Digital Commons Network^™

Experiences Of School Based Agricultural Educators At The Middle School Level, Kayla Gossett

Honors Theses

A middle school (MS) agricultural education program is the starting point for many students to explore agricultural industries and occupations associated with food, fiber and natural resources (National Council for Agricultural Education, 2002). “Middle school is an important time in the development of agricultural education students and plays an important role in increasing agricultural literacy in our society,” (Jones, Doss, and Rayfield, 2020). MS agricultural programs have been recognized since 1988 (Golden et al., 2014), yet there has been minimal research regarding these programs. This phenomenological study explored the experience(s) of School Based Agricultural Educators or SBAEs and examined how …

First Record Of Corella Japonica In California, Lauren M. Stefaniak, Marie L. Nydam, Susanna López-Legentil

Marine Science

Many ascidian (sea squirt) species are common members of fouling communities, particularly on floating substrates such as docks and pilings and through maritime transport, have been introduced worldwide. For the past 30 years, marinas in Southern California have been regularly monitored for introduced species due to their proximity to the international shipping terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. Here, we report on the first record in the eastern Pacific of an ascidian in the family Corellidae (O. Phlebobranchia), Corella japonica, found at the Newmarks Yacht Centre in Los Angeles Harbor. This study further highlights the importance of continuously …

From Roses To Pixels; Design For Kashan’S Golab Festival, Safiyeh Niknami

LSU Master's Theses

This research aims to elevate the visibility and appeal of the Kashan Rose Water Festival through innovative graphic design strategies and a user-friendly festival mobile application. The primary objective is to integrate the rich cultural heritage of Kashan with contemporary design elements to create a cohesive brand image that attracts both local and international visitors. By utilizing traditional Persian motifs and modern user experience design, the project seeks to enhance visitor engagement and provide a comprehensive digital interface for festival attendees.

Central to this research is the development of a mobile application that serves as an interactive guide and planning …

How Aza Zoos And Aquariums Are Helping To Fill The Gap, Erika Bauer, Grace Fuller, Candice Dorsey

Animal Sentience

Oldfield & Bonano (2024) identify significant gaps in scientific knowledge about certain animal taxa, such as reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. Despite some efforts, published literature remains limited, forcing decision-makers to rely more on experiential knowledge than scientific evidence. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps and advance animal welfare science by fostering collaboration, building partnerships, and promoting multi-disciplinary approaches to welfare assessments.

Imaging Peripheral Nerves In Vivo With Ct Neurogram Using Novel 2,4,6-Tri-Iodinated Lidocaine Contrast Agent, Rui Tang, Ron Perez, David M Brogan, Mikhail Y Berezin, James E Mccarthy

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Peripheral nerve injuries are a significant concern in surgical procedures, often leading to chronic pain and functional impairment. Despite advancements in imaging, preoperative and intraoperative visualization of peripheral nerves remains a challenge. This study introduces and evaluates a novel tri-iodinated lidocaine-based contrast agent for computed tomography neurography, aiming to enhance the intraoperative visibility of peripheral nerves in vivo. A tri-iodinated lidocaine analogue was synthesized and characterized for its radiodensity, sodium channel binding and nerve affinity. Sodium channel affinity was performed using molecular docking. In vitro contrast enhancement was assessed by comparing the agent's Hounsfield unit (HU) values with those of …

Elevated Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Is A Therapeutic Vulnerability In Dnmt3a-Mutant Clonal Hematopoiesis, Kira A Young, Grant A Challen, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The competitive advantage of mutant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) underlies clonal hematopoiesis (CH). Drivers of CH include aging and inflammation; however, how CH-mutant cells gain a selective advantage in these contexts is an unresolved question. Using a murine model of CH (Dnmt3a

Avian Detection Data And Environmental Covariates For Utah, Usa Over The Years 2017-2021, Amanda L. Hayes-Puttfarcken

Browse all Datasets

Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) detection data for the state of Utah, USA, and LANDFIRE uncharacteristic exotic Departure Score data over Utah during our study period, as well as additional environmental covariates used to make the model more ecologically accurate. Environmental covariates include average May precipitation, average June temperature, distance to the nearest road, percent canopy cover, and the percent of three habitat types as defined by LANDFIRE; open tree canopy, herbaceous, and shrubland.

