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Early Performance Comparison Of Bareroot And Containerized Loblolly Pine (Pinus Taeda L) Planting Stock: Does Stocktype, Genetics, And Time Of Planting Play A Key Role?, Jason Watson

Theses and Dissertations

Bareroot and containerized loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were planted in December 2016 and February 2017 to compare performance across four sites in South Carolina and Georgia. Main treatments analyzed for growth differences were stocktype, genetics, and planting date. Analysis of variance results showed significant growth differences after two growing seasons for containerized over bareroot seedlings, for control-pollinated seedlings over open-pollinated and varietal seedlings, and for December-planted seedlings over February-planted seedlings. Control–pollinated seedlings demonstrated the most incremental growth between ages one and two. Site conditions dictated seedling survival to a certain degree, and bareroot seedling growth was slightly better than …

Effects Of Fire Phenology And Stump Sprouting On Summer Nutritional Carrying Capacity For White-Tailed Deer, Rainer Nichols

Theses and Dissertations

Prescribed fire is commonly used to manage white-tailed deer habitat. However, nutrition is still limited during the summer for deer in the Southeast and prescribed fire is commonly restricted to the dormant season. Knowledge of fire phenology effects on summer nutrient availability is relatively unknown. Stump sprouts may also affect available nutrition, which could be important when managing for summer nutrition. To address this summer nutritional stress period, I examined impacts prescribed fire phenology and mechanical stump sprouting had on summer nutritional carrying capacity for deer. Results indicated implementing prescribed fire in both dormant and growing-seasons led to increased summer …

Allelopathy In Weedy Rice As A Genetic Resource For Developing Competitive Rice Varieties, Brooklyn Christine Schumaker

Theses and Dissertations

Weedy rice is of the same species as cultivated rice, Oryza, and is a common rice weed exhibiting allopathic characteristics. Incorporation of allelopathic traits from weedy rice into cultivated rice may have a positive impact on rice yield. The overall objective of this study was to characterize weedy rice accessions based on the allelopathic potential to suppress barnyardgrass. These accessions, once discovered, may be used in identifying phenotypic traits and genes associated with their weed suppressive trait. Ten weedy rice accessions, and five rice cultivars (Rex, CL163,Rondo, PI312777, PI338046) were screened using a stair-step technique. The allelopathic potential was calculated …

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 …

Effects Of Food Gums And Pre-Drying On Fat Content Of Fabricated Fried Chips, Jane C. Lumanlan, Warnakulasuriya M.A.D.B. Fernando, Weeraya Karnpanit, Vijay Jayasena

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Deep-frying contributes to the unique taste and texture of fried products. However, they are low in nutritional value. Food industries actively trying to find ways to reduce the fat content while maintaining organoleptic properties of fried foods. In this work, effects of pre-drying and adding food gums on the moisture and fat contents of chips were evaluated. The chips were pre-dried for 60 and 90 min, and gellan gum, guar gum, methylcellulose and xanthan gum were added at the concentration of 0.25, 0.75, 1 and 2 % w/w. The xanthan gum was the most effective gum for fat reduction. The …

Adult Liver Transplantation: A Uk Clinical Guideline - Part 1: Pre-Operation, Charles Millson, Aisling Considine, Matthew E. Cramp, Andrew Holt, Stefan Hubscher, John Hutchinson, Kate Jones, Joanna Leithead, Steven Masson, Krish Menon, Darius Mirza, James Neuberger, Raj Prasad, Anthony Pratt, Wendy Prentice, Liz Shepherd, Ken Simpson, Doug Thorburn, Rachel Westbrook, Dhiraj Tripathi

Peninsula Medical School

Liver transplantation is a highly successful treatment for all types of liver failure, some non-liver failure indications and liver cancer. Most referrals come from secondary care. This first part of a two-part guideline outlines who to refer, and how that referral should be made, including patient details and additional issues such as those relevant to alcohol and drug misuse. The process of liver transplant assessment involves the confirmation of the diagnosis and non-reversibility, an evaluation of comorbidities and exclusion of contraindications. Finally, those making it onto the waiting list require monitoring and optimising. Underpinning this process is a need for …

Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Dairy Pasture Systems In New Zealand, Jiafa Luo, S. B. Lindsey, Sterwart F. Ledgard, W. Sun, M. Kear

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Improvement Of Production And Nutrient Uptake Of Pueraria Phaseoloides By Rock Phosphate Fertilization In Kombucha Suspension And Glomus Manihotis Fungi Inoculation, Dwi Retno Lukiwati, Novik Nurhidayat, Puput Puspitasari

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Soil Temperature And Soil Moisture On Soil Respiration Of Ungrazed Grassland In Loess Plateau , Gansu, Xudong Li, Ding Guo, Xiaodong Li, Xiaoyu Dong, Hua Fu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Health And Wellness Education Components, Modalities And Timing On Srna Self Efficacy And Coping, Jessica Rogers, Amanda Hemple

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Health and wellness education is touted as a tool for improved self-efficacy and coping for student registered nurse anesthetists but the details of the effectiveness remain unclear. Objectives: Evaluate effects of content, modalities and timing of health and wellness education on the self efficacy and coping mechanisms of students in a nurse anesthesia training program. Method: Survey responses from 159 participants were collected online. Participants identified their General Self-Efficacy Score (GSE), Brief COPE score, average daily stress, health and wellness education components and the timing and modalities in which they were delivered, and if they assessed their education as …

Selective Inhibition Of Mtorc1 In Tumor Vessels Increases Antitumor Immunity, Shan Wang, Ariel Raybuck, Eileen Shiuan, Sung Hoon Cho, Qingfei Wang, Dana M Brantley-Sieders, Deanna Edwards, Margaret M Allaman, James Nathan, Keith T Wilson, David Denardo, Siyuan Zhang, Rebecca Cook, Mark Boothby, Jin Chen

Open Access Publications

A tumor blood vessel is a key regulator of tissue perfusion, immune cell trafficking, cancer metastasis, and therapeutic responsiveness. mTORC1 is a signaling node downstream of multiple angiogenic factors in the endothelium. However, mTORC1 inhibitors have limited efficacy in most solid tumors, in part due to inhibition of immune function at high doses used in oncology patients and compensatory PI3K signaling triggered by mTORC1 inhibition in tumor cells. Here we show that low-dose RAD001/everolimus, an mTORC1 inhibitor, selectively targets mTORC1 signaling in endothelial cells (ECs) without affecting tumor cells or immune cells, resulting in tumor vessel normalization and increased antitumor …

Why Form A Coalition? Facilitator's Guide, Daniel Kahl

Community and Leadership Development

Working in partnership with others brings expanded expertise, resources and networks to any initiative. When addressing difficult and complex community issues, sustained solutions often require the support and investment of many community members. But working in a coalition means giving up some of the credit and control. Working in a coalition is one way to organize to work on shared outcomes, but is it the right way? This guide will help a group reflect on the pressing question: Why form a Coalition?

Bisphenol-A (Bpa) And Breast Cancer: Utilizing Risk Assessment And Education To Improve Preventative Care, Ashley Catherine Babcock

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Breast cancer places a large burden on many communities, causing mortalities, and lasting physical, mental, and financial damage. The majority of cases are not caused by a genetic risk factor, which speaks to the importance of addressing environmental risk factors to reduce disease burden. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is linked to increase risk for and metastasis of breast cancer. BPA is widely used in plastics, exposing a huge portion of the United States population. This project used the model developed for the Green Choices program to trial response to the use of an environmental risk survey and education tool that can be …

The Holy Trinity, Anusha Bhojanam '24

First-Year Summer Reading Program Essay Contest

“Villians” such as capitalism and racism hinder efforts to reach a place….This place is the intersection of health, healing, and humanity. This place is where everyone, where humanity, has human rights.

