Digital Commons Network^™

Health Indicators Worsened By Moderate-Intensity Heat Stress Are Only Partially Recovered By Ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation, Melanie R. White, Shelley A. Curry, Ashley A. Hahn, Jessica L. Petersen, Ty B. Schmidt, Dustin T. Yates

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Summary with Implications

Heat stress throughout the summer and into the fall is a persistent hurdle for growing and finishing cattle in Nebraska. Minimizing the impact of heat on growth and well-being of cattle is critical to the productivity and profitability of beef production. This project aimed to evaluate the effect of an anti-inflammatory dietary supplement, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA), on physiological indicators of stress during a 4-day moderate-intensity heat challenge. Heat stress elevated core body temperature and respiration rates as expected but did not impact circulating inflammatory biomarkers. Heart rate variability measurements indicative of adrenergic stress and …

Modulation Of Heat Stress Responses In Cattle Supplemented With Dietary Ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Shelley A. Curry, Melanie R. White, Ashley A. Hahn, Dustin T. Yates

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Summary with Implications

Heat stress in beef cattle triggers physiological and metabolic disturbances that compromise performance, health, and welfare. In this study, Red Angus heifers exposed to heat stress for 5 days exhibited elevated body temperatures, increased heart and respiration rates, and altered hematological and acid–base parameters. A commercial ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) dietary supplement failed to improve heat stress-reduced ribeye area or red blood cell parameters but did resolve the reduction in blood chloride concentrations, which is consistent with restoration of electrolyte balance and hydration under heat stressed conditions. These results indicate that ω-3 PUFA supplementation offers some …

Inclusion Of Palm Oil Products In Finishing Diets On Ground Beef Quality And Retail Stability, Anna Kobza, Galen E. Erickson, Jim C. Macdonald, Mitch L. Norman, Josh R. Benton, Rebecca L. Mcdermott, Long Zou, Kyra L. Elliott, Anna G. Hilton, Chad A. Russell, Jessie C. Morrill

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Summary with Implications

Rising costs and availability of supplemental fats have increased interest in alternative fat sources in feedlot finishing diets, including palm oils. This experiment evaluated how refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) palm oil products included in the diet of feedlot finishing steers affect beef fat color and ground beef shelf-life. Steers were fed diets with no supplemental fat (No Oil), corn oil (Corn Oil), whole palm (Whole Palm), palm stearin (Stearin), or palm olein (Olein) at 4% dietary DM. Subcutaneous fat from cattle fed corn oil was more yellow than that from No Oil or palm oils. Ground …

2026 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The 2026 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report brings together applied research, emerging technologies, and management insights that directly address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing today’s beef industry. This year’s collection includes 36 articles that span the full beef production system, from cow/calf and forage management to feedlot nutrition, animal health, behavior, meat quality, and sustainability, providing science-based guidance grounded in real-world production contexts.

Cow/Calf Nutrition, Reproduction, and Management

This section highlights management strategies that influence reproductive success and long-term herd performance. Articles focus on late-gestation heifer nutrition and practical applications of artificial insemination to support efficient, productive cow/calf systems.

Forage, …

The Impact Of Heavy Resistance Training On Type Ii Muscle Fibers Throughout Female Reproductive Stages, Lily G. Colberg

Scripps Senior Theses

Type II muscle fibers, also known as fast-twitch muscle fibers, are reliant on aerobic glycolysis and are crucial for high-force contractions, mobility, and rapid movements, such as fast reflexes. Heavy resistance training has been found to increase type II muscle fiber concentration in young, middle-aged, and elderly individuals. However, there have been few studies conducted on female-only sample populations. In women, the impact of heavy resistance training on type II muscle fibers is affected by the progressive decline of estrogen that defines the transition throughout the four female reproductive stages: premenopause, perimenopause, late-transition menopause, and postmenopause. Menopausal estrogen depletion causes …

Antimicrobial Activity Of Violacein Extracted ​ From Janthinobacterium Lividum​, Catherine M. Brownhill-Slatore

Scripps Senior Theses

Abstract

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been a threat since the discovery of antibiotics. The increased rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has created an immediate need for new antibiotics. Violacein, a purple bisindole pigment produced by Janthinobacterium lividum, has been shown to be a promising new antibiotic. Its efficacy has not been completely demonstrated, and this project aims to further investigate the effectiveness of violacein as an antibiotic. To do this, a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test was conducted. Violacein was grown, extracted, purified, and tested across concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 500.00 µg/mL to cover values well above and below previously cited …

The Presence Of Predators Moderates Evolutionary Responses Of Trinidadian Killifish To A Novel Parasite, Anne E. Christian

Biology Dissertations

The Healthy Herds Hypothesis suggests the idea that prey populations derive a benefit from their predators: predators reduce the exposure of their prey to infectious disease, both by limiting prey population densities and by eliminating sick individuals. Much research has focused on the balancing effect that predators have on ecosystems. There is a current need for research into whether these effects cause evolutionary shifts in prey populations, where strong predation pressure prevents prey species from evolving physiological tolerance or resistance to infectious agents. Parasites especially often have rapid effects on host evolution, due to exploitative interactions.

