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Phil Dixon & Gentleman
No full textPhil Dixon talking to an audience member after his presentation. Taken at the 2025 Gene DeGruson Lecture.https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/sweatt_lecture/1079/thumbnail.jp
Quercetin/Epoxidized soybean oil loaded Magnesium hydroxide composite particles with antimicrobial properties
No full textIn recent years, developing novel composite particles has gained significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry. Quercetin, a flavonoid (a type of plant pigment and antioxidant), is found in various fruits, vegetables, and grains. Studies have shown that quercetin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential immune-boosting properties. On the other hand, epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) is a chemical compound derived from soybean oil, modifiedthrough the epoxidation process. ESO is commonly used as a plasticizer in products such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. However, there have been few studies exploring the application of ESO in biomedical materials.
In this study, we loaded quercetin and ESO onto magnesium hydroxide particles and evaluated their antimicrobial properties. The chemical structure of the composite particles was confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, we measured the UV-Vis spectra of magnesium chloride (MgCI2), quercetin, and ESO as precursors for the quercetin/ESO-loaded magnesium hydroxide composite particles. The antimicrobial activity of the composite particles was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The composite particles containing 1 and 2 g of quercetin demonstrated excellent antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, with similar inhibition zones observed. However, they were ineffective against Escherichia coli. Our work is ongoing to study the effects of these particles against cancer cell lines
Navigating the NIL Era: Exploring Pittsburg State University\u27s Role in Supporting Student-Athlete Entrepreneurship
No full textIn a new era of college sports, student-athletes are now able to receive compensation for the use of their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Athletes have the opportunity to be paid for doing promotional activities with businesses, sell merchandise, and do much more. This new model has many different benefits and challenges. One benefit of this all, is athletes are now much more encouraged to seek different entrepreneurial opportunities. Even at a small school level, the development of this system is growing more and more prominent.
Amid these changes, there is a role for Pittsburg State University to fill in through helping these athletes take advantage of this new wave of possibilities. This project\u27s goal will be to determine, What impact does the evolving NIL landscape have on student-athletes\u27 entrepreneurial ventures, and how can Pittsburg State University support students in navigating these opportunities
This study will consist of quantitative data and surveys with PSU athletes and area businesses interested in using these athletes\u27 name, image, and likeness for marketing purposes. The findings of this study will not only help these athletes better navigate these opportunities, but will also make Pittsburg State a welcoming location for all athletes hoping to seek entrepreneurial ventures
Determining NFL Running Back Value
No full textThe analysis of sports analytics is an imperfect metric to evaluate player performance. In the NFL, player salaries are increasing at record levels as is the salary cap, or money teams are allowed to spend on players, is increasing at a similar rate. The allocation of these millions is the difficult job of NFL teams\u27 front office where the combination of analytics, player performance, and financial analysis combine. The purpose of this study is to help general managers and decision makers use econometric analysis to win games, and inevitably contribute to the winning of a championship. The analysis consists of NFL running backs specifically and weather the positions wage disparity is justified. Despite the high visibility and importance of the skill position, running backs salaries are among the lowest quartile in the league. This value over salary metric being tested is a team\u27s tool for individual analysis in comparing monetary value against league average performance metrics such as Yards Per Attempt, Touchdowns, Success Percentage, Attempts, and Cap hit. In the attempt to capture a player\u27s true value, the results should give insight to weather a player\u27s value on the field is being under or overcompensated off the field. The findings show correlation between salary and performance with a few main challenges. The age and health of the player as well as the structure of NFL contracts. In conclusion, by applying statical models with data analytics. This paper aims to provide a better view of running backs market value in the NFL, along with contributing to the broadening of existing economic analysis in sports
Using the artificial intelligence technique of logic tensor networks to predict aurora borealis visibility
No full textBuilding upon previous research, an Al technique called logic tensor networks is used to predict where to view the aurora borealis. This technique uses a logic-based neural network to create these predictions. The model outputs probabilities of sightings. Classification, a machine learning technique used to sort data into categories, will be used to compare with the logic tensor networks. Work is ongoing to gather and format data collected by satellite and from the Aurorasaurus website to use for training our model. The Aurorasaurus website collects reports from people around the world and stores data such as the date, time, geographical coordinates, and the duration of the sighting.
This site also uses a model that predicts viewing locations, called Ovation Prime. Since the Ovation Prime model gives the probability of sighting the aurora overhead, view lines are used to adjust the probabilities of Ovation Prime to compensate that the aurora may be sighted closer to the horizon. The Ovation Prime model does not accurately predict where the aurora is visible. Thus, logic tensor networks will be used to combine the Ovation Prime model with the reports of sighting to increase the accuracy of the Aurorasaurus predictions.
