Digital Commons Network^™

Interpreting Extension Professionals' Viewpoints On Agricultural Climate Change Programming, Aaron B. Wilson, Alli Wenman, Samuel Pratsch, Kenneth Genskow, Patrick Robinson, Dennis Todey, Laurie Nowatzke, Namah Chiamo Taku-Forchu, Moses Wanyakha

Journal of Extension

We evaluated Extension professionals' attitudes and beliefs from Midwestern "1862" land-grant universities around three themes: prioritizing climate programming, farmers' perceptions, and the role of Extension leadership in building capacity to integrate climate change into programs. Using key informant interviews and a two-hour virtual workshop, we developed 'coordinate planes' to illustrate the tensions and contradictions among the three themes, with participants expressing highly diverse viewpoints across the region. Results identify the need for Extension leadership to support multi-state programs and shared resources that provide consistent guidance and expectations around climate change programming while recognizing the intrinsic state context and values.

Managed Online Panel Discussions As A Participatory Education Approach, Melissa M. Kreye, Kathryn Brooks, Eric Burkhart, Jesse Kreye, Allyson Muth, Calvin Norman, Sanford Smith, Scott Weikert

Journal of Extension

We assessed the social learning benefits provided by online panel discussions, where topics and questions on forestry issues were collected from the audience, but the discussions were limited to the people on the panel. We also examined the influence of different panelists including experts, extension professionals and peers. Findings indicate that the panels advanced understanding of issues, but also generated a variety of social benefits (e.g., validation, self-awareness, empathy, passion) that supported views about sustainable forestry and stewardship. Panels that involve peers and extension professionals were slightly better at generating a productive social learning environment, compared to panels containing experts.

The Impact Of Domed Architecture On The Architectural Character Of Western Desert Oases, Nader Mohamed Gharib, Mo’Men Abdelqader, Yousab Magdy Shafik

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The visual disharmony arising from the indiscriminate and architecturally unplanned integration of curved roofing elements, notably domes, into the built environment of the Western Desert oases has become a significant issue, particularly in the Siwa Oasis, where the adoption of domed architecture was first introduced in the village of Jafar in 1997. This research delves into a detailed study that focuses on how pivotal historical, cultural, environmental, aesthetic, functional, and technical factors have crucially shaped the widespread integration of these iconic curved roofing superstructures in the oases' architectural heritage over generations, contributing to the uniquely recognizable architectural character and sense …

Cephalopod Consciousness On “Their Own Terms”: Who Are “They”?, Willa M. Lane, Victor Ajuwon, Nicola S. Clayton

Animal Sentience

Mather’s call to consider cephalopods’ consciousness “on their own terms” raises the question of the extent to which cephalopods can be considered a homogenous group. While coloeoid cephalopods share traits that strongly distinguish them from other molluscs and invertebrates, they show vast ecological and morphological diversity, with implications for the design of empirical investigations of consciousness. Extending Mather’s argument, we apply Birch et al.’s (2020) five-dimensional model to compare octopus, cuttlefish, squid, and nautilus. This comparison shows that even within a graded rather than categorical framework, putative consciousness profiles depend on which taxa are included in discussions of “cephalopod consciousness.” …

Alirocumab In Dexamethasone-Induced Metabolic Syndrome: Therapeutic Benefits And Potential Hepatic Risks Through Rxr-Α / P-Akt Modulation, Miad A. Aljuhani, Mohamed S. Abdel-Bakky

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) elevates the risk of developing cardi-ovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes., driven by insulin resistance (IR), inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. The PI3K/AKT pathway shows a key part in glucose and lipid metabolism. Alirocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, lowers LDL-C and improves IR but may cause hepatotoxicity. Aims: This study examines ali-rocumab’s effects on dexamethasone-induced MetS in rats, focusing on its metabolic benefits and potential liver toxicity. Methods: Over 30 days, 40 male Albino rats were distributed into control, Alirocumab, Dexamethasone, and Dexa-methasone+Alirocumab groups, with the latter receiving Dexamethasone to induce metabolic syndrome followed by Alirocumab administration. Results: …

Countermovement Jump Force Plate Metrics As Neuromuscular Indicators For Seasonal Micro-Adaptations And Hitting Performance Variability In Professional Baseball, Brandon Russell Pentheny

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explored the use of countermovement jump (CMJ) force plate metrics as indicators of neuromuscular status and their relationship to hitting performance variability across a competitive season in professional baseball. Although there is an increase in the integration of sports science and performance analytics in professional sports, a significant gap remains in longitudinal, in-season monitoring models that connect neuromuscular adaptations to hitting-specific outputs, such as bat velocity and ball exit velocity (BEV). This study examined lower-body force production as measured by uniaxial bilateral force plates and how they interact with hitting output task demands over time. Using a longitudinal …

