Digital Commons Network^™

Economic Importance Of Faw's Large Port And Its Role In Promoting Sustainable Development In Iraq, Rafeef Mahmoud Abd-Alstaar Ahmed, Hamdia Shaker Moslem

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The paper studies the economic importance of Grand Faw Port and how that would help develop a more sustainable Iraq. It identifies Iraq's strategic location as the most critical point in the connection of East and West, thus elucidating how the port could build a more resilient economy, better trade efficiencies, and accompany long-term development frameworks. It also examines how the Development Road project affiliated with the port could boost diversification by improving transport infrastructure in Iraq. The study is deductive and descriptive in terms of approach: it assesses the impacts of the Grand Faw Port on the fortunes of …

The Effects Of Marketing On Societal Health, Carissa G. Holdridge

Selected Honors Theses

In this thesis the significant health impacts which may be caused by the food additives which are allowed in our food are observed. Looking at the links between health issues such as Early Onset Colorectal Cancer and the correlation with the food additive Red 40. As well, looking at the adverse effect of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) and monosodium glutamate (MSG). The regulations on the food additives in the United States and other countries is concerning as it highlights the lack of importance placed on the health of Americans in relation to those of other countries. This thesis argues the …

Nh Learn Everywhere 4-H Livestock Science - Youth Planning Form, Unh Cooperative Extension

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Fungal Infections In People Who Use Drugs, Jose Portugal Gonzales, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Illicit drug use in the United States continues to rise, alongside an increasing number of severe infections associated with drug use. Surveillance studies report that 28%–34% of candidemia cases are linked to intravenous drug use, with Candida albicans being the most commonly isolated species, followed by Candida parapsilosis and Candida glabrata. Marijuana use is associated with lung infections caused by Aspergillus and the Mucorales, showing a 3.5-fold increased risk of mold infections and a 2.2-fold increased risk for other fungal infections. Intravenous drug use also presents a recognized risk factor for Aspergillus and Mucorales infections. Additionally, substances like …

Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, And Perspectives Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool Hispanic Populations, Karla C. Vidaurri, Ruth Crutchfield, Jessica R. Stewart

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

Purpose: With an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Hispanic population, there is a crucial demand for early identification and servicing of individuals with ASD. Early childhood educators are one profession in the position to identify and provide services to individuals with ASD at an early age. The aim of this study was to explore early educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD specific to preschool Hispanic populations.

Method: A survey methodology was implemented to explore early childhood educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD. The anonymous survey consisted of 23 questions and statements that explored …

Project Gender Nutriscope: Methods Of A Mixed Methods, Community-Engaged Study Design To Explore The Nutritional Needs Of Transgender And Gender-Diverse Youth And Young Adults., Heather E Schier, Krithika Chetty, Shivakriti Induri, Liam Gallagher, Miriam Knopp, Julie Kennel, Whitney Linsenmeyer, Avery M Anderson, Matthew Adkins, Irene E Hatsu, Janna D Stephens, Carolyn Gunther

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

OBJECTIVE: Despite growing evidence of distinct nutrition-related experiences and disparities, transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth and young adults are an underrepresented population in nutrition research. This paper describes the methods and study design from Project Gender NutriScope, a study that will explore the nutritional needs of TGD youth and young adults.

DESIGN: Parallel convergent cross-sectional mixed methods; community-engaged.

SETTING: A purposive sample will be recruited in a Midwest city through clinics, youth organizations, and a large state university.

PARTICIPANTS: Transgender and gender-diverse youth and young adults aged 13-24 years.

INTERVENTION: Findings from this formative study will be used to inform …

Navigating Food Insecurity: Families’ Coping Strategies, Challenges, And Insights For Educators, Ndũcũ Ngũgĩ

Theses & Dissertations

Food is essential for life. It fuels growth, well-being, and stability. Yet, food insecurity -uncertain or inadequate access to sufficient food- remains a jarring reality for millions. In the U.S. alone, 47 million people, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity despite government efforts. Addressing this crisis is essential for public health, socioeconomic progress, and societal welfare. This narrative study’s main objective was to understand the lived experiences of food-insecure families by examining how they navigate the challenges they face, their inventive coping mechanisms, and the insights they can provide for educators. While research has shown the adverse effects of …

