Digital Commons Network^™

Nitrogen Behavior In A No-Tillage Agroecosystem Located In The Inner Bluegrass Of Kentucky, Alec William Besinger Mr.

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Nitrogen (N) is a crucial element, often limiting productivity in ecosystems. This limitation is relieved N fertilizer additions. No-tillage (NT) agroecosystems are prone to lower N availability translating to lower crop yields. The default explanation for lower N availability in NT is microbial immobilization of added N fertilizer. Historically, N availability is often assessed using chemical extractions such as KCl to evaluate levels of inorganic N in the soil. The possibility of this abiotic clay mineral fixation as mechanism in well-drained NT soils has been overlooked. The objectives of this study are to quantify N availability using KCl, NaCl, and …

Comparison Of Botanical Composition Methods And Change Over Time In Kentucky Pastures, Echo Elizabeth Gotsick

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Botanical composition of pastures has been measured with numerous methods over the last century, but there have been limited direct comparisons between methods. The objective of this study was to compare botanical composition methods, to determine the most accurate and efficient method, and to access pasture composition change over time. Six farms with two pastures each were monitored across the state of Kentucky. Sampling occurred fall 2020 through fall 2022, three times a year using the following methods: step point, visual estimation, occupancy grid, and point quadrat (used as a reference method). The occupancy grid showed the highest similarity to …

In A Free, Rural Primary Care Practice : Implementation And Evaluation Of A Depression Screening Tool For Adult Individuals In Rural Primary Care, Amy Snow

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

There is a high prevalence of depression in the rural primary care population. This project aimed to identify patients suffering from depression in a rural primary care clinic. The project’s goal was to improve the diagnosis and treatment of major depression in adults through the implementation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Follow-up visits were conducted over a 12-week period to assess patients’ response to pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy established by the current American Psychological Association guidelines. Identification of depression through the use of screening protocols assists in appropriate diagnosis and treatment plans. The project …

Determinants Of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Hesitancy Among Lebanese Parents, Ramia Zakhour, Hani Tamim, Farah Faytrouni, Maha Makki, Rayan Hojeij, Lama Charafeddine

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is responsible for cancer of cervix uteri. Despite its safety and immunogenicity, HPV vaccine hesitancy is one of the most challenging topics that pediatricians face.

Methods: We aimed to describe the impact of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards vaccines in general, on practice related to HPV vaccination in Lebanon. A questionnaire addressed to parents of students (3-18 years of age) was distributed in 2 public and 2 private schools randomly selected from the greater Beirut area during the school year 2017-2018. Questionnaires covered knowledge, attitude, and practices of …

Strafford County 2022 Annual Report Of The Commissioners, Treasurer, Other County Officers, And The Strafford County Delegation For The Year Ending December 31, 2022., Strafford County Representatives

Strafford County, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a county in the state of New Hampshire.

Co-Op To Cafeteria: Building A Food Value Chain For Farm To School, Blake D. Lineweaver

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

The central theme of this M.S. Environmental Studies portfolio considers farm-to-school as a medium for food system transformation within an innovative regional partnership of producer-owned food hubs and a state education agency. The portfolio consists of three main elements.

The first element is a literature review that examines the holistic farm-to-school model, with a particular focus on local food procurement.

The second element is a strategic communications plan, which was developed as part of an internship project with the Northwest Food Hub Network and the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center. The aim of this plan is to promote value-added products …

Putting The “U” In Shore U: Expanding Postsecondary Education On Virginia’S Eastern Shore, Katelyn D. Jones, Karen Belanger, Katharine Wise, Takeya Mclaurin

Doctor of Education Capstones

The University of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Foundation (Shore U) submitted a Request for Assistance to examine opportunities to expand postsecondary education on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. In response to this request, a doctoral research team conducted a mixed-methods study that explored potential pathways for a four-year degree option on the Eastern Shore. Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) students, ESCC employees, and Eastern Shore community members were surveyed during the quantitative phase of the study. Secondary data was used to understand the postsecondary positionality of Eastern Shore high school students. The President of ESCC, Eastern Shore community members, and Virginia …

