Digital Commons Network^™

Comparing The Effect Of Varying Concentrations Of Polytetrafluoroethylene On The Length And Fresh Weight Of Salvinia Minima, Talha Islam

Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal

The increasing usage of fluoropolymer pollution in aquatic environments has increased concerns about the ecological consequences of materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon. In the past decade, the usage of Teflon in American homes across the United States has risen by 37.7%, resulting in large amounts of aquatic pollution due to improper disposal of these harmful substances (Török et al., 2020). Although PTFE is chemically inert, its accumulation in freshwater systems can introduce matter that physically interacts with aquatic organisms. This study examined how varying concentrations of PTFE suspensions affect the growth of Salvinia minima, a …

The Next Gold Rush May Be In The Stars, Ned Markham

Osmosis Magazine

No abstract provided.

How Do Vaccines Work?, Natalie Small

Osmosis Magazine

No abstract provided.

Relaxin: Could This Pregnancy Hormone Be A Cure-All?, Eloen Beebee

Osmosis Magazine

No abstract provided.

Is Artifical Intelligence "Truly" Intelligent?, Camila Nicole Valdman

Osmosis Magazine

No abstract provided.

Re-Purposing Pre-Existing Tilapia Aquaculture Open-Design System For Zebrafish Biomedical Research Purposes, Luke Cantu, David Sierra, Skyleigh Curtis, Maya Avila

ATU Scholars Symposium

Title: Re-purposing pre-existing tilapia open-design aquaculture systems for zebrafish biomedical research purposes.

Background: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) models are gaining popularity in biomedical research; however, the high infrastructure cost, at approximately $20,000 per unit, is a significant hurdle for primary undergraduate institutions (PUIs) establishing zebrafish facilities. This study assesses if repurposing existing tilapia open-design aquaculture systems could be a cost-effective method for zebrafish facility establishment.

Methods: Between November-2025 to February-2026, the study used a pre-existing tilapia aquaculture open-design system with personnel modified outlet filters. The water quality of this system was monitored and recorded. The study compared the stabilization phase or …

Systematic Design And Optimization Of Porous Bone Plates Using Taguchi Method And Finite Element Analysis, Aliaa A. Farraj, Tawakol A. Enab, Hanan M. Amer, Mostafa A. Elbahloul

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Solid bone fixation plates, although clinically effective, often induce stress shielding and impair periosteal blood flow due to their mismatch in stiffness with cortical bone. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes lattice-engineered porous bone plates designed to balance mechanical integrity and biological compatibility. A systematic parametric investigation was conducted by varying three design variables: crystal structure type (diamond, fluorite, and gyroid), porosity levels (50%, 70%, and 90%), and structure layout. Three-dimensional models were developed using nTopology, and finite element analysis (FEA) was performed under a static compressive load to evaluate stress distribution. A Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was employed …

Reday Program 2026, Bryant University

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

Program for the 2026 Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day). Program includes schedule at a glance, descriptions for panels, workshops, and presentations, along with sign-up links for specific sessions in the electronic version of the program. Printed program was in color with double-sided printing on 8 1/2" x 11" paper stapled together in the upper left corner.

Irrigation Water Loss And Recovery In Utah, Bradley S. Crookston, Troy Peters, Matt Yost, Burdette Barker

All Current Publications

When deciding which irrigation systems to adopt, permit, or promote, it is important to consider how their efficiency and losses affect the water balance of Utah’s watersheds and drainage basins. Irrigators have no control over precipitation and only limited control of surface waters entering and leaving the state, as most of those are controlled by legal agreements. However, Utah’s water managers, elected officials, and water users can consider how surface water flows and groundwater storage is affected by using more efficient irrigation systems. Sprinkler, surface, or drip irrigation systems each have trade-offs in irrigation application efficiency, cost, and other factors. …

Guide To Drought Tolerance Of Utah Field Crops, Matt Yost, Tina Sullivan, Dakota Boren, Luree Johnson, Melanie Mills, Earl Creech, Boyd Kitchen, Randall Violett

All Current Publications

Crop variety selection is one of the most important choices on the farm. Crop genetics determine a significant portion of the yield potential and resource use efficiency. Crop types and genetics that use water more efficiently will become increasingly important as water becomes scarcer. Throughout Utah and the Western United States, water availability is decreasing due to various factors, including reduced snowpack and rapid urban growth. Alfalfa, other hay, small grains, and corn are grown on more acres than any other crops in Utah and much of the Intermountain West. These crops all have varieties, hybrids, and cultivars with the …

Small Grain Forage Production Guide, Matt Yost, Megan Baker, Earl Creech, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Michael Pace, Kalen Taylor, Cory Farnsworth, Jacob Hadfield, Corey Ransom, Steven Price, Claudia Nischwitz, Clara Anderson

All Current Publications

Small grain forages can be used for pasture, hay, and silage and have become more common in cropping systems in Utah and the western United States. The most common small grain species used for forage production are barley, oat, rye, triticale, and wheat. Although there has been an increase in the use of small grains for forage production in the western U.S., little published information is available on best management practices for small grain forage production. This guide will discuss the key production practices for small grains used for forage.

