Digital Commons Network^™

“I Could've Been A Whole Lot Better”: Motivations And Perceived Benefits Of Black Retired Adult Learners With Low Literacy Skills Participating In An Adult Basic Education Program, Kit M. Wilson

ETD Archive

For the past several decades, federal legislation has used accountability measures and funding eligibility to narrow the focus of adult education on workforce development. While many adult learners benefit from these policies, retired adult learners do not. Retired adult learners do not participate in adult education for career-related reasons. Although there are several studies that document the psychological benefits of retired adults participating in education programs, there are limited studies documenting the self-reported motivations and perceived benefits of retired adults who participate in adult basic education (ABE). This study aimed to close the gap in the literature by investigating the …

Workload, Emotional Clarity, Stress, And Anxiety, Anthony J. Carcioppolo

ETD Archive

The authors used experience-sampling methodology via Qualtrics to examine if emotional clarity reduced the detrimental effect of workload on stress and anxiety. United States employees (n = 107) completed measures of workload, stress, anxiety, and emotional clarity during their lunch break on 5 consecutive workdays. Demographics and potential confounding variables of age, race, gender, income, education, employer, job name, and personality type were measured as well. Results showed that workload was associated with increased stress and anxiety, and that, in particular cross-level variations of the models, emotional clarity significantly interacted with workload to reduce the stress and anxiety it causes. …

Protective Responses Of The Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line Ht-29 Cells Exposed To Dephosphorylated Salmonella Flagellin [Research Note], Heyeon Baik, Jaiesoon Cho

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study aimed to describe the effects of Salmonella Typhimurium flagellin (SFL) dephosphorylated by sweet potato purple acid phosphatase (PAP) on the protective responses of the intestinal epithelial cell line HT-29 cells. The enzyme was reported to display a broad substrate specificity for various organic phosphorylated conjugates and phosphoproteins. Dephosphorylation of SFL by sweet potato PAP decreased to 35% in the presence of 0.05 mM vanadate as compared with the negative control (p < 0.05). Intact SFL and the SFL treated with sweet potato PAP did not remarkably induce the activation of caspase-3 in HT-29 cells at all the tested levels of the substrate. Intact SFL maximally induced the release of IL (interleukin)-8 in HT-29 cells at 1000 ng/mL (p < 0.05). However, the SFL treated with the enzyme inhibited the release of IL-8 at over 100 ng/mL of the substrate as compared with intact SFL, resulting in an approximately 8-fold decrease even at 1000 ng/mL (p < 0.05). The SFL treated with the enzyme decreased the activation of the total ERK1/2 in the cells to 1.9 and 1.7–fold at 10 and 1000 ng/mL of the substrate, respectively, as compared with intact SFL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, sweet potato PAP could be a promising tool for controlling excessive inflammation during Salmonella infection in animal husbandry, and the enzyme could be a safe alternative that can overcome the drawbacks of chemotherapy.

Nutritional Evaluation Of Hydroponic Corn Fodder And Its Effect As Substitute For Feed Concentrates For Buffalo Calves, Charity I. Castillo, Phoebe Lyndia T. Llantada, Cyril P. Baltazar, Mary Rose D. Uy-De Guia, Reynald D. Amido, Arnel N. Del Barrio

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study investigated the effects of hydroponic corn fodder on the growth performance of buffalo calves. Twelve Bulgarian Murrah buffalo calves were divided into two treatment groups: T1, fed with Napier grass and starter feed concentrates, and T2, fed with Napier grass, starter feed concentrates, and hydroponic corn fodder, replacing 50% of the starter feed concentrate. The study found no significant differences between the two groups' average total weight gain and average daily gain. However, the average daily feed intake was significantly higher in T2, possibly due to the tender and young nature of the hydroponic corn fodder. Dry matter …

A Quality Improvement Project On Blood Pressure Measurement: Are We Failing Our Patients?, Michael Baker

Doctoral Projects

Despite billions of dollars invested in research, education, and equipment, high blood pressure remains a significant contributor to mortality rates across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2019), hypertension was listed as a primary or contributing cause of over a half-million deaths in the United States (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2021). Without regard to race, gender, background, or socioeconomic level, this “silent killer” the Mississippi State Department of Health estimated that over 700,000 Mississippi adults were diagnosed with high blood pressure and thousands more at an increased risk each year (MSDH, 2019). Failure to identify and …