Treadmill Exercise And Indoor Cycling: Self-Selected Intensity, Perceived Enjoyment, And Importance Of Preference For Activity Mode, Ernst A. Hansen, Jonathan Ipsen, Jari Schneider, Simon Petersen, Alexander Petersen, Marianne Lindahl

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1344-1354, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/NCPI2090 For advancement of public health through exercise, exercise intensity and enjoyment are important. We aimed at testing whether self-selected exercise intensity was higher during treadmill exercise than during indoor cycling. Secondly, the enjoyment associated with the two activities was evaluated. Thirdly, in a person-centered analysis, taking into account the participants’ preference for mode of activity, we assessed whether preference for one of the activity modes was accompanied by greater intensity. Healthy adults (n=21) participated in the repeated measures crossover-designed study. They performed 16-min bouts of treadmill exercise and indoor cycling at …

Cv: Philip Blankenship (Behavioral Neuroscience), Philip Blankenship

Psychology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Hydration Strategies In Ultra-Endurance Running: A Narrative Review Of Programmed Versus Thirst-Driven Approaches, Shawn C. Wierick, Rosie I. Perez, Xiujing Zhao, Brendon P. Mcdermott

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background/Objectives: Ultra-endurance running (UER) presents unique hydration challenges due to prolonged duration, variable terrain, environmental extremes, and gastrointestinal limitations. Athletes often use either programmed fluid intake (PFI), which prescribes fluid volumes based on estimated sweat rate, or thirst-driven fluid intake (TDFI), which relies on internal cues. This review examines the effectiveness and limitations of each strategy in the context of UER performance and safety. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using a targeted selection of peer-reviewed studies. Both laboratory- and field-based research were included to evaluate the physiological rationale, practical feasibility, and outcomes associated with PFI and TDFI. A total …

Differences In Dieting Behavior In Athletic Trainers, Emily Madrak, Ki L. Cole, Bridget M. Miller, Jennifer L. Volberding

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Athletic trainers (ATs) have a foundational knowledge in many facets of health, including optimization of wellness. Though ATs may be actively trying to improve their own health, societal pressure can have a large impact on behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify differences between gender and years-certified in diet patterns in ATs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 2500 National Athletic Training Association members, It included a demographics section and five-item researcher-created questions regarding diet. Chi-square tests of independence were used to determine the relationship. Results: Significance was determined for gender and question 2, “Have …

The Impact Of Athletic Retirement On Anxiety In Elite Athletes, A Critically Appraised Topic, Jordan Gorham, Emily Madrak

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Though there is growing interest in athletic mental health, this interest appears to diminish significantly once an athlete enters athletic retirement. The abrupt transition can precipitate mental health struggles, exacerbated by the lack of adequate preparation for lifestyle after retirement and the attachment of athletic identity to their sport. Consequently, these circumstances may increase symptoms associated with poor mental health, with a specific focus on anxiety. As the athlete retires and moves into different stages of life, research notes that athletes with stronger athletic identities have poorer mental health than those who had weaker athletic identity^. While the scrutiny …

Developmental Effects On Zebrafish Embryos Exposed To Alcohol, Tamya Mchaney

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Zebrafish are a good organism model due to their similarities with human biology. The transparency of their embryos allows for an easier view to see the developmental stages of the embryos, and easily and accurately note any mutations or defects in any of the embryos. In addition, they make excellent candidates to track potential effects that mirror human embryos with ethanol and alcohol will have on their developmental stages. The aim of this study was to measure the genetic size developmental differences of the embryo’s lens, eyes, and heart that are given 1% alcohol and 2% alcohol. This study’s experimental …

Assessing The Role Of Social Media As A Complementary Source In Pharmacovigilance: Insights From Faers, X (Formerly Twitter), And Askapatient Data Across Multiple Drug Classes, Nwanneka Okere

Dissertations

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) pose significant public health challenges yet remain substantially underreported in traditional pharmacovigilance systems. Social media platforms and patient-reported outcome forums have emerged as potential complementary sources for capturing real-time patient experiences with medications, but their integration with established surveillance systems remains underexplored.

Purpose: This study examined ADR reporting patterns across FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), X (formerly Twitter), and Askapatient to evaluate whether patient-generated digital data can complement traditional pharmacovigilance systems for enhanced drug safety monitoring.

Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design analyzed 107,753 reports representing 289,740 individual ADR occurrences for …

The Effect Of High-Intensity Interval Training On Visceral Adipose Tissue In Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Ivan D. Delgado, Julio C. Delgado, Ryan D. Burns

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1321-1333, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/YEUF2363 Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a significant contributor to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The effectiveness of time-efficient high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in reducing VAT has not been reviewed. A systematic search conducted on PubMed, Embase, and SPORTDiscus up to April 2025 for randomized controlled trials that compared HIIT with non-exercise control and quantified VAT using imaging identified five trials (n = 138) that met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using a nine-item modified PEDro scale. Four trials reported significant reductions in VAT after 8-12 weeks of …

Effects Of A Personalized Fitness Program Provided By Undergraduate Exercise Science Students On Attitudes Toward Exercise, Mental Health, And Quality Of Life, Kris M. Cleveland, Jacob Fike, Scott Peterson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 1334-1343, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/IYNS6043 Personalized fitness training is designed to improve physical health and fitness, but may also promote mental health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are positive psychological outcomes for clients participating in a community-based personalized fitness program led by undergraduate Exercise Science students. A total of 44 participants completed a battery of psychological scales both before and after participation in a 12-week university-sponsored personalized fitness training program. Psychological measures included the Exercise Attitudes Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale for Exercise, Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, Health Status Questionnaire, …

Analysis Of An Effective Training Curriculum: Solutions Toincrease Participants' Interest In Training Teachingmaterials, Maulidya Husnul Khatimah, Yoto Yoto

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This research is important because it analyzes the curriculum as a primary tool for generating and maintaining participant interest. Curricula that are irrelevant, monotonous, or misaligned with participant needs are often the main causes of low motivation and participation. Furthermore, this research encourages the exploration and implementation of more innovative teaching methods and materials in training curricula. External pressure in the form of demands or instructions, rather than internal motivation, drives most training activities. This can reduce engagement and learning effectiveness. To overcome this, training institutions need to design programs that are relevant, flexible, and able to encourage participants' intrinsic …

Development Of E-Lkpd Assisted By Phet Colorado Basedon Discovery Learning: Critical Thinking Skills On Lightmaterial At Junior High School, Flora Yani Saragih, Pintor Simamora

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Critical thinking is necessary for 21st-century pupils, but PISA data suggest that Indonesian students, especially junior high school students, lack it. The junior high science/physics light material is abstract and involves in-depth reasoning (reflection, refraction, and shadow generation). Without critical thinking, kids memorize formulas or notions without analyzing real phenomena. Discovery learning involves pupils discovering concepts via observation and experimentation. Critical thinking requires initiative, exploration, and reasoning, which these foster. Therefore, this study aims to develop E-LKPD based on Discovery Learning assisted by an interactive simulation of PhET Colorado to strengthen the critical thinking skills of grade VIII students on …

Guided Inquiry Learning Assisted By Crossword Puzzlemedia: Student Scientific Literacy And Critical Thinkingability For Middle School, Agis Putri Niswa, Mariati Purnama Simanjuntak, Ramlan Silaban, Fauziyah Harahap, Ridwan Abdullah Sani

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Scientific literacy and critical thinking skills are two fundamental competencies that students need in the 21st century. Scientific literacy is essential for students to understand and use scientific knowledge to make informed decisions, while critical thinking trains students to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and solve problems logically. Therefore, the intent of this study was to determine the effect of the guided inquiry learning model assisted by crossword puzzle media on students’ scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. The type of research used was quasi-experimental with a two-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of two classes: class VII-8 as the control …

Program Transition Success: A Practical Guide For Educators Moving Sbae Programs, Evey Choat

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

What tools, strategies, and support systems can help agriculture educators navigate leadership transitions and sustain program success when moving between schools or communities? Teacher mobility and leadership transitions within School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) present unique challenges to program continuity, community relations, and professional sustainability. Unlike other subject areas, SBAE teachers often manage multifaceted responsibilities—as classroom instructors, FFA advisors, and community liaisons—making transitions between programs especially complex. This project addresses the lack of structured support for educators navigating these transitions by developing a Program Transition Guide specifically tailored to the needs of agricultural educators in Nebraska.

Guided by Transformational Leadership Theory …

Fostering Entrepreneurial Thinking And Practice Through Teaching And Learning Integration, Mohammad G. Sabbir

Learning and Educational Center Virtual Teaching and Learning Conference

This session explores an innovative, evidence-based approach to integrating entrepreneurial thinking into undergraduate neuroscience education through hands-on gene editing experiences. Using the commercially available Bio-Rad CRISPR/Cas9-based “Out of the Blue” kit for bacterial LacZ gene editing, students are guided not only through the scientific principles underlying modern gene editing technologies but also through the entrepreneurial challenge of replicating and manufacturing the kit using existing lab resources. This model empowers students to extend their learning beyond the classroom by engaging in cost-effective, scalable biotechnology practices—particularly valuable for institutions with limited funding. Classroom-based research demonstrates increased student engagement, deeper conceptual understanding, and …

The Head-Direction Signal Is Generated From Two Types Of Head Direction Cells In Brainstem Nuclei, Ryan M. Yoder

