Digital Commons Network^™

In Vivo Evaluation Of Riboflavin And Bacillus Subtilis On Growth Performance And Intestinal Health Of Male Broilers Challenged With Coccidiosis, Sabin Poudel

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of supplementation of riboflavin along with Bacillus subtilis was investigated on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers under coccidial challenge. Treatments are 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, which includes 3 levels of riboflavin (0.75, 6.6 (recommended), and 20 ppm), with or without Bacillus subtilis, and with or without coccidial challenge. Coccidial challenge impaired the intestinal morphology and reduced body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed intake and increased FCR between d 14-28. However, the cocci impact on birds was reduced along with age, as the effects on internal organs was reduced, which allowed …

Intraspecific Variability Of Edwardsiella Piscicida And Cross-Protective Efficacy Of A Live-Attenuated Edwardsiella Ictaluri Vaccine In Channel And Channel × Blue Hybrid Catfi, Adrian Lopez Porras

Theses and Dissertations

Incidence and prevalence of Edwardsiella piscicida has increased in Mississippi farm-raised catfish in recent years. Edwardsiella piscicida affects mostly market-sized catfish during the final stages of the production cycle resulting in significant economic losses. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability of E. piscicida, assess virulence in channel and hybrid catfish, and evaluate the capacity of a live-attenuated E. ictaluri vaccine to protect channel and hybrid catfish against heterologous E. piscicida isolates. This work identified five discrete E. piscicida lineages, along with group specific associations of several virulence related genes. In general, E. piscicida was shown …

Gopher Tortoises In The Anthropocene: Investigating The Effects Of Fire, Temperature, And Competition On An Ecosystem Engineer, Weston Curtis Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

Gopher tortoises are ecosystem engineers whose burrows provide habitat to >350 species. Prescribed fire is used to manage tortoise habitat, but fire timing is mostly restricted to the vegetative dormant season. Restricted fire timing in combination with white-tailed deer competition may negatively affect tortoises. To address these concerns, we quantified these species’ dietary overlap and conducted a field experiment to examine impacts of fire phenology on plants and animals. Although tortoises and deer consumed ~75% of the same plants, their diets were statistically dissimilar. Fire altered plant community composition and increased foliar crude protein and phosphorus while decreasing calcium. Deer …

Harvest Aids For Improved Bermudagrass Sod Shelf-Life And Transplantation Success, Nikolay Minaev

Theses and Dissertations

Shelf-life and transplantation success of sodded and sprigged turfgrasses are negatively affected by disruptive harvest techniques and post-harvest handling/storage conditions. Air and light are limited inside of stacked pallets of sod or masses of sprigs/plugs, which triggers multiple processes that may lead to poor transplant success. Current research looks at the effects of several commercially available turfgrass products and cultural practices on post-harvest bermudagrass storage, its grow-in after transplantation, and harvested area recovery. Ensilation and internal heating sometimes observed in stored, full-sized pallets of sod were difficult to simulate in small-size sod masses. When storage environment and post-harvest conditions were …

Identifying And Mitigating Heat Stress Of Grazing Dairy Cattle Using Shade And Sprinklers, Carly Becker

Theses and Dissertations

Animal welfare, reproduction, and milk production can be negatively affected when dairy cattle experience heat stress. Dairy cows in southern latitudes spend nearly 4 to 6 months in a state of heat stress. Animal health professionals and dairy producers use changes in physiological responses and behavioral patterns of cows as a tool for identifying poor health and welfare in periods of heat stress. The objectives of this study were to monitor the effects of heat stress on grazing dairy cows provided with shade or sprinklers by comparing various physiological indices of heat stress, and to, design and utilize a heat …

Impact Of Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, And Physical Activity On Obesity Indices Among Adolescents, Sarah Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescent prevalence of obesity and at-risk WC has continued to rise worldwide. Sleep duration, sleep quality, and physical activity have been hypothesized as contributing factors to this increase. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the sleep–obesity relation in adolescents. METHODS: Using data from the 2015-2016 NHANES(n=454; ages 16-18 years), the effect of sleep duration, sleep quality, and MVPA on BMI and WC by gender was analyzed using appropriate sampling weights. RESULTS: Longer sleep duration was associated with increased BMI (β=0.07; 0.065, p<0.05) and WC (β=0.069; 0.13, p<0.05) among males and females. Poor sleep quality was associated with increased BMI among males and females (β= 0.04; 0.08, p< 0.05). A significant main effect was observed across sleep duration, sleep quality and MVPA via multiple regression for both BMI and WC. CONCLUSIONS: For both males and females, BMI and WC were impacted by excessive sleep, poor sleep quality, and low MVPA, with greater associations among males.

