Digital Commons Network^™

Variable Hybridization Rates Between F2 Fundulus Notatus Females, Jordan Tanaka

Honors Theses

Hybridization between two related species has been widely observed and offers a lens into complex evolutionary processes. Endogenous and exogenous factors affect hybrid fitness and diversification, and pre-zygotic and post-zygotic barriers affect species’ ability to hybridize. Female mate choice is a pre-zygotic isolation mechanism which is known to be more significant than male mate choice in many species, a trend which is linked to females often investing more energy into offspring. Detailing the ways in which these mechanisms operate is integral to understanding hybridization on a larger scale. The species examined here, Fundulus notatus and Fundulus olivaceous, are closely …

Optimal Control And Bifurcation Analysis Of A Predator–Prey Model With Self-Limiting Growth And Predator Disease, Dipo Aldila, Muhammad Akmal Fasya, Bevina D. Handari, Chidozie Williams Chukwu, Olumuyiwa James Peter

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

We propose and analyze an eco-epidemiological predator–prey model that incorporates self-limitation and disease transmission within the predator population. The model is formulated as a system of ordinary differential equations describing logistic prey growth under the interspecific interaction with the predator. On the other hand, the predator population is divided into susceptible and infected classes, whose growth is constrained by prey availability. Three biologically relevant equilibria are identified: predator extinction, disease-free coexistence, and coexistence with endemic disease. The existence and stability of these equilibria are determined by key ecological and epidemiological thresholds, including the basic reproduction number. Using numerical continuation methods, …

Optimal Control Strategies For Infectious Diseases: A Numerical Simulation Approach, M. Abu Salek, Jannatun Nayeem, Romana Yesmin, M. Haider Ali Biswas, M. Humayun Kabir

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Various infectious diseases, such as Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B virus (HBV), caused by Mycobacterium bacteria and hepatitis B virus, respectively, pose serious threats worldwide. This paper examines the spread of these diseases using a mathematical model that incorporates control measures, including vaccination and awareness programs. We use a system of differential equations with control variables and apply Pontryagin's principle to determine optimal control strategies. The stability of the Disease Free Equilibrium (DFE) has been analysed and demonstrated to be both locally and globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number remains below unity, thereby ensuring disease elimination. Furthermore, the Endemic …

Dynamical Analysis And Optimal Control Of The Mpox Transmission Model With Stratified Susceptibility, Tuhfatul Janan, Fatmawati Fatmawati, Cicik Alfiniyah, Santi Martini, Dipo Aldila, Agus Hasan

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This study develops a mathematical model of Mpox transmission that combines stratified susceptibility (low-risk and high-risk groups) with vaccinated and asymptomatically infected compartments. The analysis of the model begins with examining the well-posedness, boundedness, and nonnegativity conditions for the solutions. The local stabilities of the equilibria are examined through the Jacobian matrix and phase plane analysis, while the global stabilities are provided through Lyapunov functions. The estimated parameters are verified using epidemiological data on Mpox cases in the United States, with an MAPE of 2.20% and R_0 > 1, indicating that Mpox remains endemic. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the contact rate …

Assessing The Impact Of Lampenflora Growth On Invertebrate Distribution And Food Resource Use In Ryusen-Do Cave, Japan, Kazuhide Nakajima, Kanato Ando, Shuji Watanabe, Masuo Komukai

International Journal of Speleology

Subterranean spaces, such as caves with openings to the surface, represent unique environments characterized by limited resources derived from photosynthetic primary production. Consequently, organic inputs from organisms inhabiting above- and belowground habitats, such as bats, play a crucial role in maintaining cave ecosystems. However, in show caves converted into tourist attractions, environmental changes have progressed without sufficient ecological assessment. One important factor is the impact of photosynthetic organisms colonizing around artificial lights, known as lampenflora, on cave ecosystems. Lampenflora growth may influence invertebrate distribution and resource use; however, its impact on both aspects has been poorly evaluated. In this study, …

Establishing Aquarium Systems And Care Protocols For Marine Invertebrates In The Department Of Biological Sciences At Odu, Magdalene R. Hamlin, Gloria Massamba N'Siala Ph.D.

