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UNIVERSIDAD METROPOLITANA (UMET)

IS PROUD TO HOST THE

SPRING 2008 PRE-COLLEGE

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

SHOWCASING MINORITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MENTORED RESEARCH

Leadership at SUAGM/MIE Project

Juan F. Arratia, Ph. D.

NSF/UMET MIE Project

Director and Principal Investigator

Executive Director

Student Research Development Center

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

May 17, 2008

Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium

May 18, 2008 ii

NSF/UMET/MIE

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez (AGMUS)

Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE)

MISSION

NSF/AGMUS/MIE is dedicated to transforming its institutions into nationally recognized

undergraduate research institutions and models in science, mathematics, pre-engineering

and technology. Mentoring undergraduates by research faculty is the cornerstone of the

MIE Project. We believe that creative research is one of the best ways to prepare students

to become persistent and successful in graduate school and in their professional careers.

After thirteen years of MIE experience, the Ana G. Méndez University System (AGMUS)

through the Institutional Development Center, will disseminate the best MIE practices into

AGMUS campuses at Universidad del Turabo and Universidad del Este transforming the

mission for all the System.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The primary goal of the NSF/AGMUS/MIE cooperative agreement is to increase the

number of BS degrees granted to underrepresented students in science, mathematics,

engineering, and technology (SMET) at Universidad Metropolitana and its sister

institutions, Universidad del Este and Universidad del Turabo, during the dissemination

phase. NSF/AGMUS/MIE offers a wide range of academic opportunities to science and

engineering students from AGMUS. Scholarships for underrepresented and low-income

students are a major incentive for first-generation university students who enter the fields

of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

To increase the number of BS degrees and transfers to graduate school, we have put in

place an undergraduate research program with a pre-college component for research

activities at the high school level where potential young scientists are involved in science

projects mentored by faculty members. Cooperative and collaborative learning strategies,

presentations at scientific conferences, scientific writing and co-authorship, technology

literacy, and preparation for graduate school are among the activities that are transforming

the philosophy of the institution.

GOALS

The main goals of the AGMUS/MIE Research Symposium agenda are to encourage pre-

college and undergraduate research with faculty and student research mentors; develop

students’ written and oral communication skills; provide the opportunity for students to

share their research in a scientific environment; provide a forum in Puerto Rico for faculty

and students to foster interest in graduate education, particularly at the Ph. D. level; and to

set national research standards for pre-college and undergraduate research presentations.

Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium

May 18, 2008 iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Conference at a Glance …………………………………………………………… 1

Message from the Vice President of Planning and Academic Affairs

Mr. Jorge Crespo…………………………………………………………… 2

Message from the Chancellor of Universidad Metropolitana

Dr. Federico Matheu ………………………………………………………. 3

Message from the Director and Principal Investigator

Dr. Juan F. Arratia ………………………………………………………… 4

Ana G. Méndez University System (AGMUS) Profile ………………………….. 5

Prologue…………………………………………………………………………… 6

Keynote Speaker………………………………………………………………….. 7

Schedule of Events ……………………………………………………………….. 8

Abstracts:

Biological Sciences………………………………………………………... 18

Chemistry………………………………………………………………….. 27

Computer Sciences………………………………………………………… 32

Physics…………………………………………………………………….. 34

Environmental Sciences…………………………………………………… 35

Atmospheric Sciences……………………………………………………… 39

Acknowledgments ………………………………………………………………… 43

Index of Presenters ………………………………………………………………... 45

1

SISTEMA UNIVERSITARIO ANA G. MÉNDEZ STUDENT RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CENTER

MODEL INSTITUTIONS FOR EXCELLENCE

SPRING 2008 PRE-COLLEGE

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008 UMET THEATHER – MORALES CARRIÓN BUILDING

7:00 – 8:00 a.m. Poster Session Set-Up

Continental Breakfast

Registration

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Juan López Garriga

University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Poster Session (Lobby, Jesús T. Piñero Building)

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Oral Research Presentations (Amphitheatre and Theater)

11:30 – 12:30 m. Award Ceremony and Closing Remarks

12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Brunch

1:00 p.m. Symposium Adjourns

4

May 17, 2008

Pre-College Students:

The Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium is the culmination of the activities and dissemination

process of the Saturday Academy Program of the Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE), a National

Science Foundation sponsored program at Universidad Metropolitana (UMET). For a period of four

months, since January 2008, sixty-nine pre-college students from fiveteen private and nine public high

schools in Puerto Rico worked long hours in the research laboratories of the Departments of Science and

Technology at UMET and in the field with the guidance and mentorship of two college professors and ten

student research mentors in forty-four research projects in the areas of biological sciences, chemistry,

computer sciences and atmospheric sciences.

One of the objectives of the Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium is to offer young motivated

high school researchers the opportunity to learn and to practice their communication skills in a formal

professional scientific meeting. A second objective is to give high school students of Puerto Rico a forum

for the presentation of the results and findings of their research projects to teachers, research mentors,

family members, and the university community at large.

The MIE Project is proud of the results obtained by the pre-college students and their mentors in the

Spring 2008 Saturday Academy Program and the Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium. I hope

your experience inspires you and your peers to select science, technology, engineering or mathematics as

your field of study in the near future.

My sincere appreciation goes to the MIE staff of the Pre-College Program, the MIE peer mentors and

faculty from the Department of Science and Technology at UMET for their effort and commitment to

implement the Spring 2008 Saturday Academy Program and the Spring 2008 Pre-College Research

Symposium. This event would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the National

Science Foundation and the NASA Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium.

Sincerely yours,

Juan F. Arratia, Ph. D.


Universidad Metropolitana

MIE Project

PO BOX 21150 SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO 00928-1150 TEL. (787)766-1717 EXT 6000 FAX (787)751-5386

5

ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (AGMUS) PROFILE

As an Educational Institution

The Ana G. Méndez University System is home to approximately 30,000 undergraduate and

graduate students who are mainly underrepresented low-income minority students from the

Metropolitan San Juan area in Puerto Rico. Three institutions form the AGMUS University

System: Universidad Metropolitana, Universidad del Este, and Universidad del Turabo. All have

been teaching institutions since their foundation in 1948. Today, however, their philosophy has

changed to address the students’ study needs and the requirements of society. The President of

the institution, Mr. José F. Méndez, has set the agenda for them to become the best

undergraduate research institutions in Puerto Rico. Additionally, the President has set the goal to

implement the MIE best practices at Universidad del Turabo and Universidad del Este and

transform AGMUS into a leading undergraduate research institution.

As an Undergraduate Research Institution

In 1995, UMET was selected by the National Science Foundation as a Model Institution for

Excellence (MIE) school. At that time, a five-year Cooperative Agreement for more than $11

million was signed between UMET and the NSF. A second Cooperative Agreement was signed

on October 1, 2000 for an additional three years for $7.5 million. A third phase of MIE was

granted in April 2004 with an additional investment of $2.5 million. The main objective of the

relationship with NSF was to transform UMET into a model for Hispanic Serving Institutions in

the nation. The major goals were to enroll a considerable number of high school students in

UMET’s science offerings and to increase the number of BS degrees granted by UMET, to

transfer a significant number of science students to graduate school, and to enroll them in Ph. D.

programs to fulfill the goals and aspirations of a greater number of minorities in the science,

mathematics, and engineering fields. The experience of transforming UMET into a national

competitive undergraduate research institution where faculty research mentors help high school

and undergraduate science students to create knowledge and disseminate creative thinking

among the members of the university community will be shared with Universidad del Este and

Universidad del Turabo. The Pre-College and the Undergraduate Research Program, sponsored

by the National Science Foundation and the NASA Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium, are

paving the way for research-oriented activities for the benefit of students and the nation as a

whole.

6

PROLOGUE

The sponsorship of the National Science Foundation has been fundamental for the

implementation of the Pre-College Program at Universidad Metropolitana (UMET). For thirteen

years, the Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) Project has organized the Saturday Academy

Program. In 2006 a new dimension was established with the dissemination of the MIE best

practices extended to Universidad del Turabo and Universidad del Este (UNE). The main goal

of this program is to motivate high school students to pursue careers in science, technology,

engineering and mathematics at the BS and graduate level. The Saturday Academy Program

usually extends for sixteen weeks during the months of January through May. Students from

public and private schools, enrolled in grades 10, 11 and 12, conduct research under the

mentorship of faculty and student research mentors from the Department of Science and

Technology and the MIE Project at UMET. More than two thousand pre-college students have

learned the fundamentals of scientific research through their participation in the Saturday

Academy Program at UMET. For the last seven years, a symposium has been organized to

present the results of this activity to the university community and to motivate other Puerto

Rican students to engage in scientific research.

The Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium held at Universidad Metropolitana, on May

17, 2008, showcases the research experiences of one hundred five (105) pre-college students

from thirty-two schools in Puerto Rico. Forty-four research projects are presented at the

Symposium in the form of posters and oral presentations. The mentorship of twenty faculty and

student research mentors from the Department of Science and Technology at UMET made

possible the concretization of the research projects. Their results are documented in the pages of

this booklet. This year eleven projects developed at public and privates high school of the

educational system of Puerto Rico are presented in poster format.

The National Science Foundation, Universidad Metropolitana, and the Model Institutions for

Excellence Project are proud of the research work conducted by the Saturday Academy Spring

2008 participants. This year the NASA Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium is part of the

supporting agency funding the Pre-College Research Program. We hope this Symposium will be

a vehicle by which the scientific productivity of high school students from Puerto Rico will be

disseminated in future years.

7

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

DR. JUAN LOPEZ GARRIGA

Professor of Chemistry

University of Puerto Rico

Mayagüez Campus

Dr. Juan López Garriga completed a doctoral degree in Physical Chemistry at Michigan State

University in East Lansing and post doctoral degrees at Michigan State University and Los

Alamos National Laboratory. His education interests include the development and

implementation of coherent links between pre-college education and the university. He has more

than 50 research publications in the area of chemistry, especially in structure, dynamics, and

function relationships in hemeproteins involved in ligand transfer, electron transfer, and ligand

reactivity. He has received numerous honors and awards; among others, those given by the

American Chemical Society, the 2000 USA Presidential Award for Excellence in Science,

Mathematics, Engineering Mentoring, and the Distinguished Alumni Professor granted by the

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. He has received grants and awards exceeding $8 million

from the National Science Foundation, NIH, industries, DOE, NASA, and Howard Hughes

Foundation. He has offered more than 100 presentations at local, national and international

conferences, seminars and technical meetings. He has mentored students at the pre-college,

undergraduate and graduate levels in STEM fields. He is a member of the American Chemical

Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Inter-American Photochemical

Society, and the National Science Teachers Association. He is a member of the Puerto Rico

Academy of Arts and Sciences, a professor at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus,

the Director of both the Puerto Rico Global Learning Observations to Benefit the Environment

(GLOBE) and the Science on Wheels Program.

