FYR 2022 Undergraduate RISE Impact Report- Research & Innovation- Prairie View A&M University by PVAMU Research&Innovation

2022

Magesh T. Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A. Vice President, Research & Innovation

R&I is pleased to present the research reports of the Faculty-RISE undergraduate students in this compendium. The faculty and staff worked together as collaborative interdisciplinary teams on diverse research projects ranging from “Addressing the plastic pollution crisis with dynamic covalent plastics (DCPLs)” to “Perceptions of School Shooters: A Vignette Study Examining the Effects of Race and Media Framing of Contributing Factors .” The research reports compiled in this booklet come from seven colleges and one school in the university.

The Division of Research & Innovation (R&I) is committed to advancing the research and innovation enterprise of PVAMU by supporting faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry through the Faculty RISE-Undergraduate Research Grant Program. The program delivers students a full spectrum of opportunities and challenges to excel, academic reinforcement, networking, and diverse collaboration experiences.

Messagefromthe Vice President

R&I also proudly shares some of the successes of the RISE-Undergraduates this year: 58 showcased their research progress in the 2022 Research & Innovation Week; 28 participated in the 2022 Conference for Interdisciplinary Student Research. Many RISE-UG students participated in the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) Pathways Student Research Symposium, a systemwide annual event where the students from the 11 member-institutions present posters and oral presentations on their research projects. At this year’s TAMUS Pathways Symposium, 10 undergraduate RISE students submitted poster presentations, earning the first, second, and third place awards in the Agriculture & Natural Resources category. With this annual Faculty RISE-Undergraduate Research Report, R&I recognizes and celebrates the research accomplishments of our undergraduate students. 2

Pre Harvest Treatment in the Control of Campylobacter in

Campylobacter colonization in broiler chicks. Four hundred unvaccinated and unsexed Cornish Rock day old broiler chicks were separated into four treatment groups: control uninfected and untreated; Campylobacter infected and untreated; YCR treated and uninfected, and Campylobacter infected and treated with YCR at 2 kg/ ton of feed. The infected chicks were challenged with a cocktail mixture (10^8 CFU) of ten strains of

Use of Yeast Culture Residue as a

Agriculture and Human Sciences

Campylobacter (4.22 vs. 6.14 Cfu/gram of cecal contents) was observed in the infected birds with the inclusion of YCR when compared with controls. In conclusion, yeast residue's dietary inclusion at 2 kg/ton could be a useful pre harvest treatment for the reduction of

Campylobacter spp. (5 C. jejuni and 5 C. coli strains). Infected chicks were challenged by crop gavage at 1 day old. Yeast culture residue was incorporated into the feed, and the chicks were fed from one day of age. In the Campylobacter free chicks, YCR did not significantly change the volatile fatty acids' cecal concentration and lactic. Birds infected with the organism had increased concentrations (P< 0.05) of cecal acetic acid (156.1 vs. 125.4), cecal propionic acid (32.50 vs. 24.77), and cecal butyric acid (34.0 vs. 17.1 u mole/gram of cecal contents) in comparison to the control. YCR decreased (P<0.05) cecal lactic acid concentration in

Alexis Edwards and Milton Daley*

Campylobacter and YCR (0.85 and 0.69umole/ gram, respectively. A significant reduction in the total number of the

Campylobacter colonization in broiler chicks.

Abstract: Two experiments were conducted to examine the use of a yeast culture residue (YCR) as a pre harvest treatment to control

Department of Animal and Human Sciences, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Broiler Chicks

Research Farm to characterize the impact of land cover and management practices on carbon dioxide emissions. The LI 8100A Survey System and Licor Tracegas Analyzer were used to measure soil and atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions once or twice a week during the study period. Preliminary results showed considerable variations inCO2 emissions among different land use applications on the PVAMU Research Farm.

Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Abstract: Soil processes play important roles in global climate change. This is because soils have the potential to act as a net sink for CO

2 due to the large amount of carbon currently stored in soil organic matter. Terrestrial ecosystems are potentially major carbon pools in the Earth’s system that could play a critical role in controlling anthropogenic carbon emissions. However, carbon storage capacity differs between different terrestrial ecosystems. Land use management can play an important role in controlling carbon emissions of carbon sequestration. Land use change and management practices not only directly reduce carbon storage in vegetation but also affects the number of vegetation residues returned to the soil, which is, in turn, the primary source of soil carbon storage. Agricultural management practices and growing vegetation’s influence carbon cycling by changing soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and uptake rates. The objectives of this research are 1) to understand the carbon dynamics for different land use applications and management practices in the southeast Texas environment; and 2) to compare the response of each land use application to soil and atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions and uptakes. Sixteen soil collar rings were installed in the middle of each land cover plot on the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU)

Investigating the effects of Land Use Management Practices on Carbon Emissions

Amar Kalkura and Ram Ray*

Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Amar Kalkura and Ram Ray*

Introduction: Climate change and variability significantly impact natural resources, environment, and agriculture and will continue to impact over the next few decades and beyond. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted a temperature rise of 1 to 1.5 degrees C between 2030 and 2052, a change in mean rainfall, and an increase in extreme events which will affect water resources and agriculture. Therefore, quantifying carbon emissions for different ecosystems is critical to developing future climate

resilient management strategies to mitigate socio economic and environmental damage.

Discussion: This study compared the response of each land use application to soil and atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions and uptakes. Results showed considerable variations in CO2 emissions among different land use and management practices on the PVAMU Research Farm. Conclusions: Greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement and monitoring are important to understand the impact of climate change on the environment and the impact of anthropogenic activities on the climate. Therefore, monitoring and quantifying the GHGs, such as carbon and methane emissions, is important. It is also important to use best management practices (such as tree plantations along the boundary of each plot, grazing, waste management, and pasture management) to reduce emissions. 9

Objectives: The main objectives of this research are to: i. understand the carbon dynamics for different land use types and management practices in the Texas environment ii. Compare each land use response to soil and atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions and uptakes. iii. understand the carbon sequestration potential of each land cover type or ecosystem

University (PVAMU) Sixteen soil collar rings were installed in the middle of each land cover plot on the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Research Farm to characterize the impact of land cover and management practices on carbon dioxide emissions. The LI 8100A Survey System and LICOR Trace Gas Analyzer were used to measure soil and atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions once or twice a week during the study period. At each location, we measured methane (CH4), Carbon dioxide (CO2), and water vapor (H2O). In addition, we also measured soil moisture and soil temperature using a set of probes. The instrument used: Trace gas analyzer, Li COR chamber, Collar, Stake, and Tablet

Materials and Method: University Farm, Prairie View A&M

An integrated approach to Quantify Carbon Sequestration Potentials for Different Ecosystems

• Del Grosso, S.J., Parton, W.J., Mosier, A.R., Hartman, M.D., Brenner, J., Ojima, D.S., Schimel, et al. interaction of carbon dynamics and nitrogen trace gas fluxes using the DAYCENT model. In: M. Schaffer, M., L. Ma, L. S. Hansen, S. (Eds.), Modeling Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics for Soil Management. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 2001, pp. 303 332. 10

• Bergamaschi, B.A.; Bernknopf, R.; Clow, D.; Dye, D.; Faulkner, S.; Forney, W.; Gleason, R.; Hawbaker, T.; Liu, J.; Liu, S.

References:

G.; et al. A method for assessing carbon stocks, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse

gas fluxes in ecosystems of the United States under present conditions and future scenarios; 2010 5233; Reston, VA, 2010.

Guadalupe Medrano and Janet Antwi* Department of Agriculture, Nutrition & Human Ecology, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

A validated questionnaire will be used to obtain sociodemographic and medical history information, including demography, income, household food security, medical history, and medication use. A SECA balance scale (Seca Corp, Columbia, MD), the BOD POD® machine (COSMED USA, Inc., California), and tape measure will be used take anthropometric and body composition measurements (weight, height, waist circumference, body fat mass, and muscle mass). Dietary intake and food preferences will be assessed via 24 hour recalls using a standardized multiple pass method and online food frequency questionnaire and the Healthy Eating Index calculated to assess diet quality. All blood and biometric data including fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides will be collected by Onsite Health Diagnostics (Onsite Health Diagnostics®, https://onsitehealthdiagnostics.com/). A blood pressure sphygmomanometer (Omron BP652N 7 Series, Omron Healthcare Inc. IL, U.S.) will be used to measure participant’s blood pressure.

Conclusions: We will implement the main study this summer 2022, among the target population of the project to collect data for analysis and dissemination of the results.

Materials and Methods:

Discussion: No actual results have been gathered yet. However, questionnaires have been pre tested, and laboratory services have been set up to begin the data collection this summer 2022.

Precision interventions are not a “one size fits all diet”, but are tailored to key characteristics of the participant such as current diet, phenotype and genotype.4

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are universally recognized as a risk factor for numerous health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, some types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, poor quality of life, functional limitations, and mental health concerns.

Precision Nutrition for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Wellness in the COVID 19 Era

Although there is evidence to suggest that precision nutrition and/or web based and app interventions are successful in promoting weight loss and preventing chronic diseases, well designed and evaluated interventions of this nature are sparse among low income medically underserved, rural and minority communities.

Precision nutrition approaches offer an alternative and potentially more effective strategy to improve dietary intake and prevention of obesity and chronic diseases.

4. Carlos Celis Morales, Katherine M Livingstone, Cyril FM Marsaux, et al. on behalf of the Food4Me Study, Effect of personalized nutrition on health

References:

related behaviour change: evidence from the Food4Me European randomized controlled trial. Int. J. Epidemiol. 2017; 46(92):578 588...

3. Nielsen DE, El Sohemy A (2014) Disclosure of Genetic Information and Change in Dietary Intake: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS ONE 9, e112665.

2. Celis Morales C, Lara J, Mathers JC (2014) Personalizing nutritional guidance for more effective behaviour change. Proc Nutr Soc 12, 1

1. J.B. Dixon. The effect of obesity on health outcomes. Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 2010; 316; 104 108.

Inclusion of GMA in the mycotoxin contaminated diet significantly (P≤0.05) improved body weight feed intake and feed conversion. GMA group had the highest body weight, feed intake, and best feed conversion. Birds fed a mycotoxin diet had a significant (P≤0.05) increase in the relative weight of the liver and bursa of Fabricius, but had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the relative weight of pancreas, spleen, and gizzard. Except for the total white blood cell count, there were no significant effects of diets on hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P>0.05). The Fusarium mycotoxins diet significantly (P≤0.01) increased the serum concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid concentration; only plasma calcium was ameliorated by the addition of GMA.

Abstract:

Effects of Polymeric Glucomannan Mycotoxin Absorbent on Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens Fed Fusarium Mycotoxin Naturally Contaminated Grains Hannah Adams and Milton Daley*, Cameren Belvin, Tamra Tolen, Herman Boermans,

Acetyl DON, and 1.5 mg zearalenone per kg of feed); and 4) mycotoxin plus

GMA. Parameters measured were weekly body weight, feed intake, and conversion, relative organ weights; hematology, and serum chemistry. Bodyweight was significantly (P≤0.05) decreased by 13% in birds fed mycotoxin contaminated diets compared to the weight of control birds. Birds that consume mycotoxin contaminated diet had significantly (P≤0.01) decreased feed intake by approximately 6% compared to the control group. Feed conversion significantly increased by approximately 8% for birds on the mycotoxin diet compared to the control birds.

Steve Leeson2 Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

The effect of polymeric glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent (GMA) (0.2%/kg) was examined on broiler chicks fed grains naturally contaminated with mycotoxins for 24 days in a randomized complete block design experiment. Treatments administered were 1) Control 2) GMA 3) mycotoxin (16mg DON, 1.3 mg 15

The objectives of this research are to (a) evaluate the impact of different management practices (e.g., tillage type, fertilizer application rates) on GHG emission and (b) quantify the spatial variation of GHG emission from different regions (climate and soil type) across Texas. The major crops selected for each scenario were corn, cotton, and sorghum. Results of the Rio Grande Valley indicate that a 25% reduction of the recommended fertilizer application rates and no till management practice sequester 6.41 tonnes of CO

Introduction: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ranked Texas first in the nation for the total number of farms, with nearly a quarter of a million farms, which account for more than 130 million acres of agricultural land. Texas agriculture contributed nearly $133 million in sales, which accounts for 19% of the total U.S. sales in agriculture and recreation (e.g., ranch experiences, tourism, wineries). With an increased demand for products as the population increases, maintaining conservative and sustainable practices to minimize GHG emissions while targeting the maximum yield from crop fields has become a critical step. The USDA developed an online carbon capture calculator, COMET Farm, which helps calculate the amount of full net GHG balance for present day management practices and alternative future 14

Department of, Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology Department, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Application of COMET Farm to Estimate On farm Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Emissions across Texas. Katherine Villalta and Ali Fares*, S.E. Davila, A.V. Veettil, R. Awal

2 equiv. /year in a 333 acre plot. Also, in a 133 acre property, no till practice alone resulted in the sequestration of 9.8 tonnes CO

Abstract: The United States agricultural industry has increased its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 12% since the 1980s primarily because of the intense crop management practices, such as fertilizer application and tillage practices. According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, global food production needs to increase by 70% to feed two billion more people by 2050. Therefore, adequate conservation and sustainable practices are necessary to minimize GHG emissions while targeting the maximum yield from crop fields. The COMET Farm developed by the USDA is an easy to use, web based, whole farm and ranch carbon and GHGs accounting system available in the open domain. COMET Farm uses information on management practices in an operation and spatially explicit data on climate and soil conditions from USDA databases. COMET Farm runs a series of models by integrating the SSURGO soil database and site specific climate data to evaluate GHG emissions and carbon sequestration sources.

Katherine Villalta and Ali Fares*, S.E. Davila, A.V. Veettil, R. Awal Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Application of COMET

Farm to Estimate On farm Carbon andGreenhouse Gas Emissions across Texas

2 equiv. /year.

2 equiv./yr., which was 90% less than the baseline scenario. No

Intensive Tillage + shifting planting date ( 15 days) S 8

Intensive Tillage + fertilizer ( 5%)

management scenarios (Paustian et al., 2017). Recent studies have used COMET Farm to evaluate the effect of windbreak systems on carbon sequestration (Carlson et al., 2017). The objectives of this study are to apply COMET Farm for: (a) evaluating the impact of different management practices (e.g., tillage type, planting period, fertilizer application rates) on GHG emission and (b) quantifying the spatial variation of GHG emission from different regions (climate and soiltype) across Texas.

Discussion: The COMET Farm output revealed that non tillage practices resulted in fewer emissions across the climate divisions of Texas. For instance, in the case of the No Till scenario, the High Plain region showed a total GHG Emission of 60.6 CO

Materials and Methods: To better understand the spatial variability aspects of GHG emission, we selected several climate divisions of Texas. The crop rotation selected for each scenario was corn, cotton, and sorghum and implemented for all areas in the present day and ten year future projections. The fallow crop was applied during the off season cycle in all scenarios. The fertilizer used were Elemental Nitrogen for sorghum and Ammonium Nitrate for corn and cotton. Irrigation rates were obtained from the Irrigation Management System (IMANSYS, Fares and Fares, 2012) tool, which calculates weekly, biweekly, monthly, and annual water budget components, including irrigation requirements. In the COMET Farm, drip irrigation is selected for all scenarios, and the irrigation data includes a one time monthly irrigation amount for each crop. Table 1. Scenarios considered in this study S 1 Baseline S 5 Intensive Tillage + fertilizer (+ 25%) S 2 No Till S 6

tillage practice will not only reduce soil erosion and sequester larger amounts of Carbon; it will increase soil biological activity and increase soil organic matter. These benefits can also lead to additional economic gains for farmers over time. 15

2 equiv. /yr., which was 63% less than the baseline scenario. Also, East Texas resulted in a total emission of 5.3 CO

Intensive Tillage + shifting planting date (+15days) S 7 Intensive Tillage + fertilizer (+5%) S 4

Intensive Tillage + fertilizer ( 25%) S 3

These preliminary findings show the vital role crop management, e.g., minimum tillage, plays in sequestering carbon in the soil and minimizing GHG emissions while improving climate resilience

Conclusions: Using COMET Farm, this study evaluated GHG emissions for eight crop management practices in each of Texas’s climate divisions

References: Carlson, B. R., et al. “Development of a Web Application for Estimating Carbon Footprints of Organic Farms.” Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, vol. 142, no.P.A., Nov. 2017, pp. 211 23. Paustian, K., Easter, M., Brown, K., Chambers, A., Eve, M., Huber, A., Marx, E., Layer, M., Stermer, M., Sutton, B. and Swan, A., 2017. Field and farm scale assessment of soil greenhouse gas mitigation using COMET Farm. Precision conservation: geospatial techniques for agricultural and natural resources conservation, 59, pp.341 359. Fares, A., & Fares, S. Irrigation Management System, IManSys, a user friendly computer based water management software package., 2012. In Proceedings ofthe Irrigation Show and Education Conference, Orlando.

Discussion: A statistical comparison of Soil Site Compaction Values indicated that Sites 4 and 5 had the highest mean values (263 and 262) compared to Site 6 with the lowest mean value (229). The standard deviation (SD) for means data was highest at Site 6 (112) and lowest at Site 1 (85). The root limiting layer, defined by soil compaction values > 300 psi, indicated that the shallowest root limiting layers occurred at Sites 4 and 5 with the deepest root limiting layer at Site 6 (Tables 1 and 2; Figure 3). Soil compaction data from the 6 Soil Sites provided spatial variability information that assisted the overall project goals of baseline assessment with an aim of providing higher quality land management in future agricultural operations. The most important 17

Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Human Ecology, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Soil Compaction Spatial Variability in the Wockley Soil in PVAMU Student Garden

Maya LaShawn Brown and Richard W. Griffin*

Introduction: Movement of farm equipment across agricultural fields during land preparation, crop production, and harvest operations can lead to an increase in soil bulk density due to compaction of the soil with a corresponding decrease in soil porosity. Duiker (2004) indicated that “soil compaction is the reduction of soil volume due to external factors; this reduction lowers soil productivity and environmental quality.” Clark (2020) noted that “to avoid compaction of soils that have experienced flooding it is crucial to let soils drain and dry out sufficiently before removing any large debris from fields or working the soil.” The ideal mineral soils are comprised of mineral matter (~45%), organic matter (~5%), air (~25%), and water (~25%) (Shoeneberger, 2002). Soils around Prairie View, Texas contain only ~1% organic matter due to the sandy soil textures and the activity of microorganisms. Sandy and silty particles present in soils on the Upper Gulf Coast Prairie of Texas are highly susceptible to soil compaction due to the denser packing configurations that occur during vibration by machinery traffic over the soil surfaces. The objectives of this project were to: 1) measure soil compaction for 126 soil depths from 6 soil sites and 3 replicates (triplicates) at each soil site (Figures 1 3); 2) compare and contrast the soil compaction data by soil layer depth using descriptive statistics to determine spatial variability; and 3) use inferential statistics to analyze soil compaction within and across 6 soil sites (Tables 1 3; Figure 4). The null hypothesis was that each of the soil sites should have the same soil compaction values, since the soil texture is the same in the upper 12 inches of the Wockley soil.

Methodology: Soil compaction was measured using a Static Cone Penetrometer with an analog dial. The penetrometer was held perpendicular to the soil surface and pushed with a steady force into the soil with a data value recorded at each selected depth within the soil profile (Humbolt, 2015). Data results were entered into a spreadsheet program for graphical, descriptive, and inferential statistical analyses. The soil compaction data was collected in the field at 6 locations (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) with triplicate (3) satellite locations, within 1 meter radius of the location center point, in the PVAMU Student Garden, at the following depths (inches): a) 0 2; b) 4 6; c) 8 10; d) 12 14; e) 16 18; f) 20 22, and g) 24 26, to measure soil compaction in the surface and subsurface zones (Figs. 1 and 2). If the penetrometer reached the maximum root penetration limit (300 psi), then all depths below were given the same value.

4. Schoenebeger, P.J., Wysocki, D.A., Benham, E.C., and Broderson, W.D. (editors). 2002. Field Book for describing and sampling soils, Version 2.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE. pp. 2 11 and 12. 18

References: 1. Clark, J. 2020. Managing Soil and Soil Fertility After Flooding. South Dakota State University Extension. Viewed on August 8, 2021, on website: https://extension.sdstate.edu/managing

conclusions at this point within the research project include: 1) Lowest average soil compaction value at Site S6 (229) compared to the highest value at Site S4 (263) with a difference of 32 psi; 2) Shallowest root limiting layers occurred at Sites 4 and 5 ( 3.5) with deepest root limiting layer at Site 6 ( 6.5); a difference of 3 inches; 3) The Grand Average Root Limiting Depth was ( 4.8) which differed by ( 7.2) from the Ideal Root Depth of 12 inches; and 4) The Grand Average Root Limiting Depth was 58.7 % lower than the Ideal Root Depth which impacts plant growth, vigor, and yield potential.

soil and soil fertility after flooding

2. Duiker, S. W. 2005. Effects of Soil Compaction. Penn State Extension. Viewed on August 8, 2021, on website: https://extension.psu.edu/effects of soil compaction

3. Humbolt, 2015. Digital Static Cone Penetrometer. Product Manual. Viewed on August 9, 2021, on website: https://www.humboldtmfg.com/manuals/HS 4210_MAN_0815.pdf

Impact/Benefit: The overall goal of this project was to provide an opportunity for an agriculture student to gain practical, technical, and “hands on” knowledge about an important physical indicator (compaction) of soil particles within the soil profile. The results obtained fulfill the project's aim(s) of measuring soil compaction and a corresponding determination of the root limiting layer, based on soil compaction values exceeding the critical limit of 300 psi. The results successfully tested the null hypothesis and it was rejected based on the compaction values not being statistically equal. The planned future work on this project includes the summary and compilation of the data to develop a depth function model based on 8 years of soil compaction within the soil profile.

Maya L. Brown and Richard W. Griffin*

Soil Compaction Spatial Variability in the Wockley Soil in PVAMU Student Garden

Data results were entered into a spreadsheet program for graphical, descriptive, and inferential statistical analyses. The most important results from the study indicated a moderate range of depths from 4 to 10 inches where soil compaction exceeded the ability of roots to penetrate the soil, therefore limiting the potential plant growth, water, and air availability, and nutrient movement within the soil profile. Soil compaction values across the six sites with triplicate data points indicated an average depth (inches) to the root limiting layer that ranged from 3.5 to 6.5 below the soil surface. The grand average for the root limiting layer was 4.8 inches which indicated that 58.7 percent of the ideal root depth was not available for plants to extract water and absorb nutrients.

Department of, Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Abstract: The movement of farm equipment across agricultural fields during land preparation, crop production, and harvest operations can lead to an increase in soil bulk density due to the compaction of soil with a corresponding decrease in porosity. Soil compaction measurements can provide critical information that can be correlated to bulk density, porosity, and root penetration which impacts soil management and water quality. In 2013, a research project focused on soil measurements that impact corn growth had results that indicated a dense, compaction pan developed at 8 inches below the soil surface which impeded root penetration, plant height, and corn yield. The objectives include 1) measuring soil compaction for 126 soil depths from 6 soil sites and 3 replicates (triplicates) at each site; 2) comparing and contrasting soil compaction data by soil layer depth using descriptive statistics to determine spatial variability, and 3) use inferential statistics to analyze soil compaction within and across 6 soil sites. Soil compaction was measured using a Static Cone Penetrometer with an analog dial.

Introduction: During the hurricane season in the United States, red Saharan Dust leaves the African continent on westward flowing winds and is deposited in the Caribbean Islands, Central and South America, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southeastern and southwestern United States (Griffin et al., 2001). Research studies conducted by Pratt (2007) and Bryant (2012) focused on identifying red iron coated sand grains in the clean, white trap sand that was used as the collection area for triplicate sampling sites. Reddish Saharan dust fallout occurs on a seasonal basis in southwestern United States and the addition of these spherical particles introduces mineral and biological materials that are beneficial and potentially detrimental to animals, humans, plants, and water in these semi humid to humid ecosystems. After deposition, the sand sized particles are incorporated into the soil profile and interact chemically in redox processes to provide nutrients beneficial for plant growth, as well as providing a substrate for microbial growth and colonization within the soil ecosystem. Soil color can provide critical information about the type of potential environmental impacts due to soils. The objectives of this project were to: 1) to determine matrix, particle, and redoximorphic feature soil colors for 104 soil samples collected from 3 dust collection traps and 3 control sites located on the Red Saharan Dust Project site on the PVAMU Farm, 2) to compare and contrast the soil color data by soil layer depth using descriptive statistics to determine spatial variability; and 3) to use inferential statistics to analyze the soil colors within and across the 6 research sites. The null hypothesis was that all soil depths would have the same amount of red dust particles based on the natural (control) and replaced soil profiles. Methodology: Soil colors (matrix, particle, redoximorphic feature) were measured using the Munsell Soil Color Chart described in Schoenebeger et al., (2002). The data results were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for graphical, descriptive & inferential statistical analyses. Using a soil coring auger, the soil samples were collected from 6 locations in the Dust Collection Traps (R1, R2, R3) and Control Sites (C1, C2, C3) at the following depths (inches): a) 0 2; b) 4 6; c) 8 10; d) 12 14; e) 16 18; and f) 20 22, to assess the soil color characteristics in the surface and subsurface zones (Figures 1 and 2).

Robert J. F. Thomas and Richard W. Griffin* Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Human Ecology, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Results and Discussion:

Spatial Variability of Red Saharan Dust Collected in Sand Traps on PVAMU Campus

Preliminary results indicated the presence of red colored sands (Fe) & organic matter (OM) particles in the sand traps on the PVAMU campus that are distinctly different from the natural tan colored soils that are dominant in most of the sandy soils in East Central Texas. The Munsell soil matrix colors (moist) ranged from 10YR 2/2 (very dark brown) to 10 YR 6/3 (pale brown) in the Replaced (1 3) treatments. However, the lowest depth, which collected the original subsoil, indicated matrix soil colors that ranged from 10YR 3/2 (brown) to 10YR 3/4 (dark yellowish brown). The percentage of Fe and OM particles versus the matrix indicated that Fe particles were higher (1.3 2.5) from the upper 18 inches compared to (0.6 1.0) in the 18 20 inches zone (original subsoil) (Table 1). The OM particles were recorded at (2.5) in all replaced treatment samples but ranged from (1.1 1.9) in the original subsoil. The Fe particles were spatially variable 20

References:

The results obtained fulfill the project's aim(s) of measuring soil color and a corresponding determination of the movement of red dust particles within the soil profile. The results successfully tested the null hypothesis and it was rejected based on the soil color and depth distribution not being statistically equal. The planned future work on this project includes the summary and compilation of the data to develop a depth function model based on 15 years of potential migration within the soil profile.

3. Pratt, C. 2007. Dust accumulation as a source of iron for production of redoximorphic features in sandy soils on the Texas Gulf Coast Prairie. M.S. Thesis. Prairie View A&M University.

across the 3 replaced treatment samples, but the overall trend indicated higher numbers in the upper 12 inches zone (Table 2). The results obtained fulfill the project's aim(s) of measuring soil color and a corresponding determination of the movement of red dust particles within the soil profile. The results successfully tested the null hypothesis and it was rejected based on the natural versus replaced treatment soil color and depth distribution not being statistically equal. The most important conclusion from this research study is that red Fe particles have migrated downward into the soil profile since 2007.

1. Bryant, A. 2012. Quantification of soil color and redoximorphic features in four soil treatments on the Texas Gulf Coast Prairie. M.S. Thesis. Prairie View A&M University. 2. Griffin, D.W., V.H. Garrison, J.R. Herman and E.A. Shinn. 2001. African desert dust in the Caribbean atmosphere: Microbiology and public health. Aerobiologia 17:203 213.

Impact/Benefit:

Abstract: Reddish Saharan dust fallout occurs on a seasonal basis in the southwestern United States. The addition of these spherical particles introduces mineral and biological materials that are beneficial but potentially detrimental to animals, humans, plants, and water in these semi humid to humid ecosystems. After deposition, sand sized particles are incorporated into soil profiles and interact chemically in redox processes to provide nutrients beneficial for plant growth. Additionally, they provide the substrate for microbial growth and colonization within the soil ecosystems. Research studies in 2006 and 2012 were focused on identifying red iron coated sand grains in clean, white trap sand that was used as collection areas for triplicate sampling sites.

The objectives of this project include 1) determining matrix, particle, and redoximorphic featured soil colors for 104 soil samples collected from 3 dust collection traps and 3 control sites; 2) comparing and contrasting soil color data by soil layer depth using descriptive statistics to determine spatial variability, and 3) use inferential statistics to analyze soil colors within and across 6 research sites. Soil colors (matrix, particle, and redoximorphic feature) were measured using Munsell Soil Color Charts after extraction of soil using a soil auger and coring tool. Data results were entered into a spreadsheet program for graphical, descriptive, and inferential statistical analyses. Soil colors in the Replaced treatments ranged from 10 years in the treatment zone to 7.5 years in the underlying substrate. Red dust particles were quantified in the surface and subsoil horizons in the Replaced treatments. The most important results from the study indicated the presence of red iron coated grains, within the Replaced soil trap sites, which can be input into a depth function model based on 15 years of potential migration within the soil profile. 22

Spatial Variability of Red Saharan Dust Collected in Sand Traps on the PVAMU Campus

Robert J. F. Thomas and Richard W. Griffin*

Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Human Ecology, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Knowledge, Attitude and Prac

The aim of this research is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of minority mothers and college students in nutrition and related health professions towards early childhood obesity prevention. The specific objectives are to 1) determine the prevalence of early childhood obesity among minority mothers recruited; 2) assess the risk factors and lifestyle behaviors that serve as enablers and barriers to early childhood obesity prevention in the study sample; and 3) determine students’ KAP career preparedness in addressing the epidemic.

tices among College Students and Mothers Shakelle Storr and Janet Antwi* Department of Agriculture, Nutrition & Human Ecology, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

Materials and Methods:

1 The prevalence of childhood obesity is particularly high among children from underserved, minority, and low income families and communities.

This is a cross sectional descriptive analysis design study. A validated questionnaire has been used to obtain information on age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, and current class in school. A multisection questionnaire will be used to obtain data on KAP which will consist of 3 parts knowledge part will include 10 questions about the definition, factors, and consequences of obesity and scored for correct or incorrect answers with scores below the mean score deemed low nutrition knowledge and above the mean score will be deemed high nutrition knowledge; the attitude part will include questions for assessing the attitude of mothers and students towards childhood obesity where the answers will be set on a 5 point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) with higher points indicating a more negative attitude towards obesity; and the practice part will include 16 questions about the practice of children in the fields of nutrition and physical activity. Descriptive statistics indexes (mean ± standard deviation or frequency distribution) and inferential statistics tests (χ2 test, independent t test, variance analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient) will be computed. SPSS version 25.0 (SPSS, IBM® Statistics 25) will be used for statistical analyses. A 0.05 significance level will be used for all statistical tests, and P values will be two sided.

Discussion: The questionnaire developed to test students’ KAP has been pre tested and the Cronbach alpha coefficients was found to be 0.93. This demonstrates internal consistency and reliability of the study questionnaire to be used for data collection in the project. Conclusions: We will implement the main study this summer 2022, among students and mother child dyads, the target population of the project to collect data for analysis and dissemination of the results. 23

1 Similarly, 10% of children under age two have a weight status at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex.

2 Texas has a high prevalence of childhood obesity at a rate of 18.5%, compared to the national average of 15.8%.

Introduction: All time high rates of obesity are evident among the nation’s youngest children over 13% of preschool children, ages 2

5 years, are overweight or obese.

6. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Childhood and Adult Obesity in the United States, 2011 2012. J of Amer Med Assoc. 2014; 311(8):806 814.

5. Health Resources & Services Administration. National Survey of Children's Health. 2016.

References:

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early Care and Education (ECE). 2016.

8. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Health disparities: Bridging the gap. 2000.

Developing a rationale to formulate Students’ Learning Outcomes to address all types of Learners in Architectural Design Studio Jalen Stokes and Tareef Khan* Department of Architecture, School of Architecture

Discussion: The SLOs have been collected. Initial results show that the 10 Design Studios have different distributions. The following two charts show the first two design studios, and it is already indicating a different distribution. Once the full data is collected, further analysis will be conducted to explore the pattern of changing from the lower studio to the higher ones.

Materials and Methods:

Traditionally, different disciplines demand different types of learners so that they can achieve excellence. However, with technology overlapping across disciplines, it is not that straightforward anymore. Architectural Design traditionally demanded ‘Accommodating’ types of learners, one of the four, referring to Kolb’s studies. However, it is important to find out what kind of learners are seeking admission and progressing through their academic years of Architecture. The null hypothesis states that in today’s world, there is a good mix of all types of learners in the Design Studio. The aim of the study is to get a better idea of the mix of the students. Kolb’s questionnaire will be used as a tool. The significance of this study is the prospect that redesigning a more rational set of student learning outcomes in Design Studio is a better way to accommodate all types of learners. The study hypothesizes that there is a good mix of all types of learners in the Design Studio. The impact of this study is on the prospect that redesigning a more rational set of 'Student Learning Outcomes' in Design Studio would be a better way to accommodate all types of learners.

Introduction:

Architecture

This research used Kolb’s questionnaire to measure the students’ learning styles (Diverger, Accommodator, Converger, Assimilator). It started categorizing the SLOs (and their rubrics, if available) at different design studios according to Kolb’s four learning styles. After Pilot study, the 4 categories of learners were replaced by the four categories of activities (Feel, Watch, Think and Do), as SLOs tend to have complex statements making it complicated to categorize into ‘Learning styles’. These four categories actually pair up in different combinations to compose the Learning styles. Therefore, the method now is to go to the root of the categorization, which appears to give a better indication of the bias of the SLOs.

Kolb, A. Y. and Kolb, D. A. (2009). On becoming a learner: The concept of learning identity. In Bamford Rees et. al. (Eds.), Learning and work of David O. Justice Chicago, IL: CAEL Forum and News Kolb, D. A. (2007). The Kolb learning style inventory

Conclusions: The next step would be to relate the particular types of learners from different academic years, and check if their grades are responding to what the statistical results show. References: Cowan, J. (2006). How should I assess creativity? In Jackson, N., Oliver, M., Shaw, M., and Wisdom, J. (Eds.), Developing Creativity in Higher Education: An Imaginative Curriculum, Taylor and Francis. Cowdroy, R., and Graaff, E. D. (2005). Assessing highly creative ability, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 30(5): 507 518, https://doi.org/ 10.1080/02602930500187113

never ends: Essays on adult learning inspired by the life

version 3.1: LSI workbook. Boston, MA: Hay Learning Transformations Kuh, G. D., Jankowski, N., Ikenberry, S. O., and Kinzie, J. (2014). Knowing What Students Know and Can Do: Current State of Student Learning Outcomes Assessment in U.S. Colleges and Universities, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment, January 2014 Volkwein, J.F., Lattuca, L.R., Harper, B.J., Domingo, R.J. (2007). Res High Educ, 48(2): 251 282, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162 006 9039 y

Abstract: Every human needs to maintain a certain moral level for the sake of humanity, whether it is in personal life or the professional field.

Evaluating Young Architects' Moral Level through Kohlberg’s Moral Judgment Test

Architects are no exception. This study aims to measure the degree of their moral level by using Kohlberg’s model of moral judgment which is represented by a relatively simple set of six stages of morality. Three dilemmas were used as a questionnaire following Kohlberg’s model. A sample of students of architecture from multiple institutions in the US and Mexico and young architects in Texas and the neighboring states were surveyed. Statistical methods were used to validate the results. This study identified several demographic indicators that might be significant to play a role in developing the morality among the young architects in this specific context. The initial sample showed few indications. The next step includes qualitative validation through interviewing selected respondents.

