Digital Commons Network^™

Osmosis Magazine - Fall 2024

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Fostering Belief And Belonging: Catalysts For Success In Stem, Andrew Watts

Osmosis Magazine

As an aspiring scientist, have you ever found yourself consumed by the suffocating pressure to be perfect? Does the weight of failure loom ominously over your endeavors, threatening to derail your aspirations? And in the quiet moments of introspection, do whispers of self-doubt emerge, casting shadows of uncertainty over your path forward in STEM? I know I certainly have.

An Investigation Of Idaho Phragmites, Paxton Mills

Osmosis Magazine

In fall 2022, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture reached out to the lab of Dr. Carrie Wu, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Richmond, for assistance in determining the genetic lineage of a suspected invasive stand of Phragmites australis, a wetland reed which has proved to be particularly troublesome throughout its introduced range. Like most invasive species, Phragmites wreaks havoc by outcompeting native plants, which disrupts normal ecosystem operations.

Meet The Pollock Lab: Understanding Breast Cancer And Disease Development, Jeff Tsai

Osmosis Magazine

In October 2023, I was eagerly looking for my lab home, as most Gottwald students would refer to the process. I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Julie Pollock about her significant research in breast cancer. A great part of the reason why I enjoy learning about proteins and their functions is because of my mother’s history of battling stage II breast cancer. During my time taking care of her and eventually taking a class at the University of Richmond studying gene regulation and protein functions, I gained a greater appreciation for the work that biochemists do in breaking …

Osmosis Magazine - Spring 2024

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Breaking Up With The Anti-Hero: How 303(B)(3) Can Help Law Schools Mitigate Their Perennial Devices, Prices, Vices, And Crises, Kelly M. Gamble

Maine Law Review

The American Bar Association’s issuance of Standard 303(b)(3) represents a pivotal shift compelling law schools to adapt their approach to the evolving needs of law students, lawyers, and the profession. The Standard serves as an invitation to re-evaluate the relationship between the primary curriculum and student support frameworks. This Article proposes a comprehensive approach to infuse professional identity development throughout the first year of law school. While professional identity development requires ongoing efforts, sometimes tailored to particular practice interests, this Article contends that all students benefit from early explicit instruction on foundational professional identity competencies. This Article first outlines the …

Seafood Mislabeling: Molecular Strategies To Identify Fish Species And Rethinking Public Outreach In Taiwan And The U.S., Ping Yen (Jeff) Tsai

Osmosis Magazine

Swapping identical fish with substitutes has been a widespread issue across the globe. Despite the valiant efforts of policymakers, seafood misidentification continues to be pervasive among large and small vendors, from sushi venues to grocery stores in the United States.

The Origins Of Mathematics: Invented Or Discovered?, Andrew Watts

Osmosis Magazine

A divisive subject amongst students of all ages, Mathematics remains an integral part of each student’s educational journey. Why is that? you may wonder. The answer is that Mathematics lies at the center of the natural world.

Osmosis Magazine - Spring 2023

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Disentangled Graph Learning

Defensive Publications Series

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have shown significant success in learning from graph-structured data. However, their performance often degrades on heterophilous graphs, where connected nodes tend to have dissimilar features. This paper introduces the Disentangled Graph Learning Network (DGLN), a novel GNN model designed specifically to learn on heterophilous networks by disentangling node features into structural and content components. DGLN uses an adaptive aggregation module and a graph reconstruction module to learn node representations and model network structure. We provide a detailed description of DGLN, including its algorithm, and implementation with PyTorch. Experimental results on several benchmark heterophilous datasets show that …

Dual-Channel Graph Neural Network

Defensive Publications Series

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have achieved significant success in modeling graph-structured data. However, their performance degrades on heterophilous graphs, where connected nodes tend to have dissimilar features. In this paper, we introduce the Dual-Channel Graph Neural Network (DCGNN), a novel GNN architecture designed to handle both homophily and heterophily by processing information through dual channels. DCGNN employs a homophily channel to capture information from similar nodes and a heterophily channel to learn from dissimilar nodes. We describe the detailed algorithm and provide a Python implementation using PyTorch. Extensive experimental results on benchmark heterophilous graph datasets demonstrate that DCGNN significantly outperforms …

