Digital Commons Network^™

Identifying Superior Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana L.) Landraces Using The Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (Mgidi), Sujan Chapagaina, Bishnu Prasad Kandela, Sudikshya Shresthaa, Ankur Poudela, Shubh Pravat Singh Yadavb

Extension Publications

Genetic variability and selection are crucial for finger millet breeding programs to maximize genetic gain and productivity. This study evaluated 18 finger millet landraces cultivated in the mid-hills of Nepal, along with ‘Kavre Kodo 2’ as a check variety, assessing 14 agro-morphological traits. The objective was to identify superior finger millet landraces using a multivariate approach based on the multi-trait genotype– ideotype distance index (MGIDI). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Principal component analysis revealed that the first five components collectively accounted for 80.8% of the total variation, reflecting the genetic relatedness …

Comparative Decomposition Rates Of Prickly Pear And Sage Using Litterbags, Curtis Jang, Vy Ly, Ashlyn Reagan, Ellie Sebaugh, Darlene Panvini

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Litterbags are used to study nutrient cycling and track the rate of decomposition over time. Decomposition rates may vary between plant species due to various factors. One factor includes the abundance of lignin, or a structural component that provides support to a plant, which can slow the rate of decomposition. This study compared the decomposition rate of sage (Salvia officinalis), which has higher lignin levels, and prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa), which has higher water content and thus lower lignin levels. Four samples of each species, with two replicates each, were initially weighed and then placed in …

Impact Of Lignin Content On Decomposition Rates, Lindsey Powell, Olivia Fawkes, Moses Elijah Cadawas, Isaac Paul Dent, Darlene Panvini

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

This study aimed to analyze decomposition rates of plants containing different amounts of lignin. Lignin can be found within cell wall structures in plants and aids in natural rigidity. Opuntia humifusa was chosen to represent plants with high levels of lignin, and Allium schoenoprasum was chosen in contrast because of its significantly lower levels of lignin. Due to these characteristics, A. schoenoprasum is hypothesized to decompose at a quicker rate than O. humifusa. To test this hypothesis, eight samples of O. humifusa and eight samples of A. schoenoprasum were placed in litter bags to prevent macroorganisms from aiding in …

Reliability Of Vertical Jump Force-Time Metrics In Collegiate Athletes Compared To Recreationally Active Individuals, Dimitrije Cabarkapa, Robert Smith, Luke Chowning, Tyler Neltner, Quincy R. Johnson, Yang Yang, Thayne A. Munce

Faculty Scholarship

As neuromuscular performance assessment has become a fundamental component of athlete monitoring, ensuring strong measurement reliability is essential for supporting accurate data-driven decision-making. Thus, the purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to examine the reliability of countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) force-time metrics obtained using a portable force plate system (Hawkin Dynamics) and (ii) to determine whether absolute and relative reliability scores differ between well-trained individuals (i.e., athletes) and those less familiar with CMJ force-plate testing (i.e., non-athletes). Seventy-four participants volunteered to take part in this investigation, of whom thirty-nine were NCAA Division-I baseball and track-and-field athletes and thirty-five age-matched …

Evaluating The Fisheries Observer Program Of Guyana’S Seabob Trawl Fishery : Insights Into Scientific Aspects And Onboard Working Conditions, Kadesha Shawyana Nedd

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Living Shoreline Prioritization And Hydrodynamic Habitat Suitability Models For Restoration In The Indian River Lagoon And Lake Worth Lagoon, Florida, Kelly M. Kibler, Melinda J. Donnelly, Vincent Encomio, Madison Giuntoli, Manisha Thenuwara, Brice Bennett, Laura Andrade Barron, Mariam Sonbol, Wynter Raine Seppala, Namritha Ramakrishnan, Jennifer Jordan Báez, Beth Orlando, Irene Arpayoglou, Melissa Meisenburg

Indian River Lagoon Shorelines

The spatial dataset: UCF_shorelinemodel_IRL_LWL.shp, was created with support from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuaries Program and Florida Sea Grant. These projects cumulatively led to creation of a living shoreline restoration prioritization model and hydrodynamic habitat suitability models for 1,550 km (963 miles) of estuarine shorelines in Indian River Lagoon and Lake Worth Lagoon.

