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Bioinformatic Resolution Of Candidate Stress-Response Homologs In Cryptosporidium Parvum: P53-Family Vs Sestrin Identity, Freeman Tobechukwu Ezeala Mr.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan protozoan of major public-health importance, but accurate genome annotation in this organism remains difficult because of its compact genome, deep protein divergence, and the presence of compositionally biased or low-complexity regions that can mislead similarity-based analysis.

In this thesis, I examined one such annotation problem involving a conserved Cryptosporidium stress-response candidate protein, CPATCC_0028580_t1 (833 aa). The central question was whether this protein is better interpreted as a member of the p53 family, based on similarity to p53-like DNA-binding domains (PF00870), or as a member of the Sestrin family associated with the PA26 domain.

I explored …

Optimizing Expression Conditions For The Overexpression Of Iron Regulatory Protein Bol2 From C. Glabrata, Jade Ikahihifo-Bender, Dr. Caryn Outten, Mrs. Evan Talib

Caravel Undergraduate Research Journal

Due to its unique ability to serve as both an electron donor and acceptor, iron is utilized as a co-factor for many biological processes, including electron transfer, oxygen binding, and vitamin synthesis. Iron is also a key factor during fungal infections as the human host and invading pathogens battle over limited iron pools. The primary iron-responsive transcription factor Aft1 in the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata responds to iron deficiency by activating expression of iron acquisition genes. However, the mechanisms for sensing intracellular iron levels and regulating Aft1 activity in response to iron are unknown. The C. glabrata iron regulation …

The Cranial Morphology Of Large Wild Versus Captive Felids, Bryttin Boyde, Hannah Selvey

Caravel Undergraduate Research Journal

Studies have shown that carnivores in captivity that are fed soft diets have more periodontal problems and that the morphology of their skeletons, skulls specifically, responds to environmental and behavior factors. Considering that captive diet affects teeth and gums, we have conducted research on Dr. Adam Hartstone-Rose’s hypothesis that variation will also be discernible through the examination of cranial morphology. We compared captive and wild lions Panthera leo and tigers Panthera tigris to see if differences were present, then analyzed data collected by a microscribe using a 3D morphometric analysis program. Next, Principal Component Analysis was completed to account for …

Double Cropping Fodder Maize: Broome 2022, Carla Milazzo, Christopher Ham, Geoff Moore

Grain and other field crops research reports

• While it is logistically feasible to grow and harvest two short-season maize crops during the dry season in the West Kimberley, growing a single crop with high yield potential is a more efficient use of machinery, labour and inputs.
• Total biomass yield from a double cropping trial east of Broome generated 20.8t/ha dry matter and 59.7t/ha of silage over a seven-month period but this did not exceed the yield achieved from growing a single crop with a longer-season phenology and best practice agronomy.
• Plant population density was highly correlated with yield, underscoring the importance of achieving the target plant population …

Fodder Maize Variety Trial: Broome 2021, Carla Milazzo, Samuel Crouch, Christopher Ham, Geoff Moore

Grain and other field crops research reports

• High yielding, highly digestible maize can be produced under irrigation on Pindan sands in northern Western Australia.
• Using high inputs, the biomass and digestibility of all trialled varieties equalled or exceeded varieties used in well-established maize growing regions of Australia.
• Eleven hybrid maize varieties were trialled near Broome. The average dry matter yield of all trialled varieties was 24t/ha at 10.5MJ/kg of dry matter.
• The impact of fall armyworm on yield was successfully reduced by using integrated pest management combining NPV virus (nucleopolyhedrovirus) with strategic insecticide applications.

Developing Best Recommendations For Aerial Application And Chemigation Of Insecticides For Western Bean Cutworm (Striacosta Albicosta Smith) Management In Corn, Andrea Rilakovic

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith), is a univoltine moth in North America, recognized as an economic threat to both corn (Zea mays L.) and dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In the Midwest of the United States, S. albicosta can cause severe damage by reducing the quantity and quality of corn ears through larval feeding. Currently, options for Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins that can effectively control S. albicosta are limited, relying on only one Vip3A effective protein, while other growers use insecticide application via airplanes or center pivot irrigation systems, known as chemigation. Given the importance …

Assessing The Risk Of Low Energy Availability In Ncaa Division Iii Female Soccer Players, Emma C. Sturts