The Parthenon, April 16, 2025, Sarah Davis, Baylee Parsons, Kaitlyn Fleming, Nate Harrah, Caden Adkins, Scott Price, Ella Bumgardner, Wade Sullivan

The Parthenon

No abstract provided.

Models And Mechanisms Of Chemotherapy-Induced Side Effects, Junwei Du

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in the treatment of various cancers; however, it often leads to a range of debilitating side effects that compromise its efficacy and profoundly impact patients' quality of life and psychosocial well-being. These side effects can be broadly categorized into short-term effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and neutropenia, and long-term effects which can persist months or even years after treatment, including peripheral neuropathies, cognitive impairment, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Among the most common and dose-limiting side effects are chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and cardiotoxicity (CTX). …

Cystic Fibrosis-Related Neurodegenerative Disease Associated With Tauopathy And Cognitive Decline In Aged Cf Mice, Danica F. Patton-Parfyonov, Xinming Wang, Sarah Barker, Deborah A. Corey, Edwin Vázquez-Rosa, Nichele Abeyesundere, Whitney M. Ward, Rebecca Darrah, Jung A. Woo, David E. Kang, Andrew A. Pieper, Thomas J. Kelley

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT) are increasing the lifespan for many people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), making it necessary to identify and understand CF specific age-related consequences. In this study, we examine the impact of aging on cognitive function and age-related brain pathology in a CF mouse model focusing on phospho-Tau (pTau) pathology. Methods: Cognitive function was measured by novel object recognition and spontaneous alternation behavior tests. Hippocampal neuronal function was assessed by measuring long-term potentiation (LTP) electrophysiology, the synaptic correlate of learning and memory. Tau pathology was assessed by immunohistochemical analyses and western blot assessment of pTau levels …

Percutaneous Retrieval Of Free-Floating Amulet Device From Left Atrium, Elliott Elias, Ramon Quesada, Nish Patel

All Publications

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia, significantly increasing the risk of thromboembolic events, particularly cerebral vascular accidents. Left atrial appendage occluder devices have been introduced as an alternative to anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention in AF patients, but their use can be complicated by device embolization. This report details the case of an 81-year-old woman with persistent AF, chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and various other comorbidities, who underwent a left atrial appendage closure using an Amulet device. Despite the successful initial placement, a subsequent transthoracic echocardiogram revealed device embolization within the left atrium. A percutaneous retrieval was successfully …

Maximizing Chances For Profit When Marketing Cattle In Livestock Auctions, Holli Heim

Undergraduate Research Conference

The objective of this study is to supply producers with data that will help to ensure that they are marketing their calf crop at proper times to ensure higher levels of profit. The information produced in this study is intended to be used with other management tools.

Ammonia Production From Cattle At The Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center, Sydney Cunningham, Elizabeth Smith, Rachel Nelson, Brayden Wagner

Undergraduate Research Conference

The Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center cattle pen was tested to measure the ammonia emission rates produced by cattle. Samples were collected from six testing locations. Eighteen samples were taken across three days of testing, in 8-hour increments. We found that small-scale cattle in open-air pens produce minimal amounts of ammonia that are not a concern for air quality. Ammonia was detectable in small quantities in the testing sites adjacent to the cattle and not in locations more than 0.1 miles away.

2025 Sfa Undergraduate Research Conference, Honors, School Of

Undergraduate Research Conference

Event Program for the 2025 Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) at SFASU.

Cattle Health Changes Before, During, And After Parturition, Greta Bergman

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Building Compassion And Connection: A Case Study Of Humane Education Through Middle Level Book Club Experiences, Kennedy Barnhouse

Undergraduate Research Conference

This case study explores the impact of a humane education-focused book club on middle level students' understanding of humane education principles and solutionary thinking. The study found that participation in the book club increased students' understanding of humane education and boosted their confidence in addressing societal challenges, suggesting that book clubs can effectively foster empathy, ethical reasoning, and social responsibility in middle level students.

