Digital Commons Network^™

Design, Synthesis, And Biological Evaluation Of Novel Steroidal Analogs: Potential Anticancer Agents, Trevor Ostlund

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is a malicious disease with low survivability rates primarily due to lack of reliable treatment options. Treatments are often non-specific for patients, and cancer resistance to treatment is becoming more prevalent as fast as new therapies are created. Previous studies in our laboratory have focused on the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and its downstream kinase family members as a key target for cancer. This cascade controls cell proliferation, anti-apoptotic effects, cell regulation, and other survival factors. Additionally, ABC transporters, responsible for efflux of chemotherapeutic material from cells, are key targets to combat drug resistance. We first evaluated a …

Physically Adjusted Neutral Detergent Fiber System: Effects Of Dextrose And Non-Forage Fiber On Performance, Feeding Behavior, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation And Rumen Bacterial Abundance In Dairy Cattle, Jorge Luis Bonilla Urbina

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The newly proposed physically adjusted NDF system (paNDF) system aims to maintain a favorable rumen environment (e.g., pH) by taking into account both the physical and chemical composition of diet. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and non-forage NDF inclusion in a paNDF system on production performance, rumen pH and fermentation profile, rumen bacterial abundance, feeding behavior and nutrient digestibility in late-lactating Holstein cows. Nine fistulated multiparous Holstein cows (2nd and 3rd parity) were used in a triplicated 3×3 Latin Square experiment. Each period lasted for 21 d with 14 d …

Evaluation Of Yeast Postbiotic In Sow Diets On Sow And Offspring Performance And Microbial Succession, Joel Kieser

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Litter size and the resulting nutritional demand on the sow continue to increase while sow mortality and culling rate are also increasing. Non-nutritive feed additives may enhance sow health and thereby improve offspring growth and productivity after weaning. Development of the gut microbiome in piglets via microbial succession is critical for maximizing their productivity and providing stability for overcoming weaning stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of yeast-based postbiotic supplementation in gestation and lactation diets on offspring performance through the nursery period and on whether a yeast postbiotic could impact the sow fecal microbiome as …

Soil Health Influenced By Livestock And Cover Crops Integration In Row Cropping Systems In South Dakota, Namrata Ghimire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Genotypes On Rancidity Development During Storage Of Naked Oats, Aastha Gautam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oats, rich in lipids, lipase, and unsaturated fatty acids, can develop bitterness from triglyceride hydrolysis and unpleasant aromas through unsaturated fatty acid oxidation. To counteract these effects, the processing of hulled oats includes kilning, a step aimed at inactivating the enzymes responsible for lipid degradation. Kilning plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of oats by preventing undesirable flavors development linked to lipid breakdown. Despite the benefits of free threshing and absence of a dehulling requirement in naked oats, assessing lack of enzyme inactivation during processing is crucial for potential storage rancidity issues. Our aim was to determine the …

Comprehensive Analysis And Forensic Investigation Of Cyanide, Thiocyanate, And 2-Amino-2-Thiazoline-4-Carboxylic Acid In-Ante- And Postmortem Blood Utilizing Advanced Analytical Techniques, Abdullah Hamad Alluhayb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cyanide (CN), present as cyanide anion (CN-) or hydrogen cyanide (HCN), is a deadly poison. The main mechanism of CN toxicity is blocking terminal electron transfer, leading to cellular hypoxia, cytotoxic anoxia, and potential death. Determining blood CN concen-trations along with its major metabolite, thiocyanate (SCN-), is crucial. A sensitive method for concurrent detection of CN and SCN- from human ante- and post-mortem blood via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis was devel-oped. The method involved active microdiffusion with chemical modification using naph-thalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) and taurine, while monobromobimane (MBB) mod-ification was used for SCN-. The method showed good sensitivity for …

Phosphate2 And Pin-Likes7 Affect Symbiotic Nodule Phenotypes In Soybean, Bhawandeep Kaur

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Legumes and soil rhizobia share a symbiotic relationship, wherein rhizobia fix atmospheric dinitrogen in exchange for photosynthates from the host plant. This exchange of mutual benefits occurs in a specialized root structure called ‘nodule’. Soybean (Glycine max) nodules arise from root outer cortical cells. De novo cell differentiation of cortical cells during nodule development leads to the formation of two distinct nodule zones in the mature nodule: the central infection zone where nitrogen fixation occurs and the peripheral parenchyma zone that houses vascular bundles. Plant signaling mechanisms that dictate the development of these nodule zones are not known. To address …

