Life Sciences Commons^™

Geospatial Analysis Of Rickettsial Species In Arkansas, Amy D. Frank, Ashley P.G. Dowling

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Rickettsia species are obligate intracellular, arthropod-borne bacteria with a potential to cause multiple diseases including Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Fleas, mites, and ticks serve as vectors for Rickettsia, but ticks are the primary vector of interest. RMSF and other rickettsial diseases have continued to gain importance in both human and veterinary medicine as RMSF is the most common tick-borne disease within the United States according to the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Research Center. A statewide citizen science project was utilized to determine the prevalence of Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia in Arkansas. This project yielded results in 64 …

Anthocyanin Stability In Food Products Made With Freeze-Dried Blueberry Powder, Samantha R. Findley, Luke Howard

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

This study evaluated the stability of anthocyanins in six blueberry products (gummy, graham bar, oatmeal bar, rice krispy bar, ice pop and juice) prepared with freeze-dried wild blueberry powder during processing and over eight weeks storage. Total anthocyanins were determined by HPLC before processing and at day 0 and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of storage. Thermal processing of gummy and graham bar products resulted in losses of anthocyanins (50 and 31%, respectively). An eight-week storage time also resulted in a decrease in anthocyanins (7 to 51%) in products stored at ambient temperature. The ice pop, which was stored …

Impact Of Selected Infrared Wavelengths On Inactivation Of Microbes On Rough Rice, Rebecca L. Bowie, Griffiths Atungulu, Abass Oduola, Shantae Wilson, Zeinab Mohammadi-Shad

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Formation of harmful microbes and their associated mycotoxins on rough rice during storage presents negative socioeconomic impacts to producers and consumers. The objective for this study was to investigate the impact of treating rough rice with selected infrared (IR) wavelengths at different IR intensities and heating durations, followed by a tempering step for further inactivation of microbes (mold and bacteria) on the grain. Freshly-harvested long-grain, hybrid, rough rice (XL 745) with initial moisture content (IMC) of 18.4% wet basis (w.b.) was used. Two-hundred grams (200 g) samples of rice were treated at different IR wavelengths (λ), 3.2, 4.5, and 5.8 …

Letter From The Dean, Deacue Fields

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Greenhouse Aquaponics: Custom Aquaponic Systems At Home, Jesse L. Blanchard, David G. Hyatt, Jennie Popp, Leah English

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Taking advantage of inherent natural systems, aquaponic practices hold the potential to serve as an educational, sustainable, and profitable hobby for home gardeners facing common constraints such as temperature, space, and pests. The goal of this research was to assess the feasibility of implementing a small scale (4,542-liter) home -based aquaponic system in a small (48.768 square meter) greenhouse to produce fresh produce and fish protein. System construction and maintenance costs were compared to the value of crops and fish produced to determine whether this aquaponic system is a feasible option for the home grower. It was hypothesized that this …

Academy Presidents And Institutional Members List, 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 73, 2019, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Business Meeting Report (Secretary's And Treasurer's Report), Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

In Memoriam: Douglas A. James, 1925-2018, Ragupathy Kannan, Joseph C. Neal

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Instructions To Authors, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Keynote Address And Meeting Program, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Journal Acknowledgments And Editorial Board, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Observations And Applications Of Husbandry Methodologies On A Backyard Poultry Farm In Dangriga, Belize, Bailey A. Carpenter, Frank Dustan Clark

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

This study explores the husbandry methodologies on a backyard poultry farm in Dangriga, Belize, with the purpose of producing a set of guidelines for backyard poultry growers that have limited resources in similar regions. The majority of data collection occurred through survey questions approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of human research subjects, necropsies approved by IACUC, and general observations. There has been a steady increase in poultry production in developing regions due to its positive effects on income and relative nutrition. However, due to a lack of accessible communication …

The Effects Of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (Epa) And Docosahexaenoic Acid (Dha) On Brown Adipogenesis In Stem Cell Culture, Darynne A. Dahlem, Yan Huang

