Digital Commons Network^™

Acquisition Behavior Response: Investigating The Ability Of Leptoglossus Phyllopus To Choose Between A “Good” Versus “Sub-Optimal” Strain Of Caballeronia, Irene L. Pham

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Leptoglossus phyllopus is a polyphagous pest that primarily feasts on citrus, tomatoes, and legumes. They must form a mutualistic symbiosis with Caballeronia every generation by ingesting the bacterium from their environment. However, not all species of Caballeronia confer the same fitness on the L. phyllopus host, raising the question of whether L. phyllopus possesses a partner choice mechanism that would allow it to distinguish between a good (GAOX1) and a suboptimal (Lep1P3) symbiosis partner. This was examined by conducting a choice experiment in which the two symbionts (GAOX1 vs. Lep1P3) were placed in a plastic box, and the bug’s roaming …

Effect Of Accelerated Adaptation Programs On Feedlot Performance And Health Of Steers Drenched With Megasphaera Elsdenii And Quantifying And Partitioning Multi-Year Carbon Dioxide And Methane Fluxes In A Grazed Temperate Pasture, Rebecca Mcdermott

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

With strong consumer demand for beef and increasing concern about the environmental impacts of beef production, improving production efficiency and advancing the understanding of the environmental footprint are critical for the long-term sustainability of beef production systems. The first experiment evaluated the effect of accelerated adaptation strategies, using energy intake and cattle behavior, on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and health of yearling steers drenched with exogenous Megasphaera elsdenii. Accelerated adaptation programs (0, 7, or 14 d transition to 100% finisher) were compared to a traditional 21-d adaptation. Dry matter intake responded quadratically across treatments, with the greatest intake observed in …

Lindenwood Digest, May 6, 2026, Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Digest

Event & Date: The 2026 Lindenwood Showcase was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. 

Geographic Grounding: The event occurred at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. 

Key Honorees/Awards: Student winners included Reghan Gacki and Luisa Gonzalez for Original Research Project, Aidan Brynes for Creative Project, Lauren Roberts, Brendan Finnery, and Judah Davis for Exploratory Project, Chloe Ceballos for Proposal Project, and Allison Schrumf and Eleri Tye for Civic Engagement Project; Kimberly Sanchez received the Alpha Chi People's Choice Award; Oral presentation winners included Ava Bilton, Stephanie Greenhalgh, Kadence Berry, Taylor Bertubin, and Piper Colantone. 

Institutional Context: The showcase highlights diverse …

Transforming Experience Into Practice: A Portfolio Of Growth, Identity, And Leadership, Ana I. Loli

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This professional portfolio documents the integration of my academic learning, practicum experience, and personal transformation throughout the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. Drawing from trauma‑informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive frameworks, I demonstrate competency across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice, with particular emphasis on ethical decision-making, ADEI engagement, community assessment, policy analysis, research-informed practice, and collaborative leadership. Through narrative reflections and applied artifacts—including case analyses, simulated clinical sessions, community-based research, organizational evaluation, and leadership implementation—I illustrate how meaning, context, power, history, and possibility shape my approach to social work. This portfolio highlights my development …

The Moderating Effects Of Body-Mind-Spirit Well-Being On The Relationship Between Diabetes Self-Efficacy And Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management, Carly Snodgrass

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Exploring Child Trafficking Survivors' Experiences: Support, Revictimization, And Justice Institutions, Max Lubin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Spartan Daily, May 6, 2026, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2026

Volume 166, Issue 42

Systematic Reviews Across Disciplines: Comparing Quality And Publication Practices, Megan Bresnahan, Eugenia Opuda

Faculty Publications

As the publication of systematic reviews has proliferated across the sciences in the past decade, librarians have a role in helping researchers select the appropriate type of review, providing best practice guidelines, and under-standing variations in disciplinary practices for evidence synthesis. Using a title-abstract search filtered by 10 research areas in the Web of Science, we collected a sample of 100 systematic reviews from a range of disciplines, including “Fisheries,” “Forestry,” “Health Care Sciences & Services,” and “Veterinary Sciences.” Our analysis of this data explores to what extent these articles include the basic components of a systematic review and adhere …

Applying User-Centered Design To Develop A Culturally Sensitive, Low-Calorie Meal Plan For Enhancing Dietary Behavioral Control In Masld, Maya Balakrishnan, Paola Martinez, Brett Deng, Ivonne Arguelles, Crystal Arguelles, Terri L Fletcher, Natalia I Heredia, Myriam Ibarra, Anna Christine Rome

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Dietary changes are essential for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), yet patients often face barriers related to knowledge, skills, cost, time, and cultural fit.