8

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008 THEATER, UNIVERSIDAD METROPOLITANA

7:00 – 8:00 am.

POSTER SESSION SET-UP

Continental Breakfast

REGISTRATION

POSTER SESSION SET-UP

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. OPENING CEREMONY

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Juan López Garriga,

University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. POSTER SESSION LOBBY JESÚS T. PIÑERO BUILDING

BIOLOGY

CELLULAR MOLECULAR

BIOLOGY

COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

PHYSICS

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES

Chairperson: Dr. Juan F. Arratia


Student Research Development Center

BIOLOGY

Amarilys Fernández, Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San

Juan, Puerto Rico.

Stepping into Life: Design and Construction of a Low-Cost

Prosthesis Prototype for Low-Income Communities

(1)

Ana G. Rodríguez, Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Does Chronic Hepatitis C Affect the Quality of Life in a

Group of Puerto Rican Patients?

(2)

Ana V. Colón, H. Muhammed, Perpetuo Socorro

Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Association Between Temperatura and the Prevalence of

Dengue Fever

(3)

9

Verónica Casellas and Wanda Schell, Perpetuo Socorro


The Evaluation of Physical Attractiveness as Rated by

Puerto Rican Adolescents

(4)

Sheydanis Díaz, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.

Land Snails as a Non Point Source of Coliform Bacteria in

Pristine Streams

(5)

CELLULAR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Gabriel A. Díaz, Natalia N. Maldonado, Melizabeth

Santana, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Ángel L. Mundo, Saint Francis School, Carolina, Puerto

Rico.

Developmental Protein Expression Levels in the Puerto

Rican Diet

(6)

Whitney Nieves, Chiara Ramos, Bautista de Puerto

Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Ashley Rivera, Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo,

Puerto Rico.

Progesterone Expression Levels in the Puerto Rican Diet

(7)


Ephraim Acevedo and Yea Jin Ko, Bautista de Puerto


Hemophilia A: Comprension of the Disease-Associated

Coagulating Factor VIII (F8) Gene Activities

(8)

Ariana Rodríguez and Jesús O’Neill, Bautista de Puerto


Evolution and Functional Diversification of Factor XIII A

Subunit 1 (F13A1) Gene

(9)

10

Wilda M. Rivera and Stephanie Y. Negrón, Bautista de

Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Evolution of COL1A1 and COL1A2 Gene in Comparison

with the Genome of Other Species

(10)

Yea Jin Ko, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Evolution of Disease-Associated and Neutral Amino Acid

Mutations of Aspartoacylase (ASPA) Gene

(11)

CHEMISTRY

Astrid Pérez, María Auxiliadora School, Carolina, Puerto

Rico.

Gas Phase Energetics of NSA Cluster Formation in the

Absence of Water

(12)

Mariela I. Rivera, San Vicente de Paúl School, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

A Simulation of NSA Cluster Formation in a Given

Solution

(13)

Sebastián González, Ramón Vila Mayo School, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Association of Water in NSA Cluster Formation

(14)

Itzel I. Planas, Elletsy J. Ortiz, and Stephanie M. Cruz,

Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Is Consuming Pastry Products Containing Poppy Seeds

Revealing False Positive for Opioid Abuse in an

Urinanalysis?

(15)

Karla F. Delucca, Charlotte Rivera, Bautista de Puerto


Xiomara Báez, Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo,

Puerto Rico.

Measurement of the Buffer Effect of Different Comercial

Anti-Acid Medicine Brands

(16)

PHYSICS

11

Abdiel Ortiz, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.

Kinematics Based Assessment of the Impact Mitigating

Properties of Various Materials

(17)


Karla M. Velázquez, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto

Rico.

A Comparative Study of the Electrical Conductivity of

Transported Sediments After an Erosion Event

(18)

Katherine E. Ruíz, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.

Geochemical Profile of Albizia lebbek Influenced Soils

(19)

Gabriel De Jesús, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.

Vertical Changes in the Water Column in a Coral Reef

(20)

Michael A. Pabón and Javier A. Ocasio, Colegio

Evangélico Capitán Correa, Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Use of Discarded Tires for Energy

(21)

E.I.B. Pinho, L.A.R. Velázquez, L.I.V. González, M.E.

Ruíz, M. L. Toro, Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High

School, and Manuela Toro Morice High School, Caguas,

Puerto Rico.

Tirado, W.J.M, Martínez, Francisco Oller High School,

Cataño, Puerto Rico.

L. Gómez, Onofre Carballeira Intermediate School,

Cataño, Puerto Rico.

Effect of Insect Herbivory Pressure on a Freshwater

Wetland Restoration at the Cucharillas Marsh Complex

(22)

12

Y. Rodríguez, L. Fraguada, D. Rodríguez, Z. Oyola, M.

Rivera, Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, and

Manuela Toro Morice High School, Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Effect of the Exotic Species Iguana iguana (Squamata:

Iguanidae) on a Freshwater Wetland Restoration at the

Cucharillas Marsh Complex

(23)

S. Rivera, M. Almánzar, C. Córdova, Onofre Carballeira

Intermediate School, Cataño, Puerto Rico.

A. Lebrón, M. Rojas, Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High

School, Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Condition Evaluation of the Vegetation Species Used on a

Freshwater Wetland Restoration at the Cucharillas Marsh

Complex

(24)


Jesús A. López, Nuestra Sra. Altagracia School, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Luis A. Torres, Miguel de Cervantes High School,

Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

Spherical Tic-Tac-Toe

(25)

Johnel De la Cruz, Nuestra Sra. Altagracia, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Gabriel Troche, Ángel Rodríguez, San Antonio School,

San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Race to Martian Water

(26)

Gabriel E. Irizarry, Rafael Cordero School, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Ian F. Santiago, José D. Curbelo, Kyriam R. López, Manuel Ramos Hernández High School, Quebradillas,

Puerto Rico.

Cloudiness & Cyclone’s Diameter Over the Past 30 Years

(27)

13

Gerardo Cabrera, Juan A. Rosa, Lemuel A. Rosa,

Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto

Rico.

Rafael Peña, Gabriela Mistral High School, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Trend of Maximum and Minimum Daily Temperatures in

Puerto Rico in the Last 50-100 Years

(28)

14

10:00 – 11:40 a.m. ORAL PRESENTATIONS

SESSION I

THEATER, UNIVERSIDAD

METROPOLITANA

BIOLOGY

CELLULAR MOLECULAR

BIOLOGY


CHEMISTRY

Chairperson: Dalvin Méndez

Chemistry Major, Universidad Metropolitana

BIOLOGY

10:00 – 10:10 a.m. Edwin J. Ferrer, Francisco Morales High School, Naranjito,

Puerto Rico.

The Inhibitory Effect of Allicin Extract from Garlic Allium

sativum on Campylobacter jejuni

CELLULAR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

10:10 – 10:20 a.m. Kiara Mundo, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Lorena Serrallés, San Vicente de Paúl School, San Juan, Puerto

Rico.

Carol S. Vélez, Episcopal Cathedral School, San Juan, Puerto

Rico.

Estrogen Expression Levels in the Puerto Rican Diet


10:20 – 10:30 a.m. Víctor L. Correa, Inmaculada Concepción School, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

AIS Mutation (Androgen Insensivity Sindrome) Caused in the AR

Gene

10:30 – 10:40 a.m. Ephraim Acevedo and Yea Jin Ko, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo


Evolution and Prediction of the Effects of Amino Acid

Substitutions on the Protein Function of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase

(BTK) Gene

15

10:40 – 10:50 a.m. Germán L. Vélez, Adianez School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Deficiency in CBS Gene Leading to Homocystinuria Disease

CHEMISTRY

10:50 – 11:00 a.m. Zoreli Rivera, Bilingue Padre Rufo School, San Juan, Puerto

Rico.

Gas Phase Energetic of NSA Cluster Formation

11:00 – 11:10 a.m. Erika M. Hernández, University Gardens High School, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Nicole Pizarro, Karilys Ortiz, María Auxiliadora School,

Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Detection of Insecticid Activity of Tour Mangrove Species Using

the Artemia salina Bioassay

11:10 – 11:20 a.m. Melvin D. Méndez, Manuel Ramos Hernández High School,

Quebradillas, Puerto Rico.

Luis G. Rivera, Libre de Música School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Analyzing the Presence of Phthalates in Water After the

Exposition of Various Commercial Plastic Containers to

Microwaves

11:20 – 11:30 a.m. Caleb Mergal, San Antonio School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Melvin L. Hernández, Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo,

Puerto Rico.

William O. Marrero, María Auxiliadora School, Carolina, Puerto

Rico.

Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Pahs) on Soil

Samples from Las Cucharillas Marshland, Cataño, Puerto Rico

11:30 – 11:40 a.m. Mike González, and Jean P. León, Josefina Barceló High

School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Sun Protecting Factor (SPF) Efficacy Using the Photochemical

Reaction of Benzophenone in Isopropanol

16

10:00 – 11:50 a.m. ORAL PRESENTATIONS

SESSION II

AMPHITHEATER,

UNIVERSIDAD

METROPOLITANA

COMPUTER SCIENCES


Chairperson: Darienne Ciuró

Computer Science Major, Universidad

Metropolitana

COMPUTER SCIENCES

10:00 – 10:10 a.m. Miguel A. Jiménez, Pedro M. Jiménez, and José R. Pacheco,

Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Testing the Comprehensive Efficiency of Tutorials

10:10 – 10:20 a.m. Karlo E. Meléndez, Santa Mónica Academy, San Juan, Puerto

Rico.

Benito A. Maldonado, Rosalina C. Martínez School, Guaynabo,

Puerto Rico.

Theoretic Research of Cryptography

10:20 – 10:30 a.m. Frank Martínez, Jonathan M. Irizarry, Gabriel Nazario,

Adolfo A. Díaz, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Web Browser Research Through Open Source Programming


10:30 – 10:40 a.m. Eduardo Álvarez, Menonita Academy, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Gabriel Maldonado, Rosalina C. Martínez School, Guaynabo,

Puerto Rico.

Global Picture-In-Picture

10:40 – 10:50 a.m. José Irizarry, Jorge A. Afanador, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo


Evymarie Prado, Nuestra Sra. De la Providencia School, San

Juan, Puerto Rico.

Wind Vector Simulations in Global Microscope

17

10:50 – 11:00 a.m. Luis O. Betancourt, Thomas Alva Edison School, Caguas, Puerto

Rico.

Nelson M. Ciuró, San Antonio School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Russell Correa, Gabriela Mistral High School, San Juan, Puerto

Rico.

