Digital Commons Network^™

Preparing The Next Generation Of Health Education Teachers For The Ethical Use Of Ai, Melissa J. Haithcox-Dennis, Reeshemah Johnson

Journal of Research Initiatives

This article examines how health education teacher preparation programs can prepare future educators to use artificial intelligence (AI) in responsible and effective ways. It begins with a brief overview of the use of AI in education, considering the growing impact of generative AI technologies on teaching and learning. The article outlines international and national standards that govern the application of AI in education, addressing key ethical concerns, including the dissemination of inaccurate health information, violations of student privacy, bias, and inequitable access to AI tools. The article emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making and professional responsibility when integrating AI into …

Routine Antenatal Ultrasound By Nurse-Midwives In Rural Kenya: A Pragmatic Trial Assessing Feasibility And Effects Of The Mimba Yangu (My Pregnancy) Project, Claudia Hanson, Lucy Nyaga, Nidhi Leekha, Michaela Mantel, Sarah Kedenge, Caroline Gitonga, Violet Naanyu, Jasmit Shah, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction: Task-sharing of obstetric ultrasound between nurse-midwives and doctors has the potential to operationalize the World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least one ultrasound before 24 weeks of gestational age for every pregnant woman. Here, we report on the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of the Mimba Yangu (My Pregnancy) task-sharing approach in rural Kenya.

Methods: We conducted a pragmatic trial including 28 primary care facilities between April 2021 and March 2022, selected based on feasibility criteria. Fourteen facilities received the ultrasound intervention composed of (i) task-sharing with nurse-midwives, (ii) the use of portable ultrasound devices (Lumify™) connected to a tablet, …

The Blacker The Berry: Food Environments And Intake Associated With Perinatal Depression And Secondary Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Black Americans In The St. Louis Metropolitan Area, Najjuwah S. Walden

Brown School Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between the food environment, intake, and health is complex. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if food environments in proximity to Black pregnant women in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area were associated with prenatal eating habits and if these eating habits were associated with the risk of developing depressive symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum. The study also aimed to understand if there was a relationship between prenatal eating habits and the decision to breastfeed and if the onset of postpartum depressive symptoms has any effect on this relationship. Due to the importance of nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods …

Stock-To-Use Ratio And Price Of Rice: Deciphering The Relationships, Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb, Joohun Han, Willy Mulimbi, Durand-Morat Alvaro

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

The stock-to-use ratio (STU) is a widely utilized indicator to assess market conditions and forecast price movements for agricultural commodities. However, before drawing any conclusions, it is essential to empirically investigate the relationship between STU and commodity prices. Using rice as a case study, this research examines the empirical linkage between rice prices and STU, both collectively and individually across 16 leading rice-producing and consuming countries. To do so, the study first employs the panel vector autoregression approach to capture the dynamic interrelationships in a panel data setting, followed by vector autoregression estimation at the individual country level. The results …

School Leaders’ Perceptions Of Restorative Practices On Student Behavior, Jennifer Mary Herold Fontenot

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

United States public schools turned to a zero-tolerance approach to school discipline with hopes of improving school safety and climate in the 1990s. Administrators dispensed consequences such as suspension and expulsion without considering the whole student, regardless of the student’s conditions, motivations, or background. Many schools today focus on punitive measures rather than a holistic approach that considers the root causes of behavior, such as socioeconomic factors, mental health issues, or the student’s home life. Such actions can lead to disproportionately harsh punishments for marginalized students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or communities of color, exacerbating existing inequalities. Thus, the …

Nursing Education For Type 2 Diabetes And Nutrition Using Individual 1:1 Sessions In Rural Health Care, Meagan F. Wheat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

What if proper nutrition were a nonpharmacological treatment for health problems? Nutrition is an important key to overall wellness. When patients receive the right education, they not only get the proper nutrition in their diet but also can manage their diabetes and live a better quality of life. In rural U.S. health areas, lack of access to nutrition is a barrier to patient care. Rural areas are at an even higher risk due to a lack of resources for good nutrition. One-to-one nutrition education with a nurse specialized in diabetes helps teach patients at a learning level they will comprehend. …

