Consumer Preferences for Various Pasta-Like Products
Aly Moore, Susan Murray, Samantha Siemers
- Abstract
- Presented by
- Aly Moore
- Institution
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Keywords
2021 Missouri Academy of Science
Missouri Academy of Science
This is the virtual home of the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Missouri Academy of Science. After joining the Zoom call via "Chat with the Presenter," you need to join the Breakout Room specific to the track of the poster you are interested in.
More info: https://www.moacademysci.org/
Filter displayed posters (95 keywords)
ADAR 2
Bacteria 2
Hydrology 2
Microbiology 2
RNA editing 2
show more…
3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase 1
3d model 1
Acceleration 1
Anabolic 1
Antibiotic Resistance 1
Behavioral Entomology 1
Behavioral ecology 1
Biotechnology 1
Butterflies 1
Cloning 1
Cyclone 1
DNA origami 1
Drosophila Melanogaster 1
E. coliO157:H7 1
Ecology 1
Endophytic 1
Entitlement 1
Evolutionary 1
Experimental Psychology 1
Fisheries 1
Fluidized Bed 1
Foraging Behavior 1
GIS 1
GNP and TRITC 1
Genomics 1
Geology 1
Geoscience 1
Glucose Metabolism 1
High Power Rocketry 1
Hormone 1
IgY antibody 1
Implant 1
Inflammation 1
Interdisciplinary Studies 1
Limit of detection 1
MFC 1
Multi-spectral 1
Native Perennials 1
Natural Resource 1
PCR 1
Plant Physiology 1
Plant science 1
Pollinators 1
Principle Component Analysis 1
Remote Sensing 1
Rocketry 1
Sex dependent 1
Social Media 1
Social and Personality Psychology 1
Soil Enzyme Activity Floodplain 1
Steer 1
Synthesis 1
Tardigrades 1
Tornado 1
Vegetation 1
Water Quality 1
Zoology 1
abscission 1
agriculture 1
aldol reaction 1
allelopathy 1
behavior 1
biosensor 1
catalysis 1
chemical ecology 1
climate change 1
diversification 1
eDNA metabarcoding 1
evolution 1
evolutionary history 1
fluorescence 1
food borne outbreaks 1
food safety 1
green chemistry 1
honeysuckle 1
immunology 1
isoprene 1
metalization DNA origami 1
pathogenic 1
phenotype 1
phylogeny 1
phytohormones 1
plant-pollinator interactions 1
plants 1
pollinators 1
population genetics 1
senescence 1
stereoselectivity 1
thermoelectrics 1
xbox 1
Show posters
Show or hide this track Agriculture Back to top ↑
Online Learning in a Pandemic
Elizabeth Bardot and Indi Braden*
- Abstract
- Presented by
- Indi Braden
- Institution
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Keywords
SOIL ENZYME ACTIVITIES AFFECTED BY SELECTED LAND MANAGEMENT IN MISSOURI RIVER FLOODPLAIN.
Jamshid Ansari, Stephen H. Anderson, Frieda Eivazi, Sougata Bardhan
- Abstract
- The lower Missouri River Floodplain (MRF) region encompasses many different land-use systems including agriculture and riparian forests. The effects of these different land-use systems in the MRF on soil microbial and enzyme activities have been insufficiently studied. The effects of the selected land-use management treatments (agriculture, agroforestry, and riparian forest) located in a floodplain in New Franklin, Missouri on soil enzyme activity were evaluated. Results revealed higher levels of β-glucosidase and β-glucosaminidase activity in agroforestry and riparian buffer treatments relative to agriculture management. Dehydrogenase activity was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in riparian forest area (0.37 µg TPFg-1 soil h-1) relative to agroforestry and agriculture sites. The highest β-glucosidase activity of 168 µg pNP g-1soil h-1 observed in the agroforestry system while the lowest activity of 78 µg pNP g-1soil h-1 attributed to the agriculture system. β-glucosaminidase showed the highest activity of 40 µg pNP g-1soil h-1 in both agroforestry and riparian forest treatments compared to that of 23 µg pNP g-1soil h-1 in agriculture. Efforts to incorporate these perennial management systems in river-floodplain landscapes will help in increasing soil enzyme activity, and microbial diversity as well as improve the performance of conservation buffers.
- Presented by
- Jamshid Ansari
- Institution
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
- Keywords
- Soil Enzyme Activity Floodplain
USE OF AN X-BOX CAMERA TO MODEL SOYBEAN 3D STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS.
Hua Bai1, Tushar Kanta Das Nakini2, Guilherme DeSouza2, Felix Fritschi*3
- Abstract
- The world population increase coupled with the depletion of natural resources are a dangerous combination that is threatening humanity and other life around the world. At the current rate, crop production must be doubled by 2050 in order to meet population demand. High throughput phenotyping in agriculture has drawn increasing interest in recent years. This research introduces an unprecedented sensor, Kinect sensor, for 3D assessment of crops on a high-clearance tractor platform. The development of crop canopy 3D models, and calculation of canopy traits such as plant height, number of pods per node, etc can be achieved through light detection and ranging scanners (LIDAR). However, its complexity and high cost makes this technology difficult to implement for research and breeding proposes. The advantage of Kinect sensor besides its price, $200/unit, is the ability to capture depth images from as many viewing angles as possible. Depth images can then be converted to point clouds, which will be further processed and combined to form a single and complete 3D model of the plant. Those 3D models can help to extract phenotypes of plants such as plant height, canopy area, number of pods per plant, and node, will provide valuable information for agronomists, breeders, geneticists, and physiologist to study their correlation with growth, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and ultimately yield. Except Kinect sensors, some other sensors are also deployed on the platform, including ultrasonic sensors, thermal sensors, and spectrometers to monitor plant height, crop canopy temperature, and canopy reflectance, respectively.
- Presented by
- Hua Bai
- Institution
- 1School of agricultural sciences, northwest Missouri state university; 2DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING, University of Missouri; *3Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri
- Keywords
- xbox, 3d model, agriculture, phenotype
Hormone Implants Used For Growth Comparison In Beef Steers
J. Pierce, D. Dunakey, C. Thomas, A. Spencer, C. Schabbing, S. Murray, and S. Siemers
- Abstract
- J. Pierce, D. Dunakey, C. Thomas, A. Spencer, C. Schabbing, S. Murray, and S. Siemers, Department of Agriculture, Southeast Missouri State University. HORMONE IMPLANTS USED FOR GROWTH COMPARISON IN BEEF STEERS. Anabolic steroid hormone implants improve average daily gain and feed efficiency and provide a significant economic return for beef cattle producers. The response of weight gain is greater in beef steers that have genetic potential and are properly managed. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in average daily gain for beef steers administered an implant and those in a control group. Data for trial year one was collected in spring 2020. Trial year two took place in spring of 2021 and consisted of a group of 16, sim-angus cross beef steers were weaned and moved into an enclosed feeding facility at the David M. Barton Agriculture Research Center. Steers (n = 16) were weighed on day one of the study. One week after initial weigh in, eight steers were administered a Synovex-S implant and eight steers were not implanted. All steers continued to be weighed on a weekly basis and average daily gain was calculated using (pounds gained/days between weigh periods). Comparatively, the average daily gain of the implanted group was 3.24 lbs/day and the non-implanted (control) group was 2.55 lbs/day. On average, implanted steers are gaining 0.69 lbs/day more than non-implanted steers. Factors to consider in future research includes herd size, genetics, and environment.