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to report a process for culturally tailoring a dietary intervention and its application to create a calorie-restricted meal plan for Mexican and Central American patients with MASLD. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and user-centered design, we produced a culturally tailored seven-day structured meal plan aligned with dietary guidelines for MASLD and weight loss.

Methods: We conducted a three-phase, mixed-methods process among Mexican/Central American patients …

A Holistic Framework Addressing Psychological, Social, And Health Aspects Of Drug Use Among University Students, Mashael Abdulhalim Huwaikem

Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences

This paper examined the psychological, social and nutritional health-related aspects that relate to drug use among higher education students. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study on 1,055 students in various colleges. The data was obtained by using self-administered questionnaire, which measured demographic, psychological, and social variables and nutritional health indicators in terms of drug use. The study identified living alone as a significant demographic predictor in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Positive and neutral attitudes towards drug use (OR = 0.044 and OR = 0.324, respectively), as well as protective or irregular behavioral practices (OR = 0.002) were significantly …

The Degree Of Self-Determination Skills Acquired By Students With Intellectual Disability In Saudi Arabia, Mohammed S. Alshuayl

Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences

Self-determination is considered a critical value for a successful life in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), making it one of the best evidence-based practices of transition services for adult life. Although the importance of self-determination is being recognized in literature, it is noticeable that there is a shortage of research conducted in Saudi Arabia in relation to self-determination for individuals with ID. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the degree of self-determination acquired by students with ID from the perceptions of their special education teachers. I conducted interviews with ten special education teachers who only teach students with ID, and …

The Impact Of Sociocultural Changes On Obesity Among Arab Women - Kuwait As A Case, Yagoub Y. Al-Kandari

Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences

This study aims to reveal the impact of sociocultural changes on obesity among Arab women (Kuwait as a case). A sample of 250 Kuwaiti women, ranging in age from 20 years to 76 years, was selected from all Kuwaiti governorates. The sample was selected from groups with different social, cultural, and economic status in the society. Social and health scales were used. Degree of religiosity, food habits, physical activity scales were used. Height, weight, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, hip circumference, and waist circumference were also used. Whereas the World Health Organization indicates in the February 2018 statistics that 40% of …

The Use Of Sports As Treatment In The Western Islamic World As Described In Historic Medical Texts, Boudalia Touatia

Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences

In the western Islamic word, practicing sports was considered an effective method of maintaining health. This was especially so in the traditional medical context, which established rules and conditions for the preservation of physical and mental health. This study will focus on the different sports practices recommended as cures in medical texts. These treatments specify the frequency, technique, and type of approved exercises. The texts outline the methods used to treat patients with sports practice and the negative effects that would occur if the case patient stopped these activities. Examining these texts . will highlight the importance of sports in …

Evaluating The Professional Development Needs Of Gifted Teachers In Light Of The Standards Of The Saudi National Center For Assessment And Evaluation, Ayidh Abdullah Al Garni

Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences

’This study aims to assess the professional development needs of ‘gifted teachers, from their own points of view, in light of the standards developed ( ) by the National Center for Assessment and Evaluation (otherwise referred to as ‘Qiyas’). While the study population consisted of all 147 gifted teachers in the central region of Saudi Arabia, the study sample was composed of 95 ( )147 ( )95 gifted male and female teacher, selected through a simple random sampling .2020 technique for 2020. To address the research questions, the researcher developed a tool based on Qiyas’ standards for gifted teachers. The …

Dietary Habits And Physical Activity Among Arab Pregnant Women - A Sociocultural Study On Kuwaitis, Maha Meshari Al-Sejari, Yagoub Al-Kandari

Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences

Pregnancy is a critical stage in the life of the mother and fetus. Several physiological and psychological changes occur for both. Some of the . most prominent factors affecting their health are the mother's food habits, physical activity, and access to essential information about . pregnancy. The current study aims to measure the patterns of lifestyle 214 behaviours of pregnant women. A sample of 214 pregnant Kuwaiti . women was selected. A questionnaire was the primary tool used to )1( : conduct the study. It consisted of five sections: (1) sociocultural - )2( )3( factors, (2) information about the primary …

