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THE EFFECTS OF MICROPLASTICS ON LYTECHINUS VARIEGATUS SURVIVORSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT**
No full textMicroplastics, plastic pieces smaller than five millimeters, are of growing concern in marine ecosystems because they cause multiple negative effects, including decreased survivorship and direct developmental defects. Sea urchin larvae are a target for microplastic studies because they easily ingest microplastics and are an important component of marine zooplankton communities. Prior studies examining the survival and development of Tripneustes gratilla larvae exposed to 5µm polyethylene beads found no effect on larval survivorship and only a small effect on body width development in five-day old larvae. However, it is unclear how generalizable these findings are to other sea urchin species and for other types of plastic. Our research aims to discover the effects of polystyrene microplastics on larval survivorship and body-size development in Lytechinus variegatus following the same procedures used with T. gratilla. In this study, L. variegatus larvae were divided among three treatments: treatment one had 300 algae/ml, treatment two had 150 algae and 150 5μm polystyrene beads/ml and treatment three had 300 5µm polystyrene beads/ml. Larvae were kept at a concentration of 5 larvae/ml. Percent survivorship was estimated from 5ml samples and were taken daily for 21 days. Body measurements were taken on five-day-old larvae using ImageJ. Five different body measurements were made: post-oral arm length (POA), body width, body length, the ratio of POA length to body width, and the ratio of POA length to body length. Treatments were replicated two times for survivorship and three times for arm length measurements because data were collected from larvae created during two, independent lab-spawning events. Survivorship estimates so far suggest that treatment one had the highest survivorship, treatment two had intermediate survivorship, and treatment three had the lowest survivorship. However, these results are based on only two replicates and will be repeated. Body measurements had two significant differences among treatments. Body width was significantly larger in treatment one than treatment two (p=0.005) or treatment three. Body length was significantly smaller for treatment three than treatment one (p\u3c0.001) or treatment two (p=.005). Our results suggest that microplastic effects on sea urchin larvae may not be generalizable among species or type of plastic
VECTOR-HOST INCIDENCE COMPARISON BETWEEN ITS1-ITS2 GENOTYPES OF CYTAUXZOON FELIS IN SOUTH GEORGIA **
No full textCytauxzoonosis is an infectious disease of felids caused by the protozoan parasite Cytauxzoon felis. Cytauxzoon belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa, order Piroplasmida, and family Theileriidae. Members of this family are tick-transmitted protozoans that exist in erythrocytic and leukocytic stages in their intended hosts. Historically the disease has been thought to be fatal to domestic cats, but recent cases of host survival have been documented. Studies on the genetic variation of the first and second internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS2) of the rRNA genes have identified five genotypes (ITSA, ITSB, ITSC, ITSG, ITSI) associated with varying cytauxzoonosis severity in the bobcat and domestic cat. In this study we will be looking at the incidence of these five genotypes in the ITS1 and ITS2 regions in three hosts of the C. felis lifecycle located in southern Georgia. PCR and gel electrophoresis will be used to test for the five genotypes of DNA samples from Lynx rufus (bobcat), Felis catus (domestic cat), and the parasite vector Amblyomma americanum (Lonestar tick)
ASSESSING THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF OREGANO, THYME AND ARBORVITAE ESSENTIAL OILS
No full textEssential oils (EOs) possess antimicrobial activity and may be able to provide a natural alternative to the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections within humans. Oregano, Thyme, and Arborvitae, in particular, possess strong antimicrobial activity. This research assessed the ability of essential oils to act as effective antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus lugendensis and Corynebacterium xerosis, both known for causing human bacterial infections. Furthermore, the essential oils were tested against the fungal strain Candida albicans, a common cause of fungal infections, to assess their antifungal activity. An agar gel disc-diffusion assay was used to assess both the antibacterial and antifungal activity of these oils at a 50% dilution with DMSO on bacterial and fungal strains. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the serial dilution method starting with a 10% essential oil solution was also determined. The three EOs possessed antimicrobial activity at a 50% concentration against all three microbial strains. Oregano had average zones of inhibition of 36.6, 26.6, and 33.6 mm against S. lugdunensis, C. xerosis, and C. albicans, respectively. In the same respect, Thyme had average zones of inhibition of 30.8, 24.4, and 33.4 mm and Arborvitae had average zones of inhibition of 27.6, 20.8, and 27.4 mm, respectively. All EOs had significantly larger zones of inhibition than the DMSO control (p\u3c0.01). Oregano had a MIC of 0.078125% against all three microbial strains. Thyme had a MIC of 0.15625% against C. albicans and S. lugdunensis and a MIC of 0.078125% against C. xerosis. Arborvitae had a MIC of 0.078125% against S. lugdunensis and C. xerosis. A MIC was not determined for Arborvitae against C. albicans. DMSO, the control, had a MIC of 25% against all three microbial strains. These results indicate that EOs could be used as a natural alternative to treating topical infections
EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO LEAD (Pb) AND OTHER CATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POSTERIOR LATERAL LINE IN EMBRYONIC ZEBRAFISH**
No full textLead (Pb) is a known environmental toxin, shown to have negative effects on growth and development of the central nervous system, including cognitive and behavioral disorders. We have previously examined the effects of exposure to Pb on the development of the posterior lateral line (PLL), an important sensory system, in embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) at 32-48 hours post fertilization (hpf). In contrast to initial expectations, we have found that 1µM Pb-acetate and 1µM PbCl2 increase the rate of development of the lateral line. Immunofluorescence targeting acetylated tubulin highlights the PLL, the extent of which is measured by the number of somitic motor neurons crossed in the time period examined. In this study, we are repeating these experiments in embryos at 32 hpf using PbCl2 and CaCl2 (as well other cations) in that we hypothesize that Pb may be substituting for calcium known to be important in many facets of early development
ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE IN JAFFNA, SRI LANKA
No full textThe path of maximum for the annular eclipse of December 26th,2019, includes land areas of Saudi Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Malasia, Philippines, and Guam; that is, in addition to passing through the Indian and Pacific oceans. A team of interested scientists travel to the city of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and report their measurements. Jaffna, itself, happens to be on the path of maximum. Spectral intensity variation, surface ozone and hydrogen H-alpha measurements conducted are compared to prior experiments. In our previous experiments, carried out at the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia, during the time of the solar eclipse of 21st August, 2017, demonstrated that the integrated spectral irradiance in defined wavelength ranges in the ultraviolet and visible reached a minimum at maximum obscuration of the sun, whereas in an infrared range it was maximum. In a surface ozone measurement, a minimum in ozone concentration occurred thirty minutes after the instant of maximum obscuration. This Jafna eclipse allows us an opportunity to conduct an additional trial to previous observations. The results of measurements as well as the journey to the observation camp are discussed
A Strong Finish
No full textImagine entering a long race after everyone has a head-start and managing to finish first.
Charles Richard Patterson did just that. While the race of the Industrial Revolution was underway, C.R. Patterson was enslaved. After escaping enslavement in 1861, Patterson managed to create and father many “firsts”: automotive and manufacturing innovation (some still unmet today) and social entrepreneurship. The magnitude of C.R. Patterson’s “firsts” has unfortunately been unheard, nearly forgotten. After twenty years of a successful partnership in the carriage business, Patterson earned enough money to buy his partner’s shares to create C.R. Patterson & Sons Company. This business was the first national and international African American owned and operated automobile company. Together, C.R. Patterson and his son, Frederick Douglass Patterson, contributed significantly to the timeline of automobiles. Often in automobile pioneering, Henry Ford is the first to be named. However, C.R. Patterson & Sons Company deserves to be said in the same breath. The local communities recognized C.R. Patterson & Sons Company as quality craftsmen with a quality product. Due to circumstances, like the enslavement of Black people and economic and racial discrimination, C.R. Patterson & Sons were not recognized and manufactured at that same scale as Henry Ford. However, it is worthy of acknowledging the Pattersons did more with less time. “If it’s a Patterson, it’s a good one” (C.R. Patterson & Sons Company slogan)
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF RICE FARM (9DW276) A MIDDLE TO LATE WOODLAND SITE IN NORTH GEORGIA**
