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Keynote Address And Meeting Program, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Artificial Food Colors Are Not Needed To Attract Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus Colubris) To Feeders, A. Siddiqui, R. Kannan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Noteworthy Natural History Notes From The Neotropics, R. Kannan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I report some rarely observed, infrequently reported, or hitherto unrecorded ecological interactions from the neotropics. These anecdotal observations were made opportunistically during nature tours or tropical biology classes in Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, and Trinidad & Tobago, between 2014 and 2024.

Sperm Morphology In The Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Frog, Gastrophryne Carolinensis (Anura: Microhylidae), S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Studies by Scheltinga et al. (2002) and Scheltinga and Jamieson (2003) provide the most comprehensive analysis and only review of sperm morphology in Narrow-Mouthed Frogs (family Microhylidae). Of the 490+ species known to occur in this anuran family (Vitt and Caldwell 2014), only 3 are distributed in the United States (Powell et al. 2016), and 2 of these occur in Arkansas (Trauth et al. 2004). Surprisingly, sperm studies on only 12 microhylid species have been conducted (Scheltinga and Jamieson 2003), and no sperm studies are available on any North American species.

Investigating Quinclorac Binding To Human Serum Albumin Using Spectroscopy And Molecular Docking, Le Nguyen, L. Hicks, L. Jodoin, S. Carby, D. S. Sanford, D. Benavides, A. Mishra, R. Yadav

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant plasma protein and serves as a major transporter and reservoir for a wide range of endogenous ligands, including fatty acids, heme, bilirubin, prostaglandins, and metal ions, as well as numerous exogenous compounds, such as pharmaceuticals. HSA is a 66 kDa monomeric, multidomain protein containing two principal ligand-binding sites, Sudlow sites I and II. Sudlow site I contains Trp214, the sole tryptophan residue in HSA, whose intrinsic fluorescence provides a sensitive probe for studying ligand–protein interactions.

In this study, the interaction between HSA and the persistent organochlorine herbicide quinclorac (QNC) was investigated using …

A Review Of Herpetofaunal Distributions In Arkansas With Special Emphasis On Contributions From Citizen Science: Part Ii – Turtles, Lizards, And Alligators, L. Hobbs, E. Kelley, J. Jackson, J.D. Willson, K. G. Roberts, R. Kannan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We update and present a comprehensive review of the distributions of the species of lizards (14), alligators (1), and turtles (16) in Arkansas. We compare historical and current distributions with citizen science data uploaded and verified in iNaturalist, a leading online citizen science biodiversity monitoring database. The Arkansas Herpetological Atlas, an online resource maintaining species occurrence records, is also used and compared. We highlight the role played by iNaturalist in enhancing our knowledge of the distributions of these species in Arkansas. As of 13 February 2025, verified and vetted Research Grade (RG) iNaturalist observations from Arkansas include 7,462 observations of …

History And Distribution Of The Dark Ibises (Glossy Ibis Plegadis Falcinellus And White-Faced Ibis P. Chihi) In Arkansas, R. Tumlison, P. D. Rodriguez

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) and White-faced Ibis (P. chihi) sometimes are reported simply as Dark Ibises due to difficulty in identifying them when mature characters are not clearly visible. We evaluated reports verified on citizen science websites to examine the origins and distributions of these migratory species in Arkansas. The Glossy Ibis was first documented in Arkansas in 1956, has been reported in 21 of our 75 counties, and is found more commonly in eastern Arkansas. The White-faced Ibis was first reported in Arkansas in 1971, has been reported in 41 of our 75 counties, …

History And Distribution Of Great-Tailed Grackles (Quiscalus Mexicanus) In Arkansas, R. Tumlison, V. Andersen

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) were reported first in southwestern Arkansas in 1969, were nesting there in 1977, and established a resident population by 1980. Nesting was reported in far northwestern Arkansas in 1986. Presently, the species is known from 44 of Arkansas’s 75 counties, those mostly in the western and central counties. Most individuals appear to be migratory, with most reports occurring in April and May. However, breeding and now resident populations have been reported in the southwestern, northwestern, and central counties, particularly in urban areas. Birds are very commonly reported to forage at fast-food establishments and truck …