Jorge Cardoso, Jose Rosales, and Tareef Khan*, Miranda Sharp Department of Architecture, School of Architecture

Discussion: A protocol for the questionnaire has been approved by IRB, and the survey is now ongoing. Conclusions: The next step will be data analysis.

Evaluating Young Architects' Social Responsibility through Moral Judgment Test Jorge Cardozo and Tareef Khan* Department of Architecture, School of Architecture

Introduction: A person, whatever the profession is, needs to maintain a certain moral level for the sake of humanity. Architects are no exception. Professional architects need to maintain a high moral level. The objective of this study is to measure the degree of their moral level by using Kohlberg’s model of moral judgment (Kohlberg, 1969). It offers a relatively simple set of six stages of morality. Three dilemmas are used as a questionnaire. Perception rather than action is considered for measuring, as action might be restricted by certain practical constraints. A sample of young architects will be surveyed. Several demographic variables were used to determine context specific outcomes. This study will try to find out an overall level of morality among the young architects, and whether any demographic factor can play a role in developing their morality. Method: The methodological framework will follow a customized version of the Construction related Moral judgment Test (CMT) (Law, 2015). CMT applies three methods to measure morality. These are through Action Choice, Justification, and Intermediate concept. Intermediate Concept will be used to validate the results and the tool itself. The scoring will be based on Action Choice and Intermediate Concept only. For each section, six questions represented six stages of Morality stated by Kohlberg, and four neutral questions will be added to remove bias as suggested by DIT method by Rest (1986).

Demographic data to be recorded will be gender, and work experience. Age range will be kept constant as only young architecture students will be chosen for the study. At the end, this customized tool will be validated by interviews. Selecting one from each category, the past record on three selected ‘Intermediate Concept’ namely Honesty, Competence and Loyalty. For which, certificates provided will be used to support their level of morality.

The scoring system will follow CMT, where the best two choices from respondents will be matched by the questions at the top two levels of morality. ANOVA test will be performed to combine the scores from Action Choice and Justification. However, findings will be based separately on both Action Choice, and Justification. After the scoring, the range will be divided into 5 categories with equal intervals. The middle range will be considered as ‘normal’, while the higher ones will represent ‘High Morality’, and ‘Very High Morality’. The lower ones will represent ‘Low Morality’ and ‘Very Low Morality’.

Journal of Engineering Education, 97(3), 327 338.

Kohlbergian approach to morality research. Journal of Moral Education, 29. 381 396

Leadership and Management in Engineering, 8 (4), 287 296. 29

4. Rest, J.R. (1986). Moral development: Advances in research and theory. New York: Praeger.

5. Rest, J.R., Naravez, D., Thoma, S. J., and Bebeau, M. J. (2000), A neo

3. Kohlberg, L. (1969) Stage and sequence: The cognitive developmental approach to socialization. Handbook of socialization theory. Chicago: Rand McNally.

1. Bebeau, M. and Thoma, S. (1999). “Intermediate” concept and the connection to moral education. Educational Psychology Review, 11(4), 343 360.

References:

6. Vallero, D. (2008) Macroethics and Engineering Leadership.

2. Colby, A. and Sullivan, W. (2008). Ethics Teaching in Undergraduate Engineering Education.

Abstract: Every human needs to maintain a certain moral level for the sake of humanity, whether it is in personal life or the professional field. Architects are no exception. This study aims to measure the degree of their moral level by using Kohlberg’s model of moral judgment which is represented by a relatively simple set of six stages of morality. Three dilemmas were used as a questionnaire following Kohlberg’s model. A sample of students of architecture from multiple institutions in t he US and Mexico and young architects in Texas and the neighboring states were surveyed. Statistical methods were used to validate the results. This study identified several demographic indicators that might be significant to play a role in developing the morality among the young architects in this specific context. The initial sample showed few indications. The next step includes qualitative validation through interviewing selected respondents.

Evaluating Young Architects' Moral Level through Kohlberg’s Moral Judgment Test

Jose Rosales, Jorge Cardoso, and Tareef Khan*, Miranda Sharp Department of Architecture, School of Architecture

This research is using Kolb’s questionnaire to measure the students’ learning styles (Diverger, Accommodator, Converger, Assimilator). It started categorizing the SLOs (and their rubrics, if available) at different design studios according to Kolb’s four learning styles. A regression analysis will follow to check whether the students at various levels are significantly distributed according to their learning styles. Then a correlation analysis will be conducted to check whether the SLOs are responding to all the students with various learning styles.

Traditionally, different disciplines demand different types of learners so that they can achieve excellence. According to Kolb, there are four different types of learners, namely, Accommodating, Diverging, Assimilating, and Converging. Architectural design studios traditionally demanded the ‘Accommodating’ types of learners. However, with technology overlapping across disciplines, it is not that straightforward anymore. Newer branches deal with completely new sets of information unknown just decades ago. The Architecture Design Industry must accept students with different learning styles in this expanding industry. Empirical observation shows evidence that all kinds of learners are seeking admission in Architecture. The aim of the study was to find out whether the Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) in Design Studios are formulated with considering all kinds of learners. Kolb’s questionnaire was used as a

Developing an alternative method to formulate an efficient set of Students’ Learning Outcomes for Architectural Design Studio (Phase 2)

The survey on Kolb’s questionnaire is currently under way. The following chart at the left, shows a hint that each academic year consists of all kinds of learners.

tool, and statistical correlation was used as a method to answer the research question.

Materials and Methods:

Initial findings suggest SLOs of some studios, if not all, respond to all kinds of learners. Here is an example from one studio at the right.

Jose Rosales and Tareef Khan* Department of Architecture, School of Architecture

Conclusion: The next step would be to find a progressive trend of the SLOs across the studios if there is any. 31

Introduction:

Results and Discussion:

Design 1 studio is better balanced than others but it is slightly catered better towards assimilators.

References: Cowan, J. (2006). How should I assess creativity? In Jackson, N., Oliver, M., Shaw, M., and Wisdom, J. (Eds.), Developing Creativity in Higher Education: An Imaginative Curriculum, Taylor and Francis. Cowdroy, R., and Graaff, E. D. (2005). Assessing highly creative ability, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 30(5): 507

Kolb, D. A. (2007). The Kolb learning style inventory version 3.1: LSI workbook. Boston, MA: Hay Learning Transformations

Kuh, G. D., Jankowski, N., Ikenberry, S. O., and Kinzie, J. (2014). Knowing What Students Know and Can Do: Current State of Student Learning Outcomes Assessment in U.S. Colleges and Universities, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment, January 2014 Volkwein, J.F., Lattuca, L.R., Harper, B.J., Domingo, R.J. (2007). Res High Educ, 48(2): 251 282, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162 006 9039 y 32

518, https://doi.org/ 10.1080/02602930500187113

Kolb, A. Y. and Kolb, D. A. (2009). On becoming a learner: The concept of learning identity. In Bamford Rees et. al. (Eds.), Learning never ends: Essays on adult learning inspired by the life and work of David O. Justice Chicago, IL: CAEL Forum and News

not only in macrophages but also in breast cancer epithelial cells. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we want to determine whether the activation of TLR5 in breast cancer epithelial cells regulates innate immune response in macrophages. Extracted exosomes from untreated MCF7 cancer cells and MCF7 cancer cells treated with flagellin for 24 hours were used to treat THP1 macrophage cells. TNF a ELISA test was performed to measure the amount of TNF a obtained from both samples. qPCR was performed using the RNA from MCF7 cancer cells treated with flagellin for 2 hours to check the production of TNF a at an mRNA level.

We found that TLR5 in MCF7 epithelial cells are activated by bacterial protein flagellin. This activation leads to the release of specific exosomes, which regulate proinflammatory cytokine TNF a secretion in human macrophage cells. Thus, we identified a novel regulatory mechanism by which TLR5 induced exosomes in cancer epithelial cells regulate innate immune responses in macrophages. This discovery may provide a novel target and strategy for cancer immune therapy to breast cancer and other tumors.

TlR5 Induced Exosomes in Cancer Epithelial Cells Regulate Innate Immune Responses in

Macrophages

Diana Varela Ajche and Gloria Regisford*, David DeRubies, Dekai Zhang Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, and Center for Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A & M University, Houston Abstract: Toll like receptors (TLRs) play a fundamental role in innate immune responses. In previous studies, we found that TLR5 can be activated

Arts and Sciences

Jaylia Jackson and Victoria Mgbemena* Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among cancer cases in US men. The

Characterization of Stem Cell Progenitors in the presence of Germline Variants

American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the US in 2020. It is estimated that one out of 9 men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with African American men and older men being affected disproportionately. A study examining molecular mechanisms of health disparities identified 362 differentially expressed genes in signaling pathways regulating tumor aggressiveness. Risk factors contributing to cancer include advanced age, smoking, ethnicity, inheritance, and to a certain degree although less clear diet, obesity, inflammation, and chemical exposure. Although known pathogenicity variants have been linked to disease for prominent DNA repair genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, it has become increasingly unclear whether there is a contribution to the key related gene PALB2. However, recent studies suggest a heritage specific significance of PALB2 unknown variants in patient samples. Prostate and cervical cancer lines will be grown in vitro using cell growth medium and factors. Cell lysates will be collected and analyzed using microarray (Affymetrix Gene Chip). Control and treated cell extract were collected for Western blot expression analysisPALB2, pH2AX, and DAPK1 assessed. Knockdown of PALB2 was observed. There were no differences in the cellular morphologyof control and PALB2 siRNA treated cells. Prostate cancer and adenocarcinoma cell lines express detectable levels of PALB2, and RNAi is a reliable method to study gene expression following a knockdown. Future directions include an assay for pH2AX, BRCA2, and DAPK1. We will also perform a protein array and assess the transcript of PALB2, pH2AX, BRCA2, and DAPK1. We also plan to treat cells with a mutagen and assess the transcriptome. 34

Jaylia Jackson and Victoria Mgbemena* Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences

Introduction:

Prostate cancer is the second

leading cause of death among cancer cases in US men. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the US in 2020 [1]. It is estimated that one out of 9 men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with African American men and older men being affected disproportionately [1].

. Recent studies suggest, however, a heritage

Observing variable effects of Microbial Treatments in Different Cervical Cancer Cells

specific significance of PALB2 unknown variants in patient samples [3].

We seek to understand:

2. Methods for targeting cancer cells based on the gene signatures Briefly, PALB2 was knocked down in PC3 prostate cancer cells. In addition to PALB2 expression, marker of DNA damage pH2AX and pro apoptotic protein DAPK1 were observed. Further studies will warrant expression of purported pathogenic PALB2 patient variants and a functional assessment of their effects.

A number of DNA repair pathway components, including BRCA1/2, are required for hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, and cancer suppression. BRCA1 deficient mice develop hematological disorders by four weeks, which include pancytopenia (1, 2) and display a pronounced inability to reconstitute stem cells. Although aplastic anemia does not develop, epithelial tumors are observed at a greater incidence in BRCA2 null mice and these mice also demonstrate a marked failure to reconstitute in competitive transplantation assays (3). In the U.S. approximately 63000 cases of uterine cancer develop each year (6). In a 2017 study, the number of patients developing uterine cancer with a BRCA2 mutation was reported to be double the expected number (7). Although clinical reports have statistically explored cases relating BRCA mutations to uterine cancer, the mechanisms that play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease is not clear. The Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) encodes for a protein that may function as a tumor suppressor (8). It binds to BRCA2 and is assumed to facilitate their accumulation during homologous recombination repair of DNA breaks (9). While other investigators have reported an increased risk of developing cervical cancer for women with a familial history of BRCA1/2 related disease(s) or other high risk factors (10, 11, 12, 13), the mechanism for oncogenesis triggered by germline mutations in other DNA repair genes for cervical cancer and other cancers remains unclear. Our group seeks to study the mechanisms governing cervical cancer stem cell differentiation in the presence of germline mutations, and investigate the functional importance of such mutations. 35

1. How inherited mutations may contribute to pathogenesis and perturbed immunity in reproductive cancers

A study examining molecular mechanisms of health disparities identified 362 differentially expressed genes in signaling pathways regulating tumor aggressiveness [2]. Risk factors that contribute to cancer include advanced age, smoking, ethnicity, inheritance, and to a certain degree although less clear diet, obesity, inflammation, and chemical exposure [1]. Although known variants of pathogenicity have been linked to disease for prominent DNA repair genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, it has become increasingly unclear whether there is a contribution from the key related gene PALB2

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that we will observe DNA repair related and cytokine expression changes in cells expressing variants of PALB2 that confer functional changes. Specific Aim 1: Investigate the effect of PALB2 knockdown on gene expression in prostate and cervical cancer cell lines. Specific Aim 2: Investigate the effect of inflammatory cytokines in the presence of different germline and somatic PALB2 mutations in prostate, cervical cell lines and prostate, and cervical cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods: Prostate and cervical cancer lines will be grown in vitro using cell growth medium and factors. Cells will be transfected stably with plasmid vectors made to encode various PALB2 mutations. Cells will be transfected with factors Sox 2, Oct 4 and Nanog and supplemented with growth medium. Cells will then be incubated for 24 hours in 37 degree Celsius incubator. Cell lysates will be collected and analyzed using microarray (Affymetrix Gene Chip). Later, PALB2 mutations will be expressed in cell lines and cells will be assayed for changes in gene expression. Finally, different cell lines will be co cultured in a 2D model in the presence of pro inflammatory cytokines. Briefly, siRNA duplexes were transfected for 24 hours into PC3 cell line Control and treated cell extract were collected for Western blot expression analysis PALB2, pH2AX and DAPK1 assessed. Results/Expected Results: Knockdown of PALB2 was observed. There were no differences in cellular morphology of control and PALB2 siRNA treated cells.

Figure 1. Palb2 expression from whole cell lysates of PC3 adenocarcinoma cell lines.

Conclusions: Prostate cancer adenocarcinoma cell lines express detectable levels of PALB2, and RNAi is a reliable method to study gene expression following knockdown. Future directions include an 36

8. Guzmán Ramírez, Völler M, Wetterwald A, Germann M, Cross NA, Rentsch CA, Schalken J, Thalmann GN, Cecchini MG. (2009). In vitro propagation and characterization of neoplastic stem/progenitor like cells from human prostate cancer tissue. Prostate. 2009 Nov 1;69(15):1683 93. doi: 10.1002/pros.21018.

2. Vasanthakumar, A., Arnovitz, S., Marquez, R., Lepore, J., Rafidi, G., Asom, A., Weatherly, M., Davis, E. M., Neistadt, B., Duszynski, R., Vardiman, J. W., Le Beau, M. M., Godley, L. A., & Churpek, J. E. (2016). Brca1 deficiency causes bone marrow failure and spontaneous hematologic malignancies in mice. Blood, 127(3), 310 313. Accessed August 01, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood 2015 03 635599.

6. The American Cancer Society. (2018) https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial cancer/about/key statistics.html

3. Navarro, S., Meza, N.W. Quintana

4. Alter, B. P. (2014). Fanconi anemia and the development of leukemia. Best Practice & Research. Clinical Haematology, 27(0), 214 221.

assay for pH2AX, BRCA2 and DAPK1. We will also perform protein array, and assess transcript of PALB2, pH2AX, BRCA2 and DAPK1. We also plan to treat cells with a mutagen and assess the transcriptome. Our research will study the transcriptomic profiles of prostate and cervical cells. Environmental conditions such as media composition and temperature will be modified to assess the impact on gene expression. We will look at both transcriptomic and protein expression levels from the treated cells to determine the effect of the variants on the prostate and cervical niches.

Bustamante, O., Casado, J.A., Jacome, A., McAllister, K., Puerto, S., Surrallés, J., Segovia, J.C., Juan A. & Bueren, J.A. (2006). Hematopoietic Dysfunction in a Mouse Model for Fanconi Anemia Group D1. Molecular Therapy, (14) 4, 525 535.

9. Bing Xia, Qing Sheng, Koji Nakanishi, Akihiro Ohashi, Jianmin Wu, Nicole Christ, Xinggang Liu, Maria Jasin, Fergus J. Couch, David M. Livingston. (2006). Control of BRCA2 Cellular and Clinical Functions by a Nuclear Partner, PALB2, Molecular Cell, 37

7. Lee, Y.C., Milne, R.L., Lheureux, S., Friedlander, M., McLachlan, S.A., Martin, K.L., Bernardini, M.Q., Smith, C., Picken, S., Nesci, S., Hopper, J.L. & Phillips, K.A. (2017) Risk of uterine cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. European Journal of Cancer, 114(84), 120 125.

5. Rebbeck, T. R., Mitra, N., Wan, F., Sinilnikova, O. M., Healey, S., McGuffog, L., … the CIMBA Consortium. (2015). Association of Type and Location of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations With Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer. JAMA, 313(13), 1347 1361. http://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.5985

References: 1. Mgbemena VE; Signer, RAJ; Wijayatunge, R; Dietrich, M; Laxson, T; Morrison SJ & Ross, TS. (2017). Distinct Brca1 mutations differentially reduce hematopoietic stem cell function. Cell Reports PMCID: PMC5267932

10. Sellors JW, Mahony JB, Kaczorowski J, et al. Prevalence and predictors of human papillomavirus infection in women in Ontario, Canada. Survey of HPV in Ontario Women (SHOW) Group. CMAJ. 2000;163:503 508.

15. Ali HEA, Lung PY, Sholl AB, et al. Dysregulated gene expression predicts tumor aggressiveness in African American prostate cancer patients. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):16335. Published 2018 Nov 5. doi:10.1038/s41598 018 34637 8.

16. Ledet EM, Burgess EF, Sokolova AO, et al. Comparison of germline mutations in African American and Caucasian men with metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate. 2021;81(7):433 439. doi:10.1002/pros.24123. 38

Volume 22, Issue 6, Pages 719 729, 1097 2765.

11. Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, Miller D, Bishop K, Kosary CL, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975 2014, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2014/, based on November 2016 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, April 2017.

12. International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer. Cervical cancer and reproductive factors: Collaborative reanalysis of individual data on 16,563 women with cervical carcinoma and 33,542 women without cervical carcinoma from 25 epidemiological studies. Int J Cancer. 2006; 119:1108 1124. 13. Kataja V, Syrjänen S, Yliskoski M, et al. Risk factors associated with cervical human papillomavirus infections: a case control study. Am J Epidemiol. 1993;138:735 745.

14. Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer | Prostate Cancer Facts. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate cancer/about/key statistics.html

Implementation of the OmniLog system as an identification tool for assessing the microbial soil population in Prairie View, TX Princess Pinamang and Quincy C. Moore* Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Prairie View A&M University

Abstract: Currently, 16S sequencing is the standard for bacterial species and phylogenetic analysis. With the bulk of soil species being unique to specific geographical locations, the usefulness of phylotype identity is limited. This is due to the gray area in characterization data, stemming from the overlooking of the soil habitat in past decades. The OmniLog system boasts its ability to exceed species identification, utilizing phenotyping technology to generate a “metabolic fingerprint”. In our concurrent study to create a microbial soil survey, there is a need for metabolic data that may not be readily available for the vast population we are working with. Thus, we employed the OmniLog system to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the PVAMU soil microbiome by homing in on the metabolic aspect. Soil bacteria isolates were cultured on several media including Blood Agar, Mueller Hinton, MacConkey, and Mannitol Salt as controls for conditions within the 96 well assay of the OmniLog system. Isolates were then cultivated on the designated IF A and IF B plates and transferred into the OmniLog System. Although the Biolog system is hindered in species identification by its small library it is an effective tool for rendering metabolic profiles of species. After 24 hours of growth, we knew about an isolate’s metabolism of various sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids as well as sensitivity to acidic environments, antibiotics, and sodium chloride. On whole, this data has confirmed that the rich diversity of the soil microbiome is present at a small local scale. These results continue to warrant more extensive sampling and characterization as well as 16S sequencing in the Next Generation Sequencer to compare the region at the species level to other areas as well as the overarching consensus. 39

Implementation of the OmniLog system as an identification tool for assessing the microbial soil population in Prairie View, TX

Princess Pinamang and Quincy C. Moore* Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences

The OmniLog system boasts its ability to exceed species identification, utilizing phenotyping technology to generate a “metabolic fingerprint”. This system is capable of simultaneously testing 96 different conditions for a magnitude of samples in a matter of hours whereas testing a single condition for an equal amount of samples in lab is easily two days work. In our concurrent study to create a microbial soil survey, there is a need for metabolic data that may not be readily available for the vast population we are working with. Thus, we employed the OmniLog system to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the PVAMU soil microbiome by homing in on the metabolic aspect.

A or IF B liquid media dependent on the program ran. After being thoroughly shaken, 100ul of inoculated media was loaded into each well of a GEN III Microplate (Figure 1) via an 8 channel pipettor. The Microplate was placed in the OmniLog incubator for 24 48 hours. Soil bacteria isolates were also cultured on several medias including Blood Agar, Mueller Hinton, MacConkey, and Mannitol Salt as controls for (Biolog)MicroplatewellFigure1GENIII96 40

Methodology: Ten samples of soil were collected at a depth of roughly 3 inches deep with a T screw from the following locations across the Prairie View A&M University campus: the Welcome Center, University View, the Intramural Field, University Village, the E.E. O’Banion Science Building, the Omega Psi Phi Greek plot, the Agriculture and Business Multipurpose Building, the Fry Thomas Power Plant, the Willie A. Tempton Sr. Memorial Student Center, and along Stadium Drive. BUG + Blood agar plates were directly inoculated with a thin layer of soil and incubated overnight at 30 C. Isolate colonies were then selected to inoculate either IF

Introduction: The soil microbiome is often regarded as the “last frontier” since it is lags behind the other ecosystems in community ecological research and understanding. Currently, 16S sequencing is the standard for bacterial species and phylogenetic analysis. 16s rRNA results are only as effective as the available dataset compiled as a metric of relativity. With the bulk of soil species being unique to specific geographical locations (Delgado Baquerizo et al., 2018), the usefulness of phylotype identity is limited. This is due to the gray area in characterization data, stemming from the overlooking of the soil habitat in past decades.

References: Delgado Baquerizo, M., Oliverio, A., Brewer, T., Benavent Gonzalez, A., Eldridge, D., Bardgett, R., Maestre, F., Singh, B., Fierer, N. (2018). A global atlas of the dominant bacteria found in soil. Science 359(6373), 320 325 https://doi/10.1126/science.aap9516

conditions within the 96 well assay of the OmniLog system. Those isolates were then cultivated on the designated IF A and IF B plates and transferred into the OmniLog System. Isolate colonies were selected from the BUG + blood and nutrient agar plates for gram staining. Discussion: Although the Biolog system is hindered in species identification by its small library it is an effective tool for rendering metabolic profiles of species. After 24 hours of growth, we had knowledge of an isolate’s metabolism of various sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids as well as sensitivity to acidic environments, antibiotics, and sodium chloride. Even in instances where the similarity score for the bacterial ID was unacceptable, the system was able to accurately discern extensive information about the metabolism of organisms at a given sample site. Such was the case in Sample 2, where the system returned a 0.137 similarity to Raoultella terrigena, the lowest value of our dataset. The wide variation in metabolic profiles highlighted great species and genera variation. In whole, this data has confirmed that the rich diversity of the soil microbiome is present at the small local scale. These results continue to warrant more extensive sampling and characterization as well as 16S sequencing in the Next Generation Sequencer to compare the region at the species level to other areas as well as the overarching consensus. Exploring the PVAMU soil metagenome should uncover the leading contributors of the community as well as beneficial genes and proteins that may be exploited.

Impact/Benefit: This knowledge is instrumental for efforts to manipulate the soil microbiome in such a way that harmful additives such as inorganic fertilizers and pesticides are rendered useless. Understanding soil microbes such as plant growth promoting bacteria will support agricultural endeavors and aid in slowing the eminent global food shortage. In addition to global soil microbiome dataset contribution, this research can be applied to the community garden to support efforts addressing local food insecurity.

For example, once slavery ended Aunt Caroline, an enslaved woman held on the Seward Plantation, did not leave her owners. Additionally, information regarding slave owning families in the aftermath of slavery is being collected which shows the trajectory of their lives.

This important history provides us with a glimpse into American life before the Civil War and the lives of enslaved people. By analyzing the lives of Samuel and Anna Seward, Aunt Caroline, and Uncle Finn, we get a better understanding of the times, choices, and outcomes of the antebellum Era. This project entailed(s) conducting onsite research at the Seward Plantation (Independence, Texas), utilizing qualitative methods through conducting oral interviews with the current owners, and engaging in archival research to obtain information on the history of the plantation and experiences of the enslaved people held there. To date, our project is still in the data collection stage and formulating possible digital projects.

Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

Limited published information exists on the Seward Plantation. Currently, the primary data collection efforts are concentrated on conducting interviews with the owners, retrieving archival documents, and creating a digital timeline related to the plantation’s history.

Abstract:

Enslaved Life on the Seward Plantation

More specifically, the circumstances around the lives of enslaved people there, like Aunt Caroline, illuminate the dilemmas and choices enslaved people had to make regarding their everyday lives. The history of the Seward Plantation is a significant chapter in Texas and American history.

The history of the Seward family and plantation brings light to antebellum life in Texas and the experiences of inhabitants and enslaved people of Independence, Texas during slavery and after emancipation. Independence was home to one of the wealthiest slave owning communities in Texas and was seen and recognized as an educational, economic, and religious center in the south central part of the state.

Kalyse Houston and Marco Robinson*

The data collected will be used for future conference presentations and scholarly publications. The preliminary data collected illuminates the experiences of enslaved people and the hard choices they had to make once freed.

Kalyse Houston and Marco Robinson* Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

Conclusions: The effects the Sewards in Washington County held on society is prevalent then and now. How Texas slaveholders profited from the labor of their enslaved people, achieved economic flexibility, and became the wealthiest communities in the state, was all due to those who were enslaved. By looking into the effects of that, the freed enslaved people who did not receive their freedom dues and resided with their owners until death, we get more of a sense of what life was like for these Black people after the Civil War.

Aside from making actual site visits to the Seward Plantation, qualitative methods have been utilized to acquire information. By going over previously made interviews, observing documents, and artefacts pertaining to the Sewards, we better address and assess the lives of those who resided on the plantation. Results: To date the team is still in the gathering stage of more and more information. As of currently, an ample amount of secondary sources have been found. By implementing our own personal research with those who currently live on the plantation, or descendants of those who previously resided there, our research will carry on to expand notable resources on life of the enslaved post Civil War.

Enslaved Life on the Seward Plantation

Introduction: The history of the Seward family and plantation brings light to antebellum life in Texas and the experiences of inhabitants and enslaved people in this area during slavery and after emancipation. Independence, Texas housers one of the wealthiest communities in Texas, and was seen and recognized as an educational, economic, and religious center. More specifically, the circumstances around the lives of enslaved people there, like Aunt Caroline, illuminate the dilemmas and choices enslaved people had to make regarding their everyday lives. The historical significance of this person's contribution is reflected even today although it happened many years ago. It is important to know about these people from their time period because of how it still affects today. By researching the personality and lives of Samuel Seward, Anna Seward, Aunt Caroline and Uncle Finn, we obtain a better understanding of the mindsets and personalities of these people.

Materials and Methods:

seward

1. Buenger, Walter L. 2016. “Texas Slavery Project.” Journal of American History 103 (1): 298. http://search.ebscohost.com.pvamu.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eoah&AN=3 9409310&site=ehost live

SEWARD PLANTATION.” Recent Listing Seward Plantation | THC.Texas.gov

5. Robinson, Marco. “Seward1.” YouTube. YouTube. Accessed October 5, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/?gl=ES.

References:

6. Stavinoha, Katie. “Seward Plantation: A Texas Legacy.” Round Top, January 8, 2021. https://roundtop.com/culture/seward plantation texas legacy/

80. Accessed May 28, 2021. http://www.jstor.org/stable/30239840.

4. Hamilton, Matthew K. 2011. “‘To Preserve African Slavery’: The Secession Commissioners to Texas, 1861.” Southwestern Historical Quarterly 114 (4): 355 76. http://search.ebscohost.com.pvamu.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eoah&AN=2 4095601&site=ehost live.

8. “Information about SEWARD Family, Slaves Sought.” New Jersey Herald. New Jersey Herald, February 21, 2016. “Seward Plantation, SLAVE Quarters, Farm Road 390, Independence, Washington County, TX.” The Library of Congress. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.loc.gov/item/tx0934/

3. Commission, Texas Historical. “Recent Listing

Texas Historical Commission. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects and programs/national register historic places/recent listing seward plantation.

2. Campbell, Randolph B. "The End of Slavery in Texas: A Research Note." The Southwestern Historical Quarterly 88, no. 1 (1984): 71

7. “Caroline Seward (1811 1903) Find a Grave...” Find a Grave. Accessed September 6, 2021. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95523957/caroline

Materials and Methods:

The rendered virtual recreation has been done via various architectural softwares

Conclusions: Initial home of Jared E. Kirby and family

Helen after he died

Discussion:

College of Arts and Sciences and School of

• The Board of Directors purchased the lands of the Alta Vista Plantation (1388 acres)

The Old Kirby House and Plantations in Proximity to PVAMU Milton Javari Henderson and Marco Robinson*, Melanye Price Department of Social Work, Behavioral, and Political Sciences

For this virtual recreation I have taken measurements of a physical model found at the PVAMU archives. Data and research has also been done through by way of various books, pictures, websites, and family interviews. These methods have been the best way to get the most accurate representation of the real life Old Kirby House that was once located on the Alta Vista Plantation.

To date, the team is in the data gatherings stage where we are still trying to find more accurate descriptions/photographs and conducting interviews. Currently, we have completed oral interviews with Becky Vanderslice and a few of her family members.

• The estate was probated by Jared’s second wife

Architecture

Introduction: Prairie View A&M University was founded on the plantation formerly known as Alta Vista. Since then, many buildings and renovations have been made to restore the now known college campus. A common focal for slave plantation was known as Kirby Hall (Old Kirby House). This initially housed the Kirby family and as time went on, housed women who were attending the college during the early years. The south, and more specifically Texas, was home to many slave owning families and plantations. As the research being conducted grows, it is quickly learned that many of the plantation houses were built in similar manners in regard to their colonial style, interior spaces, or building materials during what was known as the Antebellum period. This study explores plantation houses within a specified radius from Alta Vista. Taking note of aspects of the environment, facades, and spatial organization that were set and stone during such a period in time. The data collected will serve as a foundation for information about Alta Vista and the Old Kirby House. Due to records being lost or unknown, this recreation will provide individuals the opportunity to get a better understanding of how the plantation house may have functioned for individuals at the time. This data can be used by the PVAMU archives, local researchers, and any other group that my need information about such topics.

Robinson, Marco & Earles, Phyllis. (2018). Engaging the Public with and Preserving the History of Texas’s First Public Historically Black University. KULA: knowledge creation, dissemination, and preservation studies. 2. 10.5334/kula.33.

“Prairie View, TX (Waller County).” TSHA, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/prairie view tx waller county. 46

References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aQ6NnmIH5U

The Old Kirby House and Plantations in Proximity to PVAMU

Milton Javari Henderson and Marco Robinson* Department of Social Work, Behavioral, and Political Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

owning families and plantations. As the research being conducted grows, it is quickly learned that many of the plantation houses were built in similar manners regarding their colonial style, interior spaces, and building materials during what was known as the Antebellum period. This study explores plantation houses within a specified radius from Alta Vista (now Prairie View A&M University). Also, taking note of aspects of the environment, facades, and spatial organization that were set and stone during such a period. The data collected will serve as a foundation for information about Alta Vista and the Old Kirby House. Due to records being lost or unknown, this virtual recreation will provide individuals the opportunity to get a better understanding of how the plantation house may have functioned for individuals during a period in time. This data can be used by the PVAMU archives, local researchers, and any other group that may need information about such topics.

Abstract Prairie View A&M University was founded on the plantation formerly known as Alta Vista. Since then, many buildings and renovations have been made to restore the now known college campus. A common focal point, on the previous campus, was known as Kirby Hall (The Old Kirby House). This initially housed the Kirby family and, as time went on, eventually housed women who were attending the college during the earlier years. The south, more specifically Texas, was home to many slave

Introduction: Without water resources, life on Earth would cease to exist. Due to this reality, water contamination of any kind needed careful monitoring. The utilization of heavy metals in various industrial, agricultural, and domestic applications globally, has led to the release of pollutants in surface and groundwater sources

Materials and Methods

2. Consequently, there is an urgent need to find more inexpensive and greener materials to mitigate any potential negative impact on already diminishing supplies of clean water resources. The source of heavy metal water pollution has its origins in multiple industries like electroplating, leather tanning, production of steel and other alloys, mining, and other sources’3,4. This presents several negative implications for human health and the environment. This is mostly due to heavy metals bioaccumulating in living organisms that consume infected prey in the food chain5. Cr (VI) is a toxic heavy metal that occurs in groundwater because of natural and anthropogenic sou rces. Cr (VI) can be identified as an environmental hazard by risk assessment standards based on its chemical properties and the adverse health outcomes it produces in humans and wildlife exposed to it4,6. Though most of the known impacts are related to inhalation, there is strong data that link health problems to the indigestion of Cr (VI), such as drinking water

1. This coupled with a global water shortage due to climate change and other practices have exacerbated the crisis we face. Hexavalent chromium, Cr (VI), is one heavy metal that has the potential to cause a significant number of toxic effects on humans and the ecosystem

Wastewater using Discarded Chicken Eggshells

Adriana Bonner and Andrea Ashley Oyewole*

5,7. The utilization of eggshells as an absorbent has been researched many times due to the high content of calcium carbonate. Eggshells are agricultural waste that is considered useless. Most of the time it is discarded because it contributes to pollution. Eggshells are a low cost proficient absorbent that is produced abundantly. Furthermore, Eggshells and eggshell membranes are beneficial in that they have many uses as dietary resources and absorbents. Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate and minerals and contain about 40% calcium. Global production of eggshells for the year 2018 was 78 million the equivalents of 8.58 million metric tons8. The calcium enriched waste is dumped into landfills and leads to an abundance of environmental problems. This study investigates the effectiveness of chicken eggshells as an absorbent in the removal of heavy metal hexavalent chromium. The absorbance mechanism of Cr (VI) in chicken eggshells was investigated using infrared spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy.

7 days. Simultaneously, unbleached waste shells are prepared under the same conditions for comparison. Eggshells were allowed to sit in ultrapure 48

Application of Green Chemistry Methods in the Remediation of Heavy metal contaminated

Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Arts and Science

Leaching soluble calcium from discarded eggshells is a very simple and green process requiring only water as the solvent. In this study, waste eggshells were used as possible adsorbent material for the removal of various toxic ions from aqueous solutions containing the ions of interest. This process involved the addition of the leached samples of chicken eggshells being placed in beakers containing aqueous solutions of 1000 ppm chromium (VI) ions, 1000 ppm sodium orthovanadate, and 1000 ppm manganese sulfate for 3

Discussion: A summary of the results for only the leached eggshells obtained is presented below due to the number of spectra obtained and the limited space. Treated eggshells that were leached with ultrapure water before treatment with various heavy metal water samples of vanadate, manganese, and chromium. Elements that were detected in significant quantities are labeled at identifying binding energies unique to the respective elements. The atomic mass percent (%) concentration of chromium was 2.64%, manganese was 3.32% and vanadate was 0.27% in the leached eggshells respectively.

Figure 3. Treated Leached and Unleached Eggshells

deionized water over a specific period leading to the transfer of calcium from the eggshell to the water. Other samples of waste eggshells were unleached and deposited in the ionic solutions. The eggshells were then drained and left to air dry before analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to obtain a high resolution image. Atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis was also planned to determine the concentration of chromium that was retained in the leachate.

