Digital Commons Network^™

Development, Characterization, And Application Of Pearl Millet Starch-Based Nanocomposite Films Reinforced With Kudzu Cellulose Nanocrystals, Sneh Bangar

All Dissertations

The accumulation of plastic waste has created serious human, wildlife, and environmental problems. Because of increasing consumer consumption, post-consumer packaging has become a major source of plastic waste. Therefore, there is a great need to develop alternative packaging materials which are environment-friendly, economical, and effective. The current research focused on developing pearl millet starch (PMS)-based biopolymer films reinforced with kudzu cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as an alternative to plastic packaging. Nanocomposite films were formulated by blending PMS and glycerol (30%) with different kudzu CNCs concentrations (1–7wt%) using the solution casting process. The prepared PMS/kudzu CNCs nanocomposite films were tested for various …

Etiology And Epidemiology Of Mini-Ring In Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens, Lukas Dant

All Dissertations

Mini-ring is a disease in ultradwarf bermudagrass (UDBG) [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis (Burtt-Davy)] putting greens caused by Waitea zeae (Voorhees) J.A. Crouch & Cubeta, (formerly Rhizoctonia zeae). Symptoms typically resemble frog-eye patches that are 10 to 40 cm in diameter with a bronze to orange outer ring and green center. In the southeastern United States, mini-ring symptoms appear in late-summer and generally persist until UDBG dormancy in late-fall. Mini-ring is often problematic in UDBG when nitrogen (N) fertility is reduced to manage organic matter production and improve putting green performance and perceived green speed. While …

Environmental Cleaning Evaluation Project For Rural Tribal Health Center, Brad Strait

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

This Tribal health clinic is located on reservation land and serves a community of approximately 1,550 members located over 64,000 acres located in Nevada and California. The clinic offers general health practice and podiatry at its central clinic with satellite offices located off-reservation offering dentistry, optometry, and behavioral health. The clinic is operated by Tribal staff and partners with the Indian Health Service (IHS) for environmental survey on an annual basis for compliance with Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) standards. While this clinic only offers outpatient services, the disinfection and cleaning protocols are an important step in limiting …

An Epidemiological Synthesis Of Emerging And Re-Emerging Zoonotic Disease Threats In Cameroon, 2000-2022 And Community Stakeholder Mapping, Nancy Tahmo

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Introduction: Population factors such as urbanization, socio-economic, and environmental factors are driving forces for emerging/re-emerging diseases in Cameroon, and the effects of these are experienced differently across demographics. Indigenous rainforest communities in the Congo Basin, for example, suffer worse health outcomes compared to neighboring communities, like the Pygmies, who have a life expectancy of 22 years less than neighboring Bantus. It is important to characterize the risk of exposure of these vulnerable communities and map out, through a systematic review, descriptive epidemiological data around zoonoses, to inform preparedness and research efforts.

Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a protocol was registered …

A Systematic Literature Review On The Capability Of Sio₂-Np’S Exposure To Exacerbate Parkinson’S (Pd) Pathology And The Risk Factors For Biomedical Applications In Pd, Seth Abdallah

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Silica Dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂-NP) have become increasingly ubiquitous in industry, which has stimulated research into the potential toxicity of these compounds. Recent studies have explored the association between amorphous silica nanoparticle exposure and the potential for neurotoxicity. Additionally, research has been conducted in the application of SiO₂-NP’s in theranostics and as drug directing agents , which based on current literature may be contraindicated for individuals with conditions such as Parkinson's Disease (PD) which is characterized by neuroinflammation. The following literature review will discuss evidence for silica dioxide nanoparticle exposure to induce neurotoxicity which may exacerbate neurodegenerative diseases such as PD. …

Descriptive Epidemiology Of West Nile Virus In Nebraska, 2005-2021, Luke Murphy

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Objectives: West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is naturally sustained in a Culex mosquito-bird-mosquito transmission cycle and can cause disease in birds, equines, and humans. Most human infections with WNV are asymptomatic; however, West Nile fever (WNF), or West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) can develop and be fatal in some circumstances. Between 2005 and 2021 there have been over 1,800 cumulative cases of WNV in Nebraska, which currently ranks as fourth in the United States for reported cases. WNV cases are a mandatory reportable disease in Nebraska through an electronic reporting system managed by the Nebraska Department …