The dataset presented herein includes:

1. shoreline data from >15,000 transects collected in the field,
2. shoreline wave climate data created through hydrodynamic modeling and frequency analysis of historic data,
3. categorization of potential risk for shoreline boat wake impact,
4. persistence of seagrass within 210 m of the shoreline, …

Consumers Stabilize Grassland Ecosystem Functions By Destabilizing Belowground Communities Under Abiotic Stress, Jane M. Lucas, Michelle L. Budny, Nathan P. Lemoine

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Consumers play a critical role in mediating plant and ecosystem responses to abiotic stress, yet their influence on belowground processes under changing environmental conditions remains underexplored. Insect consumers are vital components of grassland ecosystems that can shape ecosystem function and stability by mitigating how plant and microbial communities respond to abiotic stress, like drought. This study investigates how small-bodied consumers influence the magnitude and stability of grassland belowground functions across gradients of abiotic stress. We conducted a fully factorial field experiment manipulating consumer presence and induced drought over a growing season. Our results reveal that the presence of consumers stabilizes …

Bioaccumulation Pattern Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) In Fish Tissues From Two Freshwater Systems, Margaret D. Taiwo, Husam Kafeenah, David D. Duvernell, Michael O. Eze

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known for their persistence, ubiquity, bioaccumulation in different matrices of the environment and their detrimental effect on human health. In this study, we used EPA 1633 to examine the prevalence of ten PFAS compounds in two freshwater systems and investigated their bioaccumulation pattern across different tissues of grass carp fish (Ctenopharyngodon idella), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). Among the PFAS compounds analyzed, PFBS exhibited the highest concentration in the freshwater sample, exceeding the U.S. EPA regulatory limit of 4 ng/L for drinking water. The total PFAS concentrations in the muscle, …

Concerns Regarding The Standard Deviation Of Individual Responses For Assessing Treatment Response Heterogeneity, Aaron R Caldwell, David B Allison, Andrew W Brown, Gary L Gadbury, Thirupathi Reddy Mokalla, R Drew Sayer, Andrew D Vigotsky

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

The estimation of treatment response heterogeneity (TRH) is increasingly important as medicine moves toward personalized approaches. While various statistical methods have been proposed to quantify TRH in parallel-group trials, the standard deviation of individual responses (SDIR) has gained prominence within physiological research. This method is intended to quantify individual response variation by comparing standard deviations of change scores between intervention and control groups. We acknowledge that SDIR represents an improvement over many other flawed approaches that often involve responder counting. However, SDIR has critical limitations: 1) it cannot overcome the fundamental problem of causal inference because the correlation between potential …

3d Printed Microscopes As A Low-Cost Alternative To Conventional Light Microscopes, Aidan W. Donelan, Hunter N. Lemer, Sudeshna Roy, Nicholas C. Butzin

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Many K-12 schools function on limited budgets in their science departments, making it difficult to acquire, maintain, and update microscopes. While modern light microscopes are often complex, expensive, and require specialized training, they are based on simple principles of light. Microscopes enable us to observe objects too small for the naked eye and reveal intricate details. Introducing affordable, easy-to-use microscope adaptations early in education helps foster a deeper understanding of science and encourages young students to pursue STEM fields. Using 3D printing, we developed two innovative microscope models and two lesson plans. Lesson 1: Using a smartphone microscope to visualize …

Marine Environmental Protection : An Investigation Into Existing Global Laws Addressing Marine Plastic Pollution, Maryland De Castro