- Presented by
- Joseph Pierce <japierce1s@semo.edu>
- Institution
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Keywords
- Implant, Hormone, Anabolic, Steer,
Evaluation of quinoa varieties for yield and yield related traits
Md Rashedul Islam and Safiullah Pathan
- Abstract
- Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a highly nutritious crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years in South America, and recently, it has been cultivated in many countries of the world. However, South American countries like, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador produces more than 80% of the world production. United States is the largest consumer and importer of quinoa, imported about 80 million pounds of quinoa in 2019. Currently, a very small amount of quinoa being produced in the higher elevations of the U.S. Northwest and almost none at the lower elevation of the Midwest. The primary reason for limited and region-specific domestic cultivation is a lack of cultivars with wide adaptability. To expand quinoa cultivation in USA, farmers need climate resilience high yielding, disease and insect resistant quinoa cultivars. More than 130 quinoa lines were collected from the USDA germplasm bank and evaluated in 2020. About 70 lines were selected based on date of flowering, seed setting, phenotypic adaptation and seed yield. These lines will be evaluated in summer 2021 under rainfed and irrigated environment. Based on two-year field data, best lines will be selected and recommended for Missouri farmers to grow as an alternate crop. Farmers living in drought prone environment may be able to grow quinoa with only a small investment, increasing farm profitability, crop diversity and sustainability
- Presented by
- Md Rashedul Islam
- Institution
- Lincoln University
- Keywords
- Plant science
Nanoparticle Immuno-Fluorescent Probes as a Specific Method for the Detection of Viable E. coli
Nasruddeen Al-Awwal, Masjedi Mehdi, Majed El-Dweik and Stephen H. Anderson
- Abstract
- Development of revolutionary sensitive biosensors for detecting the presence of harmful biological species in the environment is of necessity for countering disease outbreaks. E. coli O157:H7 is a serious threat to human health and can cause massive recalls of food products and losses in productivity and profits. This work examined interaction of fluorescence-labeled antibody on amine functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNP) as a model system. The tetramethyl isothiocyanate (TRITC) labeled antibody-Amine functionalized GNP interaction was characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Fluorescent Microscopy imaging. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was also used to observe the morphology of the gold nanoparticles and to make sure there was no agglomeration of the gold nanoparticles in the system. In contrast to TEM, the fluorescence microscopy imaging revealed the coating of the TRITC labeled antibody on the surface of the gold nanoparticles. The signals were observed using PTI fluorometer. Tests were conducted at near real-time with results obtained using the biosensor assay within 5 min. Results indicated that there was a shift of the wavelength from lower wavelength to higher wavelength (blue to red shift) when conjugated GNP (anti-E. coliO157:H7; IgY-TRITC+GNP) are compared to free gold nanoparticles a difference of about 28 nm, also the then GNP in conjugated GNP demonstrated a quenching capability when their emission was compared to that of TRITC labeled antibody using fluorometer. The limit of detection of this method was found to be 103 cfu/mL with observed fluorescence of about 42,000 counts per seconds (CPS).
- Presented by
- Nasruddeen Al-Awwal <nyar55@umsystem.edu>
- Institution
- University of Missouri - Columbia
- Keywords
- E. coliO157:H7, biosensor, IgY antibody, fluorescence, Limit of detection , GNP and TRITC
Efficacy of Endophytic Bacillus Subtills LCA on Reducing Potential Contamination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Romaine Lettuce.
Nikita Bhusal
- Abstract
- Foodborne outbreaks caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) are often associated with consumption of fresh romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) in the United States. To improve food safety of fresh lettuce, this study used an anti-E. coli O157, lettuce-endophyte bacterium, Bacillus subtilis LCA (B. subtilis), as a bio-fertilizer to reduce the potential contamination of E. coli O157 in romaine lettuce. For this study, about 107 CFU of B. subtilis and about 108 CFU of E. coli O157 PBS-suspensions were inoculated in soil during seed plantation with the following experimental setups: 1) the B. subtilis only; 2) the E. coli O157 only; 3) the E. coli O157 and B. subtilis; and 4) the E. coli O157 was added 2 weeks after B. subtilis inoculation. The spread plate count method followed by E. coli O157 agglutination test was conducted to measure the presence of E. coli O157 in the plant and soil samples at day 15, 22, and 29, respectively. Our preliminary data suggested that B. subtilis became internalized in lettuce at some point, but its efficacy of inhibition against E. coli O157 in lettuce remains unclear. By contrast, the endophyte showed the inhibition in the soil not later than 15 days after the inoculation. There was no significant difference observed between the inhibitory efficacies of the experimental setups 3 and 4. The results suggested that endophytic B. subtilis might be used as a bio-fertilizer to reduce potential contamination of E. coli O157 at least in soil.
- Presented by
- Nikita Bhusal
- Institution
- Lincoln University
- Keywords
- Endophytic, pathogenic, food safety, food borne outbreaks
Selection of drought tolerant quinoa varieties for the Mid-west
Sadia Tasnin Jhumur and Safiullah Pathan
- Abstract
- Quinoa is a nutritious crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years in South American countries owing to its ability to withstand drought and salt, and its capacity to grow in poor soil with minimum inputs. Its grain is gluten-free, rich in protein, contains all essential amino acids, important minerals and, vitamins. Drought is the critical abiotic factor, which impairs plant growth and development and reduces crop yields worldwide. Quinoa has an exceptional ability to survive under drought stress by resuming leaf formation rapidly after a severe drought and has a low leaf wilting point. It avoids drought stress through a branched and deep root system, small and thick-walled cells to maintain turgor and stomatal regulation, a thicker leaf cuticle epidermis, and deeply sunken stomata to reduce transpiration and turgor maintenance. These unique characteristics make quinoa suitable for growing in a water-limited environment with little or no irrigation. The United States is the world’s largest consumer and importer of quinoa, but currently, a very small amount of quinoa is being produced in the higher elevations of the U.S. We have evaluated more than 100 lines from USDA germplasm bank and selected 36 lines based on phenotypic traits like yield, maturity, lodging, and disease score. These lines will be evaluated under three water regimes, such as control, rainfed, and drought-stress. Our main objective is to select the best performing quinoa lines for a water-limited environment.
- Presented by
- Sadia Tasnin Jhumur <jhumurs@lincolnu.edu>
- Institution
- Lincoln University
- Keywords
- Plant Physiology
Native Perennials For Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens: Sixth Year Performance in Southeast Missouri
S.E. Svenson
- Abstract
- Perennials native to Missouri were evaluated for survival, growth, and flowering from sixty-four to seventy-six months after planting into a compost-amended urban soil in Cape Girardeau, MO. Twenty-eight container-grown plants of each species were planted in late August 2014 in a butterfly-shaped garden under full sun growing conditions. Two plots per species were planted in each wing of the garden, providing four replicated plots of seven plants of each species for analysis. During the sixth full year after establishment, the following species had 100% survival, excellent growth, and 100% flowering: Rudbeckia fulgida var. umbrosa and Rudbeckia missouriensis. Species having 75% to 86% survival, good growth, and 100% flowering during the sixth growing season included: Eryngium yuccifolium, Eutrochium purpureum, Penstemon digitalis, and Symphyotrichum oblongifolium. Ascelpias tuberosa, Asclepia incarnata, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea paradoxa, Echinacea purpurea, and Zizia aurea had less than 18% survival, poor growth, and 100% flowering of surviving plants. Amorpha canescens and Veronicastrum virginicum had less than 50% survival, but living plants had good growth and flowering. Rudbeckia fulgida var. umbrosa, Rudbeckia missouriensis, and Eryngium yuccifolium have spread at the location, populating additional area in and around the experimental plots. None of the original Coreopsis lanceolata or Glandularia canadensis specimens remained alive in the sixth growing season, but both species had populated near-by growing beds. The data will help guide the selection of plant species used for urban or suburban butterfly and pollinator gardens in southeast Missouri.
