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The Utah Statesman, December 4, 2023, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

The Effects Of Agroecological Farming Systems On Human Health, Olivia Kathryn Mason

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

There is a growing concern that the current farming techniques are producing less-nutrient dense soils and foods impacting human health. To improve the health of soils, people, and the plant, a growing number of farmers are using regenerative, or agroecological, farming practices. Some of these methods include multi-cropping (growing various plants on the same plot of land), ley systems (alternating between crops and livestock), and rotational grazing of livestock. Previous studies have found that regenerative farming systems have various benefits for the lands, crops, and animals, as well as increasing the nutrient density of foods.

The purpose of this study …

Enhancing Efficiency Of The Nutrition Education For Utah Refugees, Habiba Ali Nur

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Refugees face many challenges related to obtaining and preparing adequate and culturally acceptable and desirable foods in their resettlement communities. These challenges often lead to risk of food insecurity and chronic diseases. A review of literature identified the existing delivery strategies and highlighted the need for nutrition education tailored to the refugees’ conditions. This study identified some of the barriers that refugees face, including the English language, transportation, finding items in grocery stores, availability of ingredients and equipment needed for cooking, affordability of food and budgeting. It also highlighted participants’ preference for having nutrition education.

To overcome these challenges, the …

Geographic Variation In Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia Lignaria) Development And Performance As A Managed Pollinator In The Western United States, Morgan B. Scalici

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Most flowering plants, including many cultivated food crops, will only produce well-developed fruits and seeds if pollen is transferred from one flower to another with the help of an animal pollinator. Honey bees are the most well-known and ubiquitous but are poor pollinators of some commercially important crops, or are in poor supply during crop bloom. In such cases, farmers will employ other managed pollinators such as bumble bees or solitary bees like mason and leafcutting bees. The blue orchard bee is North America's most agriculturally important native mason bee as effective pollinators of spring-blooming fruit crops. Differences in developmental …

Understanding The Impact Of Physicochemical Modifications On The Cold Gelling Behavior Of Micellar Casein Concentrate Dispersions, Nathan Pougher

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

When skim milk is filtered via microfiltration, the amount of casein (one of the major milk proteins) in solution can be concentrated. When casein content is high enough (>15%), the solution forms a gel at cold temperatures. With growing trends in the food industry towards simplistic ingredient labels, commonly used gums and stabilizers in the dairy industry are becoming less preferred. In the future, there is potential for the gelling properties of micellar casein to be applied to dairy products as a thickener or stabilizer, but the mechanism behind gel formation isn’t understood well. In this study, the gel …

The Influence Of Watershed Restoration Initiative Habitat Treatments On Mule Deer Relative Use And Fawn Production In Utah, Jaylin Solberg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Multiple factors could be the cause of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) population decline across the West such as an increase in non-native vegetation, human expansion, climate change, or a combination of these. Populations of mule deer generate substantial revenue for local communities and hold ecological, cultural, and social value. Therefore, wildlife researchers are increasing their efforts in improving environmental conditions that support mule deer growth. The Utah Department of Natural Resources and partners have taken proactive measures through the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI) to improve mule deer habitats by restoring these environments to improve their quality for …

Relative Hepatotoxocity, Carcinogenicity, And Toxicogenomics Of Select Dehydropyrrolizidine Alkaloids In Mice, Michael J. Clayton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids are arguably the most important plant derived toxins in terms of impact on human and animal health. Dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids are a large group of chemically related compounds found in 3% of flowering plants worldwide. Human exposure occurs from ingestion of herbal products including teas supplements or contaminated grain. Animals are exposed through contaminated feed or grazing. There are at least 350 identified toxic PAs, from more than 6,000 plants. The toxins primarily cause liver damage, but some are proven to cause cancer. Indidvidual dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids vary in their toxic effects. Riddelliine is the only dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid with extensive …

Investigating Parents' Value Of Children Learning About Agriculture, Amelia J. Miller

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

It is commonly held that parents have a profound impact on child development. Decades of research investigated the ways parents, the community, and school staff interact to foster student learning during kindergarten through twelfth grade education. Agriculture provides for daily needs through the growth, harvest, and processing of food, fiber, fuel, and forestry products. This research sought to understand the level of importance parents place on their children learning about agriculture in school.