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Damslnet: Dual-Attention Multi-Scale Lightweight Network For Plant Disease Classification, Linfan Deng, Juan Qin, Kun Li, Jinhua Zhu, Zhaoxia Wang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Accurately identifying crop diseases plays a crucial role in advancing intelligent and modern agricultural production. Deep learning techniques have performed robust performance in classifying plant disease images. However, current studies face the challenge that many plant disease datasets are generated in controlled environments, leading to reduced model performance in real-world agricultural settings. This paper aims to provide a lightweight model that can accurately classify plant diseases in natural environments. Specifically, this paper investigates the Dual-Attention Multi-Scale Lightweight Network (DAMSLNet), which combines dual-attention-based multi-scale feature extraction and deep information fusion, to classify plant diseases. At the front end, the model employs …

A Comprehensive Overview Of Chronic Wound Infections And Current Treatment Methods, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Chronic wound infections pose significant healthcare challenges due to persistent biofilms, antibiotic resistance, and impaired healing pathways. These wounds are characterized by prolonged inflammation, microbial colonization, and disrupted tissue regeneration, leading to substantial morbidity and healthcare costs. This article reviews current knowledge on chronic wound types, their pathophysiology, and the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation to examine the latest advancements in antimicrobial-based strategies aimed at addressing these challenges. It highlights how diverse materials and technologies have been engineered to improve infection management, enhance tissue regeneration, and overcome the limitations of traditional treatments as well as advances that leverage innovations such as …

‘Earth System Engineers’ And The Cumulative Impact Of Organisms In Deep Time, Simon A. F. Darroch, Michelle M. Casey, Alison T. Cribb, Amanda E. Bates, Matthew E. Clapham, Dori L. Contreras, Matthew Craffey, Ivo A. P. Duijnstee, William Gearty, Nicholas J. Gotelli, Marcus J. Hamilton, Riley F. Hayes, Pincelli M. Hull, Daniel E. Ibarra, V. A. Korasidis, Jaemin Lee, Cindy V. Looy, Tyler R. Lyson, Benjamin Muddiman, Peter D. Roopnarine, Alex B. Shupinski, Felisa A. Smith, Alycia L. Stigall, Catalina P. Tomé, Katherine A. Turk, Amelia Villaseñor, Peter J. Wagner, Steve C. Wang, S. Kathleen Lyons

College of Life Sciences Faculty Papers

Understanding the role of humans as 'ecosystem engineers' requires a deep-time perspective rooted in evolutionary history and the fossil record. However, no conceptual framework exists for studying the rise of ecosystem engineering in deep time, requiring us to consider effects that fall outside the scope of traditional definitions. Here, we present a new framework applicable to both modern and ancient engineering-type effects. We propose a new term - 'Earth system engineering' - to describe biological processes that alter the structure and function of planetary spheres, and which combines core tenets of ecosystem engineering, niche construction, and legacy effects. We illustrate …

Multilevel Selection In The Margins: A Review Of Its Representation In Undergraduate Biology Textbooks, C. A. Greene, S. J. Mcpeek, L. Mitchem, A. B. Clark, Vincent A. Formica

Biology Faculty Works

Multilevel selection (MLS) is a foundational framework that expands the concept of natural selection beyond the traditional focus on individuals or genes to larger units, like groups. Despite strong empirical support and applications in a broad range of biological fields, MLS, often referred to as group selection, has a controversial history, which has impeded its wide use and led to incorrect inferences on the sources and strength of selection. Here, we explore how MLS is currently presented to undergraduate biology students by analyzing the content of nine commonly used Evolutionary Biology and Animal Behavior textbooks. We ask whether and how …

Substituted Piperidines As (Alpha4)3(Beta2)2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators: In Vitro Pharmacology, Nataly Sanchez, Josue Gaona, Wilder Felix, Nathalia Menegasso, Brisa Cea, Ganesh Thakur, Ayman K. Hamouda

