Digital Commons Network^™

Asymptomatic Rectal Bacterial Pathogens Show Large Prospective Relationships With Hiv Incidence In A Cohort Of Young Sexual And Gender Minorities: Implications For Sti Screening And Hiv Prevention, Ross A. Baiers, Daniel T. Ryan, Antonia Clifford, Erik Munson, Richard D'Aquila, Michael E. Newcomb, Brian Mustanski

Clinical Lab Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Background

We estimated the predictive value of rectal (bacterial sexually transmitted infection [bSTI]) pathogen detection for future HIV seroconversion among young adult sexual and gender minorities (YSGMs) assigned male at birth (AMAB).

Methods

Data were collected between March 2018 and August 2022 from RADAR, a longitudinal cohort study of YSGMs AMAB living in the Chicago metropolitan area (n = 1022). Rates of rectal bSTIs and the proportion of self-reported rectal bSTI symptoms are reported. We examined whether the presence of rectal bSTIs predicted HIV seroconversion using generalized estimating equations (GEEs).

Results

Participants tested reactive for rectal Mycoplasma genitalium (MGen), Neisseria …

Experiences Of Group Therapies In Community Settings From The Perspective Of People Given A Diagnosis Of “Personality Disorder” – A Systematic Literature Review And Thematic Synthesis, Roxanne Denny

School of Psychology Theses

There is increasing research into group therapies and group treatments are widely offered in services for people with a diagnosis of personality disorder. This review aims to explore service user experiences of psychological treatments offered in groups for the diagnosis of personality disorder in community settings. A systematic search of six databases yielded 16 qualitative research papers for inclusion in this review. Studies were critically appraised and analysed using thematic synthesis. The thematic synthesis identified three major themes: “expectations and reality of groups”, “barriers and facilitators” and “impact of groups”. Recommendations inform the establishment and facilitation of group treatments.

Bio-Active Metabolites From Chinese Medicinal Herbs For Treatment Of Skin Diseases, Ching Tung, Dawn Au

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Skin diseases have become serious issues to human health and affect one-third of the world’s population according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). These consist of internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) factors referring to genetics, hormones, and the body’s immune system, as well as environmental situations, UV radiation, or environmental pollution respectively. Generally, Western Medicines (WMs) are usually treated with topical creams or strong medications for skin diseases that help superficially, and often do not treat the root cause. The relief may be instant and strong, sometimes these medicines have adverse reactions that are too strong to be able and …

Pharmacological Activities Of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos And Its Derivative—“Chrysoeriol” In Skin Diseases, Ching Tung, Dawn Au, Siu Kan Law, Wing Sum, Christy Tong, Yeuk Lung, Wesley Chow

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Chrysoeriol is an active ingredient derived from the Chinese medicinal herb (CMH) “Lonicerae japonicae flos” in the dried flower bud or bloomed flower of Lonicera japonica Thunberg. Dermatoses are the most common diseases in humans, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, moles, and fungal infections, which are temporary or permanent and may be painless or painful. Topical corticosteroids are widely used in Western medicine, but there are some side effects when it is continuously and regularly utilized in a large dosage. Chrysoeriol is a natural active ingredient, nontoxic, and without any adverse reactions in the treatment of dermatological conditions. Methods: Nine electronic …

Diffuse Correlation Tomography: A Technique To Characterize Tissue Blood Flow Abnormalities In Benign And Malignant Breast Lesions, Shun Wan Chan

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Accurate assessment and quantification of neoangiogenesis associated with breast cancer could be potentially used to improve the sensitivity and specificity of non-invasive diagnosis, as well as predict outcomes and monitor treatment effects. In this study, we adapted an emerging technology, namely diffuse correlation tomography (DCT), to image microvascular blood flow in breast tissues and evaluate the potential for discriminating between benign and malignant lesions. A custom-made DCT system was designed for breast blood flow imaging, with both the source-detector array and reconstruction algorithm optimized to ensure precise imaging of breast blood flow. The global features and local features of three-dimensional …

A Review Of The Pharmacological Effects Of Solanum Muricatum Fruit (Pepino Melon), Shun Wan Chan

