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2025 Celebration Of Scholarship, Creativity, And Engagement, Todd Bruns, Jaime Pedigo, Jennifer Smith, Patty Watson, Heather Wohltman, Amanda Wolf

Programs

Each year, Eastern Illinois University proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of our faculty in research, creativity, and engagement. This collection of accomplishments reflects the dedication of an engaged faculty committed to excellence and the continual pursuit of knowledge. Many of these successes were made possible through meaningful collaboration with our students, who contribute as co-authors, research assistants, and partners in bringing ideas to life. Some of these professional milestones represent years of effort, demonstrating remarkable persistence and determination. We offer our heartfelt congratulations on this wide range of achievements, which bring distinction to our departments, colleges, and the University as …

The Genome Sequence Of The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges Tsugae Annand 1924, Bryan M.T. Brunet, Dustin T. Dial, Gaelen R. Burke, Carol D. Von Dohlen, Julia Douglas Freitas, Haley Sanderson, Afiya R. Chida, Samantha J. Jones, Fergal J. Martin, Leanne Haggerty, Stephen W. Scherer, Ioannis Ragoussis, Steven J.M. Jones, Robert G. Foottit, Nathan P. Havill

Biology Faculty Publications

The genome of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is presented in 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules along with 132 unplaced scaffolds for a combined length of 216.56 Mb. The genome is highly contiguous with an N50 of 20.54 Mb and its longest scaffold 37.41 Mb in length. The assembly recovered 97.7% of benchmarked universal single-copy Hemiptera orthologs (BUSCO) with an overall completion score of 98.6%. On the basis of chromosomal synteny with other aphid genomes, the hemlock woolly adelgid’s genome is composed of eight autosomes and two sex (X) chromosomes. Annotation of the assembly identified 11,800 coding genes, 1,930 …

Mir147 Promotes Mucosal Integrity And Healing In Intestinal Inflammation, Agnieszka K Czopik, Arash Dabiri, Chia-Hao Tung, Victoria Vaughn, Xiangsheng Huang, Jinlian Wang, Hui Li, Nicolas F Moreno, Natalia V Piwko, Katherine Figarella, Hongfang Liu, Zhongming Zhao, Xiaoyi Yuan, Holger K Eltzschig

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The intestinal mucosal epithelium forms a barrier between luminal contents and the body. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate mucosal homeostasis by controlling inflammatory responses and structural integrity. Here, we discovered a protective role for miR147 in intestinal inflammation using a miR147tdTomato reporter mouse. miR147 was enriched in the intestines, with the highest expression in the colonic epithelial cells at the luminal surface, with prominent expression in differentiated enterocytes. Mice with general or intestinal epithelial deletion of miR147 showed increased intestinal inflammation and diminished mucosal healing during colitis. RNA sequencing of miR147-deficient cells showed dysregulated immune signaling, with upregulated proinflammatory cytokine pathways and …

The Effects Of Combined Fasting And Exercise On Inflammatory Cytokine Concentrations In Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study, Landon S. Deru, Austin F. Duersch, Spencer C. Cleverly, Hunter D. Chamberlain, Elizabeth Z. Gipson, Parker G. Graves, Cameron G. Jacobsen, Larry A. Tucker, Bruce W. Bailey

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1252-1268, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/APHT9483 The object was to assess the effects of adding exercise to a 36-hour fast on the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1. The study was a randomized crossover design with counterbalanced conditions in community members living near a single academic institution. Participants included twenty healthy adults (11 male). The intervention consisted of two 36-h water-only fasts, one of which was initiated with a bout of treadmill exercise. Venous blood was taken at baseline, 12-h, 24-h, and 36-h of fasting. Area under the curve and timepoint analyses were computed. The area under …

Incidence And Risk Factors Of Metabolic Syndrome In Track And Field Throwing Athletes, Taylor Browning, Samuel Headley, Elizabeth M. Mullin, Margaret T. Jones, Andrew R. Jagim, Jennifer Fields

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1199-1211, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/HOKT7948 Track and field (T&F) throwers are a prominent subgroup of athletes that may be at risk for the development of Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) and other cardiometabolic disease conditions. However, limited research exists examining the prevalence of MetSyn in these athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of MetSyn and associated risk factors in collegiate throwers. Collegiate Division I men (n=17) and women (n=4) T&F throwers participated in a single day of lab assessments, which included anthropometrics, body composition, blood pressure, a venous blood draw, and aerobic …

