Life Sciences Commons^™

Implementing Sustainable Meal Planning Practices Through Meal Mentoring At An East Texas Food Bank Sponsored Location, Anitra L. Greusel, Mary S. Olle, Gina Fe G. Causin

Undergraduate Research Conference

Objectives

Participants being able to identify key terms on a food label.

That the participants will have an awareness of healthful portion sizes.

That the participants will be able to demonstrate this knowledge.

This was accomplished by an initial assessment, a review and a post assessment.

Each interview period had a discussion time and nutrition information was disseminated. Each participant received a one on one mentoring with the researcher covering basic nutrition content of foods during each interview.

Water Soluble Cationic Porphyrin Sensor For Detection Of Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, And Cu2+, Christopher Orr, Miranda Uherek, Matibur Zamadar

Undergraduate Research Conference

Here we report the sensing properties of the aqueous solution of mesotetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine tetrachloride (1) for simultaneous detection of toxic metal ions by using UV-vis spectroscopy. Cationic porphyrin 1 displayed different electronic absorptions in UV-vis region upon interacting with Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ ions in neutral water solution at room temperature. Quite interestingly, the porphyrin 1 showed that it can function as a single optical chemical sensor and/ or metal ion receptor capable of detecting two or more toxic metal ions, particularly, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions coexisting in a water sample. Porphyrin 1 in an aqueous solution provides a …

Responses Of Problematic Algae To Copper-Based Algaecide, Aaron Slevin, Clayton Rushing, James Cunningham, Joseph Watkins, Michael Deguenther

Undergraduate Research Conference

Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates. These typically promote excessive growth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of available oxygen, causing the death of other organisms, such as fish. Eutrophication is a natural, slow-aging process for a water body, but human activity greatly speeds up the process (USGS.gov). Golf Courses are often fertilized numerous times a year and can be major problem in fertilizer runoff in ponds surrounding the course. In east …

Assessment Of Workers Exposure To Ammonia In Animal Facilities At Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center, Nacogdoches, Texas, Ahmad F. Nasser, Sheryll B. Jerez

Bright Ideas Conference

Poultry, swine, and equine animal facilities are all considered as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). All these CAFOs are emission sources of gases and other pollutants which have negative impacts on the environment, human health, and animal health as well. One of those gases is Ammonia (NH3), which is a colorless, highly irritating gas with a pungent, suffocating odor, and if inhaled in high concentrations, it may cause harm to the human body and the function of lungs. Personal exposure to ammonia was assessed for six workers in the three animal facilities: poultry, swine, and equine. Two workers from each …

Relationship Between Temperament And Performance Traits In Yearling Cattle, Courtney R. Branton, C. J. Koffskey, E. O. Warden, E. G. Brown

Bright Ideas Conference

To examine relationships between exit velocity (EV, objective measure of temperament) and performance traits, calves were weighed 14 days prior to weaning, at weaning, 128 days post weaning, and at time of carcass measurements. Exit velocity obtained on day -14 and carcass ultrasound measurements (n = 6) obtained on day 208 and carcass harvest measurements (n = 12) obtained on day 349 were used to determine correlations between EV, performance and carcass measurements. Exit velocity showed a tendency to be negatively correlated (P < 0.15) with weaning weight (r = -0.40), but not correlated (P > 0.05) with average daily gain post 128 days. Exit velocity was not correlated (P > 0.05) with carcass …

The Agriculture Mechanics Laboratory – Safety And Capacities, Erika Hedegaard-Schou, Ryan Powell, Dale Perritt

Bright Ideas Conference

The agricultural mechanics laboratory, that is a part of the agricultural science and technology instructional program in Texas public schools, has over the years become a key component of the instructional program. Four classes, as outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that focus on mechanical skills and include: Principles of Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources, Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technologies, Agricultural Facilities Design and Fabrication and Agricultural Power Systems.

Most agricultural mechanics laboratories are used 4 to 5 class periods per day sometimes with more than one class at a time meeting in the facility,. The questions …

The Effects Of Flooding On Photosynthesis, Transpiration, And Stomatal Conductance Of Three Bottomland Hardwood Species, Angela Sutherland, Hans Williams

Bright Ideas Conference

Many tree species are able to adapt to harsh environmental conditions in order to survive. The degree of adaptability can determine how long a species can survive during prolonged environmental stress. This experiment monitored the effects of flooding on the photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance of three bottomland hardwood tree species: water oak (Quercus nigra), willow oak (Quercus phellos), and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum).

