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Soybean Embryogenic Cell Culture Genetically Engineered, Gabriel Carrasquillo Jun 2025

Soybean Embryogenic Cell Culture Genetically Engineered, Gabriel Carrasquillo

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

The inflation of population in the world has led to a high and consistent food demand which has reinvigorated worldwide interest to create high-yielding varieties of legumes. Soybean Glycine max (L.) Merrill, a member of this legume family has become one of the most essential food crops in the United States as well as in the world due its edible oil and protein content up to 20% and 54%, respectively. Because of its high importance as a food crop, major objectives in soybean breeding, improvement of protein and oil production need to be achieved. These objectives can be addressed using …


Isolating Novel Enzymes And Microorganisms For Use In Food Waste Fermentation, Shannon Marie Jeffries Jun 2025

Isolating Novel Enzymes And Microorganisms For Use In Food Waste Fermentation, Shannon Marie Jeffries

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, upwards of 2 billion pounds of food waste are discarded yearly, an amount equivalent to $161 billion or 30-40% of all food production, making up the largest portion of landfill waste (Buzby, 2022). A small amount of food scraps are recycled through compost and re-purposed into animal feed, but these processes are costly, have minimal benefits, and have limitations (EPA, 2024). One of the most promising routes is converting food waste into value added products through microbial fermentation. Food waste is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and other trace minerals, making it the ideal environment …


Application Of High-Pressure Processing And Real-Time Pcr For Preventing Foodborne Bacterial Diseases, Ranju Kafle Jun 2025

Application Of High-Pressure Processing And Real-Time Pcr For Preventing Foodborne Bacterial Diseases, Ranju Kafle

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Foodborne pathogens pose significant risks to public health and food safety, necessitating innovative control strategies. High-pressure processing (HPP) was evaluated as an intervention against Listeria monocytogenes in cold-smoked rainbow trout, with treatments at 500 MPa and 4.4 °C and 60.0 °C achieving up to a 5.03 log CFU/g reduction. The efficacy of nisin in suppressing Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua during refrigerated storage was also examined, demonstrating significant microbial inhibition, particularly in the early storage phase, supporting its application as a hurdle technology. Additionally, the synergistic effects of HPP (400 MPa, 4 °C) and natural bioactive compounds, including lactic acid, …


Present And Future Of Microbiome-Targeting Therapeutics, Lauren E Lynch, Rachel Lahowetz, Christian Maresso, Austen Terwilliger, Jason Pizzini, Valeria Melendez Hebib, Robert A Britton, Anthony W Maresso, Geoffrey A Preidis Jun 2025

Present And Future Of Microbiome-Targeting Therapeutics, Lauren E Lynch, Rachel Lahowetz, Christian Maresso, Austen Terwilliger, Jason Pizzini, Valeria Melendez Hebib, Robert A Britton, Anthony W Maresso, Geoffrey A Preidis

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

A large body of evidence suggests that single- and multiple-strain probiotics and synbiotics could have roles in the management of specific gastrointestinal disorders. However, ongoing concerns regarding the quality and heterogeneity of the clinical data, safety in vulnerable populations, and the lack of regulation of products containing live microbes are barriers to widespread clinical use. Safety and regulatory issues must be addressed and new technologies considered. One alternative future strategy is the use of synthetic bacterial communities, defined as manually assembled consortia of two or more bacteria originally derived from the human gastrointestinal tract. Synthetic bacterial communities can model functional, …


A Descriptive Analysis Of The Current State Of Peace Officer Standards And Training Physical Fitness Requirements Across The Usa, Robert G. Lockie, Joseph Dulla Jun 2025

A Descriptive Analysis Of The Current State Of Peace Officer Standards And Training Physical Fitness Requirements Across The Usa, Robert G. Lockie, Joseph Dulla

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 543-560, 2025. Many law enforcement organizations are experiencing recruitment and retention challenges, of which physical fitness can be a factor. The study purpose was to collate information from Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission staff in each USA state to document current fitness mandates and policies for recruits/officers. A 10-question survey was allocated to an appropriate representative from every state POST organization. The survey collected information regarding minimum state-mandated fitness standards for academy entry and exit; minimum state-mandated requirements for fitness programming, including safety plans; education/training requirements for fitness training instructors; and minimum …


