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Brick Harpe, Jazz Percussion
Full text linkBrick Harpe, Jazz Percussionhttps://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/2892/thumbnail.jp
The Untold Story of A Heart Surgeon
Full text linkWhen it comes to picking a career, many think of money or passion but sometimes it takes an experience to shape your future career. That experience for me happen to changed my entire trajectory on life but it also happened to be the reason I want to be a Cardiac Surgeon
Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Water Using Deep Eutectic Solvents
No full textPer- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are diverse groups of synthetic chemicals containing multiple fluorine atoms attached to the alkyl chain. These compounds are commonly known as ‘forever-chemicals’, due to their extraordinary stability and superior properties. PFAS chemicals are found in the most modern products such as cleaners, aerosol sprays, non-stick cookware, food packaging, fabrics, and firefighting foams. Due to the high presence of these chemicals in manufactured products, PFAS can leach into the soil and then contaminate water supplies. Removal of these chemicals from water poses great challenges. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are emerging green solvents with promising usages in a variety of applications. These solvents have been linked to extracting various bioactive compounds from plant products, foods, and pharmaceuticals. However, very few studies are reported to remove PFAS using DESs solvents. The overall aim of this study is to develop a DES screening method for the effective removal of PFAS from water utilizing liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. For preliminary studies, two DESs including Camphor: Menthol and Menthol: Octanoic Acid were synthesized by heating and stirring two components for over one hour. For extraction, PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid, an important PFAS) solution was prepared in water and added with DES in 1: 2 ratios (w/w). The DES: PFOA solution was then vortex and centrifuged to establish a bilayer suitable for accurate separation. The water phase solution was collected and run in the liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to determine the amount transferred to DES phase. A calibration curve of PFOA was established using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry varying the concentration of PFOA from 0.1 micromolar to 50 micromolar. Our preliminary results showed that camphor and menthol show promise in the extraction of PFOA from water, meanwhile other DESs such as menthol: octanoic acid will be tested to compile DES solvents suitable for PFOA extraction from water supplies
Synergistic Effect of Clove & Cinnamon against Aspergillus flavus in Georgia peanuts
No full textAspergillus flavus poses significant economic and health risks in peanuts due to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination. This study examines the synergistic effects of Clove and Cinnamon Essential Oils (EOs) as natural antifungal agents to control A. flavus growth and reduce AFB1. A strain of A. flavus was isolated from peanuts, subcultured on Potato Dextrose and Rose Bengal agar medium, autoclaved for 15 minutes and incubated at 25°C for 6 days allowing growth. A treatment plan was developed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of A. flavus against various concentrations of these oils. Master Cultures were prepared at specific concentrations ranging from 500 to 2500 ppm for both oils and for the controls. A. flavus sample was exposed to EO concentrations by micropipetting the oils directly onto the center of the fungal growth. Untreated samples were used as + & - controls. The effectiveness of each oil was evaluated by measuring fungal colony diameter. In addition, synergistic effects of both EOs were similarly tested. The AFB1 in all treated and untreated samples of A. flavus were quantified using the Vanquish™ MD system, with further analysis by LC-MS on the Orbitrap Exploris™ 240. The R² value of each experiment was calculated to determine the most effective treatment for inhibiting fungal growth. Both EOs exhibited antifungal properties, with Clove being more effective at lower concentrations. The combination of Clove and Cinnamon EOs showed enhanced inhibition, especially at 2500 ppm. AFB1 contamination decreased with increasing EO concentrations, particularly when both oils were combined, with significant reduction in AFB1 levels observed at 250ppm and 2000ppm. Our findings provide evidence of potential use of both Clove & Cinnamon against A. flavus in Georgia peanuts as an eco-friendly biological control agent as an alternate to synthetic fungicides in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
Investigating the role of cnd-1 in C. elegans neuromuscular development
No full textDisorders such as autism and schizophrenia have been on the rise during the 21st century. A gene that has been linked to these disorders is NeuroD, which codes for a transcription factor that helps control cell fate in the early development of neuron and pancreatic cells. Caenorhabditis elegans, a species of nematode, has a simple and easily observable nervous system with genes homologous to humans. This makes them a prime candidate for research into human neurodevelopmental disorders. Previous research revealed that cnd-1, the homologous transcription factor to NeuroD, was found to control the expression of ceh-5, a Vax2-like homeobox class transcription factor, in RME head motoneurons and PVQ interneurons. cnd-1 functions with the Hox gene ceh-13 in defining the fate of DD-class embryonic ventral nerve cord motorneurons. However, it is unclear how body wall muscles interact with DD neurons, how cnd-1 plays a role in that process, and the implications this could have for certain neuromuscular dysfunctions. To address this research gap, we designed an approach to create a C. elegans strain containing both the cnd-1 mutation and genetically encoded fluorescent body wall muscle markers. The strain RSL85 contains an unc-27::GFP (green fluorescent protein) that is expressed in the body wall muscles. Our study aims to cross unc-27::GFP with our cnd-1 mutant and observe muscle cell morphology in comparison to our control unc-27::GFP strain. We expect to see differences in neuromuscular connectivity, which may explain the uncoordinated movement seen in cnd-1 mutants