Hickory Creek Orchard Feasibility Study, Brad Henley

Undergraduate Research Conference

Does land in East Texas host desirable soil types for developing large acreage into nut-bearing orchards?

Agricultural Assessment: Pecan Orchard Feasibility Study, Brad Henley

Undergraduate Research Conference

East Texas has predominantly been categorized historically as a forestry and timber management region. The nearest region to expectedly encounter viewing a large number of properties containing the growth of nut-bearing tree plantations, better known as orchards, is the Hill Country or South Texas Regions. During 2012, I witnessed a rural real estate transaction between an East Texas timber landowner and successful almond orchard farmer. The almond farmer had no previous experience with the practice and management of Texas loblolly pine plantations; however, he had interest in diversifying his real estate investment portfolio to include a pine plantation offering a …

The Evolution And Selection Pressures Of Facial Stripes In Birds, Stephen Scribner

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Measuring The Concentration Of Benzene In Gasoline Vapors In Nacogdoches, Tx, James Mcmullen, Cheryl Scott, Quentin Silva, Victor Chavez

Undergraduate Research Conference

Benzene, which is a known carcinogen, is one of the main components in gasoline that the public is concerned about. In addition, benzene is a colorless liquid, which evaporates quickly when exposed to air (American Cancer Society, 2013). Benzene concentrations “can range from about 0.1–2.0 ppb in rural areas to 6.0–20 ppb in major US cities” (Keenan, 2013, p.1007). Short-term effects of “inhalation exposure of humans to benzene may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, as well as eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, and, at high levels, unconsciousness” (EPA). In addition, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the …

Environmental Quality Assessment Of The Neches River, Cherokee County: Ernest Anderson Crossing, Krista Rouse, Brandon Mcbride, Chance Collins, Katie Hudgens, Conner Audesirk

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Biotransformations: Reaction Conditions, Antimicrobial Properties, And Enzyme Isolation, Jasmine Moreland, Marianne Burnett, Amey Gonzalez, Michele Harris

Undergraduate Research Conference

Biotransformation reactions using whole cell or organisms have been extensively studied. Most of the studies have focused on producing and characterizing the enantiospecific products. Benefits of biotransformation reactions include the use of water and other environmentally friendly conditions. We decided to focus on a single reaction to determine the best reaction conditions for the biotransformation, explore possible antimicrobial activity of the product, and isolate and characterize the protein involved in catalyzing the reaction.

The Effects Of Sugar Consumption And Race On Satisfaction With Body Size And Weight, Diego Rubalcava

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

High Level Protein Expression Slows Down Rate Of Growth Of Bacterial Broth Cultures, Saad Chaudhry, Kenechukwu Ekwemalor, Shobhit Keswani, Odutayo Odunuge

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of The Performance Of A Digital Image Analysis Method Versus A Leaf Area Meter In Measuring Leaf Surface Area, Elaine Harris

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Obesity In The United States, Kimberly Greenlee, Larry Pilgrim

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Determination Of Anions In Lanana Creek By Ion Chromatography, Tania Benavides

Undergraduate Research Conference

Abstract

Lanana Creek is one of two springs that surround Nacogdoches, TX. Lanana Creek starts southwest of Lake Naconiche, conjoining with several other bodies of water along its path, and becomes part of the Angelina River. This body of water eventually ends in the Gulf of Mexico which may contribute to the dead zone. Contaminants in water may be of small concentration; however, prolonged exposure could produce many negative effects. To prevent further contamination, the source of the contamination must be identified through testing the water for contaminants. Some possible sources of contamination may be from fertilizers and pesticides used …

Health-Related Fitness Results From Fitness Gram Tests, David Goodman, Candyce Young

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Recipe Makeover: Finding Flavorful Healthy Alternatives For Traditional Foods, Rebecca Blubaugh

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Comparing Aggression Levels In Jack Dempsey Cichlids Based On Variation Of Haitat Structure, Johnne' Beaty, Bethany Sobray, Rachael Greer

Undergraduate Research Conference

Jack Dempsey cichlids, Rocio octofasciata, are native to South America and known for their aggressive behaviors. These fish are popular in freshwater aquariums, but can act aggressively towards other fish. In many species of fish individuals may behave aggressively to defend resources and the decision to defend these resources depends on factors such a habitat complexity (Oldfield 2011). Cichlids thus need ample room to maintain individual territories. Behavioral patterns in other species of cichlids have observed that the establishment of territories is constantly changing (Dijkstra et al. 2009). Individuals use information such as habitat complexity to adapt to environments, even …

