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Modulatory Effects of Musa paradisiaca (Banana) Peel Extract on Glucose Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress Responses in Staphylococcus epidermidis Under Hyperglycemic Conditions
No full textDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a critical global health concern, with cardiac and vascular complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), contributing to DM-linked mortality. Staphylococcus epidermidis, an opportunistic bacterium found on medical devices such as catheters, presents challenges when exposed to diabetic patients, as elevated glycemia enhances bacterial activity that may contribute to myocardial inflammation and DCM progression. This study explored the therapeutic potential of Musa paradisiaca (banana) peel extract in mitigating metabolic dysregulation and oxidative stress in a Staphylococcus epidermidis model cultured in a high-dextrose medium. It was hypothesized that due to the bioactive compounds in banana peels, increasing concentrations of the extract from 0%, 1%, 5%, to 10% would yield a reduction in both glucose levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS), measured using Benedict’s test and a KI-starch assay, respectively. Results from a one-way ANOVA indicated a highly significant difference in glucose concentration across treatment groups, F(3,116) = 590.59, p \u3c 0.001. Post-hoc Tukey analysis demonstrated a statistically equivalent, near-complete glucose elimination by the 5% and 10% concentrations, suggesting a limit in glucose reduction at higher doses. A one-way ANOVA of ROS scavenging capacity revealed highly significant results, F(3,116) = 455.20, p \u3c 0.001. Overall, the hypothesis was partially supported. These findings provide insights into M. paradisiaca peel extract’s hypoglycemic and cardioprotective mechanisms, offering a natural alternative to DCM therapy. Taken together, this study advances understanding of plant-derived dietary interventions for managing DM-associated complications, aiding the development of strategies to combat oxidative stress-related disease progression
Predicting the Combined Effect of Quercetin and Kaempferol on the Folding Stability of the D90A SOD1 Mutant by Molecular Docking
No full textAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disease. Some causes are linked to the misfolding of proteins such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) due to mutations (like D90A) in the gene. Protein misfolding can disrupt functions of cells and contribute to motor neuron degeneration. Flavonoids are plant-based compounds that have many beneficial properties such as neuroprotection and antioxidation, and their effects have been tested on SOD1 as well as other proteins. Two flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol exhibit these properties, but their combined effect on the D90A mutant of the SOD1 gene has not been examined. This research uses AutoDock Vina to conduct molecular docking and acquire estimated binding affinity (docking) scores of quercetin and kaempferol separately, and then used a combined additive model to to approximate their dual effect due to software limitations. The results showed a mean binding affinity score of -6.83 kcal/mol for quercetin, -6.77 kcal/mol for kaempferol, and -13.6 kcal/mol for the combined additive model. Results suggested a stronger estimated binding for the combined additive model (more negative = stronger). A one-way ANOVA test was run and then confirmed statistically significant differences between the groups (F(2, 87) = 196.46, p \u3c .001). A post hoc Tukey HSD test was then run and determined that the combined additive model was the group that was statistically significantly different from the other groups. The findings indicate a predicted potential for quercetin and kaempferol in combination to stabilize the D90A SOD1 mutant misfolding, which provides a computational foundation for further experimental studies
The Impact of Soil pH on the Carbon and Nitrogen Retention Capacity and Cumulative CO2 Emissions in Microbially Activated, Biochar-Amended Soil
No full textWhile industry and fossil fuels have greatly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, the agricultural sector is another major driver, accounting for roughly 21-37% of human-related emissions (Mbow et al., 2022). The purpose of this study was to examine how soil pH influenced CO2 emissions and carbon and nitrogen retention in microbially activated biochar-amended soils. It was hypothesized that an alkaline pH would demonstrate greater carbon and nitrogen retention and lower cumulative CO₂ emissions over 21 days as opposed to acidic or neutral soils, because alkaline conditions are expected to favor microbial colonization of biochar pores and reduced carbon mineralization rates (Wang et al., 2023). To test this hypothesis, biochar-inoculum mixture was added to soil-filled jars divided into various pH levels. CO2 emissions were measured on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21. After 21 days, total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic nitrogen (TN) were measured with a soil testing kit. The ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey results supported the hypothesis: the alkaline group had the lowest CO2 emissions, while the neutral group had the highest (F(3, 116) = 42.01, p \u3c .001). TOC and TN values showed that alkaline conditions experienced the highest nutrient retention (χ²(9, 120) = 72.37, p \u3c .001). There is sufficient evidence to suggest that there is a difference in CO2 emissions based on soil pH. The results propose that microbially-activated biochar be instituted in agricultural settings to abate CO2 emissions and improve carbon and nitrogen retention