Gc-074 Real-Time Object Detection, Rohit Malik

C-Day Computing Showcase

This project explores the implementation of real-time object detection using the You Only Look Once (YOLO) architecture. Leveraging its speed and accuracy, we developed a system capable of identifying and localizing multiple objects within live video streams. Our implementation focused on optimizing YOLO's performance for real-time applications, specifically addressing the trade-off between speed and accuracy. We employed a pre-trained YOLO model and fine-tuned it on a custom dataset tailored to specific object classes. This fine-tuning process aimed to enhance the model's ability to recognize objects in our target environment. The system was implemented using Python and the OpenCV library, enabling …

Uc-136 Foster Ai Interview And Biography Generation, Joshua Crawford, Katlin Lahr, Mikayla Haigh, Brittany Payne, Daria Morhun

C-Day Computing Showcase

This capstone project presents a proof of concept for a mobile and web-based application designed to streamline communication between foster caregivers and the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue team. The application addresses critical inefficiencies in generating pet biographies and coordinating photography efforts, which are essential components in increasing adoption rates. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Twilio, Retell AI, and OpenAI, the app implements a bio generation workflow that conducts foster interviews via phone calls, transcribes responses using AI-powered voice-to-text, analyzes sentiment, and produces structured, engaging pet bios for platforms like Petfinder. Additionally, the system automates email workflows to coordinate photography …

Uc-023 Bathtub Racing Game, Sasha Melbourne, Sulaiman Bah, Damari Brown, Deylin Ealy, Adam Calo

C-Day Computing Showcase

The Virtual Bathtub Racing Game is a capstone project that uses an interactive 3D digital experience to preserve and modernize the long-standing bathtub racing tradition at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU). With real-world physics, adjustable features, and multiplayer capabilities, the Unity-developed game recreates the famous event where students raced imaginatively designed bathtub carts. Since stakeholder input influences the creation of tracks, sound profiles, and gameplay elements that replicate the original races, alumni involvement is crucial in determining the authenticity of the game. In order to provide a captivating user experience for both new players and past SPSU students, the project …

Uc-026 Pet Matchmaker, Victoria Davis, Colton Baldwin, Edward Sadler

C-Day Computing Showcase

Angel Among Us is a non-profit organization that saves animals from high-killing rate shelters in Georgia. Their goal is to find homes for homeless pets. To increase their efforts, they are developing a web-based application to help improve adoption processes. The goal is to increase adoption rates and be able to provide adopters with information about pets and overall reduce the number of pet returns. This will be accomplished by using adopters’ information and preferences from the web-based application to find long-term compatibility with their recommended pets. The objective is to create a web application interface that includes many core …

Uc-029 Graphbat: Subterranean Data Visualizer, Caroline Roberson, Abdalla Ugas, Nathan Karg, Hayden Harper

C-Day Computing Showcase

GraphBat is a desktop data visualization application designed for speleology and similar fields that bundles common graph types with a unique heatmap tool which few comparable apps provide. It was developed in Python and is intended as an open-source tool available for use and extension by the scientific community. The heatmaps offer two data interpolation methods—inverse distance weighting and linear interpolation—to visualize the spread of data across a space using a real-world map and sensor data relative to the space. GraphBat aims to expediate scientific analysis and facilitate the presentation of results across many fields of subterranean study.

Uc-046 Cat Classification Of 20 Distinct Breeds, Tabitha Washington, Ashley Nestor

C-Day Computing Showcase

Cat breed classification algorithms have been made time and time before due to cats being such a popular and beloved animal. As such, classification algorithms aim to identify their breeds for veterinary pursuits and wildlife tracking which necessitates accurate classification. Our classification algorithm identifies 20 different CFA-recognized pedigreed cat breeds utilizing TensorFlow with the MobileNetV3 Large model as the base for training. Our preliminary results over 25 initial epochs and 25 fine tuning epochs resulted in a model with a test accuracy of 65%. In the future, we plan to add more techniques to prevent overfitting and experimenting with a …

Uc-085 Berry And Carrot - A 2.5d Unity Platformer Game, Everett Joiner, Rin Egl, Carter Griffin, Kcyana Redmon

C-Day Computing Showcase

In Berry and Carrot, you play as two stuffed animals, a bear and a bunny, who are trying to escape from a claw machine that they have been trapped in for years. Each character has different strengths, and the player must use these skills strategically by switching between the two characters to solve puzzles themed around the inner workings of the claw machine featuring screws, springs, levers, and more.

