Biology Commons^™

The Effects Of Sunlight On The Decomposition Rate Of Opuntia Humifusa, Paul George, Elena Amonette, Celine W. Seder, Katherine Massaro

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Plant decomposition plays a critical role in community and ecosystem ecology by recycling minerals and returning nutrients to the soil. The rate of plant decomposition can be impacted by a multitude of factors including chemical composition of the plant, presence of decomposing microorganisms, temperature, and more. This study sought to quantify the effects of sunlight on plant decomposition. In this project, Opuntia humifusa (prickly pear) were placed outside on the Belmont greenroof to decompose in sunny and shaded environments. The plants were collected over a period of 12 weeks, and data on the masses of the decomposing plants was used …

Simulating Interventions To Improve Reproducibility In Scientific Publications, Ben G. Fitzpatrick

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Efficient Deep Learning Architectures For Lactobacillus Species Identification, Dea Aisyah Rusmawati, Ishak Ariawan, Afrinal Firmanda

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Identifying microorganism species, such as Lactobacillus, is essential in ensuring the food products' quality and safety. Traditional laboratory practice requires expert knowledge and experience, but the method is expensive and time-consuming due to complex sample preparation. Faster, more accurate, and cheaper computational methods, such as transfer learning technology, are needed for the Lactobacillus species classification. The technique has been effective in a variety of image recognition contexts. Deep learning architecture can also be applied as an innovative strategy for digital image-based identification. Therefore, this research aims to compare several deep-learning architectures in classifying bacterial strains of Lactobacillus. The four architectures …

Boosting The Power Performance Of Microbial Fuel Cells By Using Dual Nanomaterial-Modified Carbon Felt Electrodes, Krishna Thapa, Wenyan Liu, Yuwei Zhang, David J. Westenberg, Yishu Zhou, Risheng Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Innovative design enhancements to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are pivotal for improving their viability as renewable energy sources. This study introduces a dual approach to electrode modification, integrating polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on carbon felt (CF) anodes coupled with a unique cathode composed of DNA origami and chitosan. The synergistic effect of PANI and AuNPs significantly increases the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the anode, leading to a considerable surge in power density. Concurrently, the biocompatible DNA origami and chitosan-functionalized cathode facilitates efficient electron transfer without relying on conventional catalysts. Together, these modifications yield a 52.42% increase in the …

Classification Manner Utilizing Electroencephalography Signals To Investigate Waveforms, Wessam Al-Salman, Ali Basim Al-Khafaji, Mishall Al-Zubaidie

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Waveform detection has been an area of continuous investigation for many years. One important waveform in sleep stage 2 is the k-complex. Numerous researchers have created various strategies for auto-k-complex detection; some of these strategies state that the automated detection techniques are adequate. Because of its analytically relevant resolution, the Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a commonly utilized technique to analyze the k-complexes in order to understand the nervous system activity of the brain. Several researchers have classified waveforms using EEGs in a variety of ways. It appears that the majority of the waveform detection had limitations. The …

Bacterial Cellulose Production From Fermented Fruits And Vegetables Byproducts: A Comprehensive Study On Chemical And Morphological Properties, Yati Maryati, Hakiki Melanie, Windri Handayani, Yasman Yasman

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This study aimed to produce α-cellulose from Bacterial Cellulose SCOBY (BCS) using alternative substrates from fermented fruit and vegetable byproducts: katuk leaves (KT), kale leaves (KL), guava (JB), dragon fruit (NG), and banana (PS). BCS production involved juice extraction, SCOBY inoculation, and sucrose addition, followed by 21 days of fermentation. Initially, the NG medium had the highest concentration of Total Reducing Sugars (TRS), but all media showed a decline as sugars were consumed. Fermentation reduced pH and increased total polyphenols, with KL and JB showing the highest rise (0.13-0.15 mg GAE/mL). Flavonoid levels varied, decreasing in KL and PS but …

Metabolite Profiling Of Potential Fraction From Ethyl Acetate Extract Of Ziziphus Mauritiana Leaves By Lc-Ms/Ms Analysis, Nurhayati Bialangi, Weny Ja Musa, Boima Situmeang