Hispanic/Latino Mothers Of Children With Developmental Disabilities: Identifying Factors Associated With Practicing Self-Care And Mental Health Outcomes, Jessica Gutierrez

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Caring for a child with developmental disabilities can be challenging, exhausting, and overwhelming for many parents. The level of care that a child with disabilities requires can be intense, resulting in stress and negatively impacting caregivers' mental health. Many Hispanic/Latino mothers of children with developmental disabilities are not practicing self-care or using support services; thus, the mothers may experience high stress, depression, and anxiety. Previous research studies have found adverse psychological effects such as high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. This quantitative study sought to identify the gaps and barriers Hispanic/Latino mothers of children with developmental disabilities encounter when …

Rsif Rwanda Country Report 2022, Regional Scholarship And Innovation Fund (Rsif)

Rsif Country Progress Reports

. Rwanda is the current chair of PASET and the first country to make a second additional USD 2 million contribution to Rsif. There are 22 competitively selected Rwandan Rsif PhD students in five thematic areas in eight different African Host Universities across the continent. There are so far four Rwandan Rsif alumni and 39 publications by Rwandan Rsif students. University of Rwanda was competitively selected as an Rsif African host university in ICT, including artificial intelligence and data science in 2019. The ACE Internet of Things (IoT) is hosting 18 Rsif funded students (44% women) from eleven different nationalities. …

Rsif Korea Country Report 2022, Regional Scholarship And Innovation Fund (Rsif)

Rsif Country Progress Reports

Government of Korea contributed USD 9 million to Rsif in 2018. There are 72 competitively selected Korean funded Rsif PhD students (44% women) from twenty Sub-Saharan African nationalities. They study across all five thematic areas in thirteen different African Host Universities. Seven advanced Korean institutions have signed MOUs with PASET to host Rsif students for research placement in Korea. So far 35 PhD students have been matched. There are 4 Rsif graduates who completed their research placement in Korea. Korea also supports 21 Rsif research projects implemented by faculty in African universities and returning Rsif graduates.

Rsif Kenya Country Report 2022, Regional Scholarship And Innovation Fund (Rsif)

Rsif Country Progress Reports

Kenya was the first country to contribute USD 2 million to Rsif in 2018 followed by Rwanda, and Kenya is the former chair of PASET. There are 25 competitively selected Kenyan Rsif doctoral scholars (68% women) in four thematic areas in eight different Rsif African Host Universities across the continent. There are so far 3 Kenyan Rsif alumni and 32 publications by Kenyan Rsif students. Two Kenyan universities were competitively selected as Rsif African host universities: University of Nairobi in Energy, including renewables (PhD in Physics) and Kenyatta University in Minerals, Mining and Material Science area (PhD in Material Science). …

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Aberrant Circulating Steroid Hormones In Gnrhr-Ii Knockdown Boars And Their Control Littermates, Dorothy H. Elsken

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Swine are the only livestock species that produce a functional protein for both GnRH-II and its receptor (GnRHR-II). Our laboratory reported that the interaction between GnRH-II and GnRHR-II facilitates testosterone production, independent of LH stimulation. To further examine GnRHR-II function, we developed a swine line with 70% reduced GnRHR-II mRNA levels (GnRHR-II KD) compared to control littermates. Mass spectrometry analysis of serum revealed that circulating levels of gonadal steroids were reduced in mature transgenic vs. control boars. Paradoxically, evaluation of testicular tissue indicated no difference between lines for gonadal steroid hormone levels. To address a potential cause for this discrepancy, …

Mosaico De Fantasía: A Collection Of Microrrelatos And Short Stories, Jennifer Gutierrez

Theses and Dissertations

Art is subjective, as is the art of writing. Creating a piece of writing out of a fleeting thought is truly the most frightening yet fulfilling feeling there is for a writer. Entire universes with their own unique worlds, aesthetic verses littered with imagery to paint an intricate mental picture; each representing a brief scenario that my mind decided to fabricate out of nothingness. Though not everyone will love my work, my goal is to reach someone that might. Even if it’s just one person. I want them to read my work and think “This is pretty cool.” My …

Satellite Data And Imagery As Evidence, Ronald J. Rychlak, Sean Patrick Taylor

Journal of Space Law

No abstract provided.

