bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a combined lecture/laboratory model for student performance and engagement in introductory chemistry courses.
Authors: Brothers Scott , Reilly Lisa
Published: May 2022

In this study, student success metrics using a combined lecture/laboratory “atoms-first” approach will be compared to traditional teaching models in which lecture and laboratory are separate courses with separate meeting times.  This model was piloted earlier with the introductory course CHEM 108, Forensic Chemistry, which demonstrated increased student engagement due to daily rather than weekly laboratory activities.  A curricular change was implemented in the CHEM 101 course, General Chemistry I, in the Fall of 2016. This model included new experimental and computational modules incorporated around the course material each week in addition to changing to an “atoms-first,” structural model rather than a “stoichiometry-first” mathematical model over the first few chapters of the course.   Hands-on molecular modeling assignments have been included along with the curricular changes, which have allowed students to better visualize atomic and molecular structure.  Evidence for the efficacy of these newly-developed assignments is shown in the results of exams primarily covering topics of structure and bonding, which are used as a tool of quantitative assessment between traditional lecture and combined lecture/laboratory models.  In the traditional lecture model, the average exam score for this learning outcome was 65.8% (N = 45), whereas for the combined lecture/laboratory model, the average exam score is 71.2% (N = 64).  Additional student learning outcomes results for both General Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry will be discussed, and changes in performance and engagement will be outlined.
Testing the reliability and validity of 3D scanning devices applied to the two-compartment model of body composition.
Authors: Martin Jaimee Elise , Henson Kristy , Popovich Greg , Fulks Rachel , Harvey Jaiden
Published: May 2022

Body composition is important when determining health status. Current two-compartment methods used to determine body composition are expensive and inconvenient. The purpose of this study is to test the reliability and validity of an Xbox Kinect V1, Xbox Kinect V2, and the Artec Eva 3D light scanner when applied to the two-compartment model of human body composition. We hypothesize that these 3D scanners can capture an individual’s volume and thus calculate percent body fat. 3D scanning and editing took place in the 3D scanner’s respective software, then scans were exported to Artec Studios to calculate the volume. Participants were form-fitting clothing and stood in a standard position during scanning. A complete 360-degree 3D model of the subject was captured using each scanning device. The Siri or Schute equations were used to convert body density to body fat percentage. To determine accuracy, skinfold caliper body fat estimates were compared to the 3D scanning results. Preliminary results show that the Xbox Kinect V1 resulted in a higher body fat percentage when compared to the skinfold calipers (R2= 0.004, Var= 1). Similar results were obtained for the Xbox Kinect V2 (R2= 0.151). The Kinect devices consistently overestimate body fat percentage.
Psyched for STEM: Integrating psychology as a science in elementary education
Authors: Fletcher Tifani , Eisel Audrey , Swartz Melesa
Published: May 2022

Policymakers and the public have a complicated view of psychology. Few laypeople think of psychology as a science, which makes it difficult for psychologists to get funding from programs aimed at supporting STEM. The American Psychological Association created a task force to address this and they have recommended goals to enhance psychology’s prominence as a STEM discipline. This includes but is not limited to: improved public understanding of the scientific basis for psychology, increase, through pedagogic collaboration and scholarly engagement, psychology’s involvement with other STEM disciplines, and expand educational resources and opportunities in psychological science. For many adults, there is an implicit and negative stereotype that assumes that you are either a “smart” science person, or you are not, known as a fixed mindset. One way to negate this false attitude from continuing is to engage people early and often regarding the vast range of activities and opportunities that STEM education provides, psychology included. It is important that children have multiple opportunities to engage in STEM related activities throughout their formal education. Evidence is accumulating that this exposure to STEM activities, especially by educators of diverse backgrounds and disciplines, is helping to encourage and build confidence in kids regarding their abilities to pursue STEM related careers (i.e. Draw A Scientist studies). This presentation will discuss implementation and outcomes of a multi-year interdisciplinary and community collaboration of inclusion of psychology as a STEM in an elementary school setting. We will also offer suggestions for future endeavors in meeting the APA taskforce goals.
Evaluating Preference Between Sterile and Enriched Enclosures in False Water Cobras (Hydrodynastes gigas): A Case Study
Authors: Lloyd Christopher , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Zoo funding is commonly directed towards charismatic megafauna within zoological institutions. Because of this, research and psychological studies on reptiles are lacking. As zoos started becoming a part of social culture, reptile houses became a part of that as well; however, the welfare of these early reptile houses significantly lacked compared to other zoo exhibitry (mammals and birds). Throughout the years more focus has been directed to the psychology and welfare of reptile/amphibian enclosure design. A common debate within this topic is if the reptile truly needs an environmentally stimulating enclosure or not.The results from this case study suggest that environmentally enriched enclosures are preferred over sterile ones. Three of four snakes spent the majority of their time in enriched enclosures. In conclusion, the aim of this case study is to decipher if zoo funding should be directed to False water cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas) enclosure design based on behavioral data if required.
Descriptive analysis of long-term monitoring sites for Cambarus callainus and Cambarus veteranus.
Authors: Krochmal Jimmy , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Cambarus callainus and Cambarus veteranus are two federally listed crayfish species endemic to the coalfields region of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. These crayfishes are impacted by anthropogenic changes in their environment, namelysuch as sedimentation, which eliminates the interstitial spaces these species use as shelter. An investigation was initiated to examine environmental factors of streams with populations of C. callainus and C. veteranus in southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, and northern Virginia. Environmental data were collected at long term monitoring sites for C. callainus and C. veteranus within the Big Sandy and Guyandotte River basins, with 56 site localities chosen based on a quantitative assessment of their habitat. 100 m transects were divided into 10 m subsections that were seined for 10 minutes or until all available microhabitats were sampled. Subsections were analyzed for habitat density, substrate coarseness, embeddedness, and heterogeneity. Data collected from this project can be used for comparing historic localities lacking these species to assess viability for reintroductions.
Dry and Ash Free Dry Mass to Length Relationships and Salinity Stress Response of Rock Crayfish (Cambarus carinirostris) and Allegheny Crayfish (Faxonius obscurus)
Authors: Shanor Addie Rebecca , Wood James , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