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Solanaceae, commonly known as nightshade, is a diverse family of flowering plants comprising around 90 genera and an estimated 3000–4000 species. Solanaceae spp. and its various fruits, including pepino (Solanum muricatum), commonly known as pepino melon, are widely recognized by the public for their nutritional value and pharmacological effects. Pepino melon, in particular, is often enjoyed as a fresh dessert or salad due to its juicy flesh. Given its beneficial properties, the potential of pepino melon to be developed as a functional food has been extensively studied. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the reported pharmacological effects …

How Do Socio-Demographic Factors, Health Status, And Knowledge Influence The Acceptability Of Probiotics Products In Hong Kong?, Shun Wan Chan

Department of Food and Health Sciences

In recent years, due to growing interest in gut health, the potential benefits of probiotics on the gut have received much attention. Probiotics, now readily available in both dietary supplements and a variety of foods, have become a focal point of consumer health choices. This study aims to explore the impact of consumer-related factors, including socio-demographic profiles, health status, and probiotics knowledge, on the acceptance of probiotics products in Hong Kong. A total of 385 participants engaged in a survey, providing data for an in-depth analysis of how these factors influence attitudes toward probiotics. Findings revealed a general confidence in …

Design Of A Pebbles-Like Erbium Stannate Integrated With Graphene Nanoribbons For The Anti-Cancer Drug Nilutamide Detection In Water And Biological Samples, Wai Ching Liu

Department of Food and Health Sciences

The invention of antibiotics revolutionized modern medicine, yet their unchecked usage poses risks to the environment and human health. Nilutamide (NLT), an anti-androgen drug for prostate cancer, undergoes hepatic metabolism, producing harmful by-products. Recent studies have detected elevated NLT levels in ecosystems, demanding comprehensive monitoring. Electrochemical sensors have evolved, offering compact, sensitive, and selective detection. Integration of nanotechnology has further enhanced these sensors, particularly graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and pyrochlore oxides like erbium stannate (Er2Sn2O7). This study focuses on fabricating a GNR/Er2Sn2O7 nanocomposite-modified electrode and proposing its application for NLT detection in water and human samples. The nanocomposite’s hierarchical arrangement, facilitated …

How Do Socio-Demographic Factors, Health Status, And Knowledge Influence The Acceptability Of Probiotics Products In Hong Kong?, Shun Wan Chan, Zilin Xu, Nan Wu

Department of Food and Health Sciences

In recent years, due to growing interest in gut health, the potential benefits of probiotics on the gut have received much attention. Probiotics, now readily available in both dietary supplements and a variety of foods, have become a focal point of consumer health choices. This study aims to explore the impact of consumer-related factors, including socio-demographic profiles, health status, and probiotics knowledge, on the acceptance of probiotics products in Hong Kong. A total of 385 participants engaged in a survey, providing data for an in-depth analysis of how these factors influence attitudes toward probiotics. Findings revealed a general confidence in …

Statistics Used In The Nebraska Beef Reports And Their Purpose, University Of Nebraska-Lincoln

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The purpose of beef cattle and beef product research at UNL is to provide reference information that represents the various populations (cows, calves, heifers, feeders, carcasses, retail products, etc) of beef production. Obviously, the researcher cannot apply treatments to every member of a population; therefore he/she must sample the population. The use of statistics allows the researcher and readers of the Nebraska Beef report the opportunity to evaluate separation of random (chance) occurrences and real biological effects of a treatment. Following is a brief description of the major statistics used in the beef report. For a more detailed description of …

Informing The State Of Process Modeling And Automation Of Blood Banking And Transfusion Services Through A Systematic Mapping Study, Shaima' Abdallah Elhaj, Yousra Odeh, Dina Tbaishat, Anwar Rjoop, Asem Mansour, Mohammed Odeh

All Works

Purpose: The current state of the art in process modeling of blood banking and transfusion services is not well grounded; methodological reviews are lacking to bridge the gap between such blood banking and transfusion processes (and their models) and their automation. This research aims to fill this gap with a methodological review. Methods: A systematic mapping study was adopted, driven by five key research questions. Identified research studies were accepted based on fulfilling the following inclusion criteria: 1) research studies should focus on blood banking and transfusion process modeling since the late 1970s; and 2) research studies should focus on …

