Digital Commons Network^™

Kids Count The State Of The Child In Tennessee 2019 Policy And Issue Guide, Tennessee. Commission On Children And Youth.

The State of the Child in Tennessee

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Expression Analysis Of Selected Genes Involved In Secondary Metabolites Biosynthesis Among Three Alfalfa Cultivars Grown In Iraq, Izdehar Yahia Obaid, Bushra M. J. Alwash

Al-Bahir

Because of its abundance in proteins, vital amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote balanced nutrition, Medicago sativa L., also known as alfalfa, is regarded as a nutritionally excellent forage crop. In addition to its nutritional value, alfalfa produces a range of bioactive secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, further supporting its use in medicinal and nutritional applications. Three alfalfa cultivars grown in Iraq were examined for gene expression levels of the primary genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis (PAL, COMT, CHS, and OMT). Among these cultivars are Victoria (VC), Green Gold (GC), and a local cultivar (LC). …

Leadership Characteristics Driving Positive Patient Experience Outcomes In Behavioral Healthcare Organizations, Sophia Iovenitti

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Patient experience is a key indicator of healthcare quality and performance; however, limited evidence exists regarding the specific leadership characteristics that influence patient experience outcomes in behavioral healthcare. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the leadership characteristics associated with positive patient experience outcomes, examine how leadership behaviors influence patient perceptions, and identify leadership development strategies to enhance patient experience. The study was guided by the Baldrige excellence framework and the Beryl Institute’s definition of patient experience. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with executive and operational leaders and triangulated with organizational artifacts, including aggregated patient …

Health Disparities, Early Intervention, And Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In Preterm Infants, Samantha Dora Pescatore

ETD Collection

Preterm infants are at a higher risk for a variety of health complications due to their underdeveloped organ systems and neurological systems. While the survival of preterm infants has greatly improved due to the advances of modern medicine, these infants are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays when compared to full term infants due to risk factors that accompany preterm birth, such as low birth weight, brain immaturity, nutritional challenges, and more (Behrman & Butler., 2007; Chung et al., 2020; Rubens et al., 2014; Song, I. G., 2022;). Research suggests that early intervention services can influence the development, health, education, …

Assessing Current Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management Practices For Sickle Cell Disease In Adults, Shreya Kolipaka, Michelle Axe, Charmaine Wright, Stephanie Guarino

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

OBJECTIVES: Both acute and chronic pain caused by sickle cell disease (SCD) is often managed with opioid therapy despite limited evidence for long-term efficacy. Adequately managing SCD pain requires a comprehensive approach, incorporating both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. In other conditions, peer-mentored group programs are effective in managing chronic pain; however, their role in SCD is not yet described. Our objective is to understand patients' current pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic SCD management practices as well as further exploring perspectives of pain related to SCD.

METHODS: Participants were interviewed using semi-structured format. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed. Descriptive statistics and pain management modality …

Delivering Participatory Food Systems Research In Our Own Communities: Reflections About Co-Production By Community Food Researchers And Community Partners, Bramble Gardiner, Maria Roughton, Lisa Howard, Louise Hunt, Clare Pettinger, Nisa Unis

School of Health Professions

This article offers insights into delivering co-production in community settings, from the perspectives of engaged citizens and community partners. It adds to scholarship addressing epistemic justice issues that the experiences of engaged citizens are rarely explored.The engaged citizens are community collaborators in FoodSEqual (a UKRI-funded transdisciplinary project aiming to co-produce solutions to food system inequality in four UK locations). During FoodSEqual’s delivery, it became clear contextual factors and practical delivery varied. To support shared learning, an in-person reflective session was held using the ‘open space method’ (Involve, n.d) (participants: Community Food Researchers (CFRs) (n=14), community coordinators (n=6)). Four key themes …

Delivering Participatory Food Systems Research In Our Own Communities: Reflections About Co-Production By Community Food Researchers And Community Partners, Bramble H. Gardiner, Maria Roughton, Lisa Howard, Louise Hunt, Unis Nisa, Clare Pettinger

School of Health Professions

This article offers insights into delivering co-production in community settings, from the perspectives of engaged citizens and community partners. It adds to scholarship addressing epistemic justice issues that the experiences of engaged citizens are rarely explored. The engaged citizens are community collaborators in FoodSEqual (a UKRI-funded transdisciplinary project aiming to co-produce solutions to food system inequality in four UK locations). During FoodSEqual’s delivery, it became clear contextual factors and practical delivery varied. To support shared learning, an in-person reflective session was held using the ‘open space method’ (Involve, n.d.) (participants: Community Food Researchers (CFRs) (n = 14), community coordinators (n …