Figure 2. Leached and Unleached Eggshells before Cr (VI) Treatment

1. Leached Na3VO4 1000 ppm Figure 4. Leached Eggshells treated with Vanadate ions 2. Leached MnSO4 1000 ppm Figure 5. Treated Eggshells with Manganese 50

2. Wen, K.; Li, X.; Huang, R.; Nian, H. Application of Exogenous Glutathione Decreases Chromium Translocation and Alleviates Its Toxicity in Soybean (Glycine Max L.). Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 2022, 234, 113405. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ECOENV.2022.113405.

Specific Accumulation Patterns and Induced Physiological Responses to Probe Chromium Toxicity in Coturnix Japonica Quail. Chemosphere 2021, 266, 129005. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2020.129005.

4. Jing, X.; Cao, Y.; Zhang, X.; Wang, D.; Wu, X.; Xu, H. Biosorption of Cr(VI) from Simulated Wastewater Using a Cationic Surfactant Modified Spent Mushroom.

SEM data revealed the percent by the mass quantity of the ions of interest that were detected in the treated eggshells. The remaining leachate solutions will be further analyzed to determine the after treatment concentrations of the various ions of interest.

6. Suljević, D.; Sulejmanović, J.; Fočak, M.; Halilović, E.; Pupalović, D.; Hasić, A.; Alijagic, A. Assessing Hexavalent Chromium Tissue

3. Leached Chromium (VI) 1000 ppm

7. Bailer, A. J. (Miami U.; Portier, C. J. (National I. of E. H. S. Modeling Risks from Water 51

5. Ahmed, S.; Fatema Tuj Zohra; Khan, M. S. H.; Hashem, M. A. Chromium from Tannery Waste in Poultry Feed: A Potential Cradle to Transport Human Food Chain. Cogent Environ. Sci. 2017, 3 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311843.2017.1312767.

3. Fiol, N.; Escudero, C.; Villaescusa, I. Re

Conclusion(s) or Summary:

Desalination 2011, 269 (1 3), 120 127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2010.10.050.

Use of Exhausted Ground Coffee Waste for Cr(VI) Sorption. Sep. Sci. Technol. 2008, 43 (3), 582 596. https://doi.org/10.1080/01496390701812418.

1. Abernathy, C. O. (USEPA). A Retrospective on Drinking Water. In Water Contamination and Health:Integration of Exposure, Assessment, Toxicology, and Risk Assessment.; Wang, R. G. M. (USEPA), Ed.; New York, 1994; pp 1 14.

Figure 6. Leached Eggshells Treated with Cr (VI)

References:

Response Models. In Water Contamination and Health:Integration of Exposure, Assessment, Toxicology, and Risk Assessment.; Wang, R. (United S. E. P. A., Ed.; Marcel Dekker: New York, 1994; pp 447 466.

Induced Carcinogenesis of the Small Intestines. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 2021, 433, 115773. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TAAP.2021.115773.

9. Sanprit, A. Jaspin, S. Mahendran, R. Utilization of Eggshell Waste in Calcium fortified Foods and other Industrial Applications: A review.

8. Mezencev, R.; Auerbach, S. S. Inferred Inactivation of the Cftr Gene in the Duodena of Mice Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) in Drinking Water Supports Its Tumor Suppressor Status and Implies Its Potential Role in Cr(VI)

Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2021, 115, Pages 422 432, ISSN 0924 2244, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2021.06.047, (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924224421004210).

Contaminants: The Application of Concentration

PAHs are environmental pollutants and can easily be added to food, water, and air. They are commonly found in coal, hydrocarbon fuel, and crude oil. When oil, gas, wood, and various other items are burned, PAHs can be produced and become airborne. In addition, PAHs can be found in cigarette smoke as well as in meat cooking at high temperatures. Exposure to some PAHs can cause less serious issues such as irritation of the eyes and or breathing passages as well as more serious issues, such as cancer. Environmental Protection Agency has identified sixteen hazardous parents PAHs based on their potential for human and ecological health effects, and many studies are carried out with some of these parent PAHs. However, new evidence suggests that alkylated PAHs are more potent and toxic than the parent PAHs. In the past, studies have focused on higher ring PAHs (5

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of more than 100 chemicals, also called polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.

Aijalon Shantavia Bettis and Harshica Fernando* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

6) as they were found to be carcinogenic. Recently more attention is given to small ring PAHs as they are found to be toxic and present in large amounts. In this work, DNA and PAHs anthracene and methylated anthracene were used to study the interactions between these molecules and to understand the effect of alkylation on the parent PAH. The interactions were monitored using UV Visible and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. Our preliminary data demonstrated that anthracene, 9 methylanthracene, and 9, 10 dimethyl anthracene exhibit interaction with DNA. Future studies will lead to understanding the nature of the interaction and the binding constants.

Monitoring DNA Interactions with Small Ring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, their Methylated Analogs

Monitoring DNA Interactions with Small Ring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, their Alkylated Analogs

Environmental Protection Agency has identified sixteen hazardous parent PAHs based on their potential to human and ecological health effects, and many studies are carried out with some of these parent PAHs. However, new evidence suggests that alkylated PAHs are more potent and toxic than the parent PAHs. In oil, there exist a high amount of alkylated analogs of the PAHs than the parent hydrocarbons. In the past, studies have focused on higher ring PAH’s (5 6) as they were found to be carcinogenic. Recently more attention is given to small ring PAH’s as they are found to be toxic and present in large amounts. Monitoring interactions of the small ring PAHs and their methylated analogs with DNA is important, as human health effects from exposure to lower ring PAHs are not clearly defined. In this work, DNA and PAH interactions are monitored using UV Visible. Materials and Methods: Calf thymus DNA was purchased from Worthington Biomedical Corp, NJ. Anthracene, 9 methylanthracene, and 9, 10 dimethyl anthracene were obtained from Sigma Chemical Company. All other chemicals and solvents were of analytical grade. DNA solution was prepared in Tris HCl buffer at pH = 7.4. The purity of the DNA was measured by observing the absorbance ratio at 260 and 280. A ratio of 1.80 confirmed purity of the DNA. The stock solution of the PAH’s was prepared in acetonitrile. The DNA concentration were calculated based on ��260 = 6600 �� 1 �� 1 . A Shimatzu UV Vis spectrometer was used to scan the spectra from 200 to 600 nm.

Introduction: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of more than 100 chemicals, also called polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. PAHs are environmental pollutants and can easily be added to food, water and air. They are commonly found in coal, hydrocarbon fuel, and crude oil. When oil, gas, wood, and various other items are burned, PAHs can be produced and become airborne. In addition, PAHs can be found in cigarette smoke as well as meat cook at high temperatures. You can be exposed to PAHs by: 1) ingesting or swallowing food that contains them, 2) inhaling or breathing fumes or smoke, or 3) touching food that contain PAHs. Exposure to some PAHs can cause less serious issues such as, irritation of the eyes and or breathing passages as well as more serious issues, such as cancer.

Aijalon Shantavia Bettis and Harshica Fernando Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Results and Discussion: 1 0.8 0.6 Abs 0.4 0.2 1.1 1 Abs 0.5 0 200 250 300 Wavelength [nm] 350 0 200 250 30 0 Wavelength [nm] 320 Figure 1. 10 microliters of Anthracene added to DNA in increments. Figure 2. 10 microliters of 9 methyl anthracene added in increments. 1.1 1 Abs 0.5 0 Figure 3. 10 microliters of 9,10 dimethyl anthracene added in increments. The figures show with the addition of each increment of the PAH, the absorbance changes observed among the parent and the alkylated PAHs are different. 55

2. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/

4. Fernando, H., Ju, H., Kakumanu, R., Bhopale, K.K., Croisant, S., Elferink, C., Kaphalia, B.S., and Ansari, G.A.S. Distribution of petrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seafood following Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 145, 200 207, 2019.

1. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals and contaminants/polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons pahs#what happens when i am exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs)

5. Fernando, H., Halpert, J.R. and Davydov, D.R., Two substrate binding sites for pyrene derivatives demonstrated by FRET and absorbance spectroscopy. Biochemistry 45:4199 4209, 2006.

6. Fernando, H., Huang, C.R., Shu, L., Milliman, A. and LeBreton, P.R., Influence of Na+ on DNA reactions with aromatic epoxides and diol epoxides: Evidence that DNA catalyzes the formation of benzo[a]pyrene and benz[a]anthracene adducts at intercalation sites, J Chem Res In Toxicol 9:1391 1402, 1996. 56

References:

3. Shi, J. H., Lou, Y. Y., Zhou, K. L., & Pan, D. Q. Exploration of intermolecular interaction of calf thymus DNA with sulfosulfuron using multi spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 204, 209 216, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.06.054

an interaction with DNA. The nature of the interaction still needs to be identified. Future work will include evaluating the binding constants and understand the nature of binding. Theoretical calculations will provide more information of the effect of alkylation, and the stability of the complexes.

Conclusion: Our results show that Anthracene, 9

methylanthracene, and 9, 10 dimethyl anthracene exhibit

Synthesis and primary characterization of Transition Metal Complexes of L Glutamic acid and N, N’ bis (hexamethylene) triamine (salicylimine) with copper (II), nickel (II), and zinc (II)

Department of Chemistry ESEM Project, College of Arts and Sciences

assisted preparation utilizing a microwave synthesizer:

a) By using L Glutamic acid and zinc (II), nickel (II), and copper (II) salts.

Anthony C. Enyioko and Gina Chiarella*, Hashini Herath

Following that, the ligand is added to solutions of zinc (II), nickel (II), and copper (II) salts in the molar ratio of 1:2. Investigation of the metal complex through UV and IR provided analysis for signs of the formation of the metal complex in solution and solid state. Modern pharmaceuticals use these qualities and techniques to develop and synthesize drugs to treat symptoms such as inflammation and diseases such as diabetes.

Abstract: Metal complexes of amino acids are essential to biological functions for their catalytic and nutrient properties. The metal compounds prepared here are structural analogs to enzymes' active sites; some of them may have catalytic activity. Those compounds, potentially, present an environmentally safe alternative to the catalysts currently used in industrial and pharmacological applications; the goal of these procedures is to reduce the number of pollutants generated by the techniques and side products produced by the current technique and promote green chemistry. In this work, transition metal complexes were traditionally prepared from two different ligands by stirring/refluxing and by microwave

to form a Schiff base ligand.

b) By reacting Bis salicylaldehyde with bis (hexamethylene) triamine

Introduction: The goal of this research is to prepare and characterize transition metal compounds using a Schiff base ligand produced by combining an amino acid (L histidine), and a carbonyl compound (salicylaldehyde). The synthesis took place using traditional methods by refluxing in ethanol and also by microwave assisted synthesis (by utilizing a microwave synthesizer). The metal bonding site of this ligand resembles the structure of some active centers of enzymes. The reaction of transition metal salts with this ligand produced colored compounds. It is expected that those complexes will present catalytic activity and be environmentally friendly. The primary characterization of these compounds consists of spectroscopic measurements of their electronic and vibrational spectra which will determine if a metal ligand linkage has taken place. The study of the chemical and physical properties of these compounds will provide information about their optical and electrochemical behavior. A deeper analysis of the data collected would facilitate the study of the photochemical properties and redox capability of these compounds. Currently , in this research work, the Schiff base ligand was prepared, isolated, and purified, for ulterior reaction with copper (II) chloride and nickel (II) chloride to form the complexes. Further studies will include the preparation of other complexes of the first row transition metals (period IV of the periodic table) Methodology: The preparations were done in the traditional way (by refluxing) and in a microwave synthesizer. For the synthesis of the ligand, in the traditional method, we add histidine and KOH (1/1 mole ratio) in 10mL of water in a round bottom flask with a stir bar. We then added salicylaldehyde (1/1 molar ratio) in 5mL of ethanol in a beaker and slowly add solution #2 into solution #1 and reflux for 4 hours. Lastly, we let sit and solidify. For the microwave assisted method, we added histidine, KOH (1/1 mole ratio), and 5mL of water into a test tube. We then added Salicylaldehyde (1/1 molar ratio) in 2mL of ethanol and slowly add solution #2 into the test tube with solution #1. We placed the combined solution into the microwave and set a time of 30 minutes at 100 and 150 Celsius

Histidine and metal derivatives

De'Ja Toole and Gina Chiarella* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science

Comparing both methods of making ligands and even the metal complexes it is evident that the microwave synthesizer produces a faster and more abundant amount of product as the reactions occur. Another important advantage of the microwave procedure is the purity of the product, significantly higher than by utilizing traditional refluxing procedures. A preliminary analysis of these products was executed by FTIR and UV visible spectroscopy. The respective spectra were studied, indicating that the products and reactants presented different peaks, which also indicates

Synthesis and primary characterization of Salicylaldehyde

Results and Discussion:

3. Lei Zhou, Shenhui Li, Yongchao Su, Xianfeng Yi, Anmin Zheng, and Feng Deng. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2013, 117, 8954−8965

that the products are possibly different metal complexities. Additional analysis will be required to determine the structure of those metal complexes.

References: 1. Richard J. Sundberg and R. Bruce Martin. Chemical Reviews, 1974, 74, 471 517

2. Georgia C. Boles, Rebecca A. Coates, Giel Berden, Jos Oomens, and P. B. Armentrout. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2016, 120, 12486−12500

1H and 13C NMR experiments as well as x ray diffraction will be shortly executed to complete the whole this research is to test the redox and photochemical properties of the synthesized compounds and study their capability as potential catalysts.

characterization of those compounds. The next step in

Impact/Benefit: This research has achieved the preparation of the Schiff base L histidine salicylimine (Sal His). The transition metal compounds formed in this project showed different chemical and physical characteristics from the ligand, therefore the synthesis of those metal compounds is confirmed. Additional characterization, doing

De'Ja Toole and Gina Chiarella* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science

bonding site of this ligand resembles the structure of some active centers of enzymes. It is expected that those complexes will present catalytic activity and be environmentally friendly. The primary characterization of these compounds consists of spectroscopic measurements of their electronic and vibrational spectra which will determine if a metal ligand linkage has taken place. The study of the chemical and physical properties of these compounds will provide information about their optical and electrochemical behavior. A deeper analysis of the data collected would facilitate the study of the photochemical properties and redox capability of these compounds. The current research work consists of the synthesis of the Schiff base ligand by reacting salicylaldehyde with histidine ( (2S) 2 amino 3 (1H imidazol 5 yl) propanoic acid) to form the Schiff base. After isolation and purification, the ligand reacts with copper (II) nitrate and nickel (II) acetate to form the complexes. Further studies will include the preparation of other complexes of the first row transition metals (period IV of the periodic table).

Abstract: The goal of this research is to prepare and characterize transition metal compounds using a ligand amino acid, and a Schiff base prepared from histidine and salicylaldehyde using traditional methods by refluxing in ethanol and also doing a microwave assisted synthesis (by utilizing a microwave synthesizer). The metal

Synthesis and primary characterization of Histidine

For every 5 minute interval since light shedding on the sample, 1 mL of the reaction mixture was taken out and put into a 1.5 mL plastic snap lock microcentrifuge tube.

Synthesis and Assessment of Graphitic Carbon Nitride as Visible Light Activated Photocatalysts

Graphitic carbon nitride (g

C3N4) has attracted great attentions of material scientists due to its graphitic layered structure and unique electronic properties for potential applications in a wide fields, such as hard material(Liu and Cohen 1989), semiconductors (Lin and Wang 2013), catalysts and even as disinfectants. It has been reported that g

C3N4 based material catalyze degradation of organic pollutants in water under visible light. One kind of such pollutants are azo dyes which have been released into environment as residues from fabric dying industry in developing countries.

The degradation of these compounds which is indicated by color disappearance has been attributed to oxidation by oxygen gas from the air catalyzed by g C3N4 under visible light.

Method: (1) Methods for preparation of photocatalysts: photocatalysts used in our experiments are prepared using a previously reported method with slight modification. In general, melamine was ground and transferred, heated to a preset temperature in a porcelain crucible to produce the photocatalysts. (2) Method for assessment of activity of photocatalyst: the assessment of photocatalytic effect of g C3N4 on the reduction of azo dyes by hydrazine in aqueous solution was carried out spectroscopically as described following.

Into a glass Pyrex petri dish (100 mm in diameter and 20 mm in height) was added sequentially 50.0 mL of deionized water, 0.50 mL of hydrazine (99% in purity) and 25 mg of photocatalyst.

Emily Mcguire and Yingchun Li* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

The LED lights are turned on focused on the solution in the petri dish and timing started.

Because hydrogen gas is a product in a water splitting process catalyzed by g C3N4 under visible light, the color disappearance in degradation of azo dyes could also possibly be caused by reduction of azo bond to amine. Here we report that g C3N4 catalyze the reduction of azo dyes to amines by hydrazine under visible LED light using methyl orange (MO), methyl Red (MR) and alizarin yellow (AY) as examples.

The suspension was centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The clear solution in the tube was then transferred into a 1 mL cuvette and its absorbance at 464 nm was measured with a uv spectrometer. The plot 61

Introduction:

The mixture is stirred magnetically at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then 1.50 mL of stock solution of methyl orange (1.00 mg/mL) is added into the mixture which is stirred for 5 minutes.

ABSORBANCE 62

METHYL ORANGE DEGRADATION REACTIONS1.61.8 y = 0.0033x + 1.5768 hydarzine + no light + no catalyst 1.2 hydrazine + no light + catalysty = 0.005x + 1.6361 1 hydrazine + 0.60.8 y = 0.0083x + 1.6493 0.2 y = 2.7455e0.026x 0 Linear (hydarzine + no light + no Linearcatalyst)(hydrazine + light + no catalyst) 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 of absorbance of the reaction mixture versus the reaction time under light showed the rate of the reaction in the presence of photocatalyst under LED light. The reaction rate of reduction of each azo dye has been studied with the procedure describe above at three different conditions: a. presence of hydrazine but catalyst and light; b. presence of hydrazine and catalyst but LED light. c. presence of hydrazine and LED light but catalyst.

Discussion: to demonstrate the photocatalytic effect of g C3N4 on the reduction of azo compounds by hydrazine, methyl orange was be studied first as a model in this project because it has been wildly used in study of photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes.

The visible LED light is used as a light source. Results of mass spectroscopic study demonstrated that the reaction product are N, N dimethylbenzene 1, 4 diamine and 4 aminobenzenesulfonate as shown in the following scheme, which are consistent to our expectation. When light or/and catalyst are not applied, the reaction undergoes at relative slow rates as indicated by the blue, orange, and yellow dots and straight lines (Figure 1). When the reaction exposed to LED light in the presence of the photocatalyst, the reaction increases significantly as shown by the yellow cross and the fitted exponential curve.

The effect of the photocatalyst on the other two azo compounds are still in progress. Figure. Reaction progress under different conditions

Reference: Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g C3N4) Based Photocatalysts for Artificial Photosynthesis and Environmental Remediation: Are We a Step Closer To Achieving Sustainability? Wee Jun Ong, Lling Lling, TanYun Hau Ng, Siek Ting Yong† and Siang Piao Chai, Chem. Rev. 2016, 116, 12, 7159 7329 How g C3N4 Works and Is Different from TiO2 as an Environmental Photocatalyst: Mechanistic View; Jonghun Lim, Hyejin Kim, Jihee Park, Gun Hee Moon, Junie Jhon M. Vequizo, Akira Yamakata, Jinwoo Lee, and Wonyong Choi; Environmental Science & Technology 2020 54 (1), 497 506 63

Since 2009, graphitic carbon nitride (g

What can these materials do?

Emily Mcguire and Yingchun Li* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Synthesis and Assessment of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanomaterials as Visible Light Activated Photocatalysts

C3N4, A) and nanomaterials based on it have been demonstrated to be photocatalysts that can use solar light as the only energy source to directly: 1) remove organic pollutants from water; 2) produce of hydrogen as clean fuel by splitting water and 3) reduce CO2 to CH4 a fuel again. Such applications are of imminent importance because we are facing the challenge of environmental pollution and experiencing climate change due to excessive CO2 emission from usage of fossil fuels.

What is graphitic carbon nitride? In searching of efficient photocatalyst, graphitic carbon nitride (g C3N4, A) nanomaterials have emerged as a new active area intensively explored currently by material scientists. Graphitic carbon nitrides have layered structures of extended 2 D sheet as graphene (B) in graphite and are expected to lead to nanomaterials of various structures with diverse properties as graphene has leaded to nano carbon material as nanotubes, nanorods, nanospheres and quantum dots(C).

What have we prepared and how? Are they active photocatalyst? Yes! Reaction mixture: 50 mg of catalyst 1 mL of methyl orange dye, 5 mL Hydrogen peroxide and 34.0 mL of water Instruments and methods for assessment of photocatalytic activity of the materials prepared to B: No exposure 64

What is to be done? The quantitative assessment of the activity, dopant effect and characterization of the photocatalysts in degradation of organic pollutants, reduction of CO2 and H2 production by splitting of water are under way. Acknowledgement This research presented here is supported by Faculty Rise Graduate and Undergraduate Rearch Award provided by Division of Research and Innovation of Prairie View A&M University. 1). Guoping Dong∗, Yuanhao Zhang, Qiwen Pan, Jianrong Qiu; Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews 20 (2014) 33 50. 2). Ping Niu , Lili Zhang , Gang Liu , and Hui Ming Cheng. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2012, 22, 4763 4770 65

a synthesis of transition metal complexes and L

Aspartic Acid which is an amino acid. Aspartic Acid, is known, plays a unique role in different biological systems like a signal transduction and being a crucial and structural part in enzymes. In this experiment, I will prepare L

Aspartic Acid complexes in a non aqueous solution (Methanol) and water, which is challenging due to the low solubility of Aspartic Acid in organic solvent, but vital to the formation of singles crystals which could help to attain the crystal structure of a L Aspartic Acid metal complex for the first time. In my experiment, I analyzed 3 different metals and how they were synthesized in a non

Transitional Metal Complexes with Amino Acids: Copper (II), Nickel, Manganese L Aspartic Acid complex synthesis in Non Aqueous Solution

Favour Ohuakanwa and Gina Chiarella* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

aqueous solution. The solution consisted of 0.27 grams of Aspartic acid, which is a ligand, and the corresponding grams of each metal. The metals were as follows: Copper acetate, Copper Chloride, Nickel, and Manganese. I mixed the copper acetate with the aspartic acid and methanol.

Abstract: The purpose of my research is to perform

At first, I wasn’t seeing any results so then I used water, methylene chloride, and ethanol. After doing those reactions I noticed that water and ethanol had the most solubility. I still was not satisfied with the results of the copper acetate, so my mentor suggested I use copper chloride instead and use water as the solvent. I saw better results with the copper chloride. There was a clear sign of color change and there were even particles. I also decided to test out Nickel and Manganese in the same way and I saw some color changes and particles within those reactions too. So in conclusion, it was 4 separate reactions and I have been working on these solutions, checking to see if they have color change or if they had any particles after the reaction was completed. This experiment is conducted with a refluxing apparatus and a hot plate. The reactions are then left for 24 hours or more and then the IR/UV is taken for further analysis. 66

Favour Ohuakanwa and Gina Chiarella* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

important role in different biological systems like a signal transduction and being a crucial and structural part in enzymes. In this experiment, I will prepare L histidine complexes in a non aqueous solution (Methanol) which is challenging due to the low solubility of L Aspartic acid in organic solvent, but vital to the formation of singles crystals which could help to attain the crystal structure of a L Aspartic acid metal complex for the first time.

Introduction: The purpose of my research is to perform a synthesis of transition metal complexes and L Aspartic acid which is an amino acid. Aspartic acid plays an

Transitional Metal Complexes with Amino Acids: Copper (II), Nickel, Manganese L Aspartic Acid complex synthesis in Non Aqueous Solution

The materials that were used were a refluxing apparatus (synthesis), a filter paper, funnel, and beaker. These materials were used to filter any solvents that were in the solution that we used to get the IR. We used the IR Spectrometer to find the IR. In my experiment, I analyzed 3 different metals and how they were synthesized in a non aqueous solution. The solution consisted of 0.27 grams of Aspartic acid, which is a ligand, and the corresponding grams of each metal. The metals were as follows: Copper acetate, Copper Chloride, Nickel, and Manganese. I mixed the copper acetate with the aspartic acid and methanol. At first, I wasn’t seeing any results so then I used water, methylene chloride, and ethanol. After doing those reactions I noticed that water and ethanol had the most solubility. I still was not satisfied with the results of the copper acetate, so my mentor suggested I use copper chloride instead and use water as the solvent. I saw better results with the copper chloride. There was a clear sign of color change and there were even particles. I also decided to test out Nickel and Manganese in the same way and I saw some color change and particles within those reactions too. So, in conclusion, it was 4 separate reactions and I have been working on these solutions, checking to see if they have color change or if they had any particles after the reaction was completed. This experiment is conducted by a refluxing apparatus and a hot plate. The reactions are then left for a period of 24 hours or more and then the IR/UV is taken for further analysis. Experiments: In the preparation of four transition metal complexes reacting L histidine with acetate salts of copper (II), nickel (II), zinc (II) and manganese (II) in methanol and water solution. Each one the metals mixed with L Histidine was performed using the Refluxing apparatus. After refluxing the solution was left over a 4 to 24 hour period where the reaction should have a color change. After refluxing the solution was left over a 4 to 24 hour period where the reaction should have a color change.

Materials and methods:

Discussion:

2. Lei Zhou, Shenhui Li, Yongchao Su, Xianfeng Yi, Anmin Zheng, and Feng Deng. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2013, 117, 8954−8965

Spectroscopic analysis of the products obtained in aqueous solution, indicate that the formation of L Aspartic Acid transition metal complexes, by comparison of the spectra of the starting material and the resulting compounds. Remarkable color changes have also observed in the complexes formed in methanol. Turquoise to navy blue for copper (II) (anticipated reaction), Garden green to mint green for Nickel, and pale pink to a clear solution for Manganese Conclusions: There was not a possibility of a preliminary characterization by spectroscopic methods due to the closing of the university. The change in color from the reaction mixture to the product in methanol solution is an indication of a chemical change. The similarity of the color change with the respective complexes prepared in aqueous solution, may indicate the formation of the same compounds or similar ones in methanol solution. Important tasks in the future of this research are, the execution of the spectroscopic analysis, the study of the redox properties and luminescence behavior, the obtaining of the X ray single crystal diffraction. To determine the structure, as well as the computational modelling of these complexes to calculate some of their properties. References: 1. Georgia C. Boles, Rebecca A. Coates, Giel Berden, Jos Oomens, and P. B. Armentrout. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2016, 120, 12486−12500

3. Vladimír Hejtmánek, Martin Dracínský and Jan Sýkora. Crystals 2019, 9, 159 68

Varieties of neutralizing antibodies (Abs) have been identified to target at RBD domains of SARS CoV and MERS CoV.[1, 2] Epitope at RBD domain consists roughly of 15 amino acids with the RBD domain, and at most 5 of the residues are responsible for the majority of the binding affinities between virus molecule and antibodies.[3 5] Therefore, neutralizing antibodies for S, S1, and S RBD proteins act as candidates for the development of SARS COV 2 and MERS CoV drugs and vaccines. Knowledge of the interaction energy between key residues of epitope and screening antibodies helps the rational design of drugs and vaccines for COVID 19. It is reported that human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK 293T) cell based monoclonal antibody B38 exhibits a strong ability (with IC50 = 0.177 mg/L and dissociation constant Kd = 70.1 nM) to block the binding interactions between the spike glycoprotein RBD and the ACE2, and crystal structure of RBD B38 Fab complex (PDB code: 7BZ5) has been obtained at a resolution of 1.9Å. [1] However, detailed quantitative interaction strength at the amnio acid level is still unknown. We carried out quantum mechanics (QM) calculation of intermolecular force between the spike glycoprotein receptor binding domain (RBD) and human origin antibody B38 possessing neutralization ability. [6 8] 69

Interaction between Covid 19 and Antibody of Human Origin

Quantum Mechanics Characterization

Heaven Ingram and Dr. Yuemin Liu Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract: Spike S glycoprotein constitutes the most important protruding protein, which controls the virus approaching

human respiratory epithelial cells.

Figure 1. (A) The complex of epitope of SARS

31G* in G16 package.(6) The structure was carefully examined to identify H bond, salt bridge, and CH π, and π π non bonded interactions using visual molecular dynamics (VMD). The relevant amino acid residues in H bonds were truncated from the previously optimized structure and then a dangling bond was left without patched hydrogen atoms. The strengths of H bonds were then calculated using open shell B3LYP/aug cc pVDZ, following the procedure in the previous study.(

binding domain (RBD) domains of SARS CoV 2.(1) Epitope at RBD domain consists roughly of 15 amino acids with the RBD domain, and at most 5 of the residues are responsible for the majority of the binding affinities between virus molecule and antibodies.(

CoV 2 spike protein and B38 antibody. (B) The complex of epitope of SARS

CoV 2 and LCDR1 on Light chain of 70

5) All atoms were represented by using basis set aug cc pVDZ

Knowledge of the interaction energy between key residues of epitope and screening antibody helps the rational design of drugs and vaccines for COVID 19. It is reported that human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK 293T) cell based monoclonal antibody B38 exhibits a strong ability (with IC50 = 0.177 mg/L and dissociation constant Kd = 70.1 nM) to block the binding interactions between the spike glycoprotein RBD and the ACE2, and crystal structure of RBD B38 Fab complex (PDB code: 7BZ5) has been obtained at resolution of 1.9Å.(

Monoclonal Antibody of Human Origin

Quantum Mechanics Study of Intermolecular Interaction between SARS CoV 2 RBD and

1) We carried out quantum mechanics (QM) calculation of intermolecular force between the S glycoprotein RBD and human origin antibody B38 possessing neutralization ability.(

Materials and Methods:

Heaven Ingram and Yuemin Liu* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Hydrogen atoms were added to the structure model (Fig. 1 (A)) using Gaussview 6, and were structurally optimized with all heavy atoms fixed using B3LYP/6

Introduction: Spike (S) glycoprotein constitutes the most important protruding protein of SARS CoV 2, which mediates the virus attaching human respiratory epithelial cells. Varieties of neutralizing antibodies (Abs) have been identified to target at receptor

2 4)

CoV 2 spike protein and B38 antibody light chain.

Discussions: After careful examination of the structural model (see Fig.1 (A)), three H bonds were identified in the intermolecular interaction between RBD of SARS

5. Y. Liu, A. A. Gallo, W. Xu, R. Bajpai, J. Florián, CH···π Interactions Do Not Contribute to Hydrogen Transfer Catalysis by Glycerol Dehydratase.

1. Y. Wu et al., A noncompeting pair of human neutralizing antibodies block COVID 19 virus binding to its receptor ACE2. Science 368, 1274 (2020).

6. M. J. Frisch et al. (Wallingford, CT, 2016). 71

All methods used the aug cc pVDZ basis set. b ΔEgas = Edimer(gas) Emonomer, a(gas) Emonomer,b(gas) c ΔΔEgas BSSE denotes the counterpoise correction for the basis set superposition error. d. ΔΔEsolv = (ΔE dimer(solv) ΔE monomer,a(solv) ΔE monomer,b(solv)) ΔEgas, where ΔEsolv denotes solvation free energy. Conclusions: Our quantum mechanics (QM) calculation provides a quantitative estimate of intermolecular force between the RBD of SARS

Table 1. Interaction forces calculated of H bonds in the complex H bond pair H bond (Å) ΔEgas ΔΔEgas BSSE ΔΔEsolv ΔE S30(AbL) N501(S) 2.54 4.63 0.45 0.55 3.63 S30(AbL) G496(S) 2.52 5.72 0.16 0.01 5.56 Y32(AbL) Y495(S) 3.28 0.64 0.45 1.23 1.04 Total 8.15 a

3. J. Mateus et al., Selective and cross reactive SARS CoV 2 T cell epitopes in unexposed humans. Science, eabd3871 (2020).

antibody B38. The three H bonds are S30 (AbL) N501(S), S30 (AbL) G496(S), and Y32 (AbL) Y495(S) (AbL denotes antibody light chain and S refers to spike protein) (See Fig.1 (B). This work concluded the study of interaction between RBD of S protein and one of CDR LCDR1 of antibody B38. Wu et al mentioned that hydrophilic force (including polar residues and water molecules) plays a predominant role in intermolecular interaction between RBD and B38 (1), and our finding and calculations agree well with this conclusion.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 115, 11162 11166 (2011).

CoV 2 and LCDR1 on Light chain of antibody B38. Three H bonds between contribute 8.15 kcal/mol to the RBD B38 intermolecular interaction RBD of SARS CoV 2 and LCDR1 on Light chain of antibody B38. These results help to establish the molecular feature for binding to RBD of SARS CoV 2, and prompt rational drug and vaccine design targeting SARS CoV 2 virus. References:

2. B. z. Zhang et al., Mining of epitopes on spike protein of SARS CoV 2 from COVID 19 patients. Cell Research 30, 702 704 (2020).

4. P. Berger, A. J. Lapthorn, The molecular relationship between antigenic domains and epitopes on hCG. Molecular Immunology 76, 134 145 (2016).

Introduction:

Results and Discussion: While taking her classes Hillary became more interested in materials that could be used for aromatic oligomers monolayerAu (acetylcholine)neurotransmitter

6 Acetylcholine, a quaternary ammonium cation, is the primary chemical that initiates muscle contraction.

We planned to create a molecular monolayer that has been functionalized with aromatic polymers and/or oligomers (Figure 1). Polymers built from aromatic monomers have been used in a variety of applications, from water bottles

2 to bullet proof body armour.3 The rigid nature of sp 2 carbons impart rigidity to the materials, while aromaticity enhances photo electronic properties.4,5 These aromatic molecules are also known to bind to cations which are known for their role in muscle movement.

7 Therefore we would like to construct a self assembled monolayer (SAM) with aromatic oligomers and examine the binding interactions between small molecules like acetyl choline and the monolayer (Figure 1).

Materials and Methods: Synthesis of parapolyphenylenes was adapted from this previously published report.8 A video demonstrating the synthesis was created and published on YouTube with assistance from this RISE Grant (https://youtu.be/DPEQRnHRSAI).

Figure 7. Diagram of proposed Self Assembled Monolayer (SAM) for sensing of Acetylcholine 72

Development of Polyphenylene Self Assembled Monolayer (SAM) for Acetylcholine Detection Hillary Ndongo and Matthew Minus* Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Engineering Bionics is a fast growing field of science. Many researchers are working on building molecular interfaces to sense biological environments as these are the crux to building bionic limbs that can be controlled through the though and health conditions of the user. The great question lies in the design of the bionic limb. What will engineers use as a sensor to determine stimulus? Most current designs rely on sensing the changes in electrical potential that a nerve cell can produce.1 In this project we want to create a biochemical interface that not only senses change in electrical potential, but also senses changes in chemical environment to signal the motioning of a bionic limb.

7. 7. Jones, R. An Acetylcholine Receptor Keeps Muscles in Balance. PLoS Biol 7, e1000268 (2009).

electronics and bioelectronics. Therefore the overall goals

This final aim could not be achieved because the chemicals needed to synthase the thio polyphenylene did not arrive in time.

Hillary was able to repeat and optimize the synthesis of parapolyphenylenes. We created a video of the synthesis and published it on YouTube.

Conclusions:

8. 8. Minus, M. B. et al. “Benchtop” Biaryl Coupling Using Pd/Cu Cocatalysis: Application to the Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers. Org. Lett. (2021) doi:10.1021/acs.orglett.1c00479. Figure 8. Optimized synthesis of parapolyphenylene (n=6 is average length) 73

and aims of the research project changed to fit her new interests

References: Zeng, M., He, Y., Zhang, C. & Wan, Q. Neuromorphic Devices for Bionic Sensing and Perception. Frontiers in Neuroscience 15, (2021). 2. Bach, C., Dauchy, X., Chagnon, M.

Aim 1 Scholarly research on electrical and biological systems

6. 6. Kearney, P. C. et al. Molecular recognition in aqueous media. New binding studies provide further insights into the cation .pi. interaction and related phenomena. ACS Publications https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ja00075a006 (2002) doi:10.1021/ja00075a006.

