Digital Commons Network^™

Material Sins: A Novel Excerpt, Patrick Markovich

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This excerpt from Material Sins includes the first six chapters of the novel. The book is a supernatural crime thriller focused on the life of a young butcher’s apprentice, Charles, as he attempts to uncover his father’s criminal past. When Charles encounters his father’s childhood friend, Salo, he realizes his father had been involved in the mafia in his youth. As Charles learns the extent of his father’s sins, he fights to maintain his sanity and keep the demonic entity attached to him at bay. With the help of his best friend Sofia, Charles struggles to dispel the demon who …

Rural Girl Comedy Hour, Riley Mccall

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Front Matter - Table Of Contents - Preface

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Scholarly Program Notes For "Songs Of Love & Loss", Seth A. Tanner

Research Papers

This document presents the extended program notes for the graduate voice recital of Mr. Seth A. Tanner which took place on March 1, 2025 in the Old Baptist Foundation recital hall at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. These extended program notes also contain the program of repertoire performed at the recital in addition to the texts of all pieces with translations for those non-English songs.

The repertoire list includes operatic arias from the Baroque and late Romantic periods, and art songs from the late Romantic period, early 20th century, and mid 20th century. The repertoire is representative of a …

Queer Form And Romantic Friendship In Ghost World, Elaina Gilley

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Teaching Functional Skills To Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Intellectual Disability Using Behavior-Analytic Curricula, Catrina Barber

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Food Allergies And Quality Of Life In Older Adults: Development Of A Food Allergy Questionnaire, Avalon F. Mustafa

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The United States is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of older adults, yet there is a lack of research on food allergies in this demographic. While there are survey instruments available to study food allergies and quality of life, none of these are tailored to the unique needs of elderly individuals. This study aims to create and validate an on-line survey instrument specifically designed for older adults, focusing on their quality of life in the context of food allergies. The survey will be used to establish a food allergy severity score and a quality-of-life score, enabling comparison between …

Potential Of Brewer's Spent Grain Bioactive Fractions As Functional Ingredients For Companion And Farm Animal Foods – A Reviews, Emmanuel Duah Osei, Azza Silotry Naik, Gemma Kinsella, Terence Delaney, Kirwan Stuart

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

From Conjugation To Detection: Development Of Lateral Flow Assay For Zearalenone, Vinayak Sharma, Bilal Javed, Hugh J. Byrne, Furong Tian

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

The development of rapid, sensitive and cost-effective lateral flow assays is crucial for the detection of mycotoxins, ideally at the point-of-care level. This study presents the design and optimization of a competitive lateral flow assay based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of zearalenone in food samples. Beginning with the synthesis and functionalization of gold nanoparticles, it proceeds to compare the immobilization of antibodies using chemical conjugation and physical adsorption binding strategies, upon optimizing parameters including the pH, antibody concentration and blocking conditions to enhance the stability of the prepared bioconjugates. The bioconjugates are characterized using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy …

Prevalence And Concentrations Of Four Waste-Pathogen Combinations From Land-Spreading Across High-Income, Temperate Regions: Meta-Modelling And Distribution Fitting For Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (Qmra), Jennifer E M Mccarthy, Paul D Hynds, Declan J Bolton, Jesús M Frías Celayeta

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

A Post-Normal Environment-Centered Approach To Engineering Ethics Education, T Børsen, Shannon Chance, G Meskens

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This chapter probes engineering responses to contemporary socio-ecological challenges – like climate change and loss of biodiversity – and advocates for a new, post-normal engineering (PNE) paradigm. The chapter promotes cultivating, via reflection and dialogue, a nuanced ethical understanding for grappling with urgent socio-ecological problems, underscoring the need for a diverse palette of ethical frameworks for current and future engineers. The proposed PNE paradigm rejects today's conventional engineering practices and extractive cradle-to-grave model, prioritizing global responsibility and advocating for reflexivity in constructing new approaches to complex present-day issues. Existing theories like virtue ethics and utilitarianism (covered elsewhere in this handbook) …

Making The Jump: A Self-Study Of The Implementation Of Gamification And Student Discussion In Middle School Mathematics, John Pauly

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Middle school mathematics teaching is a complex practice that incorporates both cognitive and emotional factors (Sen, 2022). Students must have permission to get stuck and unstuck in their thinking while critically considering their approaches (Kapp, 2016), along with opportunities to engage in decision-making, deep reasoning, and discussions about mathematics (Stein et al., 1996). Gamification and game-based learning can place students in an environment where discussion, collaboration and perseverance are highly valued in overcoming challenges and achieving common goals (Kapp, 2016).