Unmet: The Undergraduate Experience Of Basic Need Insecurity At An Uncommon University, Michelle C. Bair, Rachelle V. Blackwell-Stegall, Sara E. Rafuse, Ra’Meer J. Roberts, Sara E. Weinstein

Doctor of Education Capstones

Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Dean of Students office submitted a Request for Assistance with needs related to food and housing insecurity and lack of basic funds for students. To address this request, a doctoral Capstone team conducted a problem and context analysis, literature review, student focus groups, and an internal survey of departments. The goal was to explore the undergraduate experience of unmet needs and to identify gaps and overlaps in basic needs support and services already provided at VCU. Findings suggest that students do not know the resources available to them through the Dean of Students office, that students …

Sleep And Health Behaviors In A Safety-Net Primary Care Setting, Sahar Sabet

Theses and Dissertations

Nearly half of all premature deaths in the United States are attributable to preventable and modifiable health risk behaviors. For decades, the leading behavioral health contributors to morbidity and mortality are tobacco use, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. Medication adherence is a relatively less studied yet critical interrelated health behavior that is tied to health and treatment outcomes. Sleep, an important pillar of health, is a daily and modifiable behavior that shows promise as a health behavior facilitator. Better understanding the dynamics of these modifiable health behaviors is essential for the improvement of health promotion, particularly among underserved populations (e.g., …

Advancing Social Equity And Promoting Black Self-Determination: A Community Garden Opportunity Plan For Richmond, Va, Alessandro U. Ragazzi

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

Urban agriculture provides a variety of economic, environmental, and social benefits. Recognizing these benefits, the City of Richmond administers a community garden program known as “Richmond Grows Gardens.” Through this program, underutilized city properties are permitted for use as community gardens. However, an emerging concern is the potential for community gardens to perpetuate underlying structures of social and racial inequality through displacement and social exclusion. Considering these concerns, this plan investigates the implementation of community gardens in Richmond and establishes a methodology for ranking existing and available community garden sites based on the social and racial demographics of their surrounding …

Developing Agrihoods: The Context For Petersburg, Brandon L. Archer

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

Petersburg has an extensive history of navigating through challenging times. From its inception, African Americans have played an important role in the development of the city, and today that spirit is still present. As evidenced by an extensive network of community support and stakeholders, the Petersburg Youth Farm has matured into a resource for not just the residents of the neighborhood but of the city as a whole. By incorporating some innovative planning techniques and building a housing development truly dedicated to community needs, we can improve lived experiences in the city.

By adopting the recommendations set forth in this …

Preserving Historic African American Cemeteries: Strategies For Richmond, Virginia, William T. Teeples

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

Historic cemeteries across the United States are facing a crisis. These culturally and historically significant spaces have faced significant degradation over time without the means of preservation. Historic Black and African American Cemeteries have been particularly impacted by the combined negative impacts of weathering, vandalism, and development pressures alike. These cultural landscapes have the added hindrance of little to no access to the complex resources necessary for preservation and restoration afforded to most White cemeteries. However, many activists, descendants, and volunteers toil on saving these spaces from the onslaught of time and ensure that cultural spaces are preserved for generations …

Impulse Control Disorders And Prader-Willi Syndrome, Desalyn L. Johnson, Janaki Nimmagadda, Clinton Martin

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2023 clinical vignette poster

A Case Of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Presenting As Acute Liver Failure, Audrey Driver, Rafik Elbeblawy, John Fanning, Kelsey Ivey

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2023 oral presentation

El Paso's Recipes From The Past For The Present, Joseph Longo

Books

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Impact Of Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome On Parent Well‐Being Using A Disease‐Specific Pilot Survey, Marie L. Neumann, Jessica Y. Allen, Amy Ladner, Swapna Kakani, Meaghann S. Weaver, David F. Mercer

Department of Communication Studies: Faculty Publications

Background: Children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) have complex care needs, most of which are met in the home by family caregivers who may experience a range of stressors unique to this experience. Prior research suggests that parents of children with SBS have poorer health‐related quality of life than peers parenting children without health needs, but the mechanisms shaping parent outcomes are understudied.

