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ArkaValley Liquor: Simplifying Restaurant Alcohol Orders
No full textThe ArkaValley Liquor system is a web-based ordering platform designed to simplify the process of ordering alcohol for local restaurants. Currently, restaurants place orders by emailing the store, which makes it difficult to maintain a paper trail and track order details. With the ArkaValley Liquor system, the ordering process is automated, and all order details are saved in one central location. Each restaurant will have a login, ensuring only authorized individuals can place orders. The system will also provide a record of each restaurant\u27s most recent order, making it easy to reorder if necessary. By using the ArkaValley Liquor system, local restaurants will be able to streamline their alcohol ordering process, save time and effort, and reduce the chances of errors or miscommunications. Overall, the system aims to enhance the customer experience by providing an efficient, secure, and user-friendly platform for alcohol orders
Comparison of Redfin Darter (Etheostoma whipplei) Diets from Two Spatially Distinct Streams in the Arkansas River Valley
Get PDFSPATIOTEMPORAL COMPARISON OF REDFIN DARTER (ETHEOSTOMA WHIPPLEI) DIETS FROM TWO SPATIALLY-DISTINCT STREAMS IN THE ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY.
Ben S. Johnson1*, Ethan H. Dodson1,2, and Kyler B. Hecke1, 1Arkansas Tech University, Department of Biological Sciences, Russellville, AR [email protected], 2Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 213 AR-89, Mayflower, AR
Diet-data collection is increasingly difficult for darters, as most methods require the dissection of each specimen and the removal of the digestive tract, which is fatal. As a result, the diets of many darter species have been relatively understudied. The Redfin Darter (Etheostoma whipplei) is one species where there is very little information on its diet. We wanted to use a non-lethal diet extraction method to see how the diet of this species seasonally varied between two spatially-distinct streams, Bakers Creek and Shoal Creek, tributaries of Lake Dardanelle (Arkansas River) in Arkansas. We employed two sampling gears (kick-nets and seines) to collect this species in October and January. Small-scale gastric lavage was used to extract diet data from all individuals at two different streams. All prey items were preserved and identified to the genus level (if possible). Bray-Curtis dissimilarity was used to assess the composition of prey items in fish from the two streams. A total of 176 different prey items from 17 fish (37-69 mm), covering 10 orders were extracted from Redfin Darters sampled in Bakers Creek in October (2022). During January, a total of 227 different prey items from 20 fish (36-68 mm), covering 7 orders were extracted from Redfin Darters in Bakers Creek. In Shoal Creek, a total of 187 different prey items from 18 fish (32-67 mm), covering 10 orders were extracted from Redfin Darters sampled. During February, a total of 227 different prey items from 16 fish (33-70 mm), covering 8 orders were extracted from Redfin Darters in Bakers Creek. The composition of prey items from the two streams were relatively similar during October (Bray-Curtis distance = 0.125) and January/February (Bray-Curtis distance = 0.353). Diets were also relatively similar on a temporal scale at Bakers Creek (Bray-Curtis distance = 0.353; October to January) and Shoal Creek (Bray-Curtis distance = 0.335; October to February). Diets from both streams were comprised mostly of Chironomids, suggesting that this prey item is an important part of Redfin Darter diets. There appear to be no spatiotemporal differences in Redfin Darter diets between these two streams, suggesting that these two streams support similar aquatic-macroinvertebrate communities. This research is will aid in the understanding of Redfin Darter diets, by establishing a baseline of their diet, and how it varies spatially and temporally
Kayak Automated Steering
No full textThe problem presented is to automate a fishing kayak to make traveling long distances more manageable while maintaining the flexibility, portability, and size of the kayak without making major modifications to the already working item. The proposed design is aimed to solve the steering issues that a fixed seat in a kayak may have and the consistent paddling by supporting them with an automated system. The device is not meant to interfere with the system\u27s manual operation but to provide a sense of aid when needed
Investigating Properties of Commercially Available IR Detector Technology
Get PDFWith the ability to transcode valuable information from light emitting objects, infrared (IR) detector technology has begun to find recreational use in the form of non-contact thermometers and home insulation tools. Research and industry have long been using IR technology in the form of high-altitude balloons, CubeSats, and UAV cameras, but the technology remains a niche market, and thus, a burdensome financial investment. As such, given general consumer products recently introduced as more economically viable, we sought to design an affordable IR camera capable of effective and meaningful data collection. To do so, we utilized a Raspberry Pi 4 and 3 thermal arrays of increasing quality to design an IR camera. With this design, we recorded measurements and conducted data analysis at room temperatures to understand noise properties and determine the efficacy of our camera as a scientific tool. We also plan to perform similar experiments at extreme temperature environments, the data of which contributes to the continued creation of an affordable IR camera that can be used recreationally and across many industries, including but not limited to astronomy, meteorology, environmental sciences, and engineering
Alleviating Environmental Stresses in Native Arkansas Plants by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation
Get PDFThe rapid human-driven changes in the environment during the Anthropocene have placed extreme stress on many native plants and animals. Beneficial interactions with microorganisms may be crucial for ameliorating these stressors and facilitating the ecosystem services host organisms provide. The role of an important mutualistic association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the competitive ability and successful adaptation of Arkansas native species by enhancing nutrient uptake has not been previously considered. Analysis of field root and soil samples from the native species in their native range as well as a controlled greenhouse experiment will be conducted to determine the level of mycorrhizal colonization in the roots of native plants and the dependency on mycorrhizal fungi for growth and nutrient uptake. The field root samples are expected to show that native plant species are heavily colonized by AMF in relatively dry conditions compared to mesic or wet sites. The results from the control growth experiment will check whether the mycorrhizal treatment plants have significantly higher relative growth rates and biomass compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. The dependence of native species on the mycorrhizal fungi for growth and nutrient uptake based on habitat conditions will also be examined. Given the importance of native species for ecosystem services, findings from this study may be critical for the conservation and successful restoration and management of native plants and their habitats in Arkansas
The Rise and Stagnation of Google Earth VR: Dashing the Hopes of Immersive Geography Classrooms?
No full textGiven the sensational development of virtual reality (VR) technologies in recent years, how can hopes of fully-immersive experiential learning in geography classrooms be achieved? One solution may be through Google Earth VR, which is a truly immersive app for ‘visiting’ places across the globe via a wired VR headset. The app has been an increasing focus of academic research and classroom VR sets, but many challenges exist, such as technical issues and developer neglect by Google. As the educational benefits of VR for student learning continue to be seen, can a somewhat stagnant Google Earth VR app become a mainstay in academic geography, thus realising the dream of immersive classrooms
Biofilms and Their Role on Diseases
Get PDFBiofilms are complex, three-dimensional structures that provide a long-established survival mechanism for microorganisms. Biofilms play a substantial role in pathogenesis as they can evade the immune response and be highly resistant to conventional antimicrobials, thus impacting the human health and healthcare system. To address this issue, BMC Microbiology invites submissions to the collection ‘Biofilms and its impact on disease’
The Status and Prospects of Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals
Get PDFThe release of heavy metals into the agricultural soil and waterbodies has been accelerated due to anthropogenic activities. They are not usually required for biological functions thus, their accumulation in biological system poses serious threat to health and environment globally. Phytoremediation offers a safe, inexpensive, and ecologically sustainable technique to clean habitats contaminated with heavy metals. Though several plants have been identified and used as a potential candidate for such phytoremediation, the technique is still at its formative stage and has been mostly confined to laboratory and greenhouses. However, recently several field studies have shown promising results that can propel large-scale implementation of this technology in industrial sites and urban agriculture. Realistically, the commercialization of this technique is possible if interdisciplinary approach is employed to increase its efficiency. This review presents a comprehensive narration of the status and future of the technique. It illustrates the concept of phytoremediation, the ecological and commercial benefits, and the types of phytoremediation. The candidate plants and factors that influences phytoremediation has been discussed. Finally, the physiological and molecular mechanism along with the future of the technique has been described
What makes a CERT program successful and effective?
Get PDFThere has been little research conducted about Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). Even so, previous research suggests that CERT programs present a viable option for increasing a community\u27s disaster resilience by increasing preparedness education and building interpersonal bonds among community members. Still, additional research indicates that measuring the success of CERT is challenging to quantify. This study seeks to determine what makes a CERT program successful and effective.
Method
The researchers are utilizing purposive sampling and a structured questionnaire to interview CERT Program Coordinators. CERT Program Coordinators identified as potential participants were contacted via an email solicitation. This email provided a general overview of the study and invited the individual to be a participant. Upon confirmation of interest an informed consent form was sent via email. This informed consent form included more in-depth information about the study. After completing the informed consent form, an interview was scheduled with each participant to be conducted via a videoconferencing service. Interviews are scheduled to conclude by March 11th and approximately 10-12 CERT Program Coordinators will participate.
Findings/Analysis
The interviews with CERT Program Coordinators for this study are being recorded via a videoconferencing service. The interview recording and transcript will be utilized to analyze the participant responses. This study will benefit academicians and practitioners by adding to the body of academic literature available regarding CERT. Additionally, this study is expected to benefit society by identifying steps to success for communities seeking to increase their disaster resilience through CERT program implementation