Digital Commons Network^™

Some Problems In Establishment And Production Of Pastures On The Eroded Tea Lands In The Mid-Country Region Of Sri Lanka, P A. Chadhokar, D A. Lecamwasam

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is no doubt that the mid-country region of Sri Lanka (300-1000 m elevation) offers a great scope for dairy farming on a subsistence level because of its favourable climate for the growth of both animals and pastures. This will create more self-employment and will greatly help in bridging the gap between supply and demand of milk in this country. However, to achieve these objectives it is essential to solve problems relating to the establishment and management of pastures under zero-grazing system and ensure a year-round supply of good-quality feed for the high-yielding milk animals. The added advantages of grassland …

Development And Evaluation Of The Introduction Of Gramineae In Cuba, R Hernandez, R Machado, J Menendez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Cuba has a great endemism in its flora, and more than 400 grass species, but not prominent native plants for animal feeding in extensive production conditions. Pasture introduction started in Cuba more than 300 years ago and has been used to improve grasslands, but it was only since 1962 that an organized intro­duction programme has been carried out. In accordance with this programme, more than 2,000 accessions have been introduced, in­cluding 470 grasses. Australia is the country that has supplied most of these introductions, Africa, Asia and America being the continents in which the most outstanding introductions were originated. The …

Grain Supplements For Breeding Ewes In Continuous Grazing Systems, William G. Allden

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two suppleme.ntary feeding systems were com­pared. When breeding flocks were provided with purchased barley grain during the prelambing and post-lambing periods each year there were significant increases in ewe body weights, lamb weights, lamb production/unit area, and the amount of pasture present. However, when the grain had to be provided from the grazing area there was no suggestion of any advantage in substituting a barley crop for an area of pasture. These contrasting results indicate that the assessment of animal production systems based on the integration of pasture grazing and grain supplementation should take into account the source of grain …

Forage-Animal Systems For Economic Calf Production, R E. Blaser, R C. Hammes Jr, J P. Fontenot, H T. Bryant

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nine forage-cow-calf systems with constant ,stocking but variable grazing pressures to pro­vide for changing nutritional needs of beef cows, and continuous high calf nutrition with creep grazing gave similar high weaning weights of autumn and winter calves for all-year grazing vs. hay feeding and for 2 stocking rates. The all-fescue systems lowered calf weights. Nine forage-cow-calf systems with constant ,stocking but variable grazing pressures to pro­vide for changing nutritional needs of beef cows, and continuous high calf nutrition with creep grazing gave similar high weaning weights of autumn and winter calves for all-year grazing vs. hay feeding and for 2 …

Energy And Nitrogen Metabolisms Of Steers Fed With Coast Cross No. L Bermuda Gniss (Cynodon Dactylon) Or Pangola Grass (Digitaria Decumbens Stent.) Forages, C M. Geerken, A Diaz, R Gonzalez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two groups of 5 crossbred Holstein calves with 80􀂰 120 kg live weight were used to study the effect of feeding with Coast Cross bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) or pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens Stent.) on the energy and nitrogen balance of the animals during the dry and rainy seasons. Bermuda grass had nearly twice the crude protein content of pangola grass in both seasons (8.3 vs. 5.0% DM basis). Balance data obtained for bermuda and pan­gola grasses during the dry season were: intake of DM 3.28 and 3.00 kg/day, metabolizable energy 7.44 and 5.30 Meal ME/day, nitrogen 43.8 and 22.3 …

Effect Of Different Levels Of Protein Supplementation To Steers Grazing Pangola Grass (Digitaria Decumbens Stent.) In The Dry Season, A Delgado, A Elias, J L. Veitia, R Dieguez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ninety crossbred steers(¼ Holstein x ¼ Zebu) of approximately 100 kg live weight were used in a randomized block design with 3 replica­tions to study the effect of protein supplemen­tation to pastures. The levels were: 0, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 g ofN x 6.25/animal/day. The experiment was carried out during two succes­sive dry periods. Stocking rates of 5 animals/ha were maintained for each treatment, and each area was divided in 4 paddocks for rotation. The protein supplement had a PN: NPN ratio of60:40. During the first dry period the animals in the control treatment gained 100 g/day and …

Comparison Between Coast Cross No. 1 Bermuda ( Cynodon Dactylon L.) And Pangola (Digitaria Decumbens Stent.) Grasses For Milk Production, Irma Jerez, D Herrera

