Digital Commons Network^™

2023 Extension Highlights

Lancaster County, Nebraska Extension: Reports

The work and programs highlighted in this report are a sample of how local residents count on Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County to:

• Strengthen Nebraska Agriculture & Food Systems

• Inspire Nebraskans & Their Communities

• Enhance The Health & Wellbeing Of All Nebraskans

Who’S Hangry?: Food Insecurity And Psychosocial Adjustment In D.C. Teens, Robert Price, Andrea Murillo, David Whittington, Jelani Garrett, Jordan Ray

DC Health and Academic Prep Program (DC HAPP)

About 19,430 children in Washington D.C. experience food insecurity every day (Oliver, 2022). This is equivalent to 1 in 7 children in the area. According to WUSA, a news channel; food insecurity has been proven to lead to grave behavioral and emotional issues that can impair mental health and make it difficult for students to adjust to social situations (WUSA, 2017).We are excited to announce a new program that will help tackle food insecurity in public high schools in wards 7 & 8. The program’s name is DC Creating Overall Optimism in Kids (DC COOKs). The goal is to provide …

Evaluating Physician Assistant Students’ Knowledge And Competence In Lifestyle Medicine: Assessing The Need For Implementing Lifestyle Medicine Curriculum In Physician Assistant Programs, Tori Koopman

Theses and Graduate Projects

This research study evaluated PA students’ knowledge and competence in educating patients on topics in lifestyle medicine to assess the need for implementation of lifestyle medicine curriculum in physician assistant programs. An anonymous survey was conducted to obtain subjective data on first- and second-year PA students’ knowledge and competence in topics surrounding lifestyle medicine, as well as input on whether additional education on lifestyle medicine would benefit students in practice. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the American Academy of Physician Assistants, American College of Preventative Medicine, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and …

House Journal, Colorado General Assembly

Colorado House and Senate Journals

No abstract provided.

Home-Based Primary Care In Patients With Dementia: Impact On Cost, Medication Use, And Patient Satisfaction, Megan O'Leary

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Individuals living with dementia deserve affordable, accessible, and effective healthcare. These patients often face barriers that make it difficult to consistently access traditional in office primary care. Home-based primary care (HBPC) holds the opportunity to bridge the gap between individuals with dementia and preventative healthcare resources.

Purpose: Dementia rates are increasing as the population ages, and additional research is needed to determine the optimal treatment model for individuals with dementia. This literature review evaluates if patients with dementia receive improved care with HBPC vs in office primary care through examining cost, medication use and compliance, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: …

Baystate Medical Center Nursing Report - 2023, Joanne Miller Rn

Baystate Medical Center Nursing Report

Baystate Medical Center Nursing Report - 2022

The Diets Of Wild And Reintroduced Whooping Cranes, Heather A. Neri, Glenn H. Olson, Eric C. Kindahl, Susan L. Carney

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We characterized the diets of the recently established Eastern Migratory Population (EMP) and the extant Aransas-Wood Buffalo population (AWBP). Starting in 2013, frozen proventriculus and ventriculus contents from previously collected dead whooping cranes from both populations were examined to identify dietary items and quantity. EMP whooping cranes (n = 29) consumed benthic macro-invertebrates, beetles, crabs/crayfish, vegetation, seeds, mollusks, and unidentifiable vertebrates. The diets of AWBP whooping cranes (n = 7) examined included all the same food items except benthic macro-invertebrates. Both populations also consumed a variety of non-food items, including plastic and metal. Our data suggests that the wild and …

Nocturnal Winter Roost Site Use By Whooping Cranes In The Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, Matti R. Bradshaw, Carter G. Crouch, Katrina M. Fernald, Andrew J. Caven, Dorn M. Moore, Sundas Rehman

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Evaluating site use and fidelity is vital to understanding roosting area needs for individual birds. We used data from wintering Aransas-Wood Buffalo population whooping cranes tracked with Platform Transmitting Terminals to identify roost sites in Texas. We analyzed 86 unique winters across 42 individuals and used a hierarchical clustering approach to group roost locations that were within 100 m of each other to identify unique roost sites by individual (n = 2,608). We found that on average, whooping cranes used 30.3 ± 1.71 SE roost sites per winter (range 8–70; 30 September and 2 May) and spent on average 4.4 …

Cultural Diversity For Sustainable Development, Catherine Harper Ph.D

Arts and Design

This paper is inspired by the Woxsen and Banaras Hindu Universities’ international conference, Cultural Diversity for Sustainable Development in Art & Design, held in 2023. It is based on my keynote for that conference and subsequent thoughts.