Evaluation Of Synergistic Opportunities Among Exogenous Enzymes For Optimal Broiler Performance, Courtney Ennis

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, feed enzyme supplementation into commercial broiler diets is a routine practice due to hydrolysis of antinutrients, such as non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and phytate (IP6); ultimately leading to optimized broiler production. As a result, the market has grown rapidly, and a multitude of feed enzymesare commercially available. Complete removal of antinutrients has not been achieved and research has primarily focused on the use of singular enzyme inclusion. Due to biochemical differences among enzyme characteristics, there may be potential for synergistic action to remove antinutrients and further maximize broiler performance. Therefore, the overall objective of this dissertation was to investigate enzyme …

Exploring The Vaginal Microbiome In Relation To Pregnancy Status And Reproductive Performance In Brangus Heifers, Riley Messman

Theses and Dissertations

Most research evaluating the effects of the reproductive tract microbiota on reproductive performance has been done in humans, thus far. In bovids, reproductive microbiota research is not as advanced, with preliminary conclusions, not supported by contamination checks or repeatability. Our studies concluded that endogenous reproductive hormones, days of gestation, and pregnancy status does not change the overall vaginal microbiota composition. Although, the overall composition did not change there were species level differences. These differences could have implications in reproductive performance and fertility in heifers. Heifers that undergo nutrient restriction have similar vaginal microbiota to adequately fed heifers with no species …

Alcohol Affects The Reward Pathway Of The Brain Via A6-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In The Nucleus Accumbens, Elizabeth Qiufeng Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The prevailing view is that enhancement of dopamine (DA) transmission in the mesolimbic system consisting of DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) underlies the rewarding properties of ethanol (EtOH) and nicotine (NIC). Although the dogma is that EtOH enhancement of DA neural activity contributes to enhancement of DA transmission, DA neurons are not sensitive to rewarding levels of EtOH. However, VTA GABA neurons are sensitive to low-dose EtOH. We have shown previously that EtOH modulation of DA release in the NAc is mediated by α6-containing nicotinic receptors (α6*-nAChRs), that α6*-nAChRs mediate …

Dairy Milk And Plant-Based Alternative Beverage Purchasing Factors: Consumer Insights, Jeffrey Alan Rime

Theses and Dissertations

From 2000 to 2019, total volume of fluid milk consumption in the USA has steadily fallen. Many factors have played a role in this trend, including competition with plant-based alternative beverages (PBABs). Comparably, sales of PBABs such as almond “milk” have increased over the same duration. Consumer research has identified key beverage characteristics as purchase drivers for both beverage types. This study sought to evaluate the relative importance of these characteristics, investigate the effect of label statements on ratings of their acceptability, and analyze the settings in which and occasions during which consumption of dairy milk and PBABs occurs. This …

Validation Of Activity Trackers In A Daily Living Setting In Young Adults, Jodi B. Wimmer

Theses and Dissertations

Sedentary behavior (SB) contributes to many negative health-related outcomes. Motivation to reduce SB and increase physical activity (PA) are necessary to reduce co-morbidities. Tracking SB and PA provides objective data to help promote wellness. The purposes of this quasi-experimental study were to 1) determine the accuracy of three commercially available activity trackers compared to research-grade accelerometers, and 2) explore whether using these activity trackers led to a change in activity level one week after gathering baseline data. Activity trackers used in this study were Apple Watch, Fitbit Surge, and Microsoft Band 2. A convenience sample of college-age students and community …

Aerobic Exercise Alters Opioid Receptors Following Chronic Alcohol Exposure, James N. Brundage

Theses and Dissertations

Opioid receptors have been a target of pharmacological manipulation in alcohol use disorder (AUD) recovery protocols for many years. Aerobic exercise, a common adjunct in AUD recovery, is known to modulate opioid receptors (ORs) both during both acute and long term exposure. The three subtypes of ORs: mu (MOR), delta (DOR), and kappa (KOR) are all expressed on neurons in the mesocorticolimbic circuitry. Kappa-opioid receptors are expressed directly on dopamine (DA) neuron terminals in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Mu and Delta ORs are expressed on cholinergic interneurons (CINs) and GABA neurons in the NAc. In alcohol dependent rodents, KORs are …