During the cold months in the northeastern United States, road salt is used to de-ice roads. The increase in human population and road density has led to a dramatic increase in salt application over the past 30 years. As a result, salinity levels of freshwater streams are rising at a rapid rate which has led to habitat degradation in aquatic ecosystems and a harmful effect on the health of many freshwater organisms. Crayfish responses to salinity may be indicative of how other freshwater macroinvertebrates react to increased salinity levels. This project explores the impact of increased salinity levels on the stress levels of two West Virginia natives, the Rock Crayfish (Cambarus carinirostris) and the Allegheny Crayfish (Faxonius obscurus). We measured the change in respiration through the tracking of dissolved oxygen levels through the use of a respiration chamber and varying salt solutions from common road salt deicer. All specimens were dried and ashed to record dry mass (DM) and ash-free dry mass (AFDM). We then created species level regressions to predict DM and AFDM from carapace length (CL). In 2010, Benke et al. published an order level regression for Decapoda to predict DM from CL, and a species level regression for Cambarus bartonii to convert between CL and AFDM. We found significant difference Benke’s regressions and our regressions, indicating the possible need for species specific regression equations to estimate crayfish biomass.
Implementation of ACUE's "Developing student’s career ready skills" module at WVU Tech
Authors: Panta Yogendra M , Hatipoglu Kenan
Published: May 2022

At WVU Tech (West Virginia University Institute of Technology), we implemented a teaching module “Developing student’s career ready skills” developed by ACUE (American College and University Educators). Embedding career guidance into teaching courses relate and equip students’ readiness with the necessary skillsets they need to be successful in their professional career. Through the ACUE module, we learned how to develop assignments, projects, and other relevant activities that craft students’ skillsets for their personal development and professional success. In our first implementation of this module, select in-class group-assignments were provided in two engineering courses. The outcomes from this implementation were noticeable to be effective in molding career-based education in the classroom. We plan to develop a semester-long team projects, assign work-study activities that advance students’ communication skills, or train students for effective teamwork that follows managerial protocols. In addition, we have located student assignments/projects in discipline-specific elective courses, capstone design projects, federal work-study programs as some of the proper student-interaction opportunities to embed these career ready skills.
The Impact of Two-Minute Training Sessions on Confidence level for Providing Compression-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Faykus Teresa , Curry Taylor , Raines Austin
Published: May 2022

