Digital Commons Network^™

An Evaluation Of The Nebraska Ffa Launch! Program, Miranda M. Hornung

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this program evaluation was to discover the experiences of entrepreneurial education received in the Nebraska FFA Launch! Program in relation to future decisions for high school students about entrepreneurship. The Launch! Program aims to provide an educational experience for youth to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and view entrepreneurship as a possible career pathway. This focus addresses the opportunity to potentially help solve the issue of brain drain in rural Nebraska communities. A program evaluation was conducted by story harvesting from past participants through Zoom interviews to understand personal experiences and takeaways from their time in the Launch! …

Tracing Microplastics From Polymer-Coated Urea: Urban To Agricultural Pathways And Environmental Fate, Caden Joseph Seely

Theses and Dissertations

Polymer-coated urea (PCU) is widely used as a slow-release nitrogen (N) fertilizer because it improves N use efficiency and reduces losses through leaching, denitrification, and volatilization. However, the polymer coating raises concerns about potential microplastic (MP) transport to surface waters following fertilizer application. This thesis evaluates the off-site transport of MPs and associated nutrient and sediment losses from PCU in both urban landscape and agricultural systems. In the urban landscape study, treatments included sod, mulched beds, and water-efficient ground cover receiving uncoated urea, PCU, or liquid slow-release N at 225 kg N ha⁻¹ (with reduced rates for beds and ground …

Temporal Interference Stimulation Effectively Reduces Parkinsonian Beta Band Activity In A Computational Model Of The Basal Ganglia Network, Anna Stolle

25th Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2026)

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to impaired motor function and disrupted basal ganglia activity. One of the most effective treatments is deep brain stimulation (DBS), which targets deep brain regions to restore abnormal firing patterns. However, DBS requires invasive surgery to implant electrodes, posing surgical risks and limiting accessibility. This has driven interest in non-invasive alternatives that achieve similar therapeutic outcomes. Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) is a non-invasive technique delivering two high-frequency currents through scalp electrodes. These currents overlap to produce a low-frequency "beat" capable of reaching deep structures …

Potential Applications Of Thymus Vulgaris In Dental Care: A Review Of Antimicrobial And Oral Health Benefits, Lakenzia Z. Ham

Undergraduate Research Conference

This research proposal focuses on how common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) can be used in dental care. There has been more interest in natural products for dental health because some common dental treatments can have side effects or lead to antibiotic resistance. Thyme contains natural compounds like thymol and carvacrol that help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent buildup on teeth.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current scientific literature to see the effectiveness of thyme in preventing common oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Research shows that thyme can fight bacteria …

Understanding The Role Of Lipid Metabolism On Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis, Luke Fischer, Kylie Foss, Jacob Lewis, Joshua Lewis, Emma Steinhardt, Megan Vangarven, Cody Rozeveld

Celebration of Research

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer due to late-stage detection and early metastasis. Other than smoking, one of the few known risk factors for pancreatic cancer is obesity (1). On the cellular level, excess fat can promote cell migration and invasion (2). However, the exact fat utilization pathway remains unknown. We propose that lysosomes may be exploited in pancreatic cancer to break down fat and provide energy for metastasis and invasion.

Quantifying And Validating The Decrease Of Ciliogenesis Genes In Mouse Models With Pcd, Mia X. Kellenberger, Casey Mckenzie, Lance Lee

Celebration of Research

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disease affecting one in 16,000 children and results from structural or functional defects of motile cilia1. Lack of functioning cilia may result in reduced respiratory function, subfertility or infertility, and hydrocephalus due to a reduced ability to clear fluids and particles. A cilium consists of nine microtubules centered around a central pair complex1. Mutations in genes Spef2 (bgh), Cfap221 (nm1054), or Cfap54(Cfap54gt/gt), which encode proteins located in the central pair complex, result in PCD2,3,4. We previously utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in early and late deuterosomal cells, …

Toward A Local Governance Model For Green Building Regulation: Lessons From A Philippine City, Mikaela Amihan S. Arrosa, Aileen V. Lapitan