The Impact Of Crossfit On Some Of Physiological Variables Amongst Participants At Hebron Fitness Centers, Mohannad Khaleel Alqawasmi, Bashar Saleh

Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences

The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of CrossFit training on some physiological variables (anaerobic power, anaerobic capacity and maximal oxygen consumption) among participants at Hebron’s fitness centers. A total of 38 male subjects were randomly divided into two groups, experimental group (n=19) and control group (n=19). The researcher used the experimental method in the design of experimental and control groups, with the training program applied to the experimental group only. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference (0.05≤ α) between the pre and post measurement for the experimental group in favor of the post measurement. Anaerobic …

Constructing A Cognitive Test To Measure Thesis Writing Skills Among Physical-Education Postgraduates, Wasfi Mohammad Al-Khazaaleh

Scientific Journal of King Faisal University: Humanities and Management Sciences

The current study aimed to construct a cognitive test to measure the skills of writing theses for physical education graduate students. Tryout and exploratory samples of 96 male and female students were selected from Jordan and Yarmouk Universities students. Surveying and analysis of references were used for the theoretic construction of the test. This was followed by the application of scientific rules on the questions and areas of the test. The application indicated that the corrected difficulty index and the discrimination coefficient of the questions met the conditions on the tryout samples. In addition, the conditions of the coefficients of …

Therepairer_Vol42no3_March1937

The Repairer

No abstract provided.

Staff Education Intervention To Improve Staff Knowledge And Competency In Supporting Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management, Dorothy Chudi-Agbaku

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Halo: Interprofessional Wellness Program To Promote Healthy Work Environments, Cecilia Vargas, Paul E. Spector, Lakeshia Cousin

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Purpose: The Healthy Actions for Lifelong Outcomes (HALO) program is an interprofessional wellness initiative at a large academic medical center aimed at improving employee health and fostering a culture of wellness. HALO integrates preventive exams, biometric screening, motivational interviewing (MI), and MI-based coaching to support sustainable health behaviors. This evidence-based practice (EBP) project evaluated biometric and wellness outcomes from HALO’s second cohort over 18 months. The program is grounded in MI’s four processes engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning and aligns with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Healthy Work Environment Standards.

Background: Unhealthy work environments contribute to burnout, turnover, …

Reclaiming Identity, Vu Do

Expressive Therapies Theses

This study explores how narrative-informed art therapy supports identity, emotional expression, and social connection among older adults living with early-stage dementia. Traditional talk-based therapies often rely on verbal communication and memory recall, which can limit their effectiveness for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Art therapy offers a nonverbal, sensory, and visual modality that allows for expression beyond language, while narrative therapy emphasizes meaning-making, identity, and the reauthoring of personal stories. Using a qualitative, narrative-informed art therapy approach, this study followed one older adult diagnosed with early-stage dementia across five sessions involving art-based directives and reflective dialogue. Data was collected through session …

Dairy And Food Science Student Newsletter, May 5, 2026, Department Of Dairy And Food Science

Dairy and Food Science Student Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Cystic Fibrosis Mental Health And Wellness Questionnaire - Factors And Properties Of A Comprehensive Cf-Specific Self-Report Measure, C. Virginia O'Hayer, Patrick J. Smith, Max J. Genecov, Christopher F. Drescher, Heather Bruschwein, Chelsi N. Nurse, Katherine Lawliss, Darcy C. Esiason, Gunnar H. Esiason

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Existing mental health self-report measures have been criticized for over-simplification, lack of CF-specific focus, susceptibility to measurement reactivity bias, and conflation of symptoms of anxiety and/or depression with CF-related symptoms and/or treatment side effects. The CF Mental Health and Wellness Questionnaire (CFMHWQ) is a 25-item measure assessing CF-specific mental health burden symptoms.

METHODS: To examine common underlying factors contributing to scores on the CFMHWQ, principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted of all 25 items. We conducted cross-validation of CFMHWQ principal components, examining unadjusted correlations between each principal component, demographic characteristics (age and biological sex), negative affect (mean rank global …

Host Genetic Variation And Environmental Stress Shape Microbiome Assembly And Host–Microbe–Pathogen Dynamics In Drosophila, Nitin Bansal

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Host-associated microbiomes play central roles in host physiology, development, and susceptibility to disease, yet their composition and stability vary widely across genetic, environmental, and ecological contexts. Understanding the factors that shape microbiome structure remains a key challenge in host–microbe biology. This thesis examines how host genetic background and environmental perturbations independently influence gut microbiome composition in Drosophila, and uses mechanistic modeling to explore how microbial dynamics can affect pathogen invasion outcomes.