The Relationship Between Visceral Fat Accumulation And Risk Of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: The Roles Of Accelerated Biological Aging, Tianyu Zhu, Yixing Tian, Jinqi Wang, Zhiyuan Wu, Wenhan Xie, Haotian Liu, Xia Li, Lixin Tao, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To investigate the association between visceral fat accumulation and the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) and the potential roles of accelerated biological aging in this relationship. Methods: Using data from the UK Biobank, a nationwide cohort study was conducted using the available baseline body roundness index (BRI) measurement. Biological aging was assessed using the Klemera–Doubal method for biological age and the phenotypic age algorithms. The association between the BRI and CMM was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, while the roles of biological aging were examined through interaction and mediation analyses. Results: During a median follow-up of …

Current Burden Of Steatotic Liver Disease And Fibrosis Among Adults In The United States, 2017-2023, Donghee Kim, Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Karn Wijarnpreecha, George Cholankeril, Rohit Loomba, Aijaz Ahmed

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/aims: Multi-society experts proposed the adoption of new terminology, metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and steatotic liver disease (SLD). We studied the current prevalence of SLD and its subcategories in the US.

Methods: Using the recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2017 to 2023, we analyzed data from 12,199 participants (≥18 years) who completed transient elastography. SLD and its subcategories, including MASLD, metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), were categorized according to consensus nomenclature.

Results: The age-adjusted prevalence of SLD (cut-off: 285 dB/m) was 35.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33.4-36.7). Within this …

Rocscholar Annual Report 2024, Lisa Buda

Rochester Regional Health authored publications and proceedings

RocScholar is the institutional repository (IR) for Rochester Regional Health (RRH) and is managed by the Libraries at RRH. It provides storage and access for RRH’s research and scholarly activity. This report highlights the repository’s fourth year of implementation.

Cas Honor Symposium Program, Spring 2025, College Of Arts & Sciences Honors Program

College of Arts & Sciences Honors in the Major Symposium

No abstract provided.

Moderate Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis: A Real-World Multicenter Study, Francisco Idalsoaga, Luis Antonio Díaz, Winston Dunn, Heer Mehta, Karen Muñoz, Vicente Caldentey, Jorge Arnold, Gustavo Ayares, Rokhsana Mortuza, Shiv K Sarin, Rakhi Maiwall, Wei Zhang, Steve Qian, Douglas Simonetto, Ashwani K Singal, Mohamed A Elfeki, Carolina Ramirez-Cadiz, Gurpreet Malhi, Adan Ahmed, Hoomam Homsi, Zinia Abid, Joaquín Cabezas, Victor Echavarría, Maria Poca, German Soriano, Berta Cuyas, Meritxell Ventura Cots, María Fátima Higuera-De La Tijera, Maria Ayala-Valverde, Diego Perez, Jaime Gomez, Juan G Abraldes, Mustafa Al-Karaghouli, Prasun K Jalal, Mohamad Ali Ibrahim, Guadalupe García-Tsao, Daniela Goyes, Lubomir Skladaný, Daniel J Havaj, Karolina Sulejova, Svetlana Adamcova Selcanova, Diego Rincón, Kristina R Chacko, Juan C Restrepo, Pamela Yaquich, Luis G Toro, Vijay Shah, Marco Arrese, Patrick S Kamath, Ramon Bataller, Juan Pablo Arab

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH) is a well-characterized disease with high short-term mortality. However, there is limited research on those with a "less severe condition" (moderate AH). This study aims to characterize in-depth patients with moderate AH (mAH), including the performance of mortality scoring systems, key prognostic factors, and survival over time.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study (2009-2019) included patients with mAH (MELD score ≤20 at admission). Cox regression and receiver operating characteristic curves with AUC were used for analysis.

Results: We included 1845 patients with AH (20 centers, 8 countries) between 2009 and 2019. mAH was defined as …

How Are We Preparing Australian And Aotearoa New Zealand Teachers To Be Health Promotors? Examining Physical Activity, Sleep And Sun Safety In Initial Teacher Education, Joseph J. Scott, Alexandra P. Metse, Bronwen M. Mcnoe, Sally Blane, Sharyn Chin Fat, Justine Osborne, Nicky Muir

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: While physical activity, sleep and sun safety (PASS) have been identified as important modifiable health behaviours and schools and teachers have been identified as vital for health promotion and primary prevention; little is known about how initial teacher education programs across Australia and New Zealand (NZ) are preparing future teachers to deliver PASS-related curriculum. This study investigated teacher educators' insights on their programs and their graduate's preparedness to plan and teach PASS education. Methods: Teacher educators (n = 98) from Australia and NZ completed a 30-item electronic survey. Quantitative tests were used to explore differences in the data. …