Effects Of Spirulina And Nannochloropsis Supplementations On The Meat Quality And Sensory Properties Of Broiler Carcasses, Shreyash S. Patel Jun 2025

Effects Of Spirulina And Nannochloropsis Supplementations On The Meat Quality And Sensory Properties Of Broiler Carcasses, Shreyash S. Patel

Master's Theses

Microalgae are a promising feed ingredient due to their high content of proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, vitamins, pigments, and enzymes. This study evaluated the effects of algae as a dietary supplementation on the appearance, quality, and sensory attributes of broiler carcasses. In each of experiment I and II, a total of 54 Ross-708 broilers were randomly obtained from the pool of 270 broilers in the 18 floor pens of soybean-mealbased diets at 0, 2.5%, and 5% Spirulina (Experiment I) and Nannochloropsis (Experiment II) supplements in the Poultry Unit at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA). Broiler carcasses …


Covid-19 Pandemic And Recovery Experiences: A Case Study With Montana Family And Consumer Science Cooperative Extension Agents, Hayley M. Somerfeld, J. Mitchell Vaterlaus, Nicole C. Wanago, Brianna Routh, Alison Brennan Jun 2025

Covid-19 Pandemic And Recovery Experiences: A Case Study With Montana Family And Consumer Science Cooperative Extension Agents, Hayley M. Somerfeld, J. Mitchell Vaterlaus, Nicole C. Wanago, Brianna Routh, Alison Brennan

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The present study examined the impact of COVID-19 and recovery experiences among Family Consumer Science (FCS) Extension Agents in Montana. All participants (n = 10) completed a survey with fixed-item and open-ended responses, and six also participated in in-depth interviews. A deductive qualitative case study approach was used. Agent experiences were analyzed using The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) four action priorities: (1) understanding risk, (2) strengthening disaster risk governance, (3) investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience, and (4) enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “build back better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. Pandemic risks …


Empowering Community Through Extension: Identifying Community Health And Wellness Strengths And Needs, Allyson A. Spears, Alexis Zickafoose, Emily Wintermute, Peng Lu, Matthew Baker, Scott Cummings Jun 2025

Empowering Community Through Extension: Identifying Community Health And Wellness Strengths And Needs, Allyson A. Spears, Alexis Zickafoose, Emily Wintermute, Peng Lu, Matthew Baker, Scott Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Health and wellness are foundational to thriving communities, yet many Americans face barriers that impact their access to essential health education and services. This study used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to assess the perceived strengths and needs of health and wellness resources of rural and urban Texas communities. Data were collected through a statewide survey (n = 9,418), targeting key aspects of health and wellness. The results identified critical strengths, including school lunch programs and grocery stores accepting electronic benefit transfers (EBT), while reducing obesity and addressing mental health emerged as top community needs in both urban and …


Abstracts Of Posters Presented At South Sioux City Nou Meeting Jun 2025

Abstracts Of Posters Presented At South Sioux City Nou Meeting

Nebraska Bird Review

A scientific poster session featuring the work of 9 ornithological researchers from UN-Kearney, USD-Vermillion and Hitchcock Nature Center was held Friday evening. Thanks to Dr. Jacob Cooper from UNK, Dr. David Swanson from USD, and the students who participated.

Wandering from the River: On- and Off-River Abundance of Interior Least Terns along the 59-Mile Reach of the Missouri National Recreational River. Zoe Donelan, Hannah Slattery, Kyle Jorgensen, and David L. Swanson, University of South Dakota, Department of Biology.