School of Medicine Student Publications and Presentations

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsonʼs disease (PD). In PD, degeneration of dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons impairs neurotransmitter release, leading to cognitive and motor dysfunction. Current treatments provide only symptomatic relief, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. The (α4)₃(β2)₂ subtype of nAChRs is expressed on affected neurons, making it a promising druggable target for enhancing neurotransmitter release and providing neuroprotection. To explore the therapeutic potential of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of (α4)₃(β2)₂ nAChRs, we evaluated chemical derivatives of CMPI [3-(2-chlorophenyl)-5-(5-methyl-1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)isoxazole]. We used two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings from Xenopus laevis …

Ecophysiological Benefits Of Industrial Organic Wastes On Alfalfa Yield And Stress Mitigation In Saline Soils, Shugao Fan, Zhuanzhuan Ma, Jiawei Wu, Tianhui Yang, Jincheng Hao, Shumei Chen, Xutong Hu, Ying Zhao

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Rising soil salinity and water scarcity demand sustainable solutions to maintain crop productivity. This study evaluated four agro-industrial organic amendments—fish emulsion, neem cake, coffee grounds, and seaweed extract on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) under combined salinity and drought stress, assessing their effects on soil respiration, plant physiology, and yield. Soil CO₂ efflux varied significantly among treatments: coffee grounds induced the highest microbial activity (6.2 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), suggesting rapid decomposition, while neem cake exhibited stable emissions (3.8 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), indicating slower organic matter turnover. Fish emulsion showed intermediate dynamics, peaking at 4.8 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ by week 4, …

Paclobutrazol Enhances Tall Fescue Salt Tolerance Via Physiological And Root System Architecture Modulation, Shugao Fan, Xindi Sun, Guohao Liang, Zhuanzhuan Ma, Jincheng Hao, Jiawei Wu, Ying Zhao

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Salinity represents a major global constraint on crop productivity. Promoting the cultivation of tall fescue in saline environments offers not only nutritional advantages for livestock but also enhances its potential for ornamental use. In this mesocosm study, we examined the effects of paclobutrazol (PBZ) on tall fescue performance under salt stress, focusing on key physiological traits to evaluate salt tolerance.

Results: Under high salt stress, paclobutrazol application increased the total number of lateral roots by 85%, from 18.39 to 34.04, and widened their growth angle by 24%, from 24.10° to 29.88°, fundamentally enhancing topsoil exploration. This reconfigured root system …

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics Of Malaria Vector Niche Overlaps In Africa, Eric Ali Ibrahim, John Odindi, Mark Wamalwa, Henri E.Z. Tonnang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with transmission heightened by the dynamics of primary and secondary mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium parasites. Regions where both vector types co-exist face heightened likelihood of intensified malaria transmission. Hence, understanding vectors' ecological interactions, especially their niche overlaps in geographic or environmental space, is crucial for targeted malaria control and elimination strategies. We employed a dynamic cellular automata (CA) model to map niche overlaps among primary (Anopheles gambiae complex, An. funestus group) and secondary (An. pharoensis, An. coustani) malaria vectors across African, using open-access environmental and vector occurrence datasets sourced from …

Emerging Policies On Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Governance, Jessie Neta Jeffrey

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Plastic Pollution In The Arctic Region And International Rules : Applicability And Limitations, Zhanfeng Lang

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Preparedness And Response To Oil And Biofuel Spills : A Case Study Of The Western Indian Ocean, Soifoine Abdillah

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Assessing Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Industrial Bottom Trawlers Using Vessel Monitoring System Data : A Case Study Of Ghana, Emmanuel Agbeko

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Marine Spatial Planning (Msp) In Managing Conflicts Between Marine Resource Users In Tanzania, Ramadhani Juma Shausi

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Probabilistic Template Matching For Detecting Resting-State Functional Mri Language Network In Brain Tumor Patients, Jian Ming Teo, Vinodh A Kumar, Alexander M Khalaf, Kyle R Noll, Sherise D Ferguson, Chibawanye I Ene, Sujit S Prabhu, Max Wintermark, Ho-Ling Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Intersubject variation among patients with brain tumors complicates the template matching process for detecting the resting-state (rs) functional MRI (fMRI) language network when using independent component analysis (ICA).

