Digital Commons Network^™

​Spectrophotometric Detection Of Food Additives And Pesticides By Magnetite Cross-Linked Tyrosinase Aggregates (Mcltas)​, İlker Polatoğlu

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

In this study, tyrosinase enzyme was cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to form aggregates on the surface of activated magnetite nanoparticles, without the need for a separate support matrix. For the first time, this novel aggregate was employed for the spectroscopic detection of ascorbic acid (AA) and diazinon, as model food additives and pesticides, respectively. This technique, developed as an alternative to optical sensors, not only eliminates their drawbacks but also facilitates the recovery of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA) from the reaction medium using the incorporated magnetite nanoparticles. A spectrophotometric technique was used to measure the enzyme activity of the aggregates to …

Development Of A Grease Resistant Barrier For Food Industry Applications, Mira Marino

Honors Theses

The objective of this project is to develop a grease-resistant barrier coating for paper-based food packaging and to evaluate the economic feasibility of implementing this coating system at an industrial scale. As demand increases, this project focuses on identifying an optimal pigment and binder combination that enhances barrier performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The primary goal was to maximize grease and moisture resistance of coated paper while ensuring the process is economically viable and compatible with existing paper mill operations.

The final plant design consists of one continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and three centrifugal pumps integrated into an existing paper …

Investigating The Cost And Efficiency Of Two Chemical Pathways To Produce The Plant-Based Coagulants, Taylor Nixon

Honors Theses

Plant-based coagulants are promising sustainable alternatives for water treatment due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and reduced risk of secondary pollution. Unlike conventional inorganic coagulants, they generate less sludge and avoid secondary contamination in the environment. This project examines two chemical modification strategies for producing cationic cellulose coagulants. The first involves direct amination of cellulose using CHPTAC, while the second employs periodate-oxidized dialdehyde cellulose, which enables reductive amination through reactive aldehyde groups. These approaches are expected to yield materials with differing charges, surface functionalities, and structural properties that may influence coagulation performance. The study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility …

Optimizing Itpa R178c Assays Via Hplc, Jared J. Reisnouer, Wally D. Pines

2026 Symposium

Two of the major nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA (Adenine and Guanine) are derived from the purine Inosine Monophosphate (IMP). IMP may occasionally form the noncanonical nucleotide Inosine Triphosphate (ITP) within the cell and become incorporated into DNA during replication, leading to potentially lethal errors. To combat this, human cells produce the “housekeeping” enzyme Inosine Triphosphatase (ITPA) to revert ITP to IMP. A mutation of this protein that replaces the 178th amino acid Arginine with Cysteine (R178C) is associated with a fatal infantile encephalopathy. Previous assessments of enzyme-substrate binding and catalysis for ITPA variants have been run at a …

New Ways To Address The Plastic Problem, Andrew J. Hanna

The Penguin Review

Since 1950, the world has produced some 9.2 billion metric tonnes of plastic.1 Other sources place the total closer to ten billion metric tonnes Furthermore, nearly 500 million tonnes of new plastic are manufactured each year– a figure that's projected to increase to 1.2 billion tonnes by 2060.2 The environmental effects of all this plastic production and pollution are disturbing. Because most plastics are synthetic–meaning they contain "no molecules found in nature"– they can't decompose. Instead, they just break down into smaller and smaller pieces, becoming microplastics (less than five millimeters (5 million nanometers) across) and then nanoplastics (less than …

Comparison Of Levels Of Bmi, Stress, And Depression Of Women During The Prenatal Period Relative To Their Activity Levels, Kalayna King

Create@State

This study aimed to analyze the relationships between activity levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), stress levels, and depression symptoms in obese pregnant women in Arkansas. Two separate exercise intervention studies were combined in this analysis to ultimately give a sample size of 293 pregnant women who were randomized into standard of care group (control) and an exercise group (experimental) (n = 115 and n = 178, respectively). Women in the control groups were instructed to independently continue to follow the physical activity guidelines recommended by their gynecologist, whereas the experimental groups participated in a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise …

Amyloid Beta-42 Neurotoxicity In Drosophila Retinal Development, Shay O. Sims, Pierce Duncan, Malachi Abon, Jacob G. Smith