Cilësia E Mishit Dhe Produkteve Të Tij Nga Këndvështrimi I Konsumatorit Në Kosovë, Laureta Beqiri

Theses and Dissertations

Mishi dhe produktet e tij janë pothuajse pjesë e pandashme e dietës sonë. Mishi luan një rol shumë të rëndësishëm duke kontribuar me proteina cilësore,minerale, dhe një sërë vitaminash. Në këtë punim do të shpjegojmë ndërtimin e mishit, vlerat ushqyese , mënyrat e ruajtjes, procesin teknologjik të përpunimit dhe ambalazhimit të prodhimeve të mishit, dhe poashtu do të paraqiten rezultatet e hulumtimit të bërë me anë të anketës mbi përdorimin, preferencat, dhe njurive të konsumatorve për prodhimet e mishit. Përpunimi përfshin marrjen e mishit në formën e tij të papërpunuar dhe shndërrimin e tij në një produkt që është i …

Development Of Plant Extract-Based Composite Fibers And Aerogels, Raul C. Barbosa

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study is to use the solid templating process of pullulan nanofibers in order to produce biocompatible, biodegradable, and antibacterial aerogels. The developed aerogels were produced using cross-linked pullulan nanofibers, which provide a water-stable structure allowing them to be used as wound dressing material. The morphology, thermal properties, water solubility, and thermal and physical properties of the nanofibers and aerogels were characterized. Furthermore, the antibacterial effect against gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, and the biocompatibility using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) were investigated.

Optimizing Species Selection For Forest Restoration In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Faeqa Mohsin

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past four decades, the Lower Rio Grande Valley has been reforested with over 3.3 million native thornscrub plants in old agricultural land through transplanting native species. However, assessments of LRGV forest restoration efforts are scarce, and to address the knowledge gap, this study examined species-specific responses to restoration interventions (RIs) aimed at minimizing seedling mortality for optimizing species selection. A critical period for forest restoration in old croplands is the seedling stage, where high mortality occurs due to the interactive effects of abiotic stress, compromised soil nutrient status from intensive agriculture, and mammalian herbivory. So, we evaluated seedling …

Aquatic Stage Mosquito Biocontrol: Effects Of Entomopathogenic Fungi Blastospores And Conidia On Aedes Aegypti Pupae, Ricardo Alberto Ramirez Garcia Rojas

Theses and Dissertations

Fungal entomopathogens present an opportunity to produce mosquito controls on-site, from remote locations to developing communities. Locally produced biopesticides have the potential to empower communities to develop internal disease vector control initiatives to protect local public health. We tested the effectiveness of the conidia solution and blastospore solution of Metarhizium anisopliae E9, Metarhizium anisopliae E1037, Isaria fumosorosea A97, and Isaria fumosorosea 9901 in controlling Aedes aegypti pupae. We observed that entomopathogenic fungi liquid blastospore solution induce mortality in Aedes aegypti pupae at a significantly greater rate than conidia solution and control treatment.

However, further analysis of testing methods used in …

Effects Of Seasonal Variations And Heat Exposure On Antioxidant Expression And Redox Status In The American Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica: Field And Laboratory Studies, Md Sadequr Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

Increasing atmospheric temperatures influence physiological functions in aquatic organisms. In this study, I observed the effects of seasonal (field study) and laboratory heat exposure (16, 22, 26, and 30°C for 1-week) on prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in gills and digestive glands of American oyster. Histological analysis showed an increase in mucus secretion with elevated temperatures in both organs. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase of heat shock protein-70, dinitrophenyl, and 3-nitrotyrosine protein expressions with higher seasonal and laboratory temperatures indicating heat-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress. This was concomitant with gradual rise in cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, catalase and superoxide dismutase expressions also increased …

Break Interrupted: The Role Of Interruptions To Work Breaks In Momentary Recovery Outcomes, Alyssa Michels