Uc-130 Some Kind Of Tundra Escape, Tiffany Field, Patrynna Mensah, Tahjir Beene, Daniel Worrel

C-Day Computing Showcase

Some Kind of Tundra Escape is an action-adventure game where you play as a penguin trying to escape a vast, walled-in tundra. As you explore, you’ll rescue other penguins scattered throughout the area. Your goal is to gather all the penguins and escape together, but the journey is far from easy. The tundra is full of danger, including snowmen who ambush you and ice golems who patrol certain areas. You'll need to avoid these monsters and set traps to stay safe while rescuing your fellow penguins. As your group grows, so does the challenge—more penguins means more obstacles to overcome. …

Ur-018 Towards Bounding The Behavior Of Deep Neural Networks, Aidan Boyce

C-Day Computing Showcase

Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have unlocked many new possibilities but have also brought with it many new challenges. While modern AI systems have been continuously exceeding expectations, our ability to interpret and understand their behavior lags behind. For example, an AI model trained to detect pneumonia from X-rays may fail in new hospitals because it learned to recognize hospital logos instead of medical patterns. Why do some succeed while others fail? Do they truly understand their tasks, or are they relying on patterns that may not always hold? To enumerate the most informative explanations of a neuron’s behavior, …

Reexamining The Anthropological Problem Of Life In The Contemporary Era: A Theological Critique Of Materialism And The Case For A Christocentric Perception, Samy Tshileu

Liberty University Research Week

History has shown a unique set of challenges faced by every era. The anthropological problem of life, which is caused by the economic perception of life, is one of the main challenges of the Contemporary Era. This challenge is a perennial problem of humans’ struggle to understand the essence of life and live it according to its design. This economic perception of life distorts the understanding of life’s true essence, leading to a disconnection from spiritual truths and meaning. This challenge makes it difficult for individuals to see the reality of the gospel and accept the truth of the gospel. …

Hybrid Treatment Method Of Biofiltration Preceded With Advanced Oxidation Process For The Removal Of Emerging Contaminants From The Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent, Anjali Mohan Payathuparambil

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Renewable energy systems face significant challenges in ensuring stability, efficiency, and The global demand for potable quality water has been on a continuous rise. Consequently, water reuse is now considered as an alternative to significantly expand supplies of freshwater in communities facing water shortages. Most of the conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are not efficient in the removal of emerging contaminants from the water, which will cause serious issues to the environment, human and animal life. This research investigated the possibilities of treating wastewater for reuse. First, the feasibility of utilizing a biofiltration system without pre-treatment for removing emerging contaminants …

Believing In Simulation Theory, Aeve Boucher

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This paper utilizes the frameworks, terms, and methodology used by David Chalmers in his recent book “Reality+”, along with ancient Chinese philosophers Zhuangzi and Mozi in order to make an argument for why we ought to believe that we are currently living in a simulation while at the same time withholding judgment on the metaphysical reality of whether or not we are currently living in a simulation. The argument uses Chalmers’ five different concepts of reality along with his own views of how being in a simulation would not negatively impact our currently held beliefs, especially in regards to language …

The Importance Of Wild Birds, Janice H. Cox

Nexus – UNEP – Animal Welfare, Environment, Sustainable Development

Wild birds are important in their own right, for their contribution to human wellbeing, and for their ecological value, as part of the “web of life”. Birds are sentient beings with complex thinking and social behaviors, and the ability to experience positive and negative feelings, including suffering. The ways in which birds contribute to the functioning of the world's ecosystems include: pest control, pollination, cleaning up nature, spreading seeds, keeping coral reefs alive and transforming landscapes. Yet wild bird populations are declining dramatically – with one in eight bird species threatened with extinction. Birds are one of the most important …

Contribution To The Knowledge Of Cave-Dwelling Fauna From The Prokletije Mountains, Joanna Kocot-Zalewska, Iwona Słowińska, Paweł Domagała, Jakub Bienias, Dominik Szymański, Dawid Szymański, Hubert Szymański, Paweł Sienkiewicz, Andrzej Józef Woźnica

International Journal of Speleology

The article presents the results of the study on invertebrate fauna inhabiting caves in the Prokletije Mountains. This mountain range is located on the border of Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. During the expeditions to Albania in 2021 and to Montenegro in 2022–2023, 17 caves and one bauxite mine were visited altogether. All the studied caves are located very high, above 1,700 m a.s.l., where the temperature inside is low, and several are filled with ice or snow. During the Albanian expedition 102 arthropods have been collected altogether. Among these were 19 beetles (Coleoptera), 44 flies (Diptera), three crickets (Orthoptera), five …