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Maintaining live animals in lab settings is useful for establishing a stock of specimens available for experimental studies without relying on continuous collection efforts. Previous aquarium systems utilized in the aquatic facility of the Department of Biological Sciences at ODU were suited for research on freshwater and marine vertebrates and were not designed for the care of marine invertebrates. This project aims to establish methods and protocols suitable for maintaining various marine invertebrates in a control laboratory setting. In the first stage of the project, the existing recirculation system and lab space will be reorganized and restructured to suit the …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 151 - Response To 2025 External Review Of Integrated Stock Assessments For Key Wa Demersal Indicator Stocks, Brett Crisafulli, Emily A. Fisher, Matias Braccini, Rubie Evans-Powell, Fabian I. Trinnie, Ainslie Denham, S. A. Hesp

Fisheries Occasional Publications

Consistent with national trends, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is transitioning to the globally recognised Stock Synthesis (SS) platform to support more robust, transparent, and internationally aligned assessments. To ensure this transition remains scientifically sound, DPIRD commissioned an independent expert review in 2025, following a previous review in 2024. The 2025 review was conducted by Professor André Punt and focused on integrated models for three key WA fish stocks: red emperor in the Kimberley, WA dhufish in the southern West Coast Bioregion, and sandbar shark at the statewide level. This publication summarises the findings and recommendations …

Supplemental Data For Gulf Coast Walleye Edna Survey, Kevin W. Jones

Research Data

This file contains the full eDNA collection and amplification dataset for:

Jones, K.W. (2026). Development and application of an eDNA protocol for the detection of Gulf Coast Walleye (Sander vitreus) in Mississippi [Thesis submitted for publication]. Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University.

The Evolution Of Self-Awareness In Conscious Organisms, Robert A. Dielenberg

Journal of Conscious Evolution

Self-awareness in conscious organisms remains an enduring puzzle for philosophers and neuroscientists. This paper proposes a tripartite evolutionary model tracing its emergence through three sequential types: the sensory self (primitive egocentric, valence-tagged awareness of sensory states), the bodily self (external objectification of the body as a distinct entity, evidenced by mirror self-recognition in select species), and the cognitive self (internal objectification of the mind enabling recursive self-transformation). Adopting a monist framework, the model treats consciousness as the biological substrate of delayed neural apperception (the “Delayed Present”), within which selves emerge as increasingly sophisticated models. It distinguishes non-human metacognition—implicit, online regulation—from …

Fenced And Feral: Farming And Spread Of Flowerhorn (Amphilophus Spp.) In Lake Sampaloc, Philippines, Janice A. Ragaza, Hannah Nicole Gasmen

Environmental Sustainability

This study examines the spread and ecological impact of invasive Flowerhorn cichlids (Amphilophus spp.) in Lake Sampaloc, Philippines, driven by both accidental release and intentional aquaculture practices. Field observations and literature reveal that these highly adaptable and aggressive fish outcompete native species, contributing to biodiversity decline amid increasing pollution, eutrophication, and microplastic contamination. Their phenotypic plasticity allows them to thrive in degraded environments, further exacerbating ecological imbalance. While local communities have begun utilizing Flowerhorns for ornamental trade and potential aquafeed production, such practices risk reinforcing their proliferation. The study highlights the need for integrated management strategies combining biosecurity, pollution control, …

Urban Areas Are Associated With Earlier Breeding Timing In American Robins, Lola Hackle, Jennifer Wickes, Elise Mittlestat, Ashley Stine, Keegan Abeson, Carolina Villalona, Mikus Abolins-Abols

The Cardinal Edge

Climate change and urban environment have been shown to affect bird reproductive timing. In particular, urban development can create the so-called “heat islands” – urban areas that are hotter than the surrounding environment. While the primary cue birds use to time their reproduction is daylength, birds also use temperature as a supplementary cue to fine-tune their reproductive timing. Change in the timing of breeding may impact the survivability of nestlings due to temperature fluctuations and food availability. The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a widespread songbird in North American cities and rural areas. We sought to see if urban heating …

Leaf Droppage Delayed In Sugar Maple Trees On An Urban To Rural Gradient, Isabella S. Bastien, Isabella Bastien

The Cardinal Edge

This study investigates the timing of leaf abscission in Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) trees along an urban-to-rural gradient in Louisville, Kentucky, to determine how proximity to urban environments influences leaf drop. We hypothesized that urban trees would retain their leaves longer than suburban or rural trees due to environmental stressors and tested this using weekly leaf collection and canopy cover measurements from three locations—urban, suburban, and rural. Results showed that urban trees exhibited delayed leaf drop and slower canopy opening compared to suburban and rural trees. These findings suggest that urban stressors significantly alter tree phenology, which may signal underlying …