No full textUniversity of North Georgia’s 2019 Archaeological Field School explored several areas of 9DW276 (Rice Farm), a Middle and Late Woodland site located in North Georgia. These excavations targeted specific anomalies detected during a previous ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey. Twenty-seven 1x1 meter units were excavated to investigate and interpret the area, identifying various components of the site’s periphery. The results of the 2019 field season are presented, contextualizing two midden areas containing dense concentrations of artifacts as well as one structure with a large associated feature. Artifacts recovered from these excavations attest to cultivation and/or land clearing as well as on-site feasting. Initial results and interpretations of the 2019 field season are discussed along with plans for future research exploring the associated macro- and micro-botanical remains, pottery sherds, projectile points and flakes, and the activities that may be associated with them
WORTHY OF SCIENTIFIC APPROVAL? EXAMINING THE ACCURACY AND VALIDITY OF DOWSING ROD TECHNIQUES**
No full textScience or Pseudoscience? Sometimes referred to as Divination Rods or Witching Sticks, Dowsing Rods have been used throughout many centuries to locate various lost items both underground as well as underwater. Regarded as highly controversial now, dowsing was considered an occult practice and has had fluctuating periods of acceptance academically and professionally. Furthermore, dowsing today is rejected as an occupational tool used by most archaeologists. However, in recent years, there have been some archaeologists who have become advocates for this practice and will use it to aid in excavation. The study seeks to answer the questions: in an archaeological setting, how accurate are Dowsing Rods in locating both material and skeletal archaeological remains? Who is and is not using this practice today? And what are the controversies behind this practice? The goal of this research is to investigate the accuracy and validity of dowsing rod techniques, uncover who is still using this practice today, and consider the controversies behind the practice. In order to accomplish these goals, interviews will be conducted to investigate who is and who is not using this practice, field research will be used to explore the accuracy behind this practice, and observational studies will be conducted to examine the controversies. It is expected that this study will contribute to the scientific claims concerning dowsing rods
Your Students Might Never Have Been Taught How To Study...And What You Can Do About It.
No full textSome students read through a whole textbook chapter in one sitting, as if they’re reading a chapter in a novel. Other students try to write down everything a professor says in class, as if they’re taking dictation. Most likely, it is not the fault of the students that they rely on such poor strategies for learning. Most likely, no one has ever spent the time to teach these students a better way. Fortunately, educational psychologists have researched some really useful techniques that professors can share with students (in about 15 minutes). These tips can help improve academic performance. This talk will highlight several easy to teach tips you can share with your students—including recommendations on how to improve study habits, how to enhance retention of textbook reading and how to get more out of class lectures
HOW DO WE COPE?: AN EXAMINATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS STRESSORS AND COPING STRATEGIES ON ACADEMIC OUTCOMES **
No full textBackground: Previous research demonstrates a connection between trauma and its effects on the African American community (Wiersma et. al., 2009). The African American community experiences of historical and personal trauma are prevalent (Thompson & Massat, 2005); however, there is scant research examining potential coping strategies utilized when facing this looming feat. Negative coping strategies include self-distraction, self-blame and substance use, while positive coping strategies include the use of emotional support, positive reframing, and venting (Carver, 1997). This exploratory study is interested in examining the relationship between students perceived levels of stress and the relationship to the types of coping strategies HBCU students participate in. In addition, the relationship between students’ stress levels, coping strategies and students grade-point average (GPA) will be assessed. Methods: Participants will be asked to complete a survey consisting of the Perceived Stress Scale, which is designed to measure individual differences in stress (Cohen, 1994), while the Brief COPE scale intends to measure strategies used to cope in response to stressors (Carver, 1997), and demographic information. In addition, students will be asked to respond to an open ended prompt in order to further explore challenges students are encountering, the coping strategies employed as a response to stress, and the ways in which the institution could help alleviate or address these challenges. This approach will provide richness and depth that is missed when conducting quantitative studies. Implications: The results from this study can help to create new ways for advocating for positive environments and resilience interventions that will help people get through hardship. It can also draw awareness to the challenges that African American college students face, and provide a space for discussing those obstacles and how to resolve them