Preliminary Results of Raptor Migration Monitoring at Hitchcock Nature Center. Kellie Hayden, Jerry Toll, and Sandy Reinken, Hitchcock Nature Center, Pottawattamie Conservation, …


Oviposition-Deterrent And Repellent Effects Of Synthetic Plant-Derived Compounds On The Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus Chinensis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), Akki Suma, M Rajadurai, Ac Lokesh, Mb Anusha, S Krishna Kumar Jun 2025

Oviposition-Deterrent And Repellent Effects Of Synthetic Plant-Derived Compounds On The Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus Chinensis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), Akki Suma, M Rajadurai, Ac Lokesh, Mb Anusha, S Krishna Kumar

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758), is a major stored pest of pulses (Fabaceae) in India. While effective control of this widespread and destructive insect pest is essential, continuous insecticide use poses environmental concerns, thereby necessitating alternative, eco-friendly control methods. This study evaluated the oviposition-deterrent effects of 7 synthetic compounds (linalool, guaiene, citral, estragole, 4-nonanone, alloaromadendrene, and citronellal) on C. chinensis. Linalool showed the strongest suppression of egg-laying at higher concentrations, with the lowest egg count at 500 ppm compared to the control, followed by citral, citronellal, and guaiene. Linalool was also effective in suppressing egg hatching at …


Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, And Enteric Methane Emission Of Growing Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis L.), Christian Lualhati, Karl Reginald Managa, Charity Castillo, Phoebe Lyndia Llantada, Arnel Del Barrio Jun 2025

Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, And Enteric Methane Emission Of Growing Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis L.), Christian Lualhati, Karl Reginald Managa, Charity Castillo, Phoebe Lyndia Llantada, Arnel Del Barrio

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study assessed the impact of probiotics on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and enteric methane emission of 4 growing dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis L.) with similar body weight, age, and sex. The animals were allocated into 4 treatments following a Latin Square design: control/no probiotic supplement (Trt 1); with 5 mL of probiotic supplement (Trt 2); with 10 mL of probiotic supplement (Trt 3); and with 15 mL of probiotic supplement (Trt 4). The growers were offered the dietary treatments at the start of the adaptation phase up to the end of the experimental phase per period. Animals …


A Review On The Cytogenetic Integrity Of Micropropagated Plants [Review Paper], Eliaza Alumbro Peniton Jr Jun 2025

A Review On The Cytogenetic Integrity Of Micropropagated Plants [Review Paper], Eliaza Alumbro Peniton Jr

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Cytogenetic stability is essential for the survival of micropropagated plants. While micropropagation allows rapid propagation of plants with desirable phenotypes, it may also produce genetic variations that are, at times, cytogenetically observable. Factors affecting these variations are not fully understood, and micropropagation protocols are optimized to produce genetically stable regenerants. The genetic stability of micropropagated plants is traditionally assessed by comparing the phenomorphological traits of the regenerants to the mother plant. However, genetic variation does not often result in obvious morphological changes. Therefore, molecular and cytogenetic markers are typically used to evaluate the genetic variations of regenerants. Moreover, analyzing plant …


Sustainability Analysis Of Olive Production In Hatay Province, Turkey, Gülșen Keskin, Ahmet Duran Celik, Tugce Sarioglu Jun 2025

Sustainability Analysis Of Olive Production In Hatay Province, Turkey, Gülșen Keskin, Ahmet Duran Celik, Tugce Sarioglu

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Hatay Province, located in the Southern Mediterranean region of Turkey, contributes approximately 7% of the country’s olive production. This study assessed the sustainability of olive enterprises in the province by interviewing 100 producers across 5 districts. A total of 33 variables (10 economic, 14 social, 9 environmental) were identified and used to evaluate sustainability. Results showed that 76% of the enterprises were considered “fragile”, 14% were considered “good”, and 10% were considered “poor”, with the highest scores obtained for social sustainability (58%), and the lowest obtained for environmental sustainability (7%). Statistically significant relationships were also found between sustainability and the …


Effects Of Water Deficit Stress And Mycorrhiza, Azotobacter Chroococcum, And Azospirillum Lipoferum Biofertilizers On Yield And Morphological Traits Of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Cultivars, Mehdi Rashnou, Farshid Aref, Bahram Amiri, Masoud Rafiee, Mahdi Zare Jun 2025

Effects Of Water Deficit Stress And Mycorrhiza, Azotobacter Chroococcum, And Azospirillum Lipoferum Biofertilizers On Yield And Morphological Traits Of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Cultivars, Mehdi Rashnou, Farshid Aref, Bahram Amiri, Masoud Rafiee, Mahdi Zare

