Biology Commons^™

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 …

The Prognostic Significance Of Androgen Receptor Expression In Gliomas, Chi Zhang, Nan Zhao, Rubayat Khan, Ming-Yang Hung, Chi Zhang, Shuo Wang, Tony J.C. Wang, Chi Lin

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Androgen receptor (AR) overexpression has been identified in gliomas and its stem cells, suggesting that AR plays an important role in tumor carcinogenesis. The prognostic significance of AR overexpression in gliomas remains unknown. AR mRNA expression in gliomas and relevant clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas databases. AR expression levels were compared across gliomas of different histopathologic grades and molecular subtypes. Kaplan–Meier analyses in patients with different AR expression levels were investigated for the potential prognostic values of AR. Compared with normal brain tissue, gliomas show significantly higher AR mRNA expression ( …

Expanded Gene And Taxon Sampling Of Diplomonads Shows Multiple Switches To Parasitic And Free-Living Lifestyle, Monika Wiśniewska, Erik Salomaki, Jeffrey D. Silberman, Kristina Terpis, Eva Mazancová, Petr Táborský, Vasana Jinathama, Eleni Gentekaki, Ivan Čepička, Martin Kolisko

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background

Diplomonads are anaerobic flagellates classified within Metamonada. They contain both host-associated commensals and parasites that reside in the intestinal tracts of animals, including humans (e.g., Giardia intestinalis), as well as free-living representatives that inhabit freshwater and marine anoxic sediments (e.g., Hexamita inflata). The evolutionary trajectories within this group are particularly unusual as the free-living taxa appear to be nested within a clade of host-associated species, suggesting a reversal from host-dependence to a secondarily free-living lifestyle. This is thought to be an exceedingly rare event as parasites often lose genes for metabolic pathways that are essential to a …

Coral Reef Protection Is Fundamental To Human Rights, Emma F. Camp, Irus Braverman, Genevieve Wilkinson, Christian R. Voolstra

Journal Articles

The intensifying loss of coral reefs from global climate change and local stressors has seen international commitments targeted at conservation and repair, for example the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Fulfilling these targets requires decisions to be made on where, when, and how to act, ultimately dictating where limited resources will be deployed. Every choice on action or inaction toward our ocean has direct and indivisible consequences not only for the health of marine ecosystems but also for the health of humans, particularly those who directly depend on marine habitats, both culturally and economically. The well-being of the environment, humans, and …

It’S A Question At The ‘Root’ Of The Problem: Fungal Associations Of Dionaea Muscipula (Venus’ Flytrap) Roots In Its Native Habitat, Anna A. Carnaggio, Michelle M. Barthet

Biology

Carnivorous plants survive in harsh habitats with limited nutrients and a low pH. Much focus has been placed on carnivorous trap evolution as the primary mechanism to increase nutrient acquisition through insect digestion. Soil microbiome, however, may also play a pertinent role in nutrient acquisition influencing plant vigor and overall success. Dionaea muscipula, commonly known as the Venus’ flytrap, is endemic to rims of the Carolina Bays located in southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, where D. muscipula survives in nutrient poor soils with a vestigial root system. We utilized a combination of microscopy, plating, and metagenomics, to investigate …

Formulation And Evaluation Of In-Vitro Anti-Cancer Activity Of Iron Nanoparticles On Mcf-7 & A-475 Cells, Sarad Pawar Naik Bukke, Arigela Bharathi, Tenpattinam Shanmugam Saraswathi, Yenumula Nettikallu, Shanmugam Vippamakula

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Nanomedicine is an interdisciplinary field within the developing nano medication delivery system. Ayurveda, a traditional form of healing, employs nanoparticles known as Bhasmas. Nanoparticles can be selectively designed to simultaneously deliver many medications. This innovative functionality enables meticulous regulation of drug release, therefore obviating the necessity for intricate dosing schedules. This enhances patient compliance with treatment. The aim of this work is to synthesise iron nanoparticles using an environmentally friendly process, evaluate the quality of the produced nanoparticles, and examine their possible anti-cancer properties by in-vitro experimental testing utilizing MCF-7 and A-475 cell lines. To produce neem leaf extract, fresh …

Antimicrobial Properties Of Jasminum Sambac Linn Leave Extract On Selected Oral Associated Pathogen, Sarah Saiful Rizal, Wan Razarinah Wan Abdul Razak

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Traditional medicine using Jasminum leaves to treat oral health problems is expected due to easy access. Furthermore, due to the rising issue of antibiotic resistance, discovering a natural antibiotic that can effectively replace synthetic antibiotics would be valuable as natural antibiotics can cover the benefits, challenges, and future development. This study aims to assess the antimicrobial properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Jasminum sambac L. leaves at the concentration of 50, 150, and 250 mg/ml against E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145, S. aureus ATCC 33591 and B. cereus ATCC 11778, C. albicans ATCC 10231 and A. …