Differences In Peer Social Connections Between Traditional And Online Nurse Residency Programs, Tatum Leonard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The anticipated retirement of baby boomer nurses by 2030 will intensify the global nursing shortage, a crisis that demands innovative strategies for onboarding and retaining new graduate nurses. Nurse residency programs (NRPs) are designed to ease the transition from student to practicing nurse, reduce turnover, and foster professional resilience. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many NRPs rapidly transitioned from traditional, in-person seminars to synchronous, online formats. This study explored differences in peer social connections between traditional and online NRPs, focusing on three constructs: sense of community, collaborative learning, and peer social support. Using a quasi-experimental, mixed methods approach, this secondary data …

Integrating Environmental Risk Factors Into Pediatric Cancer Care: Laying The Groundwork For Improved Outcomes And Primary Prevention., Nicole Wood, Omar Shakeel, Juan A. Ortega-Garcia, Mark D. Miller

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Childhood cancer incidence has steadily risen both in the United States and worldwide, yet its environmental contributors remain underrecognized in clinical care. Children and cancer survivors are particularly susceptible to environmental exposures due to their unique physiology and the long-term health vulnerabilities that follow cancer treatment. Although exposures to substances such as pesticides, air pollution, and household chemicals are linked to increased cancer risk, limited clinical frameworks and clinician training leave oncologists underprepared to address growing environmental health concerns from families. A holistic pediatric oncology environmental health program in Murcia, Spain offers a scalable vision for embedding the environment into …

A Consensus Guide To Preclinical Indirect Calorimetry Experiments, Alexander S Banks, David B Allison, Thierry Alquier, Ansarullah, Steven N Austad, Johan Auwerx, Julio E Ayala, Joseph A Baur, Stefania Carobbio, Gary A Churchill, Morten Dall, Rafael De Cabo, Jose Donato, Nathalia R V Dragano, Carol F Elias, Anthony W Ferrante, Brian N Finck, Jose E Galgani, Zachary Gerhart-Hines, Laurie J Goodyear, Justin L Grobe, Rana K Gupta, Kirk M Habegger, Sean M Hartig, Andrea L Hevener, Steven B Heymsfield, Corey D Holman, Martin Hrabě De Angelis, David E James, Lawrence Kazak, Jae Bum Kim, Martin Klingenspor, Xingxing Kong, Sander Kooijman, Louise Lantier, K C Kent Lloyd, James C Lo, Irfan J Lodhi, Paul S Maclean, Owen P Mcguinness, Gema Medina-Gómez, Raghavendra G Mirmira, Christopher D Morrison, Gregory J Morton, Timo D Müller, Yoshihiro Ogawa, David Pajuelo-Reguera, Matthew J Potthoff, Nathan Qi, Marc L Reitman, Patrick C N Rensen, Jan Rozman, Jennifer M Rutkowsky, Kei Sakamoto, Philipp E Scherer, Gary J Schwartz, Radislav Sedlacek, Mohammed Selloum, Saame Raza Shaikh, Shuai Chen, Gerald I Shulman, Vojtěch Škop, Alexander A Soukas, John R Speakman, Bruce M Spiegelman, Gregory R Steinberg, Katrin J Svensson, John P Thyfault, Tony Tiganis, Paul M Titchenell, Nigel Turner, Licio A Velloso, Antonio Vidal-Puig, Christopher S Ward, Ashley S Williams, Christian Wolfrum, Allison W Xu, Ying Xu, Juleen R Zierath, International Indirect Calorimetry Consensus Committee (Iiccc)

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Understanding the complex factors influencing mammalian metabolism and body weight homeostasis is a long-standing challenge requiring knowledge of energy intake, absorption and expenditure. Using measurements of respiratory gas exchange, indirect calorimetry can provide non-invasive estimates of whole-body energy expenditure. However, inconsistent measurement units and flawed data normalization methods have slowed progress in this field. This guide aims to establish consensus standards to unify indirect calorimetry experiments and their analysis for more consistent, meaningful and reproducible results. By establishing community-driven standards, we hope to facilitate data comparison across research datasets. This advance will allow the creation of an in-depth, machine-readable data …