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Twelve crossbred cows in their 2nd and 3rd lactations, 120 days after calving, were used in a switch􀃈back design to compare Coast Cross No. l bermuda (Cynodon dactylon L.) and pangola (Digitaria decumbens Stent.) grasses as sole feed for milk production. Pasture avail­ability was determined b

Evaluation Of Quality Factors In Warm Season Forages, Warren G. Monson, Glenn W. Burton, Wayne W. Hanna

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Improved forage quality is a feasible objective. Coastcross-1 bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., selected for high dry matter digesti­bility, has consistently enhanced the perform­ance of the animals consuming it. Variation in quality factors of other species, particularly Paspalum notatum var. Saurae Parodi and Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum., makes it possible to improve digestibility. Pearl millet varieties with improved animal­production potential have been developed and released for farmer use. The varieties have

been selected for higher digestibility and short stature, with reduced stem fractions. The assessment of the digestion of fresh forage permits evaluation of the effects of other factors, …

Estimating The Digestibility Of Herbage By Means Of An In Vitro Technique Based On Cellulase, Kurt Nehring

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A rapid method based on cellulase was devised to estimate the digestibility of feeds. The method is easily applicable and readily reproducible; the standard error of the values is small. The digestibility coefficients established by means of cellulase (DCceBJ were found to be somewhat lower than the in vivo values; the differences go up as the vegetation advances. As the lagging behind of the DC reveals a marked dependence on the crude fibre content, it should be possible to translate to the animal the results obtained by means of the cellulase method. On account of its rapidity and sensibility this …

Forage And Feedstuff Analysis With Infrared Reflectance Spectro/Computer System1, J S. Shenk, K H. Norris, R F. Barnes, G W. Fissel

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An infrared reflectance spectro/computer sys­tem (IRSCS) has been established at The Pennsylvania State University to evaluate the nutritional quality of forage and feedstuffs. Studies with alfalfa forage clearly show that the reflectance spectral curve of the forage is a composite curve consisting of various chemical constituents in the forage such as water, protein and cellulose. Chemical constituents are not measured directly by IRSCS but calibration prediction equations are developed from sam­ples with known chemical constituents and animal response data. After this is completed, forage samples can be analyzed for multiple chemical constituents and animal responses in less than 2 minutes. …

Planning And Balancing Of Feed Requirements And Feed Production According To Standards Of The Energy And Protein Requirements Specified In The Gdr Feed Evalua­Tion System, Arthur Chudy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

"Feed planning and balancing according to standards of the energy and protein require­ments" has been elaborated as an integral part of the GDR Feed Evaluation System to ensure that feed supply can be planned according to actual requirements, and has, by using com­puter techniques, been introduced in the GDR for planning activities at enterprise level as well as for national planning at territorial levels. The standards characterize the feed require­ments encountered under average production conditions for large livestock populations and longer spans of time. They have been derived for all animal species and production objectives from the requirement standards for …

Roughage Quality Estimation In The Gdr Feed Evaluation System, Bernd Hoffmann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The quality of a feed is defined as the sum of the properties characterizing the feed in terms of its employment for animal production pur­poses. It unites parameters for the energy con­centration, contents of specific nutrients, die­tary characteristics, and properties· affecting feed intake. To facilitate roughage quality esti­mation, feed testing and attestation documents have been elaborated in connection with the introduction of the GDR Feed Evaluation Sys­tem. These documents include attestation tables for determining major feed value parameters (energy concentration, protein concentration, energy digestibility), the classification frames for assessing the roughage according to its content of specific nutrients, dietary chara1:­teristics …

How A Drying Plant Influences Intensification In The Development Of Forage Production Along Industrial Lines, Josef Pohl, Manfred Fechner

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Since the opening of the Selbelang drying plant, essential changes have occurred in the roughage patterns of the socialist farms in this territory. This development has been charac­terized by a strong decline in hay production, the latter depending strongly on weather con­ditions and involving heavy losses, in favour of the processing and use of dried green crop. Drying of whole plants and straw pelleting have been introduced. Furthermore, the quality of dried roughage has been essentially improved and winter-feeding rations have been stabilized through the use of high-quality dry feeds. Losses from preservation declined. Applying these measures of intensification it …