Theses and Dissertations

Taking breaks at work can provide beneficial well-being and workplace outcomes through on-the-job recovery experiences, yet research suggests there may be specific break characteristics or individual differences influencing break effectiveness. In order to further elucidate the mechanisms contributing to the effectiveness of breaks during work hours, the present study examined the role interruptions to work breaks play in the relationship between work breaks and both recovery experiences and outcomes. Using an experience-sampling methodology, participants recorded three break experiences while at work. Results show work breaks predict a reduction in negative affect and that interruptions to these work breaks weaken this …

Development Of A Graphical User Interface For Ecg Signals Classification Using Statistical Features Analysis, Mousa Hammad S Aldosari

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiac diseases are the most common cause of mortality in the world. The detection of cardiac arrhythmias is not a straightforward process, since minor variations in the electrocardiogram (ECG) signals cannot be easily identified manually. Therefore, automatic detection and classification of cardiac arrhythmia would shorten the diagnostic time and accelerate medical intervention resulting in reducing the mortality rate. In this thesis, I have developed a simple and low-cost computer-aided diagnostic system using MATLAB-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) to facilitate fast operation and access to the data along with the overall accuracy of the system. The acquired ECG signals are processed …

Embryonic Exposure To The Synthetic-Progesterone Levonorgestrel (Lng) Results In Hyperactive Behavior In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Austin D. Fuentes

Theses and Dissertations

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety-like behavior at various life stages. Levonorgestrel (LNG), a synthetic contraceptive, could potentially alter steroidal regulated brain development based on the findings of this thesis. In-silico measurements were used for comparing LNG, which had been found in surface water, to chemical databases to predict the bioavailability, half-life, and estrogen binding potential. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) for illuminating the effects of LNG exposure during early zebrafish embryonic development, similar to fetal development, on behavior was investigated. Our data suggests exposure in a dose-dependent manner of LNG can potentially …

Activity, Stability, And Binding Capacity Of Β-Galactosidase Immobilized On Electrospun Nylon-6 Fiber Membrane, Deborah Ann Hutchins

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores various immobilized enzyme support materials, including the novel nylon-6 fiber membrane (NFM), observing the increase of surface area and what effect that has on enzyme binding potential. This study also manipulates incubation and reaction conditions and observes what affect that has on activity and stability of β-galactosidase comparing various solid support materials and free enzyme. Nylon-6 fiber membranes were created using the process of electrospinning and were compared with other materials as solid support materials for enzyme binding. The other materials included polyvinylidene fluoride 5 kD nanofiltration dairy membranes, nylon-6 pellets, silica glass beads, and free—dissolved—enzyme. Scanning …

Developing Rangeland Restoration Techniques: A Look At Phosphorus Fertilizer As A Seed Coating To Improve Bluebunch Wheatgrass Growth, Morgan Elaine Parkinson

Theses and Dissertations

Planting native species after a major disturbance is a critical tool land managers use to stabilize soils, restore ecosystem processes, and prevent weed invasion. However, within the sagebrush steppe and other arid and semi-arid environments the percentage of sown seeds that produce an adult plant is remarkably low. Applying fertilizers at the time of planting may improve native plant establishment by increasing the ability of the seedlings to cope with environmental stresses. However, traditional fertilizer applications are often economically infeasible and may be counterproductive by encouraging weed invasion. Seed coating technology allows for the efficient application of fertilizers within the …

Acute Muscle Responses To Blood Flow Restriction Exercises In Post Bariatric Surgery Patients, Victoria Ann Violette

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) determine if muscle activation was greater in a BFR exercise condition compared to non-BFR exercise condition using MRI T2 mapping, and (2) determine if the muscle activation for both BFR and non-BFR exercise conditions differs between postbariatric surgery individuals and individuals in 2 control groups. Methods: Three groups participated: (1) a normal-BMI group, (2) a postbariatric surgery group, and (3) a matched group for the surgery individuals. Ultrasound imaging was used to find the optimal BFR pressure for each participant. All participants participated in both BFR and non-BFR exercises. Using a …

The Effects Of Exercise On The Fasting Ketone Production Curve: A Randomized Crossover Study, Landon S. Deru

Theses and Dissertations

Elevated ketone production and utilization results in a host of health benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of ketone production during a prolonged fast and to evaluate how an initial bout of exercise influences this production. Mood and hunger, along with plasma insulin and glucagon, were also assessed. In this crossover study, 20 adult subjects (11 Male, 9 Female) completed two 36-hour fasts, with one protocol requiring the subject to complete an intense treadmill exercise session at the beginning of the fast. Ketone levels were assessed via blood ketone meter and recorded every two hours. …