การตกเป็นเหยื่อของการสะกดรอยออนไลน์ในสังคมไทย, โชติกา ชุมศรี

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

งานวิจัยเรื่อง “การตกเป็นเหยื่อของการสะกดรอยออนไลน์ในสังคมไทย” มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาพฤติกรรมของผู้กระทำผิดและผู้ที่ตกเป็นเหยื่อการสะกดรอยออนไลน์ ศึกษาสภาพปัญหาของการตกเป็นเหยื่อและเสนอแนะแนวทางในการป้องกันการตกเป็นเหยื่อการสะกดรอยออนไลน์ในสังคมไทย เป็นงานวิจัยเชิงคุณภาพด้วยการศึกษาข้อมูลจากเอกสารและการสัมภาษณ์เชิงลึกผู้ที่ตกเป็นเหยื่อการสะกดรอยออนไลน์ จำนวน 4 คน และผู้เชี่ยวชาญที่มีความรู้ความสามารถเฉพาะทางและผู้ที่มีส่วนในการช่วยเหลือเหยื่อ จำนวน 8 คน ผลการศึกษา พบว่ารูปแบบพฤติกรรมของผู้กระทำผิด มี 3 ประการ ดังนี้ 1) การพยายามติดต่อสื่อสารอย่างต่อเนื่องและส่งข้อความที่ไม่พึงประสงค์ทางออนไลน์ 2) การนำข้อมูลของเหยื่อไปใช้ในทางที่มิชอบ และ 3) การนำข้อมูลที่เฝ้าติดตามทางออนไลน์ไปสะกดรอยในทางกายภาพ สาเหตุหรือแรงจูงใจที่นำไปสู่การกระทำความผิด ดังนี้ 1) ความสะดวกในการเข้าถึงข้อมูลส่วนบุคคลและการติดต่อเหยื่อได้โดยตรง 2) ความต้องการสร้างความสัมพันธ์บางประการ และ 3) ความโกรธแค้นเมื่อถูกปฏิเสธหรือความต้องการควบคุม พฤติกรรมของบุคคลที่นำไปสู่การตกเป็นเหยื่อการสะกดรอยออนไลน์ มี 2 ประการ ดังนี้ 1) การขาดความระมัดระวังในการเผยแพร่ข้อมูลบนสื่อสังคมออนไลน์ และ 2) ลักษณะทางกายภาพของเหยื่อ นอกจากนี้ผลการศึกษา สภาพปัญหาของการตกเป็นเหยื่อการสะกดรอยออนไลน์ มี 4 ประการ ดังนี้ 1) การขาดความตระหนักรู้ 2) สภาพของเทคโนโลยีและอินเทอร์เน็ต 3) การขาดกฎหมายหรือมาตรการเฉพาะที่ใช้กับการกระทำความผิด และ 4) ขาดบุคลากรที่มีความชำนาญเฉพาะทาง สำหรับแนวทางในการป้องกันการตกเป็นเหยื่อการสะกดรอยออนไลน์ ได้แก่ 1) การสอนมารยาทการใช้งานอินเทอร์เน็ต และสร้างความตระหนักรู้ในอันตรายจากการเผยแพร่ข้อมูลส่วนบุคคลแก่คนในสังคม 2) การเริ่มป้องกันจากตนเอง 3) การพัฒนาระบบกฎหมายและการบังคับใช้ และ 4) การพัฒนาบุคลากรให้มีความรู้ความชำนาญ และพัฒนาเครื่องมือทางเทคโนโลยีที่ช่วยสืบสวนการกระทำความผิดทางออนไลน์

Esthetic Evaluation Of Implant Restoration In Esthetic Zone: A Long-Term Follow-Up, Harit Muangmore

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between esthetic outcomes of single-tooth implant restorations (STIRs) in the anterior maxilla, assessed by the Pink Esthetic Score (PES), White Esthetic Score (WES), and the newly introduced Esthetic Sustainable Criteria (ESC), over two follow-up periods: 5 years and 10 years. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted involving 22 patients treated with STIRs at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, from January 2009 to December 2024. Patient demographics, treatment protocols, and follow-up assessments were collected at both 5 and 10 years. PES and WES were utilized to evaluate esthetic outcomes, …