The Invisible Meat Microcosmos: Investigations Of Processed Meats' Specific Spoilage Organisms, Rebecca Furbeck

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As humankind grows in population, so will our need to compete against bacterial populations which spoil foodstuffs before we are able to consume them. This dissertation aims to identify the bacterial communities responsible for meat spoilage, and the mechanisms that govern the behaviors of these organisms. The literature review summarizes the state of knowledge regarding factors that influence meat microbiome composition, and how analytical methods can influence research outcomes. Study 1 aimed to identify the impact of additional ingredients and processing steps on the microbial ecology of processed turkey products. The main specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) belonged to the orders …

Impacts Of Feeding Biochar To Beef Cattle On Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Performance And Characterizing Yearling Steers Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pasture Using Gps, Holly A. Heil

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As global warming continues to rise, the pressure and growing demand for sustainable animal production is increasing. Livestock naturally produce greenhouse gas emissions through enteric fermentation. Dietary manipulation strategies have been sought out to decrease emissions in ruminants using feed additives.

Two independent finishing feedlot experiments evaluated two types of biochar and its effects on animal performance, carcass characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions. Experiment 1 utilized pistachio shell biochar and experiment 2 utilized biochar sourced from ponderosa pine wood waste, both types included at 1% of the diet DM. The addition of biochar to the diet did not impact animal …

The Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level Program’S Role In Positive Youth Development Using The Five Cs Model: An Exploratory Study, Eunhye Mccarthy

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Positive youth development (PYD) focuses on developing the strengths of youth through positive activities and behaviors rather than reducing negative tendencies. A well-researched model of PYD is the five C’s model that is popularly used in youth development organizations such as 4-H. The Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level program was intended to serve as a guidebook for instruction and assessment of youth as they learn more about horses and horsemanship skills. Each of the four levels has an emphasis in developing a 4-H member’s responsibility, self-discipline, self-reliance, patience, and pride of accomplishments. The program was started approximately 30 years ago …

Variance Component Estimates For Growth Traits In Beef Cattle Using Selected Variants From Imputed Low-Pass Sequence Data, Chad A. Russell

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A beef cattle population (n = 2,343) was used to assess the impact of variants identified from imputed low-pass sequence (LPS) on the estimation of variance components and genetic parameters of birth weight (BWT) and post weaning gain (PWG). Variants were selected based on functional impact and were partitioned into four groups (Low, Modifier, Moderate, High) based on predicted functional consequences and re-partitioned based on consequence of mutation, such as missense and untranslated region variants, into six groups (G1-G6). Each subset was used to construct a genomic relationship matrix (GRM) for univariate animal models. Multiple analyses were conducted to …

Environmental Determination Of Gastrointestinal Parasitism In Katahdin Sheep, Brian Arisman

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) negatively affect the performance and wellbeing of sheep and are difficult to control due to anthelmintic resistance. Producers are therefore choosing breeds naturally resistant to GIN infection, such as the Katahdin. Katahdin are raised in various climates and management systems in the U.S., and those environmental factors can be combined into eco-management clusters. We hypothesized that GIN challenge varies predictably based on the characteristics of these clusters. Katahdin producers from across the U.S. were surveyed for management information. Body weights (BW), fecal egg counts (FEC) and FAMACHA scores (FAM) were collected on 3,527 Katahdin lambs around 90 …

Evaluation Of Nutritional Factors Affecting Sow Reproductive Longevity, J'Nan E. Wittler

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Sow reproductive longevity is an important trait for swine operations from a production and economic standpoint. Previous research has shown that a sow needs to produce 3 litters before she covers the costs associated with introducing her to the operation. A literature review of research conducted related to sow longevity is discussed in Chapter 1. Chapters 2 and 3 present data from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s long-term sow longevity research. The research looks at the effects of energy restriction with soy hulls during gilt development on sow reproductive longevity through 4 parities. Chapter 2 presents data from replications …

Students' Perceptions Of Online Equine Courses And Their Impacts On Learning Outcomes, Blaire L. (Gibbens) Speck

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Post-secondary education is always changing and evolving. Over the last few years, significant changes in education have resulted in an increased number of online courses. Approximately 28% of students seeking higher education participate in at least one online course and 14% are enrolled exclusively in distance or online programs (Allen & Seaman, 2016). However, courses that are typically hands-on, like equine science, may be more challenging online. The hands-on experiences in equine science classes help prepare students for future careers. Due to an increase in students choosing to take courses online, a review of online teaching methods was conducted to …