Potential Of Critical Mineral And Cytotoxicity Activity Of Gadolinium Complex As Anti-Amoebic Agent By Viability Studies And Flow Cytometry Techniques, Eny Kusrini, Fatimah Hashim, Azrina Aziz, Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim, Anwar Usman, Lee D. Wilson, El-Sayed Negim, Agus Budi Prasetyo

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

The screening of lanthanide as a critical mineral and used as an anti-amoebic agent is important to identify the safest method and mode of cell death to eliminate this microorganism from the host. In this study, gadolinium ion (Gd³⁺) that complexed with a short acyclic triethylene glycol (EO3) and in the presence of picric acid (HPic) as counter anion for anti-amoebic activity was explored. The trivalent Gd³⁺ complexed with EO3 and HPic via one-pot synthesis reaction using a mole ratio of gadolinium nitrate salt, EO3 ligand and HPic in a mole ratio 1:3:4 to produce [Gd(Pic)_{2 …}

Immunity And Protective Efficacy Of A Plant-Based Tobacco Mosaic Virus-Like Nanoparticle Vaccine Against Influenza A Virus In Mice, Adthakorn Madapong, Erika M. Petro-Turnquist, Richard J. Webby, Allison A. Mccormick, Eric A. Weaver

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: The rapid production of influenza vaccines is crucial to meet increasing pandemic response demands. Here, we developed plant-made vaccines comprising centralized consensus influenza hemagglutinin (HA-con) proteins (H1 and H3 subtypes) conjugated to a modified plant virus, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) nanoparticle (TMV-HA-con). Methods: We compared immune responses and protective efficacy against historical H1 or H3 influenza A virus infections among TMV-HA-con, HA-con protein combined with AddaVax™ adjuvant, and whole-inactivated virus vaccine (Fluzone®). Results: Immunogenicity studies demonstrated robust IgG, IgM, and IgA responses in the TMV-HA-con and HA-con protein vaccinated groups, with relatively low induction of interferon (IFN)-γ⁺ T-cell …

Ten Measures To Jointly Explore Shenzhen Model Of Synthetic Biology Development, Xian-En Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The iteration of biotechnology and the transformative development of biomanufacturing driven by synthetic biology are drawing the blueprint for the future bioeconomy. Around this strategic goal, in the past 10 years, Shenzhen has collaborated with relevant national departments and has taken a series of measures to initially create a sound ecological and innovative chain for synthetic biology and bioindustry. This study summarizes these 10 measures into three major categories: the construction of new R&D institutions and innovation bases, the implementation of technology transformation carriers and synthetic biology industry park, and the measures to encourage students’ innovative spirit. The successful implementation …

Development Of Brain-Inspired Intelligence Industry In Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Xu Zhang, Meihua Ruan

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As an emerging frontier field of brain science, the brain-inspired intelligence has been developed rapidly during recent years, leading to the preliminary formation of the brain-inspired intelligence industry, which belongs to the strategic high-end manufacturing industry and has broad development prospects in the era of intelligence. In the future, there will be a huge demand for the brain-inspired intelligence technology and its industry in various fields in China. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is actively planning the research and development of the brain-inspired intelligence technologies and cultivating the related industries by implementing major research programs and establishing new professional …

Designing A Novel Approach To Cadaveric Dissection And Evaluation Of The Lacrimal Gland Anatomy, Maresa Joanna Mcdowell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

During our study, the orbital dissections of 44 cadavers were analyzed, and the lacrimal gland's condition after dissection was evaluated. Medical students previously dissected twenty-two of the cadavers using the dissection steps outlined in Grant’s Dissector. From these, 21 student groups performed orbital dissection using the two approaches outlined in Grant’s Dissector. Post-evaluation of Grant’s anterior approach (GAA) showed that 50% of the lacrimal glands had signs of damage to the orbital lobe, and 88.89% of the palpebral lobe were damaged. When Grant’s supraorbital approach (GSA) was used, 70% of the palpebral lobes showed signs of damage compared to the …

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 …

Aging Drives Cd8 T Cells To Functional Extremes: From Non-Specific Cytotoxicity To Tissue-Mediated Exhaustion, Irina Shchukina

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

CD8 T cells are a crucial component of the immune system, primarily responsible for executing the effector response against viral infections and cancer. Aging significantly impacts most immune cell types, with particularly dramatic changes observed in CD8 T cells. One major age-related difference is the marked decline in thymus activity, which leads to a substantial reduction in naive CD8 T cells and an increased abundance of memory CD8 T cells. Furthermore, recent work from our lab demonstrated that while young memory CD8 T cells are relatively homogeneous, memory CD8 T cells diverge into two subpopulations: PD1- memory CD8 T cells …

Aging Drives Cd8 T Cells To Functional Extremes: From Non-Specific Cytotoxicity To Tissue-Mediated Exhaustion, Irina Shchukina

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

CD8 T cells are a crucial component of the immune system, primarily responsible for executing the effector response against viral infections and cancer. Aging significantly impacts most immune cell types, with particularly dramatic changes observed in CD8 T cells. One major age-related difference is the marked decline in thymus activity, which leads to a substantial reduction in naive CD8 T cells and an increased abundance of memory CD8 T cells. Furthermore, recent work from our lab demonstrated that while young memory CD8 T cells are relatively homogeneous, memory CD8 T cells diverge into two subpopulations: PD1- memory CD8 T cells …