Teresa Faykus, Faculty Advisor, Nursing, West Liberty University; Taylor Curry, Nursing Student and Austin Raines, Nursing Student, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV.The Impact of Two-Minute Training Sessions on Confidence Level For Providing Compression- Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation     Studies have shown that bystander compression-only resuscitation for adult, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims improve overall survival rates. Unfortunately, 70% of Americans do not know how to administer resuscitation attempts or are afraid of hurting the victim. Therefore, only 27-41% of sudden cardiac arrest victims receive immediate resuscitation attempts.     The research question is: Can simplified performance steps, simplified training, and elimination of mouth-to-mouth contact help bystanders feel more confident in taking the appropriate actions for saving a life?    Objectives include training college students, staff, and faculty in chest-compression only resuscitation for an adult sudden cardiac arrest victim; measuring self-reported confidence levels before and after the training by using a Likert scale, and gathering self-reported confidence level factors.   Nursing students included staff, faculty, and students to randomly participate.  Data was gathered, a two-minute training and a return demonstration was completed, and post confidence levels were recorded.    Of the total 134 participants, 85%  reported a positive change in confidence levels.  Of those, 55% had positive differences in their confidence of 2, 3, or 4 levels.  When dissecting the confidence factors, three of the six options stood out as being the most chosen: “I feel that I may hurt someone if I don’t do it correctly”, “I don’t know the steps of CPR”, and “I’m afraid that I would get in trouble or get sued”.  By understanding how confident the public is in initiating CPR and what influences these confidence levels, training can be better guided.
CATHERINE MORRIS, Dept. of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304, and MARK B. WATSON, Dept. of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304. Impacts of Microstegium vimineum invasion on central West Virginia native plants.
Authors: Morris Catherine Grace , Watson Mark
Published: May 2022

Around the world natural ecosystems are being challenged and altered by invasive species. In particular, invasions of non-native grasses have a substantial impact on the population of native plant species. This study investigated the detrimental effects of an invasive grass, Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) on native plant species in central WV.  M. vimineum is an emerging invasive species in the eastern United States. This stiltgrass is most abundant in highly disturbed areas such as trails and roadsides. Certain environmental conditions, forest feature, and soil conditions promote the growth and spread of the invasive grass. M. vimineum effects the soil and tree growth where it invades. While there is substantial information regarding the ecology and spread of M. vimineum, limited research has been done to determine the effects of the invasion on native plant communities. Study plots (30 plots (0.5m2)) were randomly selected in disturbed, moderately disturbed, and undisturbed locations. Canopy cover was measured at each location. The stems of M. vimineum counted and the native plant species were identified and quantified. The relationship between land disturbance and stem count was determined.  Stem count of M. vimineum was highest in the moderately disturbed area with the lowest average native plant species richness. The second highest stem count was in the disturbed location which had the highest species richness but the lowest diversity. A negative correlation was found between stem count and species richness throughout all plots.
Analysis of localized water chemistry and land use drivers of macroinvertebrate community structure in the Upper Ohio Watershed using multivariate modelling and ordination techniques.
Authors: Hoover Garrett William , Wood James
Published: May 2022

An assessment of land use, water chemistry and macroinvertebrate community data was performed at 20 stream sites in southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. Project sites were located on streams spanning six different watersheds from a variety of catchment sizes and land use characteristics. Macroinvertebrate community characteristics were analyzed using ordination techniques including Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS) and hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis, and predictive effects of ambient physicochemical stream conditions and watershed land use were evaluated using hierarchical modelling via Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA). Ordinations showed watershed development, shredder biomass, ambient annual turbidity, and riparian forest cover as primary drivers of dissimilarity between macroinvertebrate communities. INLA models identified significant negative relationships between macroinvertebrate community diversity and ambient annual conductivity, turbidity and watershed development. Results support regionwide water quality assessments citing conductivity and sedimentation as prevailing in-stream stressors, as well as land use characteristics as determining factors of water quality, even at localized scales.
Decreased Chlamydia muridarum genital infection and improved immune response in a β2-Adrenergic Receptor Knockout Mouse Stress Model
Authors: Crenshaw Raenel P , Belay Tesfaye
Published: May 2022

Chlamydia genital infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis shows a high prevalence in low socioeconomic populations; however, whether stress is associated with the high prevalence of infection is not known. During chronic stress conditions, the interaction of beta2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) with norepinephrine (NE) is known to suppress the immune system in humans and animal models. However, the mechanism of suppression that leads to chlamydia infection is not well known. This study aims to measure the susceptibility of mice and cytokine production of a β2-AR knockout (KO) during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. Stressed and non-stressed C57BL/6J wildtype (WT) and β2-AR gene KO mice will be infected with C. muridarum intravaginally post 21-day stressing period. Swabbing of mice at the 3-day interval for 42 days will be performed to determine C. muridarum counts and isolation. Moreover, splenic CD4+ T cells, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells at day 7 post-infection will be performed for immune response analysis by ELISA. We hypothesize that the deficiency of β2-AR leads to significantly less C. muridarum shedding from the genital tract of stressed KO and leads to an increase and decrease in the production of protective and suppressive cytokines, respectively. We anticipate results obtained will align with our central hypothesis that stressed WT mice have increased C. muridarum shedding of genital tracts and increased production of protective cytokines in  stressed β2-AR KO, suggesting the importance of stress in β2-AR stimulation.
Relation of Vitamin D and UV Data with Homicide/ Suicide Rates in States North/ South of the Mason- Dixon Line
Authors: Antolock Lauryn Marie , Allen Cam'Ron , Henson Kristy
Published: May 2022