Using Response Surface Methodology To Optimize Biodiesel Production From Sweet Almond (Prunusamygdalus Dulcis) And Jatropha (Jatropha Curcas) Seed Oils, Aliru Olajide Mustapha, Ahmed Dare Sarumi, Sheriphdeen Abiodun Adewuyi, Emmanuel Oluwatobi Ayantoyinbo, Blessing Ruth Adebayo, Rhoda Opeyemi Adams, Zainab Jasmie Abdulsalam, Samson Oladapo Bello

Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

The depletion of natural resources and the negative impact of oil on the environment have sparked interest in biodiesel as an alternative source of energy. Indigenous vegetable oils have the potential to be used as biodiesel feedstocks. Transesterification of vegetable oils produces biodiesel, which is regulated by numerous inputs factors, such as catalyst dosage, temperature, speed, and time while the density and specific gravity are outputs. Sweet almond (prunusamygdalus dulcis) and jatropha (jatropha curcas) seed oils were used to optimize conditions for the transesterification processes using the response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental matrix at different sodium hydroxide doses (0.3 …

An In Depth In Vitro And In Vivo Analysis Of Metabolism And Pharmacokinetics Of Polydatin And Its Active Metabolite, Resveratrol: In Rats., Robin Sunsong

Dissertations (2016-Present)

Upon oral administration, polydatin undergoes hydrolysis by intestinal microbial b- glucuronidase, releasing its active metabolite, resveratrol. Resveratrol is easily absorbed by the gut lumen and is further metabolized in the liver, producing a glucuronide conjugated metabolite. Following conjugation, the metabolite is actively secreted through the bile duct back into the small intestine. There, the microbiota may again hydrolyze the compound, releasing resveratrol back into the gastrointestinal tract for absorption, a process known as enterohepatic recycling. A sensitive, specific, and reproducible ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated. This method was applied for the determination of …

Dynamic Surface Tension Of Surfactants Through Separation Of Diffusion And Dilation Effects, Brandon Ortiz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Surfactants are biphilic monomers that adsorb to interfaces and have the ability to reduce interfacial tension. From this reduction in interfacial tension, surfactants are able to function as emulsifiers, detergents, and wetting agents among a variety of other things. Despite their ubiquity surfactants and surfactant behaviors, in particular those in highly dynamic environments, are not yet well characterized. In these environments, surfactants undergo significant distortions to droplet, bubble, and foam geometries which induce changes to the surface tension. This establishes a need to understand how surfactants respond to distortions of geometry through diffusion and dilational effects. To address this need, …

Small Molecule Targeting Nav17 Via Inhibition Of The Crmp2-Ubc9 Interaction Reduces Pain In Chronic Constriction Injury (Cci) Rats, Jiahe Li, Harrison J Stratton, Sabina A Lorca, Peter M Grace, Rajesh Khanna

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The voltage-gated sodium channel isoform NaV1.7 is a critical player in the transmission of nociceptive information. This channel has been heavily implicated in human genetic pain disorders and is a validated pain target. However, targeting this channel directly has failed, and an indirect approach - disruption of interactions with accessory protein partners - has emerged as a viable alternative strategy. We recently reported that a small-molecule inhibitor of CRMP2 SUMOylation, compound

An Optimized Cell-Based Assay To Assess Influenza Virus Replication By Measuring Neuraminidase Activity And Its Applications For Virological Surveillance, Mira C Patel, Daniel Flanigan, Chenchen Feng, Anton Chesnokov, Ha T Nguyen, Anwar Abd Elal, John Steel, Rebecca J Kondor, David E Wentworth, Larisa V Gubareva, Vasiliy P Mishin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Year-round virological characterization of circulating epidemic influenza viruses is conducted worldwide to detect the emergence of viruses that may escape pre-existing immunity or acquire resistance to antivirals. High throughput phenotypic assays are needed to complement the sequence-based analysis of circulating viruses and improve pandemic preparedness. The recent entry of a polymerase inhibitor, baloxavir, into the global market further highlighted this need. Here, we optimized a cell-based assay that considerably streamlines antiviral and antigenic testing by replacing lengthy immunostaining and imaging procedures used in current assay with measuring the enzymatic activity of nascent neuraminidase (NA) molecules expressed on the surface of …

Evaluation Of Murine Host Sex As A Biological Variable In Transplanted Human Intestinal Organoid Development, Eoin P Mcneill, Vikas S Gupta, David J Sequeira, Noah F Shroyer, Allison L Speer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Human intestinal organoids (HIOs), when transplanted into immunocompromised mice (tHIOs), demonstrate significant growth and maturation. While both male and female mice are reported to be viable hosts for these experiments, a direct comparison of sex-related differences in tHIO structure and development has not been performed.