Establishing The Learning Effect Of Repeated Wingate Anaerobic Tests, Erin Thompson, Natalie Schaeffer, Eric T. Jones, Malcom T. Whitehead

Undergraduate Research Conference

The Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) is a recognized and well established tool used to measure power output, muscular endurance, and fatigue. While litreature involving WAnT is plentiful, research addressing training effects within WAnT is limited. Previous studies have addressed changes in power output during repeated trials, however, to our knowledge multiple repeated trials over time to establish optimal learned effect has not been addressed. Past published studies using WAnT have incoporated various familiarization trails to account for the learned impact on performance (1, 2, 4). If an optimal number were established to produce a learned response the validity of future …

Effects Of Weaning Strategy On Growth And Stress In Beef Calves, D L. Warden, M E. Brown, E G. Brown

Undergraduate Research Conference

Traditionally, calves are abruptly separated from their cows at approximately 205 days of age to prevent the calf from nursing. This process is commonly known as weaning. Weaning is very stressful for calves not only because of the separation from their dam, but also because of the change in their diet. When calves are weaned stress may result in behavioral changes, such as increased vocalization, pacing, loss of appetite and thirst. Stresses due to weaning may result in a weakened immune system which increases the risk for infection and disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate various weaning …

Living The Tasty Life: Cooking For People With Diabetes, Sarah Feye, Carrie Flowers, Amanda Johnson

Undergraduate Research Conference

To compile, format, distribute and organize high quality, affordable and easy-to-understand recipes to the greater East Texas Area in conjunction with East Texas Community Health Services, Inc. of Nacogdoches, TX.

To address the following Didactic Program in Dietetics student learning outcomes required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics: KR 2.1 a, b; KR 4.1 a, and KR 4.2 b.

Health: Helping Employees Alter Life Through Health, Natalie Strabala, Alyssa Rains

Undergraduate Research Conference

To create a healthier and happier company environment and network as a whole. Our employees will become more focused and goal-oriented driven. The overall morale of the company will be higher, leading Biss Enterprises to even more success.

Analysis Of Zinc And Copper In Foods, Merlly Zavala

Undergraduate Research Conference

Deficiencies in vitamins and calcium have always been known and a remedy for it has always been around. The deficiency of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are not very popular and some people do not understand how important the two metals are for one’s health. If one tends to encounter such deficiency the goal is to give foods that contain these metals in order to add to the diet. In this study, various foods were analyzed for Cu or Zn concentration levels using absorptions spectrophotometer Shimadzu AA-6800 flame. The samples were crushed, digested with nitric acid, and then analyzed through …

Differentiation Of Capsicum Species Via Protein Extraction And Sds-Page Analysis: A Two-Day Experiment For Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratories, Trey Polvadore, Brittney P. Cooper, Michele R. Harris

Undergraduate Research Conference

The Capsicum genus is comprised of more than 200 varieties of pepper plant that collectively represent only five cultivated spices. As a result of extensive cross-breeding, an 88% similarity in protein coding DNA has developed. While this has made species determination based solely on physical appearance all but impossible, the 12% difference in protein coding DNA has led to subtle differences in translated protein. SDS-PAGE analysis facilitates the generation of protein banding patterns that, after careful analysis, was used to differentiate one variety of pepper from another. This project was used to distinguish between pepper plant species and was carried …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of The Gymnastics Cartwheel Using Dartfish Motion Analysis Software, Keilea Bullard

Undergraduate Research Conference

The biomechanical analysis required videotaping two subjects performing the cartwheel to the best of their ability. Strict protocols were followed to ensure the analysis was accurate. In order to measure distances in the Dartfish program, an object of known length had to be recorded. Subjects were asked to hold a scaling rod for ten seconds before beginning their trials. Subjects recorded four trials each and all data was imported into the Dartfish program. Average trials for both subjects were chosen to be analyzed extensively for strengths, weaknesses and most importantly the overall biomechanics of the cartwheel. The subjects’ video was …

How To Become Involved With The United States Olympic Committee, Megan Ervin

Undergraduate Research Conference

A look at how how an athletic trainer can become involved in United States Olympic Committee. There are a couple options; an internship as an uncertified student or as a volunteer as an Allied health Professional.

A Biomechanical Analysis Of The Weight Training Squat Using Dartfish Motion Analysis Software, Wesley Kephart

Undergraduate Research Conference

Biomechanical analysis of Weight Training Squat to ensure proper technique to avoid injury. This study used the Dartfish Motion Analysis Software to monitor two subjects form and technique during the lift.