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Yield And Quality Of Tropical Legumes During The Dry Season: Galactia Striata (Jacq.) Urb., R R. Vera, E A. Pizarro, M Martins, J.A. C. Viana

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A small-plot experiment was conducted during 2 consecutive years in the cerrados of Brazil to evaluate the effect of four dates of deferment (21 February, 7 and 21 March, and 4 April, respectively) on rate of growth, chemical composition, and in-vitro dry-matter digestibility (IVDMD) of a pure stand of Galactia striata, a naturalized legume. The chosen dates of deferment em­braced the last 2 months of the rainy season. Yields were estimated at intervals of 28 days, over an experimental period of 237 days, ending with the beginning of the following rainy season. Asymptotic growth was observed throughout the experimental period. …

Potential Of Aeschynomene Sp. For Pastures In The Tropics, A E. Kretschmer Jr, G H. Snyder

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objectives of this study were to assess the forage potential of readily available world germ plasm of the genus Aeschynomene, which comprises 160 species; to compare some attributes of the commercial American jointvetch (Aeschynomene americana L.) with those of other accessions of the same and of other species; and to compare the seasonal growth pattern and response to phosphorus (P) of commercial jointvetch with two perennial tropical legumes. Evaluations were made of 342 accessions, including 25 identified species. Data collected from observational plots in 1978 and 1980 included initial flowering dates, plant vigor, and growth habit; from replicated plots, …

Some Initial Results Of Field Trials Conducted In Establishing A Pasture-Seed Industry In Cojedes State, Venezuela, E.J A. Khan, W H. Mark

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In starting a pasture-seed industry on a farm located at lat 9°50' N that gets about 1,600 mm of rain yearly followed by a severe dry season from mid-December to April, four widely separated sites were selected to plant three grasses for commercial seed production in 1978. The objectives were to assess the fertility status of the soils, then to determine the fertilizer re­quirements of the grasses at each site and to establish an introduction garden with 70 cultivars of grasses and legumes to study their suitability for expanding seed production. Based on the results of soil analyses, a modified …

Insect Pests Of Tropical Forage Plants In South America, Mario Calderon

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objectives of this continuing research are to make a general survey of the insect populations occurring on tropical forage plants in South America and to identify the most important pests. To realize this investigation, pure stand plots 5 X 5 m were sampled every 14 days during 2 years using a D-Vac. Vacuum Sampler.

The following information was obtained:

• Most important families and/or genera of insects in tropical forage legumes and grasses. • Insect group frequency for each season. • Insect group frequency for each plant ecotype under study. • Preliminary data on insect preference. • Preliminary data …

Sown Grassland As An Alternative To Shifting Cultivation In Lowland Humid Tropics, H R. Chheda, O Babalola, M.A M. Saleem, M E. Aken'ova

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Agriculture based on existing forms of shifting cultivation will not be able to support and feed adequately the rapidly increasing human population of the lowland humid tropics of Africa. The forest and natural fallows have shortened and even disap• peared in some areas because of rising food demands. Crop yields are low and continue to decline. What, then, are the alter­natives? Using Cynodon as an example, an attempt is made to show that mixed farming offers an alternative whereby the nutrient status and physical properties of the soil can be maintained, erosion can be checked, weeds can be kept under …

Animal Production From Brazilian Tropical Pastures, G L. Rocha, V.B G. Alcantara, P B. Alcantara

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This review deals with the potential for beef production from nitrogen- and legume-based pastures in tropical Brazil. Possibilities for impr􀀞ving the beef industry supported by grass-legume pastures are very promising. According to the literature examined, legume-based pastures produced an annual average of 329 kg gain/ha, and nitrogen (N) fertilization resulted in 4.56 kg gain/ha. Phosphorus (P) was the main fertilizer utilized in addition to N, followed by potassium (K), lime, and micronutrients. An­nual rainfall averaged 1430 mm. Grasses used were of the genera Melinis, Hyparrhenia, Panicum, Cenchrus, Digitaria, Cynodon, Brachiaria, and Pennisetum, and the legumes were of the genera Macroptilium, …