In the body, vitamin D plays a large role in cell growth, neurological, muscular, bone, and immune functions. Sunlight is our body’s most effective means of synthesizing vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with depression, seasonal affective disorder, rickets/ osteomalacia, and a cascade of other metabolic issues. Vitamin D deficiency is caused by biocultural variables. In this study, we examined death certificate data from multiple states in 1931, during The Great Depression, using the Mason-Dixon line to categorize these states into North and South. From the selected states, we recorded age, sex, and ancestry of individuals who died by suicides/homicides in 1931. We compared this data with the average UV Index of each state. These data were then compared to determine if there was a potential correlation between UV index and suicide/ homicide rate. Preliminary results show there is a significant difference in UV index of northern and southern states.
What do we hear and say? Trigger words and race
Authors: Henderson Yasmeene Monet , Samol Geanna , Crowder Terron , Bakodimos Ioannis , Hull Debra , Hull John
Published: May 2022

Our research examined words or phrases often found to elicit strong emotional responses about race—known as trigger words—in order to uncover differences in responses to those words in Black and White students. Undergraduate research participants, 22 identifying as Black and 61 as White, individually read 14 words or phrases regarding race and racism, for example: White supremacist, bigot, equality, and Black Lives Matter. Participants evaluated words on four 1-5 scales assessing negative-positive emotional response, comfort in hearing them in a virtual class, in a face-to-face class, and using them in private conversation. Independent samples t tests showed that White participants had significantly more positive emotional responses to stop and frisk, White person, and “Make America Great Again!”, and a significantly more negative response to riot than did Black participants. Black participants were significantly less likely than White participants to feel comfortable using White History Month and “Make America Great Again!” in casual conversation. There were no significant differences regarding comfort in hearing any of the terms in a virtual class compared to a face-to-face class. Additional independent samples t tests showed that female participants were less likely to feel comfortable using the terms illegal immigrant, White History Month, bigot, and “Make America Great Again!”, and to feel significantly more negative about the term illegal immigrant than male participants.Future research should expand participant groups beyond Black and White, to include Latinx and Asian participants, and expand the pool of race-specific trigger words.
Insight into Francisella tularensis-erythrocyte interactions
Authors: D'Cunha Luke , Cantlay Stuart , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium that enters human red blood cells (RBCs). Previous investigations suggest that invasion of RBCs helps F. tularensis survive in the gut of arthropods – a transmission vector of this bacterium leading to colonization.  Since tularemia is a zoonotic infection, humans are not the primary host of F. tularensis.  Therefore, we sought to investigate whether F. tularensis was capable of invading RBCs of other animals.  Using the gentamicin protection assay, we discovered that while F. tularensis could enter sheep and chicken erythrocytes, bovine RBCs did not support invasion.  Because of previous studies published by our lab, and due to intrinsic differences between human and bovine erythrocyte surface protein Band 3, we hypothesized that RBC membrane protein Band 3 is required for invasion. We used anti-band 3 Fab fragments to physically block the Band 3 RBC surface protein and investigated how that impacted F. tularensis invasion. Here, we provide preliminary evidence suggesting that F. tularensis uses Band 3 to enter human RBCs.    This study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (1R15HL147135) and an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (P20GM103434), which funds WV-INBRE program.
The effects of a high-fat diet vs. high-fat diet plus Dihydronortanshinone in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Authors: Smith Jordan Marcelle , Tandoh Richard , Walters James
Published: May 2022

Obesity is common in the Appalachain population and contributes of disorders of metabolism of lipid called, collectively, dylipidemias. These are primarily the result of consuming western diet, which contains high amounts of fats and cholesterol. The goal of our study is to determine the effects of diet induced oxidative stress on larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our first hypothesis is when larval zebrafish are fed a high-fat diet, oxidative stress will be induced. Our second hypothesis is that when a high-fat diet is combined with the natural product Dihydronortanshinone (DNT), there should be a reduced amount of oxidative stress. To test these claims, we will have three dietary conditions for the zebrafish, a low-fat diet, a high-fat diet, and a high-fat diet plus DNT. Zebrafish will be fed for eight weeks, and their food consumption will be calculated after each feed. After eight weeks, the body fat volume will be calculated, and a dissection of the intestines will occur. The dissected intestines will be processed for RNA extraction and RT-PCR of oxidative stress genes. We expect to see increased BMI in the high-fat diet animals. In the high-fat diet plus DNT aimals we expect to see a decrease in oxidative strees response gene expression. This study's significance is to fill in knowledge gaps associated with oxidative stress created by high-fat diet consumption. NIH GrantP20GM103434 supported this work to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence, and NIH Grant P20GM103434 awarded to Bluefield State College and the McNair Scholars Program.
Efficacy of a combined lecture/laboratory model for student performance and engagement in introductory chemistry courses.
Authors: Brothers Scott Michael , Reilly Lisa Marie
Published: May 2022