The Evaluation Of Roughages Under The Gdr Feed Evalua­Tion System, Reinhard Schiemann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The purpose and content of the GDR Feed Evaluation System are discussed in the form of a summary report. The GDR Feed Eval­uation System incorporates, in a form suitable for practical application, the following:

Parameters and methods for the complex evaluation of feeds with particular refer­ence to energy and protein (including amino acids), prepared in the form of detailed feed tables for feeding and planning pur­poses [9, 10];

Parameters and methods for determining daily feed requirements and application rates, in the fonn of energy and nutrient • requirement standards for composing op­timum rations according to animal species and performance (9, …

Bird Habitat Selection In A Mosaic Restoration, Sykora Smith, Claire Newton, Myah Sierens, Mark C. Myers

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Birds are known to specialize in habitats based on vegetation characteristics like litter and bare ground cover, vegetation stature, and density (Fisher and Davis 2010). On a global scale, birds reside in certain regions where the vegetation suits their needs. Habitat selection by species is influenced by many factors, including food and resource availability and vegetation structure (Gumede et al. 2022). In restored tallgrass prairie habitats, plots of different ages and management histories may have varied vegetation characteristics, resulting in a mosaic of heterogeneous patches that may influence bird habitat use and maintain grassland bird species diversity (Hovick et al. …

Re-Examining Endemic Smoky Dace As An Indicator Species In The Upper Little Tennessee River Index Of Biological Integrity, Tayton C. Alvis, William O. Mclarney, Radmila Petric, Jason P. Love

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

Fish communities can be used to evaluate water quality and stream ecosystem health, helping resource managers understand the effects of anthropogenic disturbance. Fish species inform indexes of biological integrity through their ecological traits and tolerance to stressors (e.g. tolerant of disturbance, intolerant of disturbance), but these designations are difficult to determine without localized, species-specific information. The Upper Little Tennessee River watershed is subject to long-term aquatic biomonitoring, applying an index of biological integrity tailored to the region. In this index, the undescribed endemic Smoky Dace (Clinostomus sp.) is classified as intolerant based on a previous designation for the Rosyside Dace …

Role Of Oxygen Vacancy In Photocatalytic Water Splitting Using Ceria Bismuth Oxide Solid Solution, Kahkashan Ansari, Rajani Meena, Yuktanshi Gautam, Neelu Chouhan

Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science

In this study, we report the successful synthesis of solid solution (SS) cerium bismuth oxide (CBO) photocatalysts via a facile combustion method using urea as starting materials at different calcination temperatures (300–900°C). The prepared CBO exhibited a nanocrystalline fluorite structure with a direct band gap of 3.02 eV, enabling efficient visible light driven photocatalytic water splitting. Under natural solar irradiation, the optimized CBO achieved excellent H2 and O2 evolution rates of 776.3 μmol g-1 and 388.2 μmol g-1 respectively. A high hydrogen evolution rate of 766.3 μ mol g-1 was also obtained under artificial sunlight using methanol as a sacrificial …

Biobloom Tio2: Green Synthesis Of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract For Bioremediation Of Textile Dyes, Nijasritha Jayaprakash, Kishore Parthasarathy, Varshana Prabhu, Sowparnika Lakshmidass, Koyeli Girigoswami

Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science

Nanotechnology is essential in many scientific disciplines, particularly materials science, where titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely studied for their stability and high photocatalytic performance in environmental applications. This study reports the green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) flower extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. Phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, glycosides, and coumarins, facilitate nanoparticle formation and stabilization. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet (UV)–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential analysis, DLS, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and EDX, confirming their structural, morphological, and surface properties. Biocompatibility was evaluated using MTT, hemolysis, and …

Phytochemical Analysis And Safety Assessment Of Watercress Nasturtium Officinale: Antioxidant Capacity, Heavy Metal Profiling, And Toxicity Using Brine Shrimp Model, Qurrota A’Yunin, Chamini Kasun Hemachandra, Muhaimin Rifa’I, Yoga Dwi Jatmiko, Maftuch Maftuch, Rizky Fadilla Agustin Rangkuti, Cucun Herlina, Zulfa Mahdiatur Rasyida, Moh Dliyauddin

