Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Field Efficacy Of Synthetic Insecticides And Plant Extracts Against Tuta Absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) In Lubumbashi, Dr Congo, Sylvain Ntambo Mbuya, Onesime M. Kankonda, Nyumah Fallah, Komivi S. Akutse, Marcellin C. Cokola

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The invasive tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is a very destructive pest that poses a major threat to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), causing extensive yield losses through larval feeding on leaves, stems, and fruits. Chemical insecticides remain the primary control method, but resistance development, biodiversity loss and environmental concerns necessitate alternative strategies. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of synthetic and botanical insecticides against T. absoluta during two consecutive cropping seasons 2023-2024 in Lubumbashi, DRC, under both dry and rainy season conditions. Two tomato seedling varieties (Tanya F1 and Tovi Star …

The Effects Of Water Quality On The Physiological Responses Of Daphnia Magna, Sara Al Shekha, Alexis Avila-Hernandez

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

After conducting research on the effects of water quality on the physiological response of Daphnia magna, a common freshwater invertebrate, the biological stress response significantly differed in heart rates among groups, which differed from the original hypothesis after exposing the invertebrates to various samples of local pond water.

Faculty Sponsor:  Professor Lynda Randa

Developing Antibodies Against Galectin-3 And Galectin-9 To Target Endometriosis, Ashleigh Burger, Noah Farnsworth, Jared J. Reisnouer, Cheyenne Vue

2026 Symposium

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by pelvic pain and the formation of endometrial-like tissue on the outside of the uterine lining. This condition affects nearly 10% of women across the globe and confirming whether someone has endometriosis requires visualization in surgery. While the specific causes of this disease remain unclear, the over-expression of the Galectins 3 and 9 in ectopic endometrial tissues suggests a role in the development and maintenance of the condition. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific proteins with potential as diagnostic or treatment tools. The goal of this study is to generate antibodies against Gal3 and Gal9. …

Myocardin-Dependent Regulation Of Adam12 And Adam19 Promotes Fibronectin Fibrillogenesis During Pleural Fibrosis, Uday Siva Naga Sankar Allamneni

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural fibrosis involves excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition driven by chronic injury and inflammation. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces mesothelial–mesenchymal transition (MesoMT), promoting a myofibroblast phenotype. Our laboratory identified myocardin (Myocd), a transcriptional coactivator, as a key mediator of MesoMT that regulates ECM-remodeling proteases. RNA-seq and qPCR analyses showed that ADAM12 and ADAM19 are upregulated by TGF-β but suppressed by Myocd knockdown in Human pleural mesothelial and IPF-derived cells. Silencing ADAM12 reduced fibrotic markers, including fibronectin and smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), whereas ADAM19 showed relatively minor effects. ADAM12 knockdown also impaired fibronectin fibrillogenesis and insoluble matrix assembly, as confirmed by …

Synthesis Of A Nicotine-Like Backbone Ligand For Binding Evaluation At Plk-1 Pbd, Carter Johnson

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Cancer is a significant problem and requires continued research, as it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide (Ramos, 2021). This capstone explores the synthesis and preliminary evaluation of a nicotine-type compound as a potential cancer-curing agent targeting the PLK-1 PBD protein using fluorescence polarization. The hypothesis is that a specific ligand may contribute to cancer research. This project also reviews cancer management methods while illustrating the discovery of chemical drugs used in chemotherapy. The project involves synthesizing and testing 3-((1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)methoxy)-1-alkylpyridin-1-ium, known as Compound C, to determine whether it can function as a potential cancer management agent. The …

The Brain Breakdown: Bringing Neuroscience To A Broader Audience, Katharine Buehrig

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Neuroscience is a rapidly growing field, which needs to continue becoming more accessible and understandable to younger generations. Expanding access to neuroscience through different modes, such as podcasts, brings the discipline to a broader audience. Podcasts allow listeners to follow an outlined learning path they can pursue on their personal timeline. High school students often do not have access to neuroscience specific materials within their standard science curriculum. To address this knowledge gap, I collected questions about neuroscience from high school students across four schools in the United States to develop an understanding about what they are interested in learning. …

Impact Of Land-Use Disturbances On The Composition Of Wetland Plant Communities Across The Conterminous United States, Maya Merchant

