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Computational Modeling of Poly-Peptide Chains
Full text linkInvestigations of the structural properties of polypeptides are essential for understanding their conformational behavior, stability, and potential biological interactions. In this study, we employed computational techniques to determine the optimized structures of two model polypeptides: tri-glycine and di-tryptophan
Gathering a Population Assessment of Endemic Ozark Longear Sunfish (Lepomis sp. Ozark) in the Illinois Bayou Watershed
Full text linkThe Ozark Longear Sunfish (Lepomis sp. Ozark) is a species endemic to the Ozark Highlands and Boston Mountains, primarily found in headwater streams that dry up in the summer. Their spawning period occurs from May to August, and because of the impact dry seasons have on water level in headwater streams, there\u27s a possibility their population and health may be impacted. As an endemic species, they play a key role in their ecosystem, and their unique position makes them significant for both ecological and recreational reasons. Because of the wide variety of Sunfish species the state offers, new recreational challenges may arise where anglers are interested in catching this fish and its other subspecies in a certain amount of time. To better understand the population, health, and abundance of the Ozark Longear Sunfish, a study will be conducted in the Illinois Bayou watershed near Russellville, Arkansas. The study will use hook and line sampling methods, including both fly rod and conventional setups. Data collected will focus on fish length, weight, and health, with a visual check for abnormalities like lesions or parasites. The aim is to gather vital information for managing the species and improving their habitat. The findings will assist in making informed decisions on how to protect and manage the Ozark Longear Sunfish for both biological conservation and recreational fishing interests
Deep Learning-Based Multi-Class Classification of Breast Cancer Ultrasound Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Full text linkThe National Cancer Institute forecasts 2,001,140 cancer diagnoses in 2024, with approximately 600,000 expected deaths. Breast cancer is projected to be the most prevalent, with about 310,000 cases. Early diagnosis is critical to improving outcomes, and various diagnostic technologies, including imaging, biopsies, and blood tests, play a vital role. Image testing methods include X-rays, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PET scans. Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently significantly improved cancer detection, improving speed, accuracy, and effectiveness. This research project uses a convolution neural network (CNN) to analyze ultrasound breast images, classifying them as benign, malignant, or normal. Our CNN model was trained on a dataset of 1,644 images: 548 normal, 548 malignant, and 548 benign. The images were obtained from four public sources, pre-processed in grayscale, and resized to 75x75 pixels. After dividing the data set into training, validation and testing sets, the model was trained for 100 epochs with a learning rate of 0.1e-4. The results indicated a training accuracy of 0.98 and a validation accuracy of 0.83, revealing some overfitting. The model was also evaluated with a test data set that resulted in a test accuracy of 0.88. Given the results obtained, transfer learning was used to evaluate the performance of our model by comparing it to three other popular open-source models that are also based on the CNN architecture. The three models tested are ResNet50, VGG-16, and Inception V3. After training these models and using the test data set to evaluate performance, ResNet50 had the best performance with 96.8 percent accuracy, followed by VGG-16 with 95.6 percent, Inception V3 with 92.6 percent, and finally our model with 88.3 percent. In conclusion, the transfer learning models had a superior performance compared to our basic CNN architecture. Nevertheless, this research study provided a feasible and effective model based on a basic CNN architecture, which still has room for improvement through parameter tuning and the addition of more layers. Ultimately, our goal is to incorporate bounding boxes or segmentation algorithms to identify tumor locations, providing medical professionals with enhanced diagnostic tools for cancer detection
Perceptions of Professional Learning Communities By K-5 Alternative Licensure Teachers In Arkansas Elementary Schools
Full text linkABSTRACT
PERCEPTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES BY K-5 ALTERNATIVE LICENSURE TEACHERS IN ARKANSAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Brandy Howell
The ongoing teacher shortage in the United States has prompted an increased reliance on alternative licensure pathways to fill vacancies, particularly in elementary education. Alternatively licensed teachers bring diverse experiences and backgrounds to the classroom, but their professional development and integration into school communities remain critical challenges. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) have emerged as a widely adopted model for teacher collaboration and professional growth; however, little research has explored how alternatively licensed K-5 teachers perceive their participation in these communities. This qualitative phenomenological study examined the experiences of alternatively licensed elementary teachers in Arkansas to understand how PLCs support or hinder their professional development, instructional practices, and sense of belonging within the teaching profession.
Using Malcolm Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory and constructivist learning principles as theoretical frameworks, this study investigated how alternatively licensed teachers navigate PLCs and the extent to which these communities meet their unique professional learning needs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with alternatively licensed K-5 teachers from multiple elementary schools in Arkansas.