This qualitative self-study reflects on the journey of John Pauly, a middle school mathematics teacher, told through his experiences and …

2025 Cheshire County Advisory Council Agenda & Minutes, Diane Dugray

Advisory Council

No abstract provided.

The Next Generation Science Standards And Their Implementation In Iowa High Schools, Janell Wright

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Almost a decade ago, the state of Iowa used the Next Generation Science Standards’ (NGSS) performance expectations as the basis for its state science standards for K-12 students. Several key changes were implemented within these standards, including an increase in the amount of Earth and space science content at the high school level and a three-dimensional approach interweaving science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts along with disciplinary core ideas. In this dissertation, I used a three-paper format in an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to explore how districts in Iowa are using scope and sequence to address the NGSS. …

Iowa Journal Of Communication, Volume 57, Number 1, Fall 2025 [Download Entire Issue]

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Fixation On Viruses: Eye-Tracking, Image-Based Agency, And Fear-Appeal Desensitization, Braden Bagley, Lijie Zhou, Hayden Coombs, Matthew Barton

Iowa Journal of Communication

This study examined the effects of image-based assignment of agency (IAA) on COVID-19 and flu fear-appeals by employing eye-tracking technology. Volunteers participated in a 2x2x2 between-groups experiment. Fixation-count and fixation-duration were collected by a Tobii Pro X3-120 Screen-Based Eye-Tracker. After reviewing a fact sheet, participants answered a 29-item survey that included items aligning with the extended parallel process model. The flu/agentic-image/virus-agentic-language message produced significantly higher fixation-frequency to the image and a higher perception of severity than the COVID-19/real-image/human-agentic-language message. Fixation-frequency on the image produced significantly higher fear perceptions, but significantly lower message-quality and message-credibility perceptions. Flu messages led to significantly …

Protective Effects Of Calligonum Comosum As A Natural Remedy To Counteract Pregabalin-Induced Toxicity: Insights From Chemical Profiling, In Vivo, And In Silico Analyses, Smail Mehda, Ibtissam Laib, Feriel Diab, Raounek Attia, Yousef Benaissa, Attia Hanane, Khiari Rayhana, Meriem Bellabidi, Huda Alsaeedi, David Croun, Mikhael Bechelany, Ahmed Barhoum

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This study explores the therapeutic potential of Calligonum comosum extract in alleviating pregabalin (PGB)-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats, with a focus on hepatic, renal, and reproductive health. PGB exposure led to significant biochemical disturbances, including elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH), impaired kidney markers (urea, creatinine, uric acid), reduced reproductive hormones (testosterone, FSH, LH), and notable histopathological damage in liver, kidney, and testicular tissues. Treatment with C. comosum extract effectively restored liver and kidney functions and partially corrected hormonal imbalances. The extract reduced AST, ALT, and LDH levels by 18.5%, 25.2%, and 13.7%, respectively. Similarly, urea, creatinine, and uric …

Is It Real Enough? A Mixed-Methods Study Of Realism, Engagement And Counterargument In Transmedia Edutainment For Sustainable Behaviors, Aya Shata, Michelle Selig

Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies Faculty Research

Advancements in technology have driven media convergence, paving the way for innovative storytelling formats like Transmedia Edutainment (TE-E), a new promising strategy for advocating prosocial behaviors. However, there is limited research on narrative processing and the persuasive outcomes of TE-E, particularly in environmental contexts. Therefore, this paper examines TE-E as a new communication strategy that leverages storytelling across multiple platforms to promote pro-environmental messaging. Drawing on entertainment-education literature and narrative persuasion theories, specifically the narrative engagement model and perceived realism as theoretical frameworks in this study, to help understand the role and influence of TE-E. Using a mixed-method design, five …

A “Bangladeshi” Descendant Muslim Community In Northern Thailand Its Formation Process, Mineo Takada

Asian Review

Thailand is a majority Buddhist country. However, there is a Muslim population in some parts of the country. One such community is a so-called "Indian" Muslim community in northern Thailand. In fact, they originally came from East Bengal, now Bangladesh, not India. A large community of such Bangladeshi descendants can be found in Chiang Mai and other groups of them live in some smaller towns in northern Thailand.  This paper discusses the migration processes, routes, and settlement processes of a group in northern Thailand. When the author started researching them, they declared themselves "Bangladee" (Thai pronunciation of Bangladesh), but they …