The Anti-Diabetic Potential Of The African Adansonia Digitata L. Plant Extract, Marwa Tawfik Badawy

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a severe chronic disease affecting a large population worldwide. The Middle Eastern region has been gifted with lots of native medicinal plants. However, there is less information on development of these medicinal plants into nutraceuticals for modulating specific diseases such as diabetes of common occurrence regionally. Towards this end, there is a crucial need to investigate other types of treatments to modulate diabetes. This study is conducted to fill in this gap by investigating medicinal plant used as folk medicine, which is Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.). This study is performed in two phases: in-vitro and in-vivo. …

The Role Of Traditional Food In Jamaican Immigrants' Perceptions Of Health And Well-Being, Audrey Janice Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

Immigrants face many challenges when transitioning to life in a new country, and access to their traditional food can assist in facilitating a smoother transition. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact that access to traditional food has on the perception of health and well-being of Jamaican immigrants to the United States. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, twenty Jamaicans (10 in New York; 10 in Utah) participated in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed. Results: Participants expressed a preference for traditional food. New York participants had greater access to Jamaican food and rated their health …

Determination Of The Summer Origins Of American Kestrels ( Falco Sparverius ) Wintering In Northern And Central Illinois, Taylor P. Joray

Theses and Dissertations

The seasonal and interannual movements of the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) are not fully understood. Although one of the most widespread and abundant raptors found in North America, information on where many populations summer and overwinter is lacking. We used stable hydrogen isotope values obtained from feathers (δ2Hf) of known origin to create age-specific calibration functions for juvenile and adult American Kestrels. We then used these calibration functions to determine the most likely summer origins of the American Kestrels that wintered in northern and central Illinois during 2015-16, classified these individuals as year-round residents or wintering migrants, and validated these …

Perceptions Of A Small Midwestern Food Cooperative: A Case Study, Rebecca Forsythe

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to illuminate how individuals form perceptions of cooperatives, specifically of Green Top Grocery, a cooperative located in Bloomington Illinois, using the Bourdieu-sian habitus and notions of capital as a frame. Green Top Grocery suffers from fiscal instability since they opened in 2017. They also struggle to gain support of lower income individuals, a key demographic they sought to help since their inception based on their stated values. By conducting qualitative interviews of three sample groups: Green Top Grocery board members and leadership, local food access experts, and West Bloomington residents, and non-participant observations, this …

Studimi I Dietës Së Femrave Shtatzënë, Flaka Cana

Theses and Dissertations

Kjo temë e diplomës studion mënyrën e të ushqyerit të femrave shtatzënë .

Pjesa e kapitullit të parë shpjegon sasinë e makronutrientëve dhe mikronutrientëve të cila nevoiten për femrat shtatzënë dhe nutrientët të cila nevoitet për rritjen e fëmijes.

Pjesa e kapitullit të dytë kemi rekomandimi për dietën e femrave shtatzënë me kolesterol të lartë,diabet apo anemi dhe mënyra e shëndeshme për femrat shtatzënë me dieta vegjetariane apo vegane

Qëllimi i kësaj është përmbledhja e rekomandimeve për mënyrën e të ushqyerit për femrat shtatzënë të cilat kanë sëmundje të caktuara.

Pjesa e praktikës e kësaj teze merret me analizimin e …

Studimi I Dietës Së Femrave Shtatzënë, Flaka Cani

Theses and Dissertations

Kjo temë e diplomës studion mënyrën e të ushqyerit të femrave shtatzënë . Pjesa e kapitullit të parë shpjegon sasinë e makronutrientëve dhe mikronutrientëve të cila nevoiten për femrat shtatzënë dhe nutrientët të cila nevoitet për rritjen e fëmijes. Pjesa e kapitullit të dytë kemi rekomandimi për dietën e femrave shtatzënë me kolesterol të lartë,diabet apo anemi dhe mënyra e shëndeshme për femrat shtatzënë me dieta vegjetariane apo vegane Qëllimi i kësaj është përmbledhja e rekomandimeve për mënyrën e të ushqyerit për femrat shtatzënë të cilat kanë sëmundje të caktuara. Pjesa e praktikës e kësaj teze merret me analizimin e …