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

The study analyzed local governance in implementing green building regulations in a city in Metro Manila, Philippines, through a case study. Compliance rates were calculated by comparing projects with Green Building Compliance Certification to those with Green Building Pre-Compliance Certification issued by the city. The Delphi method explored environmental sustainability implications of compliance, while key informant interviews and policy landscape analysis identified the factors affecting Green Building Code management. Fewer than half of the pre-compliance and construction permit holders also received occupancy certificates. Three rounds of the Delphi method were conducted, resulting in consensus on recommendations to enhance governance mechanisms …

Effects Of Gnrh And Hcg Administration On Conception Rate And The Subsequent Estrous Cycle On Day 12 Following Artificial Insemination In Holstein Cows, Mustafa Hi̇lmi̇ Yaranoğlu, Hüseyi̇n Erdem

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The present study investigates the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and human chorionic gonadotropin administration on the conception rate of cows 12 days after artificial insemination (AI). Included in the study were 150 high milkyielding Holstein cows housed under the same husbandry and feeding conditions. All had calved at least once between the ages of 2.5 and 6 years, and were between 90 and 220 days in milk. In accordance with the farm’s reproductive management approach, a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device was inserted into the vagina concurrent with a GnRH injection (day 0), and the device was removed …

Age-Related Estimates Of Genetic Parameters For Growth And Ultrasonic M. Longissimus Thoracis Et Lumborum Muscle Traits In Eşme Lambs, İbrahi̇m Cemal, Orhan Karaca, Onur Yilmaz, Nezi̇h Ata

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The growth performance and ultrasonic M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle traits of 2397 Eşme lambs raised in the Eşme district of Uşak province, an important lamb production area in Western Anatolia, were evaluated at 3 months (n = 1690) and 5 months (n = 707) of age. The average age of the lambs at the time of the first measurement (at weaning) was 100.15 days, and 152.37 days at the second. At 3 months of age, the average live weight (LW) was 29.34 kg and the average daily gain (ADG) was 248.35 g/day. By month 5, the LW …

Morphology And Histology Of The Developing Ovary In Malaysian Village Chicken (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) Chicks, Nur Athirah Lope Abdul Rashid, Mazlina Mazlan, Intan Shameha Abdul Razak, Rozaini Mohd Zohdi, Awang Hazmi Awang Junaidi

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The Malaysian village chicken (MVC; Gallus gallus domesticus) is an indigenous breed derived from the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), exhibiting slower growth and reproductive rates. The MVC plays an important ecological role in local farming systems and represents a valuable genetic resource. However, detailed information on ovarian development in this breed remains limited. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological and histological characterization of the developing ovary in MVC chicks. A total of 20 chicks aged 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 5 per age group) were examined. These MVC chicks possessed a single functional left ovary positioned …

Effects Of Preslaughter Fasting On Ph And Bacterial Contamination In Akkaraman And Anatolian Merino Sheep, Sai̇m Boztepe, Özcan Şahi̇n, Talha Demi̇rci̇, Gi̇zem Coşkun, İbrahi̇m Ayteki̇n, İsmai̇l Keski̇n

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The present study investigates the effects of the preslaughter fasting on pH and bacterial contamination in Akkaraman and Anatolian Merino sheep. Included in the study were 10 Akkaraman and 10 Anatolian Merino sheep (n = 20) that were fasted for 24 h prior to slaughter, and a further 10 Akkaraman and 10 Anatolian Merino sheep (n = 20) that continued to be fed until slaughter as a control group. The total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) measured at 0 and 24 h in the fasting Akkaraman and Anatolian Merino sheep were 4.87/4.79 and 4.75/5.57 log CFU/g, respectively, and the corresponding Enterobacteriaceae …

The Effects Of Sodium Perborate Tetrahydrate On Digestibility And Nutrient Transporters In Rats, Büşra Özmen, Emre Şahi̇n, Muhammed Tokmak, Veysi̇ Kayri̇, Ramazan Özmen, Kazi̇m Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient involved in hormone activity, energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, bone development, wound healing, and immune function. The present study explores the effects of sodium perborate tetrahydrate (SPT) on nutrient digestibility and the modulation of specific nutrient transporters in the jejunum and ileum of rats. A total of 40 rats were divided into four equal groups: 1) control, 2) SPT 0.5 (0.5 mg B/kg body weight [BW]), 3) SPT 1 (1 mg B/kg BW), and 4) SPT 2 (2 mg B/kg BW), and were fed the respective diets for a period of 4 weeks. The digestibility …