Experiences Of Emotional Support Among Parents Of Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study, Sahar S Eshtehardi, Marissa N Baudino, Barbara J Anderson, Deborah I Thompson, David G Marrero, Marisa E Hilliard

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Parents of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience substantial disease-specific demands and distress, yet their perceptions about the emotional support they receive related to the challenges of caring for a child with diabetes have not been well described. This research aimed to characterize the types of emotional support parents of youth with T1D receive and how they experience emotional support.

Methods: As part of a larger qualitative study on diabetes health-related quality of life, 23 parents (96% mothers) of youth with T1D (M age = 10.9 ± 3.8 years; 35% female) completed semi-structured interviews about various aspects of …

Heightened Risk: Childhood Trauma And Anticipatory Grief Exacerbate The Impact Of Loneliness On Depressive Symptoms And Lps-Stimulated Cytokines In Dementia Caregivers, Kelly N Brice, Jensine Paoletti-Hatcher, E Lydia Wu-Chung, Vincent D Lai, Daniel L Argueta, Michelle A Chen, Itee Mahant, Bryan T Denny, Charles Green, Luis D Medina, Paul Schulz, Jennifer Stinson, Samantha K Henry, Cobi Heijnen, Christopher P Fagundes

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Dementia spousal caregivers are at a disproportionate risk for adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms and proinflammatory cytokine production among caregivers. Additionally, childhood trauma, anticipatory grief, and poor sleep quality are all associated with enhanced stress reactivity. This study used a cross-sectional design to investigate whether loneliness is associated with proinflammatory cytokine production and depressive symptoms in caregivers, and whether these relationships are strongest among caregivers who report high levels of childhood trauma, high amounts of anticipatory grief, or poor sleep quality. A sample of 111 dementia spousal caregivers provided blood samples and completed …

Associations Of Biomarkers Of Systemic Inflammation, Angiogenesis, And Cell-To-Cell Adhesion With Tumor Budding Among Early-Onset And Later-Onset Colorectal Cancer Patients, Oda Hausmann, Adetunji T Toriola, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: High tumor budding and elevated systemic inflammation are adverse prognostic indicators in colorectal cancer. Its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. It is unclear whether systemic inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell-to-cell adhesion influence tumor budding.

METHODS: We investigated n = 132 stage I-III colorectal cancer patients recruited at Huntsman Cancer Institute enrolled in the ColoCare Study. Tumor budding was evaluated using an evidence-based scoring system, and patient sera were analyzed for nine circulating biomarkers using the Meso Scale Discovery platform. We examined associations between biomarkers and tumor budding using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, neoadjuvant treatment, stage, and …

Ai-Powered Multi-Omics Integration For Predictive Modeling Of Genotype-Environment-Phenotype Relationships, You Wu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation presents a series of machine learning frameworks for modeling genotype–environment–phenotype relationships through integrative predictive modeling of multi-omics data. The work addresses three major axes of biological complexity: modeling biological information transmission cross-levels from genes to proteins to phenotypes, predicting molecular features cross-scale from cells to tissues to organisms, and translating phenotypes cross-species from model systems to humans. Each proposed method also tackles key machine learning (ML) challenges in the biomedical domain, including data scarcity, domain shift, out-of-distribution (OOD) generalization, and hierarchical modeling. Specifically, this dissertation introduces five novel deep learning algorithms: MultiDCP predicts drug-induced transcriptomic and viability responses …

The Effect Of Tbi On Working Memory And Anxiety In Rats, Mariola Sobolewska

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern, often leading to cognitive and emotional impairments. This study examined the effects of TBI on working memory and anxiety-like behavior in young male Sprague-Dawley rats using the Radial Arm Maze (RAM) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), which are behavioral assessments. The RAM tests spatial working memory by evaluating the animal’s ability to remember and efficiently navigate multiple arms to retrieve rewards. The EPM assesses anxiety-like behavior based on the animal’s preference for open versus closed arms. The study utilized young male Sprague-Dawley rats, a well-established rodent model known for its …