Cold War Pong

11:00 – 11:10 a.m. Julio L. Ortiz, Luis A. Ortiz, La Merced School, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Dianys N. Padró, Carvin School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Trend of Maximum and Minimum Daily Temperatures in Puerto

Rico in the Last 50-100 Years

11:30 – 12:30 AWARD CEREMONY AND CLOSING REMARKS

12:30 – 1:00 p.m. BRUNCH

1:00 p.m. SYMPOSIUM ADJOURNS

18

ABSTRACTS

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ALLICIN EXTRACT FROM GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM)

ON CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI

Edwin J. Ferrer, Francisco Morales High School, Naranjito, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentors: Dr. Raúl Rivera, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Microbiology

Department, San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Prof. Aurea Berríos, Francisco Morales High School, Naranjito,

Puerto Rico.

It is known since past history that garlic possessesntimicrobian properties. Garlic extract (allicin)

dissolved in destilated water, centrifuged and filtrated in a 0.22 μm filter was analyzed for its inhibitory

capacity of growing two bacterias; Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni and of the

Tricophyton rubrum fungus. Allicin extract to a concentration of 180 micrograms/milliliter (mcg/ml)

totally inhibited the growth of these organisms. In general terms, the mimimal inhibitory concentration

(MIC) based on the concentration of allicin for S. aureus was 45 mcg/ml and 11.25 mcg/ml for C. jejuni.

For the T. rubrum fungus, the minimal fungicide concentration based on allicin extract was 18 mcg/ml

and based on terbinafine concentration it was ≤ 2.25 mcg/ml. This data indicates that the considerable low

concentration of allicin extract inhibits the growth in vitro of the pethagenus. It could have therapeutic

value for different illnesses without the adverse secondary effects of medications in actual use.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TEMPERATURE AND THE PREVALENCE OF DENGUE FEVER

Ana V. Colón, H. Muhammed, Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor: Prof. Maribel García, Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Rising temperatures attributed to global warming and the urban island heat effect has been associated

with a rise in vector-bourn diseases such as dengue. This study proposes that increases in temperatures in

San Juan, Puerto Rico can be associated to the rise in dengue cases reported on the island. Methods: the

database for the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Communicable Disease Surveillance

and Response was used to determine the number of reported cases of dengue and hemorrhagic dengue

from 1971-1998. The database from the Pan American Health Organization was used for cases of dengue

and hemorrhagic dengue from 1999-2007. Reported yearly average temperatures for San Juan were

obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental

Satellite, Data and Information Service. All statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and

Regression Analysis. Results: A linear rise in the number of cases of dengue from 1971 to 2007 was

observed. No linear or significant rise in temperature occurred during this time period. Regression

analysis revealed an adjusted R-squared value of -0.04, a negative effect, a negative correlation value of -

0.08 between dengue cases and average temperature. Negative vector was demonstrated by ANOVA

testing. Conclusion: No relation was demonstrated between the rise of dengue cases and the temperature

in San Juan for the years 1971-2007. When testing pluvial precipitation as an alternative variable to

explain the increase in dengue fever reports, results showed that there was not a significant linear rise

from 1972-2000, or from 2001-2007. Regression showed an adjusted R-squared value of -0.013 from

1972-2000, and -0.17 from 2001-2007. This concludes that pluvial precipitation is not a vector for the

increase in dengue fever diagnostics in Puerto Rico.

19

STEPPING INTO LIFE: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A LOW-COST PROSTHESIS

PROTOTYPE FOR LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES

Amarilys Fernández, Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentors: B. García, M. Cruz, N. Jover, M. García, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Campus and Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Worldwide, millions of people suffer from amputations and are not able to lead productive lives due to

the high cost and complexity of lower extremity prostheses. As a possible solution to this problem, the

investigator proposed the design and construction of a below-knee, low cost, and resistant prosthesis

prototype, which consists of a urethane foot, a polypropylene socket and an aluminum pylon. The

materials used are non-toxic, chemical resistant and readily available, which facilitates the process of

constructing the prosthesis. Urethane pieces and a polypropylene socket were submitted to Stress-Strain

tests, which measure the deformation of the material caused by the force applied to an area. It was

calculated that the prosthesis is suitable for human trials because it tolerated approximately 454 kilograms

without deforming. The final prosthesis was submitted to simulate a human gait, and using high-speed

photography, it was demonstrated that it tolerated 68 kg without significantly deformation. The prosthetic

socket takes around three and a half hours to make, most of which is either to harden or to cool, and the

foot prototype takes approximately two hours to construct and twelve hours to harden. It is capable of

local manufacture and no intense labor is necessary. The SIL prosthesis is low-cost, and no professional

training is necessary due to the simple procedures used. This study provides an alternative to improve the

quality of life of an amputee by creating a simple and low-cost prosthesis that will be useful in any low-

income society.

DOES CHRONIC HEPATITIS C AFFECT THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN A GROUP OF PUERTO

RICAN PATIENTS?

Ana G. Rodríguez, Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor: Dr. Humberto Muñoz, Gastroentherologist, Suite 402, Ponce de Léon Avenue, San

Juan, Puerto Rico.

Chronic Hepatitis C is a common infection of the liver and the main cause of liver transplantation in the

United States and Europe. The effect that this disease may have on the quality of life of patients has not

been thoroughly examined in Puerto Rico. The objective of this study is to utilize a validated Quality of

Life Questionnaire for Chronic Liver Diseases in a group of Puerto Rican subjects with Chronic Hepatitis

C. The results are compared with age and sex matched healthy controls. After obtaining informed

consent, the questionnaire is administered to one hundred and fifty healthy controls from the community.

A paired t-test is utilized to determine if the main difference observed between the groups is statistically

significant. Chronic Hepatitis C subjects demonstrate significantly greater degree of fatigue, more

problems with activities of daily living, attention, concentration, memory and affect. Patients with

Chronic Hepatitis C also have significantly greater problems with sleep, sexuality, feelings of loneliness,

and impaired hope with the future. Furthermore, patients with Chronic Hepatitis C have significantly

more social problems such as feeling ashamed, incomplete, and full of defects. In conclusion, Puerto

Rican subjects with Chronic Hepatitis C, assessed with a Quality of Life Questionnaire, demonstrated a

significantly impaired quality of life when compared to controls. The results if this investigation is

relevant and useful in the management and care of these patients.

20

THE EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS AS RATED BY PUERTO RICAN

ADOLESCENTS

Verónica Casellas and Wanda Schell, Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentors: Prof. Maribel García, Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico; P.

Sorokowski, University of Wroclaw, Poland; E. Cardalda and A. Cintrón, University of Puerto Rico, San

Juan, Puerto Rico.

This investigation is an innovative contribution to cultural studies about the Generation-Y Puerto Rican

attractive preferences profile in collaboration with a Polish cross-cultural study. The purpose was to

define the attractive preferences of Puerto Rican Generation-Y males and females, and to correlate them

according to their own physical proportions. The physical attractiveness preferences of 54 male and 97

female participants, adapting the stimuli designed by Piotr Sorokowski of the Institute of Psychology of

the University of Wroclaw, containing 7 male and female silhouettes, all with different leg-to-body ratio

in a seven-point scale. Participants’ legs and torso were measured in order to find a correlation between

their own proportions and their attractive preferences. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used in

order to find a relation between variables. The F-critical value found extremely significant relations

between the rating of stimuli and the selection of the attractive preferences and the participant’s body

proportions in both male and female participants. Also, no evident gender differences in the evaluation of

the attractive preferences were found. The participants of the Y-Generations had the tendency to select

averagely proportioned figures while the Silhouettes 1 and 7 were the least chosen, demonstrating a

tendency to choose silhouettes similar them. The selection could be due to a high self-esteem and

satisfaction towards their own body in Generation-Y. The results also demonstrated a tendency to choose

the silhouettes that maintain the physical proportions of the average population, reflecting the cultural

mate selection of the Puerto Rican Generation-Y.

21

LAND SNAILS AS A NON POINT SOURCE OF COLIFORM BACTERIA IN PRISTINE

STREAMS

Sheydanis Díaz, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor: Dr. Julio De Jesús Aponte, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.

During an ongoing water quality study at a stream located within the Carite State Forest in Southeasten

Puerto Rico, coliform colonies as high as 5400 per 100 ml of water were counted. Since the stream is

enclosed in a pristine area with no development upstream or downstream, it was a real puzzle to explain

the source of pollution. A closer survey of the stream area revealed multiple events in which the land snail

Caracolus caracolla was seen submerged into the stream and natural runoff collecting areas. This snail,

with a shell diameter of 76 mm, has the peculiarity of being the largest in the Island and one of the larger

in the Caribbean (Van der schalie, 1948). At each event, the snails were seen carrying a string of feces,

the question arose on whether these submerging snails could be a source of coliform bacteria. A

combination of field surveys and bacterial cultures were used to study the research problem. All of the

cultures yielded coliform colonies. A total of 7 species were identified in cultures taken from the colonies:

Kluvera ascorbata, Citrobacter freundi, Acinetobacte calcoaceticus, Citrobacter braaki, Stenobacter

maltophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Enterobacter intermedius and Enterobacter gergoviae. The

predominant species in the fecal strings were Enterobacter intermedius and Citrobacter freundii. In

ongoing studies with cultures from Coliscan colonies taken following water sampling, they have shown

that the bacteria species in the water correspond to the one identified in the cultures from fecal strings.

This characteristic behavior by the land snail is triggered by sustained dry conditions in the forest

(Heatwole and Heatwole, 1978). As more snails submerge in the pools, more coliform bacteria are

transferred to the water.

22

CELLULAR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY ESTROGEN EXPRESSION LEVELS IN THE PUERTO RICAN DIET

Kiara Mundo, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Lorena Serrallés, San Vicente de Paúl School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Carol S. Vélez, Episcopal Cathedral School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Mentor: Karla M. Hernández, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Rico in the late 60’s and early 70’s, it was reported that girls of 5 to 9 years old started their

menstruation and boys of the same age developed breasts. The United States Health Department was

concerned with this phenomenon. In their search, they found this happened because they were consuming

high levels of hormones in their diets. One of the hormones was Estrogen, used to accelerate weight gain

in the chickens. The US Health Department prohibits the use of hormones on birds to accelerate bird

weight growth; however, injecting was not the only way to administer this hormone to the chickens.

There are other ways to receive this and other hormones, such as Progesterone and Genestein (a

phytoestrogen) through the animal’s diet. Estrogen is the female sex hormone produced by the ovaries

which are responsible for the development of female sex characteristics. In women, levels of estrogen

fluctuate on nature's carefully orchestrated schedule, regulating the development of secondary sex

characteristics, including breasts, regulating the monthly cycle of menstruation, and preparing the body

for fertilization and reproduction. Estrogens are largely responsible for stimulating the uterine lining to

thicken during the first half of the menstrual cycle in preparation for ovulation and possible pregnancy.