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Low Energy Availability (LEA) can occur when an athlete’s energy intake is insufficient to meet the physiological demands of training as well as normal physiological functions. Female soccer players may be at an increased risk of developing LEA due to the high exercise energy expenditure paired with decreased energy intake. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of LEA among Division III female soccer players. Division III female soccer players (n = 11) completed the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). 45.5% (n = 5) of the participants were classified as “At Risk” for LEA. Of …

A Jobs-To-Be-Done Framework For Mapping Digital Innovation Opportunities In Climate-Smart Agrifood Systems, Lourival Carmo Monaco Neto, Allan Gray

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

The agrifood sector faces well-documented barriers to climate-smart agriculture (CSA) adoption, reflecting systematic difficulty identifying where digital tools address specific stakeholder needs rather than a technology shortage. This paper presents a prescriptive framework for mapping digital innovation opportunities in complex, multi-stakeholder agrifood systems. Grounded in Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) theory and structured as a two-dimensional matrix of meta-jobs and value chain segments, the framework was developed through a design science research (DSR) paradigm evaluated on utility, coherence, and actionability. Construction involved a purposive synthesis of three literature streams and iterative refinement through 136 stakeholder engagements within a six-month university-affiliated startup studio cycle. …

How Nutrition And Physical Activity Shape Your Well-Being, Stacy Phillips

EFNEP

This publication will explore the link among nutrition, physical activity, physical health, and mental health and how it impacts whole-body well-being. Understanding how multiple aspects of a person's lifestyle can affect an individual's overall well-being is essential to providing better education on how to make better choices to improve their well-being.

Factors Associated With Stunting And Underweight Indices Among Children 0–3 Years In Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study, Eunice Njoroge, Kevinson Mwangi, Esther Chongwo, Martha Kaniala, Kevin Wekesa, Isaac Lihanda, Vibian Angweny, Rachel Odhiambo, Margaret Kabue, Japhet Adina, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background:Childundernutritionremainsoneofthemostpressingglobalpublic health challenges, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most studies focus broadly on children under five, potentially overlooking the unique vulnerabilities a ecting children in the first 1,000 days of life. This study investigated potential factors associated with stunting and underweight malnutritional presentation among children aged 0–3 years in Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 2903 caregiver-child dyads living in Nairobi City County to assess stunting [Height-for-Age Z-scores (HAZ)] and underweight [Weight-for-Age Z-scores (WAZ)] using the World Health Organisation (WHO) growth standards among 0–3-year-olds. Child, caregiver, and householdcharacteristicswereincludedinthelinearmixede ects regression models …

Investigating The Effects Of Stress On The Passive Transfer Of Antibodies From Colostrum To The Newborn Calf, Audrey F. Dykes

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of the current study was to examine passive transfer of immunoglobulins A (IgA) and G (IgG) to the calf in relation to dam’s fecal cortisol and lactoferrin. In July 2024, late-gestation, Angus crossbred heifers pregnant by artificial insemination (n = 30) were moved to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Stocker Unit and housed in 0.42-ha grass paddocks for each heifer. Calving began in mid-August. Heifers were observed routinely throughout the workday and then at 8 p.m., 12 a.m., and 6 a.m. After calving, the calf was allowed to stand and suckle once then dam sample collection …

The Impacts Of High Protein Diet On Sleep And Mood In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos), Lily G. Hiegel

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of this study is to determine whether adherence to a high protein diet over a sixteen-week period leads to improvements in sleep quality and mood in women with PCOS. It is hypothesized that individuals following the high protein diet will demonstrate significantly better sleep quality and more favorable mood profiles compared to individuals not following the high protein diet. By targeting insulin resistance and dietary carbohydrate intake, this intervention may influence multiple pathways involved in PCOS symptomatology, including hormonal regulation, metabolic function, sleep physiology, and psychological wellbeing.

Assessing The Impact Of Toxic Fescue Consumption During Gestation On Muscle Growth Gene Expression And Beef Color Quality Of The Offspring, Madison Blank

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Endophyte-infected tall, toxic fescue is the most common forage for beef cattle in the southeastern U.S. However, exposure to this forage causes detrimental effects on the health of gestating cattle. The exposure to toxic fescue during gestation has been shown to impact fetal development during pregnancy and their offspring’s subsequent growth. However, limited information is currently available on the impact of this exposure on the meat quality of the offspring. Our objective is to determine how the dam’s exposure to toxic fescue during gestation impacts the beef color and quality of the final offspring.

