Military May

Take a walk through the relationship between the military and FSU, a partnership stretching back over 100 years.https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/homegallery/1008/thumbnail.jp

A Sensitive Electrochemical Cholinesterase-Inhibiting Biosensor for Organophosphorus Pesticides Based on Ti3C2TX MXene Quantum Dots

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) pose significant environmental and health risks due to their widespread use and toxicity, primarily by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Traditional detection methods are often slow and costly, highlighting the urgent need for advanced, sensitive, and accessible technologies. This study developed a highly sensitive electrochemical cholinesterase-inhibiting biosensor for OP pesticides, utilizing Ti3C2Tx MXene Quantum Dots (MQDs), which was synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The biosensor’s performance was characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and cyclic voltammetry. DPV proved to be the optimal technique, exhibiting an ultralow detection limit of 1 × 10−17 M and a wide linear range (10−14–10−8 M) for chlorpyrifos (a model OP) with an estimated inhibition constant of 62 nM. The biosensor demonstrated high selectivity for OPs (chlorpyrifos, acephate, glyphosate) over a non-target pyrethroid (permethrin), confirmed by distinct electrochemical signatures and compared to in vitro cholinergic activity assays in bean beetle homogenates. The enhanced performance is attributed to the high surface-to-volume ratio, quantum confinement effects, and superior conductivity of the MQDs, as well as the robust enzyme immobilization facilitated by glutaraldehyde cross-linking and a chitosan matrix. This work presents a promising platform for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of OP pesticides, with potential applications in environmental monitoring and public health protection. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved

Multi-Generational Biases Perceived by Women to Senior Leadership Positions in Non-Profit Higher Education

Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership in both public and private industry and in non-profit postsecondary education. One reason that has been identified for the gender disparity in senior leadership positions is second-generation or implicit biases. The problem addressed in this study was the existence and persistence of second-generation biases that contribute to the lack of active senior women mentors, potentially inhibiting junior women from Generation X and millennials from achieving senior leadership status in non-profit higher education. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of perceptions of second-generation biases, including the assumption of the queen bee syndrome by baby boomer women executives, on the achievement of Generation X and millennial women in senior leadership positions in non-profit higher education. The study concentrated on generational attributes of perceived unconscious biases by exploring the perceptions of three generations in the workplace. To examine the lived experiences of the participants, a qualitative descriptive case study was used to capture the behaviors and attitudes of baby boomer, Generation X, and millennial women in post-secondary higher educational institutions. Fifteen participants were interviewed, five from each of the three generations. The results indicated baby boomers\u27 support for younger generations in career progression and mentoring. The recommendations for future practice and future research include creating more opportunities for women in research, increasing mentoring and communication among generations, and continuing research with Generation Z women

In silico genomic insights into bacteriophages infecting ESBL-producing Escherichia coli from human, animal, and environmental sources

Background: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli, particularly extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC), is a global public health concern. Bacteriophages (phages) play a significant role in bacterial evolution and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigates prophages integrated within ESBL-EC genomes to assess their diversity, gene content, and potential contributions to ESBL-EC persistence across human, animal, and environmental reservoirs. Between May and December 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Abuja and Lagos, collecting 448 stool, cecal, and environmental samples from abattoir workers, slaughtered cattle, and the abattoir environment. ESBL-EC genomes from these samples, obtained in an earlier study, were analyzed for phage regions using PHASTER. Intact prophages were analyzed in silico using computational tools to detect ARGs, ESBL genes, virulence factors, and heavy metal resistance. Their genomic relationships were examined with statistical significance of p \u3c 0.05. Results: Out of 448 samples, ESBL-EC prevalence was 21.7% (97/448). Among 97 ESBL-EC isolates, 646 prophage regions were detected, with 30% (194/646) classified as intact phages. Among the 158 phages with genus assignments, Punavirus was the most prevalent (60.1%). Escherichia was the most frequent predicted host (308/646), particularly in cattle (n = 143) and human (n = 124) sources. Among ESBL-EC genomes, 83.5% (81/97) with intact phages carried phage-associated ARGs, 76.3% (74/97) carried phage-associated ESBL genes, 18.6% (18/97) harbored phage-associated virulence factors, 15.5% (15/97) contained phage-associated plasmids, and 10.3% (10/97) had heavy metal resistance. The most prevalent phage-associated ARGs detected were qnrS1 (73/81) and blaCTX-M-15 (72/81). Two isolates recovered from abattoir workers carried two phage-like plasmids, each harboring either tet(A) or blaCTX-M-55 gene. The predominant phage lifestyles were temperate (n = 182), mainly in the Peduoviridae family, and lytic (n = 12) in the Punavirus genus. Conclusion: This is the first study in Nigeria to characterize phages in ESBL-EC isolates at the One Health interface. The presence of intact phages in humans, animals, and the environment underscores the complex interactions shaping phage ecology. The discovery of ARGs, virulence genes, and heavy metal resistance within prophages suggests a potential role in AMR dissemination. Future research should focus on elucidating mechanisms of ARG transfer mediated by phages in One Health settings. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved

Performance of shariah-compliant and non-shariah-compliant ETFs: a comparative study