Generative Ai In The Online Classroom: Lessons From A Plant Physiology Course, Dan Ye, Svoboda V. Pennisi, David Jespersen, Christy Rich

Michigan Tech Publications

Although the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in higher education is a reality, we are still in the early days of understanding how it can be used and applied in educational contexts. A significant gap remains in understanding its impacts within plant sciences, and in horticulture in particular. More research is needed to understand the overall impact of artificial intelligence on learning and teaching from educational perspectives, and to investigate how to integrate GenAI tools in education to ensure technology affects teaching and learning in a meaningful way on a broader scale. We investigated university students’ perceptions and uses …

Harmful Algal Blooms: Risks For Food In Utah, Jose Brandao, Sarah Erwin, Stephanie Vaughn, Clare Entwistle

All Current Publications

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a problem because they can produce toxins that make water unsafe for people, animals, and the environment. In recent years, HABs have emerged as a growing concern in freshwater systems throughout Utah, including irrigation canals, reservoirs, and livestock ponds. HABs in freshwater are caused by cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae. These microorganisms can release dangerous toxins that can harm swimmers, pets, and the food supply. Unlike foodborne pathogens, these toxins cannot be removed by boiling, cooking, or washing the food. Therefore, regular monitoring is essential to detect HABs early and reduce exposure risks. This fact …

Determinants Of Home Composting Behavior In Supporting Sustainable Agriculture Among Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study In The Thai Nguyen Province Of Vietnam, Bac Ho Van, Hien Vu Thi, Xinh Ho Luong

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Home composting is a practical and sustainable approach for the management of organic waste generated in the home and agricultural production that contributes to both organic waste management and soil fertility enhancement. In the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam, smallholder farmers face limited adoption of sustainable waste management practices due to behavioral constraints, limited technical knowledge, and resource constraints affecting agricultural productivity.  This study applies and extends the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by integrating behavioral and contextual determinants to examine home composting adoption among smallholder farmers in rural Vietnam. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to reduce and structure …

From Insight To Impact: Segmenting Consumers By Their Regenerative Agriculture Priorities, Lourival Carmo Monaco Neto, Gustavo Stevanin De Souza, Owen Jerome Zakrzewski, Allan Wayne Gray

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Regenerative agriculture is gaining traction in agrifood value chains, yet its definitional ambiguity and the heterogeneity of consumer priorities create strategic challenges for commercialization. Firms commonly assume a homogeneous ‘sustainable consumer’ motivated by environmental outcomes, but research on consumer food values suggests that economic attributes often outweigh environmental concerns when trade-offs are required. This study segments U.S. consumers based on how they prioritize seven core attributes of regenerative agriculture: soil health, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, food prices, crop yield, and farmer profitability. Using forced-ranking data from 1231 nationally representative U.S. consumers surveyed in August 2024, we apply a …

Edible Insect Allergens: An Emerging Food Safety Challenge, Changqi Liu, Cassandra Maya, John J. Love, Huilian Che, Ke Chen, Jing Zhao

Food Science Faculty Articles and Research

Edible insects are increasingly promoted as sustainable protein sources; however, their allergenic potential remains a significant food safety concern. This review synthesizes current knowledge on insect allergens, with a focus on IgE-mediated mechanisms, identified allergenic proteins, and patterns of cross-reactivity. Key pan-allergens, including tropomyosin and arginine kinase, are widely conserved across insect species and are strongly implicated in cross-reactivity with crustaceans and house dust mites. In addition, other insect allergens (e.g., larval cuticle proteins) contribute to primary sensitization. Evidence from proteomic and immunological studies highlights substantial variability in allergen profiles across species and experimental approaches. The impact of food processing …

Ohio Beef Quality Audit – 2021: Survey Of Carcass Characteristics Related To Quality Attributes And The Investigation Of Meat Processor Needs, Bo M. C. Garcia, Benjamin M. Bohrer, Stephen Boyles, Joy N. Rumble, Alejandro E. Relling, Lyda G. Garcia

Journal of Extension

While beef quality audits have been conducted on a national level in the United States every 5 years since 1991, state-level audits are uncommon. Our team believed that Ohio beef producers would benefit from a state-level audit, so in 2021 we developed and conducted an Ohio Beef Quality Audit, evaluating Ohio meat processing facilities and assessing Ohio meat processors' needs and views on factors that influence meat quality. This paper details the results of that audit, which demonstrated that Ohio beef quality was similar to national beef quality; our audit also highlighted the need to increase fundamental meat science education …