In this study, student success metrics using a combined lecture/laboratory “atoms-first” approach will be compared to traditional teaching models in which lecture and laboratory are separate courses with separate meeting times. This model was piloted earlier with the introductory course CHEM 108, Forensic Chemistry, which demonstrated increased student engagement due to daily rather than weekly laboratory activities. A curricular change was implemented in the CHEM 101 course, General Chemistry I, in the Fall of 2016. This model included new experimental and computational modules incorporated around the course material each week in addition to changing to an “atoms-first,” structural model rather than a “stoichiometry-first” mathematical model over the first few chapters of the course. Hands-on molecular modeling assignments have been included along with the curricular changes, which have allowed students to better visualize atomic and molecular structure. Evidence for the efficacy of these newly-developed assignments is shown in the results of exams primarily covering topics of structure and bonding, which are used as a tool of quantitative assessment between traditional lecture and combined lecture/laboratory models. In the traditional lecture model, the average exam score for this learning outcome was 65.8% (N = 45), whereas for the combined lecture/laboratory model, the average exam score is 71.2% (N = 64). Additional student learning outcomes results for both General Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry will be discussed, and changes in performance and engagement will be outlined.
Comparing the BMI of Zebrafish fed on a normal diet versus a high fat diet
Authors: Tandoh Richard , Smith Jordan , Walters James
Published: May 2022

Dyslipidemias, such as obesity, are a challenge facing people worldwide and dyslipidemia associated diseases are influenced by both genetic and environment factors. Animal models of obesity are essential to help us understand the signaling pathways underlying dyslipidemias. Zebrafish have many structures and functional similarities with humans and have been used by many labs to investigate various human diseases, including obesity. The purpose of this research is to use zebrafish adults in a model of diet-induced obesity to determine body mass index changes in response to a high-fat dietary challenge. Our hypothesis is that zebrafish fed on normal diet will have less visceral and subcutaneous adipocyte tissues when compared to zebrafish fed on a high fat diet. To simulate a normal diet, male and female adult fish will be fed 5 mg of artemia per fish each day where as high-fat diet fish will be fed 5 mg of artemia plus 30 mg of egg yolk powder instead. The body weight and body mass index of both male and female zebrafish will be measured at the end of 8 weeks and compared. We expect to observe that female zebrafish show an increase in body weight and BMI as compared to their male counterparts. Viewing the visceral and subcutaneous tissues of the zebrafish will be determined by computer tomography after zebrafish are fasted and sacrificed. This work was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and NIH Grant P20GM10343.
Genetic and Morphological Consequences of Inter-haplogroup Hybridization in Faxonius virilis
Authors: Krochmal James
Published: May 2022

Faxonius virilis were sampled from native population and introduced populations within a narrow range of the South Saskatchewan River in southern Alberta.  We hypothesize that introduced Great Lake F. virilis has hybridized with native prairie F. virilis. Tissue samples were taken for genetics, multiple specimens were collected to compare geometric morphometrics between the two known species and the hybrids. COI and GAPDH along with microsatellite markers show distinction within the grouping. The importance of this study is to identify populations of hybrids for future management plans.
Life History of the Rock Crayfish (Cambarus carinirostris)
Authors: Loughman Mitchel Collin
Published: May 2022

Crayfish are the third most imperiled organism in the United States and reach their peak global endemism in the Appalachians mountains. Crayfish are not only vital ecosystem engineers, but also keystone species that hold aquatic communities together. Despite this, life history data for these creatures is sorely lacking. As of 2013 only 42 of the 347 species (12%) of the crayfish in the U.S. and Canada have published life history studies, and only 9 of the 97 species (9%) in the genus Cambarus have published life history studies (Moore, et al. 2013). Cambarus carinirostris is a widespread secondary burrowing crayfish with an unknown life history. Herein this project we plan to conduct a full and precise life history study on this species that can be utilized for various conservation implications as well as serve as a surrogate for a secondary burrowing crayfish that needs immediate conservation actions. Moore, M. J., Distefano, R. J., & Larson, E. R. (2013). An assessment of life-history studies for USA and Canadian crayfishes: Identifying biases and knowledge gaps to improve conservation and management. Freshwater Science, 32(4), 1276–1287. https://doi.org/10.1899/12-158.1
Integrating co-requisite math for STEM student success.
Authors: Walck Lindsey , Smith Amanda , Harvey Erica
Published: May 2022

