Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences Weblog

Thomas Richardson, University of Bath, University of Dublin
Hugh Garavan2*, University of Dublin

Full manuscript: http://www.kon.org/urc/v9/richardson.html

Abstract This study examined relationships between hypomanic symptoms and impulsivity and risk-taking propensity in an international sample of 246 undergraduate students, finding statistically significant positive correlations between hypomania and impulsivity and risk-taking propensity. Multiple regression analyses provided further insight into these relationships.

Tracey Liebman, University of Pennsylvania

Full Paper: http://www.kon.org/urc/v9/liebman.html

Abstract A rising number of individuals in the US are overweight and obese; although the morbidity and mortality rates for countless diseases have been reduced due to advances in medical research and high standard of living, the rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus increases. The culture of our affluent nation has promoted the consumption of high caloric, processed food along with physical inactivity. In the attempt to control the rise of type 2 diabetes, new treatments such as these 11β-HSD1 inhibitors and others that focus on mechanisms relating to cortisol regulation may have favorable results. Diabetes prevalence is increasing because the population is aging, people are progressively more overweight and physically inactive, and minority groups that seem more susceptible to diabetes make up an increasing percentage of the US population. Cortisol may play an important role; it is possible that even small increases in cortisol, within the range of normal, may have a detrimental influence by worsening diabetes and increasing complications. This paper is a review of the role of cortisol and abdominal obesity in the epidemic of type 2 Diabetes. As diabetes continues to grow in prevalence, the problems will become even more extensive and debilitating for society if optimal preventative measures are not taken. Future efforts in this related struggle against both obesity and type 2 diabetes should encompass a strong focus on cortisol so such prevention and treatment can successfully advance. 

Sheri Binkly, Sara Keller, Jenna Sogn, Marisa TenBrink, South Dakota State University
Guest editor and program coordinator: Dr. Leda Cempellin

Full publication: http://www.kon.org/urc/v9/interconnected-through-art/

Introduction: This group project has been inspired by the theme of the 2010 Upper Midwest Honors Conference at SDSU: "Mitakuye Oyasin", roughly translated, in the Dakota/Nakota/Lakota language as "we are all related."

Each student in my Honors Art Appreciation class chose an artist, whose work is connected with either the land, the community, or both. Then, he/she performed a bibliographical research on that artist and applied form and content-based analysis methods we discussed in class.

These four outstanding research projects have been granted the generous contribution of bibliographical sources and images from some of the most prestigious institutions in the art world. Our collective academic effort, and this consequent publication project, would not have been possible without their support.