Nationwide Household Food Waste Generation Rates In Rural And Urban Settings: Evidence In Thailand, Vilasinee Krutprong, Chanathip Pharino

Applied Environmental Research

To achieve sustainable development goals, addressing food waste requires evidence-based solutions grounded in a nuanced understanding of waste generation rates and the factors influencing them. This study explores the intricate dynamics of food waste generation in Thai households, encompassing both liquid and solid waste streams. Empirical data were collected from 2,700 diverse households across urban and rural areas over a four-week period. The study revealed an average food waste generation rate of 0.332±0.003 kg per capita per day when liquids were included and 0.228± 0.002 kg per capita per day when liquids were excluded. Surprisingly, rural households generated more food …

Effects Of Herbicides On 2,4-D-Resistant Soil Microorganisms In Maize Cultivation In Lopburi Province, Thailand, Boontarik Chimchart, Jitra Kokaew, Amnat Eamvijarn, Kanokon Bunpha, Sontaya Khamtib, Monchai Manassila, Tawatchai Inboonchuay

Applied Environmental Research

This study aimed to assess the impact of herbicide application on soil micro-organism density and to identify microorganisms resistant to 2,4-D-dimethyl-ammonium (2,4-D) for potential biodegradation. Research was conducted in maize plots in Lopburi Province, where 2,4-D was applied at a rate of 120 g of active ingredient per 160 m2. The soil samples were collected at various intervals: before application; 2 and 4 hours postapplication; and 1, 3, and 7 days after application. The analyses included soil property and microorganism population analyses. The results indicated that 2,4-D applications significantly increased bacteria and fungi in the treated plots compared with those …

A Hybrid Image Filtering Approach For Improving Edge Detection Of Riverbed Particles With Complex Textures, Po-Wei Lin, Hsun-Chuan Chan

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The distribution of particle size in gravel-bed rivers affects the flow condition, sediment transport, and river morphology. However, conventional particle size analysis is laborious and time-consuming. To enhance the efficiency of particle size analysis, image-based methods have been widely explored, but complex particle textures increase the difficulty in identifying particle edges during image analysis. This study develops a filtering approach based on the rolling guidance filter and leverages the differences in grayscale gradients between particle edges and textures to design a guidance image tailored for the rolling guidance filter. This design enables the filter to preserve particle edges while smoothing …

The Effect Of Bait Types On Catch Performance In The Vietnamese Swimming Crab Trap Fishery, Nghiep K. Vu, Khanh Q. Nguyen, Luong T. Nguyen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Trapping is a primary fishing method to capture swimming crab species along the coast of Vietnam, because it has low ecological and environmental impacts. In trap fisheries, bait plays a primary role in determining the effectiveness of the gear and is one of the largest operational costs. Fishermen determine bait types based on their experience and what they can find, where trash fish caught by trawl fisheries is preferred and commonly used. However, the catch rates of swimming crab traps are typically low and highly variable and thus, there is considerable interest to improve the catchability. This study examined the …

Research On Ship Track Prediction Based On Ipso-Cnn, Xiangen Bai, Nuo Chen, Xiaofeng Xu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

With the rapid development of the global economy, international imports and exports have become increasingly important. Timely and effective tracking and prediction of ship trajectories are important in the face of complex maritime traffic. Based on AIS data, this study establishes a ship trajectory prediction model combining improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) and a convolutional neural network (CNN) that uses the ship's historical navigation trajectory data to predict the future navigation trajectory. The historical ship trajectory data of the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan were selected for the experiment, and the IPSO-CNN model experiment results were compared with those of other models. …

Impact Of Feeding Different Fat Sources And Levels Of Vitamin E Isoforms To Heavy Slaughter Weight (150 Kg) Pigs: Ii. Belly And Bacon Quality, Marlee Kelley, Ding Wang, Ana Paula A.A. Salim, Merlin D. Lindemann, Gregg Rentfrow, Surendranath P. Suman

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Two independent experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of dietary fat sources and vitamin E supplementation on the characteristics of belly and bacon from heavy slaughter weights (150 kg) pigs. In experiment 1, 64 individually fed pigs (32 barrows and 32 gilts) were randomly assigned to 1 of the 8 dietary treatments in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. Four fat sources included cornstarch (CS), tallow (TW), corn oil (CO), and coconut oil (CN). Vitamin E supplementation included alpha-tocopheryl acetate (ATA) at 11 and 200 ppm. In experiment 2, individually fed pigs (n = 72; 36 barrows, 36 gilts) …