I seek to address …

The Effects Of A Thiamine Treatment On The Growth, Survival, And Foraging Behavior Of Thiamine-Deficient Michigan Lake Trout (Salvelinus Namaycush), Allie J. Muschong

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The Great Lakes top predator Salvelinus namaycush (lake trout) suffers from Thiamine Deficiency Complex (TDC), which causes neurological problems and inhibits survival in young lake trout. The lake trout population in northern Lake Michigan experiences insufficient natural recruitment, necessitating yearly stocking. Few treatments have been explored, but preliminary studies in a hatchery setting suggest that increasing tissue thiamine promotes survival; thus, we expected a novel thiamine treatment to boost the foraging rate and weight of lake trout fry. We raised the eggs of six wild lake trout pairs, and applied treatments at both the egg stage and the hatch stage. …

Examining Weight Related Attitudes And Health Behaviors Among College Students, Alexis C. Denski

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

BACKGROUND: College is a pivotal period for the development of lifelong health behaviors. Factors such as greater personal freedom, poor diet, social norms, and insufficient physical activity (PA) contribute to common weight gain and increase of body image challenges. Although many college students report trying to lose weight, there is limited research examining if their PA and dietary behaviors align with evidence-based health recommendations. PURPOSE: Examine the proportion of college students trying to change their weight and their engagement in weight-related behaviors such as PA, strength training (ST), and dietary factors. METHODS: In Fall 2019, a random sample of 5,000 …

Potassium For High Rainfall Pastures In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Potassium (K) deficiency can lead to a decline in clover content and severely limit pasture productivity in high rainfall pastures. Large amounts of potassium can be lost each year through leaching and removal of potassium in hay or silage.

This information is specific to high rainfall pastures receiving more than 600mm average annual rainfall in the south-west of Western Australia.

Tissue Sampling And Analysis For High Rainfall Pastures In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Tissue testing helps identify nutrient deficiencies that impact plant health. In high rainfall areas ( > 600 mm), pastures are highly productive and have greater demand for both macro- and micronutrients. Micronutrient status is best assessed through plant tissue, as soil levels are difficult to measure accurately.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends tissue testing to assess the effectiveness of fertiliser and soil testing programs, and diagnose emerging macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies that could cause production losses.

Environmental Impact Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilisers In High Rainfall Pasture Areas Of Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

The most commonly used nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers in the high rainfall (>600mm annual average) south-west of Western Australia can be leached into the groundwater and washed into waterways, resulting in serious environmental and economic damage.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends regular soil testing and consultation with FertCare-accredited advisers to reduce leaching losses and increase profit from added nutrients.

Forage News [2026-03], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Glial Cytokine Modulation Improves Sleep And Circadian Disruption In Female Saa Knock-In Mice Of Alzheimer’S-Related Pathology, Teresa Macheda, Margaret R. Hawkins, Carrie E. Johnson, Madison G. Lapid, Haleigh R. Whitlock, Savannah M. Shepard, Makayla F. Cox, Kelly N. Roberts, Leke Bytyqi, Heather M. Hash, Omar A. Abou El-Ezz, Mohammed Abou El-Ezz, Katharina Kohler, Sridhar Sunderam, Bruce F. O'Hara, Linda J. Van Eldik, Michael Paul Murphy, Marilyn J. Duncan, Adam D. Bachstetter

Neuroscience Faculty Publications

Introduction: Sleep and circadian disturbances are early Alzheimer's disease (AD) features, yet mechanisms linking amyloid pathology, neuroinflammation, and sex differences remain unclear.

Methods: We longitudinally assessed sleep, circadian rhythms, and cognition in female and male hAPP^SAA knock-in and control mice from 2 to 19 months using piezoelectric monitoring. Aged mice (15 months) received MW151, a glial cytokine inhibitor (2.5 mg/kg, every other day, 6 weeks).