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are major maternal dietary supplements due to their positive benefits on neurological tissue growth during the first 12 weeks of gestation. Previous studies show that EPA and DHA inhibit muscle formation but promote adipogenesis. However, no research has addressed the question whether high intake of EPA and DHA affects brown fat development during gestation. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of EPA and DHA supplement on brown adipogenesis and potential pathways related to mitochondrial biosynthesis using fibroblasts as in vitro model. Using Oil-Red-O staining …

The Diversity Of Terrestrial Mammals Surrounding Waterfall At Billy Barquedier National Park, Kelsey Johnson, Jason Apple

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Billy Barquedier is a National Park located in the Stann Creek district of Belize that contains Neotropical vegetation and wildlife. This study was performed to provide a baseline inventory and appearance frequency patterns of the terrestrial mammals located within Zone 1 of the park near a waterfall and to gain a greater understanding of the biodiversity and activity patterns of terrestrial mammals within the park. The methods included camera traps, small Sherman live traps, large live traps, and tracking methods. A non-random sampling method of placing camera traps and live traps on or near human-made or animal-made trails was used …

Identifying Arkansas Food Desert Blocks Suitable For A Peer-To-Peer Modeled Food Redistribution Program, Emily A. King, Jennie S. Popp, Michael R. Thomsen, Di Fang, Alvaro Durand-Morat

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Abstract

Nearly 10% of Americans reside in low-income urban food deserts which are low-income areas that lack access to affordable and nutritious foods. Food deserts in Arkansas contribute to a food insecurity rate above the national average, making it one of the most food insecure states in the country. Increased internet usage and consumer interest in sharing based companies contribute to the idea of a sharing, or peer-to-peer (P2P) style food redistribution program. The objective of this study is to identify which of the 186,211census blocks in the state of Arkansas are food deserts and best suited for and in …

Evaluating Rice Straw As A Substitute For Barley Straw In Inhibiting Algal Growth In Farm Ponds, Jacob O. Maris, Mary Savin, Lisa S. Wood

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Algal blooms disrupt aquatic ecosystems and are more common in lakes, ponds, and rivers during the summer months due to nutrient pollution. Livestock production can contribute increased quantities of nutrients to water bodies from runoff of manure. Commonly used mechanical and chemical control methods may have limited success because algae are small and propagate quickly. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) straw has been shown to inhibit the growth of algae as the straw decomposes aerobically in ponds. Therefore, barley represents a natural option for algal biomass control. However, the small amount of barley production in Arkansas limits the availability of …

Increasing Low-Income Residents’ Access To Fresh Produce Through A Local Mobile Pantry, Laura E. Wasson, L. Lanier Nalley, Mechelle Bailey, Laura Hill

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Seeds that Feed (STF) is a mobile food pantry located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. STF receives produce from local farmers to distribute to residents in low-income housing sites throughout Northwest Arkansas. According to Feeding America, food insecurity affected 14.3% Washington County, Arkansas’ population in 2016. The purpose of this study was to determine if STF’s model is an effective way to increase individuals’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables and increase their potential to meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Patterns (USDA-FP) for to fruit and vegetable consumption. Twenty-three participants from three sites completed the study. A survey was …

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 20 2019, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Determination Of Optimum Harvest Date For Winter Malting Quality Barley In Northwest Arkansas, Paul Wolf, David Moon, Richard Esten Mason

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Due to the strict quality requirements, only 10% of worldwide barley is used for malting, though malting quality barley comes with a price increase of up to 50% or greater. With the craft brewery industry growing in Northwest Arkansas there is a growing demand for locally sourced malt quality barley. However, data are lacking regarding production practices for barley in Arkansas. The optimal harvest date for malting quality barley is at physiological maturity. This is because many of the malting traits (such as germination energy) decline as harvest is delayed, which make it difficult to meet the criteria for malting …

Cotylogaster Occidentalis (Aspidogastrea: Aspidogastridae) From Freshwater Drum, Aplodinotus Grunniens (Actinopterygii: Sciaenidae), In Northeastern Oklahoma, Chris T. Mcallister, Anindo Choudhury

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Parasites (Trematoda, Nematoda, Phthiraptera) Of Two Arkansas Raptors (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae; Strigiformes: Strigidae), Chris T. Mcallister, Lance A. Durden, Charles R. Bursey, John A. Hnida, Vasyl V. Tkach, Tyler J. Achatz

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Very little is known about the helminth parasites of hawks and owls of Arkansas. We had the opportunity to salvage 2 road-killed raptors, a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) and a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) from the state and examine them for ecto- and endoparasites. Found were chewing lice (Degeeriella fulva) and a nematode (Porrocaecum angusticolle) on/in B. lineatus, and 3 digenean trematodes (Echinoparyphium sp., Strigea elegans, Neodiplostomum americanum), and nematode eggs (Capillaria sp.) in B. virginianus. We document 6 new distributional records for these parasites.