Methods: A pilot survey was developed using a community‐driven research design to measure the impact of disease‐specific items on parent‐perceived well‐being. The cross‐sectional survey, which included both closed‐ended and open‐ended items, was distributed to a …

Advocating For A Patient‐ And Family Centered Care Approach To Management Of Short Bowel Syndrome, Vanessa J. Kumpf, Marie L. Neumann, Swapna R. Kakani

Department of Communication Studies: Faculty Publications

Patient‐ and family centered care (PFCC) is a model of providing healthcare that incorporates the preferences, needs, and values of the patient and their family and is built on a solid partnership between the healthcare team and patient/family. This partnership is critical in short bowel syndrome (SBS) management since the condition is rare, chronic, involves a heterogenous population, and calls for a personalized approach to care. Institutions can facilitate the practice of PFCC by supporting a teamwork approach to care, which, in the case of SBS, ideally involves a comprehensive intestinal rehabilitation program consisting of qualified healthcare practitioners who are …

Teaching Forensic Entomology With Common Grocery Items: Decomposition And Insect Succession Studies, Erin Bauer, Charles Murrieta, Larry Barksdale

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Forensic science and entomology programs may benefit from using deceased pigs as teaching resources due to anatomical similarities to humans. The use of such animals provides opportunities for students to learn the effects of geographical location and climate on insects; understand insect succession; practice insect collection and identification; and learn post-mortem interval procedures, taphonomic principles of decomposition, and crime scene investigation and management techniques. Forensic entomology and taphonomic studies fit well with educational interests in experiential learning. Pigs may be readily available through animal science departments or local producers, and many institutions may have property where this research can be …

"Keep Your Chin Up, And Keep Eating": Perceptions Of Barriers And Facilitators To Healthful Dietary Behaviors Among Individuals With Gastrointestinal Cancer And Caregivers, Brandy-Joe Milliron, Cynthia Klobodu, Jonathan Deutsch, Karon Martyn, Dan Dychtwald, Emily Riahi, Shawn Carro, Taylor Hisek, Natalie Darcy, Ann C. Klassen

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: This study explored perceptions of barriers and facilitators to healthful dietary behaviors among patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and their caregivers, including caregiver preparedness, patient and caregiver self-efficacy for symptom management, and other environmental, social, and familial factors that may serve as barriers and facilitators to healthful eating.

METHODS: Using a concurrent mixed methods cross-sectional study design, individuals with GI cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy and their caregivers completed surveys, dietary assessments, and interviews. Caregiving preparedness, self-efficacy for symptom management, and dietary intake were assessed using validated instruments. Dietary quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020. In-depth interviews …

Indigenous Cultural Identity Protects Against Intergenerational Transmission Of Aces Among Indigenous Caregivers And Their Children, Katie Edwards, Emily A. Waterman, Natira Mullet, Ramona Herrington, Sloane Cornelius, Skyler Hopfauf, Preciouse Trujillo, Lorey A. Wheeler, Arielle R. Deutsch

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

A large body of empirical research has demonstrated that caregiver adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict ACEs in one’s child, a phenomenon known as the intergenerational transmission of ACEs. Little of this empirical research, however, has focused specifically on Indigenous peoples despite a growing body of theoretical literature and the wisdom of Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers that speaks to the presence of this phenomenon within Indigenous communities as well as the protective role of Indigenous cultural identity in preventing the intergenerational transmission of ACEs. The purpose of the current study was to conduct an empirical evaluation of this hypothesis, specifically …

The Persistence And Stabilization Of Auxiliary Genes In The Human Skin Virome, Ema H. Graham, Wesley A. Tom, Alison C. Neujahr, Michael Adamowicz, Jennifer Clarke, Joshua R. Herr, Samodha C. Fernando

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Background The human skin contains a diverse microbiome that provides protective functions against environmental pathogens. Studies have demonstrated that bacteriophages modulate bacterial community composition and facilitate the transfer of host-specific genes, potentially influencing host cellular functions. However, little is known about the human skin virome and its role in human health. Especially, how viral-host relationships influence skin microbiome structure and function is poorly understood.