As mentioned, we switched from the original project and its aims to find a focus that was more amenable to Hillary’s long term research interests. Through many hours of litereature research, we have developed a research project that better fits Hillary’s interests. She has optimized the synthesis parapolypheneylenes and characterized them by MALDI (Figure 2). We were not yet able to test the hypothesis, becaue chemicals needed for the synthesis of thioparapolymphenylenes were not yet available to us. In the

Aim 3 synthesizing polyphenylenes that can be attached to self-assembled monolayers

assessments of drinking water stored in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles: A source of controversy reviewed. Water Res. 46, 571 583 (2012). 3. 3. Hazell, P. Armour: Materials, Theory, and Design. (CRC Press, 2015). 4. 4. Tanaka, M., Koike, M., Miyatake, K. & Watanabe, M. Anion Conductive Aromatic Ionomers Containing Fluorenyl Groups. Macromolecules 43, 2657 2659 (2010).

5. 5. Bae, B., Yoda, T., Miyatake, K., Uchida, H. & Watanabe, M. Proton conductive aromatic ionomers containing highly sulfonated blocks for high temperature operable fuel cells. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 49, 317 320 (2010).

of her research.

Hillary conducted literature research on biological, electrical, and synthetic systems that helped lead to the development if this project. Zoom meetings were held weekly to discuss the progress

Aim 2 Repeating literature based synthesis of polyphenylenes

future, Thioparapolyphenylenes will be made and attached to Self assemble monolayers. These SAMs can then be used to measure biologically relevant binding via SPR.

C. & Etienne, S. Chemical compounds and toxicological

The purpose of this study is to synthesize active compounds that have the ability to target a specific enzyme on the amino acid chain and that are anti diabetic agents. Anti diabetic agents improve the lifestyle of diabetics by minimizing side effects from the drug.

Discussion: 2, 4

diabetic agents. It exhibits biological activities in the pharmacological industry. Thiazolidinediones are five member heterocyclic rings having sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen atoms in their ring structure. The thiazolidinedione derivatives were prepared by using aldehydes, thiazolidine, multiple amines (morpholine, piperidine, methyl piperazine, dimethyl amine and thiomorpholine), and amino benzenesulfonyl chloride. Multiple thiazolidinedione derivatives were synthesized to get closer to the final product of producing an anti diabetic drug for diabetics. Thin layer chromatography was completed on every compound prior to moving on to the next step of the reaction to confirm that the reaction was complete. Nuclear magnetic resonance was used to verify the purity and to confirm that the correct compound was synthesized. The chemistry aspect of our research is complete. All of our products have been sent off for biological testing and evaluation. Below is the NMR analysis of one of our thiazolidinedione derivatives. It shows a pure compound Fig 2.

S HN O O HO CHO HO Br O O NH S OOHO O NH2SN OOO12 O NH S OOO OHNSN O O Figure 1 Compound-A Compound B 74

Introduction: Diabetes is chronic health condition that affects how the human body turns food into energy. Glucose is another name for blood sugar. It is one of the body’s source of fuel in form of a carbohydrate (1). When blood sugar level goes up a signal is sent to the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreases that allows your body to use glucose from carbohydrates in the food you eat to store for future use (2). There are three subtypes, namely PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARδ (3).

Materials and Methods: Molecular modeling simulation studies will be used to design new compounds to act as PPARs agonists and others as DPP 4 inhibitors, for example, Thiazolidinediones derivatives are prepared by using aldehydes, thiazolidine, morpholine and amino benzenesulfonyl chloride. The development of this anti diabetic drug can potentially be used for diabetes without the harsh side effects. The use of an anti diabetic drug without harsh symptoms and side effects can change the diabetic way of life. The scheme below is an abbreviated scheme, but it shows all of the essential steps necessary to synthesize and couple the thiazolidinedione derivatives.

Development and Biological Evaluation of Thiazolidinedione Derivatives as Anti Diabetic Agents

Kourtney Savoie and Sameh Abdelwahed* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Thiazolidinediones have emerged as potent anti

Conclusion: Evidence based literature support our approaches that the drugs we synthesized can be used as an anti diabetic drug with less severe side effects. They can be used to manage blood glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion from pancreatic β

cells. We could make an anti diabetic drug that manages blood glucose levels and lowers A1C levels. Therefore, the anti diabetic drug will reduce the factors of heart failure, edema, and weight gain. If we are able to attach a glucose molecule to something other than a red blood cell (a specific area on the amino acid band), the red blood cells would be able to function as a normal person’s red blood cells. However, if we cannot remove the glucose from the red blood cell, we would have to add something to it. Ideally, if we could create an anti diabetic drug that specifically targets a specific area on the amino acid band to inhibit the glucose molecule from changing the function of the red blood cells. Ideally, this would cause the red blood cell and the glucose molecule to remain attached to one another, but the red blood cell would be able to function as a normal red blood cell does. It would allow the immune response to be faster, while also lowering a patient’s A1C level. The immune response would be stronger; therefore, it will make it easier to destroy infections and viruses in diabetic patients.

Fig. 3: Syntheses of some target thiazolidinediones derivatives.

Impact/Benefit of the study: This research has a significant impact on how to improve the current commercial diabetic drugs to minimize their side effects and the underrepresented minority population at PVAMU, as it will introduce high impact science research to the university, where

there is currently limited participation. References: Bhat, Bashir A.; Ponnala, S; Sahu, DP; Tiwari, P; Tripathi, BK.; Srivastava, AK., Syn thesis and antihyperglycemic activity profiles of novel thiazolidinedione derivatives Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2004; 12(22): 5857 64. Graham DJ, Ouellet Hellstrom R, MaCurdy TE, Ali F, Sholley C, Worrall C, Kelman JA. "Risk of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and death in elderly Medi care patients treated with rosiglitazone or pioglitazone". JAMA, 2010; 304(4): 411 8. Seok H, Cha BS. Refocusing peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha: a new insight for therapeutic roles in diabetes. Diabetes Metab. 2013; 37(5):326 332 75

Abstract: Today, about 422 million people suffer from diabetes. By 2024, over 500 million people will have diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the human body turns food into energy. Glucose is another name for blood sugar. It is one of the body’s sources of fuel in form of a carbohydrate (1). When blood sugar level goes up a signal is sent to the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to use glucose from carbohydrates in the food you eat to store for future use (2). There are three subtypes, namely PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARδ (3). The objective of this study is to develop an anti diabetic drug that can target a specific enzyme, a region on the amino acid chain. The synthesis of many different compounds that we created is going to be sent off for testing. Molecular modeling simulation studies will be used to design new compounds to act as PPARs agonists and others as DPP

The use of an antidiabetic drug without harsh symptoms and side effects can change the diabetic way of life. 2, 4

4inhibitors. The thiazolidinediones derivatives were prepared by using aldehydes, thiazolidine, morpholine, multiple amines (piperidine, methyl piperazine, diethylamine, and thiomorpholine), and amino benzenesulfonyl chloride. The development of this anti diabetic drug can be potentially used for diabetes without the harsh side effects.

Thiazolidinediones have emerged as potent anti diabetic agents. It exhibits biological activities in the pharmacology industry. Thiazolidines are five member heterocyclic having sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms in their ring structure. We have completed a few reactions to get closer to the final product of producing an anti diabetic drug for diabetic patients. We are nearing the end of preparing products to be sent for testing. Currently, research is being carried out on two final reactions using 2, 4

Development and Biological Evaluation of Thiazolidinedione Derivatives as Anti Diabetic Agents

Kourtney Savoie and Sameh Abdelwahed* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

thiazolidinedione, 2 formylphenoxyacetic acid, piperidine, and ethanol for one reaction; and sodium hydroxide, chloroacetic acid, and salicylaldehyde for the other reaction.

Introduction: In chemiluminescence reactions, the emission of light occurs without heat production. Chemiluminescence (CL) represents a dynamic tool with many applications in biotechnology, pharmacology, molecular biology, and clinical and environmental assays (1 5). One of the most common agents in CL is the chemical luminol. In the presence of an oxidizing agent, luminol undergoes a CL reaction. Oxidation reactions with luminol have many uses, such as detecting blood at crime scenes, the presence of metals, and specific proteins in western blot assays. Drawbacks of luminol include its short signal duration and ability to react with various chemicals. Additionally, luminol’s CL reaction is sensitive to pH, temperature, metal catalyst, and hydroxide ions (6). The purpose of this experiment is to enhance luminol’s signaling ability by varying amounts of luminol and hydrogen peroxide to see which better enhances the signal strength and duration. Experiments will be performed in a dark room controlled environment using well plates containing only luminol and hydrogen peroxide solutions. Experimental images will be captured while recording time to visualize signal strength and duration for data collection. These images will then be used to analyze the signal intensity of each experiment using color separation techniques. Following the experiments, the results will explain whether luminol is enhanced better by using different amounts of hydrogen peroxide or different amounts of luminol based on the signal strength and duration using color separation experimental image analysis. The hypothesis is that luminol’s signal will be greater enhanced by using varying amounts of hydrogen peroxide rather than changing the amount of luminol.

Naiyah McDaniel and Harshica Fernando* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science

Enhancing luminol signaling using hydrogen peroxide

Materials and Methods:

A 0.01 M stock solution of luminol was prepared by dissolving luminol in 0.1 M NaOH and then stored in a dark location. Next, a 0.1 M solution of NaOH was prepared. Following the preparation of solutions, the experiment was conducted in a dark room using limited lighting to prevent damage to the luminol solution. A well plate was used to hold solutions during each experiment, and a well plate cover was placed over the plate and allowed for the capture of experimental images. Two experiments were conducted, each experiment taking place for ten minutes, with images captured every two minutes. In the first, the luminol volume was kept constant and in the second it was changed. Experiment 2 served to determine how luminol is enhanced when the amount of luminol is increased and the amount of hydrogen peroxide is held constant. The experiment consisted of four wells. The captured images were analyzed using color separation analysis. Results: The images from each experiment were analyzed using ImageJ software. Images from the ten second, two minute, and ten minute marks were analyzed using color separation techniques to determine signal intensity throughout the experiment’s length. The blue channel of color separation was used to determine signal strength because it is the only channel demonstrating variation between the different wells.

Experiment 1 • 10 seconds: • 2 minutes: • 10 minutes: Discussion: For experiment one, color separation analysis revealed that increasing amounts of hydrogen peroxide added to the luminol solution caused stronger signal intensity. Luminol’s signal intensity for this experiment peaked at a gray value of approximately 220. In this experiment, signal intensity increases as the amount of luminol increases. But in experiment two, the well containing the least amount of luminol maintains a gray value above 90. The experimental results conclude that hydrogen peroxide enhances the luminol signal, as the control which contained no hydrogen peroxide gave a very low gray value. In the future work we will be testing other dyes to obtain higher sensitivity in the chemiluminescence reactions.

References: 1. Oldham PB, McCarroll ME, McGown LB, Warner IM. Molecular fluorescence, phosphorescence, and chemiluminescence spectrometry. Anal. Chem 2000; 72: 197 210 2. Khramov AN, Collinson MM. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of tris (2, 2′ bipyridylruthenium (II) ion exchanged in Nafion silica composite films. Anal. Chem. 2000; 72: 2943 2948.3 3. Tsunoda M, Takezawa K, Santa T, Imai K. Simultaneous auto matic determination of catecholamines and their 3

O methylmetabolites in rat plasma by high performance liquid chromato graphy using peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence reaction. Anal.Biochem. 1999; 269: 386 392. 4. Kratky D, Lass A, Abuja PM, Esterbauer H, Kuhn H. A sensitive chemiluminescence method to measure the lipoxygenase catalyzed oxygenation of complex substrates. Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1999; 1437: 13 22. 5. Lu JZ, Qin W, Zhang ZJ, Feng ML, Wang YJ. A ﬂow injection type chemiluminescence based sensor for cyanide. Anal. Chem. Acta 1995; 304: 369 373 6. Barnett NW. Encyclopedia of Analytical Science, Second Edition. Elsevier: Oxford; 2005. pp. 511 521 78

Enhancing the chemiluminescence signaling of luminol using bis (2, 4, 6 trichlorophenyl) oxalate and bis (2, 4, 5 trichloro 6 carbopentoxyphenyl) oxalate.

Naiyah McDaniel and Harshica Fernando* Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract: Chemiluminescence is the emission of light without producing heat as a result of a chemical reaction. Chemiluminescent reactions can give low limits of detection while providing high sensitivity, which can be used in many applications. However, the sensitivity of chemiluminescent reactions is affected by the changes in pH, temperature, or ionic strength and results in the quantum efficiency of emission. With luminol, the chemiluminescent reaction occurs when luminol reacts with a peroxide. This reaction is useful in detecting blood at crime scenes, the presence of metals, and specific proteins in western blot assays. Drawbacks of luminol include its short signal duration and ability to react with various chemicals. This project aims to enhance luminol’s signal duration, using bis (2, 4, 6 trichlorophenyl) oxalate (TCPO) and bis (2, 4, 5 trichloro 6 carbopentoxyphenyl) oxalate (CPPO), along with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent.

Experiments will be monitored using well plates containing luminol, TCPO or CPPO, and hydrogen peroxide while capturing images for the duration of the experiment. Decreasing luminol’s ability to react with various chemicals will occur by performing experiments in a controlled environment with only luminol, TCPO or CPPO, and hydrogen peroxide. A control experiment will be carried out with only luminol and hydrogen peroxide and will serve as a basis for the original signal. I hypothesize that using TCPO, luminol signaling will be enhanced best. The results of the experiments using both oxalates, hydrogen peroxide, and luminol, along with the control experiment, demonstrated that the signal was enhanced using TCPO and could be used in multiple applications to obtain an enhanced signal.

Tristan Roland and Andrea Ashley Oyewole* Department of Chemistry &, College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract: Research tools like the SciFinder database are necessary for meaningful research engagement while preparing students for the STEM workforce of the future in the post pandemic era. Research skills training in many STEM areas often focuses on wet lab training and experimentation. It often neglects the acquisition of soft skills, like performing a basic literature search that is vital during the pandemic's peak. Issues of equity and diversity surfaced when many students lacked access to essential online tools for research engagement. Building a more inclusive research enterprise also means that students have various skills to be more competitive. SciFinder and other databases are used to investigate the depth at which post Secondary first year chemistry textbooks detail the scientific discoveries of people of color and "The Golden Age of Arabic Islamic Science." Data Science tools can provide undergraduate STEM researchers with meaningful research engagement and soft skills development. The John B. Coleman library at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has made every effort to equip researchers of every level. The most current online resource tools allow users to remain on the cutting edge of technology and be competitive. We used the PVAMU Library (A to Z Database), SciFinder, JoVE Science Education: Chemistry, Chimica, ACS (American Chemical Society) Publications, and Google Scholar. We cross reference all data sets and identified textbook sources with the most inclusive historical content. In other words, the number of textbooks that referenced "The Golden Age of Arabic Islamic Science." A lack of diversity in the science community does not go far enough with discussions and references to racial inequities. Therefore, a research tool like SciFinder is valuable in investigating some aspects of inclusion while introducing students to data science. Performing a diversity assessment of textbook resources is instrumental in providing equitable chemical science training.

SCI Finder and other Online Library Resources as Valuable Research Tools in Assessing Diversity and Inclusion in published Chemistry Textbooks.

"The Golden Age of Arabic

Inclusion in published Chemistry Textbooks

Introduction: Research tools like the SciFinder database are necessary for meaningful research engagement while preparing students for the STEM workforce of the future in the post pandemic era. Research skills training in many STEM areas often focuses on wet lab training and experimentation. It often neglects the acquisition of soft skills, like performing a basic literature search that is vital during the pandemic's peak. Issues of equity and diversity surfaced when many students lacked access to essential online tools for research engagement. Building a more inclusive research enterprise also means that students have various skills to be more co competitive. SciFinder and other databases are used to investigate the depth at which post Secondary first year chemistry textbooks detail the scientific discoveries of people of color and

In other words, the number of textbooks that referenced "The Golden Age of Arabic Islamic Science”. ▪ PVAMU Library (A to Z Database) ▪ SciFinder ▪ JoVE Science Education: Chemistry ▪ Chimica ▪ ACS Publications ▪ Google Scholar. Discussion: The American Chemical Society has more references made to the “Golden Age of Arabic Science” in its’ resources than the other databases searched. Google and Scifinder have much smaller numbers of resources found with the same keyword search criteria.

Tristan Roland and Andrea Ashley Oyewole Ph.D. Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Arts and Science

SCI Finder and Other Library Resources as Valuable Research Tools in Assessing Diversity and

Library (A to Z Database), SciFinder, JoVE Science Education: Chemistry, Chimica, ACS Publications, and Google Scholar. A lack of diversity in the science community does not go far enough with discussions and references to racial inequities. Therefore, a research tool like SciFinder is valuable in investigating some aspects of inclusion while introducing students to data science. In particular, performing a diversity assessment of textbook resources is instrumental in providing equitable chemical science training. Materials and Methods: Available library online databases were used to cross reference all data sets and identified textbook sources with the most inclusive historical content.

The most current online resource tools allow users to remain on the cutting edge of technology and be competitive. Research tools like SciFinder is an excellent database for meaningful research engagement while preparing students for the STEM workforce in the futur e post pandemic era. So, we documented underrepresented minorities in the chemistry community and chemistry textbooks at Prairie View A&M University. Often, participants in the Chemical sciences seem to be predominantly Caucasian, but these preconceptions can be misleading. Frequently, discussions and references to racial inequities and a lack of diversity in the science community do not go far enough. Data science can be a valuable tool in investigating this issue. 81

Islamic Science." Data Science tools can provide undergraduate STEM researchers with meaningful research engagement and soft skills development. The John B. Coleman library at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has made every effort to equip researchers of every level. The most current online resource tools allow users to remain on the cutting edge of technology and be competitive. We used the PVAMU

Figure 9: Percentage of books recorded by the database with keywords

Figure 10: Number of Textbooks that mentioned the Golden Age of Arabic Science per database Conclusions: Soft skills training through the John B. Coleman Library proved to be extremely valuable in many chemistry research areas. Its’ application to the data science research toolkit shows great potential in interdisciplinary research projects between chemistry and the social sciences. For future work, we propose to expand the same keyword searches to the EBSCO database and set up Boolean searches to further investigate.

Database Tool Percentage of Books recorded JoVE-ScienceEducation: 0% Chimica 0% ACS Publications 66% SciFinder 8% Google Scholar 6% 82

6. Rāshid, R. & amp; Morelon, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science (Routledge, 1996).

7. Yale, E.The deep rooted racism of science. Quartz https://go.nature.com/35EnW4T (2016).

5. Adams, R. B. lack female professors, must deal with bullying to win promotion, report finds. The Guardian https://go.nature.com/399yABo (2019).

3. Higher Education Staff Statistics: the UK, 2018/19 (HESA, 2020); https://go.nature.com/3hZwMyP

References:

2. Diversity Landscape of the Chemical Sciences: A Report by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC,2018); https://go.nature.com/2v7mdfv

1. Widener, A. The leaky pipeline for Black chemists. Chem. Eng. News https://go.nature. com/leaky pipeline (2020).

4. Menon, B.R.K. The missing colors of chemistry. Nat. Chem.13, 101 106 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557 020 00632 8

8. Wright, G. C. (2015, April 22). PVAMU Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness. Retrieved September 4, 2019, from Prairie View A & M University: 9. http://www.pvamu.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2017/10/StrategicP lan_Web.pdf

Comparisons are done to see how the HC changesand if there are dramatic changes that would indicate a phase change in the sample. The goal ofthe research was to learn how to use the system and take measurements first of known materials for comparison then apply the process to newly provided samples. 84

Measurements are done, by decreasing the temperature in uneven increments which decreases with decreasing temperature until we reach the machine’s base temperature. Next, the process is replicated, this time with a constant magnetic field. Several measurements are taken in different fields.

and Sciences

Heat Capacity Measurements on Single Crystals

Abstract: A property of matter is Heat Capacity (HC) which tells us how much the temperature of an object increases based on the amount of heat that was added. This gives the responsivenes s of a materiel to heat energy. Related to HC is Specific Heat Capacity which is the HC divided by the mass. Heat capacity measurements are bulk thermal measurements that are ideal for determining phase transitions in materials. These phase transitions can be electronic or magnetic and identifying them is important to developing phase diagrams of that materials.

HC measurements require a calorimeter which is mounted onto a puck that measures the heat associated with chemical and physical reactions. Samples are prepared and attached to the calorimeter using N grease. Before this, grease is applied to the HC puck, and addenda are acquired, which is the HC of the puck and the grease. Next, the sample is added to the puck using the grease and the HC is measured again. This data has the addenda subtracted from it, to leave just the HC of the sample. Data is taken using a Quantum Design VersaLab System which has a temperature range of 50 K 300 K and magnetic fields up to 3 Tesla.

Carlos Ridley and Kevin Storr* Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Arts

Departments of Chemistry/Physics and Chemical Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences

Purification of Wastewater with Magnetic Nanoparticles

Kayla Freeman and Merlyn X. Pulikkathara*

Abstract: Water pollution is one of the significant environmental problems our world faces today. Primary heavy metals contributing to water pollution are aqueous soluble elements like arsenic, cadmium, lead, antimony, chromium, mercury, and nickel. The toxic effects that heavy metals have on the human body are gastrointestinal and kidney dysfunction, nervous system disorders, skin lesions, vascular damage, immune system dysfunction, congenital disabilities, and cancer. Due to the increase in global population, industrial development, and climate change, the undersupply of clean water is increasing. This literature review discusses the causes of water contamination and current water purification methods used in industrial environments such as solvent extraction, floatation, filtration, and reverse osmosis. Yet, these methods are expensive and insufficient for removing pathogens from water. Magnetic nanoparticles could be a solution to our water crisis. This potential solution is because magnetic nanoparticles have high specific surface areas, fast dispersion in aqueous solutions, high reactivity, and sorption capacity for organic pollutants, heavy metals, and microorganisms. The literature review discussed different methods used to synthesize the magnetic nanoparticles, such as co precipitation, solvothermal synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, and biosynthetic strategy. The most common methods that are used are the co precipitation and solvothermal method. Our group analyzed a simulated wastewater sample and based on this literature review, this project will study the effects of magnetic nanoparticles before and after filtration of the wastewater. 85

Conductivity measures a material’s ability to allow current to pass through it. Resistivity is the property that is related to the impedance of the current’s ability to move through the material. Conductivity and resistivity are inverses of each other.

Resistivity is related to the geometry of the material and requires knowledge of the cross sectional area and length of the object being tested. Resistivity measurements taken on single crystals use a method called 4 terminal resistivity measurements. These are done by placing 4 gold wires strategically on the sample using a pair of wires to send a constant current (I) through the sample and the second pair of wires is used to measure the voltage (V) that shows up across the sample. Using Ohm’s Law which states V = IR, the resistance (R) which is V/I is obtained. This resistance is multiplied by the cross sectional area of the sample and divided by its length to give the resistivity.

Lauren Allen and Kevin Storr*

Resistivity Measurements on Single Crystals

Abstract:

Resistivity plays an important role in determining the electric properties of materials.

What is of importance is to determine how the resistivity responds to temperature and magnetic field. In addition, the samples we measured are generally anisotropic because of their layering. Therefore we can also rotate the samples in the magnetic field to see the response of the resistivity to angle. Data is taken using a Quantum Design VersaLab System which has a temperature range of 50 K 300 K and magnetic fields up to 3 Tesla. Measurements are done, by decreasing the temperature while measuring theresistivity, this is done with the magnetic field at fixed values. Next, we measure the resistivity while changing the magnetic field at fixed temperatures. Finally, we measured the resistivity at a fixed temperature and field while rotating the sample. Analyzing this data gave excellent information on the electrical properties of the measured materials. 86

Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Arts and Sciences

This is a bulk measurement and does not involve direct connections to the sample as in the case of resistivity measurements. There are limitations to using VSM in that the strength of the moments must havea minimum value because of the measurements sensitivity and samples must be able to withstandthe high frequency vibrations (40 hertz) required to make the measurements.

Ryan Livingston and Kevin Storr* Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Arts and Sciences

Vibrating Sample Magnetometry Measurements on Single Crystals

In addition, we can measure the magneticmoment and determine the nature of the moments to see whether they are paramagnetic, diamagnetic, ferromagnetic, or antiferromagnetic in their alignment.

Abstract: Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) is a method used to measure the magnetic properties of materials using the physics from Faraday’s Law of Induction. Faraday’s Law states that a changing magnetic flux will induce an emf (electromotive force) which in reality is a voltage. Using the Quantum Design VersaLab System which has a temperature range of 50 K 300 K and magnetic fields up to 3 Tesla, samples are attached to the VSM probe using N grease. The probe is placed into the VersaLab, where it is vibrated in a small magnetic field at a frequency of 40 hertz for centering. Following this, measurements are taken in changing magnetic fields and temperature. With the mass and dimensions of the sample, we can extract the magnetization of the sample and see its dependence on temperature and magnetic field.

The measured samples can be in crystal or powder form. In the case of the latter, an amount is placed into a small vial and measured as a whole to enhance the strength of the VSM signal.

Col. Jared E. Kirby and the Alta Vista Plantation

Asha Mahamud and Walle Engedayehu*, Marco Robinson Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract: The illustrious institution currently known as Prairie View A&M University was established in 1876. Before this establishment, the very ground this institution is built on was once a plantation called Alta Vista Plantation, owned by a man named Jared Ellison Kirby. The same grounds that once enslaved African Americans into a lifetime ofsubjugation and brutality now educate and raise African Americans into the upper echelons of society. In this project, the history behind Col. Jared E. Kirby and who he was is thoroughly explored. A variety of materials and resources were utilized to obtain the numerous documents and artifacts. A large portion of the results was secured from the Texas Digital Newspaper Program Collection in the Portal to Texas History Website. Another major contributor to the gathering of materials for this project is the PVAMU Special Collections and Archives Department. They were vital in the assistance and direction of source materials. Other data pieces were retrieved from dissertations, microfilms, and online resources. The research regarding this project is still ongoing, as there are finite details on the subject matter, but the details that have been uncovered so far have begun to illustrate the life of Col. Kirby and the enslaved persons on Alta Vista. Through extensive digging, we were able to uncover details on the public life of Col. Kirby, his involvement with his county and state governments, and his participation and role in the CivilWar. Details on his wives, children, enslaved persons, and the nature of Kirby’s death were also a part of the research results thus far. We aim to further dig into Col. Kirby and discover more about his personal life, his childhood, and his family life, among numerous other details. Through this ongoing research, we have discovered new stories and narratives about those who once occupied the land we work in today. As students and faculty of Prairie View, it is important for us to deeply understand the history behind the grounds we walk on and appreciate and learn from those who were here before us. It is through this research that we can honor those who once toiled these lands, and carry their legacy with us for generations to come. 88

A variety of materials and resources were utilized to obtain the numerous documents and artifacts. A large portion of the results were secured from the Texas Digital Newspaper Program Collection in the Portal to Texas History Website.

Discussions: The research regarding this project is still ongoing, as there are finite details on the subject matter, but the details that have been uncovered so far have begun to illustrate the life of Col. Kirby and the enslaved persons on

Materials and Methods:

Asha Mahamud and Walle Engedayehu*, Marco Robinson Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

Introduction: The illustrious institution currently known as Prairie View

Kirby and discover more of his personal life, his childhood, his family life, among numerous other details.

Summary: Through this ongoing research, we have discovered new stories and narratives on those who once occupied the land we work in today.

As students and faculty of Prairie View, it is important for us to deeply understand the history behind the grounds we walk on, and appreciate and learn from those who were here before us. It is through this research that we can honor those who once toiled these lands, and carry their legacy with us for generations to come. 89

Another major contributor to the gathering of materials for this project is the PVAMU Special Collections and Archives Department. They were vital in the assistance and direction to source materials. Other data pieces were retrieved from dissertations, microfilms, and online resources.

Alta Vista. Through extensive digging, we were able to uncover details on the public life of Col. Kirby, his involvement with his county and state governments, and his participation and role in the Civil War. Details on his wives, children, enslaved persons, and the nature of Kirby’s death were also a part of the research results thus far. We aim to further dig into Col.

A&M University was established in 1876. Prior to this establishment, the very ground this institution is built on was once a plantation called Alta Vista Plantation, owned by a man named Jared Ellison Kirby. The same grounds that once enslaved African Americans into a lifetime of subjugation and brutality now educate and raise African Americans into the upper echelons of society. In this project, the history behind Col. Jared E. Kirby and who he was is thoroughly explored.

Col. Jared E. Kirby and the Alta Vista Plantation

References:

White, Frank E. “A History of the Territory that now Constitutes Waller County, Texas, From 1821 to 1884.” Master’s Thesis, University of Texas, 1936.

Texas Digital Newspaper Program in the Portal to Texas History. University of North Texas Libraries. https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/collections/TDNP Jackson, Charles Christopher. “Kirby, Jared E.” Handbook of Texas Online. February 15, 1995. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/kirby jared e McArthur, Judith N. “Kirby, Helen Marr Swearingen,” Handbook of Texas Online. September 2, 2020. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/kirby helen marr swearingen. The National Archives in Washington, DC; Washington, DC; Slave Manifests of Coastwise Vessels Filed at New Orleans, Louisiana, 1807 1860; Microfilm Serial: M1895; Microfilm Roll: 30 Marshal, John. “Runaway Negroes.” State Gazette, November 6, 1858, pg. 3, col. 3. Texas slave Schedules of 1850 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY DCNQ D4V?i=14&wc=MJCD 61Z%3A1042936601%2C1042941201%2C1042941202&cc=1420440 pages 15 and 16 90

The primary objective of the Disaster Apprenticeship Program (DAP) is to meet critical shortages of credentialed health care and human service workers. Participants will gain employment in assisting individuals, families, and groups with interventions to cope with acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses; conduct case management; patient education; and diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. W e ant ic ipat e t hat t he res u lt s w ill s ho w emerging needs within the wor kf o rc e. These may include: Need for universities to create and offer certifications to address COVID 19, significant economic impact and instability among service agencies, and identifying new medical technologies to address neurological issues that may be related to COVID 19 among long haulers. 91

Abstract: COVID 19 emerged from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and has spread to more than 170 countries in 6 months since it was detected. As of Oct 2021, there are more than 235 million confirmed cases and over 4.8 million deaths related to this coronavirus. Millions of patients recovered as health professionals continued to work on the front. Although the media focuses on stories told by doctors and Registered Nurses, medical teams are supported by skilled professionals, including medical social workers, certified nursing assistants, and medical technicians. This secondary support system is essential to health and human services. This study aimed to support the health and human service industry by recruiting, educating, training, and keeping a pipeline of qualified medical social workers, case managers, referral specialists, and community health professionals with certifications in occupations that support this disaster response.

Social Work is the profession that will help communities as we respond to emerging COVID 19 needs that are common during and after disasters, such as accessing health care, accurate public health information, and addressing increases in alcohol and substance use.

Disaster Apprenticeship Program Ana Coronado and Larry Hill* Department of Social Work, College of Arts and Sciences

Social Work is the profession that will support communities as we respond to emerging COVID 19 needs that are common during and after disasters, such as accessing health care2, accurate public health information3, and addressing increases in alcohol and substance use

. The primary objective of the Disaster Apprenticeship Program (DAP) is to meet critical shortages of credentialed health care and human service workers. Participants will gain employment in assisting individuals, families, and groups with interventions to cope with acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses; conduct case management; patient education; and diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. This proposal has two concrete goals: DAP Goal 1

1. As of Oct, 2021 there are more than 235 million confirmed cases and over 4.8 million deaths related to this coronavirus. Millions of patients recovered as health professionals continue to work on the frontlines. Although the media focuses on stories told by doctors and Registered Nurses, medical teams are supported by skilled professionals including medical social workers, certified nursing assistants, and medical technicians. This secondary support system is essential to health and human services. Our proposal aims to support the health and human service industry by recruiting, educating, training, and supporting a pipeline of qualified, medical social workers, case managers, referral specialists, and community health professionals, with certifications in occupations that support this disaster response.

Prepare youth to enter the post COVID 19 workforce with marketable skills and certifications to serve in medical and/or human service settings. RISE funding will support a pilot study to further determine the local need and community readiness to successfully execute the proposal.

Materials and Methods:

The study received approval from PVAMU Institutional Review Board (IRB Protocol 2021 043). A convenience sample of agencies currently working with the PVAMU Department of Social Work was surveyed between April and July 2021 to determine their COVID

19 response. This question had four domains: Behavioral Health, Medical, Administrative, and Technology Support. Discussion: Several types of services are offered including Educational Services, (n=11), Mental Health Counseling (n=10), Mentorship (n=9) Financial Support (n=8), Food Distribution/ Food Pantry (n=8), and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling (n=7). Most of the agencies served 500 or more clients within the past year. Less than half of the agencies surveyed were offering COVID 19 related services at the time of the survey. Of those that provided COVID 19 related services, they offered Access to Health (n=9), Offering Personal Protective Equipment to the community (n=8), 92

Introduction: The COVID 19 emerged from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and spread to more than 170 countries in 6 months since it was first detected

19 related needs. There were 17 agencies that responded. These agencies were in the greater Houston area (n=12) and surrounding cities (n=5). These include human service agencies and community health clinics.

Disaster Apprenticeship Program Ana Coronado and Larry Hill* Department of Social Work, College of Arts and Sciences

Basic demographic information was gathered for the agencies including name, location, populations serviced, and numbers of people served. In addition, researchers asked the types of COVID 19 related services that were offered. Researchers also asked what types of certifications and degrees were needed within the agencies during the COVID

3. Lowrey W, Evans W, Gower KK, et al. Effective media communication of disasters Pressing problems and recommendations. BMC Public Health. 2007; 7: 97.

; 5(11): 1 8.

4. Cepeda A, Valdez A, Kaplan C, et al. Patterns of substance use among hurricane Katrina evacuees in Houston Texas. Disasters. 2010; 34: 426 446. 93

Our preliminary findings shed light on the need for schools of social work to remain relevant to the changing needs of agencies during this COVID 19 pandemic. The interdisciplinary approach could be scaled up and implemented within the International Distance Learning Initiative (IDLI) that was initiated by the United Nations Development Programme. Our work was accepted for publication in journal with a respectable Impact Factor for social work (JIF 0.34). Hill L.E., Coronado, A., Ogunjimi, E. (2021). The Impact of COVID 19 on Human Service Agencies in Houston, Texas: A Preliminary Assessment and Emerging Opportunities. Journal of Medical Clinical Research & Review, 2021

Case Management (n=8), Financial Assistance (n=7), Psychoeducation/Awareness (n=7), and Telehealth (n=7).

2. Watson, J. T., Gayer, M., & Connolly, M. A. (2007). Epidemics after natural disasters. Emerging infectious diseases, 13(1), 1. doi: 10.3201/eid1301.060779

Conclusions: Our findings point to several areas that universities may want to explore as they consider ways to remain relevant during the COVID 19 pandemic. First, social work education programs and their internship placements can monitor the changing dynamics and needs within their partner agencies. Collectively, the findings point towards the need to embrace an interdisciplinary team approach to internships. We recommend universities and community partners consider moving from a single placement/single discipline approach to an interdisciplinary intern team approach.

References: 1. Dong E, Du H, Gardner L. An interactive web based dashboard to track COVID 19 in real time. Lancet Infect Dis. 2020; 20: 533 534. 2.

We developed a model for the reaction network of

Jordan Shaw, Kaylin Johnson, and Max Fontus*

Simulating T. brucei’s Superoxide Dismutase Pathway

of the SOD pathway revealed a lack of accounting in the literature for the Donnan equilibrium potential and its effects even in the absence of ATP powered pumps. Future work will involve the addition of this newer pathway to those already developed to elucidate more realistic and biochemically adapted trypanocidal targets.