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Crop production in various parts of Iran faces significant constraints due to insufficient water availability, which is a major challenge to agricultural productivity. To study the effects of water deficit stress on shoot and root growth characteristics and seed yield of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, an experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications. The main factor was irrigation treatments (full irrigation during the growing season [S1], water withholding after flowering [S2], and water withholding after grain filling at the milk stage [S3]). The secondary factors were wheat cultivars …


Growth And Survival Of Silver Therapon (Leiopotherapon Plumbeus [Kner, 1864]) Larvae Fed With Artemia Franciscana Enriched With Isolated Endogenous Probiotic Bacteria, John Carlo Unido, Precious Dee Tolentino, Christian Paul Dela Cruz, Carmela Jhoy Dy, Honey Grace Samonte Jun 2025

Growth And Survival Of Silver Therapon (Leiopotherapon Plumbeus [Kner, 1864]) Larvae Fed With Artemia Franciscana Enriched With Isolated Endogenous Probiotic Bacteria, John Carlo Unido, Precious Dee Tolentino, Christian Paul Dela Cruz, Carmela Jhoy Dy, Honey Grace Samonte

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify endogenous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the gut of silver therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus) and to evaluate their potential as probiotics by enriching live food organisms, specifically brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana), and feeding them to L. plumbeus larvae. Three unknown bacterial isolates were screened and characterized as catalase-negative, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that showed tolerance to pH and bile, growth at temperatures of 30 and 40 °C, and inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria in vitro. The selected isolate was then confirmed as Lactobacillus sp. through partial sequencing of its 16S …


Environmental Enrichment Reduces Cue-Induced Reinstatement Of Heroin-Seeking Following Prolonged Use And Reverses Region-Specific Heroin-Induced Neuroadaptations, Apoorva Vashisht Jun 2025

Environmental Enrichment Reduces Cue-Induced Reinstatement Of Heroin-Seeking Following Prolonged Use And Reverses Region-Specific Heroin-Induced Neuroadaptations, Apoorva Vashisht

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Relapse remains the greatest barrier to long-term recovery and the consequential rising overdose-related mortality in heroin use disorder (HUD). Currently available behavioral and pharmacological interventions fail to extend their benefits beyond the duration of the treatment. Additionally, opioid agonist-based medications accompany harmful neurobiological risks and propensity to promote further drug-seeking post-treatment. We have shown that environmental enrichment (EE), as a therapeutic strategy applied after drug intravenous-self administration (IVSA), can effectively facilitate abstinence and reduce reinstatement of drug-seeking in animal models of drug abuse. Moreover, dopamine receptors like D1 and D3, and mu-opioid (MO) receptors are well known for their …


Biophysical Analysis Of S100a12 And The Nucleosome Core Particle, Christopher Diforte Jr. Jun 2025

Biophysical Analysis Of S100a12 And The Nucleosome Core Particle, Christopher Diforte Jr.

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Calcium signaling and chromatin remodeling are fundamental regulatory processes that control protein activity and gene expression, respectively. This thesis investigates the molecular mechanisms by which local ligand binding and structural perturbations propagate allosteric effects across larger protein systems, using two distinct yet mechanistically analogous models: the calcium binding protein S100A12 and the nucleosome core particle. These studies are unified by a shared emphasis on how physical forces govern biological function.

In the first part, we explore calcium mediated allostery in S100A12, focusing on the distinct roles of its two EF-hand calcium binding loops (EF-I and EF-II). Through a combination of …


Individual, Social, And Environmental Factors Associated With Patterns Of Parasitic Infection In Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus Imitator), Megan C. Henriquez Jun 2025

Individual, Social, And Environmental Factors Associated With Patterns Of Parasitic Infection In Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus Imitator), Megan C. Henriquez

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Parasites, and the infectious diseases they carry, are thought to have significantly impacted our evolutionary trajectory for millennia. Exploring how parasites are acquired and transmitted by their hosts in wild, natural populations is integral to understanding how similar processes may have shaped host-parasite co-evolutionary relationships over time. However, parasitological studies in humans and in non-human primates have produced inconsistent results, highlighting the dynamic, nuanced, and unique relationships individual parasites have with their hosts. These relationships are largely regulated by variation in factors at host, social, and environmental levels. Characteristics unique to the host (e.g., age and sex), factors pertaining to …