Results Population dynamics and genetic diversity of bacteriophage communities in viral metagenomic data collected from three anatomical skin locations from 60 subjects at five different time points revealed that cutaneous bacteriophage populations are mainly composed of …

Gender-Based Impacts Of Covid-19 In Sub- Saharan Africa, Helen Onyeaka, Phemelo Tamasiga, Ifeanyi Michael Mazi, Hope Akegbe, John K. Osiri

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

The lasting educational and economic impacts of COVID-19 have disproportionally disadvantaged girls on the fringes of society, extending beyond the period of imposed lockdowns. This study delves deeper into the education, socio-economic, and gender-specific effects of the COVID-19 pandemic within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The research illuminates how the pandemic has influenced economic activities and the roles of teachers, parents, and students in the educational process. Furthermore, the paper examines the efficacy of distance learning across diverse media in SSA. The findings suggest that children from rural settings might have limited resources to adapt and continue their education …

Mites [Of Dogs And Cats], Susan E. Little, Roberto Cortinas

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Veterinary parasitology: 20,000-word article details recognition and treatments for mite infestations of dogs and cats. Mite species reviewed include:

Cheyletiella spp. (“Walking Dandruff”)

Demodex spp. (Hair Follicle Mites, Red Mange, Demodicosis, Demodectic Mange)

Sarcoptes scabiei (Itch Mite, Scabies, Sarcoptic Mange)

Notoedres cati (Feline Head and Neck Mange)

Otodectes cynotis (Ear Mites)

Pneumonyssoides caninum (Nasal Mite)

Lynxacarus radovskyi (Fur Mite, Hair Clasping Mite)

Trombiculid Mites (Chiggers, Red Bugs, Berry Bugs, Harvest Mites, Scrub Itch or Grass Itch Mites)

Discussions include Etiology and epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical features, Diagnosis, Treatment and prognosis, Immunity, Prevention, and Public health aspects.

Complete with 209 references.

Host-Genetic-Based Outcome Of Co-Infection By Pcv2b And Prrsv In Pigs, Christian W. Eaton, Hiep Vu, Arabella L. Hodges, Seth P. Harris, Stephen D. Kachman, Daniel C. Ciobanu

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Replication of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), an important worldwide swine pathogen, has been demonstrated to be influenced by host genotype. Specifically, a missense DNA polymorphism (SYNGR2 p.Arg63Cys) within the SYNGR2 gene was demonstrated to contribute to variation in PCV2b viral load and subsequent immune response following infection. PCV2 is known to induce immunosuppression leading to an increase in susceptibility to subsequent infections with other viral pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In order to assess the role of SYNGR2 p.Arg63Cys in co-infections, pigs homozygous for the favorable SYNGR2 p.63Cys (N = 30) …

Infection Of Feral Phenotype Swine With Japanese Encephalitis Virus, So Lee Park, Yan-Jang S. Huang, Amy C. Lyons, Victoria B. Ayers, Susan M. Hettenbach, D. Scott Mcvey, Leela E. Noronha, Kenneth R. Burton, Stephen Higgs, Dana L. Vanlandingham

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus and the leading cause of pediatric encephalitis in the Asian Pacific region. The transmission cycle primarily involves Culex spp. mosquitoes and Ardeid birds, with domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) being the source of infectious viruses for the spillover of JEV from the natural endemic transmission cycle into the human population. Although many studies have concluded that domestic pigs play an important role in the transmission cycle of JEV, and infection of humans, the role of feral pigs in the transmission of JEV remains unclear. Since domestic and …