- Presented by
- Sven Svenson
- Institution
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Keywords
- Pollinators, Butterflies, Native Perennials
Show or hide this track Biochemistry, Biomedicine, & Biotechnology Back to top ↑
Sex dependent effects of induced acute inflammation on RNA editing and glucose metabolism
Christian Rivas, Kelsey Kendrick, Jianjie Wang, PhD, MD, and Randi J. Ulbricht, PhD
- Abstract
- Presented by
- Christian Rivas
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
- Sex dependent, immunology, RNA editing, Glucose Metabolism, ADAR
Tissue-specific changes in RNA editing during induced inflammation
Claire E. Nichols, Brianna N. James, Travis S. Tebbe, Bridgette M. Macander and Randi J. Ulbricht, PhD
- Abstract
- A-to-I RNA editing is a process where adenosine (A) nucleotides are deaminated by an editing enzyme, ADAR1, to become inosines (I) in select RNA transcripts. Inosine is read as guanosine during translation. ADAR1 is upregulated during inflammation. The effect of increased ADAR1 on RNA editing is unknown. We are interested in RNA editing levels when ADAR1 is induced. We used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation, increasing the amount of ADAR1. Organs were dissected four hours after LPS injection and RNA was isolated from heart and brain tissues. RT-PCR was used to amplify regions around editing sites of known targets. The amplicons were sequenced and analyzed by measuring the amount of unedited nucleotides (A) and edited nucleotides (G) at select editing sites. We found decreased levels of RNA editing in the heart and no change in RNA editing in the brain. This indicates a complex system where RNA editing is regulated in a tissue-specific manner. While the inflammation was global, the tissue-specific changes in editing may provide a mechanism by which tissues adapt to inflammation in unique ways. Overall, this work will uncover information on how infection and inflammation alter the physiology of each organ.
- Presented by
- Claire Nichols
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
- RNA editing, ADAR, Inflammation
Cloning 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase from Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA 110
Eva Randazzo, Kent Strodtman PhD
- Abstract
- Bradyrhizobium diazoefficien is a bacterium that forms symbiotic relationships with plants such as the soybean. The host plant provides an environment for the bacterium and the bacterium aids the plant in a variety of chemical processes, including nitrogen fixation in the roots. The gene blr5669 in B. diazoefficiens codes for the enzyme 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase. This enzyme is utilized in a variety of pathways in the bacterium including benzoate degradation, aromatic compound degradation, normal metabolism, and microbial metabolism in diverse environments as a carbon-carbon lyase. Blr5669 was recombinantly cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli following common biotechnology practices. The gene was amplified using PCR, ligated into a pGEM-T Easy Vector, and transformed into E. coli cells. Recombinant clones were then verified by colony PCR and restriction digestion to ensure integration via fragment sizing. Future work includes cloning the gene for expression into pET28 and the creation of a deletion mutant to assess the role of 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase in nitrogen fixation.
- Presented by
- Eva Randazzo
- Institution
- Columbia College
- Keywords
- Bacteria, PCR
Cloning 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase from Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA 110
Hailey Short
- Abstract
- Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is a well-studied rhizobial model species that infects the legume soybean (Glycine max) providing nitrogen fixation. 3-oxoadipate enol lactonase or pcaD (Blr5668) performs functions as a hydrolase by catalyzing the production of 3- oxoadipate from 3-oxoadipate enol-lactone with the addition of water. This reaction involving 3- oxoadipate enol-lactonase becomes important in the benzoate degradation pathway, which eventually feeds into the citric acid cycle (TCA) and could potentially help to support nitrogen fixation. 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase also functions as a hydrolase in both general metabolism and microbial metabolism. This experiment was conducted by cloning the gene into the pGEM T-EZ vector. The result was a properly integrated Blr5668 gene in the pGEM vector and was verified by colony PCR and insertion dropout from the construct following EcoRI digestion. Future work includes cloning the gene into pET28 for enzymatic characterization and creating a deletion mutant to assess the role of pcaD in nitrogen fixation.
- Presented by
- Hailey Short
- Institution
- Columbia College
- Keywords
- Cloning, Biotechnology, 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase
WASTEWATER FLOODING INDUCED CHANGES IN THE SOIL MICROBIOME AND ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY WITHIN THE EAGLE BLUFFS CONSERVATION AREA
Katie Espen, Dr. Kent Strodtman, Dr. Christopher Babayco
- Abstract
- Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area provides a year-round wetland habitat using the effluent from the Columbia Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant as a water source. As a result, portions of the Conservation Area are periodically flooded with nutrient rich wastewater. This study reports changes in the extracellular enzymatic activity and microbial ecology of soil samples taken between May and September 2020. Enzyme activity was measured spectroscopically through the release of p-nitrophenol from labelled substrates by three hydrolases: β-glucosidase, phosphatase, and N-acetylglucosaminidase which are used to acquire carbon, phosphorous, and nitrogen, respectively. Additionally, dehydrogenase activity was measured by monitoring the degradation of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazollium to 1,3,5-triphenylformazan. To determine how the composition of the microbial community was affected by flooding events, microbial DNA was extracted and quantified from the soil. The 16S region of the extracted DNA was amplified using barcoded primers. The amplified 16S PCR product was pooled and sequenced using an Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencer, followed by deconvolution and identification using the 16S workflow in EPI2ME. Based on enzyme activities, carbon was not a limiting factor during the sampling period and flooding by wastewater reduced phosphorous limitations. Dehydrogenase activity decreased following wastewater flooding events, indicating that carbon is being acquired from wastewater. From the 16S sequencing data, it is clear that there are shifts in the microbiome resulting from the introduction of wastewater. Taken together, the introduction of wastewater changes the ecological balance of the microbial population by introducing alternative nutrient sources and affecting the distribution of phyla of the microbiome.
- Presented by
- Katie Espen
- Institution
- Columbia College
- Keywords
Purification and Characterization of Protocatechuate-3,4 Dioxygenase of Bradyrhizobium Diazoeffciens
Madison McGregor and Dr. Kent Strodtman
- Abstract
- M. McGregor and K. Strodtman, Department of Biochemistry, Columbia College. PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PSJM1 AND PSJM2 OF BRADYRHIZOBIUM DIAZOEFFCIENS. Bradyrhizobium diazoeffciens has a symbiotic relationship with Glycine max, which allows for atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Previously work has created single and double knockout’s in the gene paralogs (blr0927-28 & blr2333-34) for the enzyme protocatechuate-3,4 dioxygenase (pcaHG). One of these paralog knockouts, KNS1 (Δblr2333-34), is responsible for phenolic compound metabolism in the free-living state, while the other, KNS2 (Δblr0927-28), induces a Fix- state in the bacteroid-soybean symbiosis. To better understand the function of phenolic metabolism in the symbiotic state the genes blr0927 and blr0928 were PCR amplified and ligated in the pET28b expression vector creating the vectors pSJM1 (blr0927) and pSJM2 (blr0928) respectively. Initial induction gave no discernable band for pSJM1 or pSJM2. pSJM1 was induced and purified via Ni-IDA Agarose column paired with imidazole elution on FPLC. This resulted in a peak on the FPLC graph at 47 minutes corresponding with elution of the target protein. SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis will be used with Coomasie Brilliant Blue stain to verify the sizes of pSJM1 as well as to verify if the collected fractions were the pSJM1 protein.