Irrigation, Crop, And Soil Management Impacts On Water Use In Pivots/Laterals, Tejinder Singh, Matt Yost, Masoumeh Hashemi, Burdette Barker, Cheyenne Reid, Rebekah E. Iverson

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we describe evapotranspiration (ET), introduce a new tool, the soil moisture evapotranspiration (SMET) model, and share results from multi-year trials across Utah evaluating different center-pivot irrigation technologies, deficit irrigation strategies, crop types, drought-tolerant crop genetics, and conservation agriculture practices. These findings highlight how Utah growers can improve water productivity and maintain profitable production under limited water supplies.

Transcriptomic Analysis Of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group C Skin Samples, Austen N. Gleave

Theses and Dissertations

Xeroderma Pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder caused by defective DNA damage repair enzymes. This condition results in an increased risk of developing skin cancer and other symptoms in those affected. In this thesis, we examined the effects of Xeroderma Pigmentosum on gene expression in patient skin biopsy samples. To accomplish this, we utilized statistical analysis of spatial transcriptomic and single-cell RNA sequencing techniques to discover differences between patient and heterozygous carrier skin samples. We found that the skin samples from Xeroderma Pigmentosum patients showed elevated levels of inflammation, immune activation, and cellular stress, while the carrier skin samples leaned …

Reproductive Performance Of Friesian Holstein Crossbred Dairy Cattle After A Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak In Lembang, Indonesia, Hanunghanindito Pamungkas, Septiyani Septiyani, Nurcholidah Solihati

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that may impair reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the reproductive performance of Friesian Holstein crossbred dairy cows following an FMD outbreak at UPTD BPTSP and HPT Cikole, Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. A retrospective study was conducted using reproductive records collected from 2019 to 2023. The reproductive parameters analyzed were calving interval, service per conception, conception rate, service period, and first mating postpartum. Differences between the pre- and post-FMD periods were assessed using paired sample t-tests. The results showed significant differences in calving interval, service …

The Potential Of Bioactive Peptides From Goat Milk Kefir With Antibacterial Activity As An Antibiotic Substitute, Dhea Athillah, Jajang Gumilar, Eka Wulandari

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study aims to determine the optimal incubation time for goat milk kefir that produces the highest antibacterial peptides, and to determine the antibacterial activity of purified goat milk kefir. Protein levels were determined using the microassay method. Kefir, which is known to have the best incubation time for producing the highest antibacterial activity when ultrafiltered with a 10 kDa cut-off membrane, was analyzed for its molecular weight using SDS-PAGE. The antibacterial activity was tested against pathogenic bacteria E. coli and S. aureus. The highest soluble protein content was found in kefir incubated for 36 hours, with a soluble …

Una To Put Names On 2 Buildings, Jennifer Edwards

Documents

the naming of the Academic Commons Building and the new Science and Technology Building at UNA

The Science And Technology Building University Of North Alabama, Barbie Hampel-University Advancement

Documents

Brochure and floor plans for the New Science and Technology Building at UNA

University Of North Alabama Science And Technology Building Grand Opening And Ribbon Cutting, University Of North Alabama

Documents

Invitation to the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the new Science and Technology Building at UNA

Evaluating Impact Of Sustainability Practices And Operational Efficiency On Firm Value In Indonesia’S Mining Sector, Erika Windyasari, Yosman Bustaman

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Sustainability practices are increasingly prominent in investor assessments of firm value Nevertheless, empirical evidence regarding which specific environmental practices are incorporated into capital market valuations remains inconclusive, particularly within mining sectors in emerging markets. This study investigates the correlation between sustainability practices energy efficiency, water management, waste management, renewable energy adoption and environmental quality (PROPER rating) together with operational efficiency and firm value in Indonesian listed mining firms. The analysis uses panel data for 23 firms over 2017–2023. Firm value is measured by Tobin’s Q, while operational efficiency is measured using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The correlation is estimated using …

Morphology, Phylogeny And Distribution Of Scaeurgus (Cephalopoda: Octopoda) In Southeast Pacific Seamounts, Sergio A. Carrasco, Christian M. Ibáñez, Andrea I. Varela, Jan M. Tapia-Guerra, Erin E. Easton, Javier Sellanes

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Octopuses of the genus Scaeurgus inhabit upper bathyal benthic habitats and are composed of five recognized species. In this study, we conducted morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of two individuals of Scaeurgus and provided additional field observations of the genus in seamounts of the Nazca and Salas y Gómez ridges (southeast Pacific Ocean) over the last six years. Specifically, two specimens of Scaeurgus were collected at 234 m depth in 2019 during the EPIC oceanographic cruise onboard the R/V Mirai (JAMSTEC, Japan), and five other specimens were video recorded at depths between 210 and 340 m during three oceanographic expeditions …

A Novel Endolysin Of Phage Persinger Infecting Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: Activity Against Biofilms And Structural Prediction, Layla Abbud

