23671 research outputs found
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The generation and application of nanofiber bioscaffolds for neural regeneration
No full textThesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Biological SciencesSpinal cord injuries (SCI) and peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) present a significant challenge in medicine due to the limited capacity of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) to repair itself. Tissue engineering is an innovative approach to address these limitations by utilizing biomaterial-based scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and facilitate neural regeneration. Among these, nanofiber scaffolds fabricated through electrospinning have shown potential in guiding axonal growth which could enhance nervous tissue repair.
This study explores the use of aligned nanofiber scaffolds composed of polycaprolactone (PCL), gelatin and chitosan to promote neural regeneration. PCL provides mechanical strength and structural support, while gelatin and chitosan enhance cell adhesion. Electrospinning techniques were optimized to generate aligned nanofibers, characterized for their morphology, diameter, and alignment using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ImageJ analysis. Rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12), a widely used neuronal model, were seeded on the nanofibers loaded with NGF plasmid DNA/FuGENE complex to evaluate gene vector delivery potential. Fetal astrocytes were seeded on aligned and random nanofibers for migration studies to gain insight of the impact of nanofiber composition and pattern on cell migration and cell cycle.
The findings demonstrate that aligned nanofiber scaffolds effectively support neural cell adhesion and proliferation, guiding axonal outgrowth in a controlled direction. Additionally, the study indicates that nanofiber matrices can potentially function as a carrier for gene vector delivery for effective therapy. By bridging the gap between severed nerve endings and promoting directional growth, these scaffolds can offer a different strategy for improving nerve regeneration after SCI and PNI
Connie Morris, former Elliott School faculty member, passes away
No full textConnie Morris, retired Elliott School of Communication faculty member, passed away Feb. 4. Morris was with Wichita State for more than 35 years before retiring in 2012, but she continued to teach until 2017
Forward Together: A monthly newsletter, February 2025
No full textRemembering those lost in the DC plane crash -- Episode 29: Meet Dr. Monica Lounsbery, WSU's new provost -- Episode 30: Dr. Nick Solomey, physics and NASA research -- Join President Muma’s literacy fundraiser; donations to be presented at Feb. 27 men's basketball game -- Wichita State University strengthens its community support with new Office of Community Partnerships -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas gift 150,000 funding for comic accessibility app -- Wichita State featured as the first Kansas college in ‘The College Tour’ Amazon Prime serie
Section 3: Implementing SEL in schools and policy implications: Breaking barriers to SEL: Advancing equity and access in underserved communities
No full textClick on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).This chapter examines systemic barriers that hinder equitable access to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in marginalized communities. It explores funding inequities, policy constraints, and cultural mismatches that limit SEL implementation in under-resourced schools. Through case studies and research, the chapter highlights how SEL, when effectively integrated with culturally responsive pedagogy and equity-driven policies, can reduce disparities and support student success. Strategies for overcoming these challenges, including policy advocacy, community engagement, and targeted resource allocation, are discussed to promote inclusive SEL initiatives. © 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved
Development of dioxolenium ion crosslinking chemistry for molecules based on 2-bromo-3-hydroxypropionic acid
No full textPresented to the 24th Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) held in Woolsey Hall, Wichita State University, April 25, 2025.Aromatic polymers are excellent in terms of mechanical strength, but they have the drawbacks of difficult material processing and manufacturing. An option to mitigate these issues is to use a thermal crosslinker with aromatic polymers to strengthen and stabilize while avoiding byproducts. This study investigates the rearrangement of the model compound methyl-3-acetoxyn2-bromo propionate (Acetoxy-BrH) via a dioxolenium ion and its subsequent reaction with anisole through electrophilic aromatic substitution. To monitor this reaction, aliquots were collected at regular intervals and analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The NMR results confirmed the substitution of the brominated carbon from model onto the para position of the aromatic ring. This reaction serves as an archetype for 1,6-hexanedial-bis(2-bromo-3-acetoxypropanoate) (Acetoxy-BrH-dimer), as the end groups are identical. Since the aromatic ring replaced the bromine on the model, it suggests that the dimer will display similar reactivity. The dimer will be purified by column chromatography; thin-layer chromatography (TLC) will be used to determine the optimal solvent system
The failure of biogenetic analysis in psychology: Why psychology is not a biological science
No full textClick on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).[No abstract available
The relationship between a firm's pre-recall product and environment CSR efforts and post-recall market share