Verano Stylo In Semiarid Northeastern Thailand, A Topark-Ngarm

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Srylosanthes hamata cv. Verano was first introduced to Thailand in 197 5. In the northeastern part of the country where the climate is marginal and the soils are low in fertility, Verano appears to be one of the most suitable forage legumes used in pasture-improvement programs. Verano can be grown satisfactorily on most soils in the northeast. Oversowing the seed at 3.1 kg/ha on unploughed areas resulted in a density of 5-30 plants/m2, while in cultivated land the same amount of seed gave 20-45 plant/m2 • In a 3-year ex­periment under different seeding rates and cutting intervals Verano outyielded three …

Hemarthria Altissima: A Pasture Grass For The Tropics, K H. Quesenberry, W R. Ocumpaugh, O C. Ruelke

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima [Poir] Stapf. et C.E. Hubb), introduced into the U.S. in 1964, has been evaluated for use as a pasture grass. Under Florida conditions it has shown yield potential equal to or greater than other tropical pasture grasses. The cultivar Bigalta has higher in-vitro organic-matter digestion (IVOMD) than other tropical grasses at comparable growth stages. Early evaluations of limpograss involved only three clones, but additional genotypes were collected and introduced during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and an evaluation scheme for this germ plasm was undertaken. Our objectives were to evaluate rapidly the available germ plasm of …

2026 Conference Schedule, Tactical & Occupational Performance Conference

Tactical & Occupational Performance Conference

No abstract provided.

The Association Between Generative Artificial Intelligence Use And Students' Critical Thinking Performance In Uae Higher Education, Halima Omar

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education has reshaped how students engage with learning, raising critical questions about its influence on higher-order cognitive development. This topic is particularly prominent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where national priorities emphasize technological dominance and the development of a knowledge-based economy that demands the cultivation of graduates’ critical thinking competencies. Despite widespread AI adoption, empirical evidence linking patterns of AI use to critical thinking performance remains scarce. This dissertation fulfils this gap by examining the relationship between AI use and critical thinking among UAE higher education students, with particular attention …

Impact Of Insurance On In-Hospital Mortality And Other Outcomes Among Patients With Acs And Cardiogenic Shock: A Nationwide Analysis From 2022., Renzo Aller, Aura Calderon

Research Symposium

Introduction: Insurance coverage may significantly affect access to timely and advanced cardiovascular therapeutic interventions within the United States. Among individuals experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) accompanied by cardiogenic shock (CS), variations based on the primary payer may play a role in subsequent in-hospital outcomes. We conducted a retrospective analysis to determine whether insurance status correlates with in-hospital mortality and other outcomes among patients with AMI and CS, utilizing the NIS database.

Methods: ACS patients in the 2022 NIS were categorized as STEMI or NSTE-ACS using appropriate ICD‐10 codes. Patients with both types of ACS and cardiogenic shock were included in …

The Triple Threat: Hiv, Nonadherence, And Substance Use Driving Premature Coronary Events, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Taiwo Ajani, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Aura Calderon, Jose Pena

Research Symposium

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) experience nearly double the risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and often present with acute coronary syndromes at younger ages [1]. Chronic inflammation, immune activation, and drug–drug interactions between antiretrovirals and antiplatelet agents further contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis and poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) [2,3]. Importantly, in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains disproportionately frequent in PLWH despite modern drug-eluting stents, with medication nonadherence compounding risk [4]. We present a young woman with HIV and recurrent myocardial infarction due to rapid ISR, underscoring the impact of inflammation, adherence, and pharmacologic interactions on secondary prevention.

Case …

Survival Outcomes And Tumor Site Distribution By Molecular Subtype In Breast Cancer Patients Under 40, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Sierra Viduarri, Aura Calderon, Christine Pham, Shweta Singh, Mutaaz Ahmed, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Shubash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sidketa Fofana, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: Screening guidelines for breast cancer typically begin at age 40, leaving younger women at risk for delayed detection. The survival outcomes and tumor site patterns by subtype in this younger population remain underexplored. Our analysis leverages comprehensive national data to fill this critical knowledge gap, offering one of the most detailed evaluations to date of molecular subtype distribution, prognostic disparities, and anatomical presentation in women under 40.