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the performance discrepancies between shariah-compliant and non-shariah-compliant exchange-traded funds (ETFs), aiming to enrich the academic and practical understanding of Islamic finance‘s nuances in the ETF sector. Design/methodology/approach: Initiating with a broad literature review to cement a theoretical backdrop on Islamic investment principles and the mechanics of shariah-compliant ETFs, the research progresses to devise a comparative analytical framework. This framework focuses on assessing ETF performance through metrics like net asset value returns and volatility, specifically analyzing Blackrock ETFs to draw distinctions in portfolio outcomes and asset compositions. Findings: The examination highlights discernible variances in portfolio performance between shariah-compliant and their conventional counterparts, presenting instances where shariah-compliant ETFs, such as ISUS from Blackrock, deliver competitive returns despite their generally lower net assets compared to conventional ETFs like VUSA from Vanguard. Moreover, the ISUS ETF‘s holdings investigation revealed discrepancies with AAOIFI standards, questioning its strict Shariah compliance and adding depth to the analysis of Islamic financial instruments‘ integrity. Originality/value: This paper significantly advances the scholarly dialogue on Islamic financial practices within the ETF landscape, providing empirical evidence of performance differentials and compliance intricacies. While prior research has touched upon Islamic investing, this study pioneers a detailed comparative scrutiny, equipped with a novel methodological approach, to dissect the shariah-compliant ETFs‘ operational and ethical frameworks, offering invaluable insights for investors, financial analysts and Islamic finance scholars. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved

Harnessing Visible Light: Unraveling the Photocatalytic Water Splitting Activity of Ir–TiO2

The quest to enhance the photocatalytic properties of TiO2for hydrogen evolution in the visible region has necessitated its modification through various strategies. In this study, a one-pot solvothermally synthesized iridium-decorated titanium dioxide (Ir–TiO2) exhibits enhanced photochemical properties for splitting water in visible light. By varying the amount of Ir precursors, Ir-doped TiO2and IrO2composites with TiO2were formed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Ir has localized d and f orbitals and that its oxide exhibits metallic character. When Ir replaces Ti as the dopant, energy levels appear near the Fermi level. At lower Ir concentrations, Ti still dominates, and Ti 3d hybridizes with Ir 5d, while O 2p interacts with Ir 5p, contributing to the narrowing of the band gap and modification of the chemical and electronic properties of TiO2. Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution experimental results revealed that Ir–TiO2exhibits high activity with a yield of 1636.7 μmol h–1g–1compared to pristine (238.0 μmol h–1g–1) and commercial (241.0 μmol h–1g–1) TiO2. This can be attributed collectively to the reduction of the band gap for effective light absorption, a high surface area, and efficient charge transfer. The excellent recyclability and reusability of our materials demonstrate their long-term applicability as catalysts. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved

Racial Identity, Local Majority Status, and Stereotype Threat: Risk-Taking Behavior Among Black Students at an HBCU

Stereotype threat has been shown to impact performance and decision-making for members of stereotyped groups, but the effects in settings where the stereotyped group represents a local majority remain unclear. The current study explored how stereotype threat influenced risk-taking behavior among Black students at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where they represent a local majority. A total of N = 60 Black participants successfully completed a risk-taking task under two conditions: one where the task was said to be diagnostic of their abilities (stereotype threat) and one where the task was said to be non-diagnostic. The race of the experimenter and the institution conducting the study (HBCU vs. predominately-White institution) were also varied. Results showed no significant overall effects of stereotype threat on risk-taking behavior. However, interactions with racial identity, as measured by the Cross Racial Identity Scale (CRIS), showed that students with low assimilation scores exhibited risk aversion under stereotype threat, while those with high assimilation scores did not. The findings suggest that a local majority status may buffer against stereotype threat, and that individual differences in racial identity influence susceptibility to its effects. Results underscore the importance of contextual and personal factors in shaping the experience of stereotype threat. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved

“EVERY MAN HAS HIS DAY IN COURT”: PROVERBS, SAYINGS, AND PROVERBIAL EXPRESSIONS OF THURGOOD MARSHALL

This essay explores some of the proverbs, sayings, and proverbial expressions used by Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice (1967). It argues that Marshall’s proverbial language use conveys several aspects of his worldview including his philosophy concerning race, class, and social justice in American society. The essay also aims to illustrate ways that Marshall’s multifaceted proverbial language use demonstrates the sound knowledge he possessed in the area of legal studies and the exceptional talent he possessed in the areas of rhetoric and deliberation. Furthermore, the essay reveals some of the ways Marshall used proverbial language to connect with other people as he incorporated various proverbs and phrases into his speech which would help make legal language more accessible to common folk (especially the people he would represent as an NAACP and LDF attorney) while also allowing him to capitalize on opportune rhetorical moments in the courtroom. The essay utilizes several Marshall biographies, interviews, and legal documents as source material. It also incorporates the scholarship of other paremiologists such as Wolfgang Mieder, Anna T. Litovkina, Sanda Eretescu Golopentia, Harvey Sack, and others to address issues concerning: categorization, definition, origin, meaning, interpretation, and context. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved

Multi-Locus GWAS Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of Anticancer Peptide Lunasin in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)

Soybean (Glycine max) peptide lunasin exhibits significant cancer-preventive, antioxidant, and hypocholesterolemic effects. This study aimed to identify quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with lunasin content and to annotate the candidate genes in the soybean genome. The mapping panel of 144 accessions was gathered from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection, encompassing diverse geographical origins and genetic backgrounds, and was genotyped using SoySNP50K iSelect Beadchips. The lunasin content in soybean seeds was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, with lipid-adjusted soybean flour prepared from seeds obtained from the Germplasm Resource Information Network (GRIN) of USDA-ARS in 2003 and from North Carolina in 2021, respectively. QTNs significantly related to lunasin content in soybean seeds were detected on 15 chromosomes, with LOD scores greater than 3.0, explaining various phenotypic variations identified using the R package mrMLM (v4.0). Significant QTNs on chromosomes 3, 13, 16, 18, and 20 were consistently identified across multiple models as being significantly associated with soybean lunasin content, based on assessment data from two years. Twenty-nine candidate genes were found, with 12 identified in seeds from 2003 and 17 from 2021. Our study is an important effort to understand the genetic basis and functional genes for lunasin production in soybean seeds. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved