Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of A Diet Supplemented With A Blend Of Protected Organic Acids And Essential Oilson Growth Performance And Cecal Microbiota Composition In Broilers, Mehmet Akan, Kadi̇r Serdar Di̇ker, Serdar Özlü, Murat Çelebi̇, Seyyi̇de Sariçam İnce, Barişhan Doğan, Okan Eli̇bol

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Organic acids (OAs) and essential oils (EOs) have several positive effects on the gut microbiota of broilers. In this study, weaimed to determine the efficacy of a blend of protected OAs and EOs [P(OA+EO)] on the growth performance and cecal microbiota ofbroiler chickens. A total of 160 Ross 308 broiler chickens, including 80 male and 80 female birds, all 1 day old, were randomly distributedbetween the control group (basal diet) and the treatment group [basal diet + 300 g/t P(OA+EO)] according to an 8-pen arrangementwith 4 replicates of 20 birds. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), …

Improving Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Depression: Implementation Of Measurement-Based Care, Timothy R. Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Depression is a common disorder that is associated with significant co-morbidity and reduction in quality of life, making it essential that empirically validated, comprehensive interventions be employed in the treatment of patients. Evidence suggests that the systematic clinical utilization of standardized assessment scales can improve outcomes among individuals with mental illness. However, data indicates that psychiatric practitioners tend to underutilize this particular method of intervention. This project implemented a measurement-based care process utilizing the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale with the goal of reducing symptom severity and increasing the frequency of remission among patients diagnosed with a unipolar depressive disorder. The …

Trauma-Informed Care: Trauma Screenings And Psychotherapy Referral Process, Stephanie J. Pool

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement project aimed to implement trauma screening and PTSD symptom assessment using the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) in a ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) outpatient mental health setting. The goal was to improve the identification of trauma-related symptoms and streamline referrals to psychotherapy. Over a 31-day implementation period, 50 clients were screened with the LEC-5; 48 met criteria for PCL-5 screening, and 36 (75%) scored above the clinical threshold for PTSD symptoms. While all eligible clients were offered a referral, only 26.7% accepted, highlighting challenges in psychotherapy engagement. …

Including Dads In The Discussion: A Quality Improvement Project For Implementing Paternal Postpartum Depression Screening, Denise M. Lindstrom

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Paternal postpartum depression is a common phenomenon occurring in fathers. Healthcare professionals and the general population are often unaware of this diagnosis for new fathers. According to the literature, paternal postpartum depression occurs in one out of every ten fathers. Currently, at the agency in which this project was implemented, new fathers are not screened for paternal postpartum depression, only the mothers. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to screen fathers with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale initially in the hospital setting and then 30 days later. During the implementation phase, 50 fathers were recruited to be screened with …

Quality Improvement In Self-Mangement Of Hypertension, Brian L. Merrick

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hypertension is increasing at substantial rates and continues to be a chronic health problem in the United States and worldwide. Nurse-led interventions and patient self-management improve hypertension control. This quality improvement project assessed patient self-management using the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale.. The scale assesses medication taking, sodium reduction, and appointment keeping. The primary investigator provided patient education using written handouts with verbal explanation at the primary care visit. Telephone calls were completed in weeks 2 and 3, and then the final phone call was completed in week 4 with the Hill Bone Compliance to High …

The Effects Of A Cpr Coach On Compression Quality In A Critical Care Hospital Via Simulation, Monica Padgett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The Effects of a CPR Coach on Compression Quality in a Critical Care Hospital via Simulation

Monica Anne Padgett, MSN, RN, CDCS

Abstract

High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential during cardiac arrest. The quality of CPR is determined by several elements, including compression depth, recoil of the chest, compression rate, and chest compression fraction. Cardiac Chest Compression Fraction is the calculated amount of time that the compressor during CPR is on the chest and compressions are occurring. The American Heart Association (2020) recommends a chest compression fraction greater than 80%, a depth of ≥55mm on adults, a rate between 100-120, …

Succeeding With Providers: The Role Of Mentoring New Providers On Navigating A Difficult Electronic Medical Record, Yoomi Lee

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Navigating Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems poses significant challenges for healthcare providers, contributing to job dissatisfaction, turnover, patient safety concerns, care delays, and health inequities. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance newly hired providers’ confidence, satisfaction, usability, and accuracy in EMR encounters through a 3-week, one-on-one EMR mentoring program. Objectives included increasing provider confidence in EMR usability by 15%, improving satisfaction and reducing burnout by 15%, decreasing EMR navigation time by 15%, reducing canceled orders by 10%, and shortening order placement time by 10%. From May to June 2025, ten primary care providers, employed for less than one year, …