Open Hunting Season: Black Bodies As A Threatened Species, Mark C. Grafenreed

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

Tracing the Endangered Species Act of 1973 provides striking parallels with the historical, legal, and cultural aspects of bondage mapped upon Black bodies. The United States Congress promulgated the Endangered Species Act to protect and conserve threatened and endangered wildlife species. However, this gives rise to a serious moral dilemma and cognitive dissonance in that nearly 1,500 wildlife species benefit from the Endangered Species Act's protections. At the same time, Black bodies disproportionately suffer without similar federal protections. Congress has strengthened the Endangered Species Act's force through four amendments since its inception, even while there have been mounting threats to …

Scientific Context, Suicide Prevention, And The Second Amendment After Bruen, Eric Ruben

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

The Supreme Court declared in New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen that modern gun laws must be “consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation” to survive Second Amendment challenges. Scholarship has shown how this test of historical analogy presents difficulties because of how technological, legal, and social change has shaped policy over the centuries. This Article is the first to assess Bruen as it applies to suicide- prevention laws, and, in doing so, illuminates another form of change that complicates Bruen’s implementation: scientific progress.

As this Article shows, early generations of Americans fundamentally misunderstood mental …

The Emerging Crime Of Persecution Based On Sexual Orientation, Anthony J. Colangelo

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

This Article argues that persecution based on sexual orientation constitutes a crime against humanity under international law. Unlike other scholarship that has focused on the definition of crimes against humanity in the 1998 Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court—which does not explicitly enumerate “sexual orientation” as a protected classification—this Article looks to customary international law made up by the practices of states.

Diligent research has revealed that between 1998 and 2022, at least 107 states enacted laws or revised existing laws decriminalizing sexual orientation and/or categorizing sexual orientation as a protected classification from discrimination. This is in addition to …

Underlying Substrate Effect On Electrochemical Activity For Hydrogen Evolution Reaction With Low-Platinum-Loaded Catalysts, Baleeswaraiah Muchharla, Peter V. Sushko, Kishor K. Sadasivuni, Wei Cao, Akash Tomar, Hani Elsayed-Ali, Adetayo Adedeji, Abdennaceur Karoui, Joshua M. Spurgeon, Bijandra Kumar

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Platinum is known as the best catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but the scarcity and high cost of Pt limit its widespread applicability. Herein, the role of the underlying substrate on the HER activity of dispersed Pt atoms is uncovered. A direct current magnetron sputtering technique is utilized to deposit transition metal (TM) thin films of W, Ti, and Ta as underlying substrates for extremely low loading of Pt (

Recent Progress In Microrna Detection Using Integrated Electric Fields And Optical Detection Methods, Logeeshan Velmanickam, Dharmakeerthi Nawarathna

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Low-cost, highly-sensitivity, and minimally invasive tests for the detection and monitoring of life-threatening diseases and disorders can reduce the worldwide disease burden. Despite a number of interdisciplinary research efforts, there are still challenges remaining to be addressed, so clinically significant amounts of relevant biomarkers in body fluids can be detected with low assay cost, high sensitivity, and speed at point-of-care settings. Although the conventional proteomic technologies have shown promise, their ability to detect all levels of disease progression from early to advanced stages is limited to a limited number of diseases. One potential avenue for early diagnosis is microRNA (miRNA). …

Different Visions From Biosview: A Brief Report, Lucas N. Potter, Xavier-Lewis Palmer

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

In this collaborative research endeavor at the intersection of biological safety and cybersecurity for BiosView labs, the authors highlight their engagement with a diverse student cohort. The chapter delves into the motivation behind collaborations extending beyond traditional academic research environments, emphasizing inclusivity. The meticulous examination of student demographics, including gender, self-reported ethnicity, and national origin, is detailed in the methodology. A student-centric approach is central to the exploration, focusing on aligning teaching and management styles with unique student needs. The chapter elaborates on effective teaching methodologies and management practices tailored for BiosView labs. A dedicated section emphasizes the purpose of …