Upper Extremity Asymmetries In Collegiate Tennis Players Compared To An Athletic Control Of Runners, Elizabeth A. Cafferty, Dale R. Wagner, Brennan J. Thompson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1151-1165, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/MDRK9289 Previous research on limb asymmetries of athletes participating in dominant-sided sports lacks an athletic control group. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of upper limb asymmetries in dominant-sided athletes (tennis players) compared to nondominant-sided athletes (cross-country runners). Men and women university athletes (10 tennis, 11 cross-country) participated. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and lean mass (LM) of the whole body, upper extremities, and forearms. Circumference measurements were taken at mid-biceps and widest part of the forearms. Bony breadth of …

An Example Analysis For A Gender-Inclusive Approach In Sport And Exercise Science Research Using Fitbit Outcomes From The All Of Us Research Program Dataset, James W. Navalta, Dustin W. Davis, Jafra D. Thomas, Whitley J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 1133-1141, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/HRNQ4501 Prevalence studies with wearable devices are used to understand disparities in health-related physical activity behaviors and whether interventions are efficacious. However, studies have been limited to a binary definition of sex. This example analysis aimed to demonstrate how researchers can investigate differences in data beyond the sex-gender binary. Using a cross-sectional analysis of the All of Us Research Program dataset, participants' self-identified gender was categorized into Cisgender Female (n = 10,401), Additional Options (n = 27), Non-binary (n = 84), Transgender (n = 17), and Cisgender Male …

Ethnic Differences In Health-Related Quality Of Life, Physical Activity, And Health Locus Of Control, Kimberly Feiler

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1072-1085, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/STUM6367 This research aimed to better understand the differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL: general health, physical functioning), physical activity (PA), and health locus of control (HLOC: internal, external-chance, external-powerful others, God) among various ethnic groups. The study’s sample included 185 individuals, 22 - 81 years of age, who were attending or employed by one of three religiously-affiliated higher education institutions during the 2020-2021 academic year. Participants voluntarily answered questions about their ethnic identity, HRQoL, PA level, and HLOC. To analyze the interaction of HRQoL, PA, and HLOC, a multiple regression …

Purple Tomatoes Boost Nutrition Crop Value And Create New Opportunities For United States (U.S) Agriculture, Tariq Alam

Agronomic Crops

The agricultural landscape in the United States is continually evolving, with growers and the tomato industry seeking innovative ways to meet consumer demands while enhancing profitability. The introduction of both bioengineered and classically bred anthocyanins-enriched purple tomatoes presents a unique opportunity for U.S. growers to cultivate a high-value crop that appeals to niche markets and commands premium pricing. Bioengineered purple tomatoes achieve high anthocyanin levels through the introduction of snapdragon transcription factors, while classically bred 'Indigo Rose' purple tomatoes are developed via classical breeding methods, providing an alternative for consumers who prefer traditionally bred products. Specifically, the purple tomato holds …

Marigold-Silver Nanoparticles (Agnps) Complex: Characterization, Therapeutic Potential, And Future Approaches For Lung Injury Via Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Navdeep Kaur

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and other lung conditions are a key cause of the problems facing global health, as they greatly increase morbidity, death, and the financial burden. In order to achieve the third Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations, which is to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable illnesses by one-third by 2030, updated epidemiological statistics are crucial for directing prevention, control, and treatment measures. One of the major reasons of illness and death globally is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung damage and the emergence of CRDs, such as asthma, emphysema, COPD, and other respiratory disorders, are largely …

Research Progress On The Effect Of Grafting Technology On Disease Resistance And Stress Resistance Of Watermelon, Xuena Liu, Shikai La, Chang Chen, Ainong Shi, Mingjiao Wang, Yingying Zhang, Jinghuai Guo, Lingdi Dong

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Grafting is an effective horticultural technique that significantly enhances disease resistance and stress tolerance in watermelon. This review systematically summarizes the types of rootstocks used in watermelon grafting and analyzes the effects of grafting on plant responses to biotic stresses, such as viral and fungal pathogens, root-knot nematodes infections, and abiotic stresses, including drought, temperature extremes, and salinity. Furthermore, it discusses the changes in fruit quality and explores the underlying mechanisms associated with graft-induced resistance. By synthesizing recent research advances, this review aims to offer valuable insights and practical references for improving resistance and promoting sustainable production in cucurbit and …

