New Distributional Records for Ectoparasites (Acari: Laelapidae, Myocoptidae) of the Woodland Vole, Microtus pinetorum (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from Polk County, Arkansas

The woodland vole, Microtus pinetorum is a common Arkansas rodent found statewide. To our knowledge, it has been surveyed only once in the state for ectoparasites. Here, a single specimen was examined and found to be infested with 3 species of mites, including Androlaelaps fahrenholzi, Laelaps alaskensis, and Myocoptes japonensis. This is the first time L. alaskensis and M. japonensis have been reported from Arkansas

The Ticks (Arachnida: Acari: Ixodida) of Arkansas

Although ticks are a nuisance to humans and other animals, they are an important part of the biota of North America. In addition, they are vectors of many tick-borne disease agents that can negatively affect higher vertebrates. In Arkansas, there have been no recent comprehensive summaries of the ticks (Acari: Ixodida) in the last 40+ yrs. Here, we provide a summary of the ticks of the state and note the disease agents they can transmit

Ecto- and Endoparasites of the Texas Deermouse, Peromyscus attwateri and Eastern Woodrat, Neotoma floridana (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from Polk County, Arkansas

In Arkansas, the Texas deermouse (Peromyscus attwateri) occurs in the western part of the state where it is restricted to the uplands of the Interior Highlands. The eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana) is found statewide but is less common in the Gulf Coastal Plain. Very little is known about the parasites of either rodent in Arkansas, especially helminths from P. attwateri at any locality within its range. Found in/on P. attwateri were a coccidian (Eimeria langbarteli), a tapeworm (Catenotaenia peromysci), a nematode (Syphacia peromysci), 2 ticks (Dermacenter variabilis and Ixodes scapularis), and 2 mites (Androlaelaps fahrenholzi and Leptotrombidium peromysci). Eastern woodrats harbored 3 nematodes (Eucoelus sp., Longistriata neotoma, and Trichurus neotomae), a larval bot fly (Cuterebra americana), and a flea (Orchopeas pennsylvanicus). We document 6 new host and 5 new distributional records for these parasites

Rural Hispanic Youths\u27 Perceptions of Positive Youth Development Experiences

An exploratory study examined rural Latino youths\u27 perceptions regarding positive youth development (PYD), particularly related to aspects such as the definition of PYD, potential benefits of PYD, and motivations for participating in PYD activities. A total of 28 self-identified Hispanic youths participated in focus groups. Findings suggest that participants identified key components of PYD (e.g., skills gained through participation) that are generally consistent with broader research on the topic. Youths\u27 motivations for participating in PYD programs included familial encouragement, availability of the programs, and the engaging/enjoyable nature of the programs. Potential implications for Extension professionals are discussed

Vertebrate Natural History Notes from Arkansas, 2017

Because meaningful observations of natural history are not always part of larger studies, important pieces of information often are unreported. Small details, however, can fills gaps in understanding and also lead to interesting questions about ecological relationships or environmental change. We have compiled recent observations of foods, reproduction, record size, parasites, and distribution of 30 species of fishes, new records of distribution and parasites of 2 species of amphibians, and new records of distribution, parasites, reproduction and anomalies of 11 species of mammals

UC-36 Using Machine Learning Techniques to Predict RT-PCR Results for COVID-19 Patients.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still a threat, healthcare professionals and medical industries keep searching for better ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. While Machine Learning has been applied in many other domains, there is now a high demand for diagnosis systems that utilize Machine Learning techniques in the healthcare domain and in particular combating COVID-19. In this project, we explore the role of Machine Learning models in combating COVID-19, using WEKA as the main tool for analysis.Advisors(s): Dr. Ming Yang - IT 4983 Capstone Professor Dr. Seyedamin Pouriyeh - Project OwnerTopic(s): Data/Data AnalyticsIT 498