Preventing Diabetes Through Prediabetes Screening And Treatment In Primary Care, Dewona Beal

Doctoral Projects

Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. There are three types of diabetes: type 1, 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common type of diabetes. This type of diabetes can be prevented or delayed. In persons with T2DM, the body cannot use insulin well to keep blood glucose within normal limits. Several factors, including genetics, lifestyle such as poor diet and physical inactivity, obesity, insulin resistance, hormones, and certain medications, can cause it. A precursor to T2DM is prediabetes. Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are elevated but not elevated enough to be …

An Objective Structured Clinical Examination For Anesthetic Management Of Pheochromocytoma, Shiar Rahaim

Doctoral Projects

Pheochromocytoma, whether recognized or unrecognized, has the potential to cause severe cardiovascular complications during surgery. This paper focuses on the creation and importance of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and a short trigger film focused on the anesthetic management of pheochromocytoma. This OSCE intends to help prepare students to recognize and treat undiagnosed or improperly managed pheochromocytoma in the didactic phase of their learning so as to better prepare them for the possible real-life scenario.

The pathophysiology of pheochromocytoma regarding the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine are discussed along with their potential to wreak havoc on the patient. The treatment …

Improving Screening Mammography Recommendation And Referral In Primary Care Through Implementation Of A Provider Prompt, Christon Elfring

Doctoral Projects

In the United States, breast cancer has been established as the second most prevalent cancer among women (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2022a). There may be no symptoms present in the early stages of breast cancer and a low potential to spread during the early phases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Mammography is the only test that has been shown to reduce deaths from breast cancer as it allows for early detection when cancer is in its most treatable stage improving survival and lessening the need for extensive treatment (American College of Radiology [ACR], n.d.). While the effectiveness of screening …

Assessing Social Determinants Of Health In Primary Care, Vicki Carpenter

Doctoral Projects

The social determinants of health encompass the various circumstances and environments in which individuals reside, develop, labor, and experience aging (Social Determinants of Health, 2022). These variables significantly contribute to the existence of health inequities and disparities within populations. In order to effectively mitigate health disparities, it is imperative to consider the various determinants that influence health outcomes, as this consideration is crucial for advancing the goal of achieving health equity. This public health concern encompasses multiple sectors within our society, necessitating the collaboration of various organizations and communities to effectively address and mitigate its impact.

The fundamental …

Encouraging Medication Compliance By Implementing A Medication Adherence Tool, Regina Taylor

Doctoral Projects

Medication non-adherence has been a common and challenging problem in health care, especially among mental health patients. Studies show medication compliance among psychiatric patients has been at a lower rate than patients with physical conditions. Non-compliance with medications has been one of the considerable contributions to rapid psychiatric hospital readmission. Rapid readmissions have been costing health care billions of dollars annually. The stigma behind mental health has a large contribution to why mental health patients are non-compliant with their psychotropics. Utilization of the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) on a patient to evaluate the patient's willingness and ability to take …

Perioperative Chest X-Ray Interpretation For Anesthesia Providers, Kaitlyn Brown, Jessica Parsons

Doctoral Projects

Currently, a knowledge gap exists among anesthesia providers regarding perioperative chest x-ray (CXR) appropriateness and interpretation (Collins, 2022). The Council on Accreditation (COA) requires that students graduating from a nurse anesthesia program (NAP) interpret a minimum of five CXRs before program completion (Council on Accreditation [COA], 2020). This DNP project aimed to address the knowledge gap by offering an easily accessible online forum that guides anesthesia providers on CXR indications in surgical patients, and in identifying pathologies and invasive line and tube placement using CXR.

The authors created four learning modules regarding perioperative CXRs using Microsoft PowerPoint presentations with animation …

The Mailman, A Hero, Dean Norman

Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop Blog

Back in the day before email and cell phones, the mailman was a hero.