- Presented by
- Madison McGregor <mmcgregor1@cougars.ccis.edu>
- Institution
- Columbia College
- Keywords
Metallization of DNA nanostructures as building blocks for fabricating nanoelectronic circuits
Yuwei Zhang
- Abstract
- The self-assembling property of DNA, forming the geometrically arbitrary motifs at nanometer scale, makes DNA nanostructures a promising material in the field of fabrication, especially in development of electronic circuits. However, the low intrinsic conductance of DNA structures seems to be a serious limitation for their use in fabricating nanoelectronics. The metallization of DNA structures turns out to be a promising and reliable strategy to increase the conductance of DNA nanostructures and brings a spark of life into the technical world of nanoelectronics. Here, we aim to employ DNA origami as template to direct the growth of feature-rich metal nanomaterials and make progress towards realization of complex nanoelectronics from biological nanostructures. Different shapes of DNA origami nanostructures were synthesized and coated with a thin and electrically conductive silver layer by photochemical reduction of diamine silver on mica and silicon surfaces. The resulting properties of metal coated DNA hybrid structures were investigated. Comparing with chemical reduction method, this photoreduction strategy is simpler, and faster, while provides a much cleaner continuous and uniform metal layer on DNA templates.
- Presented by
- Yuwei Zhang
- Institution
- Missouri University of Science & Technology
- Keywords
- metalization DNA origami
Show or hide this track Biology Back to top ↑
Cd and InP Quantum Dot’s Impacts on ML-1 Thyroid and HeLa Cells and Their Inner Traffics
Min Zhang, Kyoungtae Kim
- Abstract
- Presented by
- Min Zhang
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
A comparison of chitosan derivatives and their potential for biomedical applications of intra-cellular delivery.
Victoria Davenport, Kyoungtae Kim
- Abstract
- Presented by
- Victoria Davenport
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
A tanglegram method of investigating the incongruence between nuclear and organellar DNA data within the mints (Subfamily: Lamioideae; Family: Lamiaceae)
Esther Par and Tilottama Roy
- Abstract
- Lamiaceae is one of the most species-rich angiosperm (flowering plant) families, characterized by a suite of interesting morphological characters. Lamiaceae is further divided into seven subfamilies of which Lamioideae is the second largest subfamily and exhibits a remarkable diversity of morphology, habitat, and migratory habitats. Lamioideae is comprised of ten tribes (subgroups), of which Gomphostemmateae and Pogostemoneae belong to mostly Central Asia and the Mediterranean region with many of their members being extensively used in medicinal and cultural purposes. Some of those members have further invaded temperate North America and established themselves in various habitats, presenting an ideal system for investigating the evolutionary relationships, diversification, and speciation patterns. Our previous study has shown substantial incongruence between the phylogenetic trees derived from the nuclear and organelles DNA datasets. In this study, we have tried to investigate this further with a tanglegram method.
- Presented by
- Esther Par
- Institution
- Missouri Western State University
- Keywords
- Evolutionary
No trick anthers: possible manipulation of a pollen foraging behavior by plants
Abilene Mosher, Daniel Papaj, Stephen Buchmann, Thomas Eltz, and Avery Russell
- Abstract
- Flowering plants often manipulate the foraging behavior of their pollinators to exploit them. For example, flowers might produce cues facilitating pollen pickup by pollinators, while simultaneously reducing their foraging effectiveness. Generalist bees foraging on flowers frequently use a pollen foraging behavior termed floral buzzing, which involves vigorous vibration of the anthers. By manipulating the intensity or occurrence of floral buzzing (associated with pollen collection), a flower might exploit the bees to collect less pollen than would benefit it. We therefore tested how chemical cues associated with the anthers (the male flower reproductive parts) mediated floral buzzing by the generalist bee, Bombus impatiens. We found that floral buzzing was elicited by anther chemical cues by using crude solvent anther extracts applied to artificial flowers. Surprisingly, the occurrence of floral buzzing, but not the intensity (measured in decibels) was affected by the concentration of anther chemical cues. Our results also suggest that anther chemical cues eliciting the buzzing behavior are of low volatility: buzzing was elicited to a similar degree by extracts left to volatilize on artificial anthers for increasing lengths of time. In ongoing work, we are assessing which components of the crude solvent extract elicit floral buzzing. Altogether, our results suggest that by eliciting the buzzing behavior on anthers directly via low volatile chemicals, flowers potentially manipulate bee pollen foraging behavior.
- Presented by
- Abilene Mosher
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
- Behavioral ecology, behavior, pollinators, chemical ecology, plant-pollinator interactions
Nanoparticle Effects on Human Thyroid Cancer Cells
Alyse Peters, Kyoungtae Kim
- Abstract
- Cancer affects millions of people each year. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment methods are extremely toxic to the body and can cause more harm than intended. Nanoparticles are an underdeveloped drug that could be a possible solution. Nanoparticles contribute significantly to the technologies in agriculture and food development but there is little understanding to how nanoparticles impact human health. Metal Oxide Nanoparticles (Me-Nps), such as Zinc Oxide, Copper Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and Tin Oxide, have been treated in model organisms and plants in some studies. A general trend through these Me-Nps is the antimicrobial activity and toxicity. To better understand the toxicity of these Me-Nps in human cells, we conducted a XTT cell viability assay and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) on human thyroid cancer cells (ML-1). After a preliminary XTT assay, ZnO and CuO was determined to have the greatest effect on ML-1. ZnO treated at 22.8µg/mL and CuO treated at 45.8µg/mL decreased cell viability drastically. The production of superoxide in the cell when treated with CuO and ZnO was measured by ROS via flow cytometry. Interestingly, both nanoparticles decreased superoxide radicals compared to the control. Our next step will be to conduct an apoptosis and RNA transcriptome analysis to better understand which genes are affected by these nanoparticles. Furthermore, conducting similar experiments on non cancer cells such as fibroblast will give us a better idea if these Me-Nps can target cancer cells specifically.
- Presented by
- Alyse Peters
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
Could the capacity to emit isoprene affect plant senescence in a warming climate?
Amie Haddock, Shannon Buehre, Jessica Poush, Mehreen Tai, Lauren Tinoco, Alyka Zahnd and Csengele Barta
- Abstract
- Isoprene emission from vegetation is an important biosphere-atmosphere interaction and a key constraint to the chemical properties of the troposphere, affecting its oxidative capacity. Isoprene reactions may allow for ozone formation and indirectly affect greenhouse gas accumulation, reinforcing global warming. Isoprene emission is controlled by the physical environment and affected by exposure to environmental stress. A warming climate has been hypothesized to prolong growth seasons, with yet unknown consequences on plant life cycle, onset of senescence, and seasonal variations in isoprene emission from the vegetation. To gain a better understanding of a hypothesized relationship between isoprene emission capacity, senescence progression and leaf abscission at the end of the growing season, in a changing climate, the current study investigated seasonal changes in the emission capacity, hormone status and plant oxidant-antioxidant balance, in correlation with changes in micro-climate in pin oaks (Quercus palustris) in Missouri from 2015 to 2020. We found that high and sustained isoprene emission capacities in oaks have been associated with a delay in senescence-associated pigment and membrane degradation, as well as altered levels of key phytohormones responsible for triggering the senescence and abscission of leaves at the end of the fall season. We hypothesize that the sustained isoprene emission in strong emitters, up to very late in the cold season, may contribute to delaying senescence-associated membrane degradation and reactive oxygen species accumulation, potentially attributable to isoprene’s antioxidant functions in planta.