Paper-Based Dna Biosensor For Rapid And Selective Detection Of Mir-21, Alexander Hunt, Sri Ramulu Torati, Gymama Slaughter

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, with 9.7 million fatalities in 2022. While routine screenings are vital for early detection, healthcare disparities persist, highlighting the need for equitable solutions. Recent advancements in cancer biomarker identification, particularly microRNAs (miRs), have improved early detection. MiR-21 is notably overexpressed in various cancers and can be a valuable diagnostic tool. Traditional detection methods, though accurate, are costly and complex, limiting their use in resource-limited settings. Paper-based electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing cost-effective, sensitive, and rapid diagnostics suitable for point-of-care use. This study introduces an innovative electrochemical paper-based biosensor that …

Investigation Of The Effect Of Preparation Parameters On The Structural And Mechanical Properties Of Gelatin/Elastin/Sodium Hyaluronate Scaffolds Fabricated By The Combined Foaming And Freeze-Drying Techniques, Mansour Qamash, S. Misagh Imani, Meisam Omidi, Ciara Glancy, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of different preparation parameters, including agitation speed, agitation time, and chilling temperature, on the structural and mechanical properties of a novel gelatin/elastin/sodium hyaluronate tissue engineering scaffold, recently developed by our research group. Fabricated using a combination of foaming and freeze-drying techniques, the scaffolds were assessed to understand how these parameters influence their morphology, internal microstructure, porosity, mechanical properties, and degradation behavior. The fabrication process used in this study involved preparing a homogeneous aqueous solution containing 8% gelatin, 2% elastin, and 0.5% sodium hyaluronate (w/v), which was then subjected to mechanical agitation at speeds …

A Review Of Emerging Sensor Technologies For Tank Inspection: A Focus On Lidar And Hyperspectral Imaging And Their Automation And Deployment, Sergio Pallas Enguita, Chung-Hao Chen, Samuel Kovacic

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper reviews various sensor technologies for tank inspection, focusing on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) as advanced solutions for corrosion detection. These technologies are evaluated alongside traditional methods such as ultrasonic, electromagnetic, and thermographic inspections. This review highlights their potential to enhance inspection accuracy, reduce the limitations of manual inspection, and support integrated data analysis for comprehensive asset management. Additionally, this paper proposes a pathway for automating these techniques to streamline inspection processes and improve implementation in practical applications.

Methylene Blue-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy In Combination With Doxorubicin: A Novel Approach In The Treatment Of Ht-29 Colon Cancer Cells, Nima Rastegar-Pouyani, Jaber Zafari, Alireza Nasirpour, Hossein Vazini, Nabbaa Najjar, Seyedeh Zohreh Azarshin, Fatemeh Javani Jouni

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Introduction: With an alarmingly growing number of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, adopting innovative anti-cancer approaches has recently garnered great attention. One interesting concept is the co-administration of cytotoxic agents and safer modalities such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), which can subsequently improve therapeutic efficacy and potentially reduce the risks of severe adverse effects and drug resistance. In the course of PDT, a locally injected photosensitizer (PS) is irradiated with a light source, which subsequently generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induces programmed cell death in tumor cells.

Methods: In this study, to evaluate the potential anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy combined …

An Overview Of The Relationships Between The Food Industry And Nanotechnology, Mehdi Koushki, Nasrin Amiri-Dashatan, Hossein Pourghadamyari, Hadi Khodabandehloo, Fatemeh Bagheri, Masoumeh Farahani, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Background and Objective: Due to the growth of the global population, food demands are increasing. Hence, the need to develop more efficient methods for producing better quality, safer, and more sustainable food seems essential. In the past decades, the use of nanoscale materials has increased greatly due to the unique chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of nanomaterials compared to bulk materials. This research presents nanotechnology role in improving sensorial properties (taste, appearance, and texture) and safety aspects as well as processing and packaging of foods. The use of nano-omics-based technologies and artificial intelligence-nanotechnology-based technologies in the food industry is also …

Unexpected Ring Opening Reactions, Solid-State Structures, And A Chemiluminescent Reaction, L Hiscock

