Digital Commons Network^™

A Pilot Study Of Seaweed Cultivation In Oman, Khalid Khalifa Nasser Al Subhi, Mohamed Khalfan Al Wahaibi

Journal of Agricultural and Marine Sciences

The global seaweed farming industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by its capacity to address critical challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. This study assesses the feasibility of establishing a sustainable seaweed farming sector in Oman, where the industry is currently underdeveloped despite the country’s vast coastal resources. We identify optimal seaweed species for cultivation in Omani waters and evaluate advanced farming techniques using systems such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA). Our findings suggest that seaweed cultivation in Oman, using (RAS) and (IMTA), holds significant promise and demonstrates seaweed cultivation’s potential …

Omani Endogenous Plants: A Review Of Phytochemical Analysis And Antioxidant Activities, Al Aufi Najwa, Waly I. Mostafa

Journal of Agricultural and Marine Sciences

Herbal medicines have been used for centuries across various cultures to treat a wide range of illnesses. In recent years, growing research supports the bioactive properties of medicinal plants, including antibacterial, antioxidants, antiviral, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. This review focuses on seven common endogenous Omani plants—Rumex vesicarius (Humeidh), Pteropyrum scoparium (Sidaf), Haplophyllum tuberculatum (Sazab or Sinan al-Tais), Portulaca oleracea (Baqla or Rjla/Purslane), Fagonia indica (Al-Shukaa), Dodonaea viscosa (Shatt), and Prosopis cineraria (Al Ghaf)—and evaluates their antioxidant and phytochemical properties in the context of chronic disease prevention. The findings highlight the potential of these plants as natural alternatives for managing chronic …

Economic Viability And Environmental Sustainability: A Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Green Technologies In Mineral Extraction, Tshinkobo Bukasa Orphea, Agyingi Babaca Agyingib, Xiangrui Meng

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This research offers a novel approach to comparing green technologies’ economic profitability and environmental sustainability of their mineral extraction based upon econometric and life cycle assessment methodologies. Quantitative results show attractive results with an NPV of $2,014,001 and an IRR of 17%. In the third year, the project nets at $300,000, or 63%, at a 7% discount rate. However, soil protection remains challenging, but pollution coefficients are improved, as evidenced by environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The findings in the study further underscore how regulatory frameworks and market drivers dictate the use of green technology. The economic, environmental and regulatory costs …

Antibiotic Resistance Trends In Coliform Bacteria Of Kittitas County Waters, Kaitlyn Holbrook, Bella Blasingim, Cruz Veronica Guillen Mejia, Holly Pinkart

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Holly Pinkart, PhD

Since the mid-1900s, antibiotics have been developed to help fight against bacterial pathogens. However, bacteria can evolve rapidly and have evolved resistance to many types of antibiotics. Using coliform bacteria collected from waters around Kittitas County, BIOL 323 students at Central Washington University have identified a variety of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Kittitas County streams and canals. Antibiotic resistance was measured from 2014-2019 and compared to data collected in 2024. This study focuses on three antibiotics, ampicillin, kanamycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In the past (2014-2019) we saw no change in the trend of antibiotic resistance in collected …

Effect Of Coniferous Trees And Water Availability On Soil Acidification, Jessica A. Cheever

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Mary Poulson, PhD

Water availability and coniferous tree species can cause acidification and a change in soil fertility. Previous research in European forests found that rainfall, soil acidity, and conifer prevalence influenced soil quality and biodiversity. However, not much is known about these effects in the Pacific Northwest’s forests. Three forests were chosen based on a gradient of annual precipitation. The Hoh Rain Forest, the Tiger Mountain State Forest, and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest were used for wet, mesic, and dry conditions, respectively. Each location had a three-by-six grid spaced 50 meters between each plot. The location was …

Prevalence Of Diabetes Related To Acculturation, Dietary Quality, And Sedentary Lifestyle In Mexican Americans: National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 To 2018, Kivima Acevedo

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): David Gee, PhD; Kathaleen Briggs Early, PhD, RDN, CDCES; Katy Williams, MS, RDN

Objective: This study examined the prevalence of diabetes in Mexican American adults (MA-adults) and how risk factors like acculturation, dietary quality, and sedentary lifestyle contribute to the rising rates of diabetes, using the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2011 to 2018 data. Methods: We analyzed the NHANES data of MA-adults and Non-Hispanic White adults (NHW-adults) (n= 10670) for the association of diabetes and its risk factors (dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle) by acculturation levels. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). …

From Old English Genitives To Modern English Possessives: Tracing Grammar Evolution Through Biogrammar And Grammatical Biology, Charles X. Li