Structure-Aware Graph Neural Network For Node Classification

Defensive Publications Series

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have shown impressive results in analyzing graph-structured data. However, their performance is often compromised when applied to heterophilous graphs, where connected nodes tend to have dissimilar features. This paper introduces the Structure-Aware Graph Neural Network (SAGNN), a novel GNN architecture designed to handle heterophilous graphs by explicitly encoding and leveraging structural information. SAGNN uses a structure encoding module to generate structural node features, followed by an adaptive message aggregation mechanism based on structural similarity, and finally a structure-aware combination module to generate final embeddings. We provide the algorithm of SAGNN and also a Python implementation with …

Graph Transformer With Adaptive Subgraph Sampling

Defensive Publications Series

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have shown great promise in various graph-based tasks. However, their performance often suffers when applied to heterophilous graphs, where connected nodes exhibit dissimilar features. In this paper, we introduce the Heterophily-Aware Graph Transformer (HAGT), a novel GNN architecture that leverages an adaptive subgraph sampling technique with graph Transformer layers to effectively learn from heterophilous graphs. HAGT employs relational attention to capture complex node interactions and to effectively aggregate information. We present a detailed algorithm and implementation of HAGT using PyTorch. Experimental results on several benchmark heterophilous datasets show that HAGT outperforms standard GNNs and state-of-the-art heterophilyfocused …

Conservation Status Of Virginia Populations Of The Rare And Jeopardized Bridle Shiner, Notropis Bifrenatus, Wayne C. Starnes, Gabriela M. Hogue, Morgan E. Raley

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

The Bridle Shiner, Notropis bifrenatus (Cope, 1867), Family Leuciscidae, is a small minnow species that ranges in Atlantic coastal river drainages of eastern North America from the St. Lawrence in Canada southward to the Santee River basin of South Carolina. Over several decades notable declines throughout its range have been observed and multiple natural resource agencies note it to be jeopardized with probable extirpations evident in a number of drainages. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recognized the need to assess the status of the Bridle Shiner within its historical range in Virginia. Here we report the results …

Hiv And Bacterial Lps Synergistically Activate Aim2 Inflammasome In Primary Human Oral Keratinocytes, Md Shafayat Jamil, Deepa Roy, Upal Roy, Hansapani Rodrigo, Nirakar Sahoo, Chun Xu

Research Symposium

Background: HIV infection profoundly disrupts the oral microbiome, increasing the presence of Gram-negative bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), which is detected in over 80% of cases. P. gingivalis secretes lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent immune stimulant that can damage primary human oral keratinocytes (HOK) even in antiretroviral therapy (cART) treated people with HIV (PWH). HOK cells respond to bacterial and viral stimuli by activating inflammasome complexes, including AIM2, a DNA-sensing inflammasome protein. While LPS alone is known to trigger canonical and non-canonical pathways, leading to inflammasome activation, our study investigates how HIV exposure synergizes with LPS to induce the …

Elevated Familism As A Protective Factor Against Type 2 Diabetes And Alzheimer’S Disease In The Rgv Hispanic Communities, Juan F. Lopez, Luis Aguillon, Chun Xu, Daniela Ollervides Charles, Gladys Maestre

Research Symposium

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are significant contributors to cognitive decline, disproportionately affecting Hispanic/Latino populations. T2DM increases the risk of AD and dementia through mechanisms such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and neurodegeneration (Umegaki, 2014; González et al., 2020). Social determinants such as socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and cultural factors, including familism, exacerbating disease progression (Vega et al., 2017). Familism—a cultural value emphasizing strong family ties, loyalty, and caregiving—may play a dual role, both as a factor shaping disease management and as a potential protective element.