Age Estimation Using Phalangeal Skeletochronology In Northern Crawfish Frogs, Lithobates Areolatus Circulosus (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae), From Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth, Christopher S. Thigpen

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

As an obligate crayfish burrow dweller, crawfish frogs have historically occupied a relatively narrow ecological niche throughout their distribution in the tall grass prairies and grasslands of the central and south-central United States. In Arkansas, the Northern Crawfish Frog, Lithobates areolatus circulosus, occurs in only 19 of its 75 counties. Because of their secretive nature, late winter-early spring breeding season, and current protected status by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, this species remains a rarity in most museum collections in the state. Moreover, only anecdotal information exits regarding any aspect of their natural history in Arkansas. In the …

Plains Spotted Skunk Pelt Purchase Trends In The Ozarks And Ouachitas, 1943-1990, D. Blake Sasse

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Plains spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta) is a small carnivore that has experienced population declines across much of its range and is currently being considered for listing as an endangered species. I utilized harvest data on pelts from the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas and the Ouachita mountains in Arkansas that were purchased by fur dealers from 1943-1990 to examine trends in harvest levels over time. Purchases in all three regions declined in the late 1940s and early 1950s, but purchases in the Arkansas returned to near or at historic levels in the early 1960s and the …

De Novo Development And Characterization Of Tetranucleotide Microsatellite Loci Markers From A Southeastern Population Of The House Finch (Haemorhous Mexicanus), Edgar E. Sanchez, J Dylan Maddox, Douglas G. Barron

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Microsatellites are short tandem repeats (e.g. TAGATAGA) of base pairs in a species’ genome. High mutation rates in these regions produce variation in the number of repeats across individuals that can be utilized to study patterns of population- and landscape-level genetics and to determine parentage genetically. In this project our objective was to develop microsatellite markers for the House Finch, Haemorhous mexicanus. This species has become one of the most well-studied species of songbirds due to its unique geographical, evolutionary, and epidemiological history. Using mist-nets we captured birds on the Arkansas Tech University campus and collected blood samples to …

Occurrence Of The Sinus Nematode Skrjabingylus Sp. (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) Inferred From Sinus Lesions In Arkansas Mustelidae And Mephitidae, With Review Of Relevant Literature, C. Renn Tumlison, Terry Tumlison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Nasal nematodes of the genus Skrjabingylus occur in the mammalian families Mustelidae and Mephitidae, and have been found from Canada to Costa Rica. Ingestion of infected snails, frogs, snakes, or mice can lead to infection of these mammalian hosts. Infection often causes pathology to bones in the sinus region, which may lead to discoloration, enlargement, and fenestrations of the bone. Examination of museum specimens for bone lesions or other evidence of infection has been used to evidence prior infection, but prevalence and intensity cannot be interpreted without actually recovering the parasite. We examined Mustelids and Mephitids in collections of mammals …

Bilateral Diaphyseal Chondrodysplasia And Polymorphic Osteodysplasia Of The Tibiofibulas In A Southern Leopard Frog, Lithobates Sphenocephalus (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae), Stanley E. Trauth, Malcolm L, Mccallum

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Much attention has been focused on limb malformations in anurans following the startling discovery of major limb deformities in Northern Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens) in Minnesota in 1995. The numerous causes for these malformations can be attributed to a number of natural phenomena, or they can be considered as being manmade. In the present study, we report on a previously undescribed type of limb abnormality in a single individual of the Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) from Arkansas. Histological examination of left tibiofibula revealed a complete disruption of the normal diaphyseal bone structure in this adult …