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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 …

Status Of The Gray Fox In Arkansas, D. B. Sasse

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The putative subspecies of gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus ocythous) that is found in Arkansas has been proposed for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act, primarily due to potential population declines elsewhere in their range. In order to evaluate the need for such protection I evaluated the status of the gray fox in Arkansas utilizing data collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Based on purchases of pelts by Arkansas-licensed fur dealers, opinions of Arkansas trappers about gray fox population trends, and hunter observation surveys, the gray fox appears to be widely distributed, abundant, and populations may …

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.

Distal Urogenital Anatomy And Epithelial Morphology In The Male Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Frog, Gastrophryne Carolinensis (Anura: Microhylidae), S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I investigated the microanatomy of the distal urogenital system in male Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Frogs (Gastrophryne carolinensis) from a small sample (n = 5) collected in central Arkansas in April, May, and July (2021) and May 2022. Specifically, my primary goals were to elucidate the histology of the following: (1) the paired Wolffian (urogenital) ducts caudally from the kidneys to their merging with the urodeum of the cloaca, (2) the structure of seminal vesicles, and (3) the epithelial morphologies among the distal urogenital tract, the posterior alimentary canal, and the cloaca. My histological analysis confirmed the presence of …

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 …

Academy Presidents And Institutional Members, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

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

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

From Policy To Practice: The Significance Of Evida In Shaping Electric Vehicle Adoption Behavior In Philippine Urban Markets, Darylle Angelo Pamintuan Pineda

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the Philippines remains at an early stage despite the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which introduced fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to encourage cleaner transport. This study aimed to examine whether Fiscal Incentives Awareness, Non-Fiscal Incentives Awareness, Charging Infrastructure Perception, and Concern on Upfront Cost significantly influence EV Adoption Intention among urban consumers in San Fernando, Pampanga. It also sought to determine whether Consumer Satisfaction with Government Policies mediates these relationships. The study employed a quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design. Data were gathered through a structured survey administered via Google Forms and printed …

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, …

Language, Life, And Indigenous Knowledge: Cultural Contexts In Advanced Kaqchikel Maya Language Education Approaches To Indigenous Language Revitalization In Kik'aslemal Ri Kaqchikela': An Advanced Kaqchikel Maya Language Textbook, José Israel Herrera

Journal of Maya Heritage

Abstract. This article examines the relationship between Indigenous language revitalization and the continuity of socially embedded systems of knowledge through the case of advanced Kaqchikel Maya language education. Drawing upon scholarship on Indigenous pedagogies, linguistic anthropology, and Indigenous epistemologies, the article explores how culturally grounded approaches to language learning contribute not only to the development of linguistic competence but also to the reproduction of memories, values, and intellectual traditions. Particular attention is devoted to Kik'aslemal ri Kaqchikela': An Advanced Kaqchikel Maya Language Textbook, whose thematic organization and collaborative development illustrate broader processes of knowledge production and cultural continuity. Rather than …

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 …

‘It’S A Win-Win Situation’— Cultivating University & School Partnerships, Emily Wisniewski, Kelly Virgin, Pauline Skowron Schmidt

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

This qualitative case study examines Writing Zones, a fifteen-year university–high school partnership that embeds preservice English teachers in secondary classrooms as writing mentors. Drawing on surveys from 20 preservice teachers and eight high school teachers, along with follow-up interviews, the study explores perceptions of preparation, support, and program impact. Findings highlight Writing Zones as a mutually beneficial model that enhances student writing through individualized support while providing authentic, field-based learning for preservice teachers. However, effectiveness was conditional, shaped by mentor preparedness, clarity of roles, communication, and scheduling. The study underscores the importance of intentional training, sustained relationships, and institutional alignment …

A Systematic Review Of Writing Interventions For Elementary Pre-Service Teachers, Lindsey Wiggins, Hannah Carter, Katherine L. Wright

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

Effective writing instruction in elementary classrooms depends on teachers who are prepared as both writers and instructors. Yet, writing methods courses remain limited in teacher preparation programs (TPPs), leaving many pre-service teachers (PSTs) underprepared to teach writing. This systematic literature review synthesized 20 U.S.-based studies (2011–2024) on writing and writing instruction interventions with elementary PSTs. Two questions guided the review: (a) How have researchers measured the effects of interventions? and (b) What are the characteristics of effective interventions? Findings show that most studies relied on self-reported measures, with limited use of validated or observational tools, raising concerns about consistency and …