Undergraduate Medical Academy, College of Arts and Science

Abstract: Trypanosoma brucei, T. brucei, is the causative agent for Human African trypanosomiasis, HAT. T. brucei possesses many unique characteristics. First, the parasite’s entire biochemical network comprises only five metabolic pathways. Secondly, T. brucei receives all its energy from glycolysis. This glycolysis cycle differs from other eukaryotes in that glycolysis is T. brucei’s sole ATP producing process. The parasite metabolizes the glucose readily available in the host’s bloodstream and converts it into pyruvate. This glycolysis is peculiar in that the first seven steps occur in the glycosomes, a part of the cell with functions like peroxisomes. Other eukaryotes carry out the entire process in the cell’s cytosol. This peculiarity makes T. brucei’s glycolysis mechanisms one of the main foci for drug target analysis. Third, T. brucei is equipped with four superoxide dismutases, all requiring an iron, Fe, metal cofactor. Superoxide dismutases, SODs, are antioxidants used in the parasite’s defense mechanism to rid themselves of radicals via dismutation of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen. This mechanism has also been the target of many drug treatments.

Introduction:

A, kinetics formalism and the most used and updated version of Michaelis

Methodology: The specific aim of this project was to develop a computer aided simulation for the reaction network of T. brucei’s superoxide dismutase pathway. In adapting a previously developed formalism, an electrophysiological metabolic simulator, to model this new pathway, our first goal was to mathematically compare and contrast our mass action kinetics solver against the readily accepted Michaelis Menten kinetics. Our second goal was to determine how and to what extent the advent of the explicit implementation of electromagnetic activities, specifically membrane potentials and voltages, complicate this model’s evaluation and calibration. We conducted a specific literature review about T. brucei’s superoxide dismutase pathway along with previous works by Dr. Fontus and others on T. brucei’s electrophysiological and metabolic networks. We received detailed instructions about Michaelis

Menten kinetics along with extended applications to reflect the many possible kinetic activities such as enzymatic inhibition and cooperativity. We obtained, via our literature review, the experimental values such as concentrations, in various compartments, of species involved in SOD pathway and the kinetics parameters such as reaction rate constants, Km, kcat, and equilibrium constants for SOD pathway’s reaction network. These values are crucial for the initial calibration and validation of our simulator

Jordan Shaw, Kaylin Johnson, and Max Fontus*

Menten kinetics in describing SOD’s reactions network. Our model’s evaluation and calibration of the SOD pathway revealed a lack of accounting in the literature for Donnan equilibrium potential and its effects on T. brucei’s membrane potential even in the absence of ATP powered pumps. We also believe that a sustained membrane potential like the one available in T. brucei should and will affect the regulatory activities of SOD. Future work will involve the addition of this newer pathway to those already simulated in hope of elucidating more realistic and biochemically adapted trypanocidal targets.

Undergraduate Medical Academy, College of Arts and Science

We were then exposed to and become acclimated with the actual software. We ran various system tests to increase our understanding and to quickly check the efficacy of our undergirded formalism. We constructed 95

Trypanosoma brucei, T. brucei, is the causative agent for Human African trypanosomiasis, HAT. T. brucei possesses many unique characteristics. First, the parasite’s entire biochemical network comprises only five metabolic pathways. Secondly, T. brucei receives all its energy from glycolysis. This glycolysis cycle differs from other eukaryotes in that glycolysis is T. brucei’s sole ATP producing process. The parasite metabolizes the glucose readily available in the host’s bloodstream and converts it into pyruvate. This glycolysis is peculiar in that the first seven steps occur in the glycosomes, a part of the cell with functions like peroxisomes. Other eukaryotes carry out the entire process in the cell’s cytosol. This peculiarity makes T. brucei’s glycolysis mechanisms one of the main foci for drug target analysis. Third, T. brucei is equipped with four superoxide dismutases, all requiring an iron, Fe, metal cofactor. Superoxide dismutases, SODs, are antioxidants used in the parasite’s defense mechanism to rid itself of radicals via dismutation of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen. This mechanism has also been the target of many drug treatments. We developed a model for the reaction network of T. brucei’s superoxide dismutase pathway by adapting a previously constructed electrophysiological metabolic simulator, to model this new pathway. We were able to mathematically identify points of agreement and divergence between our mass actions, M

Simulating Trypanosoma brucei’s Superoxide Dismutase Pathway

Menten, M M, and kinetics. Moreover, we believe that mass action kinetics will prove more useful than Michaelis

• Free Ligand Assumption, as a result of enzyme saturation, which leads to S0≫ E0 or kr ≫ kcat (2) Where S0 and E0 are the total concentrations of substrate and enzyme, respectively.

Rapid Equilibrium Assumption, which can be seen as a corollary of the first assumption, which leads to: ES = E0S0 / (S0 + KM) (3) Where KM is famous M M constant and has unit of concentration.

M kinetics.

state. This condition states that the relative change in the concentration of the substrate is negligible during the early stage of the enzymatic process.

Enzymatic scheme for M

•

• A study in nondimensionalization and time scale separation of the same scheme revealed that: M M kinetics “is a very special case of a more general representation of a simple enzymatic reaction as a network of ordinary differential equations”.

Replacing equation #3, we get Rate = Vmax[S] / ([S] + KM) (6)

Enzymatic Scheme for M M kinetics Scheme #1 �� + �� !! * !" ← �� !#$% * �� + �� (1)

input files specific to T. brucei’s SOD pathway and processed many simulations to generate our results. Discussion: Michaelis Menten Kinetics and Mass Action Kinetics

• Without getting into much mathematical details, it can be said that equation (3) is derived by assuming d(ES)/dt = 0 (5) that is the concentration of ES has momentarily achieved steady state, which means that it is no longer changing; but in the time scale separation formalism equation (5) stems from an optimization condition and is therefore more natural because it makes sense for the enzyme substrate complex to achieve its maximum value at some point during the enzymatic process since there is no complex to speak of at the beginning and ending of the process.

Where Vmax = kcat*[E]0, that is Vmax is the maximal rate of production of the enzymatic process. Equation #6 results from the above assumptions of M

• Finally, the rate of the reaction from scheme #1 is: Rate = kcat *[ES]

•

A kinetics Scheme #2 �� !& * ! 3 �� (7) Where k+ and k are the forward and reverse rates, respectively. 96

Where E, S, ES, and P are the concentrations of enzyme, substrate, enzyme substrate complex, and product, respectively. The conditions set forth whereby Michaelis Menten kinetics is valid are:

• (2) That same study derived a more refined condition: ��S/S0 ⋍ 1/S0 |dS/dt|max *��C << 1 (4) Where tC is the time it takes the concentration of ES to achieve steady

A kinetics to be valid is: Steps within the reaction network should be regarded as elementary and can therefore be combined to invoke a summary reaction. Rate = k+ [s] [1 (G / Keq)] (8)

The condition set forth for M

Fig. 1. This is a comparison of the cytoplasmic membrane potential when a certain species with microscale concentration cannot cross the membrane giving rise to Donnan equilibrium potential. There is a two orders of magnitude difference between the resulting membrane potentials when said species is able to cross, blue legend, versus when it cannot, red legend.

• With this, we arrive at:

Where Keq, the ratio of forward rate to reverse rate, is the equilibrium constant and Γ is the reaction quotient, i.e., [P]/[S]. Possible mechanistic details loss by lumping these reactions can be recovered from this step wise process and the estimated elementary rate constants and their calibration using the appropriate historical training datasets for parameter fitting. It must be stated that the more intricate and extensive the network the greater this loss and the harder it will be to recover these mechanistic details. However, our formalism’s ability to account for timescale differentiation reduces the impact of this loss on getting accurate results by helping with the error minimizing process during the calibration stage and during the simulation runs. Moreover, equation #6 can be recast in a format similar to equation #8, by making further assumption on the relationship between KM and S0 to ensure that the first order approximation of and/or perturbation makes sense.

Membrane Potential:

Based on our simulation results, we showed that experimental designs must account for Donnan potential because if unaccounted for the results will be inaccurate by almost two orders of magnitude as reflected in figure 1.

Second, the sodium/potassium pump has in effect a small contribution to the membrane potential; however, it is essential because it helps to maintain ion distributions. This distribution ultimately sustains the potential difference across the membrane, which can be seen by the time delay in the dissipation of the membrane potential in the presence of the pump in figures 2 and 3. 97

Fig. 3. This is a picture of the cytoplasmic membrane when no pump was available. This is essentially the same as figure 2 except for the time when the potential crosses the x axis which occurs a few hundred seconds earlier as expected due the absence a pump to slow down the dissipation of the potential.

Finally, the superoxide's dynamics will be affected by its ability to cross the membrane where the dismutase enzyme is located; moreover, the flow of electrons whether through an electron transport chain and/or through the flow of compounds will definitely be affected in a rather swift way as seen in figure 4. It is interesting that the overshoot of the potential correlates to that swift reaction from the superoxide. This seems to indicate that an increase in superoxide can result from a couple of things: an increase in an already positive membrane potential where the superoxide is located or a deleterious effect on the process of an electron transport chain. 98

Fig. 2. This shows the cytoplasmic membrane potential difference dissipating while ATP is being used and no mechanism is available to replenish. Hence, even though the K

+/Na+ contributes little, about 5 mv, to the overall potential

difference it functions to maintain the distribution of ions responsible for the potential difference.

M kinetics. We provided evidence that the membrane potential will affect the superoxide’s dynamics if it is able to cross the cellular membrane where the dismutase is located or if other metabolic activities interacting with the catalytic action of the enzyme involve charged species.

F., Teixeira, M., & Valentine J. S. (2014). Superoxide dismutases and superoxide reductases. Chem. Rev., 114(7), 3854 3918.

Fig. 4. The superoxide evolution strongly correlates to the evolution of the membrane potential.

2. Hanau S, d'Empaire LP, Capone I, Alberighi S, Montioli R, Dallocchio F. (2013). Evidence for dimer/tetramer equilibrium in Trypanosoma brucei 6 phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1834(12), 2647 52. 99

Augmenting the existing T. brucei metabolic network with this superoxide dismutase pathway will allow a more complete description of its biochemical network while providing a mechanism for early detection and a systematic process for acquiring and evaluating trypanocidal targets.

As long as the potential remained negative, the negatively charged superoxide decreased accordingly by leaving the cytosolic milieu. Conclusions: Parameters in the M

M kinetics can be difficult to measure during the enzymatic process and even in the case where this is easily obtainable the fact that this approach is truly a simple case of a more general process limits its efficacy once this small parametric range is no longer valid as is the situation for a lot of biochemical processes. Thus, a M

A kinetics augmented by a timescale differentiation accounting, will more likely to produce accurate results in parametric regimes beyond the scope of M

References:

1. Sheng, Y., Abreu, I. A., Cabelli, D. E., Maroney, M. J., Miller, A.

6. Navid, A. & Ortoleva, P. J. (2004) Simulated complex dynamics of glycolysis in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 228(4), 449 458.

3. Fontus, M. & Ortoleva, P. (2011). Electrometabolomic modeling of microbes: Applications in fuel cells and environement analysis. Journal of Biotech Research, 3, 37 50.

4. Chen, W., Niepel, M., & Sorger, P. K. (2010). Classic and contemporary approaches to modeling biochemical reactions. Gene & Development, 24, 1861 1875.

5. Rottenberg, H., Covian, R., & Trumpower, B. L. (2009). Membrane potential greatly enhances superoxide generation by the cytochrome bc1 complex reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles. The Journal of biological chemistry, 284(29), 19203 19210.

Ahmad, A., Shreif, Z., Stanley, F., Tuncay, K., Weitzke, E., Wu, L. C. (2003). The karyote physico chemical genomic, proteomic, metabolic cell modeling system. Omics: a journal of integrative biology, 7, 269 283. 100

7. Ortoleva, P., Berry, E. & Brun, Y., Fan, J., Fontus, M,, Hubbard, K., Jaqaman, K., Jarymowycz, L., Navid, A., Sayyed

101

Simulating T. brucei’s Superoxide Dismutase Pathway

Undergraduate Medical Academy, College of Arts and Science

Kaylin Johnson, Jordan Shaw, and Max Fontus*

T. brucei’s superoxide dismutase pathway by adapting our previously constructed formalism, an electrophysiological metabolic simulator, to model this new pathway. We were able to mathematically identify points of agreement and divergence between our mass action kinetics formalism and the most used and accepted version of the Michaelis Menten kinetics. Our model’s evaluation and calibration of the SOD pathway revealed a lack of accounting in the literature for the Donnan equilibrium potential and its effects even in the absence of ATP powered pumps. Future work will involve the addition of this newer pathway to those already developed to elucidate more realistic and biochemically adapted trypanocidal targets.

A, kinetics formalism and the most used and updated version of Michaelis

Menten, M M, and kinetics. Moreover, we believe that mass action kinetics will prove more useful than Michaelis

Undergraduate Medical Academy, College of Arts and Science

Kaylin Johnson, Jordan Shaw, and Max Fontus*

Simulating Trypanosoma brucei’s Superoxide Dismutase Pathway

Introduction:

input files specific to T. brucei’s SOD pathway and processed many simulations to generate our results. Discussion: Michaelis Menten Kinetics and Mass Action Kinetics

Replacing equation #3, we get Rate = Vmax[S] / ([S] + KM) (6)

Where E, S, ES, and P are the concentrations of enzyme, substrate, enzyme substrate complex, and product, respectively. The conditions set forth whereby Michaelis Menten kinetics is valid are:

Rapid Equilibrium Assumption, which can be seen as a corollary of the first assumption, which leads to: ES = E0S0 / (S0 + KM) (3) Where KM is famous M M constant and has unit of concentration.

Where S0 and E0 are the total concentrations of substrate and enzyme, respectively.

•

A kinetics Scheme #2 �� !& * ! 3 �� (7) Where k+ and k are the forward and reverse rates, respectively. 103

M kinetics.

state. This condition states that the relative change in the concentration of the substrate is negligible during the early stage of the enzymatic process.

Enzymatic scheme for M

• Finally, the rate of the reaction from scheme #1 is: Rate = kcat *[ES]

Where Vmax = kcat*[E]0, that is Vmax is the maximal rate of production of the enzymatic process. Equation #6 results from the above assumptions of M

Enzymatic Scheme for M M kinetics Scheme #1 �� + �� !! * !" ← �� !#$% * �� + �� (1)

•

• (2) That same study derived a more refined condition: ��S/S0 ⋍ 1/S0 |dS/dt|max *��C << 1 (4) Where tC is the time it takes the concentration of ES to achieve steady

• Free Ligand Assumption, as a result of enzyme saturation, which leads to S0≫ E0 or kr ≫ kcat (2)

The condition set forth for M

A kinetics to be valid is: Steps within the reaction network should be regarded as elementary and can therefore be combined to invoke a summary reaction. Rate = k+ [s] [1 (G / Keq)] (8)

Membrane Potential:

• With this, we arrive at:

difference it functions to maintain the distribution of ions responsible for the potential difference.

the potential difference across the membrane, which can be seen by the time delay in the dissipation of the membrane potential in the presence of the pump in figures 2 and 3. Fig. 2. This shows the cytoplasmic membrane potential difference dissipating while ATP is being used and no mechanism is available to replenish. Hence, even though the K+/Na+ contributes little, about

5 mv, to the overall potential

already positive membrane potential where the superoxide is located or a deleterious effect on the process of an electron transport chain. 105

phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1834(12), 2647 52. 106

As long as the potential remained negative, the negatively charged superoxide decreased accordingly by leaving the cytosolic milieu. Conclusions: Parameters in the M

References:

A kinetics augmented by a timescale differentiation accounting, will more likely to produce accurate results in parametric regimes beyond the scope of M

Fig. 4. The superoxide evolution strongly correlates to the evolution of the membrane potential.

1. Sheng, Y., Abreu, I. A., Cabelli, D. E., Maroney, M. J., Miller, A.

F., Teixeira, M., & Valentine J. S. (2014). Superoxide dismutases and superoxide reductases. Chem. Rev., 114(7), 3854 3918.

2. Hanau S, d'Empaire LP, Capone I, Alberighi S, Montioli R, Dallocchio F. (2013). Evidence for dimer/tetramer equilibrium in Trypanosoma brucei 6

4. Chen, W., Niepel, M., & Sorger, P. K. (2010). Classic and contemporary approaches to modeling biochemical reactions. Gene & Development, 24, 1861 1875.

7. Ortoleva, P., Berry, E. & Brun, Y., Fan, J., Fontus, M,, Hubbard, K., Jaqaman, K., Jarymowycz, L., Navid, A., Sayyed

6. Navid, A. & Ortoleva, P. J. (2004) Simulated complex dynamics of glycolysis in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 228(4), 449 458.

3. Fontus, M. & Ortoleva, P. (2011). Electrometabolomic modeling of microbes: Applications in fuel cells and environement analysis. Journal of Biotech Research, 3, 37 50.

Discussion: 3 D scaffolds with porous structure were successfully fabricated. The Chitosan scaffold had a water uptake of 2385.29%, Pectin 2044.17%, Gelatin 387.25 %. Scaffolds were immersed in a water bath at 37.5 (°C) to examine in vitro degradation. In tissue engineering, pectin generally acts as a matrix material (Eze et al., 2020). Polyurinates such as pectin have several advantages when they are used in tissue engineering such as the properties of biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity levels, antibacterial characteristics, and the polymer’s ability to promote controlled drug release. There are two main ways that interactions can occur between polysaccharides and compounds: (1) repulsion by steric exclusion and (2) attraction between the molecules (Lara Espinoza et al., 2018). Combined, chitosan and pectin create a polyelectrolyte complex that results in a scaffold with improved mechanical resistance, porous microstructures, swelling capacity, stabilized cross linking, and biocompatibility (Bombaldi de Souza et al., 2019). Porous pectin based tissue scaffolds are generally fabricated using standardized techniques such as freeze drying (Figure 1). Preliminary study on in vitro Human Skin Fibroblasts cell culture results confirmed that the scaffolds were non toxic to cells. Conclusions: Chitosan scaffolds had the highest water uptake properties than gelatin and pectin scaffolds. All three types of scaffolds retained their structural properties for more than 4 weeks. Scaffolds were non toxic to human cells. The results suggests that the scaffolds could be promising for tissue engineering application. 108

Melanie Hollis and Naznin Sultana

Materials and Methods: Chitosan, Gelatin and Pectin.

Chitosan with medium molecular weight (0.5 g), Pectin from citrus peel (Galacturonic acid > 74%), and Gelatin from bovine skin all from Sigma Aldrich. After weighing, each individual polymer was transferred to 3 separate beakers and 20 ml of 2% acetic acid was added to each beaker. The sample vials were transferred to a freezer with a temperature of 18 degrees celsius for two days.The samples were then placed into the freeze drying apparatus with a vacuum attachment.

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary approach that allows for biodegradable materials to combine with living cells to help restore damaged tissues and diseased organs. Tissue engineering scaffolds are 3D porous structures that are meant to be incubators for developing tissues. There is a great need for the development of suitable synthetic tissues that are biocompatible and biodegradable because of the limited availability of natural tissue grafts. Chitosan, Gelatin, and Pectin are biodegradable, biocompatible natural polymers that have been found to work better in tandem as tissue engineering scaffolds. The current research will focus on fabricating and evaluating natural polymer based scaffolds as a substitute for native injured tissues

Introduction:

Objective: The objective of this study was to fabricate and evaluate the structural and in vitro cell toxicity properties of the Chitosan, Pectin, and Gelatin scaffolds.

Undergraduate Medical Academy, College of Arts and Science

Biodegradable Polymer based Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Skin Regeneration

Figure 1. (a) 3D scaffolds; (b) SEM micrograph of scaffolds; (c) Water uptake properties of scaffolds; (d) Inverted microscope image of Cell scaffold interaction (c ) (d) 2385% 2044% 387% 1 2 3 UPTAKEWATER SCAFFOLD SAMPLES (1) CHITOSAN; (2) PECTIN; (3)GELATIN(a) (b) 109

Based Composite Materials: Beyond Food Texture. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 23(4), 942. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040942

References: Bombaldi de Souza, F. C., Bombaldi de Souza, R. F., Drouin, B., Mantovani, D., & Moraes, Â. M. (2019). Comparative study on complexes formed by chitosan and different polyanions: Potential of chitosan pectin biomaterials as scaffolds in tissue engineering.

International journal of biological macromolecules, 132, 178 189. Eze, A., Sultana, N., Daniels, D.E. (2020). Fabrication of Chitosan and Pectin based Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Organ Regeneration.

Journal of Science and Exploratory Studies, (Accepted) Lara Espinoza, C., Carvajal Millán, E., Balandrán Quintana, R., López Franco, Y., & Rascón Chu, A. (2018). Pectin and Pectin

Student: Melanie Hollis is a senior, majoring in Psychology, will be graduating in spring, 2022 Mentor: Dr. Naznin Sultana is a Research Scientist with a research interest in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. 110

111

The Chitosan scaffold produced had a water uptake of 2385.29%, Pectin 2044.17%, Gelatin 387.25 %. Scaffolds were immersed in a water bath at 37.5 (°C) to simulate the conditions of the human body. Conclusion: Further testing will focus on in vitro cell culture on the scaffolds to examine the cytotoxicity of the scaffolds to examine the potential application in skin tissue regeneration.

Keywords: Tissue Engineering, Chitosan, Pectin, Gelatin, Freeze drying

Fabrication and Characterization of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds Based on Chitosan, Pectin, and Gelatin for Tissue Regeneration

The objective of this study was to fabricate and evaluate the structural properties of the Chitosan, Pectin, and Gelatin scaffolds. 0.5 grams of Chitosan medium molecular weight Poly (D glucosamine), Pectin from the citrus peel (Galacturonic acid > 74%), and Gelatin from bovine skin all from Sigma Aldrich. After weighing, I transferred each polymer to 3 separate beakers and added 20 ml of 2% acetic acid to each beaker. The sample vials were transferred to a freezer with a temperature of 18 degrees celsius for two days. The samples were then placed into the freeze drying apparatus with a vacuum attachment.

Tissue engineering is a technique that allows biodegradable materials to combine with living cells to help restore damaged tissues and diseased organs. Tissue engineering scaffolds are 3D porous structures that are meant to be incubators for developing tissues. There is a great need for the development of suitable synthetic tissues that are biocompatible because of the limited availability of natural tissue grafts. Chitosan and Pectin have been found to work better in tandem as tissue engineering scaffolds. The current research will focus on fabricating and evaluating composite scaffolds as a substitute for natural tissues.

Melanie Hollis, Naznin Sultana, Ph.D. (Faculty Mentor)

112

Abstract:

Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University

The study will be presented at the Communications of the International Management Association Conference in Seattle Washington in October 2022.

113

Business

Jafin Khan and Emmanuel Opara*

alone computers, workstations, servers for network, etc. Intrusion Detection System [IDS], Wireshark, etc. will also be used. Identifying abnormal behaviors/patterns & finding best practices for mitigating the problem.

Department of Accounting, Finance, and Management Information System

The objective of this research is to identify and find solutions. System and network security challenges for smart cities in the rural area of Prairie View & surroundings. This study will investigate and collect data on the smart cities procedures, network resources, etc. from the mayor’s office and historical data. These include data on city stand

Security Challenges for Smart Cities in Rural Areas of Prairie View and Suburbs

College of Business Abstract: The Digital and media security view of a smart city identifies a holistic component of the security landscape within a smart city. These will pinpoint the security threats and provide insight into the digital investigation to protect the smart cities concept. Smart cities comprise diverse and interconnected network components that can be hacked & compromised by bad actors. These components include Smart Grids, Smart vehicles enabling the Internet of Things [IoT], the Cloud platform, etc.

Department of Accounting, Finance, and Management Information System, College of Business Abstract: The ecosystem is experiencing the dark side of digitalization in a manner that has never been seen before. “WannaCry” ransomware attack that recently struck the Colonial Pipeline and the cyber attack that hit the world’s largest meat supplier is just a preview of what’s to come. The dark side of enterprise digitalization has far reaching implications for individuals, organizations, governmental establishments, nation states, and society in general. The bad actors have exploited these threats by using ransomware as a tool for cyber attacks.

Exploring the State of Ransomware in 2021: An Analysis

This project will produce insight into the experiences of mid sized entities across the ecosystem. The study will explore the prevalence of attacks as well as the impact on enterprise systems and recommend best practices to minimize future attacks. The research methodology will be ethnographic research, based on historical data analysis as well as quantitative analysis based on the observations analyzed with descriptive statistics. Most of the study will explore the prevalence of ransomware attacks as well as the impact on enterprise systems and recommend best practices to minimize future attacks.

114

Maya Swaby Wallerson, and Emmanuel Opara*

Nachmias & Nachmias, 2008; Berger & Luckmann, 1966 for more).

Discussion: In progress Conclusion(s) or Summary: In progress 115

The Effects and Implications of COVID

Materials and Methods: This study will use a quantitative methodology using secondary data which are already available data statistics and focus on investigating and reviewing some of the unintended COVID 19 pandemic’s consequences in African countries between 2020 and 2021.

19 Pandemic in Developing and Underdeveloped Countries Worldwide Especially in Africa

Da’verick Hunt and Catherine Kisavi Atatah, Ph.D. Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education

This study will use a “Non Experimental Research” also known as “Descriptive Statistics” as a threshold in analyzing collected data above all this study will use “Social Construction of The Ideology of Reality Theory” as a lens of analysis (see Frankfort

Education

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate and review the effects and the implications of the COVID 19 pandemic in developing and underdeveloped countries, especially in African countries. African countries are very much classified as either underdeveloped, developing, or all of the above countries at all rates. This means that based on the worldwide classifications of these African countries, Africa has no first class countries for whatever reasons. As such, Africans are usually hit harder when it comes to any form of contagious transferrable diseases such as Ebola, Malaria, fever, and polio just to mention a few. According to information obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020; 2021), unintended consequences have plagued many minorities worldwide in different formats and Africa is not alone. As such, this study will focus on investigating and reviewing some of the unintended COVID 19 pandemic consequences in African countries between 2020 and 2021. Hypothesis: Hypothesis 1: H1 What are the relationships between COVID 19 pandemic effects on developing and underdeveloped countries in Africa? Hypothesis 2: H2: What are the relationships between tropically neglected diseases such as malaria/fever in dealing with COVID 19 pandemic effects in developing and underdeveloped countries in Africa?

Research methods in the social sciences (7th ed.). New York: Worth.

Frankfort Nachmias, C., & Nachmias, D. (2008).

References: Berger, P.L. & Luckmann, T. (1966). The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge. New York. Doubleday & Company; 1966 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Unintended Consequences of COVID 19 Mitigation Strategies https://search.legalboulevard.com/serp?q=Unintended+Consequences+of+COVID 19+Mitigation+Strategies&sc=YZTruafuO09o10

116

"Social Construction of The Ideology of Reality Theory" as a lens of analysis (see Frankfort

Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education

19 pandemic in Developing and

Underdeveloped Countries Worldwide Especially in Africa

117

Nachmias & Nachmias, 2008; Berger & Luckmann, 1966 for more). This study will enhance undergraduate students' skills in systematically investigating/exploring critical research issues/topics and publications processes. Undergraduates will strengthen their communication skills, be confident, and have global collaborative experiences to present their research outcomes to different audiences. The study results will contribute to the worldwide body of knowledge on COVID

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate and review the effects and the implications of the COVID 19 pandemic in developing and underdeveloped countries, especially in African countries. African countries are classified as either underdeveloped, producing, or all of the above countries at all rates. Based on the worldwide classifications of these African countries, Africa has no first class countries for whatever reasons. As such, Africans are usually hit harder when it comes to any form of contagious transferrable diseases such as Ebola, Malaria, fever, and polio, to mention a few. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020; 2021), unintended consequences have plagued many minorities worldwide in different formats, and Africa is not alone. As such, this study will focus on investigating and reviewing some of the unintended COVID 19 pandemic consequences in African countries between 2020 and 2021. This study will use a quantitative methodology using secondary data, which are already available, and focus on investigating and reviewing some of the unintended COVID 19 pandemic consequences in African countries between 2020 and 2021. This study will use a "Non Experimental Research," also known as "Descriptive Statistics," as a threshold for analyzing collected data. Above all, this study will use

Review of The Effects and the Implications of COVID

De’verick Hunt and Dr. Catherine Kisavi Atatah*

19. The public can access the publications, including the students, the school, the staff/faculty, and the state, national, and international organizations.

19 pandemic impact on the restaurant operation was conducted. Both male and female customers and restaurant managers were recruited to participate in this study. To be eligible, participants must meet the following criteria: 1) must be 18 years or older, and 2). eat out at least four times per month. Each interested participant was contacted with detailed information about the research purpose, procedure, and consent to participate in the study. Once consent and eligibility are obtained, we will ask the eligible participants to complete a google form online, which will be used as a screening tool and an instrument for demographic data.

Introduction: According to the National Restaurants Association, approximately 110,000 restaurants in the United States are temporarily or permanently closed in 2020. In early spring 2020, the CDC issued a federal mandate for social distancing and closure of most public places. As a result of these COVID 19 mandates. Many restaurants across the USA were closed. The restaurant industry's expected sales decreased by billions of dollars, illustrating the significant impact COVID 19 has had on this industry. In addition to restaurant closures, many people had to adjust to only takeout and delivery options for a period. Also, restaurants had to change their indoor layout to allow for social distance to take place. Nevertheless, we still are unfamiliar with the feelings and changes management and customers had to take to adjust to this global pandemic. The purpose of this study is to learn about COVID

19 Pandemic. Pathways Student Research Symposium Annual Conference. March 2022. 118

Imani Hurrington and Andrea McDonald Department of Health and Kinesiology, College Education

Findings and Discussion: One Hundred and twenty eight (N=128) restaurants were selected from 7 counties. Twenty six (26) restaurants were in 23 Sunnyside Harris County, 20 in Fort Bend, 19 in Grimes, 18 in Waller, 18 in Montgomery, 16 in Washington, and 11 in Austin. Some food items served were Pizza, tacos, burgers, and French fries. This study has a few limitations that are important to discuss. Although several restaurants were identified, the student researcher was unable to interview the managers because of time conflict and COVID

19 restrictions. Nonetheless, the student was able to analyze some of the data and gave presentations at TAMU Pathways Student Research Symposium Annual Conference in March 2022. The student also assisted with writing other abstracts. She was one of the outstanding undergraduate student research recipients. Please see the citations below.

Then eligible participants will be invited afterward to participate in a one hour one on one interview session via an online platform (WebEx or Zoom). We are anticipating analyzing the qualitative data (interview) using ATLAS TI and guided by Grounded theory and the phenomenological approach.

1. Hurrington I., McDonald, A., & *Ekezie, L. (2022). Food Options Available in Rural Communities During the First Phase of COVID

Restaurant Operations and Consumer Perceptions: An Assessment of COVID 19 Pandemic Impact

19 influences on restaurant menus and operations. Also, to explore how customers cope with the changes during the COVID 19 pandemic. Methods: Quantitative information about the COVID

2. Hurrington I., McDonald, A., & *Ekezie, L. (2022). College Student Perceptions about Preparedness and Support with Online Classes During the Time of COVID 19 Pandemic. Research Association of Minority Professors Annual Conference. February 2022.

4. Ekezie, L. Hurrington I., & McDonald, A., (2022). Facing the New Normal: College students' experience with the COVID

5. Ekezie, L. Hurrington I., & McDonald, A., (2022). Determinants of Physical Activity Regime During the Time of Lockdown among College Students. Pathways Student Research Symposium Annual Conference. March 2022.

2. Van der Horst, K., Brunner, T., & Siegrist, M. (2011). Ready meal consumption: Associations with weight status and cooking skills.

Reference:

Public Health Nutrition, 14(2), 239 245. doi:10.1017/S1368980010002624.

19 Pandemic. Research Association of Minority Professors Annual Conference. February 2022.

3. Hurrington I., McDonald, A., & *Ekezie, L. (2022). COVID

1. Ronto, R., Nanayakkara, J., Worsley, A., & Rathi, N. (2021). COVID 19 & culinary behaviors of Australian household food gatekeepers: A qualitative study. Appetite, 105598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2021.105598

3. Song, H. J., Yeon, J., & Lee, S. (2021). Impact of the COVID

19 Pandemic Impact on College Students Mental Health. Texas Public Health Association Annual Conference. May 2022.

19 pandemic: Evidence from the US restaurant industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 92, 102702. 119

Abstract: Healthy food choices and availabilities are essential within a community

. According to the literature, more than 60% of American families consumed their meals away from home. During the first quarter of 2020, the federal government implemented lockdowns and a social distancing mandate to reduce the spread of COVID

19 pandemic. 120

Conclusion: The current study found that the restaurants served foods that contained very high calories and were low in nutrients during the pandemic. More research is needed to understand the long term implication of foods available during the COVID

19 messages to customers. The data collected was entered into excel and analyzed for food options frequencies and the number of restaurants serving the same food options. A total of sixty two (N=62) restaurants were identified (Waller n=18, Montgomery n=18, and Sunnyside Harris county n=26). Most of the restaurants indicated operating on a reduced schedule and three stated closed due to the COVD 19 pandemic. The top 8 popular restaurants were McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, Subway, Domino’s

Rural Communities Food Options Available During the First Phase of COVID 19 Pandemic

19 throughout the USA. This directive causes many restaurants to operate at reduced hours or design new ways of servicing their customers. Little is known about how this change impacts the population, particularly those in rural communities. The purpose of this study is to explore the food options available in rural communities. This study explored the internet to identify restaurants located in Waller, Montgomery, and sections of Harris County (Sunnyside) for operating hours, the types of food served, and service options (delivery, pickup, or dine in). We first compiled a list of restaurants' names, addresses, types of food served, restaurants opening hours, and COVID

Imani Hurrington, Laura Ekezie, and Andrea McDonald Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education

Pizza, and Popeye’s. Sixteen percent of the restaurants served Burger, 16% sandwiches, 12% Seafood, 7% French fries, 10% pizza, and 9% salad.

Laura Ekezie and Andrea McDonald Department of Health and Kinesiology, College Education

2. Ekezie, L. Hurrington I., & McDonald, A., (2022). Determinants of Physical Activity Regime During the Time of Lockdown among College Students. Pathways Student Research Symposium Annual Conference. March 2022. 121

Engaging Undergraduate Students in Qualitative Data Analysis and Manuscript Writing

Results: The students who worked on this project gained qualitative research experiences such as conducting semi structured interviews, analyzing qualitative data using different approaches, abstract and manuscript writing, and presentation skills. The students managed to write 2 manuscripts that are currently under review. Also, she presented at the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP) and came second place in the undergraduate student competition. She presented a poster at the 2022 PVAMU Research & Innovation Week, Texas A&M Annual Symposium, and Texas Public Health Association conference. The presentation titled "COVID 19 Pandemic Impact on College Students' Mental Health." was selected as an oral special concurrent session at TPHA Conference. Below are the citations for our study:

Eight different techniques can be used to explore a qualitative phenomenon. These include grounded Theory, narrative inquiry, phenomenology, ethnography, case study, conversation analysis, discourse analysis, and oral history.

1. Ekezie, L. Hurrington I., & McDonald, A., (2022). Facing the New Normal: College students' experience with the COVID 19 Pandemic. Research Association of Minority Professors Annual Conference. February 2022.

Background: Qualitative research seeks to examine participants in their environment (Charmaz, 1990; Denzin & Lincoln, 2005) and is recognized as one of the most effective approaches to answering questions that cannot be answered through random sampling, probability testing, and other quantitative measures.