Implementing Measurement-Based Care In Veterans Affairs Women's Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic, Katrina M. Marietta

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Measurement-based care (MBC) is beneficial for clinicians to identify symptoms quantifiably. Patients can benefit from assessment using validated screening tools. Compliance with MBC initiatives is less than 20% utilization in behavioral health clinics. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project was to implement MBC utilizing the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) instrument for an adult female population at an outpatient behavioral health clinic. Appointments at this clinic were primarily performed virtually. A staff workshop was presented to describe implementation of MBC and use of the organization’s electronic platform for patient access to …

Optimizing Aims Assessments: An Evidence-Based Initiative For Outpatient Tardive Dyskinesia Identification, Edward Graham

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a potentially irreversible movement disorder linked to long-term antipsychotic use and remains insufficiently detected in outpatient settings due to inconsistent screening. This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to improve early TD recognition by implementing a clinical behavioral change to monthly Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) assessments for adults prescribed antipsychotics. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act organizational framework, seven clinicians were trained with brief, evidence-based multimedia modules and assessed 60 patients over eight weeks via in-person or telehealth visits. Pre- and post-intervention surveys evaluated adherence to AIMS guidelines, provider confidence, and training perception. Dr--identified electronic …

Academic Procrastination And Health Behaviors Among University Students, Shelley D. Sadler

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Sixty-eight percent of college and university students have indicated that procrastination is their greatest challenge to academic accomplishment. Academic procrastination has been associated with suboptimal health behaviors such as lack of sleep and poor diet due to increased stress and anxiety levels from this academic procrastination. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice Quality Improvement Project was to provide evidence-based online modules to help university students lessen academic procrastination while increasing healthy behaviors. Participants included students in their first through fourth semesters at a regional mid-South university. The Academic Procrastination Scale (APS) and the Wellness Behavior Inventory (WBI) …

Cultural Competence Training: A Pilot Project For Improving Culturally Competent Care, Praveena Berlin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Studies have shown that when healthcare providers lack cultural competence, there is a subsequent negative impact on the quality, safety, and cost of patient care. The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence-based cultural competence intervention that includes provider and staff training, development of several toolkits for staff, providers, and African American patients, in order to increase patient satisfaction rates among African American patients. The project was an exploratory quantitative study that used a pre-post-survey design and was implemented in a Mental Health Clinic. Two validated survey tools were utilized, the CCA and CCSS-29. The study results showed …

An Assessment Of Vegetable Production Constraints, Trait Preferences And Willingness To Adopt Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya And Uganda, Rose N. Okoma, Evanson R. Omuse, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dennis Beesigamukama, Marius F. Murongo, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global food production systems are under pressure due to population increase, limited farmland, biotic and abiotic constrains, and ongoing climate change. Sustainable intensification is needed to increase agricultural productivity with minimal adverse environmental and social impacts. Vegetable-integrated push pull (VIPP) technology coupled with black soldier fly (BSF) frass offer such opportunities to smallholder farmers. However, farmers’ vegetable preferences and willingness to adopt these innovations remain unknown and are variable across various geographic scales. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-person interviews with smallholder farmers were conducted to assess vegetable production constraints and select vegetables to be integrated into VIPP coupled with …

The Genomic Landscape Of Hermetia Illucens: Exploring The Potential Of The Black Soldier Fly Through Molecular Insights, Peter Muchina, Johnson Kinyua, Fathiya Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Grum Gebreyesus, Zexi Cai, Goutam Sahana

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Abstract The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has garnered significant attention recently due to its potential applications in waste management, animal feed production, frass fertilizer production, and biotechnology. Despite its numerous advantages, genomic resources for BSF remain limited, underscoring the necessity for continued genomic exploration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genomic landscape of BSF, emphasizing the critical role of genomics in understanding its biology and optimizing its applications. We highlighted recent advancements in BSF genome sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and the characterization of the gut microbiome, revealing its implications for BSF health and production efficiency. …

Advancing Multivariate Time Series Similarity Assessment: An Integrated Computational Approach, Franck B.N. Tonle, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Milliam M.Z. Ndadji, Maurice Tchoupe Tchendji, Armand Nzeukou, Kennedy Senagi, Saliou Niassy

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Data mining, particularly multivariate time series data analysis, is crucial in extracting insights from complex systems and supporting informed decision-making across diverse domains. However, assessing the similarity of multivariate time series data presents several challenges, including dealing with large datasets, addressing temporal misalignments, and necessitating efficient and comprehensive analytical frameworks. A novel integrated computational approach, Multivariate Time series Alignment and Similarity Assessment (MTASA) is proposed to address these challenges. MTASA is built upon a hybrid methodology designed to optimise time series alignment, