Digital Commons Network^™

Movement Of The Different Larval Stages Of Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée), On Conventional Corn Hybrid Under Field Caged Conditions, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Mark Bryan A. Lontoc, Victor V. Alpuerto, Abigail P. De Leon, Jenifer Bigkas-Naungayan, John David C. Cortez, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Larval dispersal is crucial in pest population establishment in crop fields. The movement of Ostrinia furnacalis (ACB) larvae within corn plots was observed to determine which factors affect larval dispersal in the field. Conventional corn plots (3 rows, 0.70 m apart x 9 plants, 0.20 m apart) were artificially infested with different combinations of larval age and pest density. The distributions of larvae were recorded through destructive sampling at 4, 8, 12, and 16 days after infestation (DAI). The behavior of ACB from the time the hatching larvae break open the egg mass shell to ballooning to start actual movement …

Impact Of Multimodal Analgesia In Comparison To Conventional Analgesia In Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patient With Implementation Of An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Order-Set, Rhoda Musyoka, Radhan Gopalani, Maura Falli, Maria Ruiz, Cathleen Charles, Yanija Zhang, Esty Trimino, Laura Dominguez Vasquez, Tom Nguyen

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pilot program was implemented for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures under a single cardiothoracic surgeon in May 2024 across two community hospitals. We assessed the impact of multimodal analgesia facilitated through the ERAS CABG order-set compared to the non-ERAS (conventional) CABG order-set.

Methods: This study was an Institutional Review Board-approved, multi-site, retrospective chart review of participants admitted to two community hospitals for a CABG procedure from June 2024 to January 2025. Participants who utilized the preand post-ERAS or the pre- and post-conventional CABG order-sets were included. The primary outcome was the opioid …

External Funding Bulletin July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, Office Of Research And Creative Activity, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Sponsored Programs Bulletins

No abstract provided.

Assessing Community Needs: Human Services For Adults In Millis And Medway, Caitlin E. Coyle, Michelle Ward, Ceara Somerville

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report presents the results of a comprehensive evaluation of issues relating to aging in Millis and Medway. A needs assessment was undertaken in order to support planning on the part of the Towns of Millis and Medway, the Councils on Aging (COAs), and the communities as a whole. Results presented here focus on the characteristics and needs of Millis and Medway residents who are age 60 and older. While the primary goal of this report is to support COA planning, a secondary goal is to present information that will be useful to other Millis and Medway offices and organizations …

Beyond Traditional Pathways: Addressing Challenges Facing Adult Learners, Katherine L. Harden

Honors Theses

Successful institutions of higher education are continually seeking methods to improve their schools and keep pace with the changing demands of the academic sphere and current job market. With a potential enrollment cliff arising, it is particularly necessary for universities and colleges to find ways to overcome the challenges associated with a possible declining number of traditional—-aged students participating in higher education. A strategically clear solution is to explore the rapidly growing population of adult learners.

This paper will examine the complex motivations, challenges, educational experiences, and perseverance displayed by these students as they work to succeed from admission to …

Breastfeeding Safety Following Maternal Anesthesia: A Guideline Development, Megan Honea, Mary Johnson

Doctoral Projects

Recommendations regarding breastfeeding following maternal anesthesia are inconsistent and often not up to date with current best practice guidelines. Previous recommendations have led to mothers unnecessarily “pumping and dumping” breast milk has benefits for both mother and baby. These benefits include (a) increasing the infant’s access to colostrum, (b) encouraging mother-baby bonding, (c) improving the mother’s breastfeeding experience, (d) and providing significant health benefits to the infant. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a set of evidence-based recommendations that focus on mothers who desire to breastfeed following general anesthesia. These recommendations will highlight maternal- fetal transfer of …

Defining The Field Of Wellness Law, Barbara J. Zabawa

Hofstra Law Review

Some lawyers practice "wellness law " without knowing what it is and how it differs from more recognized fields of practice such as health law, public health law, and medical malpractice. This Article defines the field of wellness law using, in a prescriptive manner, the organizational framework that identifies the common and distinctive patterns in wellness and the law that surrounds it. This examination entails reviewing statutes and cases that differentiate between conventional health care and products or services outside of it to identify the core problems that are common and unique to wellness law. Those core problems are twofold. …

The Effect Of Exercise On The Development Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus In Pregnancy: A Systematic Review Of Literature, Abigail Reiche

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize literature examining the relationship between using exercise as a preventative method for gestational diabetes development during pregnancy, and the effect it may have on lowering glycemic levels. Health Source: CINAHL and PubMed were systematically searched for peer-reviewed journal articles that studied pregnant women (P), and the relationship of consistent exercise (I), compared to no physical exercise (C), on lowering glycemic levels resulting in positive pregnancy outcomes (O), throughout gestation (T). Twenty articles were retrieved in accordance with the PICOT objectives. Additional criteria included only articles from 2019-2024 and articles that were …

Cure Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 4, Department Of Oncology

Cancer Updates Research & Education (CURE) Archives

• Message from the Chair
• Advancing Oncology Through Education & Exchange
• Voices from Oncology “Invited Perspectives”
• The International Student Research Conference 2025, (ISRC’25)
• Oncology Research Symposium 2025
• 6th Hybrid Annual Pakistan Paediatric Neuro-Oncology Symposium 2025
• Oncology at CPSP “The Academic Contributions”
• Moments That Matter "Celebrating Together"
• Spotlight on Achievements
• Nursing Highlights
• Clinical Wisdom Shared via Grand Rounds (A Recap)
• Rising to Lead: “Welcoming Our New Section Heads”
• Welcoming New Colleagues, “New Strengths”
• “Climbing Higher”, Promotions at Oncology
• “Where Research Meets Impact” Oncology Publications

Integrated Pest Management Adoption, Pesticide Handling And Knowledge Gaps Among Cotton Farmers In Tanzania: Implications For Human And Environmental Health, Sospeter Jibunge Charles

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The global demand for cotton has risen significantly due to its extensive use in the textile and manufacturing industries, making it one of the most valuable cash crops worldwide. However, this growing demand for cotton production is severely threatened by the currently emerging pests which are intensified by the occurring of climate change and variability. As a result, many smallholder farmers have increasingly turned to chemical pesticides use to control the pests and maintain cotton production. But, while pesticides are effective in controlling pests and improving yields, their improper use and mismanagement pose serious risks to human health and the …

Uncovering Conserved Biosynthetic Gene Clusters And Interbacterial Interactions Of Myxobacteria In Polymicrobial Communities, Shailaja Khanal Pokharel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Myxobacteria are prolific producers of specialized metabolites and key contributors to microbial interactions within soil and other environments, yet fundamental questions remain about the conservation of their biosynthetic capacities and the dynamics that shape their coexistence with neighboring microorganisms. This dissertation addresses these gaps through three integrated research directions. In Chapter 2 we utilized a pan-genome framework across eleven genera and 195 sequenced genomes,including ten newly reported isolates, and found five BGCs were identified as the conserved BGCs across the Myxococcota. These clusters encode metabolites with established ecological functions, none of which are known toxins, suggesting selective maintenance of signaling …

Investigating Nutrient Management & The Impacts Of Nitrogen On Blackberries Across Arkansas And The Southeast, Amanda Michelle Lay-Walters

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Current blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus) research on nutrient needs, monitoring practices, and dynamics in the United States has primarily been conducted on cultivars popularly grown in the Pacific Northwest. Thus, regional research is required to understand the needs of blackberry cultivars grown in the southeastern U.S., with southeastern U.S. production practices. In 2022 and 2023, 12 cultivars of blackberry, across seven states, were leaf tissue sampled across multiple phenological stages for nutrient analysis. In Clarksville, AR from 2022 to 2024, six rates of N were applied to established ‘Ouachita’ blackberry plants. During the trial, plant yield, post-harvest fruit quality, fruit …

Citrullus Amarus Drought Tolerance: An Above And Below Ground Analysis, Ben A. Hyland

All Theses

Ever rising environmental temperatures threaten global food security by worsening severity and increasing the occurrence of drought. Commercially cultivated watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), have reduced drought tolerance due to a narrow genetic base caused by breeding for desirable traits such as sweetness, size, and flesh/rind color. Comparatively, the crop wild relative desert watermelon variety (Citrullus amarus), while more drought tolerant than their commercially cultivated relatives (C. lanatus), still require large amounts of water to grow and produce reliable fruit yields. Watermelon root morphology plays a key role in their ability to tolerate drought, with more …

Influence Of Rec-Connect On Youth Physical Activity: A Multi-Year Look At Behavior Change, Cailyn A. Van Camp, Bree Bode, Jocelyn Hayward, Lauryn Lin, Nicole Jess, Marci Scott

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Background: Physical activity (PA) engagement in youth is associated with numerous health benefits. However, youth PA behaviors are influenced by a complex set of factors including school and community environments and broader societal influences. Rec-Connect^TM is a community-based intervention that aims to impact PA behavior in youth. Purpose: To assess changes in youth PA behavior across multiple years of Rec-Connect^TM implementation. Methods: SNAP-eligible youth [aged 8 to 17 (n=261, matched)] who participated in Rec-Connect^TM completed a pre and post survey to assess PA knowledge and behavior change. Educators completed implementation fidelity logs. Descriptives were conducted to examine …

Anti-Inflammatory Effects In Apio Tuber, Jeehye Seo, Oluwatobi Amusat, Yu-Yun Wang, Annegret Jannasch, Sun-Ok Lee

Food Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Inflammation is a crucial component of the body’s defense system but can lead to chronic diseases when uncontrolled. Diets rich in anti-inflammatory compounds are recognized as an effective strategy for mitigating chronic inflammation. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of Apio (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), an underutilized Andean tuber. The goal of this study was to explore the health-promoting properties of Apio tuber, which could expand its commercial value to support local farmers and contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Phenolic compounds were extracted from white (WAT) and yellow Apio tuber (YAT), and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity …

The Spiritual Care Of Hospice Patients With Cognitive Deficits, Shane Sullivan

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT How can a hospice chaplain know whether their presence and ministry make a meaningful difference when visiting patients with dementia or other serious cognitive impairments? This project thesis seeks to answer that question conclusively. The theological foundation of this project centers on the doctrine of the imago Dei—the image of God—as it relates to individuals who are dying with cognitive deficits. Specifically, it explores how a person who is helpless and near death continues to reflect the image of God. The project intervention described here is the creation of a specialized training guide for hospice chaplains at Bridge Hospice …

Patch Mow Grazing: Investigating The Effects Of Mowing On Forage Nutritive Value, The Biomass–Nutritive Value Relationship, And Herbivore Selection, Trace R. Stauble

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Herbivore foraging behavior plays a critical role in shaping grassland structural heterogeneity, with selection often driven by forage biomass and nutritive value. Currently, it is thought that herbivores primarily select areas that are greater in nutritive value, and low in biomass. More specifically, disturbances like fire and grazing have been thoroughly studied showing that recently burned and grazed areas are not only higher in nutritive value but disproportionately selected by herbivores in comparison to undisturbed areas. However, most studies address only narrow ranges of defoliation, comparing intensely defoliated sites (< 10 cm) to those that are either not defoliated or have experienced a much longer time since defoliation, thereby decreasing grazing pressure as biomass increases. However, one of the most widely used methods of defoliation in grasslands, mowing, hasn’t been thoroughly studied for its effects on nutritive value, and how it impacts herbivore selection. Our study aimed to (1) evaluate how mowing treatments—i.e., short (5 cm), medium (18 cm), and tall (>30 cm, unmown)—affect nutritive value and herbivore selection, (2) assess …

Cover Crop Influence On Arthropod Biodiversity And Soil–Water Dynamics In A Semi-Arid Maize–Soybean Sequence Of The Nebraska High Plains, Carlos Eduardo De Oliveira Martins

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

With the expansion of cover crop (CC) use in semi-arid regions, producers in the Nebraska High Plains are increasingly interested in understanding how CCs influence both beneficial arthropods and soil-water within maize-soybean (Zea mays L., Glycine max [L.] Merr.) rotations. Integrating CCs in these systems can enhance soil water availability and beneficial insect activity, but potential trade-offs include higher early-season water use by CCs and the risk of increasing potential pest populations. This thesis addresses these questions through two complementary studies conducted under field conditions near Brule, Nebraska. The first study evaluated the effects of a multi-species CC mixture …

Chatgpt In Teaching English As A Foreign Language: Teacher And Learner Perspectives, Sameiha Alhussain N Khawaji

University of Tabuk Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences

This study investigates ChatGPT as a supplementary tool in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education through surveys of 150 teachers and 350 learners in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Results show that ChatGPT improves language proficiency by providing personalized feedback, conversational fluency (72% of users reported improvement), writing scores by 22% and vocabulary through contextualized practice. Teachers found it useful for lesson planning and administrative tasks. However, challenges such as plagiarism risks (15% of cases), occasional inaccuracies and cultural insensitivities especially in idiomatic and formal language use require ethical guidelines and human oversight. For example, Asian participants noted mismatches …

Environmental Sanitation In Long-Term Care Facilities: A Focus On Regulations And Implementations, Ruwan Dissanayake Dissanayake Mudiyanselage

All Theses

Environmental sanitation is a fundamental component of infection prevention in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), where residents are at increased risk due to advanced age, underlying health conditions, and communal living arrangements. Despite its critical role, significant gaps remain in implementing environmental sanitation procedures and the regulatory frameworks that guide them.

This study combines two components: (1) an across-state regulatory review of environmental sanitation in LTCF regulations and (2) a cross-sectional survey assessing environmental sanitation characteristics of nursing homes (NHs) and assisted living facilities (ALFs) and Rural and Urban LTCF observation study in South Carolina (SC) . For the regulatory review …

Plant Community Responses To Wildfire, Timber Thinning, And Bison Reintroduction On The Northern Great Plains, Ethan H. Van-Derpoel

All Theses

The Northern Great Plains (NGP) is one of the largest intact grasslands remaining in the world. These two studies examine a few of the ecological concerns on the NGP today. First, the woody encroachment of conifers into grasslands and the effects of wildfires. Second, the effects of bison (Bison bison) reintroduction on plant communities. In Chapter 1, this study aims to examine the effects of wildfire and mechanical timber thinning, using a two-by-two factorial design, on plant community responses and forage quality in the Bull Mountains area of central Montana, USA. We found that our treatments had varying …

Maternal-Infant Mortality In West Michigan: A Comparative Literature Review, Mia Cichowlas, Riley Bourlier

Honors Projects

This literature review aimed to examine and analyze data to identify causes of disparities in infant mortality rates across West Michigan’s four counties, assess demographic factors influencing infant mortality, and explore cultural practices impacting infant outcomes. A comprehensive review of existing literature, public health data, and community health reports from Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties was conducted. Key variables examined included race, maternal age, culture, health literacy, education level, income, insurance coverage, employment status, and marital status. Findings indicate that infant mortality rates vary significantly between counties and are higher among certain racial and socioeconomic groups compared to state …

A Content Analysis To Investigate The Evidence Of National And State Health And Physical Education Curriculum Standards In Illinois High Schools, Amber Lyn Stewart

Dissertations

Does curriculum in Illinois high schools have evidence of National and State Health and Physical Education Standards? This study consisted of a quantitative descriptive content analysis to examine the extent to which Illinois high school curriculum material included National and State physical education and health standards. The researcher utilized a rubric that was aligned to the three sets of standards: SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards; the National Health Education Standards; and the Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health. The primary aim was to thoroughly examine how the standards are currently integrated. Research Question 1 (RQ1) asked, “What …