Although there are eight approaches to qualitative research, each technique has its central idea of understanding individual experiences and collecting empirical data. There are a few overarching collecting data principles such as interviews, documents, photographs, audio, and videos. However, interpretation of data varies across inquiry and utilize different approach for data analysis. Some studies may use induction and deductive reasoning, themes, categories, and pattern approaches to understand and report findings. Many undergraduate students have not exposed to these principles until graduate school. The overall goal of the proposal was to train undergraduate students to analyze qualitative data (grounded theory, phenomenology, and case study methods) and engage the student in manuscript writing.

Methods: Last school year, twenty four semi structured interviews were conducted under the “Measuring the Impact of Coronavirus among Students at a Historically Black College University (HBCU) in a Rural Area.” The undergraduate student was trained on how to apply different qualitative analyses using this data set. First, the student hand coded the data and develop a codebook using a line by line approach. Afterward, the students organized the data into different categories.

4. Hurrington I., McDonald, A., & *Ekezie, L. (2022). College Student Perceptions about Preparedness and Support with Online Classes During the Time of COVID 19 Pandemic. Research Association of Minority Professors Annual Conference. February 2022.

Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques: Sage Publications, Inc.

19 Pandemic. Pathways Student Research Symposium Annual Conference. March 2022.

3. Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. M. (1990).

5. Hurrington I., McDonald, A., & *Ekezie, L. (2022). Food Options Available in Rural Communities During the First Phase of COVID

3. Hurrington I., McDonald, A., & *Ekezie, L. (2022). COVID

19 Pandemic Impact on College Students' Mental Health. Texas Public Health Association Annual Conference. May 2022.

1. Charmaz, K. (1990). ‘Discovering’ chronic illness: using grounded Theory. Social science & medicine, 30(11), 1161 1172.

2. Glaser, B., & Strauss, A. (1967). The discovery grounded Theory: strategies for qualitative inquiry. Aldin, Chicago.

122

References

Factors Impacting Physical Activity Among College Students During the Time of COVID 19 Pandemic Laura Ekezie, Imani Harrington, Jaelen Howe and Andrea McDonald Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education

Abstract: Physical Activity is important for good health and health promotion, especially for college students. The current literature is showing that approximately 38% of college students participated in regular vigorous physical activity and 20% in moderate physical activities. Since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic and the lockdown restriction, many college students have changed their lifestyle and physical activity behavior. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of physical activity during the time of lockdown among college students. A qualitative approach was adopted to conduct this research. College students were recruited through posted flyers and social media (e.g., Twitter, Instagram). Eligibility criteria included adults who were at least 18 years old and pursuing a degree at a higher education Texas institution during the COVID 19 pandemic. We conducted semi structured interviews with 11 questions on Zoom. These questions seek to answer what are the determinants of physical activity during the COVID 19 lockdown. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyze using the Phenomenological approach. Fifteen (N=15) community college and university students (n=12 females, n=3 males) participated in the study. Their majors included health (20%), nutrition (40%), criminal justice (7%), nursing (13%), and kinesiology (20%). The majority of the students expressed that they did not exercise for several reasons such as depression, lack of motivation, and afraid of being around people. Some students who acknowledged exercising during the pandemic stated that they walk in their community park with friends and relatives. Their main motivation was health reasons and maintaining a daily routine. The finding from this study is helpful to understand the college students population’s physical activity behavior and provide data for future intervention implementation. Also, public health professionals and health educators may design programs to address obesity and other health

Socio Cultural Aspects of Exercise Identity Acceptance

related issues associated with physical inactivity.

Makayla Turner, Saabiraa Robinson, and Jasmine Hamilton* Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education

RISE Undergraduate Research Symposium: Exploratory Analysis of Prevalence Trend Data of BMI, Exercise, & Mental Health (poster presentation) Intersectionality describes the “interconnections and interdependencies between social categories and systems (Atewologun, 2018).” The development of intersectionality as a critical theory is credited to K. Crenshaw (1989) in which she explored the treatment of African American women in law through the duality of race and gender. Since this time, intersectionality has been used as a theoretical lens to examine simultaneous influences & mediating factors that guide human behavior. Recent studies have applied this theoretical framework to advance research beyond a linear approach. For example, body mass index (BMI) has been researched through psychosocial factors and eating behaviors (Pickett and McCoy, 2018), racial discrimination and education as predictors (Nelson et al., 2018), age and colorism (Hargrove, 2018), chronic stress (Pickett, McCoy, & Odetola, 2020), the influence of racial identity (Knox Kazimierczuk et al., 2018), and social cohesion (Cuevas et al., 2020). As part of a larger study to address similar concerns (i.e., examining the psychological and societal influences on Black women’s mental and physical well being), the initial phase of this research is to conduct an exploratory review of the prevalence of BMI, physical activity (exercise), and mental health. NASSS Conference Montreal 2022: ‘A Different World:’ Exploring Societal and Psychological Factors

RISE Undergraduate Research Symposium:

continue within their professions. This experience is not relegated to elite athletes but occur with a larger population of Black women who are participating in physical activities, including sport and exercise. This study seeks to advance the current literature on socio cultural aspects affecting Black women participating in physical activities. Anticipated results will illuminate key factors in identity navigation to provide information to combat socially perpetuated negative stereotypes of Black women within in physical activity and other aspects of life.

Mediating Identity (virtual/in person oral presentation)

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) database from the Centers for Disease 124

Methodology: A review of the literature on Black women in exercise and sport will be conducted since Title IX (1970s). Surveys will be given to black women ages 18 (college aged) and up. Validated questionnaires will be combined to evaluate the mediation of identity negotiation and athletic social behaviors. A regression analysis will be used to evaluate the variables social behavior (physical activity participation) and perceived social support (mental health) versus various forms of identity (i.e. exercise, athletic, gender, race/ethnicity, and sports fan).

Current data was available through the

Using the theoretical frameworks of Social Identity Theory and cultural competence, the influence of race/ethnicity, athletics, and gender/sex on social behaviors will be explored within Black women. Recently, the mental health concerns of athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have been highlighted. These women have had to navigate their identities and behaviors in order to continue within their professions. This experience is not relegated to elite athletes but occur with a larger population of Black women who are participating in physical activities, including sport and exercise.

NASSS Conference Montreal 2022:

NASSS Conference Montreal 2022: After the review of literature research focus has been redirected to social identities within black women in the sports and physical activity world; and based on social constructs, the exploration of societal and mental influences on black women's physical activity and athletic participation.

Discussion: RISE Undergraduate Research Symposium: Although recent research have begun to focus more on the needs and occurrences of African American/Black women, there are still areas in which this demographic are underrepresented. For example, according the BRFSS, mental health has been tracked since 2019. The focus on mental health has become more prevalent. Within sport, athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have been more outspoken regarding their mental health. Thus, the influence of mental health such as prevalence of anxiety, depression, and use of coping mechanisms will be a focus of future research.

A review of literature on women in exercise and sport.

References: 1. Centers for Disease Control. (2014, May 16). About BRFSS. https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/about/index.htm 125

Impact/Benefit: Saabiraa and Makayla were able to share their findings at local and international research conferences. Their research has generated interests from scholars globally. Thus they will be able to continue with work on the larger study and publish an article.

Control and Prevention (CDC). The BRFSS, established in 1984, is an annual telephone survey that collects data on health related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions and the use of preventive services. Data is collected from adults across all 50 states and three U.S. territories. For the purposes of this study, data was compiled from six southern states in the U.S.: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to show trends by age, race/ethnicity, and gender since 2018. These states have college athletic teams who are part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This was important because the larger study will include student athletes. Data was organized into charts and analyzed for trends and relationships amongst variables.

10. Pickett, S., McCoy, T.P., Odetola, L. (2020). The influence of chronic stress and emotions on eating behavior patterns and weight among young African American women. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 42(11), 894 902. 126

7. Nelson, D.S., Gerras, J.M., McGlumphy, K.C., Shaver, E.R., Gill, A.K., Kanneganti, K., 8. Ajibewa, T.A., & Hasson, R.E. (2018). Racial discrimination and low household education predict higher body mass index in African American youth. Childhood Obesity, 14(2), 114 121. 9. Pickett, S. & McCoy, T.P. (2018). Effect of psychosocial factors on eating behaviors and BMI among African American women.

4. Hargrove, T.W. (2018). BMI trajectories in adulthood: The intersection of skin color, gender, and age among African Americans.

Clinical Nursing Research, 27(8), 917 935.

3. social cohesion is associated with lower body mass index among African American adults, Preventive Medicine Reports 18, 101098.

2. Cuevas, A.G., Kawachi, I., Ortiz, K., Pena, M., Reitzel, L.R., & McNeil, L.H. (2020). Greater

Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 59(4), 501 519.

6. African American women and obesity through the prism of race. Health Education & Behavior, 45(3), 371 380.

5. Knox Kazimierczuk, F., Geller, K., Sellers, S., Baszile, D., & Smith Shockley, M. (2018).

Randi Raquel and Park Atatah* Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education

domestic violence at home during quarantines, preventable underage

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate and review the effects and the implications of the COVID

19 pandemic in developing and underdeveloped countries, especially in African countries. African countries are very much classified as either underdeveloped, developing, or all of the above countries at all rates. This means that based on the worldwide classifications of these African countries, Africa has no first class countries for whatever reasons. As such, Africans are usually more impacted when it comes to any form of contagious transferrable diseases such as Ebola, Malaria, fever, and polio just to mention a few. According to information obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020; 2021), unintended consequences have plagued many minorities worldwide in different formats and Africa is not alone. This study focused on investigating and reviewing some of the unintended COVID 19 pandemic’s consequences in African countries between 2020 and 2021. This study looked at the overall historic background and issues such as quarantine without any proactive interventions plans from the public health or public policies’ leaderships along with

Underdeveloped Countries Worldwide Especially in Africa

19 pandemic in Developing and

Review of The Effects and the Implications of COVID

pregnancies, poverties, unemployment, lack of public accessibilities and not to mention mental health implications and effects were fundamental due to COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 which were classified as unintended consequences that followed (see Anandappa et al., 2018; Atatah et al., 2016; Atatah et al., 2020; Atatah et al., 2021; Cordes & Castro, 2020; CDC, 2021 for more). This study used “Non Experimental Research” or “Descriptive Statistics” as a threshold in analyzing collected data; also, this study used “Social Construction of The Ideology of Reality Theory” as a lens of analysis (see Frankfort Nachmias & Nachmias, 2008; Berger & Luckmann, 1966 for more). Since this study is not completed yet, it will be hard to predict its evaluation and dissemination plans.

127

as a lens of analysis (see Frankfort Nachmias & Nachmias, 2008; Berger & Luckmann, 1966 for more).

Randi Raquel and Park Atatah* Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education

Underdeveloped Countries Worldwide Especially in Africa

Results and Discussion: In progress Impact/Benefit: In progress References: Anandappa, M., Boakye, E. A., Zeng, W., Rebmann, R., & Chang J. J. (2018) Racial disparities in vaccination for seasonal influenza in early childhood.

As such, Africans are usually hit harder when it comes to any form of contagious transferrable diseases such as Ebola, Malaria, fever, and polio just to mention a few. According to information obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020; 2021), unintended consequences have plagued many minorities worldwide in different formats and Africa is not alone. As such, this study will focus on investigating and reviewing some of the unintended COVID 19 pandemic consequences in African countries between 2020 and 2021.

19 pandemic in Developing and

Public Health Reports. 2018; 158:1 8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2018.01.030external icon Atatah, P.E., Kisavi Atatah, C. W. and Branch Vital, A. (2016) Classification: The Analyses of the Psychometric Performances’ Effects on the Special Needs Offenders Program. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 4, 198 216. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jss.2016.4502

Atatah et al. (2020). “Underlying Health Conditions Three” Analyses of Underlying Health Conditions Among Minorities’ Children in Southwest Houston, Texas and The Roles Parents Play to Complicate the Inabilities to Control Them. Available at http://www.ijahss.com/vol5 issue9.html 128

Review of The Effects and the Implications of COVID

A “Non Experimental Research” also known as “Descriptive Statistics” was used as a threshold in analyzing collected data and a “Social Construction of The Ideology of Reality Theory”

Methodology: This study used a quantitative methodology using secondary data which are already available data statistics and focuses on investigating and reviewing some of the unintended COVID 19 pandemic’s consequences in African countries between 2020 and 2021.

Coleman Jensen, A., Rabbitt, M. P., Gregory, C. A. & Singh, A. (2017). Household Food Insecurity in the United States in 2016.

Atatah et al. (2021). “Coronavirus COVID 19 Pandemic One” Globalization 4 Analyses of the Races Relationship Implications and Review of Vaccines‟ Confidences Levels Implications Among Blacks/African Americans in the US. Available at https://www.nairjc.com/assets/img/issue/IBYMFS_3uBcb8_wsEh22_XMKYV9_225095.pdf

USDA ERS Economic Research Report No. (ERR 237). 2017. Cordes, J. & Castro, M. C. (2020). Spatial Analysis of COVID 19 Clusters and Contextual Factors in New York City. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol. 2020; 34:100355. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.sste.2020.100355external icon Frankfort Nachmias, C., & Nachmias, D. (2008). Research methods in the social sciences (7th ed.). New York: Worth. 129

Berger, P.L. & Luckmann, T. (1966). The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge. New York. Doubleday & Company; 1966 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Unintended Consequences of COVID 19 Mitigation Strategies https://search.legalboulevard.com/serp?q=Unintended+Consequences+of+COVID 19+Mitigation+Strategies&sc=YZTruafuO09o10

Socio Cultural Aspects of Exercise Identity Acceptance

Saabiraa Robinson, Makayla Turner, and Jasmine Hamilton Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education

Using the theoretical frameworks of Social Identity Theory and cultural competence, the influence of race/ethnicity, athletics, and gender/sex on social behaviors will be explored within 130

Kazimierczuk et al., 2018), and social cohesion (Cuevas et al., 2020). As part of a larger study to address similar concerns (i.e., examining the psychological and societal influences on Black women’s mental and physical well being), the initial phase of this research is to conduct an exploratory review of the prevalence of BMI, physical activity (exercise), and mental health. NASSS Conference Montreal 2022: ‘A Different World:’ Exploring Societal and Psychological Factors Mediating Identity (virtual/in person oral presentation)

The original research project was segmented into phases to accommodate the level of research experience with the students. Both students were able to present in person and virtually at the RISE Undergraduate Symposium at PVAMU and the North Amercian Society for Sociology of Sport (NASSS) Annual Conference in Montreal, Canada in April. Below is the information from both presentations. Introduction: It is postulated the key to identity salience and navigation is acceptance. Using the theoretical frameworks of Social Identity Theory and cultural competence, the influence of race/ethnicity, athletics, and gender/sex on social behaviors will be explored within Black women. Recently, the mental health concerns of athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have been highlighted. These women have had to navigate their identities and behaviors in order to continue within their professions. This experience is not relegated to elite athletes but occur with a larger population of Black women who are participating in physical activities, including sport and exercise. This study seeks to advance the current literature on socio cultural aspects affecting Black women participating in physical activities. Anticipated results will illuminate key factors in identity navigation to provide information to combat socially perpetuated negative stereotypes of Black women within in physical activity and other aspects of life.

As part of a larger study, this presentation will focus on illuminating factors in identity navigation. The researchers seek to challenge the socially perpetuated negative stereotypes of Black women within in sport and physical activity from an HBCU perspective. Methodology: A review of the literature on Black women in exercise and sport will be conducted since Title IX (1970s). Surveys will be given to black women ages 18 (college aged) and up. Validated questionnaires will be combined to evaluate the mediation of identity negotiation and athletic social behaviors. A regression social behavior (physical activity participation) and perceived social support (mental health) versus various forms of identity (i.e. exercise, athletic, gender, race/ethnicity, and sports fan).

A review of literature on women in exercise and sport.

NASSS Conference Montreal 2022:

Impact/Benefit: 131

analysis will be used to evaluate the variables

Black women. Recently, the mental health concerns of athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have been highlighted. These women have had to navigate their identities and behaviors in order to continue within their professions. This experience is not relegated to elite athletes but occur with a larger population of Black women who are participating in physical activities, including sport and exercise.

Current data was available through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) database from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The BRFSS, established in 1984, is an annual telephone survey that collects data on health related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions and the use of preventive services. Data is collected from adults across all 50 states and three U.S. territories. For the purposes of this study, data was compiled from six southern states in the U.S.: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to show trends by age, race/ethnicity, and gender since 2018. These states have college athletic teams who are part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This was important because the larger study will include student athletes. Data was organized into charts and analyzed for trends and relationships amongst variables.

Keyword searches included: Black Women and social identity; college student athletes and identity development; mental and physical well being; HBCUs and athletes and mental/physical health; and other combinations of variables. These searches were completed using electronic data bases such Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, and EBSCO Host. Discussion: RISE Undergraduate Research Symposium: Although recent research have began to focus more on the needs and occurrences of African American/Black women, there are still areas in which this demographic are underrepresented. For example, according the BRFSS, mental health has been tracked since 2019. The focus on mental health has become more prevalent. Within sport, athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have been more outspoken regarding their mental health. Thus, the influence of mental health such as prevalence of anxiety, depression, and use of coping mechanisms will be a focus of future research.

RISE Undergraduate Research Symposium:

Saabiraa and Makayla were able to share their findings at local and international research conferences. Their research has generated interests from scholars globally. Thus they will be able to continue with work on the larger study and publish an article.

Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 59(4), 501 519. Knox Kazimierczuk, F., Geller, K., Sellers, S., Baszile, D., & Smith Shockley, M. (2018).

11. Centers for Disease Control. (2014, May 16). About BRFSS https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/about/index.htm

15. Racial discrimination and low household education predict higher body mass index in African American youth. Childhood Obesity, 14(2), 114 121. Pickett, S. & McCoy, T.P. (2018).

16. Effect of psychosocial factors on eating behaviors and BMI among African American women. Clinical Nursing Research, 27(8), 917 935. Pickett, S., McCoy, T.P., Odetola, L. (2020).

References:

Cuevas, A.G., Kawachi, I., Ortiz, K., Pena, M., Reitzel, L.R., & McNeil, L.H. (2020).

17. The influence of chronic stress and emotions on eating behavior patterns and weight among young African American women. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 42(11), 894 902. 132

13. BMI trajectories in adulthood: The intersection of skin color, gender, and age among African Americans.

14. African American women and obesity through the prism of race. Health Education & Behavior, 45(3), 371 380. Nelson, D.S., Gerras, J.M., McGlumphy, K.C., Shaver, E.R., Gill, A.K., Kanneganti, K., Ajibewa, T.A., & Hasson, R.E. (2018).

12. Greater social cohesion is associated with lower body mass index among African American adults, Preventive Medicine Reports 18, 101098. Hargrove, T.W. (2018).

Image analysis proved that the tablets maintained a consistent diameter. The drying method was changed to address the moisture issue, and several mold variations were made. The 3 D printed molds vastly improved the quality of tablets by providing each trial with similar tablets. 133

Abstract: Natural excipients have the potential to reduce adverse reactions in oral tablets. Previous laboratory research developed tablets in a powder bed wetted by liquid drops containing excipients. The 3D molds were used to prevent excipient spreading in the paracetamol (APAP) tablet bed. Research analysis requires tablets that are similar in size and shape. 3 D molds were designed to reduce irregularities.

Adonis T. Brooks, Nigel Brooks, Jr. and Sheena M. Reeves*, Y. Berenice Rincon Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

The 3 D molds were designed to contain 325 mg APAP powder and binder drops. The molds were made from a CAD (Computer aided design). Excipients included xanthan gum, pectin, and d sorbitol. Image Pro Premier software was used to measure area, axis major and minor, aspect ratio, diameter, and roundness. Tablets underwent compression testing using Shimadzu EZ SX compression analyzer.

Evaluation of Pectin, Xanthan Gum, and D

Sorbitol as Excipients in APAP Tablets

The tablets extracted from 3 D molds retained the shape after drying and resembled commercial 325 mg tablets. It is noted that for some excipients, the tablets retained moisture at higher concentrations. Compression test results showed a higher strength value for the d sorbitol tablets than xanthan gum or pectin.

The goal of this research is to determine the stability of APAP tablets using the molds and natural excipients by 1) creating tablets of similar size and shape, 2) designing a process to create more tablets faster, and 3) using less APAP and having less waste than the powder bed method.

Engineering

7000 respectively. Computational chemistry was done using General Atomic and Molecular Electronic Structure System (GAMESS), maintained by the Gordon research group at Iowa State University (Perri 2014). Using GAMESS, geometry optimization calculations were done under the 6

Discussion: Results from Dr. Reeves’s research group show that different natural excipients, and their concentration during tablet formulation effects the tablets physical properties. These properties include the tablets compressive strength, its friability, and the rate of dissolution. Sugars showed stronger compression and friability characteristics, while polysaccharides had longer dissolution rates. Fully synthetic PVP and PEG tablets showed stronger physical characteristics, then tablets with natural excipients. Figure 1 shows the electrostatic potential of APAP, D Sorbitol (DS), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Unfortunately, there was an error that occurred during APAP’s simulation, where the energy of the orbitals did not converge. However, it can be inferred that the benzene ring has the higher electrostatic potential than the rest of the molecule. 134

31G Basis Set, and the B3LYP Density Functional Theory (DFT).

Materials and Methods:

Introduction: Binder excipients used in pharmaceuticals are inactive ingredients that play a big role in drug formulations, and drug delivery system. Binders are crucial to the stability of the tablet, and the characteristics when delivered into the human body. Fully synthetic excipients including polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) that are commonly used in pharmaceuticals due to their performance and characteristics. While synthetic excipients are great tablet binders, they have a slow dissolution rate, reduced bioavailability due to their synthetic nature, and the potential to cause allergic reactions. Due to these limitations, natural excipients would be a great alternative due to their biocompatibility, although research is needed to identify natural excipients that can compete with synthetic excipients. Understanding the colloidal properties is important when understanding the characteristics of the tablet. Form 1 of paracetamol’s crystal structure lacks slip planes, which are responsible for plastic deformation and interparticulate bonding (H. Ahmed 2017). Electrostatic forces are important in the granulation process, and the addition of binder excipients alter the electrostatic forces during granulation. Leading to a different crystal structure of the granule at the end of granulation and the possibility of more slip planes. The purpose of this research is to create tablets using natural excipients with active ingredient paracetamol (APAP) through wet granulation and characterize the tablets for comparison with synthetic tablets, while also understanding the colloidal science responsible for the properties.

Development of Paracetamol Tablets through Wet Granulation and Structural Analysis Nigel Brooks Jr.1, Adonis Brooks2 and Sheena M. Reeves* Departments of 1Chemical Engineering and 2Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering

Dry APAP powder is sieved and placed into a cylindrical mold. After placement of the APAP, a liquid binder drops containing the excipient is placed on top of the APAP powder where it is left to dry in a desiccant cabinet. The liquid binder solutions are limited to one excipient. The resulting tablets were analyzed using image analysis, compression, friability, disintegration, and tablet structural analysis testing using Image Pro Premier Software, Shimadzu EZ SX, Sotax FT2, Agilent 100 Disintegration Apparatus, and Shimadzu XRD

Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. Vol 43. Pp 89 97, 2017. 2. Perri, M. J., and S. H. Weber. “Web

References: 1. H. Ahmed et al. “Relationship between mechanical properties and crystal structure in cocrystals and salt of paracetamol”.

Based Job Submission Interface for the GAMESS Computational Chemistry Program.” Journal of Chemical Education. Vol 91.12, pp 2206 2208. 2014. 3. Rhodes, Martin. Introduction to Particle Technology, Second Edition”.

Figure 1: Electrostatic potential for APAP (Left), D Sorbitol (Middle), and PVP (Right)

Summary: Previous research has shown that different excipients change the physical properties of the granule. Fully synthetic binders showed stronger physical properties, sugars had fast dissolution properties, and, overall, polysaccharides had slower dissolution. The resulting crystal structure from granulation is responsible for the physical properties of the granule and introducing granules with different electrostatic potential can play a large role in the final crystal structure. Simulation results show that different electrostatic potential can play a large role in the crystal structure when compared with compression and friability test. Future research includes how electrostatic potential can alter the crystal structure using XRD, further analysis of the simulation results, and analysis of other binder excipients.

John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 2008. 135

with pure APAP. Simulation also calculated the dipole movement of the molecules with DS being 4.57 Debye and PVP with 2.73 Debye.

DS has a higher electron density located at the oxygen atoms, while the PVP has a low electrostatic potential compared to DS. XRD samples were also taken of APAP granules that contained DS or PVP, as well as pure powders but the data must be analyzed to determine the crystal structure and compare them

Sorbitol as Excipients in APAP Tablets

D printed molds vastly improved the quality of tablets by providing each trial with similar tablets. The current mold design includes an updated method of removing the tablets from the mold.

D molds were designed. The goal of this research to determine the stability of APAP tablets using the molds and natural excipients by 1) creating the tablets of similar size and shape, 2) designing a process to create more tablets faster, and 3) using less APAP and having less waste than the powder bed method. Methodology: The 3 D molds were designed to contain 325 mg APAP powder and binder drops. The molds were made from a computer aided design (CAD) and printed using a Flashforge Guider II 3D printer.

SX compression tester. The granule was placed on a metal 118mm lower compression plate, while the compression rod consisted of a 30mm acrylic jig. The jig compressed the granule at a speed of 10 mm per minute. Friability testing is important to understand the breakage characteristics of the tablets. Testing was accomplished using the Sotax FT 2 where 10 granules are used per experiment.

136

Adonis T. Brooks and Sheena M. Reeves* Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

Friability testing operating conditions were at 10 rpm using 50, 100, and 150 total rotations. Results showed that pectin tablets brok immediately while xanthn gum tablets withstood 100 rotations before almost complete breakage at 150 rotations. The synthetic excipients and d sorbitol had breakage less than 10%. Ideally, good friability is less than 5%. An increase in excipient concentration significantly lowered the percent friability. Compression stress results proved that only d sorbitol had a stress value similar to the synthetic excipients.

Introduction: Natural excipients have the potential to reduce adverse reactions in oral tablets. Previous laboratory research developed tablets in a powder bed wetted by liquid drops containing excipients (Reeves 2021). 3D molds were designed and created to prevent excipient spreading in the paracetamol (APAP) tablet bed (Rincon 2022). Research analysis requires tablets that are similar in size and shape. To reduce irregularities, 3

After sieving, the granules underwent imaging analysis using Image Pro Premier software. The size of the granules were determined by measuring the diameter. Shape analysis was conducted using four primary parameters: area, diameter, aspect ratio, and roundness. Roundness determines if all points of a cross section are equidistant to a central point. This parameter is key in the design of pharmaceutical tablets in terms of storage and oral delivery. The software utilizes the following equation to determine roundness.

Evaluation of Pectin, Xanthan Gum, and D

Aspect ratio is another useful parameter that considers the longest length on a projection as the major axis and determines the minor axis that is perpendicular to this length. For a circular tablet, the major and minor axis should equal which results in an aspect ratio equal to 1.0. Compression test is important to understand the force and stress characteristics of the granules. Test were run using a Shimadzu EZ

Discussion: Image analysis proved that the tablets maintained a consistent diameter using the updated technique. Aspect ratio, diameter, and roundness values were similar at concentrations greater than 50%. To address the moisture issue, the drying method was changed to include an oven. In addition, several mold variations were made. The 3

References: Rincon, Y. B., & Reeves, S. M. (2022, March), “Design of 3D Printed Molds for Tablet Formation.” Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Gulf Southwest Annual Conference, Prairie View, Texas. https://peer.asee.org/39170

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Conclusion: The compression and friability information is useful in the pharmaceutical industry. Tablets must maintain integrity when shipped and transported. This research reviews important tablet properties such as strength, friability, and stress. The 3D molds reduced the amount of APAP required for each experiment.

Reeves, S. M., Jackson, J., and A. Lawal, “Characterization and surface impact of paracetamol granules formed by binder dropping,” Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 61, February 2021, 102153

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Abstract: The world is constantly changing, and it is vital to embrace and grow with the change. Additive manufacturing (AM), broadly known as

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Anh Nguyen and Nabila Shamim* Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

Design Optimization of 3D Printed ABS and PLA Scaffolds

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds were printed using FlashForge and Makerbot 3D printers, respectively. The printed parts were studied for lattice pore sizes, porosity, and surface volume ratio. The melting behavior of the commercially obtained ABS and PLA filaments was obtained using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Printing parameters were compared between the printers regarding scaffolds’ finished look.

The FlashForge printer provided a detailed look for the printed part compared to the Makerbot one. It was observed that raft was essential for parts removal after printing. The printing speed, number of shells, and layer height were also crucial to achieving the optimized structure. With DSC analysis, the glass transition of the given commercial PLA filament was 57°C and the melting temperature was 156°C. The structure dependence of PLA materials shows porosity of each design falls in the range of 0.43

The goal is to optimize the printing process to achieve the best outcomes and understand the knowledge of 3D printing and its properties.

0.50. The results suggest that a fundamental understanding of print parameters can produce an optimal design. The knowledge of printed parts benefits future success in advanced academia and industry. In the future, mechanical properties for different filaments in 3D printing will be investigated.

3D printing, transforms how products are designed, produced, and serviced. 3D printing is one of the key future technologies that will create design solutions based on specifications and constraints defined by engineers. This emerging technology can be used in numerous automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. Biocompatible thermoplastics for 3D printing can generate high resolution structures resembling tissue extracellular matrix. However, it is hard to predict the structural properties of 3D printe d parts due to the differences in printing materials and designs.

Materials and Methods:

An Effect of Printing Angles and Colors on Scaffold 3D Printing Process

Anh Nguyen and Nabila Shamim* Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects individuals and the health systems and economies (Qu et al., 2020). The injury causes a complete or incomplete loss of mobility and sensation, leading to paralysis. In an effort to help patients with SCI, many researchers have been working on numerous therapeutic strategies to reduce pains or be able to make some movements (Qu et al., 2020). Scaffolds, engineered materials for tissue regeneration and medicine delivery, are one of the strategies. 3D printing technology is used to make scaffolds, which are filaments extruded onto a platform layer by layer until a structure is formed. The materials used in 3D technology vary from metals and polymers to composites materials to biomaterials or food (Shahrubudin et al., 2019).

The widespread application of 3D printing using biocompatible polymers is one step closer to treating patients at a lower cost and lightweight platform. It is beneficial if the scaffold can degrade in the body. The materials are called bioink. However, due to the high price of the bioink, PLA can be an acceptable substitute for the ink because they are cousins. PLA is a corn based polymer, and it would cause fewer issues to the human body. In this project, commercialized 3D printing material PLA is used to print a specific design of a 5×5 Body Cubic scaffold. The primary purpose of this project is to determine the best printing parameters and understand the structural properties, such as the porosity of the parts. This research is the continuation of Fall 2021 on 3D printing scaffolds.

The water displacement method determined the porosity of black PLA and ABS scaffolds printed last semester. One design, 5x5 BC, was taken to determine the best position for printing a perfectly physical scaffold look with uniform pore size. The design was rotated at 45° along the y axis and added supports, as shown in Figure 1 below. Purple PLA filament was used to print with FlashForge Guider II printer to easily visualize the part.

Figure 11: Printing Position and Supports

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Conclusion: The 5×5 BC design was printed at an angle of 45° with added line

structured support. The printing process continued using the purple PLA filament with a FlashForge printer to obtain the best performance scaffold. Then the products are studied for the porosity and mechanical testing, including the impact of strength, hardness testing, or mechanical properties. References: 1. Qu, W, Tian, H, Ou, X et al. (2020). Polymer Based Scaffold Strategies for Spinal Cord Repair and Regeneration. Synthesis, Functionalization, and Clinical Translation of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2020.590549 2. N. Shahrubudina, T.C. Leea*, R. Ramlan, “An Overview on 3D Printing Technology: Technological, Materials, and Applications,”

Process Manufacturing, Vol. 35, pp. 1286 1296, 2019. 141

Discussion: The porosity of each design is shown in Table 1. Table 1: Porosity of Given Design (%) Filament 5x5 BC ABS 59.3 ± 0.005 PLA 46.2 ± 0.006

Our previous result shows Makerbot printed black PLA scaffolds have exceeded filament in between holes while black ABS filaments printed by Flashforge have a minimal amount of exceeded filament. Therefore, black ABS was used to print the scaffold due to its final physical look. However, it is not healthy if we imply the material and do animal testing on ABS. Therefore, the focus was back on PLA as the only material for the printing and testing process. At the same time, the purple color made the parts stand out clearer. Figure 2 is the purple scaffold printed by Flashforge with PLA filament. The final product looks cleaner compared to the black filament from the Makerbot. Compared to the black PLA scaffold printed by Makerbot, the purple PLA printed by Flashforge brought a clear look and left almost no exceed filament on the parts. Compared to the efficiency of the two printers, Flashforge was chosen to complete the research because of i filament. One drawback of the PLA filament in the Flashforge printer was the broken string if the filament was not continuously used, which meant we had to reload the filament through the extruder every time. So well prep obtain the best results.

[5]. The objective of this work is to conduct a quantitative mechanistic description of vascular transport of species in the cardiovascular system and assess numerically the pathophysiological effect of alteration in the fluid structure interaction of species transported. Digital Image and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) image (Computed Tomography Scan) for the gastrointestinal tract was obtained from the Cancer Imaging Archive and was imported into 3D slicer for abdominal unit segmentation. The segmented abdomen was exported into meshmixer (a mesh editing software) for smoothing and pre meshing. The pre meshed aorta brachiocephalic arteries object file was subsequently imported into FEBIO Software, a platform devoted to the numerical simulation of physiological processes in human system[6] [9]. A flow process scheme delineating the sequential stages in the geometry development of aorta brachiocephalic arteries from scan image to model image ready for simulation was presented. The simulation of species transport in the aorta brachiocephalic arteries channel was attempted but failed to converge due to limited memory capacity of the computer (32G RAM) to solve over a million equations generated from the finite element analysis of the meshed geometry.

The numerical experimentation work flow which stems from DICOM image segmentations, complex geometry development, meshing of complex human physiological structures and simulation of the physics of interest was presented. All stages in the workflow was completed except the simulation of the species transported in the aorta

• Numerical experimentation involves the use of computer and modeling software to perform experiments. This study will adopt three computational modelling platforms and one Database for digital image communication in medicine (DICOM)

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Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

Introduction: Human physiology is a complex network of systems and units meticulously design to function in unison and perpetuate innumerable operations needed to maintain body systems homeostasis [1], [2]. These physiological operations are initiated and sustained by proper functioning of the delivery system ((circulatory/cardiovascular system). The deliverables which include nutrients, electrolytes, gaseous species, hormones, cells, wastes are transported by blood, a complex fluid and transformed by interacting with one another and various organs, tissues and cells of interest along the pathway of flow[3]

Canidanan A. Coulibaly and Kazeem B. Olanrewaju*

Numerical Experimentation of the Bio

physicochemical Interaction of Species Transport in the

Cardiovascular System (Aorta and Brachiocephalic Arteries)

brachiocephalic arteries constrained by the insufficient random access memory of the computer. The simulation is briefly pending for now until research group acquired a high performance computer with about 192 G RAM that will get the job done Methodology: Digital Image and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) image (Computed Tomography Scan) for the gastrointestinal tract was obtained from the Cancer Imaging Archive and was imported into 3D slicer for abdominal unit segmentation. The segmented abdomen was exported into meshmixer, (a mesh editing software) for smoothing and pre meshing. The pre meshed aorta brachiocephalic arteries object file was subsequently imported into FEBIO Software, a platform devoted to the numerical simulation of physiological processes in human system.

Figure 1: Segmentation, pre meshing/meshing, modeling and simulation of the aorta and brachiocephalic arteries

•

• 3D Slicer is highly proficient in the segmentation of 3D image data (MRI, CT, micro CT, FIB SEM) into meshable geometry for Finite Element Model simulation

linear finite elements analysis of the various bio physicochemical and biomechanical mechanisms of the human physiological processes.