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

Endolysins are proteins that degrade bacterial cell walls. They are encoded on the genome of bacteriophages (viruses that infect and kill bacteria). At the end of the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage, endolysins cut the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, allowing the release of viral progeny. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-known multidrug-resistant human pathogen that causes serious problems, especially in patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). One property of P. aeruginosa is the production of biofilms, which is a defense against antibiotics. Previous research has shown that endolysins from bacteriophages can degrade biofilms. The endolysin protein from Persinger, …

Dna Barcoding Of Eight Freshwater Fish Species (Order Siluriformes) From The River Ravi, Pakistan, Hafiz Muhammad Ashraf, Hafiz Abdullah Shakir, Muhammad Irfan, Shaukat Ali, Chaman Ara, Noor Khan, Muhammad Khan, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Zafar Saleem

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Pakistan's freshwater bodies host significant fish species, but molecular identification is still in its infancy, necessitating the use of morphological and molecular DNA barcoding techniques. The study confirmed the species of the order Siluriformes found in the River Ravi, Pakistan, using DNA extracted from muscle tissue, sequenced for the COI gene, and obtained accession and Barcode Index Numbers from GenBank and BOLD databases. In the BLAST search, identities ranged from 99.23–100% and 99.52–100% in the GenBank and BOLD databases, respectively. The study revealed that the Kimura 2-Parameter genetic distance increased from lower to higher taxonomic levels: within species (0.00%) < within genus (15.17%) < within family (19.77%). The study estimated average nucleotide differences (104.964) and nucleotide diversity (0.16099) but found Tajima's neutrality test to be statistically insignificant. The neighbor-joining tree displayed closely linked species under a node, whereas divergent species were grouped under distinct nodes. The COI gene-based DNA barcoding aids in Pakistan's fish resource inventory, monitoring, and management, providing valuable input for traditional methods.

Using Machine Learning Algorithms To Clarify Relationships Between Soil Properties And Lead Stomach Bioaccessibility, Shehan Wijesinghe, Dibyendu Sarkar, Hadeer Saleh, Khalid Mustafa, Smitha Rao, Rupali Datta

Michigan Tech Publications

Featured Application: This paper has important applications in environmental health risk assessment and urban soil remediation planning. By demonstrating how machine learning can predict lead bioaccessibility in lead paint-contaminated soil, the study provides a scalable, cost-effective alternative to laboratory-based extraction methods. Such models could support rapid screening of contaminated sites, helping prioritize high-risk areas for intervention and allocate remediation resources more efficiently. This model is expected to advance data-driven decision-making for managing lead-contaminated soils and protect vulnerable urban populations from exposure. Lead contamination in urban soils, primarily from deteriorating lead-based paint, poses a significant health risk in the United States. …

Literature Review Of Local Culture-Based Mathematics E-Module With Islamic Values In Probability, Maya Puspita Sari, Surya Sari Faradiba

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study is grounded in the need to address the limitations of probability learning that is often procedural, decontextualized, and disconnected from students’ cultural and religious values. It aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of how local cultural contexts and Islamic values can be systematically integrated into mathematics e-modules, particularly for probability learning, and to formulate structured design principles and quality indicators for their development. This paper adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach by analyzing empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025, using a structured selection process involving identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion stages. A total of 11 high-quality …

Breaking Barriers: Advancement Toward Practical Nursing Licensure For Certified Medication Assistants In Long-Term Care--A Descriptive Study, Aleshia L. Maxwell

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The persistent nursing shortage across the United States, particularly in Long-Term Care (LTC) settings, has complicated the healthcare system’s ability to meet the needs of an aging population. While existing research often examines progression from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN), limited research explores factors influencing progression from entry-level LTC healthcare workers to Practical Nursing (PN) licensure. This quantitative descriptive study examined the barriers and supporting factors influencing advancement toward PN licensure for Medication Assistants-Certified (MA-Cs) in Arkansas LTC facilities. A convenience sample of N=100 participated in the study. Results indicated that financial and structural barriers often …

Florence State Prepares For Jet Age Needs With New, Expanded Facilities, Tommy Hill

Documents

News article from The Birmingham News about the expanded facilities at Florence State College

Construction Projects Picking Up At Una Again, Jennifer Edwards

Documents

Demolition of Floyd Hall and other talk of new construction for The University of North Alabama

Location Set For Una Science Building, Bernie Delinski

Documents

Talk on new Science building at The University of North Alabama

Scientist Floyd Retires At Florence State, Jack Bridges

Documents

Dr. Homer H. Floyd's retirement from Florence State College

Designing Life Science Assessments In The Era Of Generative Artificial Intelligence, Andrew C. Kwong, Christopher Magnano, Christine Goglia, Joseph J. Loparo, John J. Peters

Biology Faculty Publications

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) algorithms have the potential to reshape education. Though GAI may help democratize access to education, it also presents many challenges for educators. Already, the ease of use of GAI has made it easier for students to bypass learning gains by prompting GAI for answers to assignments. Here, we assessed how ChatGPT performed on take-home assignments in a doctoral-level molecular biology course designed to train students in experimental design. Using Bloom’s taxonomy as a framework, we hypothesized that ChatGPT would perform similarly to doctoral students on lower cognitive levels involving memorization and underperform at higher levels that …