Psychology

Head direction (HD) cells discharge based on an animal's directional heading. Computational models propose that a ring-attractor network across the connections between the lateral mammillary (LMN) and dorsal tegmental nuclei (DTN) underlies the signal's generation. These models contain neurons that encode either HD or angular head velocity (AHV), but also require cells that are sensitive to both parameters conjunctively (HD + AHV). Here we identify both types of HD cells in the LMN and DTN of female rats, with one population sensitive to AHV (both symmetric and asymmetric), and the other population insensitive to AHV. Notably, many HD + AHV …

Effects Of Combining Traditional East Asian And Conventional Western Medicine On Acute Stroke Outcomes, Dong-Seok Gwak, Jong-Sik Lee, Dawid Schellingerhout, Jinyong Chung, Hyerin Oh, Sang-Wuk Jeong, Ji Sung Lee, Hee-Joon Bae, Mikyung Kim, Dong-Jun Choi, Dong-Eog Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Traditional East Asian medicine (TM) is widely used in Korea and other East Asian countries. However, the effects of TM treatment on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcomes remain unclear, as previous studies lacked a sufficient sample size, a consecutive series design, or a prospective outcome capture approach. We aimed to investigate whether combining TM with conventional Western medicine (CM) treatments (C+TM) leads to better outcomes after AIS, relative to CM treatment alone.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 2157 consecutive patients with AIS from a prospectively collected registry (2011-2021) at our center and compared the CM and C+TM groups in terms …

Increasing Pediatric Hpv Vaccination Rates, Brooke A. Nicholas

Dissertations

Increasing Pediatric HPV Vaccination Rates

Abstract

Problem: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that affects more than 80% of the population within the United States (Eisenhauer et al., 2020). HPV can develop into cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers (Eisenhauer et al., 2020). About 4,000 individuals die from cervical cancer alone each year (O’Leary, 2022). The HPV vaccine, though recommended by the ACIP and AAP, is below national vaccination rates in comparison to other vaccines (O’Leary, 2022).

Methods: This quality improvement project is a non-randomized controlled trial that observed HPV vaccine dose completion rates for patients aged 9-14 …

Electrochemical Breath Sensors In Medical Diagnostics: Emerging Trends And Future Directions, Natalie E. Strom, Courtney J. Weber, Olja Simoska

Faculty Publications

With the rising prevalence of metabolic diseases, infections, and mental health disorders, there is a growing demand for noninvasive diagnostic tools that enable early detection and continuous health monitoring. In this context, exhaled breath biomarkers provide insight into physiological and pathological processes. Electrochemical breath sensors (EBSs) have emerged as a promising platform for rapid, real-time, and cost-effective disease tracking via the detection of volatile breath biomarkers, such as NH₃, NO, and CO₂. Recent advancements in electrode materials, biological recognition elements, and sensor architectures—spanning nanomaterials, enzymes, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers—have enhanced the analytical performance of EBSs. …

Electrochemical Breath Sensors In Medical Diagnostics: Emerging Trends And Future Directions, Natalie E. Strom, Courtney J. Weber, Olja Simoska

Faculty Publications

With the rising prevalence of metabolic diseases, infections, and mental health disorders, there is a growing demand for noninvasive diagnostic tools that enable early detection and continuous health monitoring. In this context, exhaled breath biomarkers provide insight into physiological and pathological processes. Electrochemical breath sensors (EBSs) have emerged as a promising platform for rapid, real-time, and cost-effective disease tracking via the detection of volatile breath biomarkers, such as NH₃, NO, and CO₂. Recent advancements in electrode materials, biological recognition elements, and sensor architectures—spanning nanomaterials, enzymes, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers—have enhanced the analytical performance of EBSs. …

Examining Private Landowner And Stakeholder Attitudes, Perceptions, And Knowledge Of Prescribed Fire In Louisiana, Chloe E. Crawford

LSU Master's Theses

Periodic fire was a primary driver of ecosystems across the Southeastern United States for millennia; however, fire suppression policies have become pervasive in the United States and led to increased fuel loads in forests as well as reduced biodiversity and reduced disease resilience. Prescribed fire presents a risk mitigation strategy and land management tool whereby practitioners can apply fire to the landscape in a controlled manner, thus reaping the benefits of fire while minimizing the risks associated with fire. Land in Louisiana is primarily privately managed and owned, so state-level conservation goals cannot be met without private landowner participation. As …

Losing Focus In The Age Of Tik Tok: Clinical Evidence For Policy Action On Social Media Use, Megan Conefrey, Robert Griffin

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Unheard And Underserved: Exploring Support For Male Victims Of Partner Abuse, Michael Keenan, Colletta Dalikeni

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Chronic Pain On Income And Employment, Jordan Vaarsi, Amber Jolly, Karim S. Ladha

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

From Recognition To Action: Advancing Nutrition Care In Irish Healthcare, Aoife Gillane, Sarah Donovan, Lisa Ryan

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.