Are Extension Agriculture Programs Hitting Their Target With Military Veterans?, Adam Ingrao, Craig W Carpenter, Michael Lotspeich-Yadao, Charles M. Tolbert

Journal of Extension

The desire to support military veterans has led to a variety of targeted Extension programs, but the types and availability of these programs vary substantially. After reviewing the size and diversity of the U.S. veteran population, we examine one of the main USDA programs targeting veterans: the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program. We then use matrix analysis to categorize veteran support programs across other program areas. Finally, we compare these programs with veterans' needs, as described in recently conducted veteran focus groups, and conclude by highlighting gaps and opportunities for improving Extension programming for veterans, including substantially improving program …

Practical Insights For Implementing An Intensive Therapeutic Day-Camp For Children With Hemiplegia: Guidelines For Practice, Rachel M. Vaughn, Holly Holland, Kerry Blazek, Jessica Margaret Cassidy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This guideline for practice provides practical recommendations for successfully executing a therapeutic day-camp for children with hemiplegia. By drawing from the literature and providing an in-depth explanation of our camp model, we address the challenges clinicians encounter when initiating therapeutic camp programming. A panel of physical and occupational therapists provides a comprehensive program description entailing a detailed explanation of camp programming, the combined therapeutic approach of intensive uni and bimanual training, and sample documents and activities. The program description, including camp attributes in relation to the ICF framework, provides an overview of our day-camp model, which has served children and …

The Interrelation Between Technology And Art In ``Brave New World'' And ``Never Let Me Go'', Nubar Aghalarova

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper examines the role of technology and art in dystopian literature and their interrelation in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go (2005). Both dystopian novels depict the societies where technological advancements profoundly influence and control human life, creativity, and individuality. In Brave New World, technology is used to control and dehumanize individuals and to achieve social stability. Art is limited to suppress humans' emotions and self-expression as the world controllers want to do everything that they can erase the past. In Never Let Me Go, technology plays an important role in …

Increasing Patient Education On Obesity, Claire Maddux, Linda Hughes

Group: Nebraska Methodist College

Obesity is a prevalent and undertreated chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet patient education and engagement in treatment remain limited in primary care. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief, theory-driven educational handout in improving patient knowledge, self-awareness, and readiness to engage in obesity-related care. The intervention was implemented in a Midwestern primary care clinic and targeted adult patients with a body mass index of 30 or greater. Participants were provided with an educational handout and completed pre- and post-handout tests assessing knowledge of obesity etiology, risks, and treatment options, as well …

Neuroactive Metabolite Assessment Of Gaba-Producing Probiotics For Healthy Aging, Sanaly Nava, Dishant Aggarwal, Samjhana Pradhan, Ken Aho, Cynthia Blanton, Javier Ochoa-Repáraz, Kavita Sharma

Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research

Aging is a gradual process of weakening bodily function that leads to decline in physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities. Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a major neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is produced by both neurons and gut bacteria, and plays a crucial role in numerous physiological functions. Notably, aging is associated with a decline in GABA production and alterations in gut microbiota. Therefore, restoring GABA production by correcting dysbiosis presents a potential strategy for managing age-related functional decline. To better understand how to support healthy aging, our study investigates the gut-brain axis and the potential of genetically modified GABA-producing …

Grated Green Apple And Its Therapeutic Role In Gastrointestinal Disorders: An Analytical Study Of The Effect Of Pectin In Alleviating Diarrhea, Hamza A Saadallah, Mohammed. Ahb. Al-Krdoshi, Noor M Sultan, Farah Y Gaddawi, Marwa R. S Al Shaaban, Abd Al-Bar Al-Farha, Safa M Salim

BioMed Visions Journal

Gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea, represent a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of effective and accessible therapeutic strategies. Dietary interventions, particularly those containing soluble fibers such as pectin, have emerged as promising solutions due to their profound impact on gut health and its microbiota. This meta-analysis systematically reviews the current scientific understanding of the multifaceted role of pectin in alleviating diarrhea, with a particular focus on the unique contribution of grated green apple. The analysis delves into pectin's physicochemical properties and mechanisms of action—including water binding, modulation of the gut microbiota, production of short-chain fatty acids, and support of …