- Presented by
- Amie Haddock <ahaddock@missouriwestern.edu>
- Institution
- Missouri Western State University
- Keywords
- isoprene, senescence, climate change, abscission
Gibberellic acid supplementation decreases the negative allelopathic effects of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) leaf extracts on mustard (Brassica rapa L. var rapa) seed germination and growth.
Alyka Zahnd, Lauren Tinoco, Amie Haddock, Shannon Buehre, Tai Mehreen, Jessica Poush, Kaitlyn Atkins, Harrison Meers, Caroline Langley, Brian Jenkins, Devon Lindstrom, Rachael Prawitz, and Csengele Barta
- Abstract
- Invasive species are a threat to biodiversity and a relevant concern for species conservation and restoration. The synthesis and release of a variety of allelopathic chemicals into the environment is a competitive strategy employed by invasive species, which directly or indirectly negatively affect native species. Decomposing leaves of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) have been shown to leach a variety of phenolic molecules into the soil, with devastating inhibitory effects on native species in the region. Nevertheless, the action mechanism of inhibition has not been studied to date. In this work we explored the mechanism of inhibition by honeysuckle leaf extracts in germinating standard (control, Rbr), gibberellin (GA) synthesis deficient (Rosette-Dwarf, ros) and GA overproducing (Tall, ein) mutants of field mustard (Brassica rapa L. var. rapa), in a bioassay. Honeysuckle leaf extracts significantly decreased the germination of mustard seeds. The inhibitory effect was stronger with increasing extract concentrations, and most pronounced in the ros mutants, whose germination was arrested even at the lowest tested extract concentration. The ein seeds were able to overcome inhibition, with only a delay in their germination, at the highest extract concentrations. We observed a similar relationship when control seeds were exposed to extracts in the presence of exogenous GA (up to 100 µM), with the strength of inhibition decreasing with increasing GA amounts. We hypothesize, that the allelochemicals in the honeysuckle leaf extract alter the hormonal balance in germinating mustard seeds, effect which however, can be alleviated by elevated GA concentrations.
- Presented by
- Csengele Barta, Alyka Zahnd, Lauren Tinoco <cbarta1@missouriwestern.edu>
- Institution
- Missouri Western State University
- Keywords
- allelopathy, honeysuckle, phytohormones
Tardigrade Distribution in Ozark Lichens, Barry & Taney County, Missouri, U.S.A.
Dylan J. Klewer & Lynda R. Miller
- Abstract
- Tardigrades remain an under documented group in Missouri and in the United States. In this study, lichen samples from trees and tree branches were collected in Barry and Taney County, Missouri. We investigated the distribution of tardigrades and the substrate correlates of tardigrade community in various lichen substrates. Tardigrades were collected from 61 samples of lichen from Southwest Missouri. 12 species of lichen were examined from tree bark and independent branches. A total of 178 tardigrades representing 9 species were recovered. Tardigrade communities contrasted between different lichen substrate morphology. Teloschistes chrysophthalmus, a fruticose lichen, had a strong correlation with Ramazzottius sp. This report suggests that there is an association between tardigrades and lichen substrate morphology. One species (Barbaria bigranulata) is a new record for the state and the first recording of tardigrades in Barry County was established.
- Presented by
- Dylan Klewer <DKLEWER32@YAHOO.COM>
- Institution
- College of the Ozarks
- Keywords
- Tardigrades, Ecology, Zoology
Synergistic In Vitro Effects of Carvacrol and Ciprofloxacin on Enterobacter cloacae
Katherine Madigan, Dr. Tara Martin
- Abstract
- Antibiotic resistance is becoming a rising threat to global health. To decrease the dependence on antibiotics to treat infections, it has been worthwhile to investigate any synergistic effects between common antibiotics paired with antimicrobial medicinal plants, which have more natural ways to treat infections with fewer side effects. In this experiment, carvacrol extract from the oregano plant was combined with ciprofloxacin and its antimicrobial effect was observed on Enterobacter cloacae, a bacterium found culprit in many hospital-acquired infections. As these infections spread to the bloodstream, mortality rates rise as high as 43.6%, with previous antibiotic treatment being a risk factor impacting negatively prognosis. Furthermore, E. cloacae is found to quickly acquire resistance mechanisms to many antibiotics due to antibiotic pressure from hospital treatment, so finding ways to treat this infection without use of large doses of antibiotics is essential. It was found that carvacrol at a concentration of 16 μg/mL, along with ciprofloxacin at 62.5 μg/mL, effectively inhibited growth of Enterobacter cloacae in vitro. Further studies need to be performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of this combination of antimicrobials, and to determine any therapeutic boundaries with this possible treatment.
- Presented by
- Katherine Madigan <kmadigan1@cougars.ccis.edu>
- Institution
- Columbia College
- Keywords
- Microbiology, Antibiotic Resistance
ISOLATION OF OLIGOTROPHIC BACTERIA FROM TERRESTRIAL WATER SOURCES IN THE MOJAVE DESERT.
N. Sommer, W. Obert, D. Moser, S. Hamilton-Brehm, and J. Campbell
- Abstract
- Bacteria are the most dominant form of life on Earth, but only a small percentage of known bacteria have been cultivated in a laboratory setting. There is still much to be learned about bacteria that inhabit the environment around us. Permanent springs in the Mojave Desert near Death Valley provide a unique environment from which to isolate novel bacteria. Bacteria were enriched and purified from these springs on dilute media to selectively grow oligotrophic bacteria. Isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We isolated nine genera from 5 phyla, including Pseudomonas, Agrococcus, Novosphingobium, and Acidovorax. These isolates add to our knowledge of microbial biodiversity in terrestrial waters of arid regions.
- Presented by
- Nicole Sommer
- Institution
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Keywords
- Bacteria, Microbiology
A fresh look at the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Silphium
Shawn Boss, Esther Par, Tilottama Roy
- Abstract
- The genus Silphium, commonly known as the “rosin-weeds”, belongs to the sunflower family Asteraceae with around 23 species. It is native to North America and some species have shown to be a potential source for future biofuel research. Additionally, the genus’ phylogeny was last studied twenty years ago and requires further review with newer methods of analysis. We used the bioinformatics programs MrBayes on XSEDE and BioEdit to understand the evolutionary relationship among the different species, taxonomical sections, and subsections within the group. We utilized the nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences, as well as the chloroplast regions rbcL and trnL regions for our study.