Structure Interactions. Number of equation to solve for the simulation is over 1.5 Million as a result large random access memory (>196 G RAM) is needed to solve these equations. However the available computer used in running this simulation has only 32 G RAM and as such the simulation failed to converge. Therefore the simulation is pending for now until research group acquired high performance computer that will be used in completing the job.

Impact/Benefit: Student was exposed to virtual segmentation of abdomen from DICOM images generated through scanning imaging device. Opportunity was also presented to enhance student skill set in numerical experimentation which include DICOM image segmentations, complex geometry 143

PRE-MESHING/MESH MODELING/SIMULATION

The database is the Cancer Imagine Archive with tons of Scan Image of the various anatomical structures from different medical imaging scanning machine

Discussion: DICOM Image imported into 3D Slicer were segmented to extract the Aorta and Brachiocephalic Arteries. After successful segmentation of the Aorta and Brachiocephalic Arteries using segmentation editor in the Slicer, it was imported as an STL file into meshmixer. Meshmixer is a powerful meshing tool that is very efficient in editing, sculpturing and analyzing STL file desired for 3D printing or Finite element or volume simulation. Meshmixer was used to further edit aorta and brachiocephalic arteries stl by applying significant amount of smoothing and extruding applications. This smoothing and remeshing in meshmixer is necessitated to avoid any inverted element or intersection problem when remeshing again in FEBIO for simulation.FEBIO import the STL object file prepared by Meshmixer for model definition and simulation of the species (oxygen, red blood cells etc.) transport and transformation in the aorta and brachiocephalic arteries.Simulation fail to converge due to computer’s low random access memory capacity (32 G). The Multiphysics involve in this simulation is Fluid

FEBIO software is design largely to conduct non

SEGMENTATION

• The three computational platforms, which include 3D Slicer, Meshmixer and FEBIO Studio, will be utilized sequentially for complex geometry development which largely involves segmentation of DICOM image, meshing of complex human physiological structures and simulation of the physics (modelling equations) of interest.

•

Encapsulation Technologies and Delivery Systems for Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals, N. Garti and D. J. McClements, Eds. 2012, Available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780857091246500020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857095909.1.19 [4] K. J. Ellis, "Human Body Composition: In Vivo Methods," Physiol. Rev., vol. 80, (2), pp. 649 680, 2000. Available: https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.2000.80.2.649. DOI: 10.1152/physrev.2000.80.2.649.

[6] S. Pieper, M. Halle and R. Kikinis, "3D slicer," in 2004, . DOI: 10.1109/ISBI.2004.1398617. [7] S. Pieper et al, "The NA MIC kit: ITK, VTK, pipelines, grids, and 3D slicer as an open platform for the medical image computing community," in 2006, DOI: 10.1109/ISBI.2006.1625012. [8] J. J. Shim et al, "A Formulation for fluid structure interactions in FEBIO using mixture theory," J. Biomech. Eng., vol. 141, (5), 2019. [9] R. Schmidt and K. Singh, "Meshmixer: An interface for rapid mesh composition," in ACM SIGGRAPH 2010 TalksAnonymous 2010. 144

[5] A. Klip and M. Pâquet R., "Glucose Transport and Glucose Transporters in Muscle and Their Metabolic Regulation," Diabetes Care, vol. 13, (3), pp. 228, 1990. Available: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/13/3/228.abstract. DOI: 10.2337/diacare.13.3.228.

development, meshing of complex human physiological structures and simulation of the physics of interest with finite element computational tool such as FEBio Software Studio. All stages in the numerical experimentation workflow were completed except the simulation of the species transported and transformed in the aorta brachiocephalic arteries channel due to low computer random access memory. The simulation is pending for now until research group acquired a high performance computer with about 192 G RAM that will be used to conduct the simulation. Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju is an Assistant Professor with

References: [1] (July 6). Study Guide to the Systems of the Body. Available: https://www.acls.net/study guide body systems.htm.

[3] M. A. Augustin and L. Sanguansri, "2 challenges in developing delivery systems for food additives, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements," in

[2] D. Ramsay and S. Woods, "Clarifying the Roles of Homeostasis and Allostasis in Physiological Regulation," Psychol. Rev., vol. 121, pp. 225 47, 2014. . DOI: 10.1037/a0035942.

A systematic numerical study of the vascular species transport in this work will create a platform to explore relevant homeostatic variables (pressure, temperature, and volume) consider as measurable predictors of the human health stability at any given time. This modeling approach can leverage our understanding of many pathophysiological conditions and provide systematic approach to developing diagnostic procedures and therapeutic prescriptions per disease of interest.

Abstract: Human physiology is a complex network of systems and units meticulously designed to function in unison and perpetuate innumerable operations needed to maintain body systems homeostasis. These physiological operations are initiated and sustained by proper functioning of the delivery system ((circulatory/cardiovascular system). The deliverables which include nutrients, electrolytes, gaseous species, hormones, cells, wastes are transported by blood, a complex fluid and transformed by interacting with one another and various organs, tissues and cells of interest along the pathway of flow. The objective of this work is to conduct a quantitative mechanistic description of vascular transport of species in the cardiovascular system and assess numerically the pathophysiological effect of alteration in the fluid structure interaction of species transported.

145

Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

This study will adopt several computational modelling platforms to conduct the numerical experimentation of bio physicochemical interaction of species delivery and disposal at the various sites in the circulatory (transportation) system. These computational platforms, which include Simpleware (Synopsys), 3D Slicer, FEBio Studio, Mesquite, and Comsol Multiphysics software, will be used for model generation and numerical simulation.

Numerical Experimentation of the Bio

Canidanan Coulibaly and Kazeem Olanrewaju*

Several flow parameters such as pressure profile, shear stress effect on the wall, viscosity and the velocity of flow which are good physiological functionality predictors will be evaluated to assess different scenarios that can lead to several pathological conditions of the cardiovascular system.

physicochemical Interaction of Species Transport in the Cardiovascular System

Thermodynamics and the Origin of Life

Doron Montgomery, Jose Adjibi, and Irvin W. Osborne Lee*

Introduction: The question of how life began is as elusive as it is interesting. It is clear that planet Earth is a living thing, being a habitat for a complex ecosystem with many and diverse constituents (Kleidon1). Much work has been done considering the chemical components necessary for life to begin and where those components originated (Ehrenfreund2) as well as the conditions needed for an origin of life event to occur. Yet an application of the 1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics cannot account for the occurrence of life and, in fact, would seem to argue against it. This study explores the most recently emerged principles of thermodynamics, such as the Maximum Entropy Production Principle (Lineweaver3) and Thermodynamic Inversion (Kompanichenko4) and applies these to explain and describe the sequence of events of the origin of life on this planet. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a narrative with accompanying illustrative support materials for effective instruction of the life processes, including emergence as well as its evolutionary trajectory Thermodynamics is an area of engineering science with wide ranging applicability and power to provide insight to real life situations and analytical capacity for solving problems of contemporary importance, such as climate change and solutions thereunto. Yet, there remain unanswered questions about the nature of life, how it began, and its future trajectory. We are to leveraging the tool of thermodynamics to address some of the crucial questions, with the goal of developing an effective strategy for teaching the next and future generations of engineers and scientists to comprehend enough about thermodynamics to think more clearly about life on the planet going forward. Methodology: This project combines research primarily through literature study in two lines of study with development of teaching strategies and materials with the goal of leading students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to understand the origin of life through the lens of thermodynamics principles. The two lines of study follow (1) the history of the cosmos from its beginning to the origin of life event and through present day and (2) thermodynamic principles going beyond the concepts traditionally taught in typical science and engineering programs. The work entails academic enquiry on the part of undergraduate research assistants as well as graduate research assistants led by a faculty research mentor. Work products will include conference presentations, publications, and course curriculum materials including syllabi, lesson plans, and teaching modules such as screen casts.

Prairie View A&M University

Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

Discussion: 146

8 minute nuggets of informations, according to the brain science of learning.

Naked Science Series: Birth of the Earth, 50

minute video last accessed 5/24/2022 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGKX3kFdZBU. Gives explanation with illustrations and demonstrations of how stars and planets form and how our planet came to develop life.

Goal 1: Understanding the cosmic timeline, toward developing a teaching strategy for learning cosmic history leading up to and since the origin of life event. Key references were found to be useful for laying out the sequence of events. Some are listed here with comments on their value.

•

Goal 3: Understanding the laws of thermodynamics, We extending the concept set from 1st Law and 2nd Law include irreversible thermodynamics, with consideration of the principle of maximum entropy production (MEPP), with a look at the proposed 4th Law by Jorgensenv as future work. We looked at the thermodynamic inversion with a different eye than Kompanichenko, incorporating his consideration of the balance between the growth of information to that of entropy, but refining the explanation of the concept accounting for the 147

member team: graduate researcher, undergraduate researcher, and faculty mentor. We each engaged in searching the literature and studying and reviewing the relevant articles that we uncovered. During our meetings we discussed and exchanged ideas based on what we had found. Highlights of our findings are summarized below.

minute video last accessed 5/24/2022 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdPzOWlLrbE. This is valuable as the core of an initial discussion about the origin of the universe and grand sequence of events, and sets the stage for questions about the origin life.

Throughout the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters, we met regularly as a 3

• National Geographic, The Whole History of the Earth and LIfe, 1 hour video last accessed 5/24/2022 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ4CUw9RcuA. This is documentary is a thorough account of events with excellent visualization to illustrate concepts. It will need to be divided into 5

National Geographic, Origins of the the Universe 101, 6

Goal 2: Understanding the origin of life event. We considered the thermodynamic inversion theory of Kompanichenkoi,ii and the theory on dissipative structures driven by UV spectrum of sunlight by Michaelianiii,iv, RNA World theories, and others, how to frame the discussion to generate possible explanations for the origin of life event. Article reviews were written and powerpoint presentations were created. Doron produced a presentation supporting a lecture on the role or UVC in the appearance of RNA on early Earth. Jose produced article reviews and presentations on subjects including the thermodynamic inversion theory of Kompanichenko.

•

relationship between information and entropy and incorporating the dependency of free energy on both entropy and enthalpy. The latter should aid in understanding the conditions for spontaneity of processes such as those leading to transformation from an abiotic system to a biotic (living) one.

Conclusions: Significant understanding has been advanced and a strong set of references have been developed, with some tools developed, including some lectures and a general course outline. A poster was presentated at Research Innovation Week and a manuscript is. S. Jørgensen and Y. Svirezhev, “Teleology and extreme principles: a tentative Fourth Law of Thermodynamics,” in Towards a Thermodynamic Theory for Ecological Systems, Pergamon ( 2004), pp. 301 323, ISBN 9780080441665. 148

(one course or a two course sequence) for instruction at the undergraduate level and also at the graduate level for teaching thermodynamics in the context of the origin of life question. Some progress was made toward this goal as we have a general outline for a proposed syllabus.

Goal 4: Develop curricula

Mohamed Akinotcho, Willie Conner, and Emmanuel Dada Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering,

Perspectives on End Game of COVID 19 Pandemic

Abstract: An overall long term approach for curtailing COVID 19 infections is presented. This strategy is overly focused on ensuring public health guidelines as it relates to COVID 19 are maintained. In particular, ensure they uphold hygiene, be vaccinated, and wear masks and gloves. Several possibilities as they relate to the end

19 startling statistics and its accompanying effects. The study then detailed each aspect of eradication, elimination, cohabitation, and conflagration related to covid 19 containment. Illustrations have been offered at each element to make the flow easy to discern and understand how it correlates with COVID 19 curtailment. This research provides an extensive review of eradication, elimination, cohabitation, and conflagration and how they relate to COVID 19, and how each can be considered as an end game to COVID 19 infections. 149

Abstract: The indisputable and widespread Coronavirus disease (COVID

Utomwen David Irabor and Nabila Shamim* Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

the key protective strategies to reduce the coronavirus spread and return to the norm is to wear facemasks. The purpose of this study is to experimentally characterize a commercial K95 and disposable nonsurgical masks (NSM) with electrospuned nanofiber membrane used as a filtration unit in a facial mask. The goal is to enhance the user's thermal comfort as heat generated from prolonged use causes fatigue, skin rash, and discomfort to an individual. The masks were modified using polycaprolactone nanofiber mesh to provide better thermal comfort and protection against coronavirus and compare the results with the commercially used KN95 and disposable masks.

The future goal of this work is to study composite layer based finite element simulation with transport properties and modify the mask with a nanofiber based face mask.

The IR transmittance rate of the filtration layers was investigated using the Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR). The higher IR transmittance shows an excellent cooling effect of body temperature for PCL nanofibers (85%) compared to nonsurgical (25%) and K95 (35%) masks. The mechanical strengths of the commercial and modified filtration layer show PCL membrane has adequate strength to withstand maximum inhale and exhale respiratory pressure. Therefore, face masks with better thermal management will be helpful for prolonged use and enhanced comfort.

19 has expeditiously taken the lives of innocent individuals. Combined with social distancing and quintessential hygiene habits, one of

19) has caused tremendous social life changes. COVID

Poly(ɛ caprolactone) Nanofiber Filter for better Thermal Comfort in Facemasks

150

Poly(ɛ caprolactone) Nanofiber Filter for better Thermal Comfort in Facemasks

19) has caused tremendous social life changes. COVID 19 has expeditiously taken the lives of innocent individuals. Combined with social distancing and quintessential hygiene habits, one of the vital protective strategies to reduce the coronavirus spread and return to the norm is to wear facemasks. This study aims to characterize a commercial K95 and disposable nonsurgical masks (NSM) with electrospuned nanofiber membrane used as a filtration layer in a facial mask. The goal is to enhance the user's thermal comfort as heat generated from prolonged use causes fatigue, skin rash, and discomfort to an individual.

35 °C because of the mean breath temperature is approximately 34.5 °C. Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) is a sampling technique used in conjunction with infrared spectroscopy, which enables samples to be examined directly in the solid state without further preparation. The Fourier Transform converts the detector output to an interpretable spectrum and generates spectra with patterns that provide structural insights. The ATR results show that the layers' chemical composition and transmittance percentage did not change throughout the temperature range of 25 °C to 35 °C. Similarly, no changes were observed for the PCL electrospun membrane as a function of temperature. This indicates that PCL is safe to use as a face mask, and the chemical composition of the face masks does not change as humans exhale. The strength of the protective layers for commercial face masks and PCL nanofiber was measured using the Shimadzu Compact Tabletop Testing Machine EZTest (EZ X Series) with a maximum 500 N load capacity and a crosshead speed range of 0.001 to 1000 mm/min. The tests were carried out at a 4 mm/min stretch rate.

Introduction: The indisputable and widespread Coronavirus disease (COVID

6010LA Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The infrared transmittance was measured by using Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR). The hydrophobicity of the nanofibers was measured by CAM Plus Optical Tensiometer to examine the contact angle between the surface of a selected mask. Finally, the tensile strength was measured using Shimadzu EZ

Utomwen David Irabor and Nabila Shamim* Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

Materials and Methods

: Facemasks generally are built with several layers of protection. In today's commercial masks, two common materials are melt blown material and non woven polypropylene. The K95 mask has three filtration layers, and the nonsurgical mask has one. The PCL nanofibers were fabricated at the University of Central Oklahoma and shipped to PVAMU for characterization. The morphology of the PCL nanofibers was observed using JEOL JSM

SX and a Vernier Caliper was used to measure the thickness of the protective layers. The ambient temperature and humidity were also recorded during the experiments.

Discussion: The ATR tests were carried out for protective filtration layers of K95, nonsurgical (NSM), and PCL nanofiber at a temperature range of 25 °C

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The engineering stress strain curve indicates that the PCL membrane's strength is higher than the protective layers in the other masks. From the stress strain diagram in figure 1, all layers of the facemasks, especially the PCL membrane, can withstand the respiratory pressure of the average user [1]. A CAM Plus optical Tensiometer with a 6x standard magnification used to measure the contact angle of protective layers of commercial masks and PCL nanofiber. The membranes were heated to 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C, and the resulting angle was the same after heating to different temperatures. The contact angle for the polycaprolactone membrane is 64°, while the nonsurgical mask, the droplet, gives a 104° angle. This result shows that the nonsurgical mask's hydrophobic behavior can cause humidity buildup by the wearer inside the mask. This humidity can be the breathing ground for bacteria, resulting in rash, discomfort, and fatigue [2].

Conclusion: In this study, the filtration layers of two commercial masks were compared with an electrospuned PCL nanofiber to provide better thermal comfort and flexibility. The chemical structures of all layers were investigated using an Infrared spectrometer. The result shows that PCL can transmit heat and give better thermal comfort. The tensile testing results show that the electrospuned fibers have adequate strength and stretching as a protective layer in facemasks. The contact angle showed that the NSM layer is hydrophobic, and the Polycaprolactone electro spun membrane allows adequate wetting. It reduces humidity in the mask and reduces transmission of coronavirus. References: “Anatomy and Physiology II.”

Figure 1: Stress Strain diagram for a) PCL, NSM and KN95 filtration layers

The Process of Breathing | Anatomy and Physiology II, Lumen Learning, https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny ap2/chapter/the process of breathing no content/ 152

Perspectives on End Game of COVID 19 Pandemic

Willie Conner, Mohamed Akinotcho, and Emmanuel Dada Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

game of COVID19 infections have also been proposed, which include: eradication, elimination, cohabitation, and conflagration. Although these measures are associated with some positive benefits towards COVID 19 containment, they have several discrepancies. These discrepancies overly revolve around the financial capability of making the programs a success. The study starts by describing the problem at hand, which is COVID 19 startling statistics and its accompanying effects. The study then detailed each aspect of eradication, elimination, cohabitation, and conflagration related to covid 19 containment. Illustrations have been offered at each element to make the flow easy to discern and understand how it correlates with COVID 19 curtailment. This research provides an extensive review about eradication, elimination, cohabitation, and conflagration and how they relate to COVID 19, and how each can be considered as an end game to COVID 19 infections. 153

Abstract: An overall long term approach for curtailing COVID 19 infections is presented. This strategy is overly focused on ensuring public health guidelines as it relates to COVID 19 is maintained. In particular, ensure they uphold hygiene, be vaccinated, and wear masks and gloves. Several possibilities as they relate to the end

hormonal mechanisms, gut regulators cellular mechanisms and pathways

which essentially consist of digestion, secretion, absorption, and motility and other supporting processes, such as non immunological defense operation, gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) mechanisms, neuro

are critical to the functionality, posterity, and operation of the GI system.

The objectives/goals of this work are to systematically elucidate the mechanisms of species interaction, transformation, and transport between various organs of the cardiovascular gastrointestinal system and conduct in silico multiscale modeling of species transport, transformation and interaction with structures at different physiological scales. This study will adopt several computational modelling platforms to conduct a multiscale modeling of species transport and transformation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These computational platforms, which include Simpleware (Synopsys), 3D Slicer, FEBio Studio, Mesquite, and Comsol Multiphysics software, will be used for model generation and numerical simulation. A flow process scheme delineating the different sequential stages in the gastrointestinal tract will be developed. The development of the schematic flow chart will be used as tools to quantitatively set up a numerical scheme needed to assess the various parameters for the physiological functionality of the GI tract and the pathophysiological effect if transp ort and transformation of species are altered. A clear analysis of species transport and transformation in the GI tract will be qualitatively explored. Numerical quantification of species transport and transformation mechanisms will be subsequently investigated through these modeling platforms. Insight gained will be utilized to understand range of gastrointestinal diseases, developed pertinent diagnostic procedures and proffer therapeutic measures needed to remedy its pathophysiological impact.

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Multiscale Modeling of Species Transport and Transformation in the Gastrointestinal System Zenab Coulibaly Diakite and Kazeem Olanrewaju* Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

Abstract: The Gastrointestinal system still remains, if not the leading system with the busiest metabolic activities and organs (e.g. liver), fraught with overwhelming biochemical reactions and biophysical interactions ranging from GI physiology, nutritional physiology, and hepatobiliary physiology. GI physiological processes

Zenab P. Coulibaly Diakite and Kazeem B. Olanrewaju* Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

. A flow scheme highlighting the sequential stages in the geometry development of esophagus abdomen from scan image to model image fitted for simulation was presented. The simulation of the motility of bolus and Chyme in the espophageal_abdominal tract was attempted but failed due to the limited memory capacity of the computer (22G RAM) to solve the number of equations (>500,000) generated from the finite element analysis of the meshed geometry. The modeling work flow which stems from DICOM image segmentations, complex geometry development, meshing of complex human physiological structures and simulation of the physics of interest was presented. All stages in the workflow was completed except the simulation of the species transported in the esophagus abdomen tract stifle by the inadequate random access memory of the computer. The simulation is momentarily on hold until research group acquired a high performance computer with about 192 G RAM that will complete the simulation Methodology: Digital Image and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) image (Computed Tomography Scan) for the gastrointestinal tract was obtained from the Cancer Imaging Archive and was imported into 3D slicer for abdominal unit segmentation. The segmented abdomen was exported into meshmixer, (a mesh editing software) for smoothing and pre meshing. Esophagus was subsequently coupled to the pre meshed gastric unit in the meshmixer. The pre meshed esophagus abdomen object file was subsequently imported into FEBIO Software, a platform devoted to the numerical simulation of physiological processes in human system. 155

[9]. The objectives/goals of this work are to systematically elucidate the mechanisms of species interaction, transformation, and transport between various organs of the cardiovascular gastrointestinal system and conduct in silico multiscale modeling of species transport, transformation and interaction with structures at different physiological scales. Digital Image and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) image (Computed Tomography Scan) for the gastrointestinal tract was obtained from the Cancer Imaging Archive and was imported into 3D slicer for abdominal unit segmentation[10], [11]. The segmented abdomen was exported into meshmixer, (mesh editing software) for smoothing and pre meshing. Esophagus was subsequently coupled to the pre meshed gastric unit in the meshmixer[12]. The pre meshed esophagus abdomen object file was subsequently imported into FEBIO Software, a platform devoted to the numerical simulation of physiological processes in human system[13]

Multiscale Modeling of Species Transport and Transformation in the Gastrointestinal System (Esophagus and Abdomen)

[4]. GI physiological processes which essentially consist of digestion, secretion, absorption, and motility and other supporting processes, such as non immunological defense operation, gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) mechanisms, neuro

Introduction: The Gastrointestinal system still remains, if not the leading system with the busiest metabolic activities and organs (e.g. liver), fraught with overwhelming biochemical reactions and biophysical interactions ranging from GI physiology, nutritional physiology, and hepatobiliary physiology[1]

hormonal mechanisms, gut regulators cellular mechanisms and pathways are critical to the functionality, posterity, and operation of the GI system[5]

• Numerical experimentation involves the use computer and modeling software to perform experiments. This study will adopt three computational modelling platforms and one Database for digital image communication in medicine (DICOM)

•

meshing/meshing, modeling and simulation of the esophagus and abdomen Impact/Benefit:

Student was exposed to virtual segmentation of abdomen from DICOM images generated through scanning imaging device. Opportunity was also presented to enhance student skill set in numerical experimentation which include DICOM image segmentations, complex geometry development, meshing of complex human physiological structures and simulation of the physics of interest with finite element computational tool such as FEBio Software Studio. All stages in the numerical experimentation workflow were completed except the simulation of the 156

• FEBIO software is design largely to conduct non linear finite elements analysis of the various bio physicochemical and biomechanical mechanisms of the human physiological processes.

•

SEGMENTATION

Figure 1: Segmentation, pre

Discussion: DICOM Image imported into 3D Slicer were segmented to extract the Abdomen. After successful segmentation of the Abdomen using segmentation editor in the Slicer, it was imported as an STL file into meshmixer. This is powerful mesh software that is very efficient in editing, sculpturing and analysis STL file desired for the 3D printing or Finite element or volume simulation. Meshmixer was used to generate esophagus adjoining to the abdomen. These combine anatomical structures were remeshed and smoothed to avoid any inverted element or intersection problem when remeshed again in FEBIO for simulation. FEBIO import the STL object file prepared by Meshmixer for model definition and simulation of the species (bolus_chyme) transport and transformation in the esophageal_abdominal tract. Simulation fails to converge due to low random access memory capacity of the personal computer. The Multiphysics involve in the simulation is Biphasic Fluid

PRE MESHING/MESH MODELING/SIMULATION

Structure Interactions. Number of equation to solve for the simulation is over 1 .5 Million. Large Random Access memory (>196 G RAM) is needed to solve these equations. The available computer used in running this simulation has only 22 G RAM and as such refused to converge. The simulation is pending for now until research group acquired high performance computer that will be used to complete the job.

The database is the Cancer Imagine Archive with tons of Scan Image of the various anatomical strcutures from different medical imaging scanning machine

3D Slicer is highly proficient in the segmentation of 3D image data (MRI, CT, micro CT, FIB SEM) into meshable geometry for Finite Element Model simulation

S. Jørgensen and Y. Svirezhev, “Teleology and extreme principles: a tentative Fourth Law of Thermodynamics,” in Towards a Thermodynamic Theory for Ecological Systems , Pergamon ( 2004), pp. 301 323, ISBN 9780080441665.

V. Kompanichenko, “Thermodynamic Inversion: Origin of Living Systems” Springer International Publishing (Cham, Switzerland, 2017).

V. Kompanichenko, “Rise of a Habitable Planet: Four Required Conditions for the Origin of Life in the Universe” Geosciences, vol. 9, no. 92 (2019).

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K. Michaelian, “Thermodynamic Dissipation Theory and the Origin and Evolution of LIfe, : Salient characteristics of RNA and DNA and other fundamental molecules suggest an origin of life driven by UV C light,” Self published. Printed by CreateSpace, Mexico City, ISBN: 9781541317482, DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3222.7443Heliyon, vol. 3 (2017), doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00424.

species transported and transformed in the esophagus_abdominal channel due to low computer random access memory. The simulation is pending for now until research group acquired a high performance computer with about 192 G RAM that will be used to conduct the simulation. . Kazeem Olanrewaju is an Assistant Professor with research interests in Fluid References:

K. Michaelian, “Microscopic dissipative structuring and proliferation at the origin of life,” Heliyon, vol. 3 (2017), doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00424.

Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering

Chancei White and Ahmed Ahmed*

Abstract: Internet of Things (IoT) integration is the concept of technology devices receiving and transferring valuable sensory data. IoT devices were created to improve efficiency and connect to network data without human intervention. IoT device deployments deliver data and insights needed to automate processes, meet regulatory needs, and compete more effectively in any given situation. This research studies the basics of working with an IoT device. Knowledgeable experience is gained in this experiment by learning how to create a home security webcam system with an android device. The objective of this study was to observe the relationship between uBeac and sensory devices like android. This research was designed to showcase the extensiveness of an IoT device and how it can be used. An android device was used to carry out this research. The android device had a valid Ip address that could be configured through uBeac, a digital integration and visualization platform. Results proved the Ip address configuration was a success and the webcam connection was secured. The webcam was able to be monitored through uBeac and presented good camera quality from a reasonable distance. In conclusion, this research exhibits the effectiveness of creating a home security feed using an accessible device like android.

158

Developing an IoT Camera System Using Android Phones

Raspberry Pi Camera Setup and Motor Testing

Materials and Methods:

I investigated the capabilities of two different Raspberry Pi’s for this project. The importance of this project was discovering the fundamental differences between the new devices and documenting my findings for future labs. This project investigates the concept of innovation in the Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

The hardware used in this project was entirely made up of extra Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless components. The Raspberry Pi v2.1 Camera Module was used for image and video testing. The external DC motors were used for a car chassis setup. And they were tested by using male to female wires and a breadboard.

Results and Discussion:

There was not enough time to investigate the issue further, and the materials required to properly test the motors were not available.

Conclusions:

After realizing the camera module that was given was not compatible with the zero wireless I continued with the project. The raspberry pi camera module installation went smoothly with the Pi 4. The DC motor testing and functionality, on the other hand, were inconclusive. The motors used could have been defective.

Overall, this project aided in understanding the fundamentals of the newly introduced devices. Despite the fact that the DC motors were defective, I learned how to test functionality and connect the wires. For the zero wireless, I searched up the proper camera module that would be compatible for image and video control. By learning how to set up the motors and camera module, you can combine these features to create a mobile car surveillance system

Chancei White and Ahmed Ahmed Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering

Introduction:

Chancei White is a senior, majoring in Computer Science with an interest in IoT Integration. Dr. Ahmed is an Assistant Professor with research interests in IoT and Sensor based System 159

Abstract: In the bitter polarization of American politics, college students in HBCUs have been, for the most part, left in the periphery despite strong interest in youth voting patterns amongst the general population. Along with elections, the death of George Floyd and the subsequent international protests by organizations such as Black Lives Matter have drawn national attention to the treatment of African Americans by the criminal justice actors in the system.

HBCU Student Perceptions of Police Trustworthiness, Court Procedural Fairness, and Political and Justice System Engagement

The following study will present the results of a study conducted in an HBCU in the southern region of the United States. University students in this particular HBCU have struggled for decades in fighting for voting rights and even access to the Supreme Court. It is crucial to address the perceptions and experiences of students who attend HBCUs because there is insufficient research on students who are Black and attend a predominantly Black institution. While it is helpful to include the perspective of all students from all universities’ attitudes toward their government and the criminal justice system, there is already abundant research dedicated to it.

Juvenile Justice and Psychology

Our goal for this study is to introduce the audience to a focused examination of perceptions of African American students at an HBCU. Our paper will assess perceptions of the American political and criminal justice systems and examine students’ willingness to engage in political and justice processes from the perspective of students in an HBCU. Knowing the reasons why students have a positive or negative perception of the police and justice system can lead to much needed reform and increase African American trust in the American government and justice systems. 160

Alaysia Tuiel, Zaria Bell and Quassini Nabil* Department of Justice, College of Juvenile Justice Studies

HBCU Student Perceptions of Police Trustworthiness, Court Procedural Fairness, and Political and Justice System Engagement

Alaysia Tuiel, Zaria Bell, and Quassini Nabil* Department of Justice, College of Juvenile Justice Studies

Methodology:

We issued an online survey at PVAMU to one hundred seventy six random college students in this study. This survey aimed to gather African American students’ perspectives on the U.S. justice and political system. All information gathered from participants in this study was confidential and voluntary. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the research project. Approximately ninety five percent (95%) of participants in this research study were African American females from the Houston metropolitan area. In this study, we looked closely at the current issues affecting the justice system, including racial disparities in policing, police use of force, and political participation. This research study addresses how college students feel about these topics within the U.S. political and criminal justice system. Based on the data gathered from this online survey, we will be able to determine how HBCU students perceive components of the justice system. Discussion: The survey examines perceptions and attitudes towards police, with about 47% of students agreeing that police officers can be corrupt, 41% remaining neutral, and 17% disagreeing with the question. The detailed questions allowed many of the students to reveal that they do not trust the police as they should due to factors such as police brutality and racism. 40% of HBCU students agreed that African Americans are treated worse than other ethnic groups, while 48% of students felt that the statement was sometimes true. Students were also asked if they believed that judges were honest in their decisions. 35% of students disagreed with the proposed question, while 21% agreed and the majority of the participants remained neutral when asked the question (42%). Students also demonstrate a lack of trust in police officers and the judicial system. Half of the participants believed that most cops are corrupt (52%), while 24% stayed neutral. Students either agreed or were unsure when asked if judges were honest. Participants, however, often believe that court proceedings are not as fair as they should be due to corrupt judges taking bribes and the 161

corresponds with feelings of mistrust and racial bias among law enforcement officers (Lloyd, Sim, Smalley Bernstein, & Hugenberg, 2020). African Americans have encountered many unjust experiences within the justice system compared to their White counterparts (Brunson, 2007). Wrongful convictions, police brutality, and unfair sentencing exemplify several negative experiences. The perspectives of African American youth are frequently overlooked when examining the opinions of the U.S. political and justice system. Pursuing the study of HBCU students’ perspectives on police and politics is imperative to gather first hand opinions from African American youth. Most African Americans view the U.S. justice and political system as racially biased and untrustworthy, causing an extreme racial divide between Black and White Americans (Lloyd, Sim, Smalley Bernstein, and Hugenberg, 2020). This quantitative research study observes the various attitudes of the current U.S. justice and political system from HBCU students’ viewpoints.

The study has shown that HBCU students negatively perceive the U.S. justice and political system. Research often underrepresents African American students in police trustworthiness and judicial system research. Students have fought for decades for school and community change. Although there is abundant research on college students’ perspectives, African American students are rarely the majority among participants. It is crucial to address the perceptions and experiences of students who attend HBCUs.When looking at the participants’ questionnaires, it can be concluded that PVAMU students do not trust the police and other professionals of the law. African Americans’ lack of faith in their government stems from generations of racism, police brutality, and other oppressive behavior. Although people of color face many adversities, they still believe that they can be the change they want to see. Our data indicates that students do not necessarily respect their law enforcement and judicial officials but fear what might happen if they do not obey these officials. There is a strained relationship between law enforcement and HBCU students that could mend with community service and outreach. Police officers could host community events to get to know the people they are meant to protect and serve. Future studies should focus on African American HBCU students’ perception of their local law enforcement professionals and gather data from African American students from different regions.

References: Lloyd, E. P., Sim, M., Smalley, E., Bernstein, M. J., & Hugenberg, K. (2020). Good cop, bad cop: Race based differences in mental representations of police. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 46(8), 1205 1218. Webb, P., Frame, K. & Marshall, P. (2018). Correlates of campus crime: An exploration of minority attitudes at an HBCU.

Conclusion/Summary:

Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice. 16.

Dr. Nabil Ouassini is a justice studies professor with research interests in reform, legitimacy, and criminal justice.

sentencing African Americans unfairly. Despite these negative perceptions, African Americans still choose to do their part as citizens by voting. In the statement “nothing will keep me from voting,” 43% of students agreed, while only 3% disagreed with the statement. HBCU students take voting seriously because they desire to see a change in their law officials. When asked if they would participate in jury duty, 83% of participants answered ‘yes’ and 11% answered ‘no.’ Data from the jury selection question could indicate that African American students are willing to be active citizens and positively change their environment. Our data likewise indicates that HBCU students still desire to be active citizens in their communities despite mostparticipants agreeing that African Americans are treated negatively by law enforcement and the justice system. Building trust with the community is fundamental to effective policing. Proper conduct by police improves community interactions, enhances communication, and promotes shared responsibility for addressing crime and disorder.

#1: Alaysia Tuiel is a graduating senior majoring in psychology.

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#2: Zaria Bell is a junior majoring in criminal justice

Parental modeling and peer influences in developing safe adolescent drivers Maya Hickey and Camille Gibson Department of Justice, College of Juvenile Justice Studies

The Findings offer points that may be emphasized in teen driver instruction in terms of 1) addressing negative messaging and peer influence, and 2) how to succeed at encouraging parents to model safe driving practices consistently. It is expected that as the driving behaviors that both parents and peers demonstrate as driving norms improve, the roads will become safer for all drivers, especially with the widespread use of in car technology to discourage distracted driving. 163

Abstract: This project addresses the question of how best to develop safe adolescent drivers. The question is important because over 38,000 persons die in automobile accidents in the United States each year while over 4 million others are seriously injured (ASIRT, 2022). Fifteen to 20 year olds make up 17% of distracted driver accidents and 8% of accident fatalities (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2021). This amounts to almost seven adolescents per day dying on US roads (CDC, 2020). The literature indicates that peers and parents are particularly influential on the driving practices that teen drivers employ. Teens tend to model behaviors that they observe and perceive to be the norm for their peers as opposed to what they are otherwise told are good driving practices.

Toward answering the question of developing safe teen drivers, a systematic literature review using the PRISMA 2020 checklist as a guide is presented of transportation and academic reports or bulletins based on empirical data for the past decade. Search terms included “peers and teen drivers”; “parents and teen drivers”; “adolescent drivers” and “teen driver safety”. A modeling or imitation theoretical framework was employed. Databases are specified, exclusion criteria are described and included studies are listed. The articles were examined for common messages across studies.