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the threat of invasive species on wetland biodiversity, it is critical to assess factors driving their proliferation in wetlands. To address this growing need, this project analyzes relationships between non-native species and known anthropogenic disturbance types associated with increased biological invasions. Using the U.S. EPA’s 2021 National Wetland Condition Assessment, the relationship between non-native species (diversity, richness, and coverage) and surrounding land-use within 500, 1,000, and 3,000-meter buffers was evaluated. To explore patterns across larger spatial scales, mean non-native species diversity, richness, and coverage was calculated at the watershed level and compared to associated percentages of agricultural land …

Accesstem: How Small Colleges Can Open Stem Pathways For Local High School Students, Dina D. Isakov

Program in Community Action (PICA)

This paper reflects my experience developing ACCESStem as part of the Program in Community Action (PICA) center at Connecticut College. ACCESStem is a community-engaged research project designed to create hands-on, lab-based STEM workshops for local high school students in New London. ACCESStem was built on the premise that even small liberal arts colleges can hold a meaningful impact on helping diversify the science workforce. Over the course of three years, this project took shape through my relationships with STEM faculty on campus and relationships with staff at the Holleran Center for Community Action. This paper works to begin contextualizing the …

Virtualizing Practical Science Education: A Sociological Analysis Of Undergraduate Teaching And Learning, Sina J. Fakoyede, Femi E. Babalola, Oluwatoyin T. Obateru, Oluwayemisi D. Akomolafe, Deborah O. Alabi, Stella K. Ekundayo

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The study aims to investigate the perspectives of university teachers and students on integrating practical science teaching with virtual learning in a multicultural and diverse society, specifically within the context of southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving data collection from 100 university lecturers and 400 undergraduate students across 10 universities. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with lecturers and focus group discussions with students. Quantitative data were obtained via structured questionnaires, allowing for triangulation and comprehensive analysis.

Results: Findings revealed that certain lecturers showed preferential support influenced by students’ cultural backgrounds or academic behavior during …

Effects Of Combined Action Observation, Motor Imagery, And Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Muscle Strength And Size During Short-Term Upper Limb Immobilization, Zahra Pourhatami

Theses - ALL

Short-term limb immobilization induces rapid declines in muscle strength that exceed reductions in muscle size, suggesting a dominant role of neural mechanisms in early functional decline. Interventions capable of simultaneously targeting central neural and peripheral muscular pathways may therefore offer superior protection during disuse, yet such combined approaches remain unexamined in upper limb immobilization models. To investigate the effects of combined action observation with motor imagery (AOMI) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (AOSTIM) on muscle strength, size, and quality during 7 days of upper limb immobilization, we conducted a study in healthy young adults. Forty-three healthy young adults were randomly …

Buying Intention Of True Price Labelled Food Products For Different Motive-Based Consumer Segments, Machiel J. Reinders, Houkje Adema, Liam Dwyer, Ellen J. Van Loo

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Nanoparticle-Based Therapy For Peripheral Artery Disease: Evaluation Of Collagen Reduction And Fibrosis Mitigation In Ischemic Tissue, Tresha Nguyen

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by reduced blood flow, ischemic injury, and fibrosis, which collectively impair tissue function. Current treatment strategies are limited in their ability to target fibrotic tissue and restore normal function effectively. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of drug-loaded nanoparticles to reduce fibrosis in ischemic tissue. Nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized for in vivo application. Tissue samples from experimental groups, including saline control, blank nanoparticles, free drug, and drug-loaded nanoparticles, were analyzed using Masson’s Trichrome staining to quantify collagen deposition. Histological images were processed using image analysis software to determine the percentage of collagen area. …

Co-Designing Sweettexts: An Intake-Driven Sms Intervention To Reduce Free-Sugar Consumption In Preschoolers, Bervelyn Asantewaah Addo

Theses - ALL

Abstract Introduction: As early childhood represents a crucial window for establishing lifelong dietary patterns, excessive intake of sugary foods and beverages during this period may result in long-term adverse health outcomes. Intake levels continue to exceed recommended guidelines, and disparities within and across race and low-income population groups persist. Given these disparities, targeted interventions developed to consider the unique needs, preferences, and cultural differences in diverse population groups are essential to enhance health and well-being. The purpose of this research was to develop the content of the "SweetTexts", a text-message-based intervention to reduce the intake of free sugar among preschool-aged …

The Role Of Creatine Supplementation On Neuromuscular Function, Mark Petry

Theses - ALL

This study examined the effects of short-term high-dose creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation on neuromuscular and corticospinal function in healthy adults. Creatine is widely recognized for its role in enhancing muscular performance and energy availability, yet its short-term effects on neural and neuromuscular outcomes remain unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether three days of CrM loading would influence maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) peak torque, corticospinal excitability (CSE) measured via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle quality via echo intensity (EI). Nine healthy creatine-naive adults completed a repeated-measures design …

Yap1 Knockdown And Panobinostat Treatment Increase Apoptotic Response And Decrease Gene Expression In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Luna Collazo-Garcia, Alejandra Favela Santos, Madeline Torres-Salazar, Isabella Toscano, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is considered to be one of the most aggressive pediatric malignancies, often characterized by its dysregulated gene expression driven by oncogenic fusion proteins. The Hippo signaling effector Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) has been known in promoting cell proliferation, survival, and therapeutic resistance in multiple cancers. However, its role in Ewing sarcoma response to treatment remains unclear. This study investigated whether YAP1 knockdown enhances the sensitivity of Ewing sarcoma cells to the histone deacetylase inhibitor Panobinostat. Ewing sarcoma, ES8, cells were transfected with a YAP1-targeting siRNA (siYAP1) or a non-targeting control (siControl) and treated with DMSO, 0.1 μM, …

Book Review--Luke Kemp’S Goliath’S Curse: The History And Future Of Societal Collapse (2025). Ny: Alfred A. Knopf.

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

No abstract provided.

Disability: An Autopathography, Isabell A. Collins

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

No abstract provided.

Artist Interview: Sarah Crooks, Sarah Crooks

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

No abstract provided.

Relevance Of Mario Perniola’S Philosophy Of Transit (Transiting) To Ecopsychological Modi, George Conesa

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Mario Perniola’s construct of transit is here examined with an eye toward its implications to ecopsychological discourse and practices that include psychological and philosophical notions of authentic “mobility” and active exploration during person-natural spaces affiliations. As in most qualitatively revealing ideas of “relations,” authentic “mobility” and active exploration include instances of confrontation, disorientation, fusion, confusion, biomechanical insights, animalization, totemism, disgust, etc. As a means to sharpen our focus, the insights of writer Enea Bianchi on Perniola’s writing are very useful and will be referred to, in particular, while reimagining our perception of space as “a deep world made of …

American Letters--John Burroughs Excerpts From Chapter I: The Art Of Seeing Things In Leaf And Tendril (1908)

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

No abstract provided.

Climate Impacts Apple Pollination, Yield And Economic Outcomes Of Farmers, Clémence Riva, Stella Gachoki, Noureddine Adjlane, Danilo Bevk, Yamina Haider, Fani Hatjina, Šimun Kolega, Marin Kovačić, Ioannis Manthos, Zlatko Puškadija, Thomas Sotiropoulos, Bojan Stipešević, Fabrice Requier

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Animal-mediated pollination is crucial to global food production but is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, habitat loss and climate change. The extent to which temperature affects pollination services and crop yields is poorly understood. Using standardised monitoring in 33 apple orchards across Europe and Northern Africa over two years, this study assessed how ambient temperature affects flower visitors, fruit set, fruit quality and economic outcomes. Observation-time warm temperatures increased pollinator abundance, particularly of honey bees, while long-term mean annual temperatures enhanced pollination services for apple weight. Apple yield and the economic benefits to farmers increase with temperature, while the role …

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

Re-Evaluating The Safety Of Erythritol: A Critical Review Of Emerging Evidence, Kaitlyn B. Kirchner

Honors Thesis

Erythritol, a commonly used non-nutritive sweetener, has gained popularity as a sugar alternative due to its low caloric value and minimal effect on blood glucose levels; however, emerging research has raised questions about its overall safety. This literature review critically evaluates current peer-reviewed evidence on the effects of erythritol on the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Findings indicate that erythritol is generally well tolerated in the gastrointestinal tract, with fewer adverse effects than other sugar alcohols due to its rapid absorption and limited fermentation, although symptoms may be dose-dependent and influenced by co-ingestion with other carbohydrates. In contrast, evidence related to …

Identifying And Coping With Failure In Human Anatomy & Physiology I And Ii Students, Annie R. Mueller