- Presented by
- Shawn Boss
- Institution
- Missouri Western State University
- Keywords
- phylogeny, plants, evolution, evolutionary history, diversification
Establishment of a Comprehensive Mitogenome Database of Missouri Fishes
Will Cavanagh, David Duvernell, Veronica Lee
- Abstract
- eDNA metabarcoding is a biomonitoring tool that allows for identification of many different species based on a reference library of “barcode” regions such as cytochrome c oxidase I. Genes that have low intraspecies variation, but higher interspecies variation allow for quick identification through the comparison of one gene instead of the whole genome. Traditional survey techniques are often invasive, more expensive, and can result in less accurate biodiversity assessment. eDNA metabarcoding has been able to identify cryptic species and low-abundant species better than conventional methods in some studies. One requirement of metabarcoding is having a verified and complete reference database. The lack of a verified and comprehensive reference database can result in misidentification of species or a complete lack of representation of species. Currently, most reference databases consist of COI, 12S, and 16S sequences, but not complete coverage of any gene making it difficult to accurately assess the total biodiversity of an eDNA sample. The goal of this study is to optimize metabarcoding protocols for fish community assessment in Missouri habitats. A summer 2020 survey of the GenBank sequence database showed that only 60% of Missouri fishes had a complete mitogenome reference database for metabarcoding studies. In this study, we used Illumina and Sanger sequencing of DNA extracted from Missouri fishes and phylogenetic validation of the COI gene to complete a reference database of Missouri fishes to allow eDNA metabarcoding to become a more powerful tool in monitoring biodiversity across aquatic ecosystems of the state
- Presented by
- Will Cavanagh
- Institution
- Missouri University of Science & Technology
- Keywords
- eDNA metabarcoding, population genetics
Show or hide this track Chemistry Back to top ↑
High-quality Boron Nitride Nanosheets by a supercritical fluid Exfoliation
Nwanonenyi, C. C.; Urbanek, M. T.; Skelly E.; Castelblanco Riveros C. A.; Matthews D. L.; Meziani, M. J.
- Abstract
- Abstract
Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNs) have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years for their being highly thermally conductive yet electrically insulating and their extreme thermal and chemical stabilities, excellent for much demanding thermal management and other applications. For such applications, high-quality BNNs that are thinner, larger in lateral dimension, and of less surface and edge defects are desired, yet their facile production still remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report a simple, rapid, and one-pot exfoliation using supercritical processing to produce high-quality BNNs. Morphology and structure of the resulting BNNs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and Transmission electron microscope (SEM and TEM), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). - Presented by
- COLLINS NWANONENYI
- Institution
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Keywords
Aldol reaction of cyclopentanone and furfural catalyzed by L-proline with green stereoselective method
Fynn Cooper, Jerry Easdon
- Abstract
- Aldol reactions are an integral synthetic method for producing carbon-carbon bonds between aldehydes and aliphatic ketones. Furfural is a promising candidate for studying aromatic cross aldol addition reactions, because of its possible use in agricultural and pharmaceutical synthesis. The purpose of this study was to react furfural with cyclopentanone via an L-proline/water mediated catalyst and to determine the stereoselectivity of the reaction by NMR and computational molecular modeling analysis. A secondary goal was to complete the synthesis of the mono-substituted alkene dehydration product. A synthetic method has been proposed along with a method of purification and identification. Antibacterial analysis and reacting other ketones is also explored.
- Presented by
- Fynnegan Cooper
- Institution
- College of the Ozarks
- Keywords
- Synthesis, catalysis, green chemistry, aldol reaction, stereoselectivity
Electrochemistry of an a-galactosidase enzyme-immobilized modified carbon paste electrode biosensor
- Abstract
- G. Tucker and K. Garrison, Department of Chemistry, College of the Ozarks. ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF AN A-GALACTOSIDASE ENZYME-IMMOBILIZED CARBON PASTE ELECTRODE BIOSENSOR. This research presents progress made towards the development of an electrochemical biosensor to study the electrochemistry of the a-galactosidase enzyme, through immobilization of the enzyme upon the surface of various modified carbon paste electrodes (CPE’s). The ability to monitor concentrations of a-galactosidase is important because of the enzyme’s implications with regard to human health, as deficiency can result in the Lysosomal Storage Disorder Type II known as Fabry’s disease. The a-galactosidase enzyme was studied after immobilization to the surface of a variety of CPE’s, including plain CPE’s, as well as those chemically modified with 10% wt/wt palladium on activated charcoal and copper (II) phthalocyanine. The CPE’s fabricated were composed of graphite powder with mineral oil binder before the addition of the chemical modifiers. The sensitivity and selectivity of the CPE’s were characterized using cyclic voltammetry. Two method of enzyme immobilization used in this study is a 10-minute immersion of the electrode surface in a 5% a-galactosidase solution.
- Presented by
- Gabrielle Tucker
- Institution
- College of the Ozarks
- Keywords
The effect of immobilized methylene blue on the DNA origami as electron carriers in microbial fuel cell
Krishna Thapa,1 Shuo Han,1 Wenyan Liu,1 and Risheng Wang1*
- Abstract
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are biological fuel cells that can produce electricity using electrons produced during bacterial metabolism. Electrons generated are transported to the electrode either directly by microbes through cytochromes and nanowire structures or in an indirect way using redox-active electron mediators. Escherichia coli has often used bacteria in MFC and reported to have good performance, however, it uses the indirect method for electron transfer. It is found that E. coli can use Methylene Blue (MB) as an electron mediator bridge which carries the electrons to the electrode surface. Even though the electron mediators show good ability to increase the current production in MFCs, the low solubility, high toxicity, and difficulty in accessing the bacterial electron source, are still major bottlenecks in the practical application of MFCs. MB is one of the most promising electron mediators because of its good solubility and redox characteristics. But its electron transfer efficiency and biological incompatibility could still be improved. DNA origami, with its ability to self-assemble into programmable multidimensional structures, have shown promise as a carrier for small organic molecules like proteins and drugs and poses natural biocompatibility. Since MB can couple DNA bases through π-π-stacking, in this study MB were immobilized on 3D triangle DNA origami, and the effect of DNA origami as electron mediator carriers in MFC is observed. The performance of MFCs with MB and MB/DNA origami complex treated electrodes were compared with controls using cyclic voltammetry, power density, and voltage output capability. Our results suggest that the DNA origami was effective in increasing the electron transfer efficiency and could be a very useful mechanism for scaling up the MFC capacity and application.
- Presented by
- Krishna Thapa
- Institution
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Keywords
- MFC, DNA origami
Show or hide this track Conservation Back to top ↑
Population Genetics of Missouri Topeka Shiners (Notropis topeka)
Jessica Brooks, Dr. Leah Berkman, and Dr. David Duvernell
- Abstract
- Topeka shiners are a federally endangered fish species that remain in only two watersheds in Missouri: Sugar Creek and Moniteau Creek. Fish were taken from the Sugar Creek population and propagated in the Neosho National Fish Hatchery for use supplementing remnant populations and for establishment of Nonessential Experimental Populations under the Endangered Species Act. The objectives for this study were to determine if hatchery-maintained stocks of fish had reduced genetic diversity consistent with a population bottleneck and if they had lost some of their distinctiveness from the wild Moniteau Creek population during generations in the hatchery. The population of wild Moniteau Creek topeka shiners were shown to be distinct from the Sugar Creek Neosho National Fish Hatchery topeka shiners through analysis with both Genetix and STRUCTURE. There was a non-statistically significant trend towards lower average gene diversity and lower number of alleles in groups of Neosho National Fish Hatchery topeka shiners from different years.