A total of 22 animals (11 …

The Evaluation Of Broiler Lines Divergently Selected For Water Conversion Ratio Under Acute And Chronic Stress, Baileigh B. Cash

Poultry Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

            The importance of water conversion ratio in broiler production influences not only bird physiology but also barn environment, litter quality, and provides potential solutions to environmental stressors. However, very little is known about how genetic selection for water conversion ratio can affect litter characteristics and performance parameters, specifically under heat stress conditions. This study evaluates the effects of genetic lines, environmental conditions, and time, on litter and bird performance characteristics in high water conversion ratio (HWCR) and low water conversion ratio (LWCR) broilers. Litter samples were collected from HWCR and LWCR broilers raised under heat-stress and thermal-neutral conditions, both before …

Reducing Textile Waste Through 3d Body Scanning Technology: A Comparative Study Of Traditional And Digital Apparel Design Methods, Anna Delap

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

The fashion industry generates a substantial amount of textile waste each year, highlighting the need to incorporate more sustainable methods in the design and production of apparel garments. Emerging technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) body scanning and digital design software present the potential to reduce the amount of waste generated during product development while also improving fit and customer satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of 3D body scanning to reduce waste in the apparel industry by comparing garment development using 3D digital design and traditional flat pattern design methods.

In this study, 3D body …

Effect Of 1,25(Oh)₂D₃ Glycoside Supplementation Duration On Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis (Bco) Lameness In Broilers, Zoe R. Zeman

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a significant cause of lameness in commercial broilers, resulting in substantial animal welfare concerns and economic losses. This study evaluated the effect of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ glycoside supplementation duration on the incidence of BCO-related lameness in broilers. Cobb surplus male broiler chicks were assigned to four treatment groups: a wire-flooring positive control, a litter-flooring negative control, and two treatment groups on litter flooring receiving 1 μg 1,25(OH)₂D₃ as glycosides supplementation per kg diet for either 14 or 28 days. Lameness incidence was recorded from day 22 through day 56, and all lame birds were evaluated for …

Effect Of A Probiotic Microbial Gel Jointly With Two Versions Of Supplemental Direct-Fed Microbials In Receiving Cattle Diets On Growth Performance And Health, John Mitchell

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective was to assess the effect of a probiotic microbial gel (BIOFRESH® Microbial Gel, Agrarian Solutions) administered on arrival in combination with feeding one of two different direct-fed microbials (DFM 365a or DFM 365b, Agrarian Solutions) on the health and growth performance of stocker calves at high risk for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Beef heifer calves (n = 292, BW = 476 ± 5 lb) arriving on 3 separate receiving dates were used in the 42-day receiving study. On arrival (d -1), heifers were processed, stratified by d -1 body weight, and then assigned randomly to 9 pens (10 …

Effects Of Dietary Nitrate And Caffeine On End Power And Work Above End Power During A 3 Min All-Out Test In Trained Male Cyclists, Anthony M. Hagele, Kyle Sunderland, Petey W. Mumford, Chad Kerksick

Faculty Scholarship

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute dietary nitrate (NO3−) and caffeine (CAF) supplementation on end power (EP) and work performed above EP (WEP) in trained male cyclists during a 3 min all-out test (3MT) on a cycle ergometer.

Methods: Fifteen healthy, trained male cyclists (28.5 ± 5.3 years, 79.2 ± 9.1 kg, VO2peak 55.2 ± 5.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed four exercise trials in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design separated by 3–7 days. The four experimental conditions were placebo beverage (nitrate-depleted) + placebo capsule, nitrate-rich beetroot juice + placebo capsule (BR), …

The Status Of The Endangered Rafflesia And Conservation Efforts In Java Island, Indonesia, Bahana Aditya Adnan, Purnomo Purnomo, Suwarno Hadisusanto