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Charles X. Li, PhD

This paper presents a biologically grounded and historically informed framework, Biogrammar, as a means to explain grammatical evolution and cognitive processing. It compares Biogrammar with two foundational theories in the study of language: the Nature-Nurture Hypothesis and Chomsky’s Universal Grammar. As a case study, the paper examines the historical evolution of English plural and genitive constructions, focusing on morphological developments such as the -as/-es mergers, his-genitives, group genitives, and the rise of the of + noun phrase pattern. These diachronic changes are interpreted as evidence of grammar functioning as a biologically adaptive system shaped …

Frida Kahlo: More Than The Unibrow, A Cultural Feminist Analysis, Karen Valencia

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Erika Pazian

Frida Kahlo has been a common name in the art historical canon – one that reinvented Surrealism, despite not identifying with the style, and challenged conventional norms in artistic practices. Many of her works are discussed in Mexican art historical settings, however, the research of this paper will point the bulk of its focus directly onto The Two Fridas, offering additional discussion on how it connects to feminist theory. Kahlo was a deeply complicated woman, reduced to her bus incident, or tumultuous relationship with muralist Diego Rivera. The materials used as sources in this paper will …

The Varied Response Of Cherokees To Land Allotment, Jacob Cummings

The Ozark Historical Review

This paper analyzes Cherokee opposition to allotment, a United States policy, expressed in the 1887 Dawes Act and other U.S. legislation and executive orders, that coerced tribal nations to break their communally held lands into private holdings, or allotments. This paper argues that the shifting beliefs, political views, and grassroots movements surrounding allotment, and its closely related issues, were both based in and influenced by personal and political interests, as well as from traditional, collective Cherokee values and spirituality.

The Ozark Historical Review, V.52, 2025

The Ozark Historical Review

No abstract provided.

The Representation Of The Grandmother In Arab American Fiction: Alia Younis’S The Night Counter As A Case Study, Asmaa Belbachir, Eman Mukattash

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

The increasing phenomenon of long-living grandparents and their novel roles and positions within both family and society in today’s world has inspired authors to produce literary works that address this subject. This article, in turn, aims to offer a clear representation of the grandmother’s character in Alia Younis’s The Night Counter (2009) by analyzing the various roles that the grandmother’s character plays in the lives of her grandchildren. As an Arab-American, Younis has an extensive background in the structure, norms, and values of the Arab Lebanese family, which are reflected in the novel. By choosing the grandmother as a central …

Chronos V. 16 Complete Issue, Chronos

Chronos

No abstract provided.

Playing With Fire: How The Nazis Used Toys And Games To Mobilize A Generation, Brett Lafemina

Chronos

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of A Biologically-Inspired Multi-Agent System Consensus Algorithm To Develop Application Insights, Grace Gratton

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Multi-agent systems are becoming heavily relied upon as the complexity of the world increases. The effectiveness of these systems depends on consensus algorithms; however, the presence of faulted agents can compromise the security and reliability of these consensus algorithms. Therefore, it is crucial to develop robust consensus methods to maintain system security and reliability. Biologically-Inspired Design previously led to the Synchronous Hatching Consensus Algorithm which proved to be robust even with up to 20% of faulted agents reporting false positives. This work aims to provide insights for when the Synchronous Hatching Consensus Algorithm can be applied. This is achieved through …

Exploring Workplace Mental Health And Counseling Needs In Open University Staff: A Mixed-Methods Study, Pathanin Sangaroon, Oranuch Kanjanaprakorn, Araya Prasertchai, Worrawit Nakpan

Journal of Health Research

Background: Workplace mental health is a growing concern in higher education, especially in open and distance learning (ODL) settings, where staff face unique stressors. This study examines the mental health and counseling needs of academic and support staff at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Thailand, using a biopsychosocial lens.

Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used. In the quantitative phase, 332 staff completed a questionnaire on mental health and biopsychosocial factors. Twelve participants then took part in interviews to explore their experiences and counseling preferences. Quantitative data were analyzed using stepwise regression, and qualitative data through thematic analysis. …

Happiness Among Socially Active Older Adults In Northern Thailand In The Post-Covid-19 Era, Manashakorn Pichaijumpol, Orathai Katkhaw, Taweewun Srisookkum, Tienthong Takaew, Sunanta Wongrattanakamon, Kannikar Chulong

Journal of Health Research

Background: Happiness is crucial for healthy aging, particularly in the post-COVID-19 context, as older adults face evolving social and psychological challenges. This study investigates the key factors influencing happiness among socially active older adults in Northern Thailand, focusing on income, regular physical exercise, and depressive symptoms as primary predictors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 798 socially active older adults, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected between June and July 2024 using a self-administered questionnaire, which included the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS) and the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis using the enter …

Ultrasound-Mediated Drug Uptake And Cytotoxicity In Glioblastoma, Julianne Rogan, Janith Wanigasekara, Esen Efeoglu