Thematic analysis of participant narratives revealed four key themes: (1) Adjusting to the PLC Process, (2) Variation of PLC Experiences Based on School Settings and Experience Levels, (3) PLCs’ Impact on Classroom Practices, and (4) Challenges in PLC Participation. Findings indicated that while PLCs can provide essential support for alternatively licensed teachers, inconsistencies in implementation, lack of structured mentorship, and limited pedagogical preparation present significant barriers to full engagement. Participants reported that strong leadership, structured collaboration, and opportunities for reflective practice within PLCs were instrumental in fostering their professional growth. However, challenges such as unclear expectations, limited pedagogical training, and difficulty navigating school culture hindered their ability to benefit from PLC participation fully.
This study contributes to the growing body of research on teacher professional development by highlighting the unique experiences of alternatively licensed teachers in PLCs. The findings suggest that tailored PLC structures, enhanced mentorship, and explicit scaffolding for alternatively licensed educators can improve integration, collaboration, and instructional effectiveness. These insights have implications for policymakers, school leaders, and teacher educators who seek to optimize PLCs as a professional learning tool
Nebo: Volume 1, Issue 2
Full text linkThe Fall 1983 edition of Nebo (Volume 1, Issue 2) continues the journal’s commitment to showcasing compelling poetry and fiction that push the boundaries of literary expression. This issue brings together a diverse collection of works, exploring themes of human experience, memory, relationships, and artistic interpretation. With contributors ranging from emerging to established voices, the selections in this issue offer a wide spectrum of poetic lyricism and narrative depth. Featuring works from Lawrence Millman, Warren Hope, Turner Cassity, and many others, this volume engages with the complexities of storytelling and the power of the written word.
As Nebo maintains its tradition of literary excellence, this issue stands as a testament to the role of literature in shaping thought, provoking emotion, and expanding artistic perspectives
Volume 14 Issue 1
Full text linkThis special issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, titled Daedalus Meets Elvis, was produced by the Creative Writing Program at Arkansas Tech University and presents a dynamic fusion of poetry and fiction that blends myth, surrealism, and cultural reflection. Originally archived as Volume 14, Issue 1, this issue was published in 1999 as a special creative writing edition. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.
This unique collection features works that reimagine classical and modern figures, with standout pieces such as Achilles in a Country Western Bar by Paul Crenshaw, which cleverly transposes mythological heroes into contemporary settings, and Zelma Meets Elvis by Sharon Baker, a humorous and poignant narrative on obsession and fame. The poetry selections incorporate modernist and experimental techniques, with titles like Nickel by Paul Crenshaw and Image is Everything by Mary Goff delving into the complexities of identity and societal perception.
This issue serves as a celebration of creative exploration, highlighting the innovative literary voices emerging from Arkansas Tech University’s Creative Writing Program
Volume 24 Issue 2
Full text linkThis issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2009, is uniquely titled Readerwriteritis: A (Mostly) Speculative Fiction Issue , highlighting its strong emphasis on speculative storytelling and literary experimentation. The issue is archived as Volume 24, Issue 2, while the print edition is labeled Volume 28, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.
The preface by editor Benjamin David Lee Johnson reflects on the therapeutic power of creative writing, exploring how speculative fiction allows writers to engage in personal, political, and societal critiques while embracing whimsy and intellect. The works in this issue examine themes of futurism, surrealism, mythology, and human transformation, featuring both established and emerging voices in speculative literature.
Key highlights include:
Technical Writer by Keith Harmon, a satirical short story examining the intersection of corporate power and moral ambiguity.
Misguided Justice by Isaac Wardlaw, a thought-provoking narrative on the complexities of revenge, justice, and media influence.
Poseidon\u27s Corridor by Chris Brown, a poetic retelling of mythic punishment and eternal damnation.
The Old Man and the Swan by Yoshiro Takayasu (translated by Toshiya Kamei), a folklore-inspired piece on the nature of beauty and illusion.
Fragment of a Space Epic by Paul Lake, a gripping sci-fi poem that explores war, conquest, and the ethical dilemmas of intergalactic battle.
Die, Kaiju! by M.A. Moreno, a playful yet poignant homage to classic monster cinema and environmental consequences.
With its diverse range of speculative works and experimental storytelling, this issue of Nebo embraces the limitless possibilities of imagination while providing a space for deep cultural and literary reflection
Volume 19 Issue 2
Full text linkhis issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2005, features a compelling mix of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, highlighting themes of social identity, personal transformation, and cultural reflection. Originally archived as Volume 19, Issue 2, the print edition is labeled as Volume 24, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.