Behavioral Biomarkers Of Vulnerability In The Aba Model, Nora Ozer

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder with the highest mortality rate among mental health conditions, yet effective biological treatments remain limited. The activity-based anorexia (ABA) paradigm, which combines food restriction with wheel access to model the hyperactivity and self-starvation cycle characteristic of AN, shows considerable individual variability in vulnerability. Understanding what predisposes certain individuals to develop the full ABA phenotype while others remain resilient could inform early intervention strategies for human AN. This study employed continuous behavioral monitoring technology to identify early predictors of vulnerability to activity-based anorexia in mice, with the goal of discovering behavioral biomarkers that …

Enhancing Hip And Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes With Immunonutrition: A Review Of The Evidence, Kyle Taylor, Winifred Chijoke, Quinci Howard, Sandra Messiha, Jocelyn Hunt, Bernice Diaz, Hamza Khalid, Janae Rasmussen

Student Publications

Total hip and knee arthroplasty are common surgical procedures aimed at improving mobility and quality of life. Despite surgical advances, postoperative complications remain a concern, particularly for patients with comorbidities and poor nutritional status. Immunonutrition, the targeted administration of nutrients that modulate inflammation, such as arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, has been shown to reduce infections, complications in wound healing, and shorten hospital length of stay. This review examines current evidence on the role of immunonutrition in hip and knee arthroplasty, focusing on the mechanisms of key nutrients, clinical application of supplementation, and areas for future investigation. Despite promising …

Students' Purchase Intention Of Street Food In Front Of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas Cavite, Patricia Jana J. Abeabe, Shanin S. Albios, Brent Louis C. Aure, Jimford U. Tabuyo

ICHRIE Research Reports

This study examined the factors that influence students' buying intentions for street food. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed to assess students' purchasing intentions toward street food in front of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas Gate 1. The study utilized convenience sampling, with 371 respondents consisting of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students. Data were collected through an online survey using a Four-Point Likert Scale questionnaire. Statistical tools are weighted mean and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) T-test. The findings revealed that perceived food quality and convenience significantly influenced students' buying intentions, while perceived food value also played a crucial …

Effects Of Tannin-Rich Supplements On Immune Response In Goats And Beef Cattle: A Collection Of Controlled Feeding Trials, Sebastian P. Schreiber, Rebecca D. Burson, Cody B. Scott, Corey J. Owens

Wildland Resources Student Research

Emerging research evokes selection for various plant secondary compounds as a potential driver of ruminant diet selection, through animals’ evident ability to rectify deficiencies and even self-medicate. This idea was assessed by comparing physiological responses to vaccination challenges of animals fed diets of differing phytochemical composition. In the first of three separate trials, goats were placed in individual pens and fed one of three treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments in Trial 1 consisted of redberry juniper (50 g) and shin oak (50 g). In Trial 2, goats were fed rations containing grape and blueberry pomace at an inclusion …

The Effect Of Maternal Diet On Neonatal Jaundice: A Case-Control Study, Marzieh Mahdipoor, Alireza J. Motlagh, Hamid S. Baghbanan, Mahmood Bakhtiyari, Zohreh Khodaii, Sara E. Saeieh

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the influence of dietary heat intensity in maternal diets on the incidence of neonatal jaundice. Specifically, we examine whether maternal consumption of "dietary heat intensity" foods affects neonatal bilirubin levels, while controlling for potential demographic and obstetric confounding factors. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted between October 2023 and September 2024. The study population consisted of mothers and their newborns attending healthcare centers in Alborz Province, Iran. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 152 newborns were enrolled, comprising 75 non-jaundiced and 77 jaundiced infants. Data were collected using an information-gathering form and …

Low-Cost Cutaneous Protoporphyrin Ix (Ppix) Detection (Cpd) Device For Follow-Up Monitoring Of Patients After Photodynamic Therapy, Md Asaduzzaman Rasel