Resting Energy Expenditure And Metabolic Features In Children With Septo-Optic Dysplasia, David J. Cullingford, Jacqueline A. Curran, Mary B. Abraham, Aris Siafarikas, A. Marie Blackmore, Jenny Downs, Catherine S.Y. Choong

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a major cause of congenital hypopituitarism and is known to be associated with overweight and obesity in up to 44% of children. Given the role of the hypothalamus in hormonal regulation, we sought to assess the association of resting energy expenditure (REE), appetite and physical activity with SOD. Objective: To characterize REE and other metabolic features in patients with SOD and evaluate relationships with elevated body mass index (BMI). Methods: Children with SOD above 5 years of age attending Perth Children's Hospital participated. A CosMED Q-NRG indirect calorimeter was used to calculate mean measure REE …

Tenapanor Improves Abdominal Symptoms Irrespective Of Changes In Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movement Frequency In Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation, Darren M Brenner, Gregory S Sayuk, Brooks D Cash, Lucinda A Harris, Nitin K Ahuja, Jill K Deutsch, Yang Yang, Suling Zhao, David P Rosenbaum, Anthony J Lembo

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Tenapanor is a first-in-class, minimally absorbed intestinal sodium/hydrogen exchanger isoform 3 inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Pooled data from the phase 2b (NCT01923428) and phase 3 T3MPO-1 (NCT02621892) and T3MPO-2 (NCT02686138) studies examined the effects of tenapanor on abdominal symptoms independent of tenapanor's effect on complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) frequency in adults with IBS-C.

METHODS: This post hoc analysis was performed for patients with no CSBMs in ≥6 of the first 12 weeks of treatment (no-CSBM subgroup). The three-item abdominal score (AS3; the average of …

Intestinal Epithelial Serotonin As A Novel Target For Treating Disorders Of Gut-Brain Interaction And Mood, Lin Y Hung, Nuno D Alves, Andrew Del Colle, Ardesheer Talati, Sarah A Najjar, Virginie Bouchard, Virginie Gillet, Yan Tong, Zixing Huang, Kirsteen N Browning, Jialiang Hua, Ying Liu, James O Woodruff, Daniel Juarez, Melissa Medina, Jonathan Posner, Raquel Tonello, Nazli Yalcinkaya, Narek Israelyan, Roey Ringel, Letao Yang, Kam W Leong, Mu Yang, Ji Ying Sze, Tor Savidge, Jay Gingrich, Robert J Shulman, Michael D Gershon, Annie Ouellet, Larissa Takser, Mark S Ansorge, Kara Gross Margolis

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background & aims: Mood disorders and disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are highly prevalent, commonly comorbid, and lack fully effective therapies. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line pharmacological treatments for these disorders, they may impart adverse effects, including anxiety, anhedonia, dysmotility, and, in children exposed in utero, an increased risk of cognitive, mood, and gastrointestinal disorders. SSRIs act systemically to block the serotonin reuptake transporter and enhance serotonergic signaling in the brain, intestinal epithelium, and enteric neurons. Yet, the compartments that mediate the therapeutic and adverse effects of SSRIs are unknown, as is whether gestational SSRI exposure directly …

Defining The Transcriptional Basis Of Organ-Specific Endothelial Cell Specialization, Joshua D. Wythe, James F. Martin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Blood vessels feature extensive phenotypic and functional differences that help them meet the unique nutritive and energetic demands of the specific organ they reside in. Profiling the chromatin and transcriptional landscape of several organs identified novel gene regulatory networks that determine endothelial cell organ specialization in mammals.