The Perception Of Natural Resource Management In Nebraska: Efforts For Cross-Boundary Collaborative Management, Daniel Morales

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Nebraska’s agricultural landscapes are rapidly changing, affecting natural resources and their successful management. I utilized two surveys and scenario planning (Chapters 1: statewide survey, 2: local survey, and 3: scenario-planning workshop) to investigate attitudes and perceptions of natural resource management and cross-boundary collaboration. My first objective focused on determining what prevents Nebraskans from addressing natural resources challenges, considering demographics amongst generations and the type of areas they live in (rural versus urban). The second objective focused on whether landowners engaged with their community in managing natural resources. The third objective was to develop alternative future scenarios for the Denton Hills …

Rsif Pan-Africa Report 2023 - English, Regional Scholarship And Innovation Fund (Rsif)

Rsif Reports and Institutional Documents

According to the World Bank, Africa is projected to be the second-fastest-growing region in the world in 2024. The continent has the world’s youngest population, thriving through entrepreneurship and innovation. It also holds 30% of the world’s natural resources critical for energy transition. Africa has 15% of the world’s population, while share of scientific production is just 1.3%. African governments, through the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) are charting the path to Africa’s socio-economic transformation by supporting doctoral training, research, and innovation in selected African host universities …

Parentage Influence On Gene Expression Under Acidification Revealed Through Single-Embryo Sequencing, C. W. Fung, K. Y. Chau, D. C. S. Tong, C. Knox, S. S. T. Tam, S. Y. Tan, D. S. C. Loi, Z. Leung, Y. Xu, Y. Lan, P.-Y. Qian, Kit Yu Karen Chan, A. R. Wu

Biology Faculty Works

The dissolution of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) in seawater has altered its carbonate chemistry in the process of ocean acidification (OA). OA affects the viability of marine species. In particular, calcifying organisms and their early planktonic larval stages are considered vulnerable. These organisms often utilize energy reserves for metabolism rather than growth and calcification as supported by bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments. Yet, transcriptomic profiling of a bulk sample reflects the average gene expression of the population, neglecting the variations between individuals, which forms the basis for natural selection. Here, we used single-embryo RNA-seq on larval sea urchin Heliocidaris crassispina, which …

The Teacher, Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz, Jack Hutchens

Modern Languages and Literatures: Faculty Publications and Other Works

An English translation of the work 'The Teacher' by Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz, translated by Dr. Jack J. B. Hutchens.

Opioid Overdose Knowledge And Attitudes Among Undergraduate College Studentsopioid Overdose Knowledge And Attitudes Among Undergraduate College Students, Kaiya Cook

Honors College Theses

No abstract provided.

Measuring Media-Related Health And Mental Health Information Acquisition Among Latino Adults In The United States, Melissa J. Dupont-Reyes, Alice P. Villatoro, Giovanni Gama, Lu Tang

Public Health

Objectives
We developed and evaluated new media-related health information acquisition measures for U.S.-based Latino populations.

Methods
In 2021, a sample of U.S.-based Latino adults (N = 1574) self-completed a 20-min survey of health information acquisition measures across three language/cultural dimensions: Spanish media, Latino-tailored media in English, and general media in English. Socio-demographics were also ascertained. Means and standard deviations for the health acquisition measures were adjusted for age and sex and reported across nativity status.

Results
The sample was diverse across age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, migration, and language competency. Internal consistency reliability of developed scales was excellent overall …

Exploring The Diverse Applications Of Stigmasterol From Plants: A Comprehensive Review, Ummara Khan, Faisal Hayat, Fakhara Khanum, Nazi̇r Ahmed, Mohamed Abdi̇n, Dyaaaldi̇n Abdalmegeed, Neva Karataş, Zhi̇hong Xi̇n

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Stigmasterol has been studied for its numerous biological effects on various metabolic diseases, but its potential role as a ubiquitous biomolecule in the plant kingdom is still in its infancy. Efficient utilization of stigmasterol’s properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and self-assembly, is necessary for the food industry to effectively prevent microbial growth in food., in addition, to delaying rancidity by slowing down lipid oxidation. The use of safer alternatives for postharvest disease control, which is pressuring scientists to consider stigmasterol as a potential solution for various food-related issues. This article reviews stigmasterol's functions in the food industry, including its detection, …