- Presented by
- Jessica Brooks <jbdf7@umsystem.edu>
- Institution
- Missouri University of Science & Technology
- Keywords
- Genomics, Fisheries, Natural Resource
Show or hide this track Geography Back to top ↑
Mapping the Path of the May 22, 2019 Eldon-Jefferson City Tornado Using Principle Component Analysis
S. Tesfaye, A. Dudenhoeffer
- Abstract
- S. Tesfaye, A. Dudenhoeffer. Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Human Sciences, Lincoln University. MAPPING THE PATH OF THE MAY 22, 2019 ELDON-JEFFERSON CITY TORNADO USING GIS PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS. On the evening of May 22, 2019, an EF-3 tornado with 160 mph winds struck central Missouri causing considerable damage. Moderate resolution satellite imagery (Sentinel 2 and Landsat OLI) were used to identify and map the extent of the tornado’s path. Of the two satellite imageries utilized, the 20m spatial resolution 6 spectral band (red edge-near infrared-mid infrared) Sentinel 2 imagery was found to be very informative. Of the different image processing techniques applied, principal component analysis (PCA) was the most revealing. Neither the higher (10m) nor lower (60m) spatial resolution Sentinel 2 imagery were helpful in identifying the path of the tornado. Landsat 8 OLI’s 7-spectral bands with 30m spatial resolution (minus the cirrus band) failed to reveal or capture the path of the tornado. The Northeast trending tornado path--evident on the false color composite image generated from PCA (Sentinel 2, 20m)--starts in Eldon and ends in Jefferson City, Missouri with a total length of ~27.3 miles and width ranging from 35 to 400 meters.
- Presented by
- Austen Dudenhoeffer
- Institution
- Lincoln University
- Keywords
- GIS, Remote Sensing, Tornado, Cyclone, Multi-spectral, Vegetation, Principle Component Analysis
Show or hide this track Geology & Geosciences Back to top ↑
Temperature and Discharge Monitoring of Springs in the Springfield Plateau, Missouri
Dorian DeHart,
- Abstract
- The goal of this project is to investigate the correlation between discharge and drainage basin area with the hope of being able to create a simple equation relating the average discharge from a spring, to the drainage area feeding that spring. Having such a relationship would allow us to measure discharge from any given spring and estimate the drainage area flowing to that spring. This is helpful in the event of a pollution event occurring within a spring and land managers wondering where the pollution may have come from and can travel to. Study locations include springs on Ward Branch Creek, Doling Park, Silver Springs, Smallin Cave, and Jones Spring. Doling Cave and Jones Spring are home to caves, and water flows exit their respective caves. Smallin Cave, Jones Spring and Doling Park (Giboney Cave) have dataloggers recording water temperature about every 15 minutes. Ward Branch Creek, and Silver Spring do not have temperature loggers. Having temperature-loggers can give insight on whether those sites are being fed by deeper groundwater flow, shallow groundwater, or both. Flow volume is calculated on every site except Smallin Cave. Initial data shown opposite trends in temperature between Doling Park’s cave, and Jones Spring Cave with the introduction of moderate precipitation. The spring’s temperature typically indicates whether the spring is fed by a shallow drainage system (caves or similar) or by a deeper (and larger) groundwater aquifer. Using this information, the discharge volumes will help us sort out smaller drainage basins from larger groundwater systems. We will be using the equation Q=KA^C, to estimate discharge, (“Q”) in ft³/sec. We will be graphing upstream drainage areas (“A”), against baseflow (“Q”), and plotting each spring on the graph. We hope to find a good line of correlation. If there is a good line of best-fit, the slope of that line will equal our (“K”) factor within the full equation. This equation has been used in various other hydrologic studies and practices to estimate discharge amounts in various locations (Galster & Pazzaglia & etc., 2006). Initial data shows that baseline flow for Doling Park and Jones Spring Cave are 4ft^3/sec for Doling Park, and 7.2ft^3/sec for Jones Spring. We have found that Jones Spring consistently drops in temperature with the introduction of precipitation (substantial rain). However, Doling Park has shown it is much more radical, and has little to no relation in temperature trends to Jones Spring. This data so far gives us some insight on the similarities and differences between 2 of our locations. In conclusion, this new data can prove beneficial to the cities and communities on The Springfield Plateau regarding the movement of water, and the study of groundwater in Springfield Missouri.
- Presented by
- Dorian DeHart <dehart22@live.missouristate.edu>
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
- Geology, Geoscience, Hydrology
Water Quality Analysis of Springs in Polk County, Missouri
Ramona R Gomez
- Abstract
- The Springfield Plateau groundwater province is an aquifer that runs through southwestern Missouri and parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. It overlies the Ozark confining unit and is mainly recharged by precipitation. This karst aquifer is unconfined, which makes it vulnerable to waste contaminants from animals or other surface activities, that can percolate through the soil and fractured limestone. Little research has been reported on this aquifer since it is not used for drinking supply or irrigation. There are karst features that have form, such as springs that feed into streams that sustain the nearby biota The objective of this study is to evaluate the ground water quality through analysis of the nitrates and selected major ions in samples collected from springs and streams in Polk county Missouri. I will be collecting about 40 samples and will analyze for pH, alkalinity, turbidity, sulfate, chloride, and nitrate. The results will show the extent of contamination of groundwater (springs) and their impact to receiving streams. Also, since I will be collecting samples at intervals of 1-2 months, I will determine seasonal changes in water quality.
- Presented by
- Ramona Gomez
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
- Hydrology, Water Quality
Show or hide this track Physics & Engineering Back to top ↑
A Study of Fin Shape on 3D Printed Rockets
Brock Mason, Riley Smith, Tayler Valdez, Dr. Wayne Trail, Dr. Tony Stein
- Abstract
- High-power model rockets can travel at speeds of more than 1,000 miles per hour. Their flight characteristics are heavily dependent on the design of the fins, yet most are very simplistic, or inefficient copies from their larger counterparts. In this study we will carry out a systematic exploration of fin design using a 3D printer to build complete rockets that differ only in fin shape. We are going to start by varying the leading-edge shape of each fin on four similar 3D printed rockets. We will fly them with the exact same amount of propellant. We will be using an Arduino microcontroller connected to accelerometers to gain data on each flight that we can then analyze and interpret.
- Presented by
- Brock Mason <masonbb@student.swosu.edu>
- Institution
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Department of Chemistry and Physics
- Keywords
- Rocketry
The effect of acceleration of high-power rockets on the foraging behavior of Drosophila melanogaster
Raistlin Hiner, Tommy Nguyen, Caden Bowles, Dr. Jimena Aracena, Dr. Wayne Trail
- Abstract
- We are exploring the effects of large, short accelerations on the foraging behavior of fruit flies through the use of high power rocketry. These accelerations, as large as 490 m/s^2 or more, last up to several seconds and are dependent on the motor type and characteristics of the rocket. Three containers carrying approximately 20 fruit flies each were flown in a high powered rocket for which the acceleration, velocity, and altitude were recorded. We compared the foraging of the flies flown in the rockets to field and lab controls. There was no significant effect on their survivorship or behavior in the subsequent feeding test. This suggests that there was no damage to their nervous systems while experiencing high accelerations
- Presented by
- Raistlin Hiner
- Institution
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Physics
- Keywords
- High Power Rocketry, Acceleration, Drosophila Melanogaster, Foraging Behavior, Behavioral Entomology, Interdisciplinary Studies
Fluidized Bed
Ryan Horn, Brock Mason, Wayne Trail
- Abstract
- A fluidized bed is a tool used to produce the physical phenomenon known as fluidization. Fluidization is the process by which a fluid, such as highly compressed air, is passed through a granulated solid such as sand or fine glass beads, which lowers the average density of the aggregate causing it to possess the behavioral properties of a liquid. Fluidized beds are typically used in industrial settings, however ours will be used for outreach and experimental purposes. This project will be large enough to provide a great hands-on learning opportunity, while still being small enough to be approachable for high school students attending SWOSU’s Physics Day events. We hope that providing involved, hands-on activities and experiments will spark an interest in STEM programs that many high school students may not have been exposed to. In the future, we hope to conduct experiments testing things such as the buoyancy force of various objects, the effect of using different substrates in the bed, and other ideas yet to be determined.