Housing System And Gender Effect On Carcass And Meat Quality Characteristics In Turkish Pekin Ducks, Hasan Önder, Uğur Şen, Mi̇ne Yilmaz, Si̇bel Bozkurt, Eli̇f Ci̇lavdaroğlu, Di̇lek Gökçek, Ahmet Uçar, Kadi̇r Erensoy, Burcu Kurnaz

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Improving meat quality is one of the most important aims for scientists and breeders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of housing system (indoor vs. free-range) and gender on carcass and meat quality traits in Pekin ducks. The animal material consisted of 20 male and 20 female birds in each housing system. Our results show cold carcass weights of 3174.10 ± 80.65 g and 2672.60 ± 59.63 g for male and female birds in the indoor housing system and 2821.10 ± 50.53 g and 2306.90 ± 43.32 g for male and female birds in the free-range housing system. The …

Effect Of Different Pellet Binders On Palm Kernel On Growth Performance And Nutrient Digestibility In Broiler Chicken, Nuun Marfuah, Burhanudin Sundu, Rusdi Rusdi, Sugiarto Sugiarto

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Feed plays a paramount role in supporting growth, metabolism, and production performance. Their high price encourages the utilization of inexpensive and alternative feed ingredients. PKM, one such feed ingredient, is produced by palm oil industries. However, there is still a very limited application because of its high crude fiber content, which needs processing technologies like pelletization with binder addition. Based on this background, this experiment has been conducted to study the effect of various types of natural and commercial binders in 15% PKM-based pellets on performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers. The study was done for five weeks using 150 …

The Impact Of Sex Education On College Student’S Perceptions Of Sexual Taboos, Noel Gamon

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to explore how college students' differing levels of sex education are associated with their views about sexual behavior, particularly behaviors defined as taboo. In comparison to 25 years ago, adolescents are less likely to receive important sex education today; and are unlikely to receive valuable information until after their first sexual experience. Conventionally, the benefits of a sex education program are linked with its ability to lower STI rates, unplanned pregnancies, unwanted behavior, etc. Sexual taboos are sexual practices excluded from the hegemonic heterosexual monogamous relationship model. Presently, society acknowledges a wider range of …

G1p3 Dysregulates Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression In Er (+) Breast Cancer Cells, Karina Santana

Honors Theses

Even with advances in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women, with nearly 90% of fatalities linked to drug resistance driven by metastasis and recurrence. G1P3, an anti-apoptotic mitochondrial protein, is upregulated in breast cancer and has been associated with increased metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Recent findings show that G1P3 enhances interactions between Rab5-containing endosomes (RCEs) and mitochondria, and emerging evidence suggests that mitochondria play a critical role in initiating interferon (IFN) responses. Based on this, we hypothesized that G1P3-mediated interactions between RCEs and mitochondria promote interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in …

Biophysical Insights Into A Cryptic, Hydrophobic Binding Site On Pcna, Alexis Dispensa

Theses and Dissertations

Proteins are dynamic molecules whose functional landscapes extend beyond static structural representations. Transient cryptic pockets (buried cavities that emerge through protein motion) represent underexplored targets for allosteric regulation and drug discovery. General anesthetics are small, lipophilic, weakly polar molecules that are well suited to partition into such hydrophobic sites. In this work, environment-sensitive fluorescence, photoaffinity labeling, mass spectrometry, mutational analysis, and microsecond molecular dynamics simulations were integrated to discover and characterize a cryptic, highly apolar binding site within the hydrophobic core of human proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a central scaffold in DNA replication and repair. Using the solvatochromic fluorescent …

The Role Of Pten Subcellular Localization In Neuronal Development And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nicole Desmet

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are genetically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions that nevertheless converge on altered neuronal connectivity and circuit function. A central unresolved problem in the field is how diverse genetic perturbations, acting at different biological levels and developmental stages, give rise to shared neurodevelopmental outcomes. This dissertation addresses this problem by examining how gene function, subcellular signaling, and developmental context interact to shape neuronal morphology and circuit-relevant phenotypes.