The purpose of this research is to determine the levels of estrogen in the chicken from different sources,

such as the chicken from the grocery store and fast foods. A sample of a naturally grown chick was

chosen as the control. The rest of the samples were obtained from fast food (MacDonald’s, KFC, and

Church’s Chicken) and Pollos To Rico. The levels of estrogen were determined using the Western Blot

Analysis. These results will allow the group to evaluate whether Puerto Ricans are still exposed to

estrogen or if it were totally eliminated from the Puerto Rican diet.

23

DEVELOPMENTAL PROTEIN EXPRESSION LEVELS IN THE PUERTO RICAN DIET

Gabriel A. Díaz, Natalia N. Maldonado, Melizabeth Santana, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San

Juan, Puerto Rico.

Ángel L. Mundo, Saint Francis School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.


In Puerto Rico, during the late 60’s and early 70’s, girls of 5 to 9 years old started their menstruation

cycle and boys around the same age developed breasts. The US Health Department was concerned with

this phenomenon and promoted research. In their search, they found this event was caused by the

consumption of high levels of hormones in their daily diets. Two of the most common steroid hormones

found were Estrogen and Progesterone, used to accelerate chicken weight gain. As a result, the US Health

Department strictly prohibited the use of hormones on birds’ diet. Injecting the hormones is not the only

way to administer it into the chickens; there are other ways too, such as Progesterone and Genestein (a

phytoestrogen) included on the animal’s diet. Estrogen and progesterone promote the luteinizing

hormone (LH). A large burst of LH secretion, known as the pre-ovulatory LH surge, induces ovulation of

mature follicles on the ovary. The purpose of this research is to determine the levels of LH in the chicken

from different sources, such as the chicken from the grocery store and fast foods. A sample of a naturally

grown chick was chosen as the control. The rest of the samples were obtained from fast foods

(MacDonald’s, KFC, and Church’s Chicken) and Pollos To Rico. The levels of LH were determined

using the Western Blot Analysis. These results allowed the group to evaluate if Puerto Ricans are still

exposed to LH or if it were totally eliminated from the Puerto Rican diet.

PROGESTERONE EXPRESSION LEVELS IN THE PUERTO RICAN DIET

Whitney Nieves, Chiara Ramos, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Ashley Rivera, Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.


In Puerto Rico, during the late 60’s and early 70’s, girls of 5 to 9 years old started their menstruation

cycle and boys around the same age developed breasts. The US Health Department was concerned with

this phenomenon and promoted research. In their search, they found this event was caused by the

consumption of high levels of hormones in their daily diets. Two of the most common steroid hormones

found, were Estrogen and Progesterone, used to accelerate chicken weight gain. As a result, the US

Health Department strictly prohibited the use of hormones on birds’ diet. Injecting the hormones is not

the only way to administer it into the chickens; there are other ways too, such as Progesterone and

Genestein (a phytoestrogen) included on the animal’s diet. Progesterone is a steroid hormone secreted by

the corpus luteum of the ovary and by the placenta, that acts to prepare the uterus for implantation of the

fertilized ovum, to maintain pregnancy, and to promote development of the mammary glands The purpose

of this research is to determine the levels of Progesterone in the chicken from different sources, such as

the chicken from the grocery store and fast foods. A sample of a naturally grown chick was chosen as the

control. The rest of the samples were obtained from fast foods (MacDonald’s, KFC, and Church’s

Chicken) and Pollos To Rico. The levels of Progesterone were determined using the Western Blot

Analysis. These results allowed the group to evaluate if Puerto Ricans are still exposed to progesterone or

if it were totally eliminated from the Puerto Rican diet.

24

COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY HEMOPHILIA A: COMPREHENSION OF THE DISEASE-ASSOCIATED COAGULATING

FACTOR VIII (F8) GENE ACTIVITIES

Ephraim Acevedo and Yea Jin Ko, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentors: Dr. Juan, F. Arratia, Director and Principal Investigador, MIE Project; Universidad

Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Department of Biology, Arizona State

University, Tempe, Arizona.

Student Research Mentor: Amir M. Rodríguez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Assistant: Cristina M. Rivera, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Hemophilia A is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by a deficiency of the blood clotting protein

known as Factor VIII that results in abnormal bleeding. Development of a gene replacement therapy for

Hemophilia A has reached the clinical trial stage, and results so far have been encouraging. Determination

of amino acid substitution mutation is still being identified. Utilizing SIFT, deleterious substitution

affecting protein functions was predicted. The gene sequence was later compared to a selected group of

animal sequence, producing a phylogenic comparison of the evolutionary trait of the disease.

EVOLUTION AND FUNCTIONAL DIVERSIFICATION OF FACTOR XIII A SUBUNIT 1

(F13A1) GENE

Ariana Rodríguez and Jesús O’neil, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.






F13A1 is a gene which encodes the coagulation factor XIII. The coagulation factor XIII is the last

inactive enzyme that activates the blood coagulation. It is composed of two A subunits and two B

subunits. The A subunit catalyzes the blood and the B subunit is a plasma carrier. This involves zymogen

activation. The zymogen is converted to an active protease by cleavage of one or more peptide bonds in

the precursor molecule. This forms a cloth in the vein which causes the coagulation. With this gene it ay

be sequencee to understand how it works. The gene sequencing analyses by means of amino acid

substitution predicted by Sift, and phylogenic comparison of selected animals with MEGA4. Both

softwares are capable of providing useful information of the evolutionary traits of this gene and

determination of considerable sites of mutation affecting the protein function.

25

EVOLUTION OF COL1A1 AND COL1A2 GENE IN COMPARISON WITH THE GENOME OF

OTHER SPECIES

Wilda M. Rivera and Stephanie Y. Negrón, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.






Osteogenesis imperfecta and Ehlers Danlos syndrome are rare genetic and hereditary diseases. These

diseases are caused by the mutation of the COL1A1 and COL1A2. The COL1A1 is a human gene which

is one of the few genes that proportions instructions to make components of the collagen. The collagen is

a protein that restrengthens and supports many tissues of the body, including the cartilage, tendons, skin

and the white part of the eyes. The COL1A1 gene produces a compound of the Type 1 collagen, called in

favor from the alpha 1 (I) of the chain. This chain combines with another pro – alpha1 (I) chain and also

with a pro- alpha 2 (II) chain produced by COL1A2 to make a molecule of Type 1 pro collagen. In

osteogenesis imperfecta the production of the pro-alpha1 (I) chain is reduced and also leads to the

deletion of pieces of the gene, which results in the lack of pro-alpha2 (I) chain in critical regions. In

Ehlers Danlos syndrome a pro-alpha1 (I) chain that is lacking a critical segment is produced and changes

one of the protein building blocks used to build the pro-alpha1 (I) chain. Also the mutation deletes a

segment of pro-alpha2 (I) chain, which attaches one collagen molecule to another, which affects one copy

of the COL1A2 gene in each cell and also prevents cells from producing any normal pro-alpha2 (I)

chains. Gene sequencing through SIFT prediction showed an affected phenotype that substitutions

predicted to be deleterious by substitution and Phylogenetic and molecular evolutionary analyses were

conducted using MEGA version 4 (Tamura, Dudley, Nei, and Kumar 2007).

AIS MUTATION (ANDROGEN INSENSIVITY SYNDROME) CAUSED IN THE AR GENE

Víctor L. Correa, Inmaculada Concepción School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.






AIS mutations are caused by lack of testosterone hormone in the AR gene. As a consequence of this

abnormality, the AR gene suffers undesired changes in it. The lack of testosterone is the cause of a very

peculiar mutation known as AIS (Androgen Insensivity Syndrome) which affects human being genders.

There are also different types of AIS mutations. CAIS (Complete Androgen Insensivity Syndrome) and

PAIS (Partial Androgen Insensivity Syndrome). To understand these mutations, genome sequencing

programs, MEGA4 and SIFT, were used to comare the tolerance to amino acid substitutions within the

protein sequence alignment. Scores based on these substitutions were calculated. An evolutionary

comparison was also conducted resulting in a compelling measurement of the presented species.

26

EVOLUTION OF DISEASE-ASSOCIATED AND NEUTRAL AMINO ACID MUTATIONS OF ASPARTOACYLASE

(ASPA) GENE

Yea Jin Ko, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentors: Dr. Juan, F. Arratia, Director and Principal Investigador, MIE Project; Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan,

Puerto Rico; Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Department of Biology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.



Canavan disease is a severe progressive autosomal recessive disorder, which is characterized by spongy degeneration of the

brain. The disease is caused by mutations in the aspartoacylase gene Sistermans et al. (1995). Around 55 know mutations in the

aspa gene have been known to lead to Canavan disease. Utilizing the online application SIFT, calculations were conducted on the

tolerance towards substitution in the gene. Results were produced through a score were produced for each amino acid substitution

within the gene. MEG4 was used to do an evolutionary comparison with several species, producing a phylogenic trees of such.

EVOLUTION AND PREDICTION OF THE EFFECTS OF AMINO ACID SUBSTITUTIONS ON THE PROTEIN

FUNCTION OF BRUTON'S TYROSINE KINASE (BTK) GENE

Ephraim Acevedo and Yea Jin Ko, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.





Bruton's tyrosine kinase is a type of kinase enzyme implicated in the primary immunodeficiency disease X-linked

agammaglobulinemia (XLA). XLA affects the body's ability to fight infection. BTK plays a crucial role in B cell maturation. The

BTK gene is located on the X chromosome. At least 400 mutations of the BTK gene have been identified. This BTK gene is

more common in males. Utilizing SIFT, genomic sequencing of the gene will be done to determine tolerance to the amino acid

substitutions that occur within the gene, resulting on a score-based prediction of the intolerance to deleterious substitutions.

MEGA4 compared different sequence analyses of various animal species.

DEFICIENCY IN CBS GENE LEADING TO HOMOCYSTINURIA DISEASE

Germán L. Vélez, Adianez School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.





The CBS gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called cystathionine beta-synthase. This enzyme is responsible for

one step in the chemical pathway that processes the amino acid methionine. (Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.)