No full textClick on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).Firms are frequently engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The prevailing view is that CSR efforts can protect firms from the negative consequences of adverse firm events such as product recalls. The present research challenges that view by demonstrating that CSR efforts may increase or decrease customers' unfavorable reactions to a product recall and that the relationship differs in different CSR domains. Using data from the automobile industry, the authors find that post-recall market share has a non-linear relationship with pre-recall CSR efforts in both product and environment domains but in different directions. The post-recall market share has an inverted U-shaped relationship with pre-recall product CSR but a U-shaped relationship with pre-recall environment CSR. The study provides guidance to managers regarding the use of CSR in different domains to manage the impact of adverse events in both B2B and B2C settings. © 2025 Elsevier Inc
Investigation of optical and mechanical properties of gold-coated polycarbonate and cast acrylic transparent composites for aerospace applications
No full textPublished in SOAR: Shocker Open Access Repository by Wichita State University Libraries Technical Services, November 2025. 2025 IEMS Officers: Gamal Weheba (Conference Chair); Hesham Mahgoub (Program Chair); Dalia Mahgoub (Technical Director); Ed Sawan (Publications Editor); Wilfredo Moscoso (Proceedings Editor); Abdulaziz G. Abdulaziz (Associate Editor)Transparent polymers like polycarbonate (PC) and cast acrylic (CA) are widely used in aerospace due to their light weight, impact resistance, and optical clarity. However, there is limited information on how coatings affect their mechanical and optical properties. This study aims to assess the impact of heat treatment and gold coatings on the hardness and light transmittance of PC and CA. PC was cut using waterjet, and CA was laser-cut. After cutting, both materials underwent heat treatment at 150°C, followed by gold coating using magnetron sputtering. Vickers hardness tests and optical transmittance measurements were used to analyze the results. Key findings show that heat treatment increased the hardness of CA by 15.6% and PC by 16.9%. Gold coating further boosted hardness by 13.8% for CA and 20% for PC. In terms of light transmission, uncoated CA allowed over 90% of visible light through, which dropped to 30-70% after coating. Similarly, PC's transmittance fell from 90% to 20-50% after coating. The gold coating also provided effective UV protection for both materials. These improvements in hardness and UV protection make coated PC and CA promising materials for aerospace applications
Real-time grasping force estimation and stability in industrial robotic gripper
No full textPublished in SOAR: Shocker Open Access Repository by the Wichita State University Libraries Technical Services, October 2025.In this study, a four-fingered robotic gripper was custom-designed and integrated with a UR5 robot arm to enable adaptive, real-time grasping of objects with varying shapes, sizes, and weights. Dynamic and static analyses were performed to validate the structural integrity, force distribution, and load-handling capacity of the gripper. The mechanical design incorporated lightweight honeycomb structures to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio, while under actuation minimized actuator complexity. Following structural validation, a closed-loop control algorithm was implemented using Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) feedback to regulate grasping force in real time. The system estimates object weight dynamically and adjusts the force threshold iteratively to ensure stability without exceeding the structural limits or causing object damage. Experimental validation using cylindrical, spherical, and rectangular objects demonstrated that tactile sensing significantly reduced excessive gripping force and improved stability, as quantified by a force reduction metric. The gripper achieved reliable handling of objects ranging from 0.025 to 5, enhancing the UR5 robot’s dexterity and versatility for industrial applications. Results suggest that incorporating tactile feedback and adaptive force control mechanisms greatly improve the performance and safety of robotic gripping systems. Future work will explore machine learning-based adaptive control strategies to extend the gripper's capabilities to a broader range of materials and surface textures. This approach offers a cost-effective, customizable solution for enhancing autonomous robotic manipulation in dynamic, unpredictable environments
Person-centered stories on the main stage in intervention: Case examples from the My Story Project, Aphasia! This Is Our World, and Aphasia-Friendly Reading
No full textPurpose: Researchers working in the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) framework are beginning to recognize the value of supportive co-constructed storytelling for people with aphasia. Supported storytelling facilitates identity reconstruction that is part of rehabilitation as defined in the LPAA and the Living with Aphasia: Framework for Outcome Measurement. This clinical focus article reviews the therapeutic value of using co-constructed storytelling in clinical practice and describes how this was done in the My Story Project, Aphasia! This Is Our World, and Aphasia-Friendly Reading. These projects used co-constructed storytelling in intervention with people with aphasia in university and support group settings. Three case examples are presented, including sample therapy goals and documentation. Co-constructed person-centered storytelling has been used in clinical projects and has been shown to have immense value in rehabilitation for improving quality of life for people with aphasia.
Conclusions: Co-constructed stories can provide a powerful opportunity for targeting life participation, identity, and environmental factors, while simultaneously targeting language. Clinicians are encouraged to consider incorporating the use of co-constructed person-centered storytelling in clinical practice. Guidance is offered for preparing for storytelling intervention sessions and documenting these sessions as billable, skilled services