Methods: Using the SEER 18 registry, we identified 5,026 female patients diagnosed under age 40 with invasive breast cancer in 2018. This year was selected for the most recent data available on …

Severe Cold Agglutinin Hemolytic Anemia Secondary To Mycoplasma Pneumoniae And Epstein-Barr Virus Co-Infection In An Elderly Patient, Aura Mc Calderon, Jose Loayza, Luis Salcedo, Ivan Mogollon, Asmik Asatrian

Research Symposium

Introduction: Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an uncommon, complement-mediated hemolysis typically driven by IgM autoantibodies; secondary forms are often infection-related. Severe, transfusion-refractory presentations are rare in older adults. We present an elderly patient with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein–Barr virus co-infection complicated by life-threatening cold agglutinin hemolysis.

Case report: Upon admission, a 79-year-old male patient presented with a one-week history of fatigue, pyrexia, nasal congestion, and dyspnea; examination findings revealed pallor, bibasilar crackles, and mild splenomegaly. Laboratory investigations indicated the presence of severe hemolytic anemia accompanied by compensatory reticulocytosis and thrombocytosis (hemoglobin 5.5 g/dL, hematocrit 17.2%, MCV 100 fL, reticulocytes …

Iptacopan-Responsive Pnh With Pancytopenia: Hematologic Normalization And Dose Adjustment For Transaminitis, Aura Mc Calderon, Jose Loayza, Francisco Arias, Catherine Matos, Bharat Peddinani, Diane Nguyen

Research Symposium

Introduction: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal hematopoietic stem-cell disorder driven by loss of GPI-anchored complement regulators (CD55, CD59), leading to complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis, cytopenias, and thrombosis. We report a new PNH diagnosis in a young woman with severe pancytopenia who achieved hematologic improvement on oral iptacopan, requiring dose adjustments for mild liver enzyme elevation.

Case Report: On February 27, 2025, a 38-year-old female patient exhibited symptoms of progressive fatigue, dyspnea, and jaundice. Initial laboratory assessments indicated the presence of severe hemolytic anemia accompanied by pancytopenia, hemoglobin level recorded at 4.7 g/dL, white blood cell count at 1.6×10³/µL (absolute …

Expression And Functional Significance Of The G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor (Gper) In Breast Cancer Subtypes, Sierra E. Vidaurri, Shweta Singh, Valerie E. Ledezma, Rajasekhar Baru, Emma Garza, Francisco Flores, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Aura Calderon, Alexander Lim, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: The G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates rapid non-genomic estrogen signaling and has been implicated in breast cancer progression and aggressiveness. However, its expression patterns across molecular subtypes and its direct functional contribution to tumor behavior remain incompletely defined. The objective of this study was to comprehensively characterize GPER expression in breast cancer tissues and to functionally validate its role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and migration using genetic modulation approaches.

Methods: GPER expression was evaluated in breast cancer cell lines and patient tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and RT-PCR. Tumors were classified into Luminal A, Luminal …

Clinical Outcomes In Neutropenic Fever At A South Texas Community Hospital In Hispanic Patients., Bharat K. Peddinani, Aura Calderon, Ramon Elizondo-Romo, Elizabeth Mills-Reyes, Everardo Cobos

Research Symposium

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) remains a high-acuity complication of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, yet outcomes in Hispanic patients—particularly in South Texas—are underrepresented. We compared outcomes of FN admissions among Hispanic adults with solid tumors versus hematologic malignancies at a community hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult hospital admissions for FN from January 2022 through January 2025. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, FN documented in the emergency department, active chemotherapy for a solid or hematologic malignancy, and Hispanic ethnicity. Of 139 charts screened, 97 met criteria (46 solid tumors; 51 hematologic malignancies). Primary …

From Risk Factor To Cause Of Death: Hypertensive Heart Disease And The Changing Composition Of Heart Disease Mortality In Texas Compared With The United States, 1999–2020, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Aura Calderon, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Daniela Hernandez

Research Symposium

Background: Heart disease mortality has declined nationwide, but Texas continues to experience higher rates than the United States overall. At the same time, hypertensive heart disease (HHD) has become more prominent within cardiovascular mortality statistics. Whether this shift reflects a growing hypertension-driven contribution to the Texas–U.S. gap has not been well quantified. We compared long-term trends in HHD mortality and the presence of HHD on death certificates among heart disease deaths in Texas versus the United States.