The Effect of Internet Slang on the Security of Passphrases Against a Dictionary Attack
No full textThe prevalence of computer systems in modern society demands protection for information stored in online accounts. While passwords have been the standard security measure for decades, passphrases offer a longer and harder-to-guess alternative. The purpose of this study was to improve the strength of passphrases with uncommon, culturally specific terms. It was hypothesized that as the number of internet slang words in a three-word passphrase increases, the time it takes to crack the passphrase using a simulated dictionary attack would increase due to the more unique words being less likely to be matched using words from a dictionary. A passphrase was generated and then repeatedly guessed by another passphrase generator that tweaked the word composition until the guess was correct. The data was determined to have a statistically significant difference in the mean time taken to crack a passphrase across the four levels of the number of internet slang words (F(3, 116) = 119, p = 0.033). The Post-Hoc Tukey test revealed one significant group between one and three words. It was found that the strength of passphrases increased when the number of internet slang words increased. These results imply that the hypothesis was partially supported and that while the presence of internet slang may not improve the security of a passphrase, the time taken to crack a three-word passphrase would increase as the number of internet slang words in a passphrase increased. The study suggests the use of internet slang would improve passphrase strength
Neural Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Neuroregeneration
No full textAlzheimer\u27s disease (AD) causes the gradual loss of neurons, which leads to memory and cognitive problems. Due to the inability to replace the lost neurons, current treatments cannot stop or reverse the progression of AD. One promising approach is to convert astrocytes, a type of support cell in the brain, into new neurons. However, delivering the drugs needed to trigger this conversion safely and effectively remains difficult due to the existence of the blood brain barrier (BBB). In this study, I tested the feasibility of using neural stem cell-derived exosomes as carriers for small drug molecules. I isolated the exosomes from neuron stem cells through centrifuge processes and a commercialized exosome purification kit. Through TEM imaging, size and zeta potential determination, and western blotting, I characterized the structure, size, and proteins in my exosome sample. I loaded two drug compounds that induce astrocyte to neuron conversion, CHIR99021 and SB431542, into the exosomes through incubation, and I used high-performance liquid chromatography to measure the loading efficiency of the exosome, and I achieved over 90% loading efficiency. Confocal microscopy revealed that exosomes can effectively enter astrocytes and convert them into neurons. I found that drug-loaded exosomes were taken up efficiently by the endothelium cells of the BBB and astrocytes and ultimately helped convert astrocytes into neurons. My findings suggest that neural stem cell–derived exosomes could offer a safe and targeted way to promote neuron regeneration in the brain, which opens a window for reversing the progression of AD
Social sciences: Parental Involvemnt effect on students acedemics
No full textParental involvment is shown to have vast effects on the acedemic achivement of highschool students. In order to determine this correlation, students were asked to fill out a survery to evalutate their parents level of involvemtn along with their GPA. With this a Chi- Suqared test was run to be able to fully determine the correlation
Exploring the Modification of a Foot-Insole Pressure Sensor as a Real-Time Training Tool for Dancers
No full textAn estimated 11.1 million people participate in dance in the US alone, and it was found that 26% of consumers reported it as their chosen form of physical activity (Bronner & Worthen-Chaudhari, 1999; Statista, 2025). However, up to 90% of dancers experience serious injury at some point (Callahan & Mangum, 2025). These injuries stem from many problems, one of which is improper technique (Lei et al., 2025). Sickling, also known as supination, is a common technical error that occurs when a dancer’s foot curves inward when pointed, most commonly in demi-pointe or relevè positions (Imura et al., 2022). Supination in dancers can cause severe and repetitive strain injuries, reducing shock absorption and leading to added stress on the outer foot, ankle, and leg structures (Lowe & Chaitow, 2009; Werber, 2011). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to create a proof-of-concept model that, when programmed into the connected sensor’s Arduino, could accurately detect unsafe weight distribution in dancers and provide real-time feedback to dancers to reduce the risk of injury. This was achieved by quantifying proportions of pressure that were characterized as sickling to utilize as possible thresholds for the device. A second verification test was followed by this to test the accuracy of the quantified thresholds. The results showed that these thresholds had an accuracy of 93.33% on the left foot and 81.67% on the right foot. A chi-square goodness of fit test was conducted, revealing that the results were statistically significant on the left foot [χ²(1, 120) = 90.133, p = \u3c0.001] as well as the right foot [χ²(1, 120) = 48.133, p = \u3c0.001]. Therefore, the presented proof-of-concept provides a viable solution to improve dancers’ technique and reduce the risk of injury