Asimina Triloba (L.) Dunal: The Complete Story Of America’S Forgotten Fruit, Autumn M. Howard

The Cardinal Edge

Asimina triloba, commonly known as the pawpaw, is a unique and historically significant native fruit tree of the eastern United States. This research paper explores the taxonomy, botanical description, distribution, habitat requirements, ecological interactions, economic importance, and reproductive biology of A. triloba. The species is distinguished by its tropical-flavored fruits, adaptation to temperate climates, and reliance on clonal reproduction and specific insect pollinators. While offering promising opportunities for sustainable agriculture and riparian restoration, A. triloba faces challenges related to limited seed dispersal, susceptibility to certain pests and diseases, and the presence of neurotoxic compounds. Despite its historical importance …

Seasonal Dynamics And Trends Of Environmental Conditions In Lake Louise, Georgia, Daniel Kwawuvi, James A. Nienow

Georgia Journal of Science

Lakes are important aquatic ecosystems that are extensively influenced by seasonal variations. In this study we investigate the seasonal dynamics and trends of three environmental variables, water temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO), in Lake Louise, a sinkhole lake located in southern Georgia. These variables were measured in-situ along a depth profile from January 27, 2024 to January 17, 2025. We also accessed archived data from field campaigns in 2003, 2004, and 2017 in order to test whether a recent increase in the number of hurricanes impacting the region, five since August, 2017, may have significantly altered the seasonal dynamics …

Analysis Of Traditional Wisdom For Ecological Sustainability In Tanzania: A Case Study Of Metaphorical Source Domains In Pangwa Ritual Texts, Winne Stephen Mtega, Angelus Mnenuka

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Campaigns for ecological sustainability have gained a great currency in the contemporary academic discourse. Nonetheless, from time immemorial, Africans have pushed the ecological sustainability agenda through cultural taboos and regulated resource harvesting. Many African societies have embedded ecological consciousness in daily life expressions, and have intricately expressed it through literary and ritual texts. This study focuses on ecological awareness in the ritual texts of the Pangwa community. It analyses how environmental domains—such as land, seeds, and fruits—serve as the basis for metaphors in the Pangwa community to prove the use of wisdom to promote and sustain ecological practices (ecocriticism). The …

No Effect In Plasma Corticosterone Levels After Observation Of Diseased Conspecifics, B. M. Hardy, M. Chang, S. Mccallum, S. Santangelo, Patricia C. Lopes

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Organisms commonly respond to stressors in their environment by increasing the secretion of corticosterone (CORT). While increased CORT is acknowledged as a response to predation risk by organisms inhabiting a landscape of fear, new research raises the potential for changes in CORT as a response to the risk of infection by organisms in their environment. An increase in CORT of a healthy, uninfected individual in response to their perception of the risk of infection in their environment could change their susceptibility to infection, highlighting a significant role for CORT to alter host–pathogen dynamics. To investigate the effects of infection risk …

Evaluating Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo Silvestris) Behavioral Ecology In The Southeastern United States, Chad Argabright

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo spp.) is a game bird species in North America who are one of the great success stories in restoration and conservation. Wild turkeys were extirpated from most of their range in the early 20th century, but through habitat restoration and translocation efforts the population was restored to the point of being sustainably harvested in 49 U.S. States by the late 20th century. However recent declines in wild turkey population indices have necessitated ongoing research on the behavioral ecology of wild turkeys to help counteract these declines. East Texas specifically for the past century has …

Jackfruit Peel Valorization Through An Integrated Biorefinery Approach, Rohil Kumar K Mr

Theses and Dissertations

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peel (JFP), an abundantly available lignocellulosic biomass, remains largely underutilized despite being rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. In India, approximately 13,460 hectares are under jackfruit cultivation, with Panruti in Tamil Nadu as a major production zone. The discarded peel often contributes to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The present study emphasizes sustainable valorization of JFP through an integrated biorefinery framework for generating value-added bioproducts.