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In Indonesia, the treatment with leaves as a traditional medicine is still firmly integrated into the community to overcome various health problems experienced, one of which is the treatment with Bidara leaves (Ziziphus mauritiana). Ziziphus mauritiana belongs to family of Rhamnaceae, and it is generally considered a potential source of antioxidant and cholesterol lowering. This study aimed to examine phytochemical characterization, antioxidant potential, and cholesterol-lowering effects of ethyl acetate fraction derived from Ziziphus mauritiana. Extraction was accomplished using ethyl acetate, and the resultant extract was fractionated through chromatography with a blend of n-hexane and ethyl acetate as …

Australians Support Multi-Pronged Action To Build Ecosystem Resilience In The Great Barrier Reef, Stewart Lockie, Henry Bartelet, Brent Ritchie, Csilla Demeter, Bruce Taylor, Lintje Sie

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

The scale and pace of global environmental change calls for a dramatic upscaling of ecosystem restoration and for actions that build the resilience of ecosystems to future environmental change. This research aimed to quantify public perceptions of threats to the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, and their support for strategies to address those threats including large-scale restoration and resilience-building actions. We examine how these perceptions change over time and across social cohorts including people living closer to the Reef (n = 2621) and the general Australian population (n = 5825). Respondents were concerned about both …

Srebp Versus Nrf1 Behavior Based On Cholesterol Sensing In Niemann-Pick Type C Using A Cos-7 Model, Christine Tran, Jacob Mcintyre, Felicity Sterling Phd

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare genetic disorder where cholesterol and lipid transport are blocked leading to accumulation in the lysosomes (National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD), 2024; Boston Children’s Hospital). This accumulation can lead to neurological issues, such as developmental delay, ataxia, seizures, and early onset of dementia (Patterson, 2000). To study this disease more in depth, scientists have identified a drug called U18666A that induces NPC in the cells it is administered to (Lu, et al., 2015) which allows for the study of other structures and biomolecules in the sterol sensing and transport pathways.

Cholesterol has …

The Divergent Responses Of Salinity Generalists To Hyposaline Stress Provide Insights Into The Colonisation Of Freshwaters By Diatoms, Kathryn J. Judy, Eveline Pinseel, Kala M. Downey, Jeffrey A. Lewis, Andrew J. Alverson

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Environmental transitions, such as the salinity divide separating marine and fresh waters, shape biodiversity over both shallow and deep timescales, opening up new niches and creating opportunities for accelerated speciation and adaptive radiation. Understanding the genetics of environmental adaptation is central to understanding how organisms colonise and subsequently diversify in new habitats. We used time-resolved transcriptomics to contrast the hyposalinity stress responses of two diatoms. Skeletonema marinoi has deep marine ancestry but has recently invaded brackish waters. Cyclotella cryptica has deep freshwater ancestry and can withstand a much broader salinity range. Skeletonema marinoi is less adept at mitigating even mild …

Photoluminescence Intensity Enhancement And Stability In Cdte/Sio2 Quantum Dots Through Water Molecule Adsorption And Trap Passivation, Daniil S. Daibagya, Ivan A. Zakharchuk, Sergei A. Ambrozevich, Mikhail S. Smirnov, Anna V. Osadchenko, Oleg V. Ovchinnikov, Alexandr S. Selyukov

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The study of the luminescence photostability for colloidal nanocrystals is an important task since the understanding of the corresponding physical processes advances new electronic devices based on semiconductor nanoparticles as well as other important applications such as biomarkers. In this paper, we provide the first study and comprehensive analysis of the photostability of the luminescent properties for colloidal CdTe/SiO₂ core/shell quantum dots prepared by an aqueous-based method. The quantum dots were exposed to continuous laser radiation during two time intervals with prolonged break in between. The photoluminescence intensity of the quantum dots increased over time under continuous laser irradiation. …

Removal Of Selenium Ions From Contaminated Aqueous Solutions By Adsorption Using Lemon Peels As A Non-Conventional Medium, Alanood A. Alsarayreh, Suha Anwer Ibrahim, Salem Jawad Alhamd, Thekra Atta Ibrahim, Mohammed Nsaif Abbas

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The disposal of heavy metals from various activities has become a pervasive issue. The investigation of sustain-able, low-cost adsorbents for the remediation of these hazardous pollutants has been widely disregarded. This research emphasizes the recovery of selenium ions from contaminated water using lemon peels as a cost-effective adsorbent. The adsorption was explored in a batch unit under various operational parameters, including initial selenium concentration (1-90 ppm), pH (1-11), agitation speed (100-500 rpm), adsorbent dose (0.4-5.5 g), contact time (5-180 minutes), and temperature (25-55 °C). The BET surface area of the lemon peels was found to be 27.86 m²/g before adsorption …