Jurnal Penelitian Kehutanan Wallacea

Rafflesia species (Rafflesiaceae) is a small endo-holoparasitic South-East Asian plant genus known for its exceptionally large flowers, rare species, and high island endemism. Three species of Rafflesia, i.e. R. patma, R. rochussenii, and R. zollingeriana, are known from Java, Indonesia. All three species are threatened with extinction due to human activities that cause habitat loss and fragmentation. Our literature review revealed that currently, factors influencing the existence of this genus, including its life cycle and environmental factors that support its life, are still not well understood. In particular, studies of the distribution and population of Rafflesia on the …

Influence Of Pruning And Organic Fertiliser On 9-Month-Old Ginger Productivity In An Acacia Auriculiformis Agroforestry, Yuda Vatra Erlangga, Arom Figyantika, Cintya Nurul Apsari, Rizki Bagus Indratmoko, Muhammad Syahru Ramadhan, Anastasya Clara Srinila Tampubolon, Fanny Elisabeth Panjaitan

Jurnal Penelitian Kehutanan Wallacea

Acacia auriculiformis (formis) offers various advantages that can be integrated with agricultural crops like ginger (Zingiber officinale var. amarum) through agroforestry systems. Pruning and fertilisation are potential strategies to optimise this approach. However, existing research remains limited. Further quantification and analysis are required to elucidate the effects of pruning on the growth of 7-year-old formis trees 11 months after treatment. In addition, more comprehensive studies are needed to examine the combined effects of pruning and organic fertiliser on the growth, productivity, and gingerol content of 9-month-old ginger plants. This research employed a Split-Plot Randomised Complete Block Design, examining the …

Site Characterization And Integrated Irrigation-Forestry Solutions For Mangrove Restoration In The Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam, Manh Quy Do, Huy Quoc Nguyen, Minh Duc Nguyen, My Tra Ha, Tuan Anh Le, Luan Thanh Nguyen, Tu Ngoc Pham

Jurnal Penelitian Kehutanan Wallacea

The research was conducted in 2023 in a degraded mangrove forest area in Giao Hoa commune, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. This area is part of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve (RRDBR), which was recognised by UNESCO in 2004. The study employed methods such as surveying topographical features, assessing soil and water characteristics, and evaluating the status of the mangrove forest. It also used GIS and The Analytic Hierarchy Process method to analyse and evaluate the current condition of the forest and its site characteristics. The research results show that, regarding the topographical features of the degraded mangrove area, it …

Urban Bird Community Interaction With Ficus And Non-Ficus Tree, Eka Alifikri, Yeni Aryati Mulyani, Ani Mardiastuti

Jurnal Penelitian Kehutanan Wallacea

Ficus trees are recognised as keystone species in forest ecosystems and are crucial for urban wildlife, especially birds. IPB Darmaga Campus, a biodiversity-rich urban area, hosts a variety of plant species, including Ficus and non-Ficus tree species, along with diverse bird species. This study aimed to compare the utilisation of Ficus and non-Ficus plants by birds in the area. Observations were conducted on 5 Ficus benjamina, 5 Ficus microcarpa, and 10 non-Ficus tree individuals. Ficus trees were used by 15 bird species from 12 families, with 1700 recorded interactions. In contrast, non-Ficus trees were …

Prevalence Of Disordered Eating Behaviors In Junior And Senior Human Nutrition And Dietetics Students At The University Of Arkansas, Grace P. Carroum, Mallori Roberts

General Human Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Disordered eating (DE) is a prevalent concern among college students and may be particularly relevant among nutrition and dietetics students due to their academic focus on food, weight, and health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and frequency of disordered eating behaviors among junior and senior Human Nutrition and Dietetics students at the University of Arkansas using item-level responses from the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form (EDE-QS). A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected via an anonymous online survey (n = 11). Descriptive statistics were used to examine the frequency of specific behaviors. Overall, most …

The Effects Of Heat Stress On White Blood Cell Profiles And Antibody Concentrations In Broilers Genetically Selected For Low Water Conversion Ratio Compared To The Modern Random Bred Broiler, Luke B. Janski

Poultry Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most significant environmental stressors impacting poultry production worldwide, reducing growth, feed efficiency, welfare, and immune competence. With global temperatures rising, understanding physiological and immunological adaptations to HS is essential for sustainable production. Broiler chickens selectively bred for low water conversion ratio (LWCR) have shown potential for reduced water consumption under environmental challenges; however, their immune resilience under HS conditions compared with modern random-bred (MRB) broilers remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of cyclic HS on red- (RBC) and white- (WBC) blood cells and humoral immunity in LWCR and MRB broilers. Birds were …