Create@State

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders globally. Thus far, the underlying mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of AD are innately elusive. Two hallmarks associated with the progression of AD exist, including Amyloid-Beta 42 (Aβ42) protein plaque formation and hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins in neurons. Amyloid-beta is known to concentrate with other neuronal proteins as complexes form, including the cytoskeletal protein actin. However, whether actin contributes to neuronal decline in AD is unknown. To further understand the cellular cascades associated with AD, we investigated the role of cytoskeleton dynamics in modulating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation within …

Transgenic Plant Cells For The Cost-Effective Production Of Pharmaceutical Proteins, Maria Gambaro

Create@State

Plant-based systems are becoming an important method for producing pharmaceutical proteins because they can be more cost-effective, and safer compared to traditional production methods which commonly use mammalian cells. This project aims to develop a transgenic plant cell system that can produce a pharmaceutical protein using molecular cloning techniques. A transgenic plant cell has the DNA of another plant integrated into its genome, altering its gene expression to produce different proteins. To begin, a plasmid carrying the gene of interest and the DNA components needed for expression will be designed. The plasmid will then be used to introduce the gene …

Relish As A Temporal Switch In Neurodegeneration Using Drosophila Melanogaster, Kyle M. Johnson

Create@State

Neurodegenerative diseases are often linked to chronic inflammation in the nervous system, but it is still unclear what triggers this process during the early stages of disease. This project examines whether activation of the NF-κB transcription factor Relish may act as a temporal switch that contributes to early neurodegenerative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. As a result of many innate immune pathways are consistent between flies and humans, Drosophila serves as a useful model for studying how immune signaling affects neuronal health. In this study, neural driver lines were crossed with control strains to evaluate how changes in Relish signaling …

An Investigation Into Relish Activation As A Temporal Switch In Neurodegeneration, Kyle M. Johnson

Create@State

Neurodegenerative diseases are often linked to chronic inflammation in the nervous system, but it is still unclear what triggers this process during the early stages of disease. This project examines whether activation of the NF-κB transcription factor Relish may act as a temporal switch that contributes to early neurodegenerative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. As a result of many innate immune pathways are consistent between flies and humans, Drosophila serves as a useful model for studying how immune signaling affects neuronal health. In this study, neural driver lines were crossed with control strains to evaluate how changes in Relish signaling …

Infertility And Mental Health, Laynie Pugmire

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Impacts Of Adoption On Attachment, Laynie Pugmire

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Fatherhood Redefined: How Paternity Leave Shapes Relationships, Olivia Flores

Family Perspectives

Paternity leave remains limited in the United States, with relatively few fathers granted paid time off following the birth of a child. This literature review examines how paternity leave shapes marital relationships by influencing parental mental health and couple communication during the transition to parenthood. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, the paper synthesizes evidence indicating that fathers’ use of paternity leave is associated with higher marital satisfaction and greater relationship stability. These benefits are largely mediated by improvements in both maternal and paternal mental health, as paternity leave reduces role overload, stress, and symptoms of anxiety and depression for both partners. …

Academic And Mental Health Outcomes In Homeschoolers, Emily Higham

Family Perspectives

Homeschooling—education conducted outside traditional school settings and typically led by parents—has grown substantially in the United States, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. As participation has increased, greater attention has been directed toward understanding its implications for children’s development. This literature review examines associations between homeschooling, mental health, and academic outcomes. Existing research suggests that homeschooled children generally demonstrate positive socioemotional functioning, including lower levels of internalizing behaviors such as anxiety and depression and fewer externalizing behaviors such as aggression compared to traditionally schooled peers. These outcomes may be supported by increased parental involvement, stronger family relationships, reduced exposure to bullying, …

The World Needs More Resilient Kids, Kara Driggs

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Singlehood On Socioemotional Health, Alexa Garner

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Swosu Research And Scholarly Activity Fair 2026, Swosu Office Of Sponsored Programs

SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair Programs

On behalf of the University Research and Scholarly Activity Committee (URSAC) and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, we are pleased to welcome you to the Thirty-Fourth SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair.

