, experiential, relevant, and short assignments - provides the strongest rationale for its use.

Teach What You Preach

Students and instructors alike have lamented the nature of methods instruction in political science curricula. Existing research has presented a number of innovative approaches to engage students in this important learning enterprise, from blogging and simulations to data visualization and the use of clickers. This article builds upon this literature by arguing that the policy memo is particularly suited for introducing basic methodological concepts to upper-division undergraduate students. To facilitate its use for this purpose in addition to its utility as a knowledge assessment tool, I offer a policy memo template based on over ten years of experience as a strategist and analyst in the U.S. military. The article also includes a detailed description of the basic methodological concepts that can be developed through each section of the template. Specifically, the policy memo can be used to introduce students to concepts like identifying a critical research question, defining and measuring variables, conducting a literature review, developing hypotheses, using data to assess hypotheses, evaluating the authoritativeness of sources, and devising the theoretical implications of one’s research. I present some preliminary results that support the policy memo’s inclusion as a tool of methods instruction, but the pedagogical literature - which argues for integrative, experiential, relevant, and short assignments - provides the strongest rationale for its use.

Gender and Engineering Identity among Upper-Division Undergraduate Students

AbstractThe construction industry’s long-term health depends upon continued efforts to understand historically excluded students’ attrition from engineering programs. For women, lack of identificat...

Integrating Natural Product Chemistry Workflows into Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory Training: Building the PRISM Library and Cultivating Independent Research

Chemical screening libraries often feature natural product extracts (NPEs) due to the intriguing biological activities they possess and the structural diversity found in their individual components. A research project originally designed to create an extract library of every specimen in the University of Rhode Island (URI) Heber W. Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden soon turned into a laboratory-based teaching project in which upper-division undergraduate students generated and analyzed extracts in an academic minisemester project. Additionally, motivated upper-division undergraduates carried out independent research isolating biologically active molecules. Hands-on laboratory activities enhanced students’ knowledge of methodologies and workflows associated with extract analysis and biological evaluation of botanical extracts. The synergy of the laboratory course with the independent study contributed to workforce preparation and library generation.

Students engage in primary literature in molecular biology techniques using an online journal club format.

Campus closures in Spring 2020 required rapid transition to online course delivery. Fall 2020 has similar needs and expectations. The Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology Techniques course, designed for upper division undergraduate and graduate students, uses a "journal club" format. The journal club format includes practice-based learning and provides student choice. Examples from graduate students effectively model the expectations using near-peer instruction. Teaching in the time of COVID-19 requires openness to new ideas and modifications to previous approaches. We were able to move the course online with little interruption.

Determining the Ternary Phase Diagram of Benzene–Acetic Acid–Water Using Isothermal Titration Microcalorimetry to Train Upper-Level Undergraduates in Advanced Calorimetry Methods

A new method to determine a ternary phase diagram of benzene–acetic acid–water system is provided to upper-division undergraduate students. The partially miscible liquid phase region can be accurat...

A CURE Biochemistry Laboratory Module to Study Protein-Protein Interactions by NMR Spectroscopy.

Design of undergraduate laboratory courses that provide meaningful research-based experiences enhance undergraduate curricula and prepare future graduate students for research careers. In this article, a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) laboratory module was designed for upper-division undergraduate biochemistry and chemistry students. The laboratory module enabled students to build upon recently published data in the literature to decipher atomistic insight for an essential protein-protein interaction in human biology through the use of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy. Students compared their results with published data with the goal of identifying specific regions of the protein-protein interaction responsible for triggering an allosteric conformational change. The laboratory module introduced students to basic and advance laboratory techniques, including protein purification, NMR spectroscopy, and analysis of protein structure using molecular visualization software.

Paris in Modern Times: From the Old Regime to the Present Day by Casey Harison

Reviewed by: Paris in Modern Times: From the Old Regime to the Present Day by Casey Harison Sharon L. Fairchild Harison, Casey, Paris in Modern Times: From the Old Regime to the Present Day. Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN 978-1-3500-0552-5. Pp. 344. These past few years have seen a fair amount of scholarship devoted to the urban history of Paris beginning at the end of the nineteenth century, such as the construction boom of housing projects, poor neighborhoods surrounding the city, and recreational structures. Paris in Modern Times is a textbook of Parisian history aimed at upper-division undergraduate or graduate students. It contributes to urban development studies, analyzing the less-studied circumstances of the working classes and poor in Paris, while tracing the development of modernity in the city. This book provides a survey of political events and cultural phenomena in Paris from the end of the Revolution to the early twenty-first century. With its focus exclusively on Paris, it attempts to fill a gap that Harison perceives in the field of French history. This ambitious work has a large scope. Each chapter is organized into four broad categories of politics, society, economy, and culture. They are headed by a chronology and the categories are further divided into subsections. Sidebar articles animate the narrative by treating interesting unique phenomena such as chiffonniers, bouquinistes, bridges of Paris, bread, etc. Paris has always occupied a dominant, yet problematic place in French culture and politics. Regions outside of Paris struggled with the overbearing influence of the capital, yet it was here that modernity was born. It was a center that fostered new political ideas, artistic styles, culture, and philosophy that influenced other countries. Although the text includes passages on literature, music, and art, it emphasizes social history, especially the "Other Paris" and the "Social Question," the working and lower classes. The book is well-suited to be used as a reference, due to its organization, useful chronologies, and the fact that the chapters appear to have been written independently from each other. Because of this structure, however, the narrative is at times disjointed and lacks continuity. The text bounces back and forth in time within the sections, giving rise to the repetition of events and references to individuals already discussed in other contexts. As Harison admits in the introduction, the analysis is broader than it is deep (2), which is evident as the reader would like to discover not only what events took place, but how they developed. Harison's work is laudable for its extensive coverage, detail, and commitment to the story of the "Other Paris," but suffers from a lack of editing. It is flawed by frequent typographical errors, as well as misnomers such [End Page 246] as "likelihood" instead of "livelihood" (90), "sew" instead of "sow (182), "formally" instead of "formerly" (116), and other errors. In addition, references to various images (figures) are problematic. The text (56) refers to Figure 2.5, which should be Figure 2.4. Discussing the number of foreigners in Paris (106), the text refers to an unrelated photo of a shopping arcade ten pages earlier (Figure 4.3, 97); and a photo of the Paris Hôtel de Ville (Figure 7.4) does not support the discussion of tourism. Nevertheless, this is a practical and useful work. Sharon L. Fairchild Texas Christian University, emerita Copyright © 2020 American Association of Teachers of French