Factors Influencing Mortality Of Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis), Emily Moberg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Reintroduced bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Nebraska faced a devastating pneumonia epizootic resulting in variable ewe reproductive success and poor lamb recruitment in many of the herds. From 2015-2017, no lamb recruitment was observed in the northern Pine Ridge subpopulation and as many as 60% of adults died. This was in stark contrast to the healthier Wildcat Hills herds to the south, where lamb recruitment was estimated to be between 50-70% during the same years. From 2018-2020, we radio-collared and recaptured 76 adult female bighorn sheep from 2 of 3 Pine Ridge herds and 1 of 2 Wildcat Hills herds. …

Relations Between Parent Coping With The Stress Of Parenting And Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression, Maxwell Jared Luber

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is important to refine understanding of the impact of adolescent behaviors on parents. In particular there is a need to improve understanding of the potential increase in parental distress caused by challenging youth behaviors. Parenting stress may play a critical role in these processes. Various coping strategies have been associated with different psychosocial outcomes, including anxiety and depression. In contrast, less effective coping strategies are linked to a higher likelihood of meeting criteria for mood or anxiety disorders. Gender differences in stress coping between women and men may contribute to women reporting higher levels of psychological distress, depression, and …

Impact Of Cardiovascular And Mental Health Comorbidities On All-Cause Healthcare Utilization Among Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Prachi Prajapati

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: More than 85% type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) patients have at least one other comorbid condition. Recent data has shown an increase in cardiovascular (CVD) and mental health conditions (MHD) among diabetes patients. Because of the pathological difference in CVD and MHD, their management is unique. We may see differential utilization of healthcare services among T2DM patients with these comorbidities. The study’s aim was to estimate the prevalence of CVD and MHD among older T2DM patients and to assess the comparative healthcare utilization among T2DM patients with these comorbidities by service type.

Methodology: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using …

Night Bites: The Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Binge Eating, And Night Eating, Mccall Schruff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is a chronic disease and classified as a global epidemic. Its incidence has rapidly increased worldwide, particularly within the United States where associated adverse health consequences have led to substantial increases in premature mortality, health-care utilization, and spending. Given the biopsychosocial nature of obesity, it can be considered a preventable health-risk that is a major public health concern. Associated risk factors, such as insufficient quality and quantity of sleep, binge eating, and night eating, could worsen health outcomes, as research suggests these symptoms rarely occur in isolation and are more frequent in individuals with higher body mass index. In …

Novel Formulation Strategies With Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology To Address Physicochemical And Physiological Constraints For Improved Oral Drug Delivery, Sagar Narala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Most current active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) exhibit poor water solubility, necessitating higher doses or repeated administration. Numerous methods were explored to augment solubility, including but not limited to amorphous solid dispersions, cocrystals, salts, and nanoformulations. The hot-melt extrusion (HME) technique has gained immense popularity due to its solvent-free and continuous manufacturing capabilities, contributing to its increasing use to enhance solubility and bioavailability. In the first chapter, hydrochlorothiazide (BCS-IV class) cocrystals were produced using coformers such as nicotinamide (NIC), resorcinol (RSL), and catechol (CAT) through HME technology. The cocrystals were compared against liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) cocrystals and then analyzed by DSC, …

Increasing Primary Care Physicians Through Rural Medicine Curriculum, Margaret Pickering Wilson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The citizens of rural areas encounter many challenges with accessing primary healthcare. Mississippi meets 52.1% of the needs of the state for primary care physicians, causing citizens to travel farther distances to access health care. Many rural hospitals within the state are struggling financially and are at high risk of closing, causing further barriers for rural citizens to access healthcare. Increasing primary care physicians help provide adequate healthcare access and provides rural citizens access to preventative care and early treatment for health problems.

This study, conducted at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, seeks to determine if rural medicine courses …

Cosplay Fandom Leisure Engagement: Exploring Cosplay Participation And Involvement On Depression And Wellbeing Toward A Recreation Therapy., Julie A. Morris Chambers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Engagement in leisure is a complex construct that impacts wellbeing beyond mere participation. Moreover, researchers have explored engagement in various ways including what people do and experience in their personal pursuit of leisure activities (Kleiber et al., 2011). Studies show that leisure engagement positively effects participants' wellbeing and reduces their ill-being. The purpose of this study is to explore the level of cosplay leisure engagement and wellness and mental health of DragonCon (DC) attendees to illuminate if their cosplay engagement has therapeutic effects on wellness, perceived wellness, and depression. In this study, Newman (et al., 2013) and Kuykendall (et al., …

Acute Countermovement Jump Performance In Collegiate Distance Runners, Kristel Tessa Van Den Berg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Running is the most popular form of physical activity worldwide and it has a positive effect on the overall health. However, (competitive) running is also associated with stress injuries. Stress injuries can be caused by overtraining. Countermovement jumps (CMJ) have previously been used to monitor training load and neuromuscular fatigue in athletes of multiple sports. However, this has not been explored in distance runners yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess if countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in collegiate distance athletes has a relationship to neuromuscular fatigue.