In Chapter 1, I investigate how mito-nuclear genetic variation influences gut microbiome structure across developmental stages and generations. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, I show that microbiome composition differs between …

The Meaning Of Physical Activity In The Context Of Health Sciences: A Concept Analysis, Martín G. Farinola

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical activity has been defined in numerous ways. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a concept analysis of the existing physical activity definitions in the health sciences literature to evaluate its conceptual precision and assess the need for a revised or novel concept better suited for this domain. The concept analysis was accomplished using tools derived from philosophical semantics. The analysis identified six definitions that explicitly state what physical activity is with sufficient clarity to allow for conceptual examination. The findings indicated that these definitions frequently merge the concept of physical activity with its contextual attributes. To address these semantic …

Bioinformatic Resolution Of Candidate Stress-Response Homologs In Cryptosporidium Parvum: P53-Family Vs Sestrin Identity, Freeman Tobechukwu Ezeala Mr.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan protozoan of major public-health importance, but accurate genome annotation in this organism remains difficult because of its compact genome, deep protein divergence, and the presence of compositionally biased or low-complexity regions that can mislead similarity-based analysis.

In this thesis, I examined one such annotation problem involving a conserved Cryptosporidium stress-response candidate protein, CPATCC_0028580_t1 (833 aa). The central question was whether this protein is better interpreted as a member of the p53 family, based on similarity to p53-like DNA-binding domains (PF00870), or as a member of the Sestrin family associated with the PA26 domain.

I explored …

Complications Following Orthognathic Surgery In Patients With Cleft Lip And/Or Palate: A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis Of 57 Consecutive Patients, Ahmed Shawqi Alqattan, Ahmed Al Hashmi, Said Al Rashdi, Mohammed Al Nabhani

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: The most prevalent craniofacial abnormality in infants is cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Orthognathic surgery is necessary for 25–60% of patients in order to enhance face aesthetics and masticatory function. Nevertheless, there is a lack of defined complication profiles in this particular population. Thus, this study aimed to describe the spectrum and frequency of complications following orthognathic surgery in CL/P patients at a tertiary care referral centre. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive CL/P patients who underwent orthognathic surgery at Al Nahda Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between 2008–2022. Variables analysed included demographics, procedure type, length of stay and predefined …

Pest Risk Modelling For Climate-Smart Vegetable Production In East Africa, Marc Marin Agbodjan, Komi Mensah Agboka, John Odindi, Elfatih Abdel-Rahman, Onisimo Mutanga, Frank Chidawanyika, Chrysantus Tanga, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai, Sevgan Subramanian, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Agricultural productivity in East Africa is increasingly threatened by climate-sensitive insect pests. This study investigates the occurrence of key vegetable pests: Brevicoryne brassicae, Plutella xylostella, Maruca vitrata, and Liriomyza mik. A comparative species distribution modelling evaluated pest risk projections under climate change. Four variable selection strategies were tested: case 1 (correlation and variance inflation factor [VIF] filtering across all predictors), case 2 (correlation and VIF filtering of bioclimatic variables merged with other predictors), case 3 (filtering based on environmental values at species occurrence point to approximate realized niches), and case 4 (dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis). These strategies were …

Learning Across Disciplines: A Team-Based Approach To Ce, Carissa Blumenshine, Heather Raeder

Nursing

No abstract provided.

Optimizing Expression Conditions For The Overexpression Of Iron Regulatory Protein Bol2 From C. Glabrata, Jade Ikahihifo-Bender, Dr. Caryn Outten, Mrs. Evan Talib

Caravel Undergraduate Research Journal

Due to its unique ability to serve as both an electron donor and acceptor, iron is utilized as a co-factor for many biological processes, including electron transfer, oxygen binding, and vitamin synthesis. Iron is also a key factor during fungal infections as the human host and invading pathogens battle over limited iron pools. The primary iron-responsive transcription factor Aft1 in the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata responds to iron deficiency by activating expression of iron acquisition genes. However, the mechanisms for sensing intracellular iron levels and regulating Aft1 activity in response to iron are unknown. The C. glabrata iron regulation …