Other amino acids, including homocysteine, are also products of this chemical pathway. Cystathionine beta-synthase uses vitamin

B6 to convert the amino acids homocysteine and serine to a molecule called cystathionine. Another enzyme then converts

cystathionine to the amino acid cysteine, which is used to build proteins or is broken down and excreted in urine. This research

project focuses on understanding the tolerance that human genes can tolerate within CBS genes. Sequencing will be done using

SIFT and MEGA4 software. SIFT, which sorts intolerant from tolerant substitutions, classifies substitutions as tolerated or

deleterious. A large portion of substitutions predicted to be deleterious by SIFT gave an affected phenotype than substitutions

predicted to be deleterious by substitution scoring matrices. Phylogenetic and molecular evolutionary analyses were conducted

using MEGA version 4 (Tamura, Dudley, Nei, and Kumar 2007).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzyme

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_immunodeficiency

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-linked_agammaglobulinemia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-linked_agammaglobulinemia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B_cell

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_chromosome

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutation

27

CHEMISTRY

GAS PHASE ENERGETICS OF NSA CLUSTER FORMATION IN THE ABSENCE OF WATER

Astrid Pérez, María Auxiliadora School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Mentors: Germán P. Castillo, Juanita Escalera, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

In this project the group worked with the compounds Nitrosyl Sulfuric Acid (NSA) (NOHSO4 and

NOHS2O7) and its isotopomers which are candidates for aerosols in the atmosphere of Venus. The

purpose of the project was to understand the changes in the molecules and how they work without any

solvent. In addition, it is essential to learn new techniques and how to work with computational chemistry

software. The computational chemistry software Gaussian 03 was used to calculate the energetics of the

molecules, the Gaussview software to model the molecules and semi-empirical formulas to simulate the

interaction between the two compounds. The calculations were be made with two parameters: absence of

a solvent and being in a gas state. Using simulation software, the dynamical pathways from isolated gas-

phase NSA molecules to NSA clusters, and ultimately to NSA aerosols were studied. This will help the

group understand the behavior of NOHSO4 and NOHS2O7 in the Venus atmosphere for further research

projects by NASA and NOAA research centers.

A SIMULATION OF NSA CLUSTER FORMATION IN A GIVEN SOLUTION

Mariela I. Rivera , San Vicente de Paúl School, San Juan, Puerto Rico


Puerto Rico.

The main objective of the project is finding the energetics of Nitrosyl Sulfuric Acid (NSA) (NOHSO4,

NOHS2O7) and its isotopomers with the help of computational chemistry software. These particles are

candidates for aerosol in the atmosphere of Venus thus, its study is important for further understanding of

Venus atmosphere’s molecular interaction. The main focus was to understand the changes in these

particular molecules and how they work with a given solution as a dissolvent. In order to calculate the

energetics of such molecules and to examine the dynamical pathways of NSA molecules to NSA cluster,

and ultimately to NSA aerosol, Gaussian 03, computational chemistry software, will be used along with

semi-empirical formulas. In addition, GaussianView was used to design each molecule structure.

Preliminary results indicate that the calculations were successful and further understanding of the

behavior of NOHSO4, NOHS2O7 in the atmosphere of Venus will be possible. The expected results are

the changed energy, changed enthalpy and changed Gibbs free energy. These results will provide a better

understanding for research centers such as NASA and NOAA.

28

ASSOCIATION OF WATER IN NSA CLUSTER FORMATION

Sebastián González, Ramón Vila Mayo School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.


Puerto Rico.

The main objective of the project was finding the energetics of Nitrosyl Sulfuric Acid (NSA) (NOHSO4,

NOHS2O7) and its isotopomers with the help of computational chemistry software. These particles are

candidates for aerosol in the atmosphere of Venus thus, its study is important for further understanding of

Venus atmosphere’s molecular interaction. The main focus was to understand the changes in these

particular molecules and how they work with water as a dissolvent. In order to calculate the energetics of

such molecules and to examine the dynamical pathways of NSA molecules to NSA cluster, and ultimately

to NSA aerosol, Gaussian 03, computational chemistry software was used with semi-empirical formulas.

In addition, GaussianView was used to design each molecule structure. Preliminary results indicate that

the calculations were successful and further understanding of the behavior of NOHSO4, NOHS2O7 in the

atmosphere of Venus will be possible. The expected results are the changed energy, changed enthalpy and

changed Gibbs free energy. These results will provide a better understanding for research centers such as

NASA and NOAA.

GAS PHASE ENERGETICS OF NSA CLUSTER FORMATION

Zoreli Rivera, Bilingüe Padre Rufo School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.


Puerto Rico.

The project involves the study of the compound Nitrosyl Sulfuric Acid (NSA) (NOHSO4 and NOHS2O7)

and its isotopomers, which are candidates for aerosols in the atmosphere of Venus. The main purpose is

to understand the changes and reactions in the molecules and how they work under different parameters

(types of solvents). From this experience the group also learned new techniques and advanced

computational chemistry software management. The group dominated proficiently Gaussian 03, used

mainly to calculate the energetic power of molecules and Gaussview, used to model graphically all the

molecules. Finally, semi-empirical formulas were used to simulate the interaction between the two or

more present compounds and to determine the interactions between the different compounds. After the

data was gathered and analyzed, the group examined the dynamical pathways from isolated gas-phase

NSA molecules to NSA clusters, and ultimately to NSA aerosols using Gaussview. These results

encouraged the group and allowed a broader view of the computational chemistry field. By analyzing the

behavior of NOHSO4 and NOHS2O7 in the Venus atmosphere, further research projects might be

elaborated by NASA and NOAA with our results.

29

DETECTION OF INSECTICIDE ACTIVITY OF FOUR MANGROVE SPECIES USING THE

ARTEMIA SALINA BIOASSAY

Erika M. Hernández, University Gardens High School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Nicole Pizarro, Karilys Ortiz, María Auxiliadora School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor: Dr. Ileana I. Rodríguez–Vélez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor Assistant: Paul Nieves, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Insect infestations have been controlled over the last fifty years mainly by using insecticides of synthetic

nature. Most of these insecticides are no longer useful due to either the resistance developed over the time

by the target insects or their negative effects on humans and the environment. Therefore, the search for

new insecticide agents with less toxic characteristics is highly desirable. In fact, botanical products are a

promising source of new potential insecticides as there are more than two thousand plant species that

exhibit some degree of insecticidal activity. In this investigation the insecticidal activity of the four native

mangrove species: Rhyzophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa and Conocarpus

erectus was explored using the Artemia salina bioassay. The organic extracts of different parts of each of

the tested species were tested for anti-larvicidal activity and the obtained results will be discussed in

detail. Active extracts could be further purified by bioassay-guided fractionation in order to obtain the

metabolite or group of metabolites responsible for the activity.

ANALYZING THE PRESENCE OF PHTHALATES IN WATER AFTER THE EXPOSITION OF

VARIOUS COMMERCIAL PLASTIC CONTAINERS TO MICROWAVES

Melvin D. Méndez, Manuel Ramos Hernández High School, Quebradillas, Puerto Rico.

Luis G. Rivera, Libre de Música School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.



Phthalates are chemical substances that are widely used to make PVCs (polyvinyl chloride) soft and

flexible products. Many of these PVC products are ubiquitously used in the production of articles for

human use such as medical devices, food packaging, cosmetics, and toys. Unfortunately, this group of

synthetic compounds has been related to carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals, androgenic effects in

humans, and asthma in children. The main concern with these substances is that as they are not

chemically bound to the plastic material, they could migrate to food, water or any other matrix contained

in plastic containers. Therefore, there is a good possibility of human ingestion of phthalates by the oral

route. Although there is a debate over the true toxicological effects of phthalates in humans, the interest of

this research resided in the detection of these chemicals over a matrix (water), which had been in contact

with different plastic containers or objects and simultaneously exposed to microwaves. Detection of

common phthalates was performed with the combination of UV and LC techniques.

30

DETECTION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS) IN SOIL SAMPLES

FROM LAS CUCHARILLAS MARSHLAND, CATAÑO PUERTO RICO

Caleb Mergal, San Antonio School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Melvin L. Hernández, Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

William O. Marrero, María Auxiliadora School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.



Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic volatile organic compounds produced from the

incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Therefore, thermoelectric and industrial plants are important

sources of PAH emissions to the atmosphere. Once there, PAHs have the capacity to move through air,

and eventually deposit in water and soils. Soils are important PAHs reservoirs and fish that inhabit

contaminated areas can bioaccumulate PAHs from sediment thus exposing humans to these

environmental carcinogens as well. The fact that Las Cucharillas marshland is located at the east

(downwind) relative to the Palo Seco Thermoelectric Plant and is used for recreational activities, it

represents a potential source of human exposure to these carcinogens. The aim of this study was to

evaluate the presence of some common PAHs such as Benzo[a]pyrene, Benzo[a]anthracene, and

Benzo[b]fluoranthene from soil samples collected at contaminated areas of Las Cucharillas marshland.

Identification of the monitored PAHs was performed by HPLC-MS analysis. Preliminary results indicate

the presence of PAHs in the collected soil samples. Mass characterization of these carcinogens was being

performed by Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry techniques. This study presents evidence of the

presence of environmental carcinogens on Las Cucharillas marshland.

SUN PROTECTING FACTOR (SPF) EFFICACY USING THE PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTION

OF BENZOPHENONE IN ISOPROPANOL

Mike González, and Jean P. León, Josefina Barceló School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.



Many chemical reactions are catalized by sunlight. One of such reactions occurs when two thimine base

units photodimerize in the DNA of the skin cells when they are exposed to the UV radiation of sunlight.

This reaction causes a mutation in the cell and could end in the development of skin cancer. This

investigation explored the effectiveness of different brands of sunblocks with various SPF (15, 30, 50)

using the inhibition of the benzophenone photodimerization reaction to yield bezopinacol. This last

reaction is analogous to the dimerization of thimine in the DNA and it could be correlated with the degree

of damaging radiation that could potentially enter the skin cell even though it is protected with a

sunblock. Very interesting results were obtained in this investigation and will be discussed in detail.

31

IS CONSUMING PASTRY PRODUCTS CONTAINING POPPY SEEDS REVEALING FALSE

POSITIVE FOR OPIOID ABUSE IN AN URINANALYSIS?

Itzel I. Planas, Elletsy J. Ortiz, and Stephanie M. Cruz, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.



Opiates are a very old class of drugs derived from the exudate of the opium poppy and has been used for

centuries for pain relief. Morphine is the principal alkaloid in opium and the name morphine was derived

from the Greek god of dreams - Morpheus. Poppy seeds are used in various pastry products such as

bagels and cakes. It is alleged that there are many false positives in random urine tests performed for the

detection of opioid abuse in employees. Those false positives have been related to the consumption of

poppy seed pastry products. This investigation determines the plausibility of detecting opiates in urine

after the ingestion of pastry products containing poppy seeds. The detection of opiates was determined

with the use of commercial drug urine tests.

MEASUREMENT OF THE BUFFER EFFECT OF DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL ANTI-ACID

MEDICINE BRANDS

Karla F. Delucca, Charlotte Rivera, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Xiomara Báez, Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.



Anti-acid medicines work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. They can provide fast, short-term relief

to heartburn and stomach reflux. This investigation focused on the comparison of various branches of

commercial anti-acids that claim to reduce these symptoms. Change in pH of a model system was

monitored and correlated with the anti-acid effect of the selected over the counter medications.

Preliminary results indicate that an effective comparison might be done.