Methods: In total 12 female and 15 male distance runners …

Who, What, And How Much: Understanding The Profiles, Preferences, And Valuations Of Individuals Likely To Participate In Food As Medicine Programs, Austin Dean Arnold

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Initial research on food as medicine programs has shown encouraging evidence, but more evidence is needed to identify the most effective models, services, delivery methods, and funding mechanisms. Previously studied programs were designed by the researchers, providers, and public health advocates without input from patients on their preferences. Patient engagement is essential to develop successful programs.

Study Aims: 1) To explore the presence latent classes among individuals with diet-related chronic diseases likely to participate in food as medicine programs; 2) To explore preferences for attributes of food as medicine programs among individuals with diet-related chronic diseases likely to participate; …

Voices From Below: The Politics Of Leprosy Control In Southeastern Nigeria, 1926-1960, Odinakachukwu Kingsley Eze

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Leprosy was an endemic disease in colonial Southeastern Nigeria but became an epidemic between the 1920s and 1940s. Unlike malaria and sleeping sickness, its endemicity did not impede European penetration at the dawn of the twentieth century. However, its spread across Nigeria intensified during colonial rule, with acute prevalence in regions hitherto prone to the disease. Therefore, from the 1920s to 1960, Southeastern Nigeria became the epicenter of British policies tailored towards preventing, curing, and eradicating leprosy disease in Nigeria. Existing research has established the involvement of different actors in this course–including Christian missionaries, colonial officials, specialized agencies, and international …

Gender Differences And Directionality Of Intimate Partner Violence, Nate Juda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The academic discipline of intimate partner violence (IPV) is currently divided into two prevailing perspectives: the feminist perspective, which asserts IPV is a product of the long history of acceptance and encouragement of wife-beating, stemming from patriarchal values; and the gender-inclusive model, that finds IPV reflects multifunctional etiologies, across the types and severities of IPV, with both men and women as perpetrators and victims at similar rates. However, a review of the extant literature does not support either of these conclusions. There is a growing body of research evidence that suggest women are more likely than men to commit IPV. …

Using Diverse Children's Literature To Enhance Social Emotional Learning, Lashana T. Middleton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on examining the use of diverse children's literature and social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula to enhance the social-emotional competence skills of Pre-K students in general education classrooms. Understanding and developing these skills during early childhood has been shown to be essential for healthy child development, and early education teachers play a critical role in this process. The findings from this study suggest that while teachers have a positive view and awareness of the theoretical foundations of SEL, they may need additional training and support to effectively implement and incorporate SEL strategies in their practices. Specifically, the study highlighted …

Investigating The Impact Of A Brief, High-Intensity Exercise Break During Prolonged Gaming On Esports Performance, Hannah E. Nelson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous research shows that mental fatigue leading to decreased cognitive functioning may occur after 2 hours of continuous activity. This decline could be detrimental to esports athletes that may play for 3 or more hours at a time. Use of a moderate-intensity exercise break following 1 hour of gaming did not improve cognitive functioning more than continuous play. Increases in blood glucose levels are typically related to increases in cognitive functioning. Therefore, research should be done to investigate the relationship between glucose levels and cognitive function during long-duration gaming and how the use of an active exercise break may impact …

Classic Maya Subadult Age Estimates From Ambergris Caye, Belize, Nikki Anne Wicox

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Maya of the Classic period (300-900 AD) were inhabitants of the coastal island of Ambergris Caye, Belize (Guderjan, 2007). The individuals of this island have been explored through other research, however, one sub-population on the island that has yet to be explored in depth is that of childhood. Children play an integral role in society but are often overlooked as active members based upon the modern cultural norms of childhood, as well as the perceived difficulty of identifying children´s activities in the archaeological record (Ardren, 2015; Ardren & Hutson, 2006; Danforth, 1989; Storey, 1992; Wright, 1997). My research aims to …

How Does The Creation Of Temporary Wetland Habitat On Agricultural Fields In The Mississippi Alluvial Valley Affect The Abundance Of Migratory Shorebirds?, Emma Mccarley Counce

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although the causes of broad population declines of migratory shorebirds are not well understood, it is likely that loss of migratory stopover habitat is a contributing factor. In the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), much of the historical stopover sites have been converted to agricultural land. To combat this dearth, we have incentivized farmers to create temporary wetland habitat on shallowly flooded corn and soybean cropland in the LMAV during the fall after harvest. In a two-year study, shorebird surveys were completed bi-weekly on employed farm sites to determine the abundances of shorebirds present on five different temporal flood treatments …