Nebline, June/July 2025 Jun 2025

Nebline, June/July 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

4-H embryology will crack 50 years of chicks hatching in local classrooms, Vicki Jedlicka

Simple ways to eat more fruits and veggies every day, Alyssa Havlovic

Recipe of the month: Crunchy veggie wraps

Annual flowers for sunny locations, Mary Jane Frogge

Garden guide: Things to do this month, Mary Jane Frogge

2025 Gro Big Red

It’s time for private well maintenance, Becky Schuerman

Monitoring pastures for improving management and productivity, John Nelson

Why play is your child's most important work, Hayley Jackson Perez

Keep an eye out for some common caterpillars, Kait Chapman

Lancaster County Super Fair

Upcoming babysitting trainings …


Integrating High Throughput Phenotyping Approaches To Characterize Plant Traits And Support Nutrient Management Research, Katie J. Bathke Jun 2025

Integrating High Throughput Phenotyping Approaches To Characterize Plant Traits And Support Nutrient Management Research, Katie J. Bathke

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Over the past decade, considerable research has addressed the social, economic, and agronomic challenges posed by imbalanced nutrient applications, particularly nitrogen and, more recently, sulfur. In response, high throughput plant phenotyping, as one of the latest approaches, has contributed to the development of innovative techniques for assessing key plant phenotypes under stress over time in both field and greenhouse environments. However, there is a limited number of studies applying these techniques for nutrient management, particularly in scenarios where two abiotic stressors coexist, such as the combination of water stress and nitrogen deficiency, or concurrent nitrogen and sulfur deficiencies.

In chapter …


Associations Between Vitamin D Deficiency And Sociodemographic Factors, Lifestyle Behaviors, And Metabolic Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study From The Hnnhs In Greece, Asmae Mohamad Sadek Jun 2025

Associations Between Vitamin D Deficiency And Sociodemographic Factors, Lifestyle Behaviors, And Metabolic Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study From The Hnnhs In Greece, Asmae Mohamad Sadek

Theses

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a widespread global health concern associated with various sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary, and metabolic factors. While previous studies examined VDD in Greece, few provided a comprehensive analysis across multiple determinants using representative national data. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of VDD among Greek adults and to examine its associations with sociodemographic, dietary, behavioral, and metabolic variables using data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS). A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 978 adults (≥19 years) from the HNNHS. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations < 20 ng/mL were defined as deficient and ≥20 ng/mL as normal. The median age of participants was 40.2 years, and 62.0% were female. The overall prevalence of VDD was 46.0%, with the highest rate observed among adults aged ≥60 years (62.2%). VDD was significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001), retirement status (62.9% among retired; p < 0.001), low and sedentary physical activity (32.7% and 32.6% vs. 50.8% among highly active; p < 0.001), higher HDL (median 52.0 vs. 49.0 mg/dL among VDD vs Normal; p = 0.001), elevated serum calcium (median 9.4 vs. 9.2 mg/dL among VDD vs Normal; p = 0.020), and lower insulin levels (median 7.5 vs. 8.0 μIU/mL among VDD vs Normal; p = 0.044). Dietary intake (total energy and macronutrients) and body composition were not significantly associated with VDD. In the multivariate model, significant independent predictors of VDD included being retired (AOR = 2.383; 95% CI: 1.596–3.558; p < 0.001), having higher serum calcium levels (AOR = 1.563; 95% CI: 1.078–2.266; p = 0.019), and higher HDL levels (AOR = 1.016; 95% CI: 1.005–1.027; p = 0.001). Physical activity level was also a key determinant; participants classified as sedentary or low active had significantly higher odds of deficiency compared to highly active individuals (AOR = 0.468; 95% CI: 0.319–0.690; p < 0.001). This counterintuitive result may be influenced by factors such as increased indoor physical activity, and warrants further investigation. Dietary intake and body composition were not significantly associated with VDD. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating sociodemographic and lifestyle factors into prevention strategies. Interventions should particularly focus on older adults, retired individuals, even if they have higher HDL and calcium levels, and are physically active.