Elevated familism can foster supportive family networks that …

Chitosan Extraction From Anabas Testudineus Scales For Enhancing The Properties Of Edible Corn Starch-Based Films: Characterization And Performance Evaluation, Yuli Ristianingsih, Ivan Aldino Hernadin, Daniel Timotius

Makara Journal of Science

The papuyu fish (Anabas testudineus) is a freshwater species found in South and Southeast Asia. It is known for its ability to survive in extreme conditions, such as low oxygen levels and poor water quality, making it a potential candi-date for climate-resilient aquaculture. In this study, chitosan was extracted from the scales of papuyu fish through de-mineralization using 1 N HCl solution, deproteination using 5% NaOH solution, and deacetylation using 70% NaOH solution, resulting in an overall yield of 5.11%. The extracted chitosan was added to edible film made from corn starch, and the properties of the prepared films were …

Assessment Of Fish Biodiversity Of The Cimandiri Watershed, West Java, Indonesia, Rudhy Gustiano, Haryono Haryono, Gema Wahyudewantoro, Krismono Krismono, Rusdianto Rusdianto, Firman M. Nur

Makara Journal of Science

Information on the fish biodiversity of the Cimandiri Watershed is incomplete, and human activities and anthropogen-ic impacts pose a significant threat to this biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to assess the biodiversity of fish in the Cimandiri Watershed. The results indicated that fish biodiversity in the area included 104 species belonging to 49 families. There were 26 species in the upstream area, 47 species in the middle area, and 61 species in the downstream area. Forty-three species were native to Indonesia, and 7 of the native fish were endemic to the area. There were 11 introduced species belonging …

Screening For Penicillin G Acylase (Pga)-Producing Bacteria And Gene Cloning Using Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed-Pcr, Masdalifah Masdalifah, Sri Rezeki Wulandari, Gabriela Christy Sabbathini, Maria Ulfah, Dini Achnafani, Ahmad Wibisana, Feronika Heppy Sriherfyna, Is Helianti, Niknik Nurhayati

Makara Journal of Science

The growing concern over antibiotic resistance has driven global efforts to explore innovative solutions, including the use of Penicillin G acylase (PGA) to produce semisynthetic β-lactam antibiotics. This study screened four potential in-tracellular PGA-producing bacteria: Alcaligenes faecalis InaCC B444 (AfPGA), Kluyvera cryocrescens InaCC B850 (KcPGA), Providencia rettgeri InaCC B25 (Pr25PGA), and P. rettgeri InaCC B466 (Pr466PGA). Penicillin G Acylase encoding genes (pgas) were isolated from them using a Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed-PCR (DOP-PCR) approach and sequenced. Microbiological assays confirmed all tested crude extracts to exhibit inhibitory effects. Penicillin G was used for evaluating hydrolytic activity and 6-Amino Penicillanic Acid (6-APA) coupled …

Antibacterial Activity Of Endophytic Actinobacteria Isolated From Ziziphus Mauritiana Against Multidrug-Resistant Strains, Hafifatunil Khairani, Jepri Agung Priyanto, Muhammad Eka Prastya, Dwi Retnowati

Makara Journal of Science

Increasing resistance to existing antibiotics has led to a need for new alternative sources. Among the possibilities that need to be explored is the endophytic actinobacteria associated with Ziziphus mauritiana. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of endophytic actinobacteria isolated from Z. mauritiana against five multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Thirty actinobacteria isolates were obtained from the roots, stem, and leaves of the plant using the serial dilution technique. Using a double-layer agar test, we found that colonies from five of the 30 isolates (16%) exhibited antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the M18 strain of Bacillus …

The Rider (2025-03-10), Rebeca Salinas

The Rider Archives

Vol. 10, No. 22

Solid Wastes From Geothermal Energy Production And Implications For Direct Lithium Extraction, William T. Stringfellow, Mary K. Camarillo

Pacific Faculty Work

Direct lithium extraction (DLE) of brines after geothermal power production offers opportunities to produce environmentally benign “green” lithium; however, some environmental impact is inevitable. We examined solid waste production at geothermal power plants in southern California that are also locations for planned DLE facilities. Currently, the geothermal plants in this region produce approximately 79,800 metric tons (wet weight) per year of solid waste, which represents about 28 metric tons per GWh of net electricity production or approximately 500 mg solids per kg geothermal brine. Approximately 15% of this waste requires management as hazardous waste. Solids produced during power production represent …