A 26-question survey was distributed to a nationally representative sample of parents having at least one child in K-12 education within the United States. Results of this …

Impact Of Moisture Content And Composition On Flow Properties Of Dairy Powders, Katelynn Palmer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Milk protein concentrate (MPC) and isolate (MPI), and milk permeate powder (MPP) are functional dairy powder products that are used in food applications worldwide. It is critical that environmental factors and physical powder characteristics during production and storage are controlled. When dairy powders are exposed to non-ideal conditions (high moisture, varying temperatures,) they can quickly become very sticky, and clumpy. When powders become sticky, their ability to easily flow is reduced. As a result, processing and storing the powders effectively and sustainably becomes very difficult.

In the first study, an analysis method was created to test the general flow behavior …

Reducing Inputs And Adding Value To Turfgrass Systems Through Clover Inclusion And Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Applications, Paige E. Boyle

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Recently, the US has seen an expansion in the amount of turfgrass land cover (lawns, parks, roadsides, sports fields, and golf courses), as well as an interest in reducing fertilizer, water, and pesticide use in these grass systems. To help maintain quality and function while reducing resource inputs, two promising approaches have emerged: planting clover into lawns and applying plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.

White clover and grass mixtures have been studied for their ability to cut down on fertilizer usage and provide a uniform, dark green lawn, but other clover types have not been as widely studied and may provide similar …

Understanding The Pizza Baking Properties Of Low Moisture Part Skim (Lmps) Mozzarella Cheese, Anjali Verma

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Mozzarella cheese is expected to melt, stretch, release free oil and exhibit browning and blistering when baked on pizza. This research aimed to investigate the effects of different starter cultures (based on lactose and galactose utilizing ability) and calcium levels on the functionality of Mozzarella cheese when baked on pizza. Four combinations of starter cultures using S. thermophilus (STI 06)-control, Lac⁺ Gal⁺ L. helveticus (LH 32), and Lac^- Gal⁺ adjunct culture L. helveticus (LH 7995) were used to make the cheese samples. Various tests were conducted over a seven-week period to evaluate their baking properties. The …

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda December 7, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Adjourn

Iron Deficiency In Pregnancy And Children, Brianna Kane, Stacy Bevan, Carrie Durward, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

All Current Publications

Meeting the proper iron recommendations is important for both children and mothers because iron is essential for growth and development. An inadequate intake of iron is the most common reason for iron deficiency. Eating appropriate amounts of iron during these stages of life is of upmost importance. Including sources of heme iron and vitamin C can help increase absorption of iron.

Maple Tapping In Utah, Nicole King, Darren Mcavoy

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides a brief introduction to tapping maple trees in Utah and the Intermountain West. Included is an overview of maple tree identification, weather conditions, and how to start tapping.

The Utah Statesman, October 16, 2023, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

The Utah Statesman, October 9, 2023, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Women, Infants, And Children (Wic), Palak Gupta, Carson Johnson

All Current Publications

This fact sheet from the Hunger Solutions Institute at Utah State University outlines the Utah Women, Infants, and Children program known as WIC. It addresses who qualifies, the benefits, and how to access more information.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), Palak Gupta, Carson Johnson

All Current Publications

This fact sheet from the Hunger Solutions Institute at Utah State University outlines the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as SNAP. It addresses who qualifies and how to apply for benefits and access more information about associated programs, such as Double Up Food Bucks and Create Better Health.

Food Assistance Programs For Seniors (60+), Palak Gupta, Carson Johnson

All Current Publications

This fact sheet from the Hunger Solutions Institute at Utah State University outlines the various food assistance programs for seniors ages 60 and over, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and Meals on Wheels, among others. It addresses who qualifies and how to access more information.

Food Assistance Programs For Children, Palak Gupta, Carson Johnson

All Current Publications

This fact sheet from the Hunger Solutions Institute at Utah State University outlines the various food assistance programs for children, such as the School Breakfast Program and the School Lunch Program, among others. It addresses who qualifies and how to access more information.

Create Healthy Gardens: Evaluation Of A Snap-Ed And Master Gardener Collaboration, Emma Parkhurst, Lacee Jiminez, Sheriden M. Hansen, Kristi Strongo, Heidi Leblanc

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

A multidisciplinary team established the Davis County Create Healthy Gardens (CHG) program to improve access to fresh produce and help low-income residents gain skills to grow food and prepare nourishing meals. An evaluation of the program shows that participants had access to over 275 pounds of fresh produce, and most participants reported an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. They also reported an increase in their knowledge in gardening and food preparation.