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Medicinal plants have attracted growing attention as sources of natural bioactive compounds for sustainable aquaculture and health. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, heavy metal profile, and acute toxicity of watercress (Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton) methanol extract using maceration, qualitative and quantitative (TPC, TFC, antioxidant DPPH) phytochemical assay, XRF, and BSLA. Phytochemical screening of plant extracts showed the existence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, triterpenoids, and saponins, but not steroidal. The TPC and TFC were 20.6 mg GAE/g and 10.8 mg QE/g, respectively. The extract displayed significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 64.78 µg/mL in DPPH assay). …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Antiseptic And Antibiotic Irrigation Versus Normal Saline In Infected Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review, Madelaine Adkins, Yahan Wei, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Acute infections are commonly managed with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), in which irrigation plays a critical role in reducing bacterial burden. Although irrigation protocols have been investigated in total hip and total knee arthroplasty, evidence specific to infected TAA remains unclear. This systematic review evaluated the available literature regarding irrigation practices in the surgical management of infected TAA.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Scopus were search for English-language studies published between December 2005 and …

Training Needs And Preferences Of Small-Scale Farmers In Maryland, Lila B. Karki, Prem Bhandari, Enrique N Escobar

Journal of Extension

This study examined small-scale farmers' (N = 124) current needs, emerging priorities, and training preferences from a Farmers' Needs Assessment in Agriculture. They reported marketing agricultural products as the most important activity for building capacity, followed by certification for good agricultural practices; low-volume, high-value crops; agribusiness and enterprise development; specialty and ethnic vegetable production; and developing value-added products. The most preferred educational materials were hands-on exercises and digital learning videos. They preferred weekend programs over weekdays (afternoon, evening, and virtual) and shorter sessions over daylong sessions to benefit most from the educational events.

Measuring Maintainable Income Under Natural Capital Depletion: A Dynamic Sustainability-Weighted Cost Of Capital Framework, Khaled Aldhaferi

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Economics and Administration

Sustainability reporting has improved the visibility of climate, resource, and safety risks, but it still does not provide a measurement mechanism for separating maintainable operating surplus from income generated by depleting finite natural capital. This paper develops Dynamic Sustainability-Weighted Cost of Capital (Dynamic SWACC) as a governed shadow-accounting architecture for estimating sustainability-adjusted maintainable income. The framework begins from the Hicksian capital-maintenance view of income and the El-Serafy user-cost method, derives the user-cost charge from a finite-horizon operating-surplus annuity, and endogenizes the discount rate through auditable state variables: reserve-life constraint intensity, carbon-budget utilization, and operational safety risk. The developed contribution extends …

Thermoclock:A Novel Automated Temperature Regulation Device That Can Model Circadian Entrainment And Disruption In 2d And 3d In Vitro Models, Kaiyin Kelly Zhang, Cathryn A. Cutia, Chanelle A. Moise, Bhavna Kalyanaraman, Kaitlyn Chhe, Jiexin Wang, Michelle E. Farkas, Ilia N. Karatsoreos, Mary Harrington, Meghan E. Huber, Cathal J. Kearney

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Circadian rhythms are critical for maintaining homeostasis and regulating physiological functions, and consequentially impact disease progression; yet, they remain largely overlooked in in vitro models used in preclinical research. One major barrier to rigorously testing the role of circadian rhythms in these models is the lack of accessible tools that seamlessly integrate into standard culture setups and are capable of sustainably delivering time cues to cells and tissues in long term experiments. Here, we present the ThermoClock, a low-cost, Arduino-based automated temperature control system capable of delivering independent temperature programs to multiple cultures simultaneously. Using circadian reporter U2OS cell lines …

Betwixt Two Dams: Persistence And Angler Use Of Two Trout Taxa In A Western Nebraska Tailwater Fishery, Lauren R. Allex

Biology Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

Stocking catchable-sized trout is a widely used management strategy to create and maintain recreational fisheries. However, the success of these programs relies on if the fish is caught and how long the fish remain available to anglers. Lake Ogallala is a dynamic tailwater cool-water reservoir that has been managed as a salmonid fishery since 1941 where Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) has stocked 8 different salmonids to maintain a recreational fishery. Currently, NGPC is stocking Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and Cutbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss x clarkii.