Consider urban, rural, local and global communications… Think about experimental and innovative media used alongside indigenous knowledge and folkloric craft practices… Reflect on respect for the disparity of human identity, heritage, tradition and culture… Ruminate on the importance of documenting, preserving, protecting and enhancing creativity and cultural diversity is essential for our collective future…

My contention is that radical, and in some cases …

Entomophagy: Mealworm Protein In An Inpatient Hospital Setting (Engagement And Education To Rollout Entomophagy For Improved Nutrition), Caryl Showalter

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

The consumption of insects (entomophagy) is a well-practiced phenomenon in many parts of the world. Western societies, including the US, are among the few places that do not participate in this practice. However, entomophagy has the potential to ease nutritional burdens, globally. While many may believe that nutritional deficits are a relic of more economically challenging times or a problem specifically linked to the low economic countries, the truth is that any area can face this problem. This was made clear in the US during the coronavirus lockdown with an estimated doubling in food insecurity associated with a lack of …

A Review Of The Wheat Stem Sawfly, Cephus Cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), Bethany Thomas

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) is a native stem-mining insect pest of significant economic importance within the Northern Great Plains of the United States and the prairie provinces of Canada (Criddle, 1923). Cephus cinctus adult females specifically attack large-stemmed grasses, originally feral and later adapted to cultivated grasses, with dryland wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae), as the most notable host (Morrill & Kushnak, 1996). As all but two weeks of the sawfly’s lifecycle is contained within a host-grass, understanding the ecological history, biological interactions, and economic impacts between C. cinctus and T. aestivum is …

The Effects Of Exogenously Applied Antioxidants On Plant Growth And Resilience, Aline Rodrigues De Queiroz, Connor Hines, Jeremy Brown, Seema Sahay, Jithesh Vijayan, Julie M. Stone, Nate Bickford, Melissa Wuellner, Katarzyna Glowacka, Nicole R. Buan, Rebecca Roston

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Plant growth and resilience require balancing an inherently oxidative metabolism with powerful antioxidant systems that help maintain homeostasis. When the environment changes, reactive oxygen species are potent indicators of that change, allowing adaptation through re-balancing metabolism and antioxidant systems. A large body of evidence supports the use of exogenously applied antioxidants to improve both plant growth and their resilience to stress. Notably, some phenotypic effects are similar upon the application of chemically diverse antioxidants, while others are distinct. In this review, we analyze research from antioxidant treatment experiments and highlight the similarities in their practical applications and their effects on …

Part 3: The Fourth Pillar: Veterans In Hampton Roads, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

In 2021, more than 1 in 10 residents of Hampton Roads identified themselves as a veteran of military service. Among these veterans, almost 1 in 3 were military retirees. With thousands of active-duty service members separating from service in Hampton Roads every year, we ask what is the impact of these veterans on the regional economy. We find that working-age veterans in Hampton Roads are more likely to participate in the labor force than their non-veteran counterparts and that the presence of veterans brings billions of dollars into the region.

2023 Nsu Fact Book, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Fact Book

The 31st edition of the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Fact Book provides perspective on the university’s character, growth, and accomplishments. The 2023 Fact Book includes narrative, numeric, and graphic representation of the university, including history, characteristics, and development of the institution. Data are presented in both tabular and graphic formats to provide pertinent detail, and general trends are highlighted.

Like all previous editions of the Fact Book, this edition is a snapshot of the university during the academic year that concludes in the year of its publication. Therefore, the 2023 Fact Book represents NSU through fall 2022, unless otherwise …

Milk Thistle Supplementation And Exercise To Influence Bilirubin And Body Weight Outcomes, Don Arthur Matutina

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Traditional obesity treatment is ineffective as rates are still on the rise, thus necessitating novel treatments. Plasma bilirubin, once thought as only a clinical marker of liver disease, is now considered an important hormone, correlated with better outcomes within certain metabolic disease states such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This is largely due to bilirubin’s role in promoting fatty acid oxidation via its interaction with PPARα and its antioxidant capacities to reduce lipid peroxidation. Possible methods of mildly increasing plasma bilirubin may provide a novel obesity treatment. Objective: To evaluate if Silmarin supplementation via milk thistle, exercise, or a …

The Dog Days Are Far From Over: A Study Of Pet Guardianship And Well-Being, Anthony Dottino

Theses & ETDs

Pets are becoming increasingly more important to their guardians. Pet care has become a multibillion dollar industry, and research shows people who own pets are reporting increasing levels of attachment to their pets, and increasingly beginning to see their pets as members of their family. Successful replications of the strange situation attachment style experiment have been made with both cats and dogs, and research has examined attachment style from human to pet. Despite this, only one study exists that examines differences in well-being in pet owners and non-owners, which was set during the COVID-19 pandemic, and none exist that compare …