Journal of Academic Research and Innovation

Glioblastoma (GBM), categorised as Grade 4 IDH-wildtype, is a malignant and aggressive primary brain cancer in adults which exhibits persistent resistance to current therapies. Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, patient prognosis remains poor, with a median survival of 12-15 months. The significant inefficiencies of current treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, highlight the need for additional effective therapeutic strategies. The infiltrative nature of GBM helps with its aggression, proliferation and survival. Furthermore, a major issue in treatment is the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which acts as a blockade for many molecules entering the brain, including …

Development Of Edible Coatings To Enhance The Functional Properties And Shelf Life Of Food Authors, Sophie O Riordan, Lily Jaiswal, Shiv Shankar

Journal of Academic Research and Innovation

This publication explores the use of edible coatings made from a ternary blend of natural polymers—pectin (1%), gelatin (2%), and sodium alginate (3%)—combined with grapefruit essential oil (GEO) to extend the shelf life of cherry tomatoes (CTs). These natural polymers form flexible, edible films with good barrier properties, while GEO contributes antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. CTs were coated with varying GEO concentrations (0%, 5%, and 10%) and stored in original packaging at room temperature. Results showed that uncoated CTs lasted 7 days, while those with the ternary blend alone lasted 9 days. The addition of 5% and 10% GEO extended …

Development Of Antimicrobial Formulations From Natural Extracts And Zinc Nanoparticles, Mia Keane, Lily Jaiswal, Shiv Shankar

Journal of Academic Research and Innovation

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among pathogenic bacteria represents a major global health challenge, demanding innovative strategies to address it. This study investigates the development of antimicrobial formulations by combining zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with natural extracts, particularly essential oils (EOs). ZnO NPs possess well-documented antimicrobial properties due to their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupt bacterial membranes. Similarly, EOs are rich in bioactive compounds that can damage bacterial structures through mechanisms like membrane disruption and enzyme inhibition. The research focuses on synthesising and characterising ZnO NPs and evaluating their antimicrobial activity—both alone and …

Development Of Antimicrobial Formulations From Natural Extracts And Silver Nanoparticles, Ellen Hoey, Lily Jaiswal, Shiv Shankar

Journal of Academic Research and Innovation

Food waste is a current global issue due to the increasing population and climate change. With this in mind, consumers have become more aware of the need for sustainable food preservation methods and they search for natural products. Traditional preservatives can be toxic/harmful to humans in large doses. The increased demand is for using natural preservatives in food preservation such as essential oils (EOs) and Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In our research a green chemistry method was used to synthesise Silver nanoparticles AgNPs with the amino acid tyrosine. The AgNPs were characterised using UV-Vis, concentration and TEM. The AgNPs had a …

Development Of Urchin-Like Gold Nanoparticles For Drug Delivery Of The Glioblastoma And The Colorectal Cancer Cells, Joshua Ozougwu, Vinayak Shama, Bilal Javed Dr., Furong Tian Dr.

Journal of Academic Research and Innovation

Urchin-like gold nanoparticles have shown to enhance cytotoxicity against cancer cells compared to original gold nanoparticles making them a ‘promise’ for cancer treatment because of their specific size inducing more hot spots and produced surface/volume ratio. Different concentrations of urchin-like gold nanoparticles can be synthesised to observe the different effects the particles pose against the cancer cells. Urchin-like AuNPs were synthesised using the chemical reduction method to synthesise gold nano seeds. Hydroquinone was used to create the urchin shape of the gold nanoparticles. In vitro, cytotoxicity studies were performed to observe which concentration of urchin-like AuNPs had a stronger cytotoxicity …

Analysis Of Gold Nanoparticles To Develop The Rapid Antigen Biosensing Strips For The Detection Of Toxins, Trang Nguyen Minh Long, Perveen Akhtar, Gayathree Thenuwara, Vinayak Sharma, Furong Tian, Bilal Javed

Journal of Academic Research and Innovation

Zearalenone (ZEN), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi, is a significant food safety concern due to its widespread contamination in cereal crops and its estrogenic effects on both human and animal health. Although traditional analytical methods such as HPLC and ELISA are very sensitive but they are laborious, expensive, and unsuitable for on-site screening. This paper focused on developing a rapid, cost-effective, and fast lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for ZEN detection, using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as label particles that were immobilized with anti-ZEN antibodies. AuNPs were synthesized using the Turkevich–Frens method, showing a UV–Vis absorption peak at 520 nm and …

The Golden Standard: Potential Of Gold Nanoparticles In Cancer Research And Therapy, Caoimhe Mcmanus, Shubhrima Ghosh Dr.