Evaluation Of Antifungal Properties Of Shiitake And The Effects Of Its Extracts On Some Pathogenic Fungi, Asal Faiz Hameed Aldabbgh, Abdalkarim S. Hasan Alnuaimi, Inaam Jasim Mohamad

BioMed Visions Journal

The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of shiitake mushrooms on some common fungi found in the soil of Mosul City. The fungal extract from Shiitake was prepared using ethanol or water. Different concentrations of the extract were prepared to analyze the antifungal properties of the mushroom by first making a stock solution and then adding specific amounts to the plates containing (Potato Dextrose Agar) PDA medium to achieve the desired concentrations. The active components found in Shiitake were pinpointed through the use of HPLC. The findings revealed how the aqueous extract of Shiitake affected Trichoderma sp. Penicillium …

Deciphering The Association Of Fasting Blood Glucose With Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase And Uric Acid: A Cross-Sectional Study In A Tertiary Care Hospital In South India, Anbalagan Anithasri, Rajagambeeram Reeta, Velmurugan Hasini

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Fasting hyperglycaemia (FHG) in insulin resistance is due to oxidative stress wherein gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and uric acid (UA) are known to impair insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells due to their pro-oxidant action and their role in metabolism of antioxidant glutathione. This study aims to determine the association of GGT and UA with FHG and its role in predicting the onset of prediabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Government Villupuram Medical College, Villupuram, India, from July to December 2023. Individuals in the age range of 25–65 years attending the master health check-up clinic were included. …

Exercise Training Prior To And During Cancer In Mice Preserves Muscle Mass, Reduces Tumour Weight And Suppresses Molecular Mediators Of Cachexia, Stavroula Tsitkanou, Pieter J. Koopmans, Ana Regina Cabrera, Nathan Serrano, Calvin S. Peterson, Ruqaiza Muhyudin, Zain B. Malik, Micah Goeke, Eleanor R. Schrems, Francielly Morena, Yuan Wen, Tyrone A. Washington, Kevin A. Murach, Nicholas P. Greene

Physiology Faculty Publications

Abstract: We investigated the prophylactic effects of exercise before and during cancer cachexia (CC) using a model designed to mimic endurance and resistance (i.e., concurrent) adaptations. Male and female Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to exercise or control groups whereby exercise groups were subjected to an 8-week voluntary progressive weighted wheel running (PoWeR) programme of habitual loading-mediated physical activity beginning at 8 weeks of age. At 16 weeks of age, mice were injected bilaterally with colon-26 adenocarcinoma (C26) cells or phosphate-buffered saline, and exercise training was maintained throughout disease progression. Twenty-five days post-tumour induction, we assessed whole-body and muscle phenotype, …

Aquaponics: Farming Fish And Growing Greens For Grades 9–12, Amy M. Shambach,, Rebecca M. Ward, J. Stuart Carlton, Kwamena K. Quagrainie, Tomas O. Höök

Purdue University Press Books

Aquaponics: Farming Fish and Growing Greens for Grades 9–12 teaches STEM-related course material through aquaponics, a water-based agricultural system that combines aquaculture (fish production) and hydroponics (soilless vegetable production) systems. This curriculum is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and designed to be used with an onsite aquaponics system. Topics include an introduction to aquaculture, fundamental parts of an aquaponics system, the nitrogen cycle, water quality, population dynamics, our modern food system, and more. The ten lessons presented build on each other and are intended to be delivered in sequential order. Alternatively, lessons may also be utilized as stand-alone units …

Socioeconomic Status, Nutritional Risk, And Glycemic Outcomes In The Diabetes Population At Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Iraq, Huda Abdulsattar Mazeal

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Diabetes mellitus, encompassing both type 1 and type 2, represents a significant global health burden. Socioeconomic status (SES), nutritional risk, and glycemic outcomes are interrelated determinants of disease management. Aim: This study aims to examine the relationship between SES, nutritional risk, and glycemic outcomes among diabetic patients at Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Iraq. By analyzing demographic, clinical, and nutritional characteristics, the research seeks to identify predictors of poor nutritional status and uncontrolled glycemia to inform targeted interventions and health policy. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2025 at the Diabetes Center, Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, …

Sophisticated Song: Exploring The Evolution And Ontogeny Of Large Repertoires And Syntax Usage In The Bachman’S Sparrow (Peucaea Aestivalis), Heather Jean Wolverton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