Objectives/Goals:

The impetus for this work comes from recent theoretical conclusions in the literature that young drivers are more likely to model observed driving behaviors that they come to perceive as normal or common among parents, and peers despite what has been taught to them as safe driving behavior.

Given that young persons are largely driven about by parents and guardians during their most impressionable stages of development, this effort focuses on improving the driving behaviors of parents, that young persons will often model later in life as new drivers. Thus, overall, the problem to be addressed is improving parents’ driving safety behaviors, so that when their children begin to drive, they will do likewise. The two research questions are: What safe driving behaviors need to be emphasized to parents and how, in order to build long term safe parent driving practices? How effective is the planned online training that will be designd as a result of this project?

Maya Hickey and Camille Gibson Department of Justice, College of Juvenile Justice Studies

This mixed methods study began with a systematic literature review to detail the best practices in parent driver safety instruction to inform an effort to create an online instructional video. The online asynchronous instruction will then be assessed using pre and post tests to ascertain the knowledge gained and the driving behaviors that are acquired and retained with an initial sample of 100 parents accessed through community partners in local middle and high schools. The post 164

Improving Teen Driver Safety Through Enhancing Parent Driving Behaviors

Materials and Method:

The larger societal goal of this project is to reduce accidents and deaths among new adolescent drivers in Texas. The more immediate goal is to improve parent driver safety behaviors. The objective is to: 1) design an effective online curriculum that reflects best practices for parents to model for their future adolescent drivers; 2) deliver this instruction via an online platform for parents of middle and high school students; 3) assess the effectiveness of the online parent driver safety training for impact on driving behaviors, a year, and two years later.

report engaging in a number of unsafe, largely distracted driving practices (texting, not using seatbelts, eating, etc.).

Introduction: Texas has the worst record in the United States for teen driver safety. AAA data for 2010 to 2019 indicate that Texas had the most teen fatality crashes in the nation (O’Brien, 2021). The modal causes were distracted driving and speeding. Nationwide persons 18 to 20 have the most crashes or near crash experiences (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2012). Fifteen to 20 year olds accounted for 17% of distracted driver crashes in 2019 and in 8% of these, there was a fatality (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2021). This project builds on a 2017 study by the researcher and her students on university students’ driving behaviors. The interest in the topic was as a result of the researcher’s university losing students each year to traffic fatalities. The previous study was to document university student’s driving behaviors to add local details to the rich national and state data on youth driving behaviors which are well established in the actuary science literature. From this work, the findings revealed that while young persons will often describe themselves as “good drivers” they will also self

tests will be done at three points: immediately after the training, a year later, and two years later.

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2021, April). Distracted driving 2019. Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813111

3. O’Brien, M. (2021, June). Texas leads nation in teen traffic deaths over the past decade. KBTN NBC News. Retrieved from https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/ texas leads nation in deaths caused by teen drivers/503 510a3b6a 95ca 44de b3db a9d83a29c447 165

These will involve an online survey and a focus group for insights on behavioral choices in driving.

Data will be analyzed for statistical significant differences in self reported driving behaviors.

References:

2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2021, April). Young drivers report the highest level of phone involveklement in crash or near crash incidences. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/811611

Results and Discussion:

youngdriversreport_ highestlevel_ phoneinvolvement.pdf

The fall and spring semesters were spent examining the literature on effective adult and adolescent driver instruction. A number of national and state studies in the past five years indicated a comprehensive approach for teen driver safety that includes graduated driving laws; required practice that includes road hazards; advanced driver assistance syatems; emphasizing proper vehicle maintenance; reducing distracted driving and care in preparing teen with disabilitities such as ADHD and autism for the roads. Based on this literature, a script was developed for a parent instructional video. In the spring semester, the video was produced and Institutional Review Board approval was received. Data collection on the video’s impact will begin summer 2022. Impact/Benefit: The systematic literature review paper was presented at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences national conference in Las Vegas, March 2022. It was also presented at Prairie View during Research Week and at the College of Juvenile Justice’s annual research symposium spring 2022. The article will be submitted for journal peer review summer 2022. Data collection on the parent instructional video will occur during the rest of 2022 for a second article submission and external grant solicitation in 2023. A paper on the effectiveness of the parent video has been proposed for presentation at the American Society of Criminology Conference in November 2022 in Atlanta. This effort is the start of a larger venture to save lives and improve road safety.

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HBCU Student Perceptions of Police Trustworthiness, Court Procedural Fairness, and Political and Justice System Engagement

Zaria Bell, Alaysia Tuiel, and Quassini Nabil* Department of Justice, College of Juvenile Justice Studies

HBCU Student Perceptions of Police Trustworthiness, Court Procedural Fairness, and Political and Justice System Engagement

Methodology:

We issued an online survey at PVAMU to one hundred seventy six random college students in this study. This survey aimed to gather African American students’ perspectives on the U.S. justice and political system. All information gathered from participants in this study was confidential and voluntary. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the research project. Approximately ninety five percent (95%) of participants in this research study were African American females from the Houston metropolitan area. In this study, we looked closely at the current issues affecting the justice system, including racial disparities in policing, police use of force, and political participation. This research study addresses how college students feel about these topics within the U.S. political and criminal justice system. Based on the data gathered from this online survey, we will be able to determine how HBCU students perceive components of the justice system. Discussion: The survey examines perceptions and attitudes towards police, with about 47% of students agreeing that police officers can be corrupt, 41% remaining neutral, and 17% disagreeing with the question. The detailed questions allowed many of the students to reveal that they do not trust the police as they should due to factors such as police brutality and racism. 40% of HBCU students agreed that African Americans are treated worse than other ethnic groups, while 48% of students felt that the statement was sometimes true. Students were also aske d if they believed that judges were honest in their decisions. 35% of students disagreed with the proposed question, while 21% agreed and the majority of the participants remained neutral when asked the question (42%). Students also demonstrate a lack of trust in police officers and the judicial system. Half of the participants believed that most cops are corrupt (52%), while 24% stayed neutral. Students either agreed or were unsure when asked if judges were honest. Participants, however, often believe that court proceedings are not as fair as they should be due to corrupt judges taking bribes and the 167

Introduction: Over the past several years, America has seen a drastic increase in racial disparities in policing. Specifically, the disproportionate police use of force between minorities and Whites. Research has shown that police use of force among minority populations corresponds with feelings of mistrust and racial bias among law enforcement officers (Lloyd, Sim, Smalley Bernstein, & Hugenberg, 2020). African Americans have encountered many unjust experiences within the justice system compared to their White counterparts (Brunson, 2007). Wrongful convictions, police brutality, and unfair sentencing exemplify several negative experiences. The perspectives of African American youth are frequently overlooked when examining the opinions of the U.S. political and justice system. Pursuing the study of HBCU students’ perspectives on police and politics is imperative to gather first hand opinions from African American youth. Most African Americans view the U.S. justice and political system as racially biased and untrustworthy, causing an extreme racial divide between Black and White Americans (Lloyd, Sim, Smalley Bernstein, and Hugenberg, 2020). This quantitative research study observes the various attitudes of the current U.S. justice and political system from HBCU students’ viewpoints.

Zaria Bell, Alaysia Tuiel, and Quassini Nabil* Department of Justice, College of Juvenile Justice Studies

Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice

168

Conclusion/Summary:

between law enforcement and HBCU students that could mend with community service and outreach. Police officers could host community events to get to know the people they are meant to protect and serve. Future studies should focus on African American HBCU students’ perception of their local law enforcement professionals and gather data from African American students from different regions. References: Lloyd, E. P., Sim, M., Smalley, E., Bernstein, M. J., & Hugenberg, K. (2020). Good cop, bad cop: Race based differences in mental representations of police. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 46(8), 1205 1218. Webb, P., Frame, K. & Marshall, P. (2018). Correlates of campus crime: An exploration of minority attitudes at an HBCU. . 16.

A Content Analysis of Boundary Crossing Behaviors and Reporting of Teacher Sexual Misconduct Cases

Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center and Department of Justice Studies, College of Juvenile Justice Abstract: In the United States, sexual misconduct perpetrated by teachers against their students is on the rise (Abbott, 2015). Approximately 10% of students experience some form of sexual misconduct by a school district employee (Department of Justice, 2017; 9.6% of all students’ 8th 11th grade Shakeshaft, 2004). Due to the obvious nature of the offense and mixed opinions toward such relationships, certain cases receive a great deal of media attention. This type of recognition, in combination with an upsurge in cases, has brought exposure to a need for clearer school district policy initiatives regarding appropriate relationships with students and for more targeted prevention and intervention programs. Throughout this study we un

dergo a content analysis of published media articles that covered 74 unique cases of teacher sexual misconduct with both 2018 2019. The purpose of the analysis was to assess the factors related to the initiation of the relationship and to determine if those coincide with anecdotal reports of ‘grey areas’ within school policies and guidelines (e.g., communication via social media). Our analysis also explores the characteristics of the teachers to evaluate whether there are patterns with boundaries crossing behaviors. Examples of boundaries coded include sending and receiving sexually explicit photographs, disclosing personal information atypical within teacher student communication, and occurrences where the teacher provided the student with alcohol or other illegal substances. This research also examines where the sexual misconduct was discovered and reported. Results from this research generate insight into how teacher sexual misconduct is initiated and discovered. The implications for policy reform, intervention, and prevention in school districts will be discussed. Between 2018 and 2019, there were 72 cases of teacher sexual assault reported in the media. The exchange of phone numbers and text messages with the student, as well as obtaining photos and offering the student drugs or alcohol, were the most typical "boundary crossing" actions. Sexual assaults were most commonly committed at school, at the teachers' homes, or at the schools' homes. When the student acknowledged or reported the relationship, the sexual assault was often discovered. According to recent research, educators face issues in managing appraise boundaries with their students when using mobile phones and the internet. While most ethics training advises teachers to avoid using these channels for personal communication outside of the classroom, few school districts' policies specify what they may or may not do. For preventative and intervention methods, it's critical to understand how these connections start. These findings can assist teachers, students, and parents be more aware of what to look for at the school district level, as well as inform school district policies. 169

Alexis Sparks, Precious Jones, and Kristan Russell*

Introduction: Teacher sexual misconduct has garnered increasing media interest in recent years. This is an important topic, like sexual abuse during youth can lead to many negative outcomes (e.g., reduced mental health). Most of what we know about teacher sexual misconduct and the reasons why these relationships take place comes from anecdotal reports. There are few empirical studies examining the causes of teacher sexual misconduct. However, we can learn a lot from the media's reports of these cases. The current study examines recent media coverage of teacher sexual misconduct to understand where boundaries are crossed. We also explored the characteristics of the teachers to evaluate whether there are patterns with boundary crossing behaviors. This research also examines where sexual misconduct was discovered and reported. Results from this research generate insight into how teacher sexual misconduct is initiated and discovered.

Impact/Benefit: 170

Teacher Sexual Misconduct in the Media: A Content Analysis of

Alexis Sparks and Kristan N. Russell*

12 teacher who perpetrated sexual misconduct against one or multiple students. Cases were included if the teacher was accused/charged for engaging in sexual intercourse with a student and the sexual interaction occurred prior to the student reaching 18 years of age.

Methodology: This study also looks at where sexual misconduct has been discovered and reported. Sending and receiving sexually explicit photographs, disclosing personal information unusual in teacher student communication, and instances where the teacher provided the student with alcohol or other illegal substances are examples of boundaries coded. Our investigation also looks into the characteristics of the teachers to see if there are any patterns with boundary crossing behaviors. Cases included in our analyses included those with a single K

Discussion: There were 72 cases of teacher sexual assault reported in the media between 2018 and 2019. The most common "boundary crossing" actions were the exchange of phone numbers and text messages with the student, as well as the acquisition of photos and the offer of drugs or alcohol to the student. The most common types of boundary crossing seen in these cases included texting the student, exchanging cell phone numbers, sharing photos digitally, friending the student on social media, and providing the student with illegal substances (drugs or alcohol). The average age of the student (victim) was 14.13, 60.66% were female. In 20% of the cases, the teacher sexually assaulted more than one student. Sexual assaults were most commonly committed at school, at the teachers' homes, or the students' homes. Teacher sexual misconduct was discovered through various mechanisms including the student themselves disclosing or reporting, another student finding out and reporting, another teacher discovering/suspecting and reporting, or the parents finding out through other means (e.g., going through phone).

Boundary Crossing Behaviors and Reporting

Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center and Department of Justice Studies,

College of Juvenile Justice

References: Henschel, M. M., & Grant, B. (2019). Exposing school employee sexual abuse and misconduct: Shedding light on a sensitive issue. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 28(1), 26 45. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2018.1483459

Russell, K. N., Burnham, M. B., Trescher, S., & Knoche, V. A. (in press). Nevada state school district level policies on student teacher relationships and ethics: Assessment and recommendations. Shakeshaft, C. (2004). Educator sexual misconduct: A synthesis of existing literature. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED483143.pdf

171

Future research should also assess how this influenced instructors' personal relationships with their students, as well as the difficulties they confronted once they returned to traditional in person learning.

These findings can help teachers, students, and parents understand what to look for at the school district level and can help inform school district policies. While most ethics training advises teachers to avoid using these channels for personal communication outside of the classroom, few school district policies specifically state what they may or may not do. It is not always clear how to manage boundaries online with students This is an issue given the increase in technology use in and out of the classroom. Our findings

suggest that online communication is a common area of boundary crossing in teacher sexual misconduct cases. Future research should examine the shift to online learning during COVID 19 and assess how this may affect boundary crossing behaviors.

Jada Turner and Kristan N. Russell* & Kjerstin Gruys

Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center and Department of Justice Studies, College of Juvenile Justice

How Do Weight and Gender Affect Perceptions of Educator Sexual Misconduct?

Abstract: Educator sexual misconduct in the United States is on the rise. Previous studies show certain traits of a perpetrator can affect perceptions of misconduct. Perceptions are important to consider as they may influence whether individuals report suspected educator sexual misconduct. For example, if the educator is considered attractive, people may perceive the misconduct as not serious and hesitate to report it. The purpose of the current study is to examine how people respond to a case based on the educator’s weight and gender.

In this qualitative study, participants will be recruited and asked screening questions online through Mturk™ then redirected to Qualtrics.

The study will include 350 participants. The survey is an embedded experiment using newspaper articles including manipulated photos of both genders appearing either average weight or overweight. The respondents will be asked questions about their perception of the case. Data collection is currently in progress. We are measuring 10 outcomes using scales which include: physical effects on the student, recommended punishment, educator responsibility, perceived maturity of the student, psychological issues of the student, defining/labeling inappropriate, perceived normalcy/acceptability, sexual effects on the student, and sexual attraction to teens. We also adapted a scale measuring the general attitudes toward educator student sexual relationships. Respondents will also answer several sentencing related items. We expect people will view the case and recommend sentencing more negatively if the educator is considered overweight. We also suspect that weight will matter more in perceptions of women than men. We anticipated our findings to be consistent with previous literature with respondents holding more stigmatizing perceptions toward males or negative toward overweight perpetrators. 172

College of Juvenile Justice

Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center and Department of Justice Studies,

Introduction: Educator sexual misconduct in the United States is on the rise. Previous studies show gender, age, and certain physical traits of the perpetrator can affect perceptions of misconduct, sentencing, and reporting. For example, if the educator is deemed attractive, people may be less likely to perceive the misconduct as serious or traumatic, the victim may be less likely to report, and the educator may receive more lenient sentencing.

Data collection is still in progress, but we expect people

Jada Turner and Kristan N. Russell*

How Do Weight and Gender Affect Perceptions of Educator Sexual Misconduct?

Researchers have identified that gender also impacts individuals’ perceptions, with female teachers who have had sex with their male students as being an ‘illicit affair’ from ‘misguided women’ who have made ‘mistakes’ (Frei, 2008). Studies show females, when perceived as being attractive, were given lighter punishments and more compassion towards judgements compared to male (Mackelprang & Becker, 2017). Similarly, an Implicit Association Test (IAT) study recently showed people overweight are perceived less positively as people associate ‘thin people’ with ‘pleasant’ and ‘overweight people’ with ‘unpleasant’ (Wang et al, 2003) and we suspect this may factor into how teacher student misconduct cases are perceived. The purpose of the current study is to examine how people respond to a case of educator misconduct based on the educator’s weight and gender. This study is an extension of a study previously published by Dr. Russell and Dr. Gruys, titled How Do Gender, Sexuality, and Age Impact Perceptions of Teacher Sexual Misconduct? An Intersectional Vignette Based Study. Methodology: The study will be conducted online with at least 350 participants. Respondents will be recruited through Mturk™ then redirected to the Qualtrics platform. The respondents will be asked a series of screening items to ensure that they are over the age of 18 and a U.S. citizen. The survey will include an embedded experiment using newspaper articles which include photos that have been digitally manipulated of both men and women that were rated in a pilot study as appearing either average weight or overweight. After reading the newspaper articles, the respondents will be asked a series of questions on their perception of the case. We used 10 scales to measure these perceptions which include: (1) psychological/physical effects on the student, (2) recommended legal involvement and punishment, (3) educator responsibility, (4) perceived maturity and responsibility of student, (5) psychological issues of student as perceived contributing factors, (6) defining and labeling the experience as inappropriate, (7) perceived normalcy/acceptability, (8) sexual effects on the student, and (9) sexual attraction to teens. We also adapted a scale which measured (10) the general attitudes about educator student sexual relationships. Respondents will also answer a series of items relating to sentencing.

Results: We are awaiting external IRB approvals. will view the case more negatively if the educator overall is rated as overweight compared to 173

Impact/Benefit: Perceptions are important to consider as they may influence whether individuals report suspected educator sexual misconduct. Perceptions may also contribute to experiences of stigma, further influencing victim disclosure. Study findings will help us to inform educators and justice professionals regarding these potential biases.

References: Frei, A. (2008). Editorial: Media Consideration of Sex Offenders: How Community Response Shapes a Gendered Perspective. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 52(5), 495 498. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X08323453

Mackelprang, E., & Becker, J. V. (2017). Beauty and The Eye of The Beholder: Gender and Attractiveness Affect Judgments in Teacher Sex Offense Cases. Sexual Abuse, 29(4), 375 395. https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063215597646

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Wang, S. S., Brownell, K. D., & Wadden, T. A. (2004). The Influence of The Stigma of Obesity on Overweight Individuals. International Journal of Obesity, 28(10), 1333 1337. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802730

Russell, K. N., & Gruys, K. (2022). How Do Gender, Sexuality, and Age Impact Perceptions of Teacher Sexual Misconduct? An Intersectional Vignette Based Study. Feminist Criminology, 17(1), 75 95. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557085121998748

normal weight. We expect the educator’s weight will impact recommendations for sentencing as well. We also suspect that weight and gender will interact, such that weight will matter more in perceptions of women than men. We anticipated our findings to be consistent with previous literature on perceptions of general sexual abuse with respondents holding more negative or stigmatizing perceptions toward males, homosexual pairings, or overweight perpetrators in teacher sexual misconduct cases.

Lastly the relationships have had to occur in the United States resolved/sentenced between January 2018 to December 2019.

Discussion: N/A we are finalizing coding/analyses now.

• Is age of the teacher related to which “boundary crossing factors” are present?

o Sharing Personal Information (e.g., Teacher telling student about their relationship issues)

• In what percentage of teacher student sexual assault cases are the following “boundary

College of Juvenile Justice

o Electronic Communication o Social Media o

Precious Jones and Kristan Rusell*

In our research we looked at cases with only one teacher and these teachers must be teaching the grades between kindergarten and twelfth grade. In the study the teachers must have had a intercourse/sex (rape) and the sexual contact had to begin prior to the student bein g the age of 18.

Providing Student with Drugs/Alcohol

Examination of Teacher Sexual Misconduct Initiation and Boundary Crossing Behaviors Using Content Analysis

Introduction: When it comes to research, we frequently recommend anecdotal evidence and media stories on teachers who have sexual relationships with their students, as well as the reasons why teachers interact in personal relationships with their students or even violate boundaries with students. Due to the fact that there's not much actual research evidence on teacher student relationships. We conducted research using an existing database, in which the researchers coded variables using Lexis Nexis cases.

175

*Poster accepted at ACJS in March 2021 and thus, we will finalize the results/conclusions soon to ensure we are prepared for the upcoming conferences.

Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center and Department of Justice Studies,

Materials and Methods: crossing factors” present? Having Students in Teacher’s Personal Vehicle

• Are there any significant differences between Teacher genders regarding which “boundary crossing factors” are present?

Student Being in Teacher’s Home

Conclusions N/A we are finalizing coding/analyses now.

176

Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center and Justice Studies Department,

Because there's not much actual research evidence on teacher student relationships, we conducted research using an existing database, in which the researchers coded variables using Lexis Nexis cases. In our study, we looked at cases with only one teacher, and these teachers must be teaching the grades between kindergarten and twelfth grade. In the study, the teachers must have had intercourse/sex (rape), and the sexual contact had to begin before the student was 18. Lastly, the relationships have occurred in the United States were resolved/sentenced between January 2018 and December 2019.

When it comes to research, we frequently recommend anecdotal evidence and media stories on teachers who have sexual relationships with their students, as well as the reasons why teachers interact in personal relationships with their students or even violate boundaries with students.

Precious Jones and Kristan Russell*

College of Juvenile Justice

Examination of Teacher Sexual Misconduct Initiation and Boundary Crossing Behaviors Using Content Analysis

Abstract:

taking abilites, demonstrate knowledge of content being tested leading to lower test outcomes (Markman, Balik, Bercovitz & Ehrenfeld, 2010).

Introduction: Undesirable feelings when someone believes they are in danger has been defined as anxiety was defined by (Asadullapoor, Fati, & Gharaee, 2010). These feelings are common in undergraduate students and it may impact their ability to be successful in nursing programs due to the rigor of the academic curriculum. University students face challenges like adaption to new outset altering the routines and habits of life, also there is a great challenge and demand for success to achieve the highest level of academic performance which in turn can affect student performance and lead to situation of stress, depression and anxiety (Shamsuddin, Fadzil, Ismail, Shah, Omar & Muhammad, 2013). The greatest expression of test anxiety can be seen during quizzes, and examinations. This leads to poor test

Nursing

Exploring test anxiety and interventions to reduce test anxiety among undergraduate nursing students

student abilities to obtain a professional license can stem from the psychological symtpoms experiened by test anxety. (Ferreira, Almondes, Braga, Mata, Lemos & Maia, 2014). Signs of distress can be “restlessness, unusual body movements, difficulty in concentrating, insomnia, fatigue, muscle contraction, abdominal pain, and tremors” (Porto, 2013). We explored test anxiety, testing environments, and interventions to reduce test anxiety among undergraduate nursing students. Is there a correlation between test anxiety among undergraduate nursing students and their academic performance while enrolled in the nursing program? We propose to share interventions to help reduce test anxiety with first year undergraduate nursing students.

Negative consequences of the

Methodology: The project had two purposes, one to introduce an undergraduate student to nursing research and to explore test anxiety and interventions to reduce test anxiety among nursing students. This integrative review aimed to identify up to date research regarding the influence test anxiety has on exam scores in undergraduate nursing students. In addition, we Identified evidence based interventions that decrease test anxiety to a satisfactory level among undergraduate nursing students. The literature review was performed following guidelines by Whittemore and Knafl. Electronic database search included: CINAHL, Education Research Complete, ERIC, and Medline/PubMed. Inclusion criteria (a) available in the English language, (b) published in peer reviewed scholarly journals, and (c) published between 2010 and 2020. Key terms used: anxiety, evidence based interventions, exam, quiz, tests, test taking strategies, testing environments, NCLEX RN, pre license nursing students. We used a citation management tool: Zotero and PRISMA to organize our articles. Data extraction and analysis were completed on all selected studies. 177

Amiyah Dryer and Myra Michelle DeBose*

Nursing Undergraduate Program, College of Nursing

Cox Davenport, R. A., & Phelan, J. C. (2015). Laying the groundwork for NCLEX success: An exploration of adaptive quizzing as an examination preparation method. Computers, Informatics, and Nursing, 33(5), 208 215. 178

Predicting NCLEX RN® success in a diverse student population. Journal of Nursing Education, 50(5), 261 267. Asadullapoor, A. Fati, L. & Gharaee, B. (2010) Metacognitive anxiety and the immediate and delayed judgment of learning. Journal psychiat clinic psychol. 16 (4), 412 19. Balogun, A. G., Balogun, S. K., & Onyencho, C. V. (2017). Test Anxiety and Academic Performance among Undergraduates: The Moderating Role of Achievement Motivation.

Bennett, M., Bormann, L., Lovan, S., & Cobb, B. (2016). Preadmission predictors of student success in a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing program. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 7(3), 11 18. Cho, H., Ryu, S., Noh, J., Lee, J. (2016) The effectiveness of daily mindful breathing practice on test anxiety of students. PLoS ONE, 11, 1 10. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0.164822

Categories that emerged in this study could be useful for formulating strategies to reduce test anxiety. We discovered test anxiety is a problem for both students and faculty. Student are faced with low test score(s), self esteem concerns following unsuccessful test and finances if students fail a course and have to repeat course(s). Faculty are faced with poor student outcomes, which may impact accreditation and poor community image. Faculty can help by assisting students with better preparation for exams, helping students with time management, assist with developing a routine for studying. Both students and faculty can reflect on past successes to assure the students they can succeed. We will present the results of our integrative review to first year undergraduate nursing students. We will provide a test anxiety questionnaire to determine individual levels of test anxiety using Qualtrics XM survey tool to provide both qualitative and quantitative data.

Results and Discussion: Different factors contributing to undergraduate nursing students’ test anxiety were integrated and grouped into four categories: test anxiety among undergraduate students; test taking strategies; coping with test anxiety, and testing environments. The final sample comprised 15 studies. Following IRB approval, we propose to measure test anxiety among nursing students in a didactic setting and apply findings from our integrative review.

Impact/Benefit: Test anxiety (TA) and student success can be major challenges for nursing programs.Lower academic performance threatens nursing students’ ability to be licensed after graduation. Providing proven interventions that reduce test anxiety may yield greater academic performance.There were very few qualitative studies that provided nursing students’ lived experiences related to best interventions used to reduce student’s test anxiety. This information will be helpful for nursing program looking to retainall students that they admit into their nursing programs. References: Alameida, M. D., Prive, A., Davis, H. C., Landry, L., Renwanz Boyle, A. & Dunham, M. (2011).

The Spanish journal of psychology, 20, E14. https://doi.org/10.1017/sjp.2017.5

Custer, N. (2018). Test anxiety and academic procrastination among prelicensure nursing students. Nursing Education Perspectives (Wolters Kluwer Health), 39(3), 162 163. doi:10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000291.

RN® pass rates. Journal of Nursing Education, 49(9), 485 492. Porto, A. (2013). Definitions and classification of NANDA nursing diagnoses. NANDA International. 68 (4), 603 609. Quinn, B. L., Smolinski, M., & Peters, A. B. (2018). Strategies to improve NCLEX RN®success: A review. Teaching & Learning in Nursing, 13(1), 18 26. doi:10.1016/j.teln.2017.09.002. Serembus, J. F. (2016). Improving NCLEX first time pass rates: A comprehensive program approach. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 6(4), 38 44. Whittemore, R., & Knafl, K. (2005). The integrative review: updated methodology Journal of advanced nursing, 52(5), 546 553 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365 2648.2005.03621.x 179

Dagwood, E., Ghadeer, H., Mitsu, R., Almutary, N., Alenzi, B. (2016). Relationship between test anxiety and academic achievement among undergraduate nursing students. Journal of Education and practice, 7 (2), 57 65.

Hyland, J. R. (2012). Building on the evidence: Interventions promoting NCLEX success. Open Journal of Nursing, 2(3), 231 238. doi:10.4236/ojn.2012.2303. MacAdam, S. (2017). Test Anxiety and Undergraduate Nursing Students: The Concept, Impact, and Interventions. Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.

Ferreira C, Almondes K, Braga L, Mata A, Lemos C & Maia E. (2009). Evaluation of trait and state anxiety in first year students. Garrard, J. (2017). Health sciences literature review made easy: The matrix method

Gibson, H. A. (2014). A conceptual view of test anxiety. Nursing Forum, 49(4), 267 277.

Markman U, Balik C, Braunstein Bercovitz H Ehrenfeld M. (2010). The effects of nursing students’ health beliefs on their willingness to seek treatment for test anxiety. Journal of Nursing Education. 50, 248 251.

Duty, S., Christian, L., Loftus, J., Zappi, V. (2016). Is cognitive test taking anxiety associated with academic performance among nursing students? Nurse Educator, 41 (2), 70 74.

Grossbach, A., & Kuncel, N. R. (2011). The predictive validity of nursing admission measures for performance on the National Council licensure examination: A meta analysis. Journal of Professional Nursing, 27(2), 124 128.doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2010.09.010

Monroe, H. E., & Schweizer, A. (2017, July). NCLEX RN® success & preparation strategies: A national study. Poster presented at the 2017 Nurse Educators Conference in the Rockies, Breckenridge, CO.

Pennington, T. D., & Spurlock, D. (2010). A systematic review of the effectiveness of remediation interventions to improve NCLEX

. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.

McCarthy, M. A., Harris, D., & Tracz, S. M. (2014). Academic and nursing aptitude and the NCLEX RN® in baccalaureate programs. Journal of Nursing Education, 53(3), 151 160. doi:10.3928/01484834 20140220 01.

Studies included in review n = Reports15 of included studies n = 0 Identification of studies via databases and registers Identification of studies via other methods

Literature Search Flow Diagram

Amiyah Dyer, SN and Myra Michelle DeBose, PhD, MSN, MSEd CNEcl (Faculty Mentor)

Conclusions

§CINAHL, ERIC, Google Scholar, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science were searched using KEY TERMS: anxiety, exam, interventions, test, test environments, NCLEX, and nursing students. §Publication dates 2010 2020. §Zotero citation management tool used to organize the literature and create the bibliography.

Statement of Purpose

Background and Significance

Literature Synthesis

§The literature review was performed following guidelines by Whittemore and Knafl (2005).

§ We will conduct a pilot study following IRB approval with PVAMU Semester 1 nursing students. References § Garrard, J. (2017). Health sciences literature review made easy: The matrix method Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning. § Whittemore, R., & Knafl, K. (2005). The integrative review: updated methodology Journal of advanced nursing, 52(5), 546 553 2648.2005.03621.xhttps://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365

§ We would like to thank the Faculty RISE research program, Dr. Rajan, and Dr. Abolaji for their support. Author/Date Methods Analysis Results Balogun, FebOnyencho,CBalogun,SA.,.,&2017 Ex post motivationAchievementvariableModeratingperformance;AcademicvariableDependentTA;variableIndependentresearch.facto Pearson versionprogram(SPSS)usingconductedAnalysisrelationship.variablesstudyestablishwascorrelationrusedto17. TA had (pperformanceacademicwithrelationshippositivesignificantmotivationAchievement(pperformanceacademicwithrelationshipnegativesignificanta<.05).<.01),

§The purpose of this integrative review was to explore test anxiety and interventions to reduce test anxiety among nursing students. Hypothesis There is a negative correlation between test anxiety and academic performance in nursing students.

Acknowledgement

§Covidence was the web based software platform used to screened articles.

§Assisting students with interventions to reduce test anxiety may yield greater academic performance.

*Consider, if feasible to do so, reporting the number of records identified from each database or register searched (rather than the total number across all databases/registers). If automation tools were used, indicate how many records were excluded by a human and how many were excluded by automation tools. From: Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline or reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n71 For more nformation, visit: http://www.prisma statement.org/ Records identified from Databases n = 7) CINAHL (80) ERIC Google(65Scholar 57) ProQuest (8 PubMed 49 Science Direct 27) Web of Science (1) Register = 0 Records removed before screening Duplicate records removed n Records=10 marked as ineligible by automation tools (n = 20 Records removed for other 43 Records screened (n = 214 Records excluded n = 73 Repor s sought for retrieval (n = 0) Rep not retrieved n = 0 Rep assessed for eligibility (n = 0) RepReasonexcluded1n= 0 Reason 2 0 Reason 3 n = 0 etc.

Methodology

Records identified from: Websites n = 0 Organisations n = 0 Citation searching 0 etc. Repor s assessed for eligibility 0 RepReasonexcluded1(n= 0 Reason 2 (n = 0 Reason 3 ( 0 etc.

§ The matrix method (Garrard, 2011) was applied in the data extraction process. The resulting data were placed on a literature matrix for ease in analysis and synthesis

Exploring test anxiety and interventions to reduce test anxiety among undergraduate nursing students: An integrative review and pilot study

§All articles were critically analyzed with PRISMA. Results § Initial search yielded 287 articles.

§Test anxiety (TA) and student success can be a major challenge for nursing programs. §Lower academic performance is a threat to nursing students who must be licensed to practice following college graduation.

Prairie View A & M University, College of Nursing

PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for new systematic reviews which included searches of databases, registers and other sources

§This review included an analysis of all relevant studies measuring or exploring test anxiety in nursing students were identified. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included.

ScreeningIdentificationIncluded Repor s sought for retrieval (n = 0 ) Rep not retrieved n = 0 180

§There were very few qualitative studies that provided nursing students’ lived experiences related to best interventions used to reduce student’s test anxiety.

§ Final review 15 articles § Based on the John Hopkins Nursing Evidence Based Practice Model (2018) 10 articles Level I 3 articles Level 2 2 articles Level 3 Clinical Significance

References:

i V. Kompanichenko, “Thermodynamic Inversion: Origin of Living Systems” Springer International Publishing (Cham, Switzerland, 2017).

Exploring test anxiety and interventions to reduce test anxiety

Abstract: This integrative review was aimed to identify up

ii V. Kompanichenko, “Rise of a Habitable Planet: Four Required Conditions for the Origin of Life in the Universe” Geosciences, vol. 9, no. 92 (2019).

iv K. Michaelian, “Thermodynamic Dissipation Theory and the Origin and Evolution of LIfe, : Salient characteristics of RNA and DNA and other fundamental molecules suggest an origin of life driven by UV C light,” Self published. Printed by CreateSpace, Mexico City, ISBN: 9781541317482, DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3222.7443Heliyon, vol. 3 (2017), doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00424.

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Following IRB approval, we propose to measure test anxiety among nursing students in a didactic setting and apply findings from our integrative review. Categories that emerged in this study could be useful for formulating strategies to reduce test anxiety. We will present the results of the review to first year undergraduate nursing students and pilot a questionnaire to determine individual levels of test anxiety using the Qualtrics XM survey tool to obtain qualitative and quantitative data.

Different factors contributing to undergraduate nursing students’ test anxiety were integrated and grouped into four categories: test anxiety among undergraduate students; test taking strategies; coping with test anxiety, and testing environments. The final sample comprised 15 studies.

iii K. Michaelian, “Microscopic dissipative structuring and proliferation at the origin of life,” Heliyon, vol. 3 (2017), doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00424.

students: An integrative review and pilot study

among undergraduate nursing

Amiyah Dyer and Myra Michelle DeBose* Nursing Undergraduate Program, College of Nursing

to date research regarding the influence test anxiety has on exam scores in undergraduate nursing students. We explored test anxiety, testing environments, and interventions to reduce test anxiety among undergraduate nursing students. We propose to pilot those interventions to help reduce test anxiety among first year undergraduate nursing students. A review of the literature was performed following guidelines by Whittemore and Knafl. Electronic databases search included CINAHL, Education Research Complete, ERIC, and Medline/PubMed. Inclusion criteria (a) available in the English language, (b) published in peer reviewed scholarly journals, and (c) published between 2010 and 2020. Data extraction and analysis were completed on all selected studies.

2022 RESEARCH@PVAMU.EDU WWW.PVAMU.EDU/RESEARCH