Edited by Rachel Dawn Tallmadge, this issue includes works from emerging and established literary voices, such as Bo Woods, Melissa J. Delbridge, Carlene Poynter, Samantha Brewer, and Robert L. Mahon.
Highlights include Sand Spartans by Bo Woods, an immersive and visceral war story exploring the psychological and physical trials of military life, and Angel’s Day by Melissa J. Delbridge, a poignant and unapologetic narrative about personal choice and societal judgment. In Edmund Scores by Carlene Poynter, the reader is taken into the raw and often unseen struggles of homelessness and addiction.
The poetry selection in this issue is equally rich, featuring Rock Star by Jennifer Broniste, a rhythmic and charged piece that captures the energy of performance and celebrity culture. Other notable poems include The Oracle by Robert L. Mahon, a striking meditation on fate and fortune, and Quiet Renegade by Allison Hawbecker, which offers a reflective examination of artistic rebellion.
This collection presents a dynamic interplay of contemporary social issues, personal storytelling, and experimental literary forms, making it a powerful installment in Nebo’s legacy
Volume 26 Issue 1
Full text linkThis issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2011, highlights the talent of student writers from Arkansas Tech University and beyond, juxtaposing their work with experienced, published authors to explore the growth of literary craft. The issue is archived as Volume 26, Issue 1, while the print edition is labeled Volume 29, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.
The editorial preface by Katherine Williams explores the elusive nature of words and the challenges of harnessing language as a writer. Inspired by the Sigma Tau Delta convention in Pittsburgh, she reflects on the idea that words go beyond words —transforming from static text into the lived experiences of readers. The contributors to this issue explore the intersection of language, storytelling, and personal expression.
Key highlights include:
Jack, the Un-Giant Killer by John Grey, a poem that reflects on the transition from youthful rebellion to adult resignation.
The Eyes of Oedipus by James Valvis, a meditation on fate, justice, and human blindness, both literal and metaphorical.
Truck Stop Cinderella by Audra Butler, a gritty narrative poem exploring exploitation and survival in modern America.
Immortal by Isaac Wardlaw, a speculative fiction piece about eternity, memory, and the burden of existence.
Biscuits from [Auld] Scratch by Lynn Veach Sadler, a haunting Southern Gothic tale woven with folklore, magic, and the power of tradition.
The Man Who is Married to Siamese Twins Joined at the Skull by Lyn Lifshin, an unsettling yet touching poem exploring intimacy, dependency, and human connection.
With its diverse range of themes—from mythology to contemporary reflections, from student voices to seasoned authors—this issue of Nebo provides a dynamic literary experience that challenges the boundaries of creative expression
Volume 28 Issue 1
Full text linkThis issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2013, explores the interplay between literature and music, featuring poetry and fiction that reflect the rhythmic nature of storytelling and the influence of sound in writing. The issue, archived as Volume 28, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 32, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.
In her editorial preface, Allissa Hertz, serving in her first and only semester as editor, reflects on the influence of music on this issue’s curation. She describes how the Nebo editorial office, situated near the music department, often resonates with the sounds of orchestras and bands rehearsing. This environment, combined with a growing music scene in Russellville, AR, inspired an issue that, in Hertz’s words, “produces its own song” through its arrangement of poetry and prose that explore themes of sound, harmony, and artistic expression.
Key highlights include:
The Sound Called Music by Evan Guilford-Blake, a story about a man navigating relationships and identity in a world driven by sound and movement.
Humid Blues by Roy J. Beckemeyer, a poem capturing the sultry, atmospheric energy of the Mississippi Delta’s blues scene.
Stevie Nicks 82’ by Erik Pecukonis, a lyrical exploration of nostalgia, celebrity, and the passage of time.
The Ghost of Elvis by Nancy Ellis Taylor, a humorous and surreal piece about an Elvis fan awaiting a spectral visit from the King himself.
Da Capo by Dustin Jackson, a reflection on life as a musical composition, balancing control and improvisation.
A Beautiful Machine by Michelle Castleberry, a poem that transforms a saxophone into a living, breathing entity through its powerful description.
Beep Boop by Patrick Mahoney, an experimental poem capturing the repetitive, hypnotic nature of video game music.
House of the Rising Sun by Dr. William Miller, a historical and contemporary reflection on the famous song and its connections to place and memory.
This issue of Nebo celebrates the rich connection between literature and sound, using words to capture rhythm, melody, and harmony in ways that transcend traditional storytelling