Dismantling Future Writing Teachers’ English-Only Assumptions: Composing Videos To Learn The Value Of Linguistic And Cultural Inclusion, Ann N. Amicucci

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

This article presents the results of a study of 12 students’ video composing assignments and accompanying reflections in which students, all of whom were future writing teachers enrolled in an undergraduate TESOL course, examined how well public spaces acknowledged and included multilingual individuals. Students’ videos and reflections demonstrated that the assignment dismantled these future writing teachers’ assumptions that multilingual writers learn best in an English-only environment but perpetuated perceptions of languages as discrete rather than intertwined. Findings are discussed within the context of scholarship on writing teacher education and English-only policy and practice in the U.S.

Who We Are, How We Teach: Writing Teacher Identity In The Secondary Ela Classroom, Danielle Alexander

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

The journal submission guidelines stated not to include an abstract.

A2) Instagrammable Sacredness: The Commodification And Visual Consumption Of Mosque Tourism, Kristel Kessler

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

Tourism experiences are increasingly shaped by digital technologies and social media, with destinations and attractions often selected, consumed, and remembered through their visual appeal. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat have transformed the ways in which tourists select and engage with tourist sites and attractions, including sacred and religious sites. While mosque tourism emerged over a decade ago as a central feature of Islamic tourism, emphasizing the religious, cultural, and social significance of mosques for both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors, the rapid growth of social media has fundamentally altered how these spaces are experienced and represented. Today, mosques function …

A1) When The Oracle Is An Algorithm: The Future Of The Sacred Experience, Po Man Tse

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

The integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) into religious sites presents both profound opportunities and significant challenges (Arnold & Shultz, 2025). While AI shows considerable promise for enhancing visitor experiences (Khan, 2024), its deployment in sacred spaces where tradition and authenticity are paramount requires careful investigation. This study explores visitor perceptions of AI-mediated experiences at Hong Kong's Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, a major pilgrimage site uniquely housing Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions. Employing a qualitative approach, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The study utilized the vignette method (Finch, 1987) to anchor conversations in a tangible context, …

B1) The Implementation Of Digital Tools In The Interpretation Of Heritage From A Cultural And Pastoral Perspective, Silvia Aulet, Anna Gili Vilanova-Prat

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

The digitisation of cultural languages supposes new challenges and opportunities in the interpretation of religious heritage. From a theoretical perspective, sacred sites can be understood as symbolic realities where material and immaterial dimensions converge. Sacred places are not only architectural containers, but spaces of meaning that articulate identity, memory and transcendence (Aulet & Vidal, 2018).

The preservation of the meaning, identity and original function of sacred spaces in contexts of high tourist accessibility (Aulet & Duda, 2020). Technology, far from being a merely instrumental element, can act as a symbolic mediation that reinforces this sustainability if it contributes to improving …

A3) Reconstructing Sacredness In The Digital Age: Mobile Digital Sacred Spaces And Transformative Experiences In Heritage, Dong Wang, Silvia Gili Aulet

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

This study explores the reconstruction of sacredness and cultural meaning in digital immersive experiences at religious heritage sites. Traditional sacredness is rooted in physical space and material authenticity, while the Longmen Grottoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important Buddhist destination in China) is accelerating digital transformation through mobile-based digital incense offerings, algorithmic "Buddha affinity" matching and digital twin visualization platforms, breaking the classical ontology of fixed sacred space.

Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model, this study defines digital atmosphere, narrative engagement and interactive rituality as external stimuli, "digital sacredness" a second-order internal psychological state encompassing transcendence, awe, serenity and …

B2) Ai Generated Narratives In Religious Tourism Marketing: Opportunities And Ethical Risks, Md Javed Kawsar, Rashed Gili Khan

International Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conferences

The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to redefine narrative construction in religious tourism marketing, creating new opportunities for digital engagement while also raising critical ethical concerns. As religious destinations increasingly adopt AI-enabled storytelling tools, ranging from conversational agents to multimodal generative systems, the nature of narrative authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and visitor perception is being significantly reshaped. Recent work on AI-driven religious tourism indicates that AI-enabled conversational agents influence tourists’ cognitive and affective evaluations, shaping memorable religious tourism experiences and future engagement intentions, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in sacred contexts. Likewise, studies examining AI-driven strategies …