Methods: We analyzed CDC WONDER Underlying Cause of Death and Multiple Cause of Death files, 1999–2020, restricted to decedents aged ≥25 years. HHD …

Gper As A Therapeutic Target In Breast Cancer: Pharmacologic Inhibition And Microbiome Associations, Sierra E. Vidaurri, Shweta Singh, Valerie E. Ledezma, Rajesekhar Baru, Emma Garza, Francisco Flores, Muhammad Noorani, Shubhank Goyal, Aura Calderon, Alexander Lim, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan, Diane Nguyen, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Background: The G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates rapid estrogen signaling that promotes proliferation, migration, and therapeutic resistance in breast cancer, including in hormone receptor–negative subtypes. Notably, standard endocrine therapies may inadvertently activate GPER, highlighting the need for direct targeting of this pathway. The objectives of this study were to evaluate GPER as a therapeutic target using pharmacologic modulators and to determine how GPER-driven tumor behavior relates to tumor microbiome composition across breast cancer subtypes.

Methods: Breast cancer cell lines representing Luminal A (MCF7), Luminal B (BT474), HER2-enriched (SKBR3), and triple-negative (HCC38, MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-231) subtypes were treated with Ormeloxifene (ORM). …

When A Pain Crisis Isn’T Only A Crisis: Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction With Hyperhemolysis In Adult Sickle Cell Disease., Bharat K. Peddinani, Conrad Chouinard, Aura Calderon, Maria I. Lopez, Diane Nguyen

Research Symposium

Introduction: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) is frequently mistaken for vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) or evolving acute chest syndrome (ACS). New alloantibodies may be absent or delayed, so reflex transfusion can worsen hemolysis. Programs now emphasize routine post-transfusion surveillance and a protocolized, transfusion-sparing response when DHTR is suspected.

Case Presentation: A 35-year-old man with hemoglobin SS SCD, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and recurrent priapism presented with severe left-leg pain two weeks after receiving two units of packed red blood cells for pre-operative optimization. Baseline hemoglobin (Hb) was ~6 g/dL; he was off disease-modifying therapy. …

Seeing The Pattern: Optic Neuritis, Multifocal Mri Lesions, And The Early Diagnosis Of Multiple Sclerosis, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, William Reckley, Aura Calderon, Luis Gaitan

Research Symposium

Background: Optic neuritis is a common neuro-ophthalmic emergency and may be the first clinical manifestation of inflammatory demyelinating disease. In the acute setting, clinicians must rapidly distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) from important mimics, particularly when optic nerve involvement is accompanied by spinal cord lesions. A structured approach integrating phenotype, MRI lesion distribution and activity, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers can support timely diagnosis and guide counseling regarding long-term management. We report a young man presenting with unilateral optic neuritis and prior transient neurologic episodes, highlighting a practical diagnostic framework applicable to emergency and inpatient care.

Case Presentation: A 27-year-old man …

Data-Driven Qoe Inference For Htttp Adaptive Streaming, Tisa Selma

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

In HTTP adaptive streaming, accurately inferring user Quality of Experience (QoE) remains challenging due to dynamic network conditions, content variations, end-to-end encryption, intrusive advertisement interruptions, and diverse user engagement behaviors. Conventional approaches, such as ITU-T P.1203, fall short in capturing real-time user perception, accounting for ad related disruptions, or adapting to model drift over time. This dissertation therefore aims to develop a multimodal face emotion recognition (FER) based inference model that predicts QoE under encryption and advertisement conditions while being interpretable, robust, resilient to drift, and highly accurate. To achieve these objectives, a unified framework is designed and implemented. The …

Level Of Nitrogen Fertilizer In Annual Winter Pasture (Oats-Ryegrass) And Summer Pasture (Millet): Effects On Milk Production, C J. Olivo, I L. Barreto, D A. Stiles

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two experiments were conducted with lactating Holstein cows to study the effects of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer (urea) on annual pasture: experiment 1, oats (Avena byzantina K. Koch) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.); experiment 2, millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.] Leche). Base fertilizer (8-28-18) was applied, and at the five-leaf stage three levels of nitrogen (N) (75, 150, and 225 kg/ha) were applied. The millet pasture followed the oat + ryegrass pasture, with the N treatments being maintained in the same areas. Two ha were planted for each treatment (total, 6 ha). In experiment 1, twelve lactating cows were randomly …

Effect Of Sheep And Cattle Grazing On A Mixed Pasture Of Perennial Ryegrass, Kikuyu, And White Clover, G J. Goold

