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The Role of Interferons in Vulnerable Plaque
No full textCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death in the U.S., driven by atherosclerosis and leading to myocardial infarction (MI). Vulnerable plaque can rupture without obstructive CAD, releasing inflammatory and thrombotic proteins. Interferon signaling is implicated in this process. The hypothesis is that circulating interferon levels are associated with vulnerable plaque even without obstructive CAD. Two cohorts were analyzed: the PROMISE study (1,700 patients with chest pain, including 12% Caucasian) and the Miami Heart Study (2,352 healthy individuals, 85% Caucasian, 47% Hispanic/Latino). Inflammatory proteins were measured using the Olink platform for specificity and efficiency. Logistic regression models assessed interferon associations with CAD and vulnerable plaque. IFN-gamma levels were higher in the PROMISE cohort. IL-18, IL-18R1, and IL-12B were assessed, with IL-18 showing the strongest correlation to interferon activity. Interferon proteins are associated with CAD and vulnerable plaque, activating macrophages and promoting inflammatory protein secretion. These proteins may serve as clinically relevant biomarkers for CAD.https://digital.library.ncat.edu/honorscollegesymposium25/1033/thumbnail.jp
Racial Discrimination, Social Support, and Perceived Qualification Differences: Analyzing The Impacts on Work-Related Stress and The Mental Health of Black Women
No full textPrior research indicates that racial discrimination greatly affects the mental well-being of Black women in their jobs (Berdahl and Moore, 2006). This matter is vital since the compounded impacts of racial discrimination can intensify job-related stress and lead to persistent mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression (Holder et al, 2015). We propose a study examining how racial discrimination at work is perceived and how it impacts mental health of Black women. Specifically, we hypothesize: H1. Black women who deal with racial discrimination can experience more psychological stress. H2. Having access to a support system or mentorship at work can help lessen the bad effects of work-related stress on Black women\u27s health. H3. When Black women see themselves as inferior to their white counterparts, it can make mental health issues worse, leading to more consistent anxiety and depression. A survey will be conducted online to test the hypotheses. The results of the current study will enable a better understanding on how workplace interactions, especially those surrounding race, impact Black women\u27s mental health. It will also bring awareness to and highlight how important establishing support systems and perceptions of fairness are.https://digital.library.ncat.edu/honorscollegesymposium25/1015/thumbnail.jp
Mechanochemistry of Cu-Ni Alloy Nanocatalysts for Production of Hydrogen
No full textA mechanochemical alloying (MCA) method was used to produce a 2:1wt% Cu2-Ni1 alloy nanoparticles. Mechanochemical synthesis of catalysts is an innovative method that relies on mechanical force to induce solid-state chemical reactions, typically by grinding/milling either metallic oxides or pure metals. Decreasing the internuclear distance (via alloy formation) between Ni and Cu atoms is expected to promote a synergistic catalytic activity and improved physiochemical properties. The stability and activity of unsupported alloyed, unsupported unalloyed, and supported alloyed catalysts were studied for their hydrogen fuel production capability via steam reforming of methanol (SRM)https://digital.library.ncat.edu/gradresearchsymposium25/1154/thumbnail.jp
Electrode Modification of a Microalgal Microbial Fuel Cell for Valorizing Agricultural Wastewater
No full textAgricultural activities, though essential, generate significant amounts of wastewater, which poses environmental challenges. Agricultural wastewater comprises various pollutants, including organic matter, nutrients, pesticides, and pathogens. The significance of effective wastewater treatment lies in its ability to remove contaminants, protect ecosystems, and potentially recover valuable resources. Biological methods like anaerobic digestion (AD), microalgal cultivation, and microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are sustainable approaches to treat wastewater. However, biogas productivity is sensitive to operating conditions and requires long retention times in AD. Microalgal cultivation is limited by light penetration and harvesting costs, while MFCs face challenges in scaling up and maintaining long-term stability. The integration of microalgae cultivation with MFCs has become promising since microalgae act as an oxygen generator to facilitate reactions in the cathode chamber, efficiently removing phosphorus, nitrogen, and CO2. This study aims to cultivate and characterize anaerobic bacterial biofilm and a microalgal biofilm on the anode and cathode of MFCs. The effects of key parameters, including electrode surface modification, hydraulic retention time, pH, temperature, light intensity, and photoperiod, on biofilm growth, microbial diversity, and proteomic profiles are thoroughly evaluated, thus contributing to the development of sustainable wastewater management strategieshttps://digital.library.ncat.edu/gradresearchsymposium25/1158/thumbnail.jp
Effect of Different Irrigation Levels on the Growth and Yield of Tomatoes