Autonomous Concrete Crack Detection and 3D Analysis Using Husky AGV
No full textSeveral studies have been conducted in the field of automated concrete crack detection using different analysis methods and robotic vehicles; however, successful 3D crack analysis using a movable camera mount remains to be accomplished. Our research aims to streamline the current concrete crack analysis process to determine the severity of the crack using manual crack length and depth inspection. For this research, a RealSense depth camera will be attached to the robot arm on the front of a Husky AGV to inspect a crack in concrete from multiple angles. A LiDAR unit, using a YOLO machine learning model, will also assist an operator in finding cracks. The additional scans from the different camera angles will be used to create a depth model of the crack using a cloud point grid, which will be computed on a Raspberry Pi 4. The success of the LiDAR and machine learning model will be measured using the percentage of positive results, false positive results, and negative results compared to the total amount of detections. The camera scans will be compared to manually collected results and examined for similar measurements
Analyzing “Missed Opportunities”: How Denied or Unsubmitted CON Applications Affect Rural Healthcare Access and Local Economies
No full textThis project examines how unsubmitted or denied Certificate of Need (CON) applications affect rural healthcare access and local economies, traversing health law, public health, economics, public administration, and rural studies. By focusing on the “missed opportunities” created when potential healthcare expansions are abandoned or refused, the study aims to uncover the systemic and regulatory barriers that deter providers from establishing new facilities or services in under-resourced regions. Drawing on state-level CON records and case studies, it investigates the administrative burdens, statutory constraints, and community-level factors—such as financial risk, political climate, or inadequate public support—that contribute to these unrealized proposals. In doing so, it links the absence of critical services like primary care, mental health treatment, and diagnostic facilities to wider social determinants of health, revealing significant consequences for patient outcomes and economic vitality in rural areas. By integrating quantitative evidence on denied proposals with qualitative insights from local healthcare professionals and policymakers, the research highlights how current CON frameworks may inadvertently stifle essential service delivery. Ultimately, this project offers reform recommendations to streamline the application process and foster sustainable healthcare development in rural communities, underscoring the broader societal costs of neglected medical infrastructure
Family Dynamics in Asian American Children\u27s Books
No full textThe children\u27s books act as both mirrors—helping kids see their own experiences—and windows, allowing them to understand different family dynamics. This study examines the portrayal of family life in Asian American children\u27s books, with particular attention to male characters within family dynamics. By analyzing 18 selected books published in English from 2008 to 2024, it explores how narratives surrounding male characters reflect the complexities of Asian American families. The sampled books underwent content analysis, focusing on relationships with other family members, cultural elements, and intergenerational interactions. The findings reveal that while some books celebrate cultural heritage and strong family bonds, there remains a need for more diverse representations of male characters in Asian American families. This research highlights the importance of culturally relevant literature in making children\u27s books more inclusive and representative of diverse experiences
An Analysis of Silver Diamine Fluoride Usage for Arresting Caries in Children
No full textOne of the most common diseases in children is dental caries (cavities). The typical treatment involves fillings, but due to frightening equipment and anticipated pain, that may not always be the right answer for children. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a newer treatment option for caries in the United States. It has the ability to arrest caries with a simple paint-on application as opposed to drilling. In this research, we aimed to summarize the variety of published information on SDF to aid in medical decision-making. The method of research included completing a literature review of SDF using articles found on PubMed Central (PMC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A wide range of articles were assessed for data on properties, history, mechanism of action, usage on children, and other key areas to determine all possible benefits and drawbacks of SDF. At the end of the analysis, both negative and positive aspects were found and summarized. Although SDF has drawbacks due to its staining properties, it also presents numerous benefits like high efficacy and ease of application. By having clear information on SDF, improving availability, insurance coverage, and use in School-Based Health Centers is possible
Library Experience Day: Fostering Student Engagement and Recruitment through a Community Partnership
Full text linkThis study explores the creation of a community engaged partnership between a university librarian and high school librarian. The article underscores the significance of university-school collaborations in ad-vancing K-12 education, offering insights for academic and educational institutions seeking to strength-en community engagement and recruitment initiatives. The authors discuss how the collaboration helped bolster an academic library’s strategic initiative to foster community engagement, particularly with local K-12 schools, and advance college readiness skills for area students. Collaborating with four high school librarians, the authors designed an interactive day on campus with activities and tours high-lighting the diverse roles within an academic library. By removing barriers to campus visits and fostering connections between students and information professionals, Library Experience Day (LED) is a part-nership that contributes to the university\u27s recruitment efforts while supporting local high school stu-dent success