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Functional π-materials involve the use of an aromatic π-system to carry out a function such as electron transport (organic electronics), absorbing and emitting photons (dyes, fluorescent materials), self-assembly (discotic liquid crystals), or sensors for various analytes. Our lab has recently published the syntheses of heteroaromatic derivatives of tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (TFTP, 2.24) synthesised via nucleophilic aromatic substitution chemistry. The prepared derivatives have displayed fluorescent (e.g. 2.2)1 and liquid crystalline (1.0)2 properties, as well as displaying close π-π interactions in the solid state (2.8).3 As the materials we are synthesising all belong to the class of aromatic compounds, an introduction to aromaticity and …

Coordination Chemistry Using Strategic Design Of Ligands For Switchable Properties, Delara Joekar

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Coordination-driven self-assemblies are multifunctional molecular systems that provide an efficient method for miniaturization towards functional devices with diverse applications. Herein, the synthesis of novel pyrazole-based ligands suitable for construction of coordination assemblies is reported. These were designed using a strategy that incorporates the presence of both cationic and anionic coordination sites, and a third site for further functionalization. This design strategy has been used because there is still a knowledge gap for controlling the directionality of weak molecular forces in the presence of stronger competing forces. The structural characterization of these ligands, their Hirshfeld surface analysis, and select coordination complexes …

Pcv15, A Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, For The Prevention Of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease In Infants And Children., Timothy J. Chapman, Liset Olarte, Ghassan Dbaibo, Avril Melissa Houston, Gretchen Tamms, Robert Lupinacci, Kristen Feemster, Ulrike K. Buchwald, Natalie Banniettis

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

INTRODUCTION:

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a causative agent of pneumonia and acute otitis media (AOM), as well as invasive diseases such as meningitis and bacteremia. PCV15 (V114) is a new 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) approved for use in individuals ≥6 weeks of age for the prevention of pneumonia, AOM, and invasive pneumococcal disease.

AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the V114 Phase 3 development program leading to approval in infants and children, including pivotal studies, interchangeability and catch-up vaccination studies, and studies in at-risk populations. An integrated safety summary is presented in addition to immunogenicity and concomitant use of V114 with …

Statistical Analysis Of Single-Cell Protein Data., Brooke L. Fridley, Simon Vandekar, Inna Chervoneva, Julia Wrobel, Siyuan Ma

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Immune modulation is considered a hallmark of cancer initiation and progression, with immune cell density being consistently associated with clinical outcomes of individuals with cancer. Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) microscopy combined with automated image analysis is a novel and increasingly used technique that allows for the assessment and visualization of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, application of this new technology to tissue microarrays (TMAs) or whole tissue sections from large cancer studies has been used to characterize different cell populations in the TME with enhanced reproducibility and accuracy. Generally, mIF data has been used to examine the presence and abundance of …

Comparing Ionoregulation And Modes Of Nitrogen Excretion Across The Life Cycle Of Parasitic And Non-Parasitic Lamprey Species, Shannon Davidson

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Abstract

Ionoregulation and nitrogenous waste (N-waste) metabolism in fishes has been extensively documented in teleosts and elasmobranchs, but less so in lampreys (Petromizontiformes). All lamprey species undergo metamorphosis which drastically changes their physiology and modes of feeding. However, differences in ionoregulatory mechanisms due to anadromous versus non anadromous life history strategies emerge following metamorphosis in different lamprey species. Furthermore, some species, such as anadromous juvenile sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), are parasitic and migrate to seawater (SW) to ingest blood protein from host fishes, while juveniles of freshwater (FW), non-parasitic species, such as the American brook lamprey …

Understanding The Significance Of Object Recognition In Cowbirds: Exploring The Interplay Of Cognition, Social Behaviour And Reproductive Success, Eric Rushton

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Every day, animals use cognitive processes to make decisions in their environment such as those regarding food sources, threats and mates. One such important process provides the ability to recognize objects and individuals in order to guide future actions. Since object recognition and individual recognition are related processes, they may be linked to social cognition and to fitness; links not commonly explored in the literature. In this thesis I seek to examine (1) how brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) attend to and react to novel objects in their environment and (2) how this ability to recognize objects is related …