Major biopolymers, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin were extracted and fractionated, followed by detailed physicochemical characterization using FTIR, NMR, XRD, SEM, TGA, DSC, GPC, and BET analyses. Pectin extraction with …

(Si16-21) Dynamical Study Of A Hassell-Varley Model With Nonlinear Harvesting And Fear Effect In Prey, Aditya Bhattacharya, Anindita Bhattacharyya

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this article, a one predator-one prey model incorporating Richards’ type growth in prey population, Hassell-Varley type functional response and Michaelis-Menten type prey harvesting is proposed and analyzed. Richards’ type growth with fear factor is incorporated in the proposed model to generalize the reduction effect of predator-induced fear on the rate of growth of the prey population. Positivity and boundedness of the system’s solutions are first established to ensure biological feasibility of the model. Existence and stability conditions of various types of equilibrium points associated with the model such as trivial equilibrium, axial (predator–free) equilibrium and coexistence equilibrium are obtained …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 150 - Response To 2024 External Review Of Integrated Stock Assessments For Key Wa Demersal Indicator Stocks, Rubie Evans-Powell, S. A. Hesp, Ainslie Denham, Emily A. Fisher, Rachel Marks, Fabian I. Trinnie, Brett Crisafulli

Fisheries Occasional Publications

In Western Australia (WA), stock assessments for key demersal species, including snapper and red emperor, have traditionally used bespoke integrated models developed in-house by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). In line with other Australian jurisdictions, DPIRD is transitioning to Stock Synthesis (SS) as its primary platform for integrated stock assessments of WA finfish. To support this transition, DPIRD commissioned an independent expert review of recent integrated models applied to three demersal stocks. This publication responds to recommendations from Professor André Punt (University of Washington and CSIRO) in his 2024 review, which examined assessments for Pilbara red …

The Modern Sisyphus Blows Leaves: Attitudes And Impacts Regarding Leaf Litter Removal On A Suburban Campus, A. C. Nony, M. R. Mcclung, M. L. Reid

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Leaf litter habitat disruption in suburban spaces stems from the prevalence of “lawn culture,” that is, the accepted societal norm that land immediately surrounding humans or meant for human recreational use should be clean, tidy, controlled, and aesthetically pleasing, above other considerations. When leaf litter on residential and recreational lawns is cleared, it removes vital habitat for organisms of several taxa, especially species that rely on litter as a moisture and temperature-controlled substrate for overwintering. We administered an opinion survey to students, staff, and faculty at Hendrix College, a highly residential and suburban campus in Conway, Arkansas, to assess views …

Trophic Structure And Mercury Bioaccumulation In Walleye And Yellow Perch In The Upper And Lower Red Lake Basins, Marissa Pribyl

Biology Graduate Theses

Mercury is a persistent global contaminant that biomagnifies through aquatic food webs, with dietary and environmental factors serving as the primary drivers of accumulation in fishes. Trophic structure and methylmercury dynamics in Walleye (ogaa; Sander vitreus) and Yellow Perch (asaawens; Perca flavescens) were investigated in the Upper and Lower Red Lake basins in Red Lake, Minnesota, during 2024-2025. Diets of Walleye and Yellow Perch were assessed through stomach dissections, and tissue samples from both species were analyzed for total mercury concentrations. Additional analyses included shiners (gigoozens; Notropis spp., Hudsonius spp.) along with a variety of freshwater fish and …

A Revision Of The Psammophilic Genus Liobuthus Birula, 1898 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), With A Description Of Four New Species From Central Asia, Victor Fet, František Kovařík, Graeme Lowe, Matthew R. Graham

Euscorpius

The rare Central Asian psammophilic scorpion genus, Liobuthus Birula, 1898 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), is revised. Five species are delineated according to results from three species delimitation approaches using mitochondrial DNA. Results are supported by diagnostic morphology, including an assessment of the distinctive neobothriotaxy. The type species, L. kessleri Birula, 1898, is confirmed for Iran (northeast), Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (south). Four new species are described: L. atamuradovi sp. n. (Turkmenistan),  L. danovi sp. n. (Kazakhstan, northern Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), L. shukurovi sp. n. (southwestern Tajikistan), and L. vachoni sp. n. (southern Kazakhstan), The unique additive neobothriotaxy (on both pedipalp femur and patella) …