Pico Y Espuelas: An Exploration Of The Cultural Practice Of Cockfighting In Puerto Rico Through A Decolonial Perspective, Rocio Del Mar Ramirez Castro

Theses & ETDs

This ethnographic study explores the cultural significance of cockfighting in Puerto Rico. In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on the practice. Through a series of in-person interviews conducted in Aguada, Puerto Rico in October 2022, I documented the impact of the ban on this ritual practice among those whose families and livelihoods have been intertwined with the industry for generations, many of whom consider it a part of their personal heritage. Based on fieldwork that included visiting galleras, or cockfighting rinks, and the homes of galleros, those who raise roosters, this thesis analyzes kinship structures and …

The Promising Role Of Music Therapies In Mitigating Developmental Challenges Associated With Pediatric Hydrocephalus: A Review And Analysis, Isaac Hunt Mingus

Theses & ETDs

Hydrocephalus, a neuropathic condition characterized by an imbalance between the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid and the resultant enlargement of the ventricles in the brain, is the leading cause of pediatric neurosurgery. Despite surgical interventions, children with hydrocephalus often face developmental challenges, including cognitive, motor, and social-emotional deficits. This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive review of hydrocephalus and its associated developmental challenges in children and adolescents while exploring the potential of music therapies as neurorehabilitative interventions for these patients. There is increasing interest in music therapies for neuropathic conditions due to their potential for enhancing motor skills, cognitive …

Investigating Ishikwaella Symbiont Transcriptome Analysis Concerning The Immune System Of Kudzu Bugs, Erika Calle

Theses & ETDs

This thesis investigated the roles of host-gut symbiotic interactions of Candidatus Ishikawella capsulate and Kudzu bugs in the Southeastern United States. Exploring the host-microbe interactions can provide insight into understanding the overall health of species. While the microbes get a habitat and nourishment from the host, these microbes, in turn, help the host by regulating various host physiological functions, including dietary digestion, and imparting protective immunity against pathogens (Khan et al.,2019). Megacopta cribraria or the Kudzu bug is an invasive species of stink bug from the Kyushu region of Japan that invaded the state of Georgia in 2009 (Eger et …

Estimating The Above Ground Biomass And Carbon In New College Of Florida’S Food Forest, Garcia Frank

Theses & ETDs

The New College Food Forest and Carbon Farm, as it was originally coined, was a thesis project planned and installed by Jay McWilliams and Orion Morton in 2016. The intention of the food forest was not only to create a space for fruit and food production, but also to replace the existing lawn area and sequester as much carbon as possible. By estimating the amount of biomass stored and carbon that the FF has been able to sequester since its establishment, the ability of this urban food forest system to combat climate change can be quantified. The litter in the …

Nutrition Insecurity For People Experiencing Homelessness In Sarasota, Florida, Kaylee 'June' Snell

Theses & ETDs

New College of Florida is located near Newtown, one of the nine food deserts in Sarasota, Florida. Food aid is often tailored towards those in poverty with housing. People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) have difficulties with their health which are exacerbated by barriers to nutritious food. Because of Newtown's proximity to New College, I wanted to analyze how easily food aid resources could be utilized for healthy food assistance. In particular, I wanted to see if the information available online was easy to navigate, what the requirements were to access these resources, what food was being served, how often it was …

Black Mothers’ Mothering Experiences: Race, Gender And Imprisonment, Ada Gamez

Theses & ETDs

In this study I examine the unique challenges faced by incarcerated Black mothers within the criminal justice system and how their race and gender contribute to the difficulties they face when returning to freedom. I pay particular attention to the way motherhood impacts Black mothers during and post incarceration. This study employs a combination of statistical data and content analysis. Statistical data provides a generalized view of the conditions of incarceration for Black women. Through content analysis of first-hand accounts of 4 incarcerated Black mothers I share in depth insight into how their lived experiences have impacted them in different …

Elucidation Of Cell Signaling Pathways In The Drosera Capensis Prey Capture Response, Cas Setterberg

Theses & ETDs

Drosera is a genus of carnivorous plants commonly known as the sundews. Sundews capture insects to supplement nutrient intake in nutrient-poor environments by entrapping prey in sticky mucus secreted by specialized trichomes referred to as tentacles. They exhibit thigmonasty, non-directional movement in response to physical stimuli, in their tentacles and leaves during their prey capture process. There is evidence that carnivory in the Droseraceae evolved from existing plant defense signaling pathways. The goal of this study was to explore the potential of reactive oxygen species (ROS) being involved as signals in prey capture response; of particular interest was singlet oxygen. …

Fantasy And Faith: Analyzing The Authentic Farmers Market Experience, Mia Sweetland