Honors Theses

Human Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is a two-semester course that focuses on the structure and function of the human body systems. For many students, A&P could be their first challenging undergraduate course and their first experience with academic difficulty. Students must learn to adapt their study habits and respond productively to academic failure. The purpose of this study was to examine how students in the A&P courses at the University of Mississippi perceive and cope with academic failure, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention method. Students enrolled in BISC 206 and BISC 207 participated in three …

Role Of Kif4a In The Fxa-Induced Phenotypic Modulation Of Pleural Mesothelial Cells, Sudishna Khanal

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural injuries can disrupt the organization of the pleural surface, leading to pleural remodeling and fibrosis (PF), characterized by the proliferation of myofibroblasts expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, primarily due to the mesenchymal transition of pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) (MesoMT). It is well established that various external stimuli, such as TGF-β, thrombin, and factor Xa (FXa), induce MesoMT. Our laboratory found that myocardin, a transcriptional co-activator, was dramatically up-regulated during MesoMT, and that gene silencing of myocardin (MyoCD) diminished MesoMT. RNA sequencing data showed that FXa activated a set of genes not upregulated …

The Legacy Of Lead: Lead Exposure's Harmful Effects And Its Concentration In Poc Communities, Layla Sophronia Barber

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis examines the disproportionate burden of lead exposure carried by low income, POC communities. The systemic nature of this problem is a symptom of a longstanding legacy of environmental injustice in the United States. Decades of federal neglect are reflected in the higher statistics of lead exposure and poisoning in predominantly black communities. While it is understood that lead exposure poses a serious threat to physical health and early cognitive development, there is a discouraging lack of urgency to remove the toxin from non-wealthy communities. The material covered by this thesis aims to identify and correct the discriminatory social …

Analyzing Sun Bucks Program Experience Among Southwestern Pennsylvania Families With Just Harvest, Olivia Mae Gifford

Public Health Capstone Projects

1. Objectives: This project primarily seeks to identify the common barriers preventing vulnerable families from accessing the SUN Bucks Program. The SUN Bucks program is an optional program through the United States Department of Agriculture that works in conjunction with the state of Pennsylvania in order to provide school-aged children families with supplemental funds to supply greater nutrition during the summer months. This research supports the work of a local non-profit, Just Harvest, in order to better inform their advocacy and outreach efforts as they fight against food insecurity in Western Pennsylvania.
2. Methods: All data was collected electronically via a …

Associations Between Levels Of Physical Activity And Cognitive Health, Gemma Goldenbaum

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and executive function, specifically focusing on inhibitory control and working memory capacity. Though the benefits of exercise on brain health are well-documented, the extent of cognitive differences between sedentary individuals and elite student-athletes remains misunderstood. Eighty participants (ages 18–35) were categorized via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) into sedentary, low, and advanced activity tiers. Participants completed computational assessments, including the Operation Span (OSPAN) task for working memory and Go/No-Go tasks to measure response inhibition and implicit associations. Preliminary results indicated significant differences in sedentary behavior, …

Bio 340 Final Project: Effects Of Zoning On Fish Density Along The Great Barrier Reef, Mary Lamoriello

Biology Student Scholarship

Mary Lamoriello - Environmental Biology '27

Over the years, there have been many marine parks and restricted fishing zones established along the Great Barrier Reef to maintain biodiversity and coral health. The goal of these zones is to create an ”undisturbed” area, where species can flourish. Many different species reside in this reef and play important ecological roles. Parrotfish help maintain coral health by grazing on algae, and the presence of carnivores often indicate a diverse and healthy ecosystem. This project aims to examine the differences in species distribution between zones along the Magnetic Island, by looking at carnivorous and …

Bio 340 Final Project: Rural Population Structure And Food Production Interact To Shape Global Undernourishment, Ava Ripanti

Biology Student Scholarship

Ava Ripanti - Environmental Biology '27

Undernourishment remains a major global public health challenge, reflecting the proportion of a population lacking sufficient dietary energy intake. While food availability is central to food security, undernourishment is also shaped by structural and socioeconomic factors such as population distribution and access to resources. Although rural populations are closely tied to agriculture, they often experience higher food insecurity due to limited infrastructure, market access, and healthcare. Prior research emphasizes that broader determinants, particularly inequality and development, are stronger predictors of undernourishment than agricultural output alone, that food insecurity exists in both rural and urban …