Cell-autonomous mechanisms regulating neuronal morphology are examined through the ASD risk gene Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) in developing dentate gyrus granule neurons. Selective biasing of PTEN to defined intracellular compartments in …

Socially Constructing ‘Climate Change’ In Fishing Communities Of Sarangani, Philippines, Samantha Geraldine G. De Los Santos, Ma. Larissa Lelu P. Gata

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

The intensifying impacts of climate change have become more evident in recent years. While policies and programs have been implemented in the Philippines for decades, questions remain about how climate change is understood and experienced by fishing communities, the country’s poorest sector. By applying the Ecological-Symbolic Approach, this paper inquired into the fisherfolk’s social definition of climate change. A Qualitatively Driven Sequential Explanatory (QualDSE) mixed-methods design guided the study in developing an informed, substantiated, and context-based definition of climate change. This definition was also analyzed vis-a-vis the widely held definitions in national climate policy.

The terminology “climate change” remains unknown …

Growing Healthy Habits: Impacts Of A Youth Community Garden For Children In Rural Mississippi, Olivia G. Degravelle

Honors Theses

This study examines the implementation and outcomes of a Youth Garden Program conducted in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Funded by the Allstate Community Service Project Grant, the Youth Garden was constructed within the previously established Pontotoc Community Garden. The initiative comprised four weekly workshops designed for participants ranging from preschool to adolescence. Each session incorporated hands-on fruit and vegetable (FV) planting or harvesting, an educational lesson, and a complementary craft activity. Children’s FV consumption patterns, nutritional knowledge, and attitudes toward FV were assessed through pre- and post-program surveys. In addition, the photo-elicitation interview method invited participants to take digital photographs of garden …

Dietary Manipulations Of The Undernourished Infant Microbiome, Cyrus Zhou

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Today, undernutrition affects approximately 150 million children worldwide. During the first two years of life, the healthy gut microbial community undergoes a series of predictable developmental transitions. These transitions are delayed in undernourished children resulting in microbiota “immaturity.” In a foundational study, immature gut microbial communities from undernourished children and normally developing communities from chronologically age-matched healthy children living in the same area were transplanted into groups of germ-free mice consuming the same diet – one representative of what consumed by the study population. Compared mice with a mature gut microbiome, mice with an immature gut microbiome had impaired weight …

False Halos: A Case Of Digoxin Poisoning, Usman Nazeer, Sarita Thanedar, Jacob Sanderson, Gongkai Liu, Hitesh Gidwani

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Hybrid Bermudagrass Dormancy Management In A Cool-Season Climate, Clarissa H. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

Hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) (HBG) is a water efficient warm-season turfgrass increasingly adopted in cool-season and semi-arid regions due to climate change and the demand for reduced irrigation inputs. However, prolonged winter dormancy limits its visual quality (verdure) and seasonal performance. This thesis evaluated multiple management strategies to modify dormancy dynamics and improve off-season turf quality in a cool-season environment. Field experiments assessed the effects of growth covers, fertilizers, colorants, surfactants, organic acids, and overseeding with cool-season species on HBG dormancy over two seasons. Dormancy responses were quantified using normalized difference vegetation index …

Semiochemicals And Odorant Receptors Underlying Potato Cultivar Susceptibility And Resistance To Potato Tuber Moth, Ruipeng Chen, Wangtao Hu, Qin Hu, Junjie Yan, Jiao Yin, Fathiya M. Khamis, Yulin Gao, Walter S. Leal

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Infestation of potato by the potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) varies markedly among cultivars, yet the chemical and molecular mechanisms underlying this variation remain poorly understood. Here, we combine field surveys, chemical ecology, functional genomics, and structural modeling to reveal how cultivar-specific volatile profiles shape moth oviposition behavior and pest outcomes. Field and laboratory assays identified marked differences in adult attraction, oviposition, and larval damage among potato cultivars, which correlated with distinct blends of emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Behavioral analyses revealed that among other VOCs, trans-nerolidol and β-ionone act as attractants, whereas 3-carene and benzyl tiglate function as oviposition …

The Efficacy Of Manganese Sulfate As A Negative Contrast Agent For Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography, Zainab Abdulla Mankhi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The current study aims to find an alternate oral contrast media for use in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) that satisfies the following criteria, the greatest imaging quality safety, no or few side effects, and low cost. The present study created an oral contrast agent sample (solution) by dissolving a one tablet of manganese sulfate supplement (taken daily dose) in 200 ml of distilled water. Thirty-three volunteers assessed the sample using MRCP examine pre and post contrast. By evaluating the signal intensity to compute contrast (C), signal to noise ratios (SNR), and contrast to noise ratio (CNR), the resulting MR images …