Results: Only females exhibited midlife reductions in light-phase sleep, increased rhythm fragmentation, and reduced rhythm stability, coinciding with selective reversal learning deficits, effects independent of amyloid or cytokine burden. MW151 increased light-phase sleep and …

Ecological Renovation Of Belmont Tennis Courts, Abbie E. Hamilton, Smith David, Darlene Panvini

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Although Belmont works hard to establish adequate green spaces on our campus, there is much work to be done if we want our students and the wildlife around us to maximize their ecosystem services. More specifically, Belmont can strive to implement nature-based solutions for its athletes, who are often competing in highly urbanized facilities. For this project, we have decided to redesign Belmont’s Tennis Courts, improving their design by increasing their green infrastructure. Our new design was created from a biophilic perspective and intends to serve all aspects of the triple bottom line. The new tennis courts will include ecologically …

Hfpo-Da Aquatic Toxicity And Bioaccumulation, Bailey Dawn Rappold

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected globally in environmental media and biota. Legacy compounds PFOA and PFOS have been observed to be toxic and bioaccumulative in low doses and have been removed from production and industrial processes. Replacement PFAS chemicals are less understood and present a gap in current knowledge in their toxicological effects. This research utilized extended chronic toxicity studies to assess the impacts of HFPO-DA, a short chain replacement PFAS, on the standard aquatic toxicology organism Pimephales promelas. Organisms were exposed for 29 to 30 days at environmentally relevant concentrations of the toxicant, 7.8125 ng/L …

Downstream Persistence Of Cyanobacteria In New Jersey's Raritan River Basin, Kyle R. Clonan, Meiyin Wu, Heather Heckathorn, Heather A. Desko, Eric Ernst, Pam Reilly, Bob Schuster, Robert Newby, Annie C. Hurley, Alessandra Rossi

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Few studies have examined cyanobacteria persistence starting from lacustrine cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs) downstream. Multiple lakes and reservoirs within New Jersey's Raritan Basin Water Supply Complex (RBWSC) feature recurrent HABs and discharge water into the Raritan River. As the RBWSC provides drinking water to 1.5 million people, these HABs create drinking water treatment and human health concerns. This study quantitatively reviews the persistence of cyanobacteria communities across the RBWSC from cyanobacteria-dominated lacustrine sources to downstream drinking water and qualitatively assess what, if any, water chemistry parameters influenced the persistence, growth, or decline of cyanobacteria during downstream transport. Statistical tests …

From Fog To Function: An Occupational Therapist's Guide To Evaluating And Treating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments, Lauren E. Toner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Cancer – related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common side effect of cancer treatment that interferes with cancer survivors’ occupational performance, independence, and quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, CRCI remains under recognized and inconsistently addressed within oncology care. About 70% of individuals diagnosed with cancer report cognitive changes during or after treatment, yet many do not receive treatment. Occupational therapists are clinically trained to evaluate and treat functional cognition, activities of daily activities, instrumental activities of daily living, and client centered goals, positioning them as key providers in addressing CRCI. However, limited occupational therapy specific resources have hindered …

Practical Considerations For Conducting Canine Behavioral Science, Lucrezia Lonardo, Madeline H. Pelgrim, Jeffrey R. Stevens

Jeffrey Stevens Publications

Research on behavior in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) has increased rapidly recently due to the interest in them as pets, working dogs, and model species for understanding evolution, domestication, and even human health. This interest in canine behavioral science has resulted in the creation of dozens of dog lab worldwide, with more starting every year. Our aim here is to review practical issues that potential dog researchers might consider when deciding how to set up a dog lab and conduct research in canine behavioral science. We hope that this can offer a path forward in promoting high-quality, cutting-edge …

Effect Of Environmental Conditions On German Cockroach (Blattella Germanica) Behavior And Survival, Allison Lopina

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

German cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.) remain one of the most challenging indoor pests to manage, due to resistance to many commonly used insecticides, and necessary contact/interaction with common management tactics. As such, it is critical to fully understand their aggregation, movement, and longevity, such that treatments can be optimally placed to result in maximal efficacy. The first part of this study explored the effects of multiple factors (harborage width, harborage materials, heat, resource-harborage distance) on initial site selection, and how environmental modifications and infestation density impact harborage site switching. The second half of the study aimed to explore the …

Integrated Management Of Diplodia Ear Rot And A Comparison Of Stenocarpella Species Affecting Corn, Luke C. Warner

Theses and Dissertations--Plant Pathology

Corn is a globally important crop used for food, feed, and ethanol production, but often the grain quality is threatened by Diplodia ear rot, caused by Stenocarpella maydis and Stenocarpella macrospora. Effective management of Diplodia ear rot is difficult to achieve. This study evaluated the efficacy of foliar fungicides, including products listed by the Organic Material Research Institute (OMRI), against S. maydis in vitro and in field settings, as well as comparingthe aggressiveness of the two causal pathogens of Diplodia ear rot. The in vitro assays indicated a wide variation in sensitivity of S. maydis to the fungicide active ingredients, …

Planaria Dugesia Japonica As A Model Organism For Measuring The Toxicity Of Environmental Contaminants Per- And Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas), Caitlyn Rodeo

Behavioral Neuroscience Honors Papers

A group of synthetic chemicals, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the environment and have significant detrimental effects on physiology and behavior. Planaria have recently increased in popularity as a model for toxicology and regeneration research. These organisms possess a primitive centralized nervous system that is thought to be more similar to the vertebrate brain than to other invertebrate brains in terms of structure and function, and possesses the same neuronal subpopulations and neurotransmitters as the mammalian brain. While other studies have investigated the behavioral effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on planaria, there is …