Agent-Based Model Details For Quantifying Error In Drone-Based Animal Surveys: Animal Density, Distribution And Flight Patterns, Emma A. Schultz, Natasha Ellison-Neary, Landon R. Jones, Kristine O. Evans, Raymond B. Iglay

Research Data

The following dataset pertains to Python scripts of an agent-based model simulating various drone survey design and quantifying potential count bias of stationary animals in fixed landscapes as part of an accepted manuscript in Ecosphere. Simulated animals were distributed among five animal densities (n = 4, 9, 25, 49, 100 animals/survey area) and three distribution patterns (random, uniform, aggregated). Eight drone flight patterns surveyed a 4.16-km² landscape within constraints of real-world battery and line-of-sight limitations. The simplified landscape also provided 100% animal classification (i.e., all animals within image frame observed and identified).

Aquatic Interrelations In Malika Mokeddem’S Novel N’Zid (2001), Laura C. Klein

Green Humanities: A Journal of Ecological Thought in Literature, Philosophy & the Arts

This article offers an ecological analysis of Malika Mokeddem's novel N'Zid (2001), moving beyond postcolonial and anthropocentric interpretations. It centers on the protagonist Nora's individuation, arguing this process is intrinsically linked to her evolving relationship with the aquatic environment from which she emerges. The article aims to situate N'Zid within an ecological perspective, particularly relevant in the Anthropocene, an era compelling a reassessment of humanity's place. Echoing Bruno Latour, addressing inter-relationality is essential as the stable physical framework of the Moderns becomes unstable. This view necessitates rethinking environmental issues and encourages a scientific interpretation of the novel, drawing on neurosciences, …

Vultures, Bryan M. Kluever, Lee A. Humberg, Scott C. Barras

Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series

Fact sheet about vultures including information about human--wildlife conflicts, the vulture roost, affects on livestock, structures, human health and safety, identification of damage, management methods, legal considerations, and economics. Also included is an overview of the species.

A Simple And Affordable Protocol To Assess Censer Seed Dispersal: First Confirmation Of The Mechanism In The Genus Solanum, Abigail J. Motter, Christopher T. Martine, Melody P. Sain

Faculty Journal Articles

The censer seed dispersal mechanism, whereby mature fruits are retained on plants and seeds dispersed by mechanical shaking, is among the most specialized wind-aided seed dispersal strategies employed by the flowering plants. An efficient, affordable, and easily repeatable protocol for determining whether a species uses this unusual mechanism of seed dispersal is lacking. Our focal species, Solanum tudununggae, is one of just two Solanum species (in a fleshy-fruited genus of ca. 1200 species) hypothesized to use this dispersal mechanism as a means to move seeds farther from parent plants than would gravity alone.

Distribution Of Mussels In Two Intermittent Upland Streams Of The Arkansas Valley Ecoregion, A. A. Brady, K. B. Hecke, S. A. Drake, Z. R. Crain, K. Moles

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Freshwater mussels are facing an increasing need for conservation due to their declining populations. More data is needed on mussel distributions, especially in tributaries of large rivers to properly conserve and restore populations. Big Shoal Creek and Little Shoal Creek are two upland-tributaries of the Arkansas River (Lake Dardanelle) in which no records exist for freshwater mussel populations. We addressed this knowledge gap by sampling a total of 9 sites in Little Shoal Creek and 18 sites in Big Shoal Creek to determine the abundance and distribution of mussels in these streams. Mussels were sampled using a timed-search approach. A …

Temporal Variation Of Benthic Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Communities In Two Upland Intermittent Streams In The Boston Mountains, R. J. Mccollough, K. B. Hecke

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Benthic aquatic macroinvertebrates are some of the most highly used organisms for biomonitoring and assessing stream health. However, biomonitoring is often done in one season, potentially missing important taxa and inaccurately reflecting the community as well as stream health. In addition, while road crossing effects have also been extensively researched the last few decades, these studies are also often conducted in one season, likely misrepresenting the community structure and the overall effects of the road crossing. The highly known River Continuum Concept (RCC) is often applied to these benthic aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. This study aimed to examine aquatic macroinvertebrate communities …

Biology Department Publications: 2025, Sam Lindgren

Biology Department Bibliographies

This document is a non-comprehensive list of publications made by graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members in the Biology Department in 2024. It indexes those publications available through PubMed, and serves as an archival record of the Department's robust scholarly contributions.