Assessing Illegal Take Of Sea Turtle In Bocas Del Toro, Panamanian Caribbean, Daniela Carolina Rojas-Cañizales Jun 2025

Assessing Illegal Take Of Sea Turtle In Bocas Del Toro, Panamanian Caribbean, Daniela Carolina Rojas-Cañizales

Theses and Dissertations

In Bocas del Toro, Panama, sea turtles were exploited for generations to supply local, national, and international markets. Today, sea turtle species are globally protected by different laws, and Panama is no exception. However, the use of sea turtles in Bocas del Toro and local perceptions regarding the consumption of these reptiles are unknown. Accordingly, during May of 2024, I conducted twenty-five semi-structured interviews with key informants selected by targeted and snowball sampling. Sea turtle consumption persists, and there is a clandestine network to sell turtle meat and derived products in Bocas del Toro. This study provides the first assessment …


Digesting The Details: How Cooking Shapes The Microbiome And Influences Obesity, Tracy Lieu Jun 2025

Digesting The Details: How Cooking Shapes The Microbiome And Influences Obesity, Tracy Lieu

University Honors Theses

Obesity is a growing global health concern linked to chronic diseases and changes in the gut microbiome. While diet is known to affect gut microbes, less attention has been given to how food processing methods, such as heating, fermentation, and cold processing, change food in ways that influence the gut microbiome and health. This thesis reviews research on how different cooking and preparation techniques affect the availability of nutrients for microbial fermentation and the resulting effects on microbial diversity and metabolism. The findings show that fermentation and cold processing are the most supportive of gut health. These methods help preserve …


The Effects Of Sirulina And Nannochloropsis Supplementation On Broiler Performance, Intestinal Morphology, And Gut Microbiology, Emily Beckerman Jun 2025

The Effects Of Sirulina And Nannochloropsis Supplementation On Broiler Performance, Intestinal Morphology, And Gut Microbiology, Emily Beckerman

Master's Theses

The poultry industry is constantly searching for new nutritional strategies and better feed conversion ratio to enhance broiler growth and productivity. Microalgae have been shown to improve broiler performance and health depending on species and supplementation levels. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Spirulina supplementation (Experiment I) and Nannochloropsis supplementation (Experiment II) on broiler production performance, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiology. In Experiment I, a total of 270 broiler chicks (one-day-old Ross 708) were obtained from a local hatchery after vaccinating against Newcastle, Marek’s disease, and Infectious Bronchitis. They were weighed and sorted into 18 …


Optimization Of Downy Mildew Management And Baby Kale Production On The Central Coast Of California, Emily M. Locke-Paddon Jun 2025

Optimization Of Downy Mildew Management And Baby Kale Production On The Central Coast Of California, Emily M. Locke-Paddon

Master's Theses

Baby kale (Brassica oleracea and other species) is a vital commodity as a salad green in spring mix and is widely produced on the Central Coast of California. Downy mildew, caused by Hyaloperonospora brassicae, is a devastating disease infecting economically important crops like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, horseradish, rapeseed, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and kale. This foliar disease causes plant tissue to exhibit chlorotic and necrotic flecking and gray-white sporulation, affecting both the yield and quality of the crop and rendering the affected leaves unmarketable. The Central Coast’s cool climate and nighttime moisture, combined with dense plantings and sprinkler irrigation, …


The Effect Of Whole Fruits High In Anthocyanins On Markers Of Glycemic Control In Women, Sophia C. Johnson Jun 2025

The Effect Of Whole Fruits High In Anthocyanins On Markers Of Glycemic Control In Women, Sophia C. Johnson

Master's Theses

Cardiometabolic diseases are a significant health burden worldwide and remain the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a central component of cardiometabolic dysfunction and substantially increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. As women enter the post-menopausal period, significant declines in estrogen levels lead to a heightened risk of T2DM in this population. Observational and experimental evidence has shown potential for fruits high in anthocyanins (ACs) to reduce the risk of T2DM and improve glycemic control. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the current research on whole fruits high in ACs …


Correlations Between Social Media, Body Image Perceptions, And Disordered Eating Prevalence In Postpartum Women: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study, Hannah Smith Jun 2025

Correlations Between Social Media, Body Image Perceptions, And Disordered Eating Prevalence In Postpartum Women: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study, Hannah Smith

Master's Theses

Postpartum women are a high-risk population for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior due in part to the plethora of hormonal and physiological changes. Despite this, research examining this issue among postpartum women remains limited.