Multiple Nuclear Configurations And Microtubular Arrangements In Spermatozoa Of The Western Siren, Siren Nettingi (Caudata: Sirenidae), S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I examined the ultrastructure of spermatozoa of the Western Siren, Siren nettingi, using transmission electron microscopy. My primary objective in this study was to elucidate, for the first time, the unique morphological complexity of biflagellated sperm in this species. This study also represents my fifth addition in a series of investigations that highlight the novel nature of all aspects of spermatogenesis in this salamander I show the basic sperm transverse and sagittal design which includes a nucleus, 2 axial fibers supporting 2 undulating membranes which have 2 axonemes residing at their terminal ends, several circular mitochondria, and several electron-dense masses. …

Binucleation And Seasonal Cycle Of Sertoli Cells In The Western Lesser Siren, Siren Nettingi (Caudata: Sirenidae), S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I examined binucleation and the seasonal cycle of Sertoli cells in the Western Siren (Siren nettingi) using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. My primary objective in this study was to report, for the first time, the presence of double nuclei in Sertoli cells in a salamander. This study also represents the sixth contribution in a series of investigations that highlight the novel nature of all aspects of spermatogenesis in this unique salamander. My findings add to a growing list of extraordinary morphological and reproductive features that distinguish this salamander from all other vertebrates.

Testing The Accuracy Of A Bear-Tracking Satellite Transmitter Collar Under Natural Conditions, K. A. Watson, K. Phipps, C. Drexler, C. R. Middaugh, M. Means, M. Hooks

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission tracks American black bears (Ursus americanus) using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite telemetry collars in southeastern Arkansas to assess habitat use and behaviors. Companies test the accuracy of their devices, but researchers have found that natural environments, such as the forested habitat of black bears, can cause an increase in spatial error rates. We therefore tested 1 GPS collar in realistic conditions to help refine data interpretation. We placed the collar at 20 random locations in Columbia County, AR, stratifying habitat type based on data collected from black bears. We determined the …

Journal Of The Arkansas Academy Of Science Volume 79, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Young Lives, Early Journeys: Understanding Teenage Pregnancies Within Blistt, Meri Elijakim Pereyra Mangulabnan, Vhyen Elliz Maliones Laban, Aaron Nash Sebastian Madriaga, Wade Chrysler Rivera Mondina, Aaron Jay Domingo Selan

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This research investigated the multifaceted experiences of teenage mothers within BLISTT (Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay), where adolescent pregnancy remains a persistent social and public health concern. The study highlighted how these young mothers navigated interrupted education, limited economic opportunities, and fragile family relationships, all compounded by cultural stigmas and a lack of reproductive health education. The core research questions explored the lived experiences of these teenagers, the influence of cultural beliefs on societal attitudes, and the challenges and support systems that shaped their lives and futures. Findings revealed that teen mothers within BLISTT faced profound emotional, social, …

A Scoping Review Of Sycophancy In Large Language Models: Operational And Theoretical Recognition, Kallen Zhou, Manning Littlejohn, Isabella Garrard

Endeavors: Mississippi State Undergraduate Research Journal

As large language models (LLMs) usage grows across different domains, sycophancy, the tendency for output to align with users, is increasingly being recognized as a primary issue arising from applying LLMs into critical areas. Current research has provided a variety of theoretical definitions, mitigation techniques, and quantification for sycophancy. However, there is little to no consistency across different papers. This scoping review seeks to connect different works on LLM sycophancy by identifying themes in theoretical definitions, measurement methods, and inducement techniques of sycophancy. By analyzing 26 papers (preprints, conference proceedings, and journal articles) from arXiv, ACL Anthology, and Scopus, this …

Distribution And Impact Of Cogongrass (Imperata Cylindrica) In Northern Mississippi, Carl R. Pulver V, Ryan E. Burke, Elizabeth Esser, Evan Moore, Ashley Schulz

Endeavors: Mississippi State Undergraduate Research Journal

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a non-native, rhizomatous grass that has invaded the southeastern United States. It forms dense mats that outcompete native plants, alters decomposition and microbial assemblages, and has highly flammable litter that alters fire behavior, affecting native plant communities. Though surveys for cogongrass have been conducted in southern Mississippi, the degree of cogongrass infestations in northern Mississippi has remained unclear and concerning. This study aimed to update cogongrass location data for the state and identify problem areas to guide state invasive plant management efforts. To provide a starting point, previously documented cogongrass locations were synthesized from natural history …

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy For Monitoring Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection In Experimentally Challenged Calves, Erin Blanchard, Jelena Muncan, Grace Beddingfield, Cassandra Barber, Florencia Meyer, Santiago Cornejo, Merrilee Thoresen, Amelia Woolums, Carrie Vance