32

COMPUTER SCIENCES

TESTING THE COMPREHENSIVE EFFICIENCY OF TUTORIALS

Miguel A. Jiménez, Pedro M. Jiménez, José R. Pacheco, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San

Juan, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Mentor: Jonathan Otero, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Tutorials, step-by-step lessons on certain subjects, have often proved to be a helpful tool for educating

people. There are no strict rules for creating a tutorial; as a result, tutorials come in many different

varieties. Nevertheless: which of them is more efficient? The main objective of this project was to

determine the most appropriate medium in which tutorials should be created in order to achieve the

highest education efficiency on the Internet. The experiment focused on comparisons between written and

video tutorials. The website created in the project “Developing a Dynamic Website for Educational

Purposes” will be used as the setting for the experimentation. A video version, created using Camtasia v.

3.0, and a written version of the same tutorial were made available to several people; some watched the

video, while others read the tutorial. Once they finished the tutorial, they were tested on the subject

(HTML). The test results were analyzed by carefully observing the number of correct answers, as well as

each person’s feedback to both, the test and the tutorial. This enables the team to determine which of the

two methods is more effective.

THEORETIC RESEARCH OF CRYPTOGRAPHY

Karlo E. Meléndez, Santa Mónica Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Benito A. Maldonado, Rosalina C. Martínez School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.


The basis of cryptography is to study and hide important or confidential messages from others who may

be interested in it other than its receiver and/or sender. Most encryption methods work by changing the

characters in the alphabet into numbers or altering the order or sequence from the norm. The main

objective of this investigation was to perform a theoretical research about several types of ciphers and

encryption forms, so that an encryption and decryption program based on Java could be later analyzed.

Some of these ciphers (also called transposition or shifting ciphers) are relatively well known, like

Caesar’s Cipher or the Scytale. However, some other encryption methods exist and are mostly known as

Public-Key and Private-Key encryption methods. These methods are exponentially harder to decipher for

someone without any previous knowledge. Even though most of the public might not have much

knowledge about cryptography and its uses, everyone uses cryptography in one way or another in their

daily routine. Whether it is credit cards or browsing the internet, it all requires cryptography in some

form. Most of the research will be based on how basic ciphers today work to translate plaintext to cipher

text and back, and what uses could do with it in today’s society, as well as any other possible use it may

have in the future.

33

WEB BROWSER RESEARCH THROUGH OPEN SOURCE PROGRAMMING

Frank Martínez, Jonathan M. Irizarry, Gabriel Nazario, Adolfo A. Díaz, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo



The internet is the method of communication most people use on a computer. But to use the internet,

people need to use a web browser. A browser is no more than an application used to display everything

the internet has to offer. There are many browsers, but most of them carry the same features. Some

internet browsers are “open source” and capable of peer collaboration, making them available for no fee.

Open source programs are programs people develop, but not completely, rather they leave their code for

others to customize and modify to their own liking. The team, after researching many browsers and open

source web browsers, decided to build a browser of their own. Creating a new browser would allow the

group to better understand its structure and the programming logic behind it. Unlike others, a new feature

would be added. This new feature allows the user to comment on the places they have visited, make

personal notes and be able to keep them for future reference.

34

PHYSICS

KINEMATICS BASED ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT MITIGATING PROPERTIES OF

VARIOUS MATERIALS

Abdiel Ortiz, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.


This research has the objective of testing how effective a specific material is in mitigating impacts given

certain experimental conditions. The materials were chosen based on the availability, use history and

potential for having impact mitigating properties. The experimental setting consisted in the use of a radio-

controlled car which was crashed into a wall made of the specific tested material. Data was obtained on

the force at the moment of the impact, the deceleration caused and the acceleration caused by the

rebound. According to the data, the metal sponge was more efficient absorbing the impact than the air.

Regarding deceleration, or the capacity to stop movement, the water and the cotton executed similarly to

sand, a commonly used material on roads and high speed highways. Nevertheless, these two materials

resulted in a smaller acceleration after rebound upon impact. When absorption of force is the intended

goal, the best product is the metal sponge. In terms of stopping the vehicle, the best performance was

observed by the cotton.

35


USE OF DISCARDED TIRES FOR ENERGY

Michael A. Pabón, Javier A. Ocasio, Colegio Evangélico Capitán Correa, Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Research Mentors: Ms. Luz V. Román, Biology Teacher, and Mrs. Irma Vélez, Physics Teacher, Colegio

Evangélico Capitán Correa, Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Each year, in PR, 5 million tires are thrown out. To eliminate this waste, most of the time, people burn

them and this emits gases. A tire can take from 500 to 3,000 years to degrade and this slow decomposition

produces liquids that are harmful to the air, water, and land. Throwing tires in Puerto Rico’s waste fields

is illegal and reduces the life of these waste fields. An alternative, which is in an experimental phase and

promises environmental advantages, consists in utilizing used tires in a cement company’s furnaces while

taking advantage from the energy that this produces from the heat of the burning tires. This process is

known as energetic value. The “energetic value”, in a cement company’s furnaces, consists in the

elimination of combustible waste and at the same time the energetic value is utilized. This process has

two important environmental advantages. It permits the reduction in consumption of fossil fuels, since it

substitutes a part of the coal by the tires and it helps in the reduction of gases in global warming. To

create cement, the prime material passes through an interchange of heat where it is pre-heated before it

enters the rotating oven. There, it creates physical and chemical reactions that produce the clinker. The

clinker is the intermediate product used to produce cement. At this stage is where the tires are

transformed into energy. During this process high temperatures are generated up to 2,700 degrees F, in

the oven’s fire zone, which guarantees a good combustion. The use of the used tires as combustible in the

cement companies’ ovens reduces the production of nitrogen oxides and dioxide of sulfur, in regards to

the carbons normally utilized in the fabrication of cement.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF TRANSPORTED

SEDIMENTS AFTER AN EROSION EVENT

Karla M. Velázquez, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.


The main problem studied in this research was whether the accumulated sediments removed by erosion

from exposed soils represent a stressful condition to specific environments such as river farms, streams,

and wetlands. During the process of paedogenesis, several ions become part of the resulting soil. Some of

these ions are required nutrients for plant productivity. Since the ions have high solubility in water, then

they can be easily removed from exposed soil and transported away to streams. Samples of accumulated

sediments in transit to water bodies were collected and transported to the lab. Aliquot of the collected

sediments were prepared by placing them in 30ml laboratory measuring cups and made into an aqueous

solution. Overall ion concentration was measured by determining the electrical conductivity (EC) of each

sample solution using a Vernier sensor and the Labquest interphase. According to the results, the

conductivity of the sediments is variable across the samples. As time in solution increases, the

conductivity of some samples also increases. Contrary to common belief, ions seem to be transported

along with the sediments instead of being leached, which could have important implications for current

erosion mitigating strategies in urban development projects.

36

GEOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF ALBIZIA LEBBEK INFLUENCED SOILS

Katherine E. Ruíz, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.


Worldwide deforestation had been a progressive process influenced by the demographic explosion, poor

planning in the development and construction of cities and the economical activities such as agriculture

and industrialization. For this increasing problem that endangers natural ecosystems, bioremediation

seems to be a logical solution. Albizia lebbek, a deciduous, leguminous tree and considered a weed and

invader of abandoned lands, has shown in a number of limited studies to improve the quality of soils for

grasslands and to accelerate the process of biodiversity on degraded lands. These seem to be secondary to

its properties as a fodder tree and the nitrogen fixing ability of its root system as well as the stabilization

of the soils. There are no studies examining other parameters of soil fertility such as nutrients, percent of

organic matter, pH and cation exchange capacity. To explore the potential of Albizia lebbek to improve

the quality and fertility of soils, a study was conducted in which several parameters that determine soil

fertility were measured in soil samples taken in areas where A. lebbek is growing and were compared with

measurements taken in areas not influenced by the tree. A percent of organic matter, cation exchange

capacity (CEC), estimated nitrogen release(ENR), soluble salts, pH, and nutrients such as calcium,

potassium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus were measured in paired samples in 4 different types of

soils. The results showed a tendency of the tree to increase the percent of organic matter, ENR, calcium

and potassium and to decrease the levels of magnesium and sodium. Only the decrease in magnesium and

sodium levels have statistical significance (p<.05).This apparently is secondary to the small number of

samples. In conclusion, Albizia lebbek promised to have a potential to improve the fertility of degraded

soils and can be a tool to help in the restoration of disturbed ecosystems.

VERTICAL CHANGES IN THE WATER COLUMN IN A CORAL REEF

Gabriel De Jesús, Radians School, Cayey, Puerto Rico.


For some time, it has been known that salinity and temperature form different marine micro

environments. Nevertheless, the latest findings have demonstrated that both factors also determine

density, another water property that plays an important role in creating movements or sea currents, and

which is responsible for the movement of nutrients and substances. In an area such as a coral reef, where

the evaporation increases the salinity, constant changes in density will result in a continuous movement

between the masses of water. This movement would have other effects such as greater productivity and

more diversity. For this study, stations for sampling in the reef at Luquillo (Playa Azul) were chosen and

samples were obtained from different periods within the lapse of 24 hours. These samples were analyzed

for biological and chemical components such as temperature and salinity by means of sensors. The

surface water in most of the samples was hotter than the one from the bottom. The salinity at 1:30 varied

between 26, 7 ppt up to 34,5 ppt, between 32,1 ppt up to 33,0 at 6:00 p.m. and between 30,6 up to 31,6

ppt at 6:00 A.M. This means that the salinity between the samples varies probably due to evaporation or

that fresh water is arriving at the reef by the estuary or runoff. The different combinations of temperature

and salinity affect the density. The water is denser at the bottom, but these differences are smaller at 6:00

A.M. The differences in temperature and salinity were also smaller at that hour. Possibly during the night,

changes in the temperature of the water create currents that mix the water which is possibly positive for

productivity. This effect is nevertheless limited to specific regions of the reef (swimming pools) possibly

because at these places the water mass reaches the depth necessary to create gradients.

37

EFFECT OF INSECT HERBIVORY PRESSURE ON A FRESHWATER WETLAND

RESTORATION AT THE CUCHARILLAS MARSH COMPLEX

E.L.B. Pinho, L.A.R. Velázquez, L.I.V. González, M.E. Ruiz, M.L. Toro, Nicolás Aguayo Aldea

Junior High School, and Manuela Toro Morice High School, Caguas, Puerto Rico.

W.J.M. Tirado, Francisco Oller High School, Cataño, Puerto Rico.

L. Gómez, Onofre Carballeira Intermediate School, Cataño, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor: Dr. Ruby Montoya, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor Assistant: Ellis Bernabes, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Brazil.