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Mixed pastlkes of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ), kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) are commonly found within warm-zone areas of New Zealand but are frequently disliked because of prob­lems associated with kikuyugrass dominance. A grazing experiment was conducted to provide basic information on the response of such swards to grazing by cattle and sheep. The pastures were rotationally grazed with young sheep or cattle at two stocking levels each year from 1970 to 1975, with stocking rates adjusted twice yearly according to seasonal pasture growth. The pastures grazed by cattle …

A Comparative Evaluation Of Six Ryegrass Cultivars Under Grazing And Conservation Managements, M Ryan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Meat and dairy products command overriding importance in the Irish agricultural economy. They are derived primarily from Irish grasslands, which occupy 89% of the arable land area. Use of improved grass cultivars is probably the best means of increasing grassland output once the basics, optimal fertilizer use, and high stocking rates have been met. Objective identification of superior cultivars is the responsibility of state agencies. A recommended list, published annually in Ireland, presently contains 47 ryegrass (Lolium perenne) cultivars. There is some doubt, however, that results from small-plot cutting trials can be extrapolated to equivalent performance by grazing …

Dynamics Of Herbage Growth And Senescence In A Mixed-Species Temperate Sward Continuously Grazed By Sheep, J S. Bircham, J Hodgson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Four perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)-Poa annua L.-white clover (Trifolium repens L.) swards with herbage mass rang­ing from 500 to 1,700 kg organic matter (OM)/ha were established and maintained in as near a steady state as possible by con­tinuous but variahle stocking with sheep in order to study the influence of herbage mass on rates of herbage growth (G), senescence (S), and net production (NP), and on species balance. Estimates ofG, S, and NP were derived from measurements on individual grass tillers and clover stolon growth sites. The mean contributions to total G were 54, 20, and 4 ( ± …

Chinas Grassland Types: Their Locality And Improvement, Chia Shen-Siu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

China's natural grassland is mainly distributed over the temperate zone to the west and north of the isohyet of 400 mm annual rainfall and over the hilly subtropical areas in the southern part of the country, amounting to 3 7 % of the country's total land area. Since 1949, comprehensive surveys have been conducted on several occasions in Tibet, Neimenggu Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia), Xinjiang, and other regions. The resource of forage plants and grassland productivity has been studied. There are about 20 types and eight regions of grassland in China. On the natural steppe of the northern part of …

Production Response Of Russian Wildrye (Elymus Junceus Fisch.) To Fertilizer And Clipping, L Hofmann, J F. Karn

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Experiments were conducted on nitrogen (N) fertilization of long-term Russian wildrye (RWR) (E?Jimus junceus Fisch.) pasture and the effect of simulated spring grazing on quantity of forage available for fall use. A stand of RWR that had been fer­tilized with 45 kg N/ha and grazed annually for 10 years at Mandan, North Dakota, was divided into two experiments in 1978. The first evaluated effects from all combinations of 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, and 225 kg N/ha; 0, 45, and 90 kg phosphorus (P)/ha; and 0 and 135 kg potassium (K)/ha on dry-matter (DM) yields, whereas the second compared ten …

Changes In Quality And Composition Of Alfalfa During Autumn, S C. Fleming, M Collins, N A. Jorgensen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Autumn harvest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) offers a potential for obtaining additional forage production during a particular season. Little is known about the quality or changes in the chemical composition of this forage. The objective of this research was to examine changes in chemical composition, dry-matter intake (DMI), and apparent digestibility of alfalfa during autumn in Wisconsin. An established stand of Vernal alfalfa, early bud to midbud, was harvested using a flail harvester on 5 and 20 October and 5 and 18 November 1979. The forage was dried at 55°C for 72 to 96 hours in burlap bags. A …

Stockpiling Of Cool-Season Grasses In Autumn, C T. Dougherty

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The practice of accumulating growth of cool-season grasses in the late summer and early autumn for subsequent grazing in late autumn and winter, known as stockpiling, has been widely accepted by beef cow-calf producers. The objectives of our study were to determine the growth characteristics of cool-season grasses in the autumn under nitrogen (N) fertilization and to in­vestigate utilization of stockpiled forages. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) has many attributes that make it highly suited to stockpiling. On Maury silt loams, Kentucky 31 tall fescue accumulated 6,500 kg/ha of dry matter from 16 August 1979 to 12 December 1979 …