Endeavors: Mississippi State Undergraduate Research Journal

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a multifactorial disease complex that causes significant economic loss in the cattle industry. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), one of the primary viruses included in BRD, primarily targets the lower respiratory tract and causes a wide variety of subclinical and clinical signs. Current diagnosis techniques require off-site laboratory testing, creating delays that allow BRSV to spread through herds and highlighting the need for rapid diagnostic methods. The objective of the study was to evaluate near-infrared spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for BRSV detection across varying infection severities. Twenty-two Holstein bull calves were reared in research …

The Caldwell Ecosystem Master Index (2026 Edition) Unified Architecture • Infrastructure Layer • Cross‑Stack Map • Prototype Timeline • Clinical Roadmap, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure provides the complete 2026 master index for the Caldwell GCI/UAAP/Vortex/Arachne ecosystem. It unifies all major inventions published on the Technical Disclosure Commons into a single functional architecture, organized into ten ranked application stacks supported by a universal infrastructure substrate. The document includes: (1) the 10‑Rank Functional Architecture; (2) the Infrastructure Layer (Nexus Cell, Arachne v8.7, Universal Conditioning Train, CP‑Grid); (3) a Cross‑Stack Dependency Map; (4) a Prototype Development Timeline (2026–2030); and (5) a Clinical Translation Roadmap. All systems are open‑hardware, non‑proprietary, and designed for humanitarian engineering, clinical research, environmental resilience, and distributed bioprocessing. Every referenced invention can be …

Prevalence And Genotypes Of Enterocytozoon Bieneusi In Captive Wild Hedgehogs (Erinaceus Amurensis) In China, Guo-Liang Chen, Yu-Lin Zhou, Xin Liu, Ming Shu, Can Yin

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is now recognised as an emerging pathogen, which can cause a series of intestinal diseases in humans and animals. However, limited information is available about the occurrence of E. bieneusi in hedgehogs. In this study, a total of 205 fecal samples of captive wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) were collected from two wildlife conservation centers in Henan and Anhui provinces, China. Genomic DNA was extracted from the stool samples and screened by nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in captive wild hedgehogs was 44.4% (91/205). Five zoonotic genotypes were identified, …

Tea Polyphenol-Assisted Green Synthesis Of Silver Nanoparticle-Boron-Doped Diamond Nanoparticles For Theophylline Electrochemical Detection, Prastika Krisma Jiwanti, Adira Ainun Tsalsabilla, Angellita Wijaya Gunawan, Siti Wafiroh, Mohammad Kalimanjaro, Mai Tomisaki

Makara Journal of Science

Drug theophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but precise monitoring is required to avoid side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with a composite of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles and boron-doped diamond nanoparticles using tea polyphenols (Ag-BDDTP/SPE) for detecting theophylline. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, which showed a localized surface plasmon resonance peak at ~450 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed polydisperse nanoparticles with an average diameter of 39.94 nm. During the electrochemical detection of theophylline, square-wave voltammetry (SWV) was employed to evaluate signal-to-background (S/B) …

Multiplex Pcr Assay To Distinguish Porcine And Non-Porcine Meats In Processed Foods Using Specific Primers From Nadh Dehydrogenase And Atp Synthase Gene, Kristianto Nugroho, Amalia Prihaningsih, Rerenstradika Tizar Terryana, Slamet Diah Volkandari, Mastur Mastur, Puji Lestari

Makara Journal of Science

Food safety issues, such as food adulteration between halal and non-halal meats, are among the most serious problems in Muslim countries like Indonesia. Food adulteration produces a mixture of products that cannot be detected visually by customers, and it could lead to several social and health problems. The availability of a detection method that can disti-nguish between porcine and non-porcine meats is very important, particularly one that can be utilized in small-scale labo-ratories. The aim of this study was to design and optimize species-specific primers that could distinguish between porcine and non-porcine meats in processed foods by utilizing NADH Dehydrogenase …

Lafe0.925ti0.075o3 Perovskite Coated With Ethyl Cellulose: A High-Stability, Low-Hysteresis Platform For Advanced Humidity Sensing, Akhmad Futukhillah Fataba Alaih, Djoko Triyono, Rifqi Almusawi Rafsanjani