Purpose: This study aimed to develop methods that use a probabilistic language atlas to incorporate intersubject variation in brain tumor patients into the template matching process.

Methods: This retrospective study included 79 patients with brain tumors (average age, 50 ± 15 years) who underwent presurgical task-based (tb)-fMRI and rs-fMRI at clinical 3T scanners. At varying template generation thresholds (τ), binary and probabilistic templates were obtained from the language atlas. A binary …

Detection Of Sweet Potato Feathery Mottle Virus Infection Via Remote Hyperspectral Imaging, Clayton Blake

LSU Master's Theses

In sweetpotato, global production exceeds 90 million tons annually, yet yields are threatened by numerous pathogens, including the potyvirus sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV). Virus infections can reduce yields by 25–40%, but surveillance is hampered by asymptomatic infections and the labor-intensive nature of detection. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI), combined with machine learning (ML), offers a promising pathway to scalable, non-destructive detection; however, studies focused on virus infection in sweetpotato remain limited.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of ML-enabled HSI for SPFMV detection under greenhouse conditions via a curated spectral library of two commercial cultivars, 'Beauregard' and 'Orleans', and the biological …

A Guided Ungrading Example For Independent Research Projects In An Upper-Division Ecosystem Ecology Stem Course, Christine S. O'Connell

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Ungrading is a pedagogical approach that, in some iterations, emphasizes formative feedback and student self-assessment over traditional point-based grading. While increasingly popular in the humanities and social sciences, ungrading remains uncommon in STEM courses, particularly those that are content-intensive. This article presents a structured example of ungrading implemented in an upper-division ecosystem ecology course through a 7-week independent research project. Students used public or previously collected ecological data to investigate a scientific question, culminating in a short-format, manuscript-style research paper and a 10 min oral presentation. The project was scaffolded with multiple checkpoints, including structured reflections, peer review, and instructor …

The Key To Acquiring The Language Of Law, Science, And Technology In The Esl College Classroom, Patricia George-Hunter

Journal of English Learner Education

Since vocabulary plays a significant role in second language acquisition, expansive vocabulary targets should be set and pursued. This paper explores the results of introducing affixes to develop vocabulary and increase motivation for beginner to intermediate-level English language learners (ELLs) pursuing academic disciplines in law, science, and technology at a New York City community college. Participants included 23 ELLs with diverse linguistic, educational, and sociocultural backgrounds enrolled in an online synchronous Integrative Language Seminar (ILS) designed to develop all areas of English language proficiency. Pre‑, post‑, delayed tests, questionnaires, and post‑intervention interviews were conducted and analyzed to establish the language …

Investigating The Impacts Of Microplastics On Bacterial Community Dynamics In Mangrove Sediments, Al Maha Sulaiman Alshamsi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a growing threat to global ecosystems, particularly in coastal habitats like mangroves, which serve as vital carbon sinks. This study investigates the specific impacts of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and adipic acid (AA) on microbial community assembly in mangrove sediments, with a focus on sequential arrival of different MPs. Based on MP identity, early arrival of specific MP before others can significantly impact microbial community composition and their functioning. However, the impacts of the sequential arrival of MPs on microbial communities have never been studied. This research fills this important knowledge gap by using novel …

Use Of Growing Degree Days To Model The Dynamics Of Aboveground Biomass And Nitrogen Accumulation Of Winter Cover Crops, M. Pessotto, Trenton Roberts, C. Dos Santos, K. A. Hoegenauer, M. Bertucci, W. J. Ross, M. Savin

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Cover cropping is an important management practice that can benefit the cash crop and the environment. Plant species, weather, and cover crop termination influence biomass production and N fixation potential. This study was conducted to determine optimal termination dates for production systems in Arkansas based on growing degree days (GDD) for eight different cover crop species: Austrian winter pea (AWP) (Pisum sativum), balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), black-seeded oats (Avena sativa), common vetch (Vicia sativa var. Cahaba), cereal rye (Secale cereale), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa). Field studies were conducted at three research stations …