The Lived Experiences Of Disabled Students In Inclusive Classrooms, Tanner Mizel

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of disabled students in inclusive classrooms, with a focus on those participating in extensive support needs (ESN) programs. Intentionally inclusive of students who communicate through diverse methods, including augmentative and alternative communication devices, picture exchange communication systems, American Sign Language, and other nonspoken forms, this phenomenological case study centers the perspectives of students in one middle school’s ESN program through mobile interviews and reflective document analysis. Student perspectives are triangulated through surveys reflecting the perspectives of parents, guardians, and school staff. Grounded in disability studies in education, this study challenges deficit-based approaches to inclusive …

Ec2vec: A Machine Learning Method To Embed Enzyme Commission (Ec) Numbers Into Vector Representations, Mengmeng Liu, Xialong Ni, J. Ramanujam, Michal Brylinski

Faculty Publications

Enzyme commission (EC) numbers play a vital role in classifying enzymes and understanding their functions in enzyme-related research. Although accurate and informative encoding of EC numbers is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of machine learning applications, simple EC encoding approaches suffer from limitations such as false numerical order and high sparsity. To address these issues, we developed EC2Vec, a multimodal autoencoder that preserves the categorical nature of EC numbers and leverages their hierarchical relationships, resulting in more meaningful and informative representations. EC2Vec encodes each digit of the EC number as a categorical token and then processes these embeddings through a …

University Of New Hampshire 2024-2025 Faculty Senate Xxix - March 10, 2025 Minutes Summary, Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Agendas & Minutes

No abstract provided.

Crow's Nest, March 10, 2025, Crow's Nest Staff

Crow's Nest

The March 10, 2025, issue of Crow's Nest.

Stress As A Means Of Success: Investigating The Effect Of Stress Appraisals On Willpower, Ego Depletion, And Physiological Responses In College Students, Anna Minor

Honors College Theses

Stress impacts our emotions, cognition, behavior, and health. Although stress is abundant and unavoidable, recent research suggests our perception of stress can strongly influence its outcomes. The Biopsychosocial Model of Challenge and Threat (BPS) states that we appraise a stressful scenario in one of two ways: challenge or threat. A challenge appraisal involves a positive perception of stress and is associated with lower physiological output while a threat appraisal involves a negative perception of stress and increased physiological arousal. The current research seeks to apply the BPS to a cognitive task and consider its relation to willpower, ego depletion, and …

Efficiency Of Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation (Eicp) By Crude Extract Urease For Geotechnical And Geoenvironmental Applications, Kaniz Roksana

Theses and Dissertations

Geotechnical engineering is currently facing challenges, including accommodating rapid urbanization, adapting to climate change impacts, and prioritizing sustainability, all while ensuring the safety and stability of critical infrastructure. Biocementation is a recently developed new branch in geotechnical engineering that offers innovative and eco-friendly solutions by leveraging natural processes to enhance soil properties. This dissertation examines the potential of soybean extract urease as a cost-effective substitute for analytical-grade enzymes in Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) applications for biocementation. This research examines its effectiveness in various aspects, such as coastal erosion control, desiccation crack remediation, and the removal of heavy metals. Essential …

Pdxscholar Multi-Year Annual Report (2022-2024), Julia Stone, Sherry Buchanan, Bertrand Robinson, Stacey Schlatter, Carolee Harrison

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

We are excited to share our 2022-2024 PDXScholar Multi-Year Annual Report. This multi-year report covers the period between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024. PDXScholar, Portland State University's institutional repository, provides access to the scholarly and creative output of PSU faculty, students, and staff. In this report, we aim to highlight PDXScholar’s growth and impact through readership data, new content and collections, and feedback from our users.

The Echo: March 10, 2025, Taylor University

2024-2025 (Volume 112)

No abstract provided.