A Series Of Investigations On The L. Cornutus Host System And Bivesiculid Sp. Cercariae, Briana K. Zaffiro

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Rising global temperatures are likely modulating parasite-host interactions, yet the direction and magnitude of these changes remain uncertain. Rarely are these interactions viewed from both a host and parasite perspective. Using both CT_max, or Critical Thermal Maximum, and Clark-type polarographic oxygen microelectrodes, the physiological metabolic effects are investigated. CT_max is examined in Common Shiners, Luxilis cornutus, and is shown to be modulated by parasitism: uninfected fish had the highest CT_max average of 37.0°C, whereas heavily infected fish had decreased CT_max averaging 35°C. Prior to the parasite metabolic investigation, a suitable medium was determined, as …

Exploring Google Trends In Assessing Personal Finance Needs For Cooperative Extension Service Programming, Megan Wells

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) relies on systematic needs assessments to guide program development; yet, traditional approaches often depend heavily on stakeholder input and professional judgment, offering limited insight into consumer level needs. This mixed methods study explored Google Trends as a complementary, consumer driven data source for assessing Family Resource Management (FRM) needs within the Arkansas CES. Grounded in Witkin and Altschuld’s three level needs assessment framework and Uses and Gratifications Theory, the study integrated three data sources representing stakeholders, service providers, and consumers: (1) Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) advisory committee reports, (2) survey of Family Consumer Science …

At The Intersection Of Science And Sustainability: A Qualitative Study Of Food Scientists' Personal And Professional Perspectives, Srushti Parikh

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Sustainable food systems require not only technological innovation but a more profound understanding of the professionals involved in the field. Even though the topic of sustainability is currently gaining importance throughout the food industry, the real expertise of food scientists is under-researched. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore food scientists' perspectives on sustainability, how these perceptions influence the way they pursue their careers, and how they view their impact in the larger sustainability agenda of the food industry. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study captured detailed insights of 22 food scientists’ perspectives through qualitative methods. Food scientists in …

Evaluating The Impact Of Intercropping Vegetables And Cut Flowers On Yield And Conservation Biological Control, Alliance Igiraneza

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Specialty crops such as vegetables are some of the most susceptible to yield losses and increased management difficulty over time due to pests. One of the potential solutions to this problem, which aims at ensuring the sustainability of the sector, is using conservation biological control practices such as intercropping to increase diversity, while maintaining the economic feasibility and profitability of the system. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of this management practice using Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. King Arthur) as the main crop, intercropped with flowers including zinnia (Zinnia elegans var. Benary’s Giant), sunflower ( …

Identification, Pathogenicity, And Fungicide Sensitivity Of Itersonilia Perplexans Associated With Petal Spot Of Gerbera Cut Flowers In Colombia, Matheus Beger

All Theses

Petal diseases significantly affect gerbera cut flower production, as minor visual damage renders flowers unmarketable. Among those pathogens causing petal spots, Itersonilia perplexans affects some Asteraceae plants. However, this pathogen's impact on Colombian gerbera remains poorly studied. This study was designed to fill four gaps: molecular identification of Colombian isolates, confirmation of pathogenicity, standardized culture media, and fungicide sensitivity data. Four objectives were pursued: (i) isolate and identify the causal agent through sequencing the Internal Transcribed Spacer, Small Subunit and Large Subunit from the rDNA; (ii) evaluate pathogenicity on detached gerbera petals; (iii) identify optimal culture media for I. perplexans …

Disruption Of Energy Homeostasis By Chemical Mixtures Containing Persistent Pollutants In Hepg2 And C2c12 Cells, Morgan Jacobellis

All Theses

The Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Fetal Growth Studies (ECHO-FGS) birth cohort data was used to identify chemical mixtures associated with adverse outcomes. This biomonitoring study associated specific chemical mixtures in maternal serum with low birth weight or childhood obesity (Pearce et al., 2021). Mixture Profiles 1, 3, and 4, comprised of different observed concentrations of DDE, PCB153, BDE47, and PFOS were prioritized. Mixtures were tested to determine whether they perturbed mitochondrial metabolism and energy sensing pathways. The purpose of this study was to elucidate a potential mechanism linking maternal exposure to mixtures containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to …