While humans have the most complex vocal communication system, many of the features that make human language so intricate can be found in other taxa. One building block of language commonly studied in animal communication is syntax, or the organization of vocalizations. Birds, wolves, and cetaceans all display complex vocal signaling that utilizes syntax. Understanding how syntax functions in different taxa can help illuminate the evolution and development of human language and the role it plays in social cognition. The Bachman’s sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) is a species of songbird that utilizes syntax in the form of preferred transitions …

Pediatric Oncology Progress And Challenges In Southeast Asia: Strengthening Cancer Care Systems, Allison Tang, Teeradon Treechairusame, Esther Saguil, Adrian E. Go, Frederic Ivan L. Ting, Kevin Knopf, Avram Denburg, Sanjeeva Gunasekera, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy, Edward Christopher Dee, Rod Carlo Columbres

Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Food Systems Transformation Would Reshape Global Agriculture, Matthew Gibson, Marina Sundiang, Daniel Mason-D’Croz, Thais Diniz Oliveira, Felicitas Beier, Lauren Benavidez-Brouk, Astrid Bos, Maksym Chepeliev, Jonathan Doelman, Shahnila Dunston, Shinichiro Fujimori, Tomoko Hasegawa, Petr Havlik, Jordan Hristov, Jonas Jägermeyr, Marta Kozicka, Marijke Kuiper, Page Kyle, Thijs De Lange, Benjamin Leon Bodirsky, Hermann Lotze-Campen, Hermen Luchtenbelt, David Meng-Chuen Chen, Abhijeet Mishra, Christoph Müller, Gerald Nelson, Amanda Palazzo, Ignacio Perez Dominguez, Alexander Popp, Ronald Sands, Marco Springman, Elke Stehfest, Timothy B. Sulser, Kiyoshi Takahashi, Gianmaria Tassinari, Ferike Thom, Philip Thornton, Kazuaki Tsuchiya, Willem-Jan Van Zeist, Hans Van Meijl, Dominique Van Der Mensbrugghe, Detlef Van Vuuren, Hannah H.E. Van Zanten, Isabelle Weindl, Keith Wiebe, Xin Zhao, Mario Herrero

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Food systems are a major contributor to exceeding planetary boundaries1,2,3 and poor quality diets are a key mortality risk globally4. Projected population and income growth could exacerbate these challenges5. In response, there are calls for transformation towards healthy and sustainable food systems6,7,8. However, the scale and distribution of the impacts of this transformation on agriculture are underexplored. Here we show that, by 2050, the transformation of food systems towards healthy diets (adoption of the EAT–Lancet reference diet), improved productivity and halving of food waste results in a fundamental restructuring of global agriculture, aspects of which break with historical trends. Scenario …

Healthcare Access And The Persistent Racial Disparities In Low Birth Weight, Zaheda A. Hussain, Yadanar Moe

DePaul Discoveries

Low birth weight (LBW), defined as less than 2,500 grams, is an influential factor contributing to infant mortality in the United States, with significant racial disparities between Black and White mothers. This study analyzed data from 3,054 Black and White mothers collected from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey to explore the association between access to medical care and LBW within different racial groups. The prevalence of LBW was 8.0%. Overall, mothers without a usual place of medical care had, on average, an 18% higher risk of LBW than those with a usual place (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.80–1.74). …

From Landfill To Ladle: Using Open Lca To Calculate Food Diversion Impacts, Samantha Rodriguez

DePaul Discoveries

Food waste contributes to climate change because discarded food results in wasting embodied carbon from producing food. In addition to wasting embodied carbon, food that ends up in landfills emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. This life cycle assessment quantifies the carbon equivalent footprint of food donations from Costco to the Seton Soup Kitchen using OpenLCA. Two functional units were analyzed in this study. The first functional unit is one meal consisting of 500 grams of donated food that would otherwise be landfilled served to a Seton Soup Kitchen patron during one meal service. The …

Fish Tissue Digestion And Microplastic Polymer Identification Protocol Using Open-Source Ftir Database, Shawn L. Kissinger, Vick-Ariel Privert, Jason Bystriansky, Kyle A. Grice

DePaul Discoveries

Microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses significant concerns for environmental and public health, as seafood represents a critical food source worldwide. Despite increasing evidence of MP presence in marine organisms, efficient and accessible detection methods remain essential for characterizing contamination patterns and informing regulatory frameworks. This study extracted MPs from brain, gill, intestine, liver, and muscle tissues of gilt-head bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), two commercially important species from the Gulf of Cádiz, Spain, using a NaOH–HNO₃ chemical digestion protocol. Isolated particles were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, with …