Herbivory play an important role on the vegetation community dynamics. Herbivory have an important

effect on each of the different plant phases such as growth, production of seeds, establishment of new

plants determining the survival percentage at each stage (Pacala 1992). Therefore, to determine the

herbivory rate is important in conjunction with the vegetation parameters studies. This study was

conducted at one area (10 acres), Las cucharillas Marsh Complex. Part of this area is under reforestation

process with freshwater plant species. The reforestation zone was established in four plots where 8 leaves

were collected from 30% of the trees. The herbivory rate was estimated visually as follows: 0, 1-5, 5-10,

10- 25, 25-50, 50-75, 75-100( %). Also, insects on the leaves were collected using traditional techniques.

The species Annona glabra presented a higher percentage of leaves without herbivory (50%) than

Pterocarpus officinalis (30%). A. glabra and P. officinalis presented around 30% of the leaves with 1-

5%. A. glabra presented 10% of the leaves with 5-10% while P. officinalis presented 20% of the leaves

with 5-10% de hervibory. P. officinalis was the only one that presented hervibory rates.

EFFECT OF THE EXOTIC SPECIES IGUANA IGUANA (SQUAMATA: IGUANIDAE) ON A

FRESHWATER WETLAND RESTORATION AT THE CUCHARILLAS MARSH COMPLEX

Y. Rodríguez, L. Fraguada, D. Rodríguez, Z. Oyola, M. Rivera. Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High

School and Manuela Toro Morice High School, Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor: Dr. Ruby Montoya, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor Assistant: Figueiredo de Andrade C, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense,

Brazil.

The Green Iguana was introduced to Puerto Rico as part of the pets market. This species does not have

natural predators; therefore, its population is increasing rapidly and could have a profound effect on

native species (Global Invasive Species Database, 2008). The objetive of this study was to evaluate the

impact of the exotic species Iguana iguana over the vegetation selected for the reforestation. This study

was conducted at one area (10 acres), the Cucharillas Marsh Complex. Part of this area has been under a

reforestation process with freshwater plant species. This study was conducted in two phases: 1) counting

males, females and sub-adults from 6 observation points (15 minutes in each point), and 2) observed

behavior of the iguana in the reforestation area (32 hours). To conduct both phases a 10X50 binocular

was used. The population density was very high. The plants consumed by the animals were members of

the Cyperacea, Graminae and Leguminoseae Families. Therefore, the species at this moment did not

represent a negative impact on the restoration process.

38

CONDITION EVALUATION OF THE VEGETATION SPECIES USED ON A FRESHWATER

WETLAND RESTORATION AT THE CUCHARILLAS MARSH COMPLEX

S. Rivera, M. Almánzar, C. Córdova, Onofre Carballeira Intermediate School, Cataño, Puerto Rico.

A. Lebrón, M. Rojas, Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Research Mentor: Dr. Ruby Montoya, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Research Mentor Assistant: Vasconcelos, E, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Brasil.

Freshwater ecosystems in Puerto Rico were degraded due to the rapid expansion of agriculture and urban

development. Currently, reforestation is an alternative to recover these degraded areas. As part of any

reforestation process, it is important to monitor habitat conditions and the development of the ecosystem.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the condition of the vegetation population of the reforested area

through its structural parameters. This study was conducted in one area (10 acres), the Cucharillas Marsh

Complex System Ciénaga Las Cucharillas. Part of this area has been under a reforestation process with

freshwater plant species in two zones, Flexitank and Bacardi. Two species were used in both zones for the

reforestation process: Pterocarpus officinalis and Annona glabra. Two plots were established at each

reforestation zone and the following parameters were measured: 1) Absolute Density (trees/ ha), 2-)

Relative density (number of individuals of one species related to the total number of species, 3) Height, 4)

DBH, diameter at breast height and 5) Basal area. Based on the results, the reforestation “Flexitank” zone

presented better vegetation development than the Bacardi zone for both species. Soil analyses showed

higher concentrations of potassium that could explain in part this difference. More soil analyses are

recommended to determine a fertilization program to help the development of the plants.

39


GLOBAL PICTURE-IN-PICTURE

Eduardo Álvarez, Menonita Academy, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Gabriel Maldonado, Rosalina C. Martínez School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Mentor: Raúl García, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Assistant: Daniel Carrión, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

BanDeMar Networks and NASA’s Earth Observatory have created a system for the delivery and

interactive visualization of Earth Science data products called the Global Microscope. The Global

Microscope authorizes the learner to discover the relationships as it interactively varies the spatial and

temporal scale of a high definition spherical projection of remote sensing data. In order to create different

ways to interact with the microscope, there are certain applications used. The Global Microscope must be

able to support virtual windows that allow users to view and zoom into information with higher detail

than that supported by the global view. This project develops software tools that transform (morph)

rectilinear imagery and video (archived or live) into a PIP that remains rectilinear when projected on the

GM sphere. These tools must be able to superimpose two user-selected datasets: one for spherical

rendering and another for PIP rendering in a user-selected location. Picture-in-picture objects with

Cartesian topology can be placed directly in a cylindrical equidistant map near the equator with no

distracting distortion when projected on the Global Microscope. However, such media objects are

severely distorted when situated near the poles because cylindrical equidistant maps are a non-linear and

non-uniform mapping of spherical surfaces. With this project improvements can be made on the global

microscope and the way projection occurs by overcoming this flaw.

COLD WAR PONG

Luis O. Betancourt, Thomas Alva Edison School, Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Nelson M. Ciuró, San Antonio School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Russell Correa, Gabriela Mistral High School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.







ways to interact with the microscope, there are certain applications used. This project develops a spherical

interpretation of the original “Pong” video game. Two players control the position of their paddle to

prevent an out-of-control missile from entering their country. When the missile comes in contact with the

paddle, it “bounces off” in a new direction based on the incoming angle and that of the normal paddle

surface. The missile must always follow a great circle route. If the missile enters a player’s country, the

game ends tragically for that player. This game will be developed using Adobe Flash Actionscript. Like

other projects based on use on the global microscope, the attempt is to develop games that will further

exploit and avoid the flaws of the global microscope.

40

WIND VECTOR SIMULATIONS IN GLOBAL MICROSCOPE

José Irizarry, Jorge A. Afanador, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Evymarie Prado, Nuestra Sra. De la Providencia School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.







ways to interact with the microscope, there are certain applications used. The application used is Wind

Vector Simulator that creates a path of particles from a determined data source. In order to program such

simulator, Visual Studio is the easier way to demonstrate the projection. This program is implemented in

visual basic and in visual C++. The objective of this project is to trace the path of an airborne particle and

illustrate its global reach using data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The data is input in the window and then it starts to calculate and traces the path of the particle; the path is

seen in the window. Utilizing this program the interaction of objects with the wind vectors across the

globe can be easily determined. Different parameters may thus be added to further the interaction between

different objects and the wind.

THE RACE TO MARTIAN WATER

Johnel De La Cruz, Nuestra Sra. Altagracia, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Gabriel Troche, Ángel Rodríguez, San Antonio School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.







ways to interact with the microscope, there are certain applications used. In this project, a game will be

created in which the user will control a rover commander on Mars that will start in the equator and will

try and reach one of the poles. The rover commander shall move through Martian terrain in order to reach

any of the 2 poles of the planet using the least amount of points possible. The points will be determined

by altitude and distance traveled. The game will be created with the “Adobe Flash Player” program. The

group will learn basic uses of the program as well as practice with it in order to be able to create the

game. For the setting of Mars, a topographical map of Mars will be used as an accurate representation of

how this situation would occur in a real life scenario. The topographical map will be used to determine

the points using the distance and altitude. With this project, games can be simulated to better educate

students about Mars.

41

SPHERICAL TIC-TAC-TOE

Jesús A. López, Nuestra Sra. Altagracia School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Luis A. Torres, Miguel de Cervantes High School, Bayamón, Puerto Rico.







ways to interact with the microscope, there are certain applications used. In this project a remake of tic-

tac-toe game will be done using the equidistant cylindrical projection, which will consist in making a

rectangular projection using some geometric figures inside the same rectangle for creating the playing

surface. The game will be created using Adobe Flash, which is mostly used in web page design because

of its animation and interactivity capabilities. Students will develop an interactive Geodesic map based on

triangles on which a variant of the game tic-tac-toe is played. Two players will alternately click on a

shape on the map, which will change the color of the shape to that assigned to the player. The first player

to obtain three adjacent shapes in his/her color wins the game.

CLOUDINESS & CYCLONE’S DIAMETER OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS

Gabriel E. Irizarry, Rafael Cordero School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Ian F. Santiago, José D. Curbelo, Kyriam R. López, Manuel Ramos Hernández High School,

Quebradillas, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Mentor: Dianne V. Páez, Natural Science Department, University of Puerto Rico-

Carolina Campus, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

A tropical cyclone is a meteorological term for a storm system characterized by a low pressure system

center and thunderstorms that produce strong winds and flooding rain. A tropical cyclone feeds on the

heat released when moist air rises and the water vapor it contains condenses. They are fueled by a

different heat mechanism than other cyclonic windstorms such as nor'easters, European windstorms, and

polar lows, leading to their classification as "warm core" storm systems. The term "tropical" refers to both

the geographic origin of these systems, which form almost exclusively in tropical regions of the globe,

and their formation in Maritime Tropical air masses. The term "cyclone" refers to such storms' cyclonic

nature, with counterclockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise rotation in the Southern

Hemisphere. Depending on their location and strength, tropical cyclones are referred to by various other

names, such as hurricane, typhoon, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, and tropical depression. Inter-annual

variability of tropical cyclones has been linked to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Increased

vertical wind shear across the Atlantic during El Niño phase inhibits tropical cyclone formation and

intensification. However, during Neutral or La Niña phase of ENSO, tropical cyclone activity is enhanced

in general. About 80% of Atlantic Tropical cyclones form annually from tropical waves that move over

the region known as the “Main Development Region” which is near the Cape Verde Islands between

August and October. The tropical waves or disturbances that mature in tropical cyclones in this specific

area are known as Cape Verde Tropical Cyclones (CVTC). This objective of this research project is to

investigate how come cloudiness in tropical depressions is sometimes wider in diameter carrying much

more precipitation, in contrast with hurricanes or tropical storms.

42

TREND OF MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM DAILY TEMPERATURES IN PUERTO RICO IN

THE LAST 50-100 YEARS

Julio L. Ortiz, Luis A. Ortiz, La Merced School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Dianys N. Padró, Carvin School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Mentor: Dianne Páez-Rodríguez, Natural Science Department, University of Puerto

Rico-Carolina Campus, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

This paper presents an analysis of monthly mean, maximum and minimum temperature variations

(anomalies) for 17 stations representative of the different climatic zones of Puerto Rico, in which every

station has a duration of 50 years. The stations are the following: Aibonito, Aguirre, Arecibo, Borinquen

Airport, Cidra, Corozal, Dorado, Dos Bocas, Fajardo, Guayama, Gurabo, Jayuya, Juncos, Lajas,

Maunabo, Roosevelt Roads, and San Juan. A negative trend in change of Diurnal Temperature Range

(DTR) for various stations was found. At several stations the minimum temperature occurred at a rate of

two or three times that of the maximum temperature during the period studied (1960-2000). It suggests

the beginning of an increase in minimum temperature more quickly than maximum temperature. The

analysis of the temperature behavior provides information fordifferent studies of climatic zones in Puerto

Rico, the existence of Urban Heat Island effect and the beginning of the Desertification effect.