Gateway math courses can be a major hurdle for students to get over in order to continue on with their majors, especially STEM majors. Previously, students could have taken up to four semesters of remedial math before being able to place into the first gateway math course needed for their major. With Math Support, students no longer have to take those remedial courses; the remediation is built in to the course in addition to the regular level content. These co-requisite courses allow students to start into their major courses much sooner than in the past, therefore allowing them to stay on track in their major and finish successfully.   Attendees will be given an overview of Math Support at Fairmont State. Developmental math courses have been replaced with co-requisite and accelerated learning models. All students can now progress through gateway courses within their first year, regardless of test scores. Gateway courses are offered with additional support to aid students in learning and understanding and fill in any gaps. Fairmont State was one the first colleges in WV to offer these services at full-scale. Initial data reports show students who took a Math Support course completed the course successfully at the same rate as students in non-support courses. More data will be reported.
Exploring rheological properties of chitosan gel and antimicrobial activities of 5-FU against diabetic wound pathogens
Authors: Tetteh-Quarshie Samuel , Jones Cynthia , Long Timothy
Published: May 2022

Diabetic skin wound is a common complication that occurs in about 15% of diabetic patients and often requires prolonged hospitalization. Diabetic wounds are slow to heal and last for weeks, making it difficult to be manage in clinical settings. Chitosan (CS) gel has become a focus of attention in delivering therapeutics such as antimicrobial agents to site of action in diabetic wounds without negative side effects. The objective of this study was to explore rheological properties of CS gel and determine the therapeutic effects of 5-FU against common diabetic wound pathogens.

   Chitosan gel (2% w/w) was prepared in serial dilutions of 5-FU. Stability, antimicrobial activities, and rheological properties (flow behavior and oscillatory sweep tests) of 5-FU-CS gels were analyzed.

  2% CS gel demonstrated a shear thinning behavior with a flow index < 1. The gel displayed weak gel-like properties with storage modulus values (G') less than loss modulus values (G''). Stability (pH) was maintained after three weeks of storage at 4-8oC and 20-25oC. Unlike E. coli, 5-FU and 5-FU-CS gel significantly inhibited MRSA and RN1 growth. Drug-free CS gel had no growth inhibition against MRSA, RN1 or E. coli. The MIC for 5- FU against MRSA, RN1, and E. coli were 0.5μg/mL, 0.5μg/mL, and 8.0μg/mL, respectively.

    CS was successfully formulated into non-Newtonian gel with shear thinning properties. The gel was viscous and less elastic. 5-FU-CS gel was stable at both room and cold temperatures after three weeks of storage, with antimicrobial activities against MRSA and RN1 at low concentrations, and against E. coli at higher concentrations.

    Understanding rheological properties of CS would enhance its utilization as a drug delivery vehicle for diabetic wounds given its biodegradable, biocompatible, and biological properties.
Engineering Design and Path Planning Implementation for Autonomous Rover
Authors: Little John , Workman Nathaniel , Spiggle Zachary , Teigeler Davis , Hester Davian , Liao Weidong
Published: May 2022

The objective of the study is to provide undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct research and engineering design in the area of autonomous robotics. The engineering design aspect of the project involved the reengineering of a powered wheelchair and the design of electrical, electronic, and software interfaces. Application of path planning algorithms took the form of a modified A* implementation for indoor autonomous travel, and a PixHawk autopilot system for outdoor autonomous navigation.

   The testing of the modified A* algorithm was conducted by using the hallways of Shepherd University as a real-world representation of the rover’s virtual map. The rover’s internal understanding of the map was an outline of the local space and required the robot to respond to the unknown objects in the environment to appropriately navigate from its starting point to the endpoint. The goal of the outdoor autonomous navigation was to implement GPS-based navigation in a large open area like a parking lot without any obstacles.

   The initial findings are that the engineering design for the rover is a success and that it initially shows the capability of receiving and responding to autonomous navigation cues. This project remains ongoing and will continue to be available to future computer science and engineering students at Shepherd University who are interested in autonomous robotics design and research.

 

Funding and support for this project are provided by JLG Industries, Inc., Professor Jason Miller, and Prof. Weidong Liao of Shepherd University’s CME Department.
Evaluating bat diversity and activity in developed and undeveloped locations of West Virginia’s northern panhandle
Authors: Purks Julia , Barber Diana
Published: May 2022