Makara Journal of Science

Humidity sensors are pivotal in numerous sectors, such as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and health-care. This study presents the fabrication and detailed evaluation of an advanced humidity sensor using ethyl cellulose (EC)-coated LaFe_0.925Ti_0.075O₃ (LFTO) perovskite nanoparticles synthesized via the sol-gel method. The LFTO nanopar-ticles exhibited a mesoporous structure with an enhanced surface area, which significantly improved their moisture adsorption capabilities. The innovative application of EC coating addresses critical substrate adhesion issues, enhancing mechanical stability without compromising sensor sensitivity. Comprehensive performance evaluations revealed minimal hysteresis (

Performance Of A Fertilizer Sludge Contaminated With Heavy Metals Collected From Two Wastewater Treatment Plants On (Lactuca Sativa), Leila Lila Belkhedim, Yamina Tahri

Makara Journal of Science

The improper management of sewage sludge poses a significant global risk to environmental and public health. In this study, the valorization of sludge as an organic fertilizer for lettuce cultivation was evaluated, offering a sustainable waste-to-resource solution. Sludge from two wastewater treatment plants (Mazouna and El Kerma) were collected between 2019 and 2021. Comprehensive physicochemical analysis was conducted to determine its nutrient value and contaminant levels. In addition, the efficacy and safety of the fertilizer were assessed by measuring lettuce growth and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues. The analyzed sludge, with an organic matter content of 9.91%–83% …

Microplastic Analysis In Fish Larvae (Family: Gonostomatidae And Myctophidae) From The Banggai Sea, Indonesia, Noer Kholis, Luqman Ilyas Ardito, Luqmanul Hakim, Augy Syahailatua, Agus Saleh Atmadipoera, Rina Zuraida, Tuan Nurul Sabiqah Tuan Anuar, Mufti Petala Patria

Makara Journal of Science

Microplastic pollution is recognized as a threat to marine ecosystems, yet its impacts on early life stages of mesopelagic fishes remain poorly understood. This study investigated the occurrence and characteristics of microplastic ingestion in fish larvae of the families Myctophidae and Gonostomatidae from the Banggai Sea, Indonesia. Morphometric measurements and microplastic content were analyzed in 40 larvae (20 per family). Gonostomatidae larvae, despite being smaller in total length, exhibited significantly larger mouth widths and ingested more microplastic particles (mean = 3.90 ± 0.72 particles) than Myctophidae (mean = 3.40 ± 0.38 particles). Correlation analysis showed no significant relationships between morphometric …

Enhancing The Barrier And Mechanical Properties Of Kraft Paper For Food Packaging Using Poly (Lactic Acid) Coatings Via Dip-Coating Technique, Putu Hadi Setyarini

Makara Journal of Science

Moisture-resistant kraft paper is important for food packaging because it helps preserve product quality and extend shelf life. However, untreated kraft paper exhibits limited barrier performance owing to the porous and hydrophilic nature of its cellulose structure. Herein, the mechanical and barrier properties of kraft paper were enhanced by applying poly (lactic acid) (PLA) coatings using a dip-coating technique with PLA concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 g/100 mL and either single- or double-dip-coating cycles. The results showed that increasing the PLA concentration and applying a double dip-coating treatment consistently improved coating thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, water resistance, …

In Silico And Toxicological Evaluation Of Crescentia Cujete Aqueous Extract: Potential Anticancer Activity Against Breast Cancer, Rahma Diyan Martha, Fatimah Fatimah, Syahputra Wibowo, Bantari Wisynu Kusuma Wardhani, Josephine Elizabeth Siregar, Elisabeth Farah Novita Coutrier, Alfia Fitrianita, Andri Pramesyanti Pramono, Ita Margaretha Nainggolan, Yudhi Nugraha, Danar Danar, Naufal Abiyyu, Lalu Unsunnidhal, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Hesty Parbuntari, Wimbuh Tri Widodo

Makara Journal of Science

Majapahit plant (Crescentia cujete), commonly found in Indonesia, has not been extensively explored for its medicinal properties. Given that many cancer treatments are derived from plants, this study aimed to examine the effects of plants on cancer chemical composition of the C. cujete fruit pulp extract, identify its primary compounds, and assess its potential as an antioxidant, anticancer agent, particularly for breast cancer. An insilico approach was used to evaluate the toxicity and interactions, of the compounds with cancer biomarker proteins, in addition to an in vivo Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) for BSLT, toxicity screening using six …