TREND OF MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM DAILY TEMPERATURES IN PUERTO RICO IN

THE LAST 50-100 YEARS

Gerardo Cabrera, Juan A. Rosa, Lemuel A. Rosa, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

Rafael Peña, Gabriela Mistral High School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Student Research Mentor: Dianne Páez-Rodríguez, Natural Science Department, University of Puerto

Rico-Carolina Campus, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

This paper presents an analysis of monthly mean, maximum and minimum temperature variations

(anomalies) for 17 stations representative of the different climatic zones of Puerto Rico, in which every

station has a duration of 50 years. The stations are the following: Aibonito, Aguirre, Arecibo, Borinquen

Airport, Cidra, Corozal, Dorado, Dos Bocas, Fajardo, Guayama, Gurabo, Jayuya, Juncos, Lajas,

Maunabo, Roosevelt Roads, and San Juan. A negative trend in change of Diurnal Temperature Range

(DTR) for various stations was found. At several stations the minimum temperature occurred at a rate of

two or three times that of the maximum temperature during the period studied (1960-2000). It suggests

the beginning of an increase in minimum temperature more quickly than maximum temperature. The

analysis of the temperature behavior provides information fordifferent studies of climatic zones in Puerto

Rico, the existence of Urban Heat Island effect and the beginning of the Desertification effect.

43

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Faculty research mentoring is the main driving force behind the scientific products (posters and

oral presentations) presented in this symposium. Our greatest appreciation and gratitude to all the

mentors who took part in the Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium by working and

training the next generation of scientists whose efforts are presented in this booklet, as well as to

the many other faculty members who support the MIE Project and its goals and objectives. Our

most sincere thanks are also extended to the following individuals who helped to make this

Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium possible.

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Juan López Garriga

University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus

Judges and Session Chairmen:

Dr. Angel Arcelay, UNE

Dr. Raúl Bernabe, UPR Medical Sciences Campus

Dr. Adriana Grativol, UMET

Dr. Ruby Montoya, UMET

Dr. Carlos Padín, UMET

Ms. Krizia Cabrera, UMET

Ms. Karen Caraballo, UMET

Mr. Michael Caraballo, UMET

Ms. Maira Castañeda, UMET

Ms. Darienne Ciuró, UMET

Mr. Jonathan López, UMET

Ms. Hazel Ozuna, UMET

Ms. Madeline Vázquez, UMET

Research Mentors:

Dr. Ruby Montoya, UMET

Dr. Humberto Muñoz, Gastroentherologist

Dr. Raúl Rivera, UPR Medical Sciences

Dr. Ileana I. Rodríguez, UMET

Prof. Aurea Berríos, Francisco Morales High School

Prof. Maribel García, Perpetuo Socorro Academy

Prof. Luz V. Román, Col. Evangélico Capitán Correa

Prof. Irma Vélez, Col. Evangélico Capitán Correa

44

Student Research Mentors:

Ms. Ellis Bernabes, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Brazil

Mr. Germán P. Castillo, UMET

Ms. Juanita Escalera, UMET

Mr. Figueiredo de Andrade C., Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Brazil

Mr. Raúl García, UMET

Ms. Karla M. Hernández, UMET

Mr. Paul Nieves, UMET

Mr. Jonathan Otero, UMET

Ms. Dianne Páez, UPR Carolina Campus

Mr. Amir M. Rodríguez, UMET

Student Assistants:

Mr. Daniel Carrión, UMET

Ms. Cristina M. Rivera, UMET

Symposium Staff:

Dr. Gladys Bonilla, Professor and MIE Consultant

Ms. Thelma Graniela, MIE Project

Ms. Zulma Irizarry, MIE Project

Ms. Ivette Miranda, MIE Project

Symposium Coordinators:

Dr. Juan F. Arratia, Director and Principal Investigator, NSF/UMET MIE Project

Ms. Milagros Guzmán, Pre-College Coordinator, Universidad Metropolitana

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INDEX OF PRESENTERS

NAME SCHOOL PAGES

Ephraim Acevedo Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 14, 24, 26

Jorge A. Afamador Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 40

M. Almánzar Onofre Carballeira Intermediate School, Cataño 12, 38

Eduardo Álvarez Menonita Academy, Guaynabo 16, 39

Xiomara Báez Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo 10, 31

Luis O. Betancourt Thomas Alva Edison School, Caguas 17, 39

Gerardo Cabrera Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 13, 42

Verónica Casellas Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan 9, 20

Nelson M. Ciuró San Antonio School, San Juan 17, 39

Ana V. Colón Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan 8, 18

C. Córdova Onofre Carballeira Intermediate School, Cataño 12, 38

Víctor L. Correa La Inmaculada Concepción School, San Juan 14, 25

Russell Correa Gabriela Mistral, San Juan 17, 39

Stephanie M. Cruz Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 10, 31

José D. Curbelo Manuel Ramos Hernández High School, Quebradillas 12, 41

Gabriel De Jesús Radians School, Cayey 11, 36

Johnel de la Cruz Ntra. Sra. De Altagracia School, San Juan 12, 40

Karla F. Delucca Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 10, 31

Adolfo A. Díaz Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 33

Gabriel A. Díaz Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 23

Sheydanis Díaz Radians School, Cayey 9, 21

Amarilys Fernández Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan 8,19

Edwin J. Ferrer Francisco Morales High School, Naranjito 14, 18

L. Fraguada Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas 12, 37

L. Gómez Onofre Carballeira Intermediate School, Cataño 11, 37

L.I.V. González Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas 11, 37

Mike González Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo 15, 30

Sebastián González Ramón Vila Mayo High School, San Juan 10, 28

Erika M. Hernández University Gardens High School, San Juan 15, 29

Melvin L. Hernández Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo 15, 30

Gabriel E. Irizarry Rafael Cordero High School, San Juan 12, 41

Jonathan M. Irizarry Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 33

José R. Irizarry Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 40

Miguel Jiménez Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 32

Pedro M. Jiménez Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 32

Yea J. Ko Shin Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 10, 14, 24, 26

A. Lebrón Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas 12, 38

Jean P. León Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo 15, 30

Jesús A. López Ntra. Sra. De Altagracia School, San Juan 12, 41

Kyriam R. López Manuel Ramos Hernández High School, Quebradillas 12, 41

Benito A. Maldonado Rosalina C. Martínez High School, Guaynabo 16, 32

Gabriel Maldonado Rosalina C. Martínez High School, Guaynabo 16, 39

Natalia N. Maldonado Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 23

William O. Marrero María Auxiliadora School, Carolina 15, 30

Frank Martínez Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 33

NAME SCHOOL PAGES

46

Karlo E. Meléndez Santa Mónica Academy, San Juan 16, 32

Melvin D. Méndez Manuel Ramos Hernández High School, Quebradillas 15, 29

Caleb Mergal San Antonio School, San Juan 15, 30

H.Muhamed Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan 8, 18

Angel L. Mundo Saint Francis School, Carolina 9, 23

Kiara Mundo Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 14, 22

Gabriel Nazario Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 33

Stephanie Y. Negrón Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 10, 25

Whitney Nieves Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 23

Javier A. Ocasio Colegio Evangélico Capitán Correa, Arecibo 11, 35

Jesús A. O’Neill Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 24

Abdiel Ortiz Radians School, Cayey 11, 34

Elletsy J. Ortiz Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 10, 31

Julio L. Ortiz La Merced School, San Juan 17, 42

Karilys Ortiz María Auxiliadora School, Carolina 15, 29

Luis A. Ortiz La Merced School, San Juan 17, 42

Z. Oyola Manuela Toro Morice High School, Caguas 12, 37

Michael A. Pabón Colegio Evangélico Capitán Correa, Arecibo 11, 35

José R. Pacheco Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 16, 32

Dianys N. Padró Carvin School, Carolina 17, 42

Rafael M. Peña Gabriela Mistral High School, San Juan 13, 42

Astrid Pérez María Auxiliadora School, Carolina 10, 27

E.I.B. Pinho Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas 11, 37

Nicole Pizarro María Auxiliadora School, Carolina 15, 29

Itzel I. Planas Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 10, 31

Evymarie Prado Ntra. Sra. De la Providencia Academy, San Juan 16, 40

Chiara Ramos Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 23

Ashley Rivera Josefina Barceló High School, Guaynabo 9, 23

Charlotte Rivera Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 10, 31

Luis G. Rivera Libre de Música School, San Juan 15, 29

M. Rivera Manuela Toro Morice High School, Caguas 12, 37

Mariela Rivera San Vicente de Paúl School, San Juan 10, 27

S. Rivera Onofre Carballeira Intermediate School, Cataño 12, 38

Wilda M. Rivera Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 10, 25

Zoreli Rivera Bilingüe Padre Rufo School, San Juan 15, 28

Ana G. Rodríguez Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan 8, 19

Ángel Rodríguez San Antonio School, San Juan 12, 40

Ariana J. Rodríguez Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 24

D. Rodríguez Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas 12, 37

Y. Rodríguez Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas 12, 37

M. Rojas Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas 12, 38

Juan A. Rosa Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 13, 42

Lemuel A. Rosa Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 13, 42

Katherine E. Ruíz Radians School, Cayey 11, 36

M.E. Ruíz Manuela Toro Morice High School, Caguas 11, 37

Melizabeth Santana Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan 9, 23

Ian F. Santiago Manuel Ramos Hernández High School, Quebradillas 12, 41

Wanda Schell Perpetuo Socorro Academy, San Juan 9, 20

NAME SCHOOL PAGES

47

Lorena Serrallés San Vicente de Paúl School, San Juan 14, 22

W.J.M. Tirado Francisco Oller High School, Cataño 11, 37

M. Toro Manuela Toro Morice High School, Caguas 11, 37

Luis A. Torres Miguel de Cervantes High School, Bayamón 12, 41

Gabriel Troche San Antonio School, San Juan 12, 40

Karla M. Velázquez Radians School, Cayey 11, 35

L.A.R. Velázquez Nicolás Aguayo Aldea Junior High School, Caguas 11, 37

Carol S. Vélez Episcopal Cathedral School, San Juan 14, 22

Germán L. Vélez Adianez School, Guaynabo 15, 26

We gratefully acknowledge the support and sponsorship of the

Spring 2008 Pre-College Research Symposium from:

National Science Foundation

National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA)

Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium

Universidad Metropolitana

Ana G. Méndez University System

universidad metropolitana (umet) profile...system: universidad metropolitana, universidad del este,...

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