Leucaena - A Permanent Dry Season Forage In Australia, J H. Wildin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Leucaena (Leucaena Jeucocephala) can play an important role in alleviating the general low pasture quality during the dry season. Extensive commercial use of leucaena for cattle grazing commenced in central Queensland in 1980 when the grazing management of this tree legume was modified to suit Australian beef producers. Plantings increased from 30 ha in 1979 to 3000 ha in central Queensland by February 1985. This rapid expansion can be attributed to beef producers being more aware ofleucaena management and benefits based on several commercial successes. Mimosine toxicity has not been a problem when cattle have access to tree …

Effect Of Some Agronomic Practices On Productivity And Nutritive Analysis Of Aquatic Grass Echinochloa Stagnina, K M. Ghobrial, M A. Gabra, M A. Noreldin, M A. Salem

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Results indicated that the higher green, dry and protein yields increased with increasing plant density up to 105,000 plant per feddan that were fertilized with 45 kg N/fed. The average of the obtained green, dry and protein yields were 14.16, 4.24 and 0.30 ton/fed. respectively. The nutritive analysis on DM basis was 7.13 % crude protein (CP), 2.12% ether extract (EE), 31.56% crude fidre (CF), 47.97% nitrogen free extract (NFE) and 11.22% ash. The calculated starch value (SV) as a feed unit was 1.34 ton/feddan.

The Role Of Temperature Pastures Species In Beef Farming In The Humaid Sub-Tropics Of South America, Y E. Kawabe, E Hayashi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Attempts were made to identify and solve the problems which a beef farming operation in the humid sub-tropics of South America was facing. A total of 370ha of pasture at C.A.O.S.A. was established using temperate species, Lolium perenne, L. multiflorum, Trifolium repens, T. subterraneum and Medicago sativa, both to establish new and also to improve existing tropical pasture in order to overcome: 1. Cool season feed shortage., 2. Low nutritional value of tropical grasses. A rotational grazing system was introduced and the yield and feed value analysis showed a substantial increase in cool season feed while the …

The Effect Of Row Width And Intrarow Spacing On The Productivity And Nutritional Quality Of Silage Corn, Y Kishida, S Uchida

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study was conducted to determine the effect of planting density on silage corn production and silage quality. Dent corn cv. Pioneer 3424 was planted at different or the same densities by changing row width or intrarow spacing or the both. The dry matter yield and silage quality were determined at different stages of ripening and the results are summarized as follows: When intrarow spacing was changed (under different intrarow spacings), the rate of increase of dry matter per plant was high at the low and intermediate planting densities and the dry matter yield per 10 are was high at …

Effects Of Climatic Zone, Topography, Land Utilization And Soil Condition On The Mineral Content Of Natural Grasses In Bali, K Lana, I M. Nitis, S Uchida

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

To evaluate nutritional quality of the natural grasses fed to livestock, grasses grown in different climatic zones (zones B, C, D, E and F), different topographies ( coast, hills and higher altitude), various forms of land utilization (rice field, dry land and plantation) and different soil conditions, allocated in 15 districts of 8 regencies in Bali were analyzed for their macro and micro element contents. Although P, K, Mn and Mo contents were higher and Mg, Na, Fe and Zn contents were lower in wet season than in dry season, Ca and Cu contents were constant throughout the seasons. The …

Potential Role For Stylo In Traditional Crop And Livestock Production Systems In Nigerian Subhumid Zone, M A. Mohamed Saleem, R Von Kaufman, R M. Otsynia, H Suleiman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The typical soils (Alfisols) of the subhumid zone of Nigeria deteriorate under continuous cropping and grazing. Due to increasing demand for land, soil recovery through natural fallowing is too time consuming. Because other reclamation techniques are expensive forage legumes that rapidly confer most fallow benefits and improve livestock nutrition have an important role in traditional crop-livestock production systems. In its experiments ILCA subhumid zone team used Stylosanthes spp. (stylo) in the following way: - (i) undersown or sown on alternate ridges with sorghum, (ii) sorghum transplanted into it, and (iii) the succeeded by maize after varying years of its growth. …

Effects Of The Association Corn-Soybean On Dry Matter Production And Nutritional Silage Value, R Garcia, A R. Evangelista, J D. Galvao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Experiments were conducted to study the influence of corn-soybeans plant population in five cropping systems (four com-soybean associations and single corn) on the dry matter production and nutritional silage value. Variation in corn plant populations did not influenced green matter production, however, dry matter production increased as population increase. The cropping systems influenced both green and dry matter production. Plant population influenced on the nutritional silage value. The protein content and dry matter digestibility was higher for 30 thousand plants of corn per hectare. Two rows of corn to four of soybean resulted in superior protein content. The association com-soybean …