Elasmobranchii Oral Microbiome Diversity Within Southeast Florida: Implications Of Shark Zoonotic And Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens Associated With Human Interactions, Amanda Finnefrock

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Sharks are incredibly common in the Atlantic and Gulf waters surrounding Florida. Despite the prevalent nature of these animals, little research exists on the composition of their microbial communities (or “microbiomes”). Here we aim to determine the microbial makeup of the oral environment of sharks so that we can determine if there are any bacteria of clinical significance to humans, such as being antibiotic-resistant or having elevated capability for pathogenicity. A total of 41 samples were collected from the mouths and teeth of bull, Caribbean reef, great hammerhead, lemon, nurse, and sandbar sharks caught in Southeast Florida using sterile swabs …

Uptake And Fate Of Silver And Zinc Engineered Nanoparticles In Maize Under Single And Binary Dosing Soil Ecosystems, Lei Xu, Qingbo Yang, Xingmao Ma, Honglan Shi, John Yang, Hu Yang, Samira Mahdi, Ying Wang, Young Shin Jun

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recent agricultural applications of engineered metallic nanoparticles (ENPs) have raised concerns about their uptake and fate in plants. To understand this critical issue, this study investigated the fate and uptake of silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) ENPs in maize (Zea mays L.) after single or binary ENP exposure in soil. Results indicated that both Zn and Ag elemental concentrations in roots increased with increasing ENP dosage. Ag NPs in the tissues were detected, but not Zn NPs. Ag NP concentration was 3 times higher in the roots than in the shoots at low Ag NP dosing, while Ag NP …

The Impact Of State And Federal Policies On Academic Researchers: Findings From A National Survey, Dylan Ruediger, Chelsea Mccracken, Jonathan Barefield

Copyright, Fair Use, Scholarly Communication, etc.

Key findings

● State and federal policies targeting divisive concepts or DEI are shaping research agendas at scale and across disciplines. Twenty percent of all respondents, and 29 percent of researchers working in states with divisive concepts or similar laws, reported having avoided certain research topics because of state laws and policies.

● Eight percent of respondents representing a wide range of disciplines reported having had a federal grant cancelled in 2025.

● Eleven percent of respondents reported that federal and state policies restricting research activities are compelling them to seek employment out of state, to leave the academy, or …

Geographical And Anatomical Microbiome Variation In Invasive Green Iguanas (Iguana Iguana), Amanda A. Diaz

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

The common green iguana (Iguana iguana) was introduced to South Florida in 1965 and has since been an especially pernicious threat both environmentally and economically. This highly invasive species is also expanding in range and populations at an astonishing rate. Understanding how this reptile is able to adapt and thrive in novel environments is of imperative need in order to begin managing their disruptive populations. Notwithstanding their negative impacts and significance, the microbiome of wild populations has not yet been characterized. Here, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, this study is the first to characterize the microbiome composition …

Prediction Of Antidiabetic Activity Of Swietenia Mahagoni Compounds Through Pparγ Activation: Machine Learning And Molecular Docking Analysis, Weri Veranita, Siti Nurbaya

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder requiring long-term therapy, yet current synthetic PPARγ agonists like thiazolidinediones are often associated with serious adverse effects. Therefore, identifying natural alternatives from sources such as Swietenia mahagoni is essential to provide effective therapy with potentially lower toxicity profiles. This study employed an in silico machine learning approach using SkelSpheres descriptors to predict the IC₅₀ values of compounds derived from the seeds of Swietenia mahagoni against PPARγ, followed by molecular docking validation using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD). The predictive model for PPARγ agonists demonstrated acceptable validity (R²-test = 0.5308; accuracy = 84.01%). …

Efficacy Of Homemade Botanical Insecticides Against Diamondback Moth (Plutella Xylostella) And Cabbage Aphids (Brevicoryne Brassicae) On Brassica Crops, Nancy Munyoki, Edward N. Karanja, Komivi S. Akutse, Noah Adamtey, Martha Musyoka, Komi K. Fiaboe, David Bautze, Edwin Nderitu, Felix Matheri, Dubois Thomas, Milka Kiboi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The growing need for accessible alternatives to synthetic insecticides has renewed interest in farmer-made botanical formulations for pest management. This study evaluated the efficacy of selected homemade botanical insecticides against diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and kale (B. oleracea var. acephala) under laboratory and semi-field conditions. Three homemade formulations were assessed: a one-day-old multi-plant extract with neem (Azadirachta indica; PE + N), a one-day-old extract without neem (PE), and a fourteen-day-old, fermented extract without neem (PE14). These were compared with three commercial botanical products. In replicated leaf- and plant-based bioassays, …

Sex Differences In Proteomic Response To Ischemic Stroke, Christopher J. Mclouth, Hunter S. Hazelwood, Jacqueline A. Frank, Jordan P. Harp, David Dornbos Iii, Justin F. Fraser, Keith R. Pennypacker

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Background: Women often experience greater disability after ischemic stroke than men, but the biological mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear. Proteomic analysis may identify sex-specific molecular pathways that contribute to stroke rehabilitation and recovery.