“To Save My Own Life:” The Revisionary And Sustaining Practice Of Autotheory, Margaret Zee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autotheory, a hybrid of autobiography and literary theory, is the term Paul B. Preciado used to describe his book Testo Junkie (2008), a term Maggie Nelson then borrowed as a label for her book The Argonauts (2015). Though the term autotheory is relatively new, such hybrid writing has a rich literary history which I trace to intersectional feminist writers like Audre Lorde, Gloria Anzaldúa, and bell hooks in chapter 1’s genealogy. I argue that autotheory participates in theory’s work even as it revises certain Theoretical assumptions that hold sway in the academy today. This dissertation names three contemporary American books …

A Demand-Side Theory Of Labor Informality: Workers' Trust And States' Credible Commitment, Julian Alfonso Acevedo Pardo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Labor informality is a vexing issue across Latin America, with negative implications for policy areas from economic growth to social safety nets. Despite decades of efforts by national governments and international organizations, informality levels remain stubbornly high across the region. Insights from the extant literature suggest informality arises because creating formal sector jobs is too costly or the costs of formality for workers are too high. In contrast to most previous works on informality, this project steps back from standard materialistic assumptions and aims to uncover how the overall relationship between states and citizens impacts workers' incentives to work formally. …

Successful Aging And Turnover Intention Among Older Hospitality Frontline Employees, Thamsanqa Jongile

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This two-part dissertation delves into the intertwined precursors of successful aging and turnover intent in the hospitality sector. The first part applies a structural equation model to examine the link between perceived narcissistic leadership, successful aging, and turnover intentions. The author posits that work engagement, employee cynicism, and emotional fatigue are the mechanisms through which perceived narcissistic leadership affects successful aging and turnover intent. The findings affirm these conjectures, revealing that narcissistic leadership serves as a predictor of successful aging and turnover intent.

The second manuscript probes further into the antecedents of successful aging, evaluating a theoretical model in which …

Psychometric Properties Of The Spanish Ucla Ptsd Reaction Index For Dsm-5€“Brief Form In Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria, Evan Edward Rooney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Trauma exposure among youth is a significant public health issue and is associated with psychiatric symptoms and impaired functioning. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, have become an increasingly salient source of traumatic exposures for youth. However, not all youth exposed to traumatic experiences go on to develop posttraumatic stress symptoms or other maladaptive reactions. Given the high need for psychological support and low resource context engendered by hurricanes, efficient and evidentiary tools for assessing risk are needed to effectively identify youth most in need of services. The present study will use a sample of 96,108 Puerto Rican youth (Grades: 3-12; …

Exploring Messages About College Attendance And Graduation, Erin Talley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Successful completion of a college degree is a growing necessity in the United States of America. Concerns about workforce readiness and the cost of postsecondary education make completion of a college degree a burdensome necessity for individuals and society. Important implications from higher education research have been integral in establishing support programs to enhance college and university admissions, persistence, and graduation. Exploration of students’ home environments (Belasco, 2013; Wladis, Hachey, & Conway, 2018), preparation for college endeavors (Banks, 2022; Gilroy, 2014), fit in college institutions (Grillo & Leist, 2014; Lutz, Bennett, & Wang, 2017), and determination, or GRIT (Duckworth & …

A Historical Study Of Cécile Chaminade: Pianist, Composer, And Music Educator, Rebekah Leigh Schultz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

French composer and pianist Cécile Chaminade was one of the first women to make a career of composing. She had many strong musical influences in her life including Georges Bizet, Mortiz Moszkowski, and her parents. Chaminade composed approximately 400 pieces of music, 200 of which are piano works. She preferred to compose in smaller forms and was the leading exponent of the salon music style. For many years, Chaminade was the only well-known female composer to the general public. She remains one of the most published composers of her generation. Her most successful piano piece, Scarf Dance Op. 37, sold …

Development Of Gelucire-Based Ophthalmic Nanoformulations Of Cannabidiol, Muna Abdelrahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of cannabidiol (CBD) for treating ocular disorders has gained increasing interest. There are several published investigations on the promising therapeutic potential of CBD for the treatment of glaucoma and retinal disorders. Epidiolex® is an oily solution of CBD in sesame oil, approved for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. However, extensive first-pass metabolism as well as poor aqueous solubility prevents the achievement of therapeutic concentrations in ocular tissues following oral administration. In contrast, topical ocular formulations could provide a high concentration of CBD to tissues within the eye. Nevertheless, there is no currently marketed CBD formulation …

Formulation And Evaluation Of Oral Film Loaded With Cannabidiol Using Solvent Casting Technique, Sujith Raj Bashetty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

CBD has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects for epilepsy, which is approved by the FDA, and it has also been studied for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. CBD-loaded oral films are a novel drug delivery system designed to improve the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. In this study, CBD-loaded oral films were developed using a combination of anti-solvent precipitation and solvent-casting techniques. These oral films were designed to be thin, flexible, and rapidly disintegrating films. Different grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were used as a film former. …