13610 research outputs found
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Analyzing the Leaching of Bisphenol-A From Feminine Hygiene Products Using Fluorescence Spectrophotometry
No full textBisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical compound commonly used to produce plastic and epoxy resins because it can add strength and rigidity to plastic. Recently, BPA has been detected in feminine hygiene products. Because of its structural resemblance to estradiol, BPA can act as an endocrine disruptor, which has been linked to several health complications, such as cancer development, reduced fertility, and early puberty. Fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to monitor BPA leaching over time into a 1:1 methanol/water solvent from pantyliners and menstrual pads. BPA is a fluorescent compound with excitation and emission wavelengths of 278 nm and 304 nm, respectively. Due to the small amount of BPA leaching from feminine hygiene products and the resulting complex sample matrix, the standard addition method was used to calculate the BPA concentrations obtained from samples. To compare the leaching patterns of menstrual pads, various brands of feminine hygiene products of different price points were analyzed using fluorescence spectrophotometry. It was determined that the generic brands of menstrual pads leached more BPA over time than luxury or name brands. To further analyze the leaching effects, a simulated vaginal fluid was utilized as the solvent to mimic the pH and proteins of the female vagina. The leaching from BPA from menstrual pads was analyzed over a six-hour time period in both the 1:1 methanol/water and simulated vaginal fluid. The amount of BPA leaching from every brand of product was detectable and showed a steady pattern of exposure throughout the 360 minutes
The Effect of Darkness and Microgravity on the Development and Movement of Dictyostelium discoideum
Full text linkDictyostelium discoideum is a slime mold that serves as a model organism for studying cell growth, interactions, and movement. It has a fast and unique life cycle, transitioning between unicellular and multicellular states depending on the stage of development. While research has explored various factors influencing its movement, little is known about the effects of darkness and microgravity. This study aimed to examine how darkness and microgravity impact the development and migration of D. discoideum. Ten slugs were placed in the center of lactose agar plates, which were then wrapped in black tissue paper and aluminum foil. The plates were either positioned upright in a clinostat box or secured to a rotating apparatus spinning at 1 RPM within the clinostat. After at least 24 hours, researchers analyzed slug migration. Slugs from the stationary plates in darkness exhibited positive gravitaxis, consistent with previous findings. Slugs in the rotating clinostat environment also exhibited positive gravitaxis, but their response was weaker. This suggests that while microgravity reduces the effect of gravity, it does not completely eliminate it
Amity Methodist Episcopal Church Cornerstone materials
Full text linkContents from cornerstone of the Amity Methodist Episcopal Church, Clark County, Arkansas, opened in 1967. Items are heavily water damaged and are largely fragments of programs and Methodist publications
Doris Lisemby papers
Full text linkInterview notes and newspaper articles collected and published by Doris Lisemby in the Clark County newspaper, the Southern Standard, as part of the Arkansas sesquicentennial celebration from 1985-1987. Also includes scrapbook of printed newspaper articles
Mathematics Speaker
No full textCrystal Bostian was a speaker for the Mathematics presentations of the 2025 Arkansas Women in STEM conference
Screenagers: Screen Time and Mental Health in College Students
Full text linkThis thesis investigates how increased screen time use affects the mental distress states of college students. With technology rapidly developing, personal devices have become increasingly popular for ownership of adolescents and college-age individuals. While social media and personal devices can be a learning tool, they can also be detrimental if used to a problematic extent. This study aims to explore levels of mental distress states at two southern universities. In addition, researchers collected screen time data to identify the potential relationship between screen time and mental distress states. Researchers intended to use these findings to demonstrate reasonable guidelines for users looking to protect themselves from the detriments of social media use. Participants reported both general and social screen time data points over an average of a given week. Then, participants responded to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale to measure levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. The Social Media Disorder Scale was used to identify levels of social media addiction. Researchers examined these measures, comparing screen time data to mental distress state scores and social media disorder levels. The findings of this study indicate that as social media use has increased among college-age students in recent years, their mental distress states and social media addiction levels have increased as well
Grandparent Custody and Visitation Rights in the West South Central States: A Comparative Legal Analysis
Full text linkThis thesis explores the evolving legal landscape of grandparents’ custody and visitation rights within the West South Central states—Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. As family structures in the United States shift away from the traditional nuclear model, the legal system faces increasing pressure to adapt to non-traditional caregiving arrangements. Grandparents are increasingly stepping into pivotal caregiving roles, yet their legal standing remains inconsistent and often unclear. By distinguishing between custody (legal and physical) and visitation, this thesis highlights how state-specific statutes treat these rights differently and under what circumstances grandparents may be granted either. Using primary legislation compiled from sources such as Justia’s 50-State Survey, this work provides an in-depth analysis of each state\u27s legal framework, uncovering both shared principles, such as the prioritization of the child’s best interests, and substantial inconsistencies in legal access and standards. Particular attention is given to constitutional concerns, such as parental rights and due process, which further complicate the ability of grandparents to assert their legal interests. This thesis argues for the development of clearer and more uniform laws that reflect modern family dynamics and protect the rights of both children and their extended family members, especially in cases where grandparents serve as vital caregivers
Beyond the Road: An Overlanding Documentary
No full textBeyond The Road is a journey into the heart of overlanding, where adventure meets environmental stewardship. Through personal narrative, scenic exploration, and expert insights, this documentary uncovers how the simple act of traveling off the grid can reconnect us to nature in meaningful ways. It’s not about the latest gear or conquering rugged landscapes; it\u27s about experiencing the land with respect, learning resilience, and understanding our role in preserving these wild spaces for future generations. Beyond The Road invites audiences to embrace simplicity, find joy in the essentials, and see the world with renewed responsibility