Impact Of A 24 H Feed Withdrawal On Active Nutrient Transport, Intestinal Morphology, And Gene Expression In The Equine Small And Large Intestine, Blaire E. Aldridge-Dean, Timothy B. Lescun, John Scott Radcliffe

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Horses are often subjected to short-term feed withdrawal (FW) pre- or post-surgery to reduce anesthetic complications. However, removing nutrients from the intestinal lumen may negatively impact intestinal health. Thirteen horses were used to determine the effects of a 24 h FW on gut barrier function, active nutrient transport, transporter gene expression, and intestinal morphology. Following 0 or 24 h FW (0FW or 24FW, respectively), horses were euthanized via overdose of sodium pentobarbital and sodium phenytoin, and segments of proximal jejunum (PJ), mid jejunum (MJ), ileum (Il), and right ventral colon (RVC) were harvested for histology (PJ and Il), gene expression, …

Piglet Nursing Location Along The Sow’S Udder Line Affects Piglet Weight Gain And Subsequent Weaning Weight, Shannon Dierking, Harold J. Monegue, Merlin Lindemann

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: There is a linear correlation between piglet weaning weight and average daily gain during the post-nursery period. A key factor that influences piglet weight gain during lactation is milk intake. Thus, the variation in piglet weaning weight is hypothesized to be, to some extent, a result of differences in milk production among individual mammary glands. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of piglet nursing location throughout lactation on piglet weaning weight, with a secondary objective of determining the impact of piglet birth weight on nursing location selection. Methods: Teat pairs were labeled from anterior …

Post-Weaning Weight Gain In Pigs Is Not Affected By Moderate Duration Transport At 20 Days Of Age, Isabel B. Walpole, Alyssa A. Smith, Kaylyn G. Rudy, Dayeon Jeon, Sarah M. Innis, Brian T. Richert, J. Scott Radcliffe, J. Alex Pasternak

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Transportation at weaning is an integral component of the American swine industry. However, the long-term effects on growth performance have not been well characterized. Previous research suggests transportation causes weight loss immediately following weaning, but few studies have followed this effect further than 7 d post-weaning, with transport causing decreased body weight in those that have. In experiment 1, average weight pigs at 20 ± 1.3 d of age were weaned and either 1) transported for 9 hour without feed and water (TR), 2) had their feed and water restricted for 9 hour (FR), or 3) were weaned and provided …

Impact Of Feeding Different Fat Sources And Levels Of Vitamin E Isoforms To Heavy Slaughter Weight (150 Kg) Pigs: I. Carcass Characteristics And Fresh Pork Quality, Marlee Kelley, Ding Wang, Gregg Rentfrow, Merlin D. Lindemann, Ana Paula A.A. Salim, Surendranath P. Suman

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing α-tocopheryl-acetate (ATA) and γ-tocopherol (GT) vitamin E isoforms with corn oil (CO) and tallow (TW) on carcass characteristics and meat quality characteristics of pigs grown to heavy weights (150 kg). Individually fed pigs (n = 72; 36 barrows, 36 gilts) were randomly assigned to 12 dietary treatments in a 2 × 6 factorial arrangement. Fat treatments were 5% TW and 5% CO. The vitamin E treatments included 4 levels of ATA (11, 40, 100, and 200 ppm) and 2 levels of mixed tocopherols (primarily GT; 40 and 100 …

Wet Aging For 21 Days Improves Tenderness Of Beef Biceps Femoris Muscle Without Affecting Color Stability, Ana Paula A.A. Salim, Mahesh N. Nair, Yifei Wang, Anna C.V.C.S. Canto, Gregg Rentfrow, Surendranath P. Suman

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Beef whole-muscle cuts containing biceps femoris (BF) exhibit inferior tenderness compared to cuts from the ribs and loins. The BF is a sizeable muscle in beef round, and enhancing tenderness of BF may increase the value of beef carcasses. While wet aging for 21 d improves beef tenderness, it can compromise color. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of wet aging on color and tenderness of beef BF to identify an optimal aging duration for these quality traits. The BF muscles were collected 24 h postmortem from 8 beef carcasses (n = 8), divided into equal sections, vacuum packaged, and aged …