Journal of Academic Research and Innovation

Conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have been fundamental in the treatment of cancer. However, these therapies are often limited due to serious side effects, including non-specific targeting of healthy tissues, systemic toxicity, and resistance to treatment. These limitations are currently being addressed by emerging therapies that can provide more effective and precise therapeutic approaches, such as immunotherapy and nanomedicine. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown great promise in cancer research and treatment due to their distinct physicochemical characteristics, biocompatibility, and versatility. This literature review aims to discuss conventional cancer therapies and further explores the potential of nanoparticles …

Special Issue, Nanolab Research Centre Students Articles, Preface And Contents, Furong Tian

Journal of Academic Research and Innovation

No abstract provided.

Synthesis Of Nitrogen-Enriched 3d Graphene Foam For Electrochemical Sensing Of Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂), Bhargavi Dronavalli, Madhava Rao Vallabhaneni, Jatla Murali Prakash, Deepti Kolli, Dandamudi Srilaxmi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this work, A simple hydrothermal process was utilized to create 3D-foam-type Nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG). The synthesized material was characterized using a range of physicochemical characterization techniques. These techniques confirm that nitrogen is successfully incorporated into the carbon network, resulting in NDG. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) investigation demonstrated that NDG-modified glassy carbon electrode (NDG/GCE) displayed finite charge transfer properties against typical redox systems. NDG/GCE is identified as a simple, facile, and efficient electrocatalyst material for the estimation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). From CV analysis, it is revealed that NDG/GCE can produce a signal for electrochemical quantification of …

Comparing The Pull Out Resistance Of Two Typs Of Posts Used In Restoration Of Severely Damaged Primary Anterior Teeth )A Comparative In Vitro Study.(, Ayham H. Hijaz, Mohamed Kamel Altinawi2 K. Altinawi

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background: severely damaged primary anterior teeth that require pulp therapy present a high-risk of failure due to the loss of tooth substance resulting from pre-existing decay and endodontic therapy itself. The ideal post material should have physical and mechanical properties that are similar to those of dentin . Another concern in restoring endodontically treated primary teeth is the need to find a material that can resorb in a similar way to natural tooth structure as a part of the exfoliation process allowing normal eruption of permanent successors . Accordingly there is no such material other than dentine itself.The introduction of …

Evaluation Of Dentinal Bridge Formation And Canal Obliteration After Pulpotomy In Primary Molars Using Mta And Bioceramic Putty (Well-Root-Pt), Ibrahim S. Alnassar, Mohamed K. Altinawi, Mohammad S. Rekab

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Summary: Preserving the primary teeth is important, as it plays an important role in the integrity of the dental arch, the development of the craniofacial complex, and the integrity of speech and chewing, as early loss of primary teeth leads to cosmetic, functional and verbal problems.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the formation of the dentinal bridge and canal obliteration after pulpotomy n in the primary molars using both mineral trioxides aggregate and Bioceramic putty (Well_Root PT) in the pulpotomy of the primary molars.

Materials and Methods: The study sample included forty second lower primary molars …

Evaluation Of The Time Taken To Remove Caries From Immature Permanent Molars Using Brix 3000 Gel Compared To The Traditional Rotary Method (Clinical Study), Malek Rajab, Samar Alsalameh, Shadi Azzawi

Arabian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry

Background: The traditional method of removing caries using rotary instruments is associated with a number of disadvantages, such as thermal effects that are harmful to the pulp tissue and excessive preparation of the dental tissue, in addition to the feeling of discomfort, fear, and anxiety that accompany it.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the time taken to remove caries by the chemo-mechanical method using Brix 3000 compared to the traditional rotary method.

Materials and methods: The study sample consisted of 30 permanent first molars with Class I dentine caries, in 30 children between 7 and 9 years …

Efficiency And Clinical Outcomes Of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy On Canine Coxofemoral Osteoarthritis, Patama Arunrattanakul, Kumpanart Soontornvipart

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The purpose of this study was to find out the optimal technique to prepare plasma with the highest platelet concentration in platelet rich plasma (PRP), as well as determine the result of autologous PRP from the dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) condition. It was shown that the PRP could reduce inflammation, cell regeneration and enhance angiogenesis to support the injured tissue. This study was composed of two phases; the first phase aimed to find the best centrifugation speed and time that could be able to produce the plasma with the highest platelet concentration by conducting the experiment from a total of …

The Effect Of The Actn3 Gene Variation On Physically Active Individuals' Susceptibility To Muscle Injury, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Piotr Kabelis, Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) in the ACTN3 gene, which encodes α-actinin-3, results in deficiency of the functional protein in the muscles of the XX carriers, what could potentially impair muscle fiber function and increase susceptibility to injuries. Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and non-contact muscle injury risk in a physically active Caucasians cohort. Mate-rials and Methods: The study included 142 physically active individuals (26 females and 116 males) who experienced either single (n = 26) or multiple (n = 116) non-contact muscle injuries. The control group included 163 participants (47 females …