Reframing Fitness And Nutrition For Women: Understanding Hormonal And Metabolic Differences, Brooke J. Luecke

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores how women can consider approaching fitness, nutrition, and recovery based on the physiological differences between men and women. While much of the existing fitness and nutrition research has been based on male participants generalized to women, this paper aims to woman-centric, tailored recommendations. By focusing on hormonal cycles, metabolism, and muscle physiology, my paper will suggest a need for women to adjust their exercise and dietary practices for optimal health outcomes, including fat loss and raised energy levels. My suggestions in this paper are supported by the latest research, including Dr. Stacy Sims' insights on female health, …

Joint 7th Amended Plan

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Supporting Student Success Through Emergency Food Assistance At Csumb, Axel C. Amaro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Food insecurity among college students is an urgent social justice issue that limits equal access to food and well-being. This capstone project was conducted through the Basic Needs organization at California State University Monterey Bay. The purpose of this project was to reduce food insecurity by implementing an external resource within Basic Needs that distributes emergency food packages to students experiencing high levels of need. Utilizing data from the Hub membership direct outreach tracker, a CHHS intern collaborated with an MSW intern and professional staff to assemble tailored food packages using items donated from Trader Joe's and Safeway. The project …

Building Healthy Smiles: A Bilingual Oral Health Workshop With The Monterey County Health Department, Paulina J. Moran

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Untreated dental decay remains high in Monterey County, particularly among low-income, Spanish-speaking families, due to provider shortages and persistent gaps in oral-health education. In partnership with the Monterey County Health Department’s Oral Health Program, which delivers prevention, education, and access initiatives countywide, this capstone project focuses on parents and caregivers of young children living in a diverse community with long-standing access barriers. The project’s purpose was to strengthen parents' knowledge, confidence, and intentions to practice preventive oral-health behaviors at home. To achieve this, an interactive, bilingual (Spanish/English) workshop was designed and delivered on November 5, 2025, featuring demonstrations on proper …

Aligning Capacity With Community Needs: A Comprehensive Donor Assessment System For Sunnyvale Community Services, Tiffany A. Roth

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) is an independent nonprofit organization serving as one of Santa Clara counties designated emergency assistance network agencies. It’s located in Sunnyvale, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, where they operate a high-demand food program to prevent hunger in the local community. Due to the program’s limited resources, strategic donor engagement is essential for sustaining and expanding services to ensure the community needs are met. This project works to develop a comprehensive donor assessment, tool, integrated database, and administrative report to support SCS in evaluating current and prospective donors with greater consistency, efficiency, and insight. The …

Supporting Healthy Eating Habits In Preschoolers, Adrian Arechiga-Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Unhealthy eating habits in early childhood are a growing health concern that has long-term effects on children’s physical and emotional health. Early childhood is an ideal time to support healthy eating habits because nutritious food choices support 1 children’s growth, brain development, and overall well-being. Making healthy food choices also helps prevent diseases such as diabetes and heart disease (Al-Mahshi et al., 2025). However, many young children face limited nutrition education, a lack of parental influence, and inadequate food environments. To address this issue, I created a one-day workshop for children at an early childhood daycare, Ale’s Learn and Play …

Optimizing Cobb Mx X 500 Broiler Diets Through The Investigation Of Lysine And Energy Synergies, Soybean Processing “Add-Backs” Ingredients, And Soybean Genotype Amino Acid Selection, Savannah Caroline Wells

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explored strategies to optimize Cobb MX x 500 broiler chicken nutrition by investigating lysine and energy synergies, the utilization of soybean processing by-products (“add-backs”), and soybean genotype selection for enhanced amino acid composition. Three independent but complementary research objectives were pursued to improve feed efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in modern broiler production. The first objective assessed the interactive effects of dietary lysine and metabolizable energy (ME) on the performance and carcass traits of Cobb MX × 500 broilers. Using a central composite design, nine dietary treatments were formulated across multiple feeding phases. Results demonstrated that broiler performance responded …