This research is a continuation of that funded by the NASA Rapid Response Research Grant Appendix F: A Neural-Symbolic Aurora Model Driven by Aurorasaurus Data in Citizen Science and the Kansas National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program-Opportunities in NASA STEM FY 2020-2024. It is currently supported by the NSF ASTER-LSAMP grant at PSU
Lizard Lounge
No full textThe Lizard Lounge is an automated, desert reptile enclosure designed to provide the perfect conditions for a bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are a popular pet that can be temperamental and sensitive creatures that require specific conditions to thrive in captivity. Due to their robust nature, it is common for the neglect of a bearded dragon to go unnoticed by less experienced owners. The Lizard Lounge enclosure comes preinstalled with all the essential features necessary for the care of a bearded dragon, in a convenient package. The climate of the Lizard Lounge is customizable through the Lizard Lounge website, allowing the user to find the perfect settings for their bearded dragon. The user is able to set parameters for a day/night cycle as well as choose the temperature for the basking area during these periods. The Lizard Lounge also includes quality of life detection systems that notify the user when fecal matter is present in the enclosure or the water level is low, allowing for prompt response from the user. Another one of these features is the Roach Dispenser, a live dubia roach feeder that releases roaches into the feeding area. The number of roaches dispensed, and the frequency of feedings is determined by the user
Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Castor Oil Polyol-Based Polyurethane Adhesives with Additional Crosslinker
No full textPolyurethanes (PU) have been promising polymeric materials with many applications, including adhesives. The global PU market is projected to grow from 42.8 billion dollars in 2021 to 61.5 billion dollars by 2026. However, many PU adhesives are sourced from petroleum products. Therefore, to lower the dependence on non-renewable resources and provide sustainable and affordable alternatives. In this work, bio-based polyurethane adhesives were synthesized from modified castor oil-based polyol and tannic acid. Generally, polyurethane reaction depends on the properties of polyol and isocyanates. The most important aspect of these reactions is the OH number of the polyol, which is responsible for the crosslinking and bonding strength of the adhesives. Therefore, to increase the OH value and provide a better reaction platform, an external bio-based crosslinker in the form of tannic acid was incorporated. Its impact on the chemical and mechanical properties of the adhesives was characterized. The same was reflected in the mechanical strength test, in which the tensile of the adhesive increased from 3.71 to 6.05 MPa for the sample without any mass loadings of tannic acid to 10 wt.% tannic acid correspondingly. consider Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated a steady increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) from 0 C to 62 oC as tannic acid content increased from 0 to 20 wt.%. This research will provide sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based adhesives with better thermal and mechanical properties
Vocal Stereotypy Interventions Using Response Interruption and Redirection
No full textVocal stereotypy is the repetitive, nonfunctional, and/or noncontextual vocalizations that are specifically maintained through internal reinforcement (Shawler, et al., 2020). Vocal stereotypy is commonly displayed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, it may also occur in individuals with or without disabilities. When individuals engage in vocal stereotypy, they may lose learning opportunities, struggle to engage in daily tasks, and may even become stigmatized by their peers. One intervention used to reduce the frequency of vocal stereotypy in individuals with ASD is Response Interruption and Redirection (RIRD). RIRD was first evaluated for effectiveness in 2007 by Ahearn and colleagues. This study sought to contribute to the literature by comparing two types of RIRD (traditional RIRD [TRIRD] and modified RIRD [MRIRD]) on the occurrence of vocal stereotypy in young children with ASD. Following functional analyses to determine the function of vocal stereotypy in participants, the present study used a multielement design to rapidly alternate and compare a control condition to TRIRD and MRIRD, and the resultant impacts on the display of vocal stereotypy. Results from the study indicate the utility in the use of both TRIRD and MRIRD in the reduction of vocal stereotypy in young children with ASD
HIREVUE: IMPLEMENTATION IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES RECRUITING PROCESS IN THE MIDWEST USA
No full textThe implementation of artificial intelligence (Al) tools in recruitment processes has become increasingly prevalent, offering both opportunities and challenges for organizations. This study investigates the biases and ethical concerns associated with the implementation of HireVue in the recruitment processes of financial services companies in the Midwest USA, specifically in Kansas, Missouri, and lowa. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of HireVue on recruitment processes, focusing on the accuracy and effectiveness of candidate selection, potential ethical considerations, and the ease of use of HireVue in the financial services sector. This research employs a qualitative case study methodology to gather insights from seven experienced recruiters with over ten years of experience. Data is collected through one-hour interviews consisting of ten questions that delve into the recruiters\u27 opinions on HireVue\u27s implementation. The study reveals various biases and ethical concerns associated with HireVue, including issues related to the accuracy of candidate selection and the potential for biased decision-making. Additionally, the ease of use and effectiveness of HireVue in enhancing recruitment processes are evaluated. The findings of this research provide valuable recommendations for the effective implementation of Al tools in recruitment processes, ensuring accurate and unbiased decision-making. Financial services organizations can utilize these insights to optimize their recruitment strategies and address ethical challenges associated with Al-driven hiring practices. Ultimately, this study aims to assist financial services companies in adopting and optimizing Al tools like HireVue to foster a more efficient and ethical recruitment process
Self-Healable, Degradable, and Reprocessable Lignin-based Polyurethane Elastomer for a Flexible Strain Sensor
No full textFlexible strain sensors have attracted great attention for their important application potential in soft robots, wearable devices, electronic skin, and human-computer interaction. However, there are still challenges such as the loss of service life due to external forces and the production of electronic waste that need to be solved. Herein, a self-healable, degradable, and reprocessable lignin-based polyurethane (LPU) elastomer was synthesized for a flexible strain sensor. Owing to the formation of a crosslinking network by lignin and the reinforcement role of unreacted lignin, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the LPU elastomer reached 2.72 MPa and 712%, respectively. The plentiful hydrogen and disulfide bonds endowed the elastomer with not only good self-healing capability but also superior reprocessing performance. Importantly, the elastomer was able to be completely degraded within only 2 hours in a 1 mol/L NaOH water/ethanol solution. The LPU elastomer-based flexible strain sensor with liquid metal (LM) as the conductive material was successfully applied to detect various human motions and could restore its sensing function with the healing of the substrate and reconnection of the LM conductive layer. Moreover, the LM in the discarded sensor could be easily recycled to prepare the sensor after the degradation of the LPU substrate. The functional and environmentally friendly bio-based elastomer will greatly promote the sustainable development and application of flexible electronics