No full textEffective water management practices are essential for maximizing tomato yield while mitigating the risks associated with weather extremes and ensuring environmental integrity. The need for climate-smart irrigation management techniques in agriculture has increased to optimize water use efficiency and enhance crop productivity. Irrigation scheduling using precision agriculture technologies like soil moisture sensors is an effective and efficient water management strategy in crop production. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of different irrigation levels on the performance of tomatoes. Irrigation levels were based on initiating irrigation when soil matric potential was at 15 kPa and 45 kPa. A control treatment was included based on the crop’s condition. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in raised beds on campus during the 2024 summer growing season, with data collected on agronomic and soil moisture content. The data generated in this study will be used to develop best management practices and guidelines on climate-smart irrigation management in North Carolina and similar regions. These guidelines will serve as recommendations for farmers to enhance irrigation and nutrient use efficiencies in vegetable cropping systems. Additionally, the study will increase the adoption of scientific irrigation scheduling using plant and soil moisture sensorshttps://digital.library.ncat.edu/gradresearchsymposium25/1162/thumbnail.jp
Cellulose-based Biorenewable Hydrogels: Manuka Honey and Sustainable Polymers for optimized Wound healing
No full textThis systematic study investigates the development of biorenewable, cellulose-based wound dressings by incorporating antibacterial agents into advanced polymeric hydrogels. To enhance their therapeutic properties, Manuka honey is blended with biodegradable polymers, including chitosan, gelatin, bacterial cellulose, and PCL. Various fabrication techniques— such as electrospinning, hydrogel formation, and 3D printing —are employed to optimize the hydrogel composites\u27 porosity, mechanical strength, and biodegradability. The controlled release of Manuka honey is designed to ensure sustained antimicrobial activity while promoting cell adhesion and tissue regeneration. Hence, this study addresses key challenges like antibiotic resistance and the demand for customizable, cost-effective wound care solutions; this research paves the way for improved wound healing strategieshttps://digital.library.ncat.edu/gradresearchsymposium25/1166/thumbnail.jp
Biomimetic Robotic Hand Controlled via Deep Reinforcement Learning with Digital Twin
No full textRobotic arms are frequently deployed in many manufacturing architectures, such as automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical industries. Most of these arms are limited to 6 or less degrees of freedom, restricting the fine control needed to manipulate delicate parts adequately. The purpose of this work is to present a physical biomimetic hand with a digital twin that are both trained and controlled via deep reinforcement learning. The expectation of this research is a hand that can perform a delicate operation such as picking up a bolt and screwing it into a threaded hole without the use of another tool. This hand could be implemented in any manufacturing industry where high dexterity is needed.https://digital.library.ncat.edu/gradresearchsymposium25/1179/thumbnail.jp
Proliferation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployments
No full textThe proliferation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployments utilizing LoRaWAN technology has powered significant advancements in remote monitoring and data acquisition. However, widespread adoption remains hindered by persistent security vulnerabilities. Existing LoRaWAN security frameworks, primarily reliant on key-based encryption, are susceptible to evolving cyber threats, necessitating innovative countermeasures. This research introduces a novel security paradigm leveraging the inherent natural frequencies of individual network agents (sensors, actuators) to augment traditional key-based security. Incorporating unique frequency signatures as dynamic authentication parameters, we propose a multi- layered security architecture that enhances network resilience against unauthorized access and data manipulation. This approach exploits the intrinsic physical characteristics of each device, rendering it exceptionally challenging for malicious actors to replicate or spoof legitimate nodes. An analytical model that demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of this frequency-based security mechanism, considering factors such as environmental noise, device variability, and network scalability shall be developed. Simulations and preliminary experimental data validate the proposed methodology, showcasing substantial increase in network security without compromising LoRaWAN’s low-power, long-range capabilities.https://digital.library.ncat.edu/gradresearchsymposium25/1180/thumbnail.jp
New Farmers of America Association
No full textTwo hogs in a field.https://digital.library.ncat.edu/photos/1902/thumbnail.jp
New Farmers of America Association
No full textThree young men from the NFA and W. T. Gibbs (a former Chancellor of A&T) looking at the New Farmers of America\u27s Program of the 29th Annual Convention.https://digital.library.ncat.edu/photos/1914/thumbnail.jp