Antioxidant And Antifungal Activity Of Lactuca Serriola L. Plant And Silver Nanoparticles Against Aspergillus Species., Sakar Abdulqadr Saheed, Badr Qader Ismael

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Medicinal plants remain a valuable source of antifungal agents, and recent developments in green nanotechnology have increased the prospects for Lactuca serriola L. as a useful bioresource. In the current study, leaves and roots were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extraction methods for the biological mediation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Screening of Phytochemicals for extracts revealed the present secondary metabolites. Ag NPs were verified through UV-visible spectroscopy, indicating a peak at (408-423 nm) corresponding to a surface plasmon resonance, FT-IR functional groups of O–H, C=O, and C–N binding. The morphological analysis revealed an irregular-to-quasi-spherical shape, with an …

Evaluating Ai-Driven Sustainable Neuro-Urbanism Through A Human-Centered Framework: The Case Of Ras Elbar City, Egypt, Esraa Elazab, Ahmed Eltawil

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study applies and evaluates a previously developed human-centered framework for AI-driven sustainable neuro-urbanism through a case study of Ras Elbar City, Egypt. Building on earlier conceptual research that integrated artificial intelligence (AI), neuroscience-informed design, and sustainability principles, this paper seeks to test the framework’s practical relevance in the context of a developing coastal city. Using qualitative evaluation methods, including field observation and spatial assessment, the research examines twelve key urban design elements such as green spaces, mobility networks, lighting, and soundscapes. Each element is analyzed across three dimensions: neuro-urbanism goals, AI integration, and sustainability outcomes. The findings show that …

Spectroscopic Characterization And Extraction Optimization Of Catechins In Green Tea, Zach J. Mckinley, Masakatsu Watanabe

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This research initiative immerses students in a multifaceted analytical chemistry investigation of catechins—polyphenolic antioxidants prevalent in green tea—through the application of both classical and modern techniques. The project emphasizes hands-on experience with real-world sample analysis, method development, and critical data interpretation.

Catechins were extracted from various commercial green tea products, including loose leaves, powders, and dietary supplements, by trituration with ethyl acetate followed by solvent partitioning using a methanol and water solution. The resulting extracts were analyzed using UV-Visible spectroscopy to quantify catechin content. Selected samples were further characterized by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), confirming both the identity and purity …

Three-Dimensional Imaging Of Neuronal Activation Patterns In Chronic Neuropathic Pain And Opioid Pharmacology, Madeline Martinez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Chronic neuropathic pain severely diminishes quality of life, yet the supraspinal neural circuits that sustain pain perception and mediate analgesic relief remain incompletely characterized. While peripheral and spinal pain pathways are well established, relatively few studies have mapped pain- or opioid-related neuronal activation across the entire brain. This dissertation employed activity-dependent genetic labeling (TRAP2/Ai9), whole-brain tissue clearing, light sheet microscopy, and graph-theoretic network analysis to characterize brain-wide activation patterns across chronic pain and analgesic conditions in mice.

In Chapter 1, we mapped supraspinal neuronal activation in a bilateral spared nerve injury model of chronic neuropathic pain. Although no individual region …

Evaluating The Geographic Patterns In Isotopic Composition For Nesting Hawksbill Sea Turtles In The Wider Caribbean By Coupling Satellite Telemetry And Stable Isotopes, Anna Kreiger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Combining satellite telemetry and stable isotope analysis offers a framework for inferring sea turtle foraging habitats when spatial isotopic gradients exist. We evaluated this combined approach using carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ1⁵N) isotope values from critically endangered hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting at Buck Island Reef National Monument, U.S. Virgin Islands (N=31), and Long Island (Jumby Bay), Antigua (N = 31). Nesting females were satellite-tracked to identify foraging areas and sampled for skin tissue, and Empirical Bayesian Kriging was used to generate basin-scale δ13C and δ1⁵N isoscapes. Tracked turtles foraged widely across the Caribbean Basin, including the Greater …