- Presented by
- Ryan Horn
- Institution
- SWOSU
- Keywords
- Fluidized Bed
Search for - and Growth of - Atomic-Cage Thermoelectrics
Sarah Longworth
- Abstract
- We are growing zinc-rich atomic-cage materials in order to discover novel thermoelectrics. Thermoelectric materials convert thermal energy directly into electrical energy by utilizing the Seebeck effect, wherein a voltage is generated by a thermal gradient. Thermoelectrics are particularly useful in that they can be used to harness waste heat generated in the production and consumption of other energy processes. The cage structure of the material, comprising heavy ions “rattling” within void spaces of the crystal, allows for an increase in the thermoelectric efficiency of the material by interfering with heat conduction via lattice vibrations and allowing for conduction via electrons. Crystals are grown in alumina crucibles that are vacuum-sealed in quartz ampoules using excess zinc as a self-flux; the composition and structure of prepared crystals is investigated using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and single-crystal x-ray diffraction (XRD). We have successfully grown four new materials: NbCu2Zn20, NdZn11-xCux, Gd2Zn17-xCux, and YbZn11-xCux with atomic cage structures that are promising candidates for thermoelectricity. Crystals of these materials will be sent to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, FL to be tested for thermoelectric properties. Supported by Missouri State University and NASA Missouri Space Grant Consortium.
- Presented by
- Sarah Longworth
- Institution
- Missouri State University
- Keywords
- thermoelectrics
Show or hide this track Social & Behavioral Sciences Back to top ↑
Enneagram and Humor
Ashley Brooks and Dakota Hathcock
- Abstract
- The purpose of this study is to measure the prediction of humor according to enneagram types. Measuring this is to strengthen one’s sense of identity, as enneagram affects how one feels about themselves. With better sense of identity, the more whole a person becomes, giving back to the rest of society. Several tests were used to measure this correlation, ANOVA revealed no significance in how many times someone makes others laugh per day measured across their enneagram type, F(1,8)=.77, p=.632 those who made people laugh more were on average Type Seven (M=17.18, SD=14.31) those who made people laugh the least were on average Type Five (M=2.67, SD=1.53). Chi square revealed a significant relationship between Enneagram type and feeling like they are the source of entertainment in their friend group, x^2 (32, N=72) =46.46, p=.047 Type Seven and Type Eight was found to rate the highest at 4.04-5% and Type Three rating themselves at the lowest at 1.35% for not at all. In the correlation study 74 participants were asked how strongly they identified with their Enneagram type and how many times they made others laugh per day. Statistical analysis revealed no significance, the average person identified about 4.04 out of 5% of the time (SD=1.00) and makes others laugh on average 10.36 (SD=14.44) times a day.
- Presented by
- Ashley Brooks <ashleymbrooks@student.cofo.edu>
- Institution
- College of the Ozarks
- Keywords
- Experimental Psychology
Enneagram and Humor Production
Ashley Brooks and Dakota Hathcock
- Abstract
- The purpose of this study is to measure the prediction of humor according to enneagram types. Measuring this is to strengthen one’s sense of identity, as enneagram affects how one feels about themselves. With better sense of identity, the more whole a person becomes, giving back to the rest of society. Several tests were used to measure this correlation, ANOVA revealed no significance in how many times someone makes others laugh per day measured across their enneagram type, F(1,8)=.77, p=.632 those who made people laugh more were on average Type Seven (M=17.18, SD=14.31) those who made people laugh the least were on average Type Five (M=2.67, SD=1.53). Chi square revealed a significant relationship between Enneagram type and feeling like they are the source of entertainment in their friend group, x^2 (32, N=72) =46.46, p=.047 Type Seven and Type Eight was found to rate the highest at 4.04-5% and Type Three rating themselves at the lowest at 1.35% for not at all. In the correlation study 74 participants were asked how strongly they identified with their Enneagram type and how many times they made others laugh per day. Statistical analysis revealed no significance, the average person identified about 4.04 out of 5% of the time (SD=1.00) and makes others laugh on average 10.36 (SD=14.44) times a day.
- Presented by
- Ashley Brooks <ashleymbrooks@student.cofo.edu>
- Institution
- College of the Ozarks
- Keywords
- Social and Personality Psychology
The Effects of Social Media on Psychological Entitlement
Coleton Woody
- Abstract
- C. Woody, Department of Psychology, College of the Ozarks.HE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ONE’S PSYCHOLOGICAL ENTITLEMENT. Social media is a very prevalent pastime in today’s culture. While it can seem like a healthy activity, it can decrease one’s subjective well-being the more it is used (Kross, 2013). There are many possible causes for this, and a sense of psychological entitlement is one of those. Entitlement is defined as the extent to which someone believes they deserve something. The question of this study is how much social media affects our psychological entitlement. This increase in entitlement could be caused by advertisements fostering the notion that we deserve more than we have. Additionally, it could be caused by seeing pictures of people, or hearing of people, in more desirable situations than our own and us believing we deserve the same thing. I believe that the more time that is spent on social media, the more a person's psychological entitlement level will increase. Inversely, the less time someone spends on social media, the lower that person’s level of psychological entitlement will be. Before doing an experiment, a correlation study will be conducted to see if there is a possibility of this relationship. About thirty subjects will record how much time they spend on social media per day over the course of one week. Then, the subjects will complete the Psychological Entitlement Scale (PES). These two modes of data will be compared to see if a correlation exists.
- Presented by
- Coleton Woody
- Institution
- College of the Ozarks
- Keywords
- Social Media, Entitlement
The effect of race on juror’s death penalty sentencing
Elisabeth Clary, Mark Csongradi, La’Kiah Wilson
- Abstract
- E. Clary, M. Csongradi and L. Wilson, Department of Psychology, Central Methodist University. THE EFFECT OF RACE ON JUROR’S DEATH PENALTY SENTENCING. Unfortunately, the 13th Amendment and the abolition of slavery didn’t mean the end of systemic racism. Our study was intended to examine a specific but crucial segment of this complex problem, which is the role of race in the criminal justice system. We wanted to know how race affects juror’s decision making on death penalty. Our participants were undergraduate students attending a small, midwestern university. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Each group will receive information about the defendant, such as height, age, weight, body type, and crime committed. Group one will receive the information above, and will also be informed that their defendant is African-American. Group two will receive the information above, and will be informed that their defendant is Caucasian. The third group will receive the information above, and will be not be informed of the defendants race. We will have three groups to manipulate the independent variable of the defendants race. We will not be using pictures, to avoid extraneous variables. Our hypothesis is that if the defendant is African-American, the participant-jurors will be more likely to recommend the death penalty. Our study is different than other literature due to the participants in our sample. Our sample is unique due to being a different generation in the age of media and technology. Data collection is anticipated soon and results of our study will be presented at the conference.
- Presented by
- La'Kiah Wilson
- Institution
- Central Methodist University
- Keywords