Graduate Masters Theses

Background: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) utilizes specific wavelengths of light to activate photosensitizing chemical compounds, known as photosensitizers, which induce the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for the targeted destruction of cancer cells. Among various photosensitizers for PDT, Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is widely employed in oncology and dermatology due to its natural in situ generation via the metabolic conversion of 5- aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a non-phototoxic prodrug. Systemic administration of ALA after 3-6 hr drug delay leads to peak PpIX accumulation in tissues, facilitating therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, PpIX can persist in the skin for 24–48 hours post-treatment, …

Exploring Potential Impacts Of Polyethylene Mesh And Polypropylene Rope Leachate On Bay Scallop (Argopecten Irradians) Survival And Growth, Katherine R. Johnson

Graduate Masters Theses

The bay scallop (Argopecten irradians), a commercially and ecologically significant bivalve along the Eastern coast of the United States, has faced severe population declines due to various anthropogenic impacts. At the same time, the proliferation of plastics, particularly in maritime industries, has introduced new threats to marine environments through both physical pollution and chemical leaching. This study aimed to assess the acute toxicological effects of leachates from two commonly used plastic products, polyethylene Netron and polypropylene rope, on A. irradians larvae. Experiments were conducted in June–July 2023 at the Nantucket Shellfish Hatchery. Leachates were prepared by incubating 0.5, …

Nursing Students’ Sociodemographic Characteristics And Consumer Preferences’ Prediction Level Of Perceived Food Literacy, Sinan Duru

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Food literacy, which is a critical competency for nursing students, plays a pivotal role in promoting evidence-based nutrition behaviors and contributes effectively to public health. This study aimed to determine the level of perceived food literacy among nursing students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 488 nursing students from two universities in the south of Turkey. The research data were collected face to face via the Personal Information Form, the Consumer Preferences Form, and Self Perceived Food Literacy. The data was analyzed using the Independent Sample t Test, One Way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.

Results: The …

Academic Burnout And Its Association With Sleep Quality, Physical Activity, And Social Media Addiction Among University Students In Perak, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Kai Eng Joanne Lim, Khang Jin Cheah, Farzana Athirah Abdul Latif, Fatin Izzaty Mohd Shahrin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Academic burnout among Malaysian undergraduates is a rising concern, driven by academic pressure and compounded by lifestyle and behavioural factors. This study aimed to examine the associations between academic burnout, sleep quality, physical activity, and social media addiction.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 382 undergraduate students was conducted using an online survey to collect the data. The chi-square test was used to assess bivariate associations, and multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of academic burnout.

Results: The majority of respondents were aged 21 to 23 years (59.7%) and female (60.7%). Overall, 56.0% of …

A Study On Nutritional Status Among Regular Gym Goers In And Around Chennai, India, Ettiyappan Thirumurugan, Kalpana Devi Venkatesan, Pavithra Tamilmani, Devika Preetha, Joyce Albert Princy Mariya Selvanathan, Dhanyasree Mohandas, Ameer Basha Sathik, Santhosh Kumar Manjunathan, Ashika Kannadhas Sheeba

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The increasing sales of sports supplements indicate a concerning trend, as many gym-goers may misuse these products owing to misinformation and insufficient knowledge, potentially impacting their performance. This issue is further compounded by specific gym trainers who may lack comprehensive information and inadvertently influence their clients' choices. To address this concern, the present study evaluated dietary supplement practices and sports nutrition knowledge among regular gym-goers at fitness centers in Chennai, India.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024 using a validated questionnaire distributed across Chennai, India. A total of 450 participants were …

Neutral Zone Vs. Conventional Denture Fabrication: A Randomized Crossover Study On Denture Performance, Karthik Kannaiyan, Arunima Chauhan, Vijayendranath Nayak, Riyshmaa Devendaran, Dashmita Peterson, Pavittra Kanesan, Vityaa Lakshmi