Bat populations are declining due to habitat loss and the spread of the deadly fungal pathogen, white-nose syndrome. Increased studies of bat populations and their diversity are necessary to ensure their survival. Bat diversity and activity levels are understudied in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia.  For our study, sixteen sites were selected (four in each county: Ohio, Brooke, Hancock and Marshall). Using mobile ultrasonic bat detectors, bat calls were detected from different species at each location while walking a 1-kilometer transect after sunset. In addition, stationary recorders were placed in all four counties over the summer and in a subset of the counties during the fall and spring. Our null hypothesis suggests that sites/transects will not show any statistical difference of bat diversity in developed or undeveloped locations of West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. Our alternative hypothesis formulates that bat diversity will be statistically different between developed and undeveloped transects. Results from the summer transects show a significant difference between activity in developed and undeveloped sites (p = 0.008433). Sites were, and still are, being evaluated based on the number of species recorded at each site.
Validation of a Novel Microfluidic Platform by Imaging Diet Uptake in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae.
Authors: Orell Jesse Reed , Parnell Dakota , Russell Chandler , Walters James
Published: May 2022

Jesse Orell*, Dakota Parnell*, Chandler Russell*, and James Walters, Ph. D*. *Dept of Applied Science and Mathematics, Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV, 24701. Validation of a Novel Microfluidic Platform by Imaging Diet Uptake in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae.

A functional microfluidic imaging platform allows the study of several conditions such as the effect of diets on metabolism/digestion, drug interactions, and effects of gene mutations on metabolic processes. Extended durations of in vivo larval zebrafish microscopy are lacking, especially in regard to metabolism. We aim to extend the duration of in vivo larval zebrafish microscopy by using a novel microfluidic imaging platform capable of exchanging fluid (entry and exit flow), supplying oxygen, and supplying diets/drugs. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) serve as good research models for microscopy and disease related research. Zebrafish are optically transparent in larval stages and share 70% of genes with humans and 84% of which shared genes are known to be disease related. We first describe the optimal feed time to compare free feeding larval dietary consumption to larvae fed in the microfluidic platform, we imaged seven days post-fertilization (DPF) larvae fed at 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, and 9-hour durations (10 larvae/timepoint, 3 replicates) with a Zeiss Discovery V8 microscope. We used a diet of 5% egg yolk spiked with Fluosphere polystyrene beads (580/605)™ to track the amount of diet consumed. We found the 5-hour timepoint was the best one to measure because fluorescent mean gray value quantified by NIH ImageJ had minor variation, and all larvae had fed. Future experiments will determine if seven DPF larvae will consume food equally in the microfluidic imaging platform environment. If seven DPF larvae feed equally in the microfluidic imaging platform it suggests an improved environment for imaging zebrafish larvae.
Analysis of differential morphology of the anterior fontanelle in an embryonic avian model of induced thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Morais Lindsey , Weekly Daron , Racine Holly
Published: May 2022

Craniosynostosis (CS) occurs when the cranial sutures of the skull fuse prematurely, and this results in intracranial pressure during development and skull deformities. Maternal hyperthyroidism during embryonic development has been linked to the development of CS. Our lab is currently establishing a model of thyroxine-induced CS to study the mechanism involved in thyroxine-enhanced cranial ossification. Two groups of fertilized chicken eggs were injected with saline or 25 ng T4 into the air cell on embryonic days 11 and 15. Skulls from each group were collected on embryonic days 17 through 19 (n = 17-21 per day). They were fixed in formalin and processed using Alizarin Red whole-mount staining to image and quantify any morphological differences in the ossifying membrane of the anterior fontanelle between the treatment and control groups. We hypothesize that thyroxine exposure will alter skull morphology. Geometric morphometric analysis using MorphoJ was performed to identify shape variation between treatment groups of the fibrous space and ossifying region of the anterior fontanelle. Significance was determined by Procrustes ANOVA.  Results demonstrated a significant variation in shape of the fibrous gap between developing sutures on embryonic days 17, 18 and 19 (p<0.05) and a significant variation in the shape of the ossifying region on embryonic days 18 and 19 (p<0.001). In conclusion, we determined our model of induced thyrotoxicosis successfully altered skull morphology visualized in the anterior fontanelle. These findings support that our model is successful in promoting the fusing of the cranial bones with thyroxine exposure in our avian model.

Acknowledgment of NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium (Grant #80NSSC20M0055) and the Genomics Core Facility and WV-INBRE (NIH grant P20GM103434).
Isolation of shogaol from Organic and Processed Ginger for Cancer Related Drug Discovery Research
Authors: Bouldin Hunter , Kim Young
Published: May 2022

Isolation of shogaol from Organic and Processed Ginger for Cancer Related Drug

Discovery Research Hunter Bouldin and Young B. Kim, Ph. D. Department of Applied

Sciences & Math, School of STEM, Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV

Natural products define as a chemical compound or substance from plants, fungi, animals, and microorganisms. Within drug discovery research, more than 60% of drugs in industrialized nations are derived from natural products. Among many, capsaicin is one of natural product interest of ours.  Many literatures suggested it with anticancer effects and this study is limited by hydrolysis reaction which makes it inactive molecule.  However, structurally similar natural product known as shogaol lacks of that amide bond which limits its reactivity toward hydrolysis reaction.  Knowing that, we will demonstrate product analysis of shogaol between organic and processed ginger in this meeting and we will also explore various chemical solvents to illustrate optimal condition for isolation of this bio-active natural product.  In this poster, we will show our research hypothesis, research outline, and research data.  We are hypothesizing that organic ginger will have greater amount of shogaol than processed ginger due to environmental factors and general research outline of this project highlights below: 1) drying your samples, 2) extraction, 3) TLC analysis, 4) silica gel-column purification, and 5) experimental analysis.  We will also show both current stage and future direction of this project to achieve meaningful result to accept/not accept our hypothesis.  Additionally, this isolated bio-active natural products will be used in future cancer related research in our BSC Drug Discovery Lab.
Improving Perceptions of Rattlesnakes with Conservation Message Framing
Authors: Allison Erin Braman , Emily Taylor  , Zackary Graham  , Melissa Amarello  , Jeff Smith  , Zachary Loughman
Published: May 2022

Given the current extinction crisis, there is an urgent need to investigate strategies for adapting human perceptions of unpopular species to benefit biodiversity conservation. As the most broadly distributed venomous snake in North America, Rattlesnakes are an iconic, widely-misunderstood group of snakes, with several species witnessing declines currently. Human tolerance of rattlesnakes is generally low, and occasionally persecutory, through intentional killings and rattlesnake round-up events. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of messaging strategies for improving public perceptions of rattlesnakes. We deployed an online survey to social media users (n=1501) to assess change in perception after viewing one randomly-selected video message. Respondents observed a short video illustrating a utilitarian, ecosystem services message or an empathetic, social behavior message with rattlesnakes as the focal taxa. An 8-item pre and post survey defined perception variables along emotional, knowledge, behavioral gradients, and scored overall perception of rattlesnakes on a 5-point Likert scale. The application of strategic message design to promote rattlesnake conservation and co-existence is a novel approach and this study is the first of its kind currently known to the authors. Evidence indicates that both a logically-framed ecosystem service and empathetic social behavior message are effective in improving feelings, knowledge, and behaviors towards rattlesnakes. Our data suggests that a utilitarian ecosystem services and empathetic social lives messages can be strategically implemented for different genders and age groups to effectively increase perceptions towards rattlesnakes. We hope this study will provide a framework for further messaging research to adapt human attitudes to benefit biodiversity conservation.
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Tumor Growth in response to a Mixed Chemotherapy and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Therapy
Authors: Wang Qing , WANG CHRISTINE
Published: May 2022

Recent studies in some preclinical and clinical research suggest that combined immunotherapy targeting the immune checkpoint receptors cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), or CTLA-4 and the PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) exhibits superior anti-tumor responses compared with each therapy alone. The use of chemotherapy has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with advanced cancer. In this project, we developed a multi-scale tumor growth model using a system of impulsive ordinary differential equations to describe the interactions among major players of the immune system and the tumor microenvironment. Mathematical analysis was conducted for better understanding of the long run behavior of tumor growth subject to mixed chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibition therapy. The objective of this study was to develop a platform to improve cancer management by in silico screening of optimal timing and dosage of the mixed chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibition therapy through anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies. This study was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Using a zebrafish PCR array to study the transcriptome response of genes mitigating reactive oxygen species in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae during dietary lipid absorption
Authors: Schmieta Tom , Johnson Jeffery , Walters Elizabeth , Price Heather , Walters James
Published: May 2022

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main risk factors of death worldwide. A diet rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol is known to cause cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis by increasing reactive oxygen species levels and causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Unsaturated fatty acids have shown to decrease risk for cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels. To determine the relationship of oleic acid and cholesterol to reactive oxygen species (ROS), zebrafish (Danio rerio) were fed high fat diets consisting of oleic acid (OA) and oleic acid with cholesterol (OAC). We hypothesize that zebrafish larvae that are fed with oleic acid will show gene upregulation in genes that mitigate oxygen reactive species in comparison to a diet consisting of oleic acid with cholesterol. By performing real-time PCR, the gene expression under each condition was compared and analyzed to each other and a control group. The results show that the genes of main interest sod1 and sod2 did not show an upregulated expression in either experimental condition. However, other genes like gpx4a and gstp1, which are players in the glutathione antioxidant pathway, have shown an upregulation (7.2-fold and 2.5-fold) in the OAC condition compared to the OA condition. Previous research in this lab has shown a relationship between glutathione and oxidative stress. These data support the suggestion that a diet rich in cholesterol increases gene expression of ROS mitigating genes related to glutathione.