Quantifying Breast Milk Retinol Inadequacy And The Impact On Neonatal Outcomes In A Midwestern United States Population Of Postpartum Women, Julia Wickman, Allison Zetterman, Lauren Wegner, Jaden Hattery, Rebecca Slotkowski, Matthew Vanormer, Melissa Thoene, Maranda Thompson, Corrine Hanson, Ann Anderson-Berry

Posters: 2020 Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Background: Low serum antioxidant concentrations at birth can lead to oxidative stress, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy, and necrotizing colitis in infants. Specifically, low retinol (Vitamin A1) levels can cause night blindness and impaired immune system function. Retinol inadequacy is a well-documented nutritional issue in developing countries. According to World Health Organization survey data, low Vitamin A serum levels (less than 300 mcg/L) impact approximately one third of pre-school aged children and more than 15% of pregnant woman in at-risk populations. However, there is a lack of understanding about the prevalence of breast milk retinol inadequacy in developed countries. For vitamin A …

Plasticity Ensures Robust Cell Wall Metabolism In Escherichia Coli, Elizabeth A. Mueller

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Single-celled organisms must adapt their physiology to persist and propagate across a wide range of environmental conditions. The growth and division of bacterial cells depends on continuous synthesis of an essential extracellular barrier: the peptidoglycan cell wall, a polysaccharide matrix that counteracts turgor pressure and confers cell shape. This dissertation identifies mechanisms that ensure robust peptidoglycan integrity and metabolism in Escherichia coli across growth environments and examines how these adaptations impact cell growth, division, morphogenesis, and antimicrobial resistance. The majority of enzymes involved in synthetizing and remodeling the peptidoglycan cell wall appear functionally redundant. In this dissertation (Chapters 2 and …

The Investigation Of Surface Structures On Various Pathogens And Their Interactions With The Human Immune System, Carmen M. Villalobos

Biomedical Engineering ETDs

The cell surface is the first interface the host immune system encounters and

its investigation has led to a better understanding of cellular biology and types of

pathways that pathogens target in a host cell. The cell surface has evolved to include

many functions such as manipulation of the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, membrane

trafficking, adhesion, and integration into host tissue. The pathogens of interest are

the pathogenic fungus, Candida albicans, and the parasite, Giardia lamblia and we

investigate the consequences of drug treatments on the cell surface, leading to

promising new targets.

Mentors International Microfinance Curriculum Design, Jessica Wilkinson

Instructional Psychology and Technology Graduate Student Projects

Mentors International is a non-profit that seeks to empower the world’s poor to grow in self-reliance through personal and business mentoring and access to financial services. Their goal was to create training curriculum that empowers clients of all education levels to start and grow their business, standardizes their training programs across the globe, and ultimately reduces repeat loan clients. This paper describes the design process of creating the curriculum, and the final product delivered.

The Skin Bundle, Jordan Bagby Adn, Rn, Ahema Mensah Bsn, Rn, Melanie Mosiniak Bsn, Rn, Katelyn Muraski Bsn, Rn, Shantel Sosa Bsn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Feeding And Swallowing Development In Children, Lauren Kaiser, Taeok Park

Graduate Independent Studies - Communication Sciences and Disorders

The feeding and swallowing developments are involved in maturation of anatomy, food textures, and utensils. As children grow, the dependence of feeding moves to self-feeding. Understanding and educating individuals about feeding and swallowing development is critical. The knowledge of feeding and swallowing development can help parents support nutrition and growth in their children by learning timelines and normal feeding and swallowing expectations. This project is to provide clinical resources in order to assist in providing proper care for patients, recognizing signs demonstrating difficulty swallowing, and implementing appropriate self-feeding and consistency development timetables. Caregivers and clinicians will benefit from this information.

Production, Botanical Composition And Nutrient Status Of An Originally Lolium Perenne--Dominant Sward Receiving Long‐Term Manure Applications, Wenju Liu, Y. G. Zhu, P. Christie, A. Scott Laidlaw

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Nitrous Oxide Emission And Methane Oxidation Potential In The Pastoral Soil Under Intensive Dairy Farm Management, Z. Li, F. M. Kelliher

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Different Land Use On Soil Organic Carbon And Microbial Biomass C In The Longzhong Part Of Loess Plateau, Xiaodong Li, Shifang Pei, Xudong Li, Ding Guo, Xiaoyu Dong, Hua Fu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.