Aims: We sought to identify host sex-related differences in tHIO engraftment, morphology, and epithelial and mesenchymal development.

Methods: HIOs were generated in vitro and transplanted beneath the kidney capsule of NSG male and female mice. tHIOs were harvested at 8-9 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were captured. tHIOs were divided in half and histology or RT-qPCR …

Dysregulation Of Complement System In Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Mini Review, Danny Perez Sierra, Ashutosh Tripathi, Anilkumar Pillai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Complement system is one of the most important defense mechanisms of the innate immune system. In addition to their roles in immune regulation, complement proteins are also involved in neurodevelopment and adult brain plasticity. Complement dysregulation has been shown in neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder as well as in mood disorders. A number of clinical as well as genetic studies suggest the role of complement proteins in the cortical thinning and excessive synaptic pruning frequently associated with schizophrenia. The changes in complement proteins are also associated with the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder, major depressive disorder and …

Effects Of Gabapentin And Pregabalin On Calcium Homeostasis: Implications For Physical Rehabilitation Of Musculoskeletal Tissues, Perla C Reyes Fernandez, Christian S Wright, Stuart J Warden, Julia Hum, Mary C Farach-Carson, William R Thompson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose of review: In this review, we discuss the mechanism of action of gabapentinoids and the potential consequences of long-term treatment with these drugs on the musculoskeletal system.

Recent findings: Gabapentinoids, such as gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB) were designed as antiepileptic reagents and are now commonly used as first-line treatment for neuropathic pain and increasingly prescribed off-label for other pain disorders such as migraines and back pain. GBP and PGB exert their analgesic actions by selectively binding the α2δ1 auxiliary subunit of voltage-sensitive calcium channels, thereby inhibiting channel function. Numerous tissues express the α2δ1 subunit where GBP and PGB …

Autologous Humanized Mouse Models To Study Combination And Single-Agent Immunotherapy For Colorectal Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts, Preeti Kanikarla Marie, Alexey V Sorokin, Lea A Bitner, Rebecca Aden, Michael Lam, Ganiraju Manyam, Melanie N Woods, Amanda Anderson, Anna Capasso, Natalie Fowlkes, Michael J Overman, David G Menter, Scott Kopetz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Designing studies of immunotherapy is limited due to a lack of pre-clinical models that reliably predict effective immunotherapy responses. To address this gap, we developed humanized mouse models of colorectal cancer (CRC) incorporating patient-derived xenografts (PDX) with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Humanized mice with CRC PDXs were generated via engraftment of autologous (isolated from the same patients as the PDXs) or allogeneic (isolated from healthy donors) PBMCs. Human T cells were detected in mouse blood, tissues, and infiltrated the implanted PDXs. The inclusion of anti-PD-1 therapy revealed that tumor responses in autologous but not allogeneic models were more …

Etiology And Pathophysiology Of Hypoparathyroidism: A Narrative Review, Janice L Pasieka, Kelly Wentworth, Caitlin T Yeo, Serge Cremers, David Dempster, Seiji Fukumoto, Ravinder Goswami, Pascal Houillier, Michael A Levine, Jesse D Pasternak, Nancy D Perrier, Antonio Sitges-Serra, Dolores M Shoback

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The approach utilized a systematic review of the medical literature executed with specifically designed criteria that focused on the etiologies and pathogenesis of hypoparathyroidism. Enhanced attention by endocrine surgeons to new knowledge about parathyroid gland viability are reviewed along with the role of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring during and after neck surgery. Nonsurgical etiologies account for a significant proportion of cases of hypoparathyroidism (~25%), and among them, genetic etiologies are key. Given the pervasive nature of PTH deficiency across multiple organ systems, a detailed review of the skeletal, renal, neuromuscular, and ocular complications is provided. The burden of illness …