The Biggest Grower: A Youth Gardening Competition For Growing Specialty Crops And Urban Farmers, Stacy A. Adams, Terri James

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Youth today have tendencies for unhealthy lifestyles, being sedentary, consuming high fat diets low in fruits and vegetables, all contributing to child obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and precedence for life-long health concerns. For rural and economically disadvantaged urban households, poor diet is directly attributed to the inaccessibility of fresh produce, affordability and understanding of preparation of various specialty crops. Through a grant from the NE Specialty Crop Block Funding Program, The Biggest Grower Competition (BGC) was developed as a summer extension education program for youth in 8^th through 12^th grade. Project goals included; provide educational materials on …

Structural Basis Of Dna Binding By The Whib-Like Transcription Factor Whib3 In Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Tao Wan, Magdaléna Horová, Vimmy Khetrapal, Shanren Li, Camden Jones, Andrew Schacht, Xinghui Sun, Limei Zhang

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) WhiB3 is an iron–sulfur cluster-containing transcription factor belonging to a subclass of the WhiB-Like (Wbl) family that is widely distributed in the phylum Actinobacteria. WhiB3 plays a crucial role in the survival and pathogenesis of Mtb. It binds to the conserved region 4 of the principal sigma factor (σ^A₄) in the RNA polymerase holoenzyme to regulate gene expression like other known Wbl proteins in Mtb. However, the structural basis of how WhiB3 coordinates with σ^A₄ to bind DNA and regulate transcription is unclear. Here we determined crystal structures …

Crop Stress Sensing And Plant Phenotyping Systems: A Review, Geng Bai, Yufeng Ge

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Enhancing resource use efficiency in agricultural field management and breeding high-performance crop varieties are crucial approaches for securing crop yield and mitigating negative environmental impact of crop production. Crop stress sensing and plant phenotyping systems are integral to variable-rate (VR) field management and high-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP), with both sharing similarities in hardware and data processing techniques. Crop stress sensing systems for VR field management have been studied for decades, aiming to establish more sustainable management practices. Concurrently, significant advancements in HTPP system development have provided a technological foundation for reducing conventional phenotyping costs. In this paper, we present a …

Viral Chemotaxis Of Paramecium Bursaria Altered By Algal Endosymbionts, Huy V.N. Ho, David Dunigan, Miranda E. Salsbery, Irina Agarkova, Zeina Al-Ameeli, James L. Van Etten, John Delong

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Chemotaxis is widespread across many taxa and often aids resource acquisition or predator avoidance. Species interactions can modify the degree of movement facilitated by chemotaxis. In this study, we investigated the influence of symbionts on Paramecium bursaria’s chemotactic behavior toward chloroviruses. To achieve this, we performed choice experiments using chlorovirus and control candidate attractors (virus stabilization buffer and pond water). We quantified the movement of Paramecia grown with or without algal and viral symbionts toward each attractor. All Paramecia showed some chemotaxis toward viruses, but cells without algae and viruses showed the most movement toward viruses. Thus, the endosymbiotic …

Stochasticity Directs Adaptive Evolution Toward Nonequilibrium Evolutionary Attractors, John Delong, Clayton E. Cressler

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Stochastic processes such as genetic drift may hinder adaptation, but the effect of such stochasticity on evolution via its effect on ecological dynamics is poorly understood. Here we evaluate patterns of adaptation in a population subject to variation in demographic stochasticity. We show that stochasticity can alter population dynamics and lead to evolutionary outcomes that are not predicted by classic eco-evolutionary modeling approaches. We also show, however, that these outcomes are governed by nonequilibrium evolutionary attractors— these are maxima in lifetime reproductive success when stochasticity keeps the ecological system away from the deterministic equilibrium. These NEEAs alter the path of …