Faculty Senate Committee Agenda October 2, 2023, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order. Maureen Hearns
• 3:05 University Business. Elizabeth Cantwell, President | Larry Smith, Provost
• 3:20 Faculty Senate Business. Maureen Hearns | John Ferguson | Grant Cardon
• 3:25 Information
• 3:40 Reports
• 3:50 Old Business
• 4:05 New Business
• Adjourn:

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda October 5, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - September 7, 2023
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Educational Policies Committee Agenda October 5, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - September, 2023
• Subcommittee Reports - Curriculum Subcommittee, Academic Standards Subcommittee, General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Measuring The Phytochemical Richness Of Meat: Effects Of Grass/Grain Finishing Systems And Grapeseed Extract Supplementation On The Fatty Acid And Phytochemical Content Of Beef, Lucas Krusinski, Isabella C. F. Maciel, Stephan Van Vliet, Muhammad Ahsin, Guanqi Lu, Jason E. Rowntree, Jenifer I. Fenton

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Grass-finished beef (GFB) can provide beneficial bioactive compounds to healthy diets, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and secondary bioactive compounds, such as phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to compare fatty acids (FAs), micronutrients, and phytochemicals of beef fed a biodiverse pasture (GRASS), a total mixed ration (GRAIN), or a total mixed ration with 5% grapeseed extract (GRAPE). This was a two-year study involving fifty-four Red Angus steers (n = 54). GFB contained higher levels of n-3 PUFAs, vitamin E, iron, zinc, stachydrine, hippuric acid, citric acid, and succinic …

Dietary Patterns Of Children From The Amazon Region Of Ecuador: A Descriptive, Qualitative Investigation, Kristin N. Murphy, Lisa Boyce, Eduardo Ortiz, Marcela Santos, Gloria Balseca

Human Development and Family Studies Faculty Publications

Many young children in Ecuador suffer from high rates of malnutrition and stunting that affect their long-term growth and development. Little is known about the dietary patterns of children from the Amazon region who experience some of the highest rates of stunting (height-for-age) within Ecuador. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 mothers of young children living in the Ecuadorian Amazon. In addition to descriptions of overall dietary patterns, three themes emerged from the interviews relating to strengths mothers have in feeding their children healthy diets: knowledge, autonomous and independent children, and supportive and responsive parenting. Five themes were found relating …

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda September 18, 2023, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:30 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - August 21, 2023
• 3:35 University Business
• 3:50 Faculty Senate Business .
• 4:00 Information
• Education Policies Committee
• Human Resources Policies - 351
• 4:20 Reports
• Educational Policies Committee Annual Report
• Honors Program Annual Report
• 4:30 Old Business
• Update on Divestment Task Force
• Greenhouse Waste Emissions
• 4:40 New Business
• Issue of Faculty Concern
• Adjourn:

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes September 7, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes – April 6, 2023
• Program Proposals

• Semester Course Approval Reviews: https://usu.curriculog.com/

• Other Business

• Adjourn: 2:55 pm

An Improved Digestion And Analysis Procedure For Silicon In Plant Tissue, Noah James Langenfeld, Bruce Bugbee

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Silicon (Si) in plant tissues reduces abiotic and biotic stress, but it is incorporated as silica (SiO₂), which is difficult to solubilize for analysis. We modified an oven-induced tissue-digestion and analysis method to improve Si solubilization and validated its accuracy by quantifying the mass-balance recovery of Si from the hydroponic solution and plant tissues of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Leaf, stem, and root tissues were dried, finely-ground, and digested in 12.5 molar sodium hydroxide at 95°C for 4 hours. Solutions were then acidified with 6 molar hydrochloric acid to achieve a pH below 2 for measurement of …

Educational Policies Committee Minutes September 7, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - April 6, 2023
• Subcommittee Reports - Curriculum Subcommittee by Chad Simon, course approvals, requests from departments, Academic Standards Subcommittee by Renee Galliher, minutes from April 13, 2023 academic grievance proposal/draft, General Education Subcommittee by Matt Sanders, minutes from March 21, 2023 discussion of R470 policy
• Other Business - graduate school grievance process, new baccalaureate programs template, cross/dual listed info for the EPC Handbook, minimum GPA requirements, BYU Idaho and Western Governor's 90-credit bachelor's degree
• Adjourn: 4:05 pm