Managerial Characteristics Of The Grassland Type Dairy Farming In Hokkaido, Japan, Y Miyazawa

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan with an area of about 78,500 km2 and lies between 41 ° and 46°N. Dairy farming in Hokkaido, being endowed with vast land resources, has overcome severe climatic conditions and expanded its scale of operations through such measures as developing and improving grassland. Its main type of dairy farming can be said to be of the-grassland-type and the feeding resources of which depends mainly on pastures. The dairy farming in Hokkaido, therefore, is represented by this grassland-type that is one of the alternative types to be developed under comparatively unfavorable land conditions, such …

Weight Gains And Nutrition Of Cattle Grazing On Grasslands Of Central Interior British Columbia, Canada, D A. Quinton, L Stroesser, H Douwes

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Average daily gains and nutrient deficiencies of cattle grazing three grassland zones in British Columbia are shown. Cattle production was greatest on the rough fescue (Festuca scabrella) -bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) association and least on the big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) -bluebunch wheatgrass association. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in cattle diets generally paralleled cattle gains. Increases in these nutrients in forages correlate to increased cattle gains. Depressed weight gains, poor growth of calves, late estrous cycling of cows, and white muscle disease of calves are all livestock symptoms associated with nutrient deficiencies of cattle …

The Effect Of Fertilization With N-P-K In Yield Of Natural Pasture Grazed By Sheep On Southern Italy, L Postiglione, F Basso, T Di Ella, F Carone

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In order to raise the very low pasture yield in the dry regions of Southern Italy, a research was undertaken on the efficiency of mineral fertilization, owing to the variability of climatic conditions. Two levels of N (0-50 Kg ha-1), P (0-100 Kg ha-1) and K (0-100 Kg ha-1) arranged in factorial combinations were compared with a pasture grazed by sheep in a hilly area of Basilicata region (550 m s.l.} since 1982. During the spring of the first two years rainfalls amounted respectively to 79 mm and 146 mm while maximum temperature reached 30°C and 22°C in May, therefore …

Influence Of Stocking Rate On The Plant-Animal Interface In Rotational Grazed Mixed Swards, J W. Stuth, J R. Brown, P D. Olson, M R. Araujo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The impacts of brief periods of intense grazing in multipasture-single herd grazing systems on critical plant and animal parameters in natural mixed swards are not well understood. It was our objective to determine the interrelationship and nutritional consequence of tiller defoliation intensity, selection ratio and diet composition of two codominant species with contrasting phenology and growth habit as stocking rate was increased. A 16-pasture, 1-herd short-duration grazing regime was simulated at four stocking rates on a little bluestem (Schizachyr­ium scoparium)-brownseed paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum) savannah. Variables measured included morphology and defoliation intensity of marked tillers, diet composition …

The Effect Of Fertilization With N-P-K On Utilization And Nutritive Value Of Natural Pasture Grazed By Sheep In Southern Italy, B Ferrara, V Piccolo, F Basso, A Nizza

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Results of four grazing periods carried-out in 1983 and 1984 in a hilly area of Basilicata region (550 m. above s.I.) on a natural pasture utilized by sheep are reported here. Two levels of N(0-50 kg ha-1), P(0-100 kg ha-1) and K(0-100 kg ha-1) arranged in eight factorial combinations were compared. The utilization coefficients of dry matter (DM), crude protein and milk-FU (MFU) were affected by the climatic conditions and grazing period, whereas fertilization effect was low. The influence of treatments was not very emphasized during the first experimental phase also on the nuttritive value of total and utilized forage.

Vegetational Changes In The Sasa Nipponica Grassland Used By Winter Grazing For Successive Years, Y Ogawa, T Mitamura, K Okamoto

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The influence of winter grazing by beef cattle on yearly yield and flora changes in Sasa (Sasa nipponica) grassland was examined from 1974 to 1982. This Sasa sward was established semi-naturally on cutover land following deciduous broadleaved forest at an altitude of 1,100 m on Mt. Asama in Japan. Sasa kept its foliage green and nutritive all year round, so that in this experimental grassland a large quantity of its foliage supplied sufficient nutrients for the maintenance of beef cows during winter grazing periods. Foliage weight was 2.6 tons DW/ha before winter grazing use and this value was maintained for …