In order to understand the angler dynamics of this fishery, creel surveys collected …

Bridging Change: The Role Of The Pont-Neuf In A Transforming Paris, Mathilde M. Oscarson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In a twist of irony, the Pont Neuf (“New Bridge”) stands today as the oldest bridge crossing the Seine River in Paris, France. This paper examines how artistic representations of the Pont-Neuf such as etchings, early photography, painting, and art installations embody shifting views of the bridge’s function, the role of public space, and community building even as the bridge itself has not changed. The Pont-Neuf is important to Parisians, as evidenced by how often it has been represented in art, both as an integral aspect of the city’s infrastructure as well as the center of cultural and public life. …

The Role Of Mitochondria In The Pathogenesis Of Parkinson’S Disease, Oyinkansola Mudasiru, Vivian Etugbo, Bhuvana Lakkasetter, Claudia Biguetti, Reginald Adiele

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra that leads to motor and non-motor dysfunctions. Emerging evidence highlights mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in PD pathogenesis. This project aims to investigate the pathophysiology of PD, highlighting the involvement of oxidative stress, and examining current and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function.

Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar within the 2004-2024 date range. Keywords included “Parkinson’s disease”, “mitochondrial dysfunction", “oxidative stress”, and neurodegeneration”. Data was extracted regarding …

Evaluating Generative Ai-Based User Interfaces Using An Integrated Neutrosophic Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework, Nada Mohamed, Alshaimaa A. Tantawy

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

User Interface (UI) design can be seen as an essential aspect of human-computer interaction (HCI) and makes communication easier between people and technology. In today's digital economy, interface quality has become one of the most important business concerns, since it has a direct impact on customer satisfaction and retention while affecting revenue. Although creating user-centered and accessible interfaces is crucial, doing so is a difficult and time-consuming process, which leads to burnout for many usability professionals. Although conventional artificial intelligence (AI) was utilized for design assessment and automation, the arrival of generative AI technology has created new possibilities for automated …

An Exploration Of Extension Professionals' Evaluation Experiences In Indigenous Contexts, Sara M. Tomis, J.C. Bunch, Amy Harder, T. Grady Roberts

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals evaluating programs that engage Indigenous youth face unique opportunities and challenges. The purpose of this study was to explore these professionals' evaluation experiences, with a focus on culturally responsive practice. We conducted a focus group comprised of professionals associated with the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP). Study findings revealed a need for enhanced support for FRTEP professionals conducting evaluations of programs for Indigenous youth audiences, as well as for more culturally responsive practice within the Cooperative Extension System.

Enhanced Transdermal Immunization Via Solid-In-Oil Nanodispersions Incorporating Dendritic Cell-Targeting Peptide, Md Samiul Islam, Md. Shahin Ekka Sarker, Yoshirou Kawaguchi, Rie Wakabayashi, Noriho Kamiya, Muhammad Moniruzzaman, Masahiro Goto

Publications and Research

Transdermal immunization represents a promising needle-free alternative to conventional vaccination. However, efficient antigen delivery and robust immune activation remain major challenges. In this study, a solid-in-oil (S/O) nanodispersion system comprising a dendritic cell-targeting peptide (HR8), ovalbumin (OVA), and an adjuvant was developed for transdermal immunization. The HR8 peptide along with OVA was successfully incorporated into an S/O nanodispersion with an optimal hydrodynamic diameter of particles (< 200 nm) and exhibited stable physical properties for up to 90 days. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated enhanced antigen delivery with insignificant skin irritation in C57BL/6N mice. Moreover, in vivo transdermal immunization studies demonstrated that the addition of the HR8 peptide enhanced OVA-specific IgG responses (~1.5-fold). Notably, the HR8 peptide also promoted an approximately 2.5-fold increase in IgG2c levels, suggesting a shift toward a more T helper type 1-biased immune response, as reflected by an increased IgG2c/IgG1 ratio. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the incorporation of HR8 peptide into an S/O nanodispersion enables efficient transdermal antigen delivery and improved immunogenicity, highlighting its potential as a simple, non-invasive, and patient-friendly immunization strategy.

Educator Perspectives Of Available Special Education Transition Programming Through High School Career And Technical Education Organizations For Female Students In Self-Contained Classrooms, Cassandra L. Aungst

Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this study was that there is a lack of research regarding alignment between special education student transition assessments, transition goals, and transition programming and specifically those who identify as female students. While career readiness programs are accessible to all students, regardless of gender, female students in special education remain underrepresented in career and technical education programs. The purpose of this research was to review educational practices that influence female students with disabilities in relation to their individualized education plan transition goals and programming by addressing (a) educators’ perceptions, (b) systemic challenges, and (c) policy gaps influencing …