Exploring Genetic Elements Related To The Co-Occurrence Of Crohn’S Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vamsi Korisapati, Karam Asad, Andrew T. Ozga

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a rare inflammatory bowel disease that negatively impacts the lining of the digestive tract, while Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body attacks healthy cells, also causing inflammation. The primary cause of inflammation in both diseases is an overactive immune response, but patients who are diagnosed with RA are typically prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which is not a suggested method for treating CD. Here we do a literature survey through PubMed to uncover genetic variants common to both diseases and highlighted four shared genes: HLA-DRB1, NOD2, CARD9, and CXCL10. We then examined these …

Cytotoxic Potential Of Fungi In The Genus Ganoderma, Abril Chao, Omobolanle A. Ayangade, Braham Dhillon, Navi Gill

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom forming fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. G. lucidum, also known as lingzhi or reishi, is consumed in several Asian cultures to promote health and longevity. Bioactive molecules with anticancer properties have been isolated and characterized primarily from the species Ganoderma lucidum, and the cytotoxic potential of other species in the genus Ganoderma remains relatively unclear. Bioactive molecules isolated from mushroom fruiting bodies are demonstrated to have cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. Triterpenes and polysaccharides are the two major groups of compounds that exhibit antitumor and anti-inflammatory …

Mechanisms Of Uropathogenic E. Coli Reservoir Formation In The Gastrointestinal Tract, Philippe Nimma Azimzadeh

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are an extremely common affliction affecting 150 million people worldwide each year. UTIs are a leading cause of antibiotic therapy among otherwise healthy adult women, accounting for 15% of all outpatient antibiotic prescriptions. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause over 80% of community-acquired UTIs. Even when infection is cleared from the urine by clinical antibiotic regimens, 27% of women will experience recurrent UTI (rUTI) within months. Greater than 60% of rUTIs are caused by the same strain of E. coli that caused the initial infection, suggesting that one or more host-associated reservoirs of UPEC can re-inoculate the …

Mechanisms Of Uropathogenic E. Coli Reservoir Formation In The Gastrointestinal Tract, Philippe Nimma Azimzadeh

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are an extremely common affliction affecting 150 million people worldwide each year. UTIs are a leading cause of antibiotic therapy among otherwise healthy adult women, accounting for 15% of all outpatient antibiotic prescriptions. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause over 80% of community-acquired UTIs. Even when infection is cleared from the urine by clinical antibiotic regimens, 27% of women will experience recurrent UTI (rUTI) within months. Greater than 60% of rUTIs are caused by the same strain of E. coli that caused the initial infection, suggesting that one or more host-associated reservoirs of UPEC can re-inoculate the …

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 …

Utilizing Lentinula Edodes And Pleurotus Ostreatus To Decrease Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Growth With Oxidative Stress Present As A Model For Cancer, Abdullah Amir

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and its effects can be worsened when high levels of oxidative stress are present. Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus ostreatus are two edible mushroom species that have been shown to contain many anticancer agents. However, the effects of these mushrooms have not been tested on cancer in the presence of oxidative stress. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of L. edodes and P. ostreatus in reducing Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth when oxidative stress was present. It was hypothesized that these two mushroom species would …

Investigating The Synergistic Antibacterial Effects Of Ulva Lactuca And Fucus Vesiculosus Extracts On The Growth Of Staphylococcus Epidermidis, Bryan Lee

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

This study investigates the antibacterial properties of extracts from marine macroalgae, Ulva lactuca (green algae) and Fucus vesiculosus (brown algae), individually and in combination, with a focus on combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance requires the exploration of alternative antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources. Utilizing the agar well diffusion method, the study evaluates the inhibitory effects of the algae extracts on Staphylococcus epidermidis. Chloramphenicol serves as the positive control, while 5% dimethyl sulfoxide acts as the negative control. The combination of Ulva lactuca and Fucus vesiculosus extracts did not exhibit a significantly greater antibacterial effect than …

A Comparative Study To Predict Ovarian Cancer, Binadie Wickramasinghe, Gloria Regisford

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Ovarian cancer is considered the fifth most common cancer type among females in the United States. Furthermore, ovarian cancer accounts for 25% of all gynecologic cancers, and usually, this cancer is diagnosed at a late stage. A patient can live at least five years longer if ovarian cancer is diagnosed early. Therefore, the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is essential. This study aims to classify ovarian cancer using biomarkers such as ovarian cancer antigen (CA125), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and anti-TP53 antibodies. Rising or persistent CA125 blood levels provide a highly …

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. …

Prokaryotic Inhabitants Of Hypersaline Brines From Former Salt Mine In Solivar (Presov, Slovakia), Shivani Adhvaryu, Maria Piknova, Lea Nosalova, Lenka Malinicova, Sona Brestovicova, Jana Kiskova, Mariana Kolesarova, Peter Pristas

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.