Suppression Of Meloidogyne Incognita Race 2 With Some Entomopathogenic Agents, Ayşenur Aslan, Cenk Keski̇n, Fati̇h Dadaşoğlu, Eli̇f Tozlu, Önder Çalmaşur, Di̇lek Di̇nçer, Behçet Kemal Çağlar, İbrahi̇m Hali̇l Elekci̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of anaerobically stabilized sewage sludge (SS) converted into 90% dryness granules at different doses of control, 3% SS, 6% SS, and 9% SS on elemental composition of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and physicochemical properties of soil. Color measurements were made with the CIE L* a* b* method unit; the highest color (4.10) and the highest coating score (5.7) were calculated for the 6% SS treatment. The highest biomass (9.11 g) was obtained from the 3% SS and the lowest (7.67 g) from the 9% SS dose. Plant height measurements were listed as follows: …

Determination Of The Phytochemical Contents And Pomological Properties Of Chokeberry(Aronia Melanocarpa L.) Fruit In Different Harvesting Periods, Selma Boyaci, Şule Polat, Nesi̇be Ebu Kafkas

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This study was conducted to determine some pomological properties and phytochemical contents such as total monomeric anthocyanin, total phenol, antioxidant activity, sugar, and organic acid of the chokeberry cultivars Nero and Viking, which are being cultivated in Türkiye, in 3 different harvest periods (the last week of August, the first week of September, and the second week of September). The highest total monomeric anthocyanin (794.63 mg/100 g), total phenol (5006.60 mgGAE/100 g), and antioxidant activity (79.33%) were obtained in the first harvest period of Nero. Glucose is the main sugar in chokeberry cultivars, and the highest glucose content (6.90%) was …

Drying Of Mushrooms By Alternative Technologies, Zi̇nnur Yağmur Buğday, Kübra Ertan, Sema Zeren, Serpi̇l Şahi̇n, Servet Gülüm Şümnü

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This review addresses alternative technologies in edible mushroom drying. Principles of application and the literature are highlighted. The objective is to identify and discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks and to elaborate future applications of electrohydrodynamic, freeze, infrared, and microwave technologies in mushroom drying. The advantages of these alternative technologies can be listed as better quality, improved energy efficiency, and reduced processing time. Each method is promising in adding value to dried mushroom products. On the other hand, replacement of the conventional drying technique requires process optimization practices and feasibility analysis, especially for combined applications.

Some Physicochemical And Bioactive Features Of Organically Grown Blackberry Fruits(Rubus Fructicosus L.) As Influenced By Postharvest Uv-C And Chitosan Treatments, Sevi̇l Ünal, Ferhan Küçükbasmaci Sabir, Ali̇ Sabir

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Fresh blackberry fruits have easily perishable tissue and therefore have a very short postharvest storage life, although customers and marketers desire a longer shelf life. The ever-increasing demand of the world population for residue-free functional foods has motivated scientists to investigate environmentally friendly methodologies for the quality extension of perishable products like fresh blackberries. The present study was performed to determine the influences of UV-C treatment and chitosan coating on the extension of postharvest bioactive compounds and the marketable quality of fresh blackberry (Rubus fructicosus L.) fruits. Organically produced ‘Jumbo’ blackberry fruits were sorted into four equal groups for postharvest …

Impact Of Ultrasound On Postharvest Physiology And Bioactive Compounds Of Sweet Basilduring Short-Term Storage, Ali Ibrahim Sale, Apiradee Uthairatanakij, Natta Laohakunjit, Pongphen Jitareerat, Nattapon Kaisangsri

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Sweet basil is a perishable green herb that has a short shelf life after harvest. Techniques to extend its shelf life and prolong its storability may be commercially beneficial. In this study, the impact of different ultrasound powers on the postharvest quality and bioactive compounds of sweet basil during storage was investigated. The sampled basil leaves were immersed in an ultrasonic bath (40 kHz) at 200 or 400 W for 3 min at ambient temperature (28 ℃). The control samples were treated with tap water. All of the treatments were packed in a basket covered with a polyethylene sheet and …

Lignin Recovery From Hazelnut Shells, Özcan Gezen, Aleyna Fi̇li̇zfi̇danoğlu, Çağlar Özgener, İrem Deni̇z

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The main goal of this work was to study alkaline pretreatment of hazelnut shells (HSs) by utilization of NaOH and Ca(OH)2 with or without glycerol. The highest lignin recovery was obtained for NaOH-glycerol-pretreated HSs. This research also determined the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis where xylanase and cellulase were added to the pretreated residue. The highest amount of lignin of 63.2% was achieved when NaOH was used with glycerol in the pretreatment process. These findings revealed that the NaOH-catalyzed glycerol pretreatment applied in this study has great capability to be used in industrial applications.