Culex Quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes In Abu Dhabi Emirate: Assessing Deltamethrin Insecticide Resistance And Associated Microbial Communities, Amgdsayed Ismat Ali

Theses

Culex quinquefasciatus is a major vector of West Nile virus, lymphatic filariasis, and arboviruses, which represent public health risk. Widespread application of pyrethroid insecticides has increased resistance in mosquito populations threatening the effectiveness of control strategies. This study aims to (1) assess deltamethrin resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus populations across the Abu Dhabi Emirate, (2) characterize the microbial communities associated with these mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes from sites around the Abu Dhabi Emirate were collected and genomic DNA extracted for molecular analysis. PCR and allele-specific primers were used to detect knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the sodium channel gene, classifying mosquitoes as susceptible …

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Wellbeing Of An International Student With Depression And Suicidality From A Coping Perspective, Rumiko Nakano

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Exploring Date Pomace As A Functional Ingredient In Bread: Nutritional And Functional Properties, Alaa Almoumen

Dissertations

This study investigated the incorporation of desugared date fruit pomace into wheat bread rolls and evaluated its effects on dough handling, bread quality, staling behavior, sensory acceptability, and nutritional composition. The research was conducted in three experimental phases: (i) development and characterization of a high-fiber dietary ingredient (HFDI) from date pomace, including its physicochemical and functional properties; (ii) bread fortification and quality assessment, where wheat flour was partially replaced with 0–20% HFDI to evaluate its effects on dough rheology, bread texture, color, moisture retention, shelf life, and consumer acceptance; and (iii) nutritional and physiological evaluation of the fortified breads, including …

The Epidemiology Of Major Congenital Anomalies In The United Arab Emirates: The Mutaba'ah Study, Hiba Mahdi Adam

Dissertations

Major Congenital Anomalies (MCAs) are significant contributors to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The absence of clear baseline prevalence data for MCAs hinders the development of targeted interventions to mitigate their burden. Furthermore, studies on adverse obstetric and birth outcomes in pregnancies complicated by MCAs are scarce, emphasizing the need for research to enhance management strategies. This dissertation aimed to: (1) estimate the live birth prevalence of perinatally diagnosed MCAs and describe study population characteristics by MCA status, (2) investigate the impact of MCAs on fetal presentation and delivery mode, and (3) investigate the impact of MCAs on preterm and low …

Historic Bedrocks Of Volunteer Recruitment: Collaboration Between The Peace Corps And Higher Education Partners, Melanie Elizabeth Graham

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

In this study I investigate the collaboration between the United States Peace Corps and their higher education partnership institutions, focusing on Peace Corps Prep Programs (PCPP) which aim to recruit, prepare, and retain diverse Peace Corps Volunteers. The inquiry examines the purpose, structure, and process of these collaborations to uncover successes and shortcomings, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to effectiveness or hinder progress. A mixed-method, multiple case study methodology, integrating surveys and individual interviews that parallel The Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory, facilitates an in-depth examination of the intricate dynamics and multifaceted experiences within the collaborative partnerships. By …

Anthropogenic Influences On Parasitoid Wasps’ Biocontrol Of Invasive Insect Pest Species In Africa, Fathiya M. Khamis, Inusa J. Ajene

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Sustainable agriculture is crucial to ensuring food and nutritional security and improving livelihoods of millions across Africa. However, agricultural production is constrained by native and invasive pests. Indiscriminate insecticide use is often the first line of action to manage these pests, harming human and animal health, and impacting biodiversity. Thus, shifting to more ecologically sustainable alternatives is key to biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. Biological control is a core component of integrated pest management strategies, and natural enemies, like parasitoid wasps, are considered one of the most environmentally sustainable means of managing pests. However, the Anthropocene plays a significant role …

Nanosilica Supplementation In Tomato Increases Oviposition On Stems And Caterpillar Mortality In The Tomato Pinworm, Kokou R. Fiaboe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Xavier Cheseto, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Silicon-induced responses play a key role in plant defense against herbivory, though the underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. In this study, we examined how mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) affect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) defense against an invasive and highly destructive lepidopteran herbivore, the tomato pinworm (TPW), Phthorimaea absoluta. In tomato plants supplemented with MSN, prior exposure to TPW oviposition shifted subsequent egg-laying from a preference for leaves to an even distribution between stems and leaves. This shift was not observed in nonsilicon-supplemented plants. Prolonged oviposition triggered pigmentation in the basal cells of type I glandular trichomes on the stems of silicon-supplemented plants. …

Strengthening The Paediatric Clinical Trial Ecosystem To Better Inform Policy And Programmes, James A. Berkley, Judd L. Walson, Glenda Gray, Fiona Russell, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Per Ashorn, Shane A. Norris, Ebunoluwa A. Adejuyigbe, Rebecca Grais, Bernhards Ogutu