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objectives: It is challenging to achieve satisfactory outcomes in a complete denture for patients with resorbed residual ridges. Utilization of neutral zone techniques to guide posterior denture tooth arrangement and denture base contouring has been considered for many decades. However, the evidence is still not enough to revise protocols. This study aimed to compare patient satisfaction and stability of neutral zone denture with conventional denture. Methods: A crossover clinical trial was conducted among patients with resorbed mandibular ridges. Each participant received two sets of dentures: one fabricated using the neutral zone technique and one using the conventional method, in a …

Learning How To Interview For Qualitative Research, Kathryn Roulston, Brigette A. Herron, Caprial Farrington

The Qualitative Report

A key component of qualitative methods coursework has been the interview assignment, which typically prepares scholars to conduct in-person, individual, and open-ended interviews. This study examined what novice researchers did and learned during an interview assignment in an introductory qualitative methods course. Interview transcripts and reflections from 12 graduate students who enrolled in an online or face-to-face section of the course were analyzed. Findings review students’ reflections on the process of conducting the interview project, beginning with the preparation phase, what they discussed concerning how the interviews transpired and their experiences of the transcription process. The article reports on how …

Contributions Of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Racism, Therapy And Health Habits To Cardiovascular Health In African American Adults, Tahra Chaunice Nobles

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), racism, health habits, and therapy engagement on cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Black adults. This study builds on the Biopsychosocial Model and Allostatic Load Theory to examine how trauma, racism, and health habits influence cardiovascular health outcomes in the African American population. Through a quantitative analysis, this study investigates whether ACEs, experiences of racism, engagement in health habits, and participation in therapy contribute to the development or mitigation of CVD in Black adults. A total of 83 participants were included in the study, with data collected on ACEs, the frequency of …

Access To Information On Toddler Family Development Program And Family Participation In Child Growth And Development, Dita Dhammayanti, Demsa Simbolon, Lissa Ervina, Yusran Fauzi

Kesmas

The comprehension of the Toddler Family Development (TFD) Program among families in Indonesia remains limited, likely due to insufficient access to information and low participation rates. Limited participation can negatively affect a family’s ability to support optimal child growth and development. This study examined the relationship between access to information on the TFD Program and family participation in child growth and development. Using secondary data from the 2019 Program Performance and Accountability Survey in Indonesia, the cross-sectional analysis included 21,497 respondents. The results revealed an association between access to information on the TFD Program and family participation in child growth …

Bacterial Identification And Antibiotic Sensitivity Profiles From Captive Birds At Taipei Zoo, Younjung Chang, I-Li Liu, Jane-Fang Yu, Lih-Chiann Wang

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Bacterial infections are common in zoo birds. They may be caused by pathogenic bacteria or opportunistic bacteria due to trauma or stress-induced immune compromise. Improper use of antibiotics contributes to the development of resistant bacteria, making treatment complicated or ineffective. However, comprehensive clinical investigations into bacterial prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility in zoo-captive birds remain limited. This study identified the bacterial species present in captive diseased birds at the zoo and conducted a 12-year analysis of their antibiotic susceptibility profiles. The specimens from 48 birds at Taipei Zoo from 2006 to 2017 were submitted to a commercial reference laboratory for bacterial …

Abiotic Factors Influencing Anuran Occupation Of Neotropical Brazilian Caves, Vinícius F. Sperandei, Willian Vaz-Silva, Tejerina-Garro L. Francisco

International Journal of Speleology

Despite increasing research on the Neotropical underground environment, anurans remain poorly understood in this habitat. It was analyzed scientific literature records of anurans in Brazilian natural caves and performed a redundancy analysis (RDA) to identify the environmental, taxonomic, geographic, geological and land-use variables that influence their cave occupancy. It was examined a total of 247 literature records, encompassing 83 species/morphospecies, which revealed distinct cave-dwelling tendencies. Some anuran species occupy caves at altitudes between 5 to 21 meters above sea level (m asl), in areas characterized by rocky outcrops and grassland. Others are associated with caves surrounded by forest, savanna, pasture …