Bioaccessibility Of Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) Beverage Polyphenols: Effect Of Sugar Andcitric Acid Addition, Gülay Özkan

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The purpose of the current study was to produce a blackthorn-based beverage with improved nutritional value. In this regard, several beverages were formulated using sugar and citric acid. Then, the effects of the different food constituents on the in vitro recovery and antioxidant capacity of the bioactive substances in the formulations were determined. Based on the results, the addition of citric acid or sugar increased the phenolic extractability (297.0 and 299.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g in blackthorn + citric acid (BC) and blackthorn + sugar (BS), respectively) and antioxidant capacity (750.8 and 821.8 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g …

Cereal–Vegetable Intercropping: Hindrances And Strategies To Increase Intercropping, Iqra Zaki̇r, Ahmad Abdul Wahab, Tahira Abbas, Sakeena Tul-Ain Haider, Sobia Irum, Samreen Sabir, Sajjad Hussain, Shakeel Ahmad

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Climate change is the major factor that affects crop yield and productivity in the long term. The changing climate scenario is now impacting farmers’ lands and their outcomes in both developed and developing countries. The intercropping of crop species or varieties that have high arable capability is a promising technique for increasing crop production without increasing agricultural inputs. In intercropping, the selection of varieties, optimum sowing time, method of plant arrangement, and sowing proportion are required to make the design suitable for an intercropping system. Intercropping is one of the most highlighted agronomic practices helping to improve soil health (structure, …

Determination Of Genetic Diversity Among Some Naturally Growing Arbutus Andrachne L.Genotypes In Türkiye Using Morphological, Biochemical, And Molecular Markers, Ni̇lda Ersoy, Ramazan Süleyman Göktürk, Emi̇ne Orhan, Mustafa Erkan, İbrahi̇m Baktir, Hali̇l İbrahi̇m Sağbaş

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachne L.) is a wild edible fruit that grows naturally in the Mediterranean climate zone, including Türkiye. In this study, the genetic morphological, biochemical, and genetic diversity of 10 superior strawberry tree genotypes growing naturally in Antalya Province in Türkiye were investigated. Morphological and biochemical characterization were performed based on some important fruit characteristics. In addition, genetic variation was detected at the molecular level using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The genotypes exhibited fruit weight, width, length, and shape index values of 1.22–2.12 g, 12.07–15.28 mm, 10.15–14.24 mm, and 0.99–2.22, respectively. The biochemical parameters soluble solid …

Valorisation Of Mango Peel And Seed Wastes In A Biologically Enriched Biscuit Assortment, Andreea Puscas, Anda Elena Tanislav, Romina Alina Marc, Vlad Muresan, Andruta Muresan

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Mango is a fruit consumed worldwide, but generates wastes, which have potential to be valorised, because they possess compounds with demonstrated positive implications for the consumer’s health. For this reason, in the present study, biscuits with mango pulp and powders developed from its wastes were developed. The chemical composition was determined for the mango peel, pulp, and seed according to AOAC procedures, but also for the mango biscuit and a reference. The total phenolic content (TPC) was assessed with the Folin–Ciocâlteu method, while the antioxidant potential was tested using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Titratable acidity and alkalinity were also determined. …

Exploring Relationship Between Driver’S Roadway Familiarity, Distracted Driving, Reckless Driving, And Injury Severity On Work Zone Crashes, Hamza M. Bani Khalaf

ETD Archive

Motor vehicles have been an integral part of the American way of life, providing an unprecedented degree of mobility. Yet for all its advantages, motor vehicle crashes claim the lives of over 31,000 people in the United States every year, leaving more than three million injured. To prevent these crashes, the causes must be understood and addressed. This study developed a Bayesian Networks (BN) model – a model for reasoning “what-if” questions – to explore the relationship between drivers’ roadway familiarity, distracted driving, reckless driving, and crash severity at work zones. This study examined the crashes that occurred in Ohio …