Chinese Athletes’ And Parents’ Motivations For U.S. Collegiate Sports Participation, Wenting Sun, Russell D. Ravert, Simran Kaur Sethi

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

To gain an understanding of international student recruitment and retention in collegiate athletics, this study examines the motivations and decision-making processes of Chinese high school athletes and their parents in pursuing U.S. collegiate sport opportunities. Using the push–pull framework and an ecological perspective, it explores how individual aspirations, family priorities, institutional resources, and national policies shape transnational mobility. Semistructured focus group discussions with 10 athletes and eight parents revealed six key motivational themes and highlighted the influence of recent collegiate sport-related policy changes in China. The findings suggest that while both groups value U.S. sport pathways, athletes and parents may …

Music, Eeg And Stress: Connections Between Music And Electroencephalographic Patterns And The Mediation Of Physiological And Psychological Stress, Alexa Warren

Behavioral Neuroscience Honors Papers

The interrelation between music and the brain is an evolving interdisciplinary interest within neuroscience research. Relying on the capacity of music to elicit emotional and physical responses, as well as scientific principles like entrainment, this area of research explores the potential for utilizing targeted music as a holistic non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention. This is often executed via musical entrainment, which is the basis for this study. Utilizing a complex, yet elegant design, this research incorporates a cross disciplinary approach into a randomized controlled study bridging science and the arts. The purpose of this study is to expand this body of knowledge …

I Want To Be The Very Best: Are Gamified Applications Like Pokémon Go Associated With Positive Health Outcomes?, Derek D. Mesa

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Physical activity is a significant problem facing the United States, which can be associated with several negative health outcomes. Poor physical health and poor mental well-being are two outcomes that are often examined by researchers alongside reported physical activity. With the introduction of more advanced technology, interventions such as gamification can be made widely available to diverse groups. Gamification is the use of game-like elements in non-game environments, such as physical activity and health improvement. To determine if gamification has an association with the domains of physical activity, mental well-being, and physical health, this study employed a cross-sectional mixed methods …

Proteome-Based Identification And Validation Of Nxpe3 In Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Najia Tabassum, Yamna Khurshid, Basir Syed, Aftab Ahmad, Sadia Muhammad, Rehan Imad, Talat Mirza

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (cALL) tends to metastasize to central nervous system. Treatment with antileukemic agents against CNS leukaemia is an essential component for cure in ALL. Hence, it is essential to identify biomarkers for CNS infiltration. Proteomics, supported by mass spectrometry, is the platform for exploring biomarkers in various biological samples, contributing to translational research. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the plasma proteome profile of children across different risk groups of cALL. Neurexophilin and PC-esterase family, member 3 (NXPE3), was validated. The protein-protein interactions (PPI) of NXPE3 were evaluated with bioinformatics analyses. Methods: Plasma …

Winter 2026, Humayun Islam

PMI Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Enhancing The Playing Field:​ Effects Of Playground Renovation On Recess Physical Activity​, Hudson M. Parsley

2026 Honors Symposium

Background: Children in recent years have become increasingly sedentary, which poses major risks to their health and overall well-being. Recess is a point of interest in the field of exercise science, as research has found increased recess time is associated with increased levels of PA, but little is known on how the quality of recess, such as playground structures, affects physical activity. Purpose: The aim of my study is to investigate if there is a significant change in physical activity habits during recess among elementary school students due to a change in playground play structures and surfaces, in the form …

Comparing Strength Testing Measures And The Association Of Strength And Body Composition In Young Children, Abigayle R. Spong

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Muscle strength is an important component of physical fitness; however, measuring it with isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) is expensive and requires dedicated space. Handheld dynamometry (HHD) provides a practical alternative for field and clinical settings. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare peak knee flexion and extension torque measured by IKD and HHD in 37 children (ages 5-11 years) and examine relationships with body composition. Participants completed a RAMPing protocol at 90^o knee flexion consisting of two warm-up contractions at 50% and 75% effort followed by three maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Body composition was assessed via DXA scans. …

Spatial Temporal Modeling Of Infectious Disease Patterns In Texas, Robert E. Lashbrook

Earth & Environmental Sciences Theses

The Texas Department of State Health Services monitors numerous notifiable conditions statewide, including Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Rabies, and West Nile virus (WNV). Given the substantial health, economic, and public health burden associated with these conditions, improving prediction is an important step toward reducing their overall impact. This study evaluated whether external demographic, social, climate, and environmental data could improve prediction of county-year disease activity across Texas. County level data was analyzed using supervised machine learning models, including linear regression, ridge regression, multilayer perceptron, random forest, XGBoost, as well as K-means clustering to identify broader …