Morphometric And Genetic Analyses Of The Sheat Catfish Genus Ompok And Kryptopterus (Siluriidae) From The Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indone-Sia, Jusmaldi Jusmaldi, Rudhy Gustiano, Haryono Haryono, Rusdianto Rusdianto, Gema Wahyudewantoro, Syahroma Husni Nasution, Yulianto Yulianto, Muhammad Hunaina Fariduddin Aththar, Safar Dody, Amran Ronny Syam, Irin Iriana Kusmini, Yosmaniar Yosmaniar

Makara Journal of Science

Anthropogenic impacts within the watershed threaten the survival of sheat catfish. Therefore, species of the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus should be conserved and domesticated to ensure their long-term persistence. Moreover, the accurate documentation of the existence and taxonomic validity of Ompok and Kryptopterus species is crucial. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the species diversity of the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus in the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The study was conducted between June and December 2014, with an update in August 2024. Fish samples were collected from the upstream and middle reaches of the Mahakam River. A total of …

Ecological Patterns Of Culture-Recoverable Entomopathogenic Fungi From The Maize Rhizosphere Across Three Elevation Zones In West Java, Indonesia, Lilian Rizkie, Tjandra Anggraeni, I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha, Agus Susanto

Makara Journal of Science

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are important components of soil ecosystems and may support sustainable pest management in agricultural systems. This study characterized culture-recoverable EPF in maize (Zea mays L.) rhizospheric soils collected from 45 points across three elevation zones in West Java, Indonesia, using a spatially nested sampling design. Fungi were isolated by insect baiting with Tenebrio molitor larvae and direct soil plating. The isolates recovered were assigned to genera based on colony morphology and microscopic characteristics. Four EPF genera— Verticillium, Paecilomyces, Beauveria, and Metarhizium—were detected, with 34/45 samples (75.6%) positive for at least one recoverable …

Screening For The Suitable Signal Peptide For Secreted Nattokinase Expression In E. Coli Using An In Silico Approach: Precursor Vs. Mature Forms, Dewi Purwani Caya Ningsih, Kartika Sari Dewi, I Wayan Martadi Santika, Ade Andriani, Joko Pebrianto Trinugroho, Muhammad Yusuf

Makara Journal of Science

Nattokinase (NK), an enzyme with thrombolytic activity, has been widely used in treating cardiovascular disease. The expression of NK in the E. coli cell host is favored due to its several benefits, though it often results in inclusion bodies. Appropriate signal peptides can be attached to the N-terminus of a protein to initiate a secretory expression system, thus preventing the nascent protein from aggregating in the cytoplasm. This study aimed to identify suitable signal peptides for the secretory expression of active NK in E. coli and to investigate the impact of pre-protein in NK secretion using an in silico approach. …

Biofilm Formation By Histophilus Somni On 3d Bovine Respiratory Tissue Cultures, Bindu Subhadra, Neeti Gandhi, Dianjun Cao, Yue-Jia Lee, Padmavathy Rajagopalan, Thomas J. Inzana

Faculty Publications - Biological Sciences

The development of bacterial biofilms following infection involves bacterial attachment to tissues and maturation of the biofilm matrix (BM). However, studying the development of bacterial biofilms in vivo is difficult to follow. An established example of biofilm formation during host infection is bovine respiratory disease (BRD) due to Histophilus somni. To more accurately investigate in vivo biofilm development, three-dimensional bovine airway organoids comprised of bovine turbinate epithelial (BE) and pulmonary artery endothelial (BAE) cells embedded in type I collagen were developed. Cell-free concentrated culture supernatant (CCS) from biofilm-grown H. somni suppressed proliferation of epithelial cells more than endothelial cells, affected …

Summary And Reflections On Coal And Coalbed Methane Co-Production And Coalbed Methane Extraction In Coal Mining Areas, Zhang Sui’An, Zhang Xiao, Li Xuechen, Hu Huiting

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background To curb coal mine gas accidents from sources, exploit low-carbon and clean coalbed methane (CBM) resources, and protect the atmospheric environment (achieved by methane emission reduction in coal mining areas), the authors’ team, by working with Shanxi Jincheng Anthracite Mining Group and cooperating closely with relevant research institutes, colleges, and universities, has progressively developed theories with clear concepts and scientific connotations, as well as relevant technical systems and industrial paradigms, for coal and CBM co-production through over two decades of original, integrated, and cross-industry innovations (spanning across fluid and solid mineral industries), along with theoretical exploration, technological research and …