Wildfire Ash Disrupts Heart Development in Chick Embryos
No full textWildfires burn plants and buildings, releasing smoke, ash, and harmful chemicals into the air. Recent wildfires in both California (Eaton and Palisade fires) and Hawaii (Maui fire) have caused major loss of life and property and economic damage. A recent study has highlighted a direct link between exposure to wildfire smoke during early pregnancy and a higher risk of babies being born with heart defects. The biological reasons for this link have not been determined. This study examined how wildfire ash collected in California from burned structures affects developing chicken heart in effort to model the role wildfires play in causing congenital heart defects in humans. The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a central cellular process involved in heart valve and development, which is critical for proper heart development. Abnormal atrioventricular (AV) canal EMT is an established cause of congenital heart defects. In this study, the collagen gel invasion assay, a well-established model of EMT, was used. Chicken AV canal explants at stage 16 were placed on a collagen gel to investigate the effects of wildfire ash in vitro. AV canal explants were grown on collagen gels and exposed to wildfire ash at different concentrations. Treatment time was kept as acute (12-36 hr) or prolonged (60 hr) exposure to wildfire ash. The data showed that wildfire ash inhibits AV canal EMT in a dose-dependent manner, impairing endothelial cell transformation into mesenchymal cell, reducing mesenchymal cell invasion, and ultimately inducing cell death at higher concentrations and prolonged exposure
The Effect of Microplastic (MP) Shape on Adsorption and Physiological Responses of Duckweed (Lemna minor)
No full textMicroplastic (MP) pollution has become a significant ecological concern, yet limited research has examined how differences in particle shape influence their interactions with plants in freshwater environments. This study investigated the effect of polyethylene microplastic shape (beads, fibers, and fragments) on frond growth, root growth, and MP adsorption in Lemna minor. It was hypothesized that irregularly shaped fragments would produce greater negative impacts on growth and higher adsorption than beads and fibers due to their morphology and mechanical interference. A 14-day freshwater experiment was conducted using 120 replicates (30 per treatment), each containing 50 mg L-1 of MPs and 10-20 fronds. Frond length, root length, and MP mass adsorbed per frond were measured on days 0, 7, and 14. One-way ANOVAs at an alpha level of 0.05 were used to determine whether MP shape produced statistically significant effects on each dependent variable. Microplastic shape had no significant effect on frond growth (F(3,36) = 0.07, p = .977) and no significant effect on adsorption (F(3,36) = 2.83, p = .052). However, MP shape had a statistically significant effect on root growth (F(3,36) = 13.50, p \u3c 0.001), with fragments causing the greatest mean root length reduction. Adsorption increased over time for all MP shapes, and fragments produced the greatest adsorption, though these differences were not significant. Overall, the findings indicate that MP shape plays an important role in determining ecological impacts, especially on root development, and should be incorporated into future microplastic research
An Interactive Whiteboard that Leverages Mathematical Handwriting Recognition to Assist in Understanding Math
No full textHandwritten Mathematical Expression Recognition (HMER) remains a longstanding challenge in computer science due to the two-dimensional structure, symbol ambiguity, and spatial relationships inherent in mathematical notation. While recent advances in machine learning have substantially improved off-line recognition of static handwritten expressions, a gap persists between state-of-the-art HMER models and their integration into real-time, user-facing applications. This study investigates whether an HMER-enabled interactive digital whiteboard can effectively support the solving, graphing, and visualization of handwritten mathematical expressions in real time. To address this question, a web-based digital math whiteboard was designed and implemented using the VueJS frontend framework. The system integrates the TexTeller model for handwritten expression recognition, the Desmos API for graphing, and symbolic computation libraries (Nerdamer and Math.js) for solving and manipulation. Users write mathematical expressions directly on a canvas using stylus or mouse input, select regions for recognition, and receive immediate typeset expressions in the form of interactive widgets. These expression widgets can then be converted to graphs or solutions. Results demonstrate that the application successfully recognizes handwritten mathematical expressions and supports flexible manipulation, solving, and visualization of those expressions. While recognition accuracy proved strong, recognition latency emerged as a key limitation affecting usability and workflow. The findings suggest that HMER-powered whiteboards are a viable and promising tool for mathematical learning and exploration, particularly in educational contexts, though future work must focus on improving recognition speed through more efficient models or more powerful hardware to enable seamless real-time interaction