This pilot cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between social media use, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behavior among women up to 13 months postpartum. For this study, the following research questions were asked: Is high social media usage associated with higher levels of disordered eating among women up to 13 months postpartum? Is the association between social media usage and disordered eating mediated by a …


One Health Interventions And Challenges Under Rural African Smallholder Farmer Settings: A Scoping Review, Evanson R. Omuse, Honest Machekano, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Thomas Dubois, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika Jun 2025

One Health Interventions And Challenges Under Rural African Smallholder Farmer Settings: A Scoping Review, Evanson R. Omuse, Honest Machekano, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Thomas Dubois, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The global human population is rapidly increasing, escalating interactions of people, animals and the environment. This has led to more convoluted health challenges, for which African smallholder farmers bear the brunt. The One Health (OH) approach recognises the interconnectedness of these health challenges and thus follows a transdisciplinary approach involving diverse stakeholders to address them. Although there have recently been global concerted efforts and studies on OH, an information gap exists in Africa, particularly regarding smallholder farmers and their needs. Additionally, evaluation frameworks and outcome metrics for OH initiatives are still unclear. Thus, this study was conducted to critically map …


A Virtual Wellness Program To Enhance Well-Being For Pediatric Oncology Staff During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Karen M Moody, Maria Chang Swartz, Zachary Gresham, Martha Askins, Laura Cahalan, Christine Geistkemper, Amy Heaton, Ruitao Lin, Melissa Melo, Alakh Rajan, Madeline Smith, Priti Tewari, Keyana Williams, Cheng-Han Yang, Rhonda Robert Jun 2025

A Virtual Wellness Program To Enhance Well-Being For Pediatric Oncology Staff During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Karen M Moody, Maria Chang Swartz, Zachary Gresham, Martha Askins, Laura Cahalan, Christine Geistkemper, Amy Heaton, Ruitao Lin, Melissa Melo, Alakh Rajan, Madeline Smith, Priti Tewari, Keyana Williams, Cheng-Han Yang, Rhonda Robert

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In response to the COVID-19 global health crisis and mandated social isolation, Pediatric leadership at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital was concerned for the psychological impact on its workforce and encouraged wellness programming. A grassroots wellness taskforce was assembled for the Division of Pediatrics. The task force's primary mission was to promote the well-being of clinicians and non-clinical staff members through a broadly accessible, sustainable, and effective virtual wellness program. Guided by the Stanford Model for Professional Fulfillment, a virtual program entitled, "Weekly Wellness Webex" for Pediatrics staff was launched. Weekly Wellness Webex is a 1-hour live-streamed program with varied …


Electrospun Membranes From Bio-Renewable Poly (Ethylene Furanoate)/Poly (Ethylene Teraphthalate) (Pef/Pet) Blend For Emulsification Application, Aya Ismat Sayed Jun 2025

Electrospun Membranes From Bio-Renewable Poly (Ethylene Furanoate)/Poly (Ethylene Teraphthalate) (Pef/Pet) Blend For Emulsification Application, Aya Ismat Sayed

Theses

This thesis focuses on manufacturing electrospun fibrous membranes from a blend of poly (ethylene terephthalate) and poly (ethylene furanoate) and using in premix emulsification. Poly (ethylene furanoate), which is a 100% bio-renewable polymer being blended with synthetic poly (ethylene terephthalate) for membrane fabrication contributes towards sustainability in the production of food and pharmaceutical emulsions. The primary objective of this research is to optimize the fabrication conditions of poly (ethylene terephthalate)/poly (ethylene furanoate) porous membranes, characterize their properties, and evaluate their performance in emulsification. This study compares poly (ethylene terephthalate) / poly (ethylene furanoate) blend membranes with individual poly (ethylene terephthalate) …