Institute for Global Health and Development

The first WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum was convened in November, 2023 to develop a shared vision of an effective global clinical trial infrastructure. The Paediatric Clinical Trials Working Group was formed to provide perspectives, identify challenges, and propose solutions to strengthen the paediatric clinical trials ecosystem. Participants represented paediatric disciplines, including infectious diseases, nutrition, neonatology, pharmacology, oncology, neurodevelopment, public health, and policy. Childhood diseases have profound lifelong effects on health, livelihoods, and societies. Investment in early childhood results in highly cost-effective changes to lifelong health, productivity, and human capital returns. Yet, there remain substantial gaps in knowledge on the …

Production Of Biofertilizer And Biohydrogen Via Anaerobic Fermentation Of Ulva Spp.: A Feasibility Study For Reducing Coastal Eutrophication And Generating Clean Energy, Katie Graves

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This feasibility study investigates the potential of anaerobic fermentation of Ulva spp., a locally sourced macroalga, using Clostridium acetobutylicum to produce biofertilizer and biohydrogen. It further examines the viability of Ulva as fermentation biomass by identifying seasonal trends in nutrient concentrations of biofertilizer and gas production while determining the impact of the preservation method on gas yield. The biofertilizer used for nutrient analysis was produced from fresh Ulva harvested within 24 hours prior to fermentation. Orthophosphate (PO4-P), nitrite (NO2-N), nitrate (NO3-N), and ammonia (NH3-N) concentrations were analyzed post-fermentation using spectrophotometric flow injection analysis (FIA). Potassium (K+) concentrations were measured using …

The Purpose Of The Preliminary Injunction, Samuel L. Bray

Vanderbilt Law Review

This Article explores a reshaping of the preliminary injunction that is occurring in the federal courts. A preliminary injunction is designed to be a “hold in place” order, blocking actions by the parties that would undermine the efficacy of the court’s remedial options. But the preliminary injunction is becoming a device for accelerating the merits decision. Instead of a four-factor test for preliminary relief, increasingly there is one factor: the merits. This Article critiques this transformation, and it argues that the preliminary injunction should be recentered on the protection of the court’s remedial options.

Recent Advances In The Management Of Pediatric Cholestatic Liver Diseases, Krupa R Mysore, Katherine Cheng, Lakshmi Anandini Suri, Rima Fawaz, Alisha M Mavis, Debora Kogan-Liberman, Saeed Mohammad, Sarah A Taylor

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Pediatric cholestatic liver diseases are rare conditions that can result from multiple specific underlying etiologies. Among the most common etiologies of pediatric cholestatic liver diseases are biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome (ALGS), and inherited disorders of bile acid transport. These diseases are characterized by episodic or chronic unremitting cholestasis. Due to the chronicity of these conditions, it is imperative to optimize medical management to improve patient quality of life, provide nutritional support, and reduce bile acid toxicity in efforts to slow disease progression. Cholestatic liver diseases remain the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation, as many underlying disease etiologies have no …

Subacute Neuropathy Post-Liver Transplantation In Zellweger Spectrum Disorder: A Case Report, Clarissa Gonzalez, Madelyn J Cohen, Juhee Hong, Daniel Calame, Kavitha Marri, Sanjiv Harpavat, Michael F Wangler, Krupa Mysore

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Peroxisome biogenesis disorders-Zellweger spectrum disorder (PBD-ZSD) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the genes involved in peroxisome biogenesis. PBD-ZSD presentations vary in severity, and treatment of PBD-ZSD remains supportive focused on specific complications. A few reported cases of the use of liver transplantation to treat either neurological symptoms or liver dysfunction and cirrhosis in PBD-ZSD have been published. In this case report, we document the course of a 16-year-old boy diagnosed with PBD-ZSD and a delayed and unexpected neuropathy that developed after undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for which the indication was liver cirrhosis. Following OLT, the …

Development Of Flexible Lactate-Specific Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Based On Laser-Induced Graphene Electrochemical Biosensors For Disease Diagnosis, Christopher Animashaun

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Lactate is a critical biomarker linked to conditions such as sepsis, ischemia, cancer, and heart failure. Current lactate detection methods remain invasive, costly, and unsuitable for real-time, continuous monitoring. This study presents the development of a flexible, non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for highly selective and sensitive lactate measurement. The integration of AuNPs enhanced surface conductivity and provided nanoscale heterogeneity, facilitating superior signal amplification. The optimized LIG/AuNP/MIP sensor achieved an extensive dynamic detection range from 0.1 μM to 1000 μM, with an outstanding detection limit of …