Theses & ETDs

This is an analysis of the role of aesthetics within contemporary food systems and their relationship with environmental values and beliefs. I use an agrarian philosophy to examine the relationships between customers and farmers, landscape values, economic influence, non-dual value systems, and the cultural influence of design and aesthetics. I use data from semi-structured interviews, taken over a four month period. I look at the perception of morality and design in alternative and conventional food systems and environmental ethics. I argue that the connection between farmers and customers has eroded over time with industrial food systems, but farmers markets re-establish …

The Effects Of Whitening Agents In Toothpastes On Stained Natural And Stained Acrylic Teeth, Salwa Kayali

Theses & ETDs

Dental aesthetics plays an important role in a person’s life. It is important to have a good oral health. A nice-looking smile is associated with good dental health. Dental cosmetics recently experienced a sharp rise in popularity. The visual appearance of prosthetic restorations is one of the most crucial elements for the visual appearance. The color of the teeth is the most important factor that affects the aesthetics of the tooth. In this study, I discuss the various factors that affect the color of teeth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of whitening toothpastes on the …

Aflatoxin: Global Health Impacts And Methods For Removal And Mitigation, Destin Huebner

Theses & ETDs

Aflatoxin is classified as a class 1 carcinogen by the International Cancer Research Institute and is synthesized by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, but more specifically A. flavus. While being exposed to significant amounts of aflatoxin can lead to death in acute cases, long term exposure can proceed to conditions such as malnutrition, developmental delays, and immunosuppression; this is accomplished through various aflatoxin metabolites, some of which concentrate in specific parts of the body. Although it is known how aflatoxin impacts the integrity of crops, industries such as those that produce Korean rice wine remain uncertain as to how this …

성장통(Growing Pains): Animating The Intersection Of Early Menarche And The Model Minority Stereotype On Adolescent Development, Payton Sherer

Theses & ETDs

Adolescence, particularly the onset of puberty, is a critical window in which a host of physiological and psychological changes occur, creating a stressful environment for adolescents. Due to the different hormonal changes in puberty in males and females, this window could have different outcomes based on sex. For females, the age at which first menstrual cycle begins, known as menarche, has fallen in recent decades. Critically, early menarche has been linked to negative mental health outcomes. Puberty is also associated with social and cultural challenges that can create a vulnerable period exacerbated by biological changes. One such social pressure is …

Locomotory Behaviors In Three Marine-Associated Arthropods: A Film-Based Analysis Of Aratus Pisonii (Edwards, 1837) (Crusacea; Decapoda; Sesarmidae), Ligia Baudiniana (Edwards, 1840) (Crusracea; Isopoda, Ligiidae), & Anurida Maritima (Guerin-Menevill, 1836), (Crustacea; Collembola, Neanuridae), Lydia Dykema

Theses & ETDs

Marine-associated arthropods are subject to a wide array of environmental challenges. While they risk desiccation on land, they are subject to a variety of threats in water ranging from its chemistry and physical characteristics to predation. Aratus pisonii, Ligia baudiniana, and Anurida maritima– semiterrestrial marine-associated arthropods– demonstrate tidal-driven daily rhythms that minimize their time in the water. Their existence at the land-water interface nevertheless forces them to enter the water at times where it is critical that the animals be capable of moving quickly and effectively back to land. Through this study, I sought to understand what locomotory forms and …

Elucidating The Impact Of Western Diet On Bone Marrow Cytokine Signatures: Understanding Poor Outcomes In Susceptibility To Infection And Progression Of Cancer, Lahari Kondeti

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Among other disease outcomes, obesity is associated with 1) reduction in long-lasting immune protection and 2) acquisition of cancer. Given our interest in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) dynamics, we questioned if similar mechanisms in the bone marrow microenvironment contribute to obesity-induced HSPC alterations responsible for 1) decreased immune protection and 2) transformation of HSPCs in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies. The negative effects of obesity on immune protection are most notably established in influenza models. Influenza infection susceptibility is increased and influenza vaccine-induced immunity wains in obese individuals. Ongoing studies aim to define mechanisms for waning immunity at …

How Can Consuming A Plant-Based Diet Reduce The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease In Postmenopausal Women?, Rebecca L. Stack

Undergraduate Review

Despite the fact that women suffer higher rates of cardiovascular events after menopause, there exists a significant underrepresentation of women—especially postmenopausal women—in cardiovascular clinical trials to date. Fortunately, current evidence reveals that cardiovascular events in the general population are largely preventable through modifiable lifestyle factors, with dietary intervention being one of the most important (Amiri et al., 2022). As the impact of whole-diet interventions on cardiovascular risk factors is further explored, it has been determined that a plant-based dietary pattern may favorably influence the prevention of cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women (Barańska et al., 2021). Evidence also reveals that certain …