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Gc-Ms), Computational Analysis, And In Vitro Effect Of Essential Oils From Two Aromatic Plants, Bubonium Graveolens And Launaea Arborescens Growing In Southwest Algeria Against Potato Cyst Nematodes, Souad Ziane, Chaouki Selles, Khaldun M. Al Azzam, Bounoua Nadia, Belal O. Al-Najjar, Ali Al-Samydai, Obada A. Sibai, El-Sayed Negim

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The study tested the nematicidal effects of essential oils from Bubonium graveolens and Launaea arborescens on the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiens. The chemical composition of the essential oils was analyzed using GC-MS. To determine the concentration that killed 50% of the nematode population (LC50), five concentrations of the essential oils were applied to the tested organisms. The effects of essential oils on the hatching of cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis sp.) eggs in vitro demonstrated a wide variety of effects ranging from no impact to mild, moderate, and strong effects, which increased dramatically with exposure duration and concentration. All the …

Broken Su(3) Description Of Energy Levels And Decay Properties In Gadolinium Isotopes (A=156-160), Fahmi Sh. Radhi, Amir Abdul Ameer Mohammed Ali Dr., Ali H. Al-Musawi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This study presents an in-depth examination of the energy levels and decay properties of Gadolinium (Gd) isotopes with mass numbers (A=156-160), utilizing the Interacting Boson Model-1 (IBM-1) within a broken SU(3) symmetry framework. Through this approach, we systematically calculated and analyzed the energy spectra, B(E2) transition probabilities, quadrupole moments, and potential energy surface (PES) which provided valuable insights into the shape and collective behavior of nuclei, as well as the decay properties of the selected Gd isotopes. The broken SU(3) symmetries provide a good description to the isotopes under study. This comprehensive analysis enhances the understanding of the nuclear structure …

Skin Microbiome: Current Target For Cosmeceuticals, Priyanka Kakkar, Neeraj Wadhwa

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Skin acts as a barrier to the external environment and perform various functions like maintaining internal homeostasis, sensations to touch based stimuli, vitamin D production and defence against foreign pathogens, prevent dehydration. Skin has its own diverse microbiota like bacteria, virus, fungi that is collectively called as skin microbiome. Skin microbiome balance is disturbed (condition called dysbiosis) by both internal and external factors which lead to skin problems like acne, psoriasis, dandruff. It is important to maintain the healthy skin ecosystem. Cosmeceuticals i.e., combination of cosmetic and pharmaceuticals, is a recent trend in the skin care industry where we add …

Road Signs Detection Using Ssd Mobilenetv2, Zahraa Salah Dhaif, Nidhal K. El Abbadi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

One of the most critical challenges for self-driving vehicles is accurately identifying traffic signs, which are essential for self-navigation and decision-making. Systems for the detection and recognition of road signs play a crucial role in this process by providing vital information for the vehicle's decision-making. This study proposes an approach for road sign identification and recognition utilising the TensorFlow Object Detection API and the SSD MobileNet V2 FPN Lite model.

In this proposal, we combine the efficiency and accuracy of SSD with the lightweight architecture of MobileNet to achieve excellent performance in object detection benchmarks while maintaining a small model …

Intelligrader: A Framework For Automatic Short Answer Grading, Inconsistency Check And Feedback In Educational Context - Conception, Implementation And Evaluation, Paradesi Sree Lakshmi, Jay B. Simha, Rajeev Ranjan

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Automatic Short Answer Grading (ASAG), an escalating realm in natural language understanding, constitutes a focal point of research within the broader field of learning analytics. Over time, many ASAG solutions have been proposed to address the difficulties in teaching. However, no work addressed three crucial aspects of evaluation together, i.e., i) automatic evaluation of brief subjective/descriptive answers written in English, ii) identifying the evaluation inconsistency, and iii) provision of providing feedback about inconsistent evaluation to the evaluator. The current work proposes IntelliGrader, a comprehensive ASAG system that addresses the above-mentioned issues. Automated grading is accomplished through a model answer-based approach. …