Grassland Resources And Future Development Of Grassland Farming In Temperate China, Zhu Tingcheng, Li Jiandong, Zu Yuangang

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the first part of the paper the grassland resources in the semiarid area of China are descrived. Grasslands cover 2.86 million km2 of the total territory and 100 million livestock are being raised there. Steppes and meadows are classified into several types according to the ecological types of the dominant species and environments, etc. Area, geographical distribution, community structure, species composition, dynamics, nutritive value of herbages, primary production and utilization of each grassland type are outlined. In the second part, the necessity to promote grassland farming and the possibility of its development are discussed based upon the land, population, …

Evaluating Correlates Of Healthy Eating And Dietary Quality Among Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Approach To Development And Application Of A New Survey Instrument, Sara K. Rosenkranz, Donya Shamati, Anna Biggins, Alissa Mick, Christopher Acosta, Richard R. Rosenkranz

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Objectives: Community-dwelling older adults face unique challenges related to nutrition and health, but little is known about their barriers and facilitators for healthy eating behaviors. This study sought to develop and evaluate a new instrument to measure the capability, opportunity, and motivation for healthy eating behaviors (COM-HE) among community-dwelling older adults.

Design: A mixed methods approach was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data. Participants were aged 65 years or older, community-dwelling, and English-speaking. Participants engaged in focus groups (n = 12) and pilot-testing (n = 81) to evaluate the COM-HE instrument. The Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants – Shortened …

Correlates Of Professional Breastfeeding Perceived Role, Perceived Influence, And Confidence In Providing Lactation Support Among Registered Dietitians And Registered Nurses, Lauren M. Dinour, Melanie Shefchik, Andrea Uguna

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works

Lactation support from health professionals is a crucial social determinant of health. Registered dietitians (RDs) and registered nurses (RNs) can play an important role in supporting breastfeeding, yet most have minimal formal lactation education and training. This study seeks to explore the correlates of professional breastfeeding perceived role, perceived influence, and confidence in providing lactation support among RDs and RNs. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 111 credentialed providers completed an online survey assessing their breastfeeding-related training, experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. We also examined perceptions of social support, intentions for future breastfeeding, professional roles, and confidence in …

Milk Yield Performance Of Local Cows, Handling Practices, Physicochemical Properties, And Milk Production Constraints In Kucha District, Southern Ethiopia, Demissie Jorge, Seifu Birhanu, Yilkal Tadele

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The study assessed milk production performance of local cows, milk handling practices, physicochemical properties, and milk production constraints in Kucha District, Southern Ethiopia. A purposive and random sampling technique was employed to select 138 respondents for the interview. For physicochemical property assessment, milk samples were collected from 90 interviewed households. Majorities (76.7%) of the respondents were males, and the average family size was 6.82±0.25. Mean daily milk yield (DMY) of 1.80±0.07, 1.94±0.06, and 1.52±0.09 liters was recorded for local cows, respectively, in early, mid, and late lactation stages. All respondents in the area use hand milking and wash their hands …

Extraction And Optimization Of Flavonoids From Elaeagnus Pungens Thunb And Its Potential Impact On Blood Plasma Cholesterol In A Mouse Model, Qunqing Lu, Haozhe Liu, Xinxin Zhang, Nourhan Nassar, Ibrar Khan, Haji Gul, Zaigui Wang

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Elaeagnus pungens Thunb is a significant source of flavonoids with biological function. This study aims to develop orthogonal tests and alkali alcohol extraction methods for extracting flavonoids from leaves of E. pungens. The levels of factors in the orthogonal test were determined by pre-experiment, and the physiological efficacy was verified by the in vivo test. The results indicated that the optimal extraction yield was 4.07% when the solid-to-liquid ratio was 1:40, the concentration of ethanol was 60%, the extraction temperature was 80℃, and the extraction time was five h. The alkalialcohol extraction results demonstrated that the extraction yield of …

Creating A Food Business Model: Case Study Of Traditional Drinks Made From Roselle, Millet, And Corn, Josephine Nyame

College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to develop a comprehensive process flow for establishing a small food business, using traditional drinks made from millet, roselle, and corn as a case study. The specific objectives were to (1) identify the steps involved in developing a food product, (2) perform a sensory evaluation of the developed drinks, and (3) develop a prototype business plan to commercialize the most preferred drink. This study adopted a case study approach of a food business in producing traditional beverages. Consumer preferences were evaluated through sensory evaluation of the formulated roselle, millet, and corn drink recipes. Consumer evaluation data were …