Methods: We analyzed plasma samples from 141 patients enrolled in the Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC). Expression of 184 inflammatory and cardiometabolic proteins, measured proximal and distal to the clot, was quantified using Olink panels. Associations between protein expression and discharge outcomes – including the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment …

Hormetic Ethanol Effects On Fitness And Attraction In Irradiated Aedes Aegypti, Kayden Robey, Gabriel Borg, Immo Hansen

The Agora

Sterile insect technique (SIT) is an increasingly important strategy for controlling mosquito populations while reducing reliance on chemical insecticides and genetically modified organisms. A major limitation of SIT is the reduced fitness and competitiveness of irradiated male mosquitoes, which can compromise population suppression efforts. This study investigates whether hormetic ethanol exposure improves post-irradiation fitness in Aedes aegypti males, a primary vector of dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Adult male mosquitoes were fed either a standard sugar solution or a sugar solution supplemented with 5% ethanol prior to irradiation. Males were sterilized using X-ray irradiation at 50 Gy and assessed for …

Maternal Inflammation Alters Nuclear And Mitochondrial Dna Methylation Patterns In Neonatal Brain Monocytes, Andrew Ebenezer, Jonathan Hicks, Brooke Hollander, Alexander Hone, Mona Batish, Robert Akins, Adam Marsh, Elizabeth Wright-Jin

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common birth complication that can cause death or lifelong disabling conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. It is well established that maternal infection and inflammation are significant risk factors for HIE but reasons for this increase in neurological risk to the offspring remain unknown. Inflammation or infection are associated with epigenetic changes and may contribute to the increased risk of neurodevelopmental disability in exposed offspring. Here, we analyzed and compared DNA methylation patterns in brain monocytes isolated from control, maternal immune activation (MIA), and an inflammation sensitized HIE (IS-HIE) CF-1 mouse model …

The Effects Of Hurricane Helene On Mental Health And Physical Activity, Hunter Smathers, Robyn York, Jarrett Walbolt

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Hurricane Helene brought widespread damage to Southern Appalachia, disrupting utilities, health care, and recreation. While natural disasters are linked to declines in mental and physical health, few studies have examined their effects on distinct types of physical activity (PA).

Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of Hurricane Helene on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology, and intentional (exercise for health benefits) and incidental (physical labor or transportation) PA. Evacuation status influence was also explored.

Methods: Twenty participants completed assessments four weeks before (BASE), immediately after (0POST), and four weeks after landfall (4POST). Measures included the Perceived …

The Genetics Of Sex, Fortis Brown

The Agora

Sex is a complex biological process that begins in the womb and lasts into puberty and beyond. It is often presented to society as a binary, chromosome-based system where XX means female and XY means male. In reality, chromosomes are just the beginning of a lifelong process involving hormones that influence biological changes. This process becomes apparent with its errors, known as Differences in Sexual Development (DSDs). DSDs can be caused in two main ways: through changes in either meiosis or in gene expression. While many consider these changes as ‘errors’, the processes that cause them to have been intentionally …

Nutrition Strategies To Help Children With Arfid Overcome Nutrition-Related Deficiencies, Saul Campos

The Agora

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a serious and relatively newly recognized eating disorder that affects children and adolescents. The disorder was formally introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and is characterized by restrictive eating patterns that lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, weight loss or poor growth, dependence on nutritional supplements, or interference with psychosocial functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Current estimates suggest that ARFID may affect approximately 1–5% of children and adolescents, though prevalence varies depending on the population studied and diagnostic criteria used (Białek-Dratwa et al., 2022). Unlike other eating disorders, …

Exploration Of A Relationship Between The Activities Of Trail And 4’-Trifluoromethoxychalcone., Abigail C. Ernst

Undergraduate Theses

Cancer is the overgrowth of dysregulated or mutated cells that affects 1 in 3 Americans. Chalcones are natural products with many possible derivatives, such as 4’-trifluromethoxychalcone (4TF), developed in Dr. Krzysiak’s lab, which exhibit anticancer activity against cancer cell lines. Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) is a tumor surveillance cytokine that acts on two receptor types: death receptors and decoy receptors. One way cancer cells can become resistant to TRAIL is by upregulating decoy receptors and/or downregulating death receptors. In this study, MTS assays evaluated the potential relationship between TRAIL and 4TF that sensitizes A549 cells to TRAIL. The …