Isolation And Characterization Of Fermenting Bacterial Isolates From Vinegar Industry Waste In Local Markets Of Wasit Province, Tayseer Shamran Al-Deresawi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The use of waste in the vinegar industry is an important practice of the food industry worldwide; however, this critical practice is neglected in many parts of Iraq. According to this, the current study was conducted to isolate and characterize fermenting bacterial organisms from this waste in Wasit Province, Iraq. Samples of vinegar industry by-products were collected from local businesses. These samples were prepared by using Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium. Two methods, direct and indirect inoculations, were followed. The purified growth was examined using morphological and biochemical tests. Moreover, PCR was employed to confirm the identity of each bacterial isolate. The …

(Si13-09) Numerical Methods For Solving Nonlinear Fisher Equation Using Backward Differentiation Formula, Vikash Vimal, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Liju Pannikkal

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

This paper examines the numerical solution of the nonlinear Fisher equation that is used to find the growth of tumour cells in the brain. By employing new methods that transform nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE) into nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODE) through spatial discretization. The stability of the resulting nonlinear system is evaluated using Lyapunov’s criteria. Implicit stiff solvers, including various orders of backward differentiation formulas, are used to address the ODE system. The efficiency of these numerical methods is demonstrated through two examples, and a comparison with existing methods from the literature is conducted. Compared to traditional methods, the …

Comparative Analysis In The Effectiveness Of Real Vs. Virtual Labs In Enhancing Students’ Conceptual Understanding Of Archimedes’ Principle, Judeanto Edy, Sutopo Sutopo, Edi Supriana

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of virtual laboratories compared to real laboratories in improving students’ conceptual understanding of Archimedes’ principle. A quantitative approach was employed using a pretest-posttest design. The measurement instrument used in this study was a concept mastery test, consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions. Data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. The research involved students from two XI IPA classes, each consisting of 33 students. The findings indicated that both virtual and real laboratories in the learning process could enhance students’ conceptual understanding. The study concluded that there was no significant difference between the virtual …

Development Of E-Modules Based On Pjbl-Steam And Virtual Simulation Media On Work And Energy Topic As An Effort To Improve Students’ Critical Thinking Skills, Farah Rafidah, Parno Parno, Nasikhudin Nasikhudin, Marlina Ali

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Work and energy are fundamental topics in physics. However, enhancing students’ critical thinking skills in these areas remains a challenge. This research aimed to develop and assess the validity and readability of e-modules designed with PjBL-STEAM and virtual simulation media to address this issue. The development process followed a 4D model, and the resulting e-modules were evaluated as strongly valid category. The validation tests yielded percentage scores of 91.6% for media, 89.3% for content, and 88.0% for lesson plans. Additionally, the readability test achieved a score of 84.6%, indicating a excellent level of comprehensibility. These findings suggest that the e-modules …

Exploration Of Students’ Scientific Argumentation Skills On Static Fluid Topics, Trio Junira Fernando, Parno Parno, Markus Diantoro

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

The weakness in students’ scientific argumentation, particularly in providing evidence-based arguments, has become a significant concern in education. This study aims to assess students’ scientific argumentation skills specifically on the topic of static fluids. The survey was conducted with 78 twelfth-grade students from private high schools in East Java, Indonesia, who had previously studied this topic. A scientific argumentation test instrument, consisting of an essay format with five questions, was employed to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, followed by a classification based on static fluid subtopics and the level of scientific argumentation skill. The results indicated …

Impact Of Problem-Based Learning Integrated With Blended Learning On Students’ Collaborative Skills, Angel Regina, Yustina Febblina Daryanes, Riki Apriyandi Putra

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study investigates the impact of implementing a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model integrated with Blended Learning on enhancing students’ collaborative abilities. Conducted in class XI of SMA Negeri Plus Riau Province during the 2021/2022 academic year, the research utilized a control group design to compare the collaborative skills of students in an experimental class, which employed the PBL model, with those in a control class. The study assessed four key indicators of collaborative ability: working productively, valuing opinions, compromising, and sharing responsibility. The findings revealed that students in the experimental class showed significant improvements in all four indicators compared to …

Influencing Factors Of Competency Achievement In Fiber Optic Installation Engineering: A Study On Vocational School Graduates In Indonesia, Pangadongan Elfin Pujianto, Djoko Kustono, Hakkun Elmunsyah

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study investigates the factors influencing the achievement of competencies in the field of Fiber Optic Installation Engineering (TIFO) among vocational school graduates in Indonesia and their subsequent performance in the workforce. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research examines the relationship between several key variables, including national examination scores, quality of infrastructure, teaching competence, and telecommunication systems subject scores. Path analysis structural equation modeling was employed to determine the direct and indirect effects of these variables on TIFO competency achievement and graduates’ performance. The findings reveal that the quality of infrastructure is the most significant contributor to competency achievement, accounting …

Synthesis Of Zno: Zro2 Nanocomposites Using Green Method For Medical Applications, Mohammed J. Tuama, Maysoon F. Alias

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

These days, nanocomposites are very popular, especially in medical applications. The spread of diseases in general, and those caused by microbes and cancerous diseases in particular, and the increased resistance of these diseases to antibiotics, have led to the need for the rapid, low-cost, and environmentally friendly production of nanocomposites. To create the chemical G-ZnO: ZrO2 and S-ZnO: ZrO2 (green technique), two different plant extracts were utilized: Z. officinal and S. aromaticum. The effective synthesis and acceptable properties features of the nanoparticles were confirmed using characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) , diffuse reflectance spectroscopy …

Systematic Review On Isolation, Purification, Characterization, And Industrial Applications Of Thermophilic Microbial Α- Amylases, Rugaiyah A. Arfah, Sarlan Sarlan, Abdul Karim, Anita Anita, Ahyar Ahmad, Paulina Taba, Harningsih Karim, Siti Halimah Larekeng, Dorothea Agnes Rampisela, Rusdina Bte Ladju

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The α-amylase enzyme, sourced from diverse organisms, including plants, animals, and bacteria, plays a crucial role in multiple industries, notably food processing sectors like cakes, fruit juices, and starch syrup. Research identifies thermophilic organisms as prime sources of this enzyme thriving at temperatures ranging from 41°C to 122°C. The enzyme purification was carried out using liquid-liquid extraction, which involved the exchange of substances between two liquid phases that were immiscible or partially soluble. The optimal temperature for α-amylase was 45 to 90°C. The best pH for bacterial and fungal α-amylases ranged from 5.0 to 10.5 and 5.0 to 9.0. Based …

Cortisol And Alpha-Synuclein Stability In Saliva Under Varying Storage And Handling Conditions, Mo Zheng, Sujata Srikanth, Jeremiah Carpenter, Delphine Dean

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments and non-motor symptoms, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Currently, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the primary biofluid used for PD biomarker studies, notably α-synuclein, despite the invasive nature of lumbar puncture procedures. Recent work has shown that some of these PD biomarkers have been measured in saliva. As an alternative to CSF, saliva can be non-invasively self-collected by patients repeatedly over time to monitor biomarker levels. However, the stability of these biomarkers in saliva needs to be evaluated before saliva can be considered for patient self-collection studies. Therefore, …

Table Of Contents

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Different Vegetable Oils (Macadamia Nut Oil And Walnut Oil) On The Coefficient Of Friction As A Finish For Oak Wood, Lee Dillon

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Slipping due to insufficient friction with flooring can cause fatal injuries in workplaces and homes. Oak wood flooring is commonly used in construction to build these environments. In the manufacturing process, wood finishing is conducted at the end of the process to strengthen the properties and longevity of the wood, although it could impact the coefficient of friction (COF) causing slip falls. Vegetable oils, such as macadamia nut and walnut oils, used as wood finishes have gained prominence due to their beneficial aspects to the environment. However, little is known about their effectiveness as a safe coating for wood floors. …

Striatal Beat Frequency Interval Timing Model With Microgravity Stressor, Jason Michael Fitzgerald, Sorinel Oprisan

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

The Striatal Beat Frequency (SBF) model of interval timing uses frontal cortex (FC) neural oscillations to record the state of the brain at the reinforcement time Tc during fixed interval (FI) procedures in the long-term memory (LMEM). The state of the FC oscillators at any given time is stored in a short-term memory (SMEM) buffer. The SBF model uses the spiny neurons of the basal ganglia (BG) as coincidence detectors to produce beats between the content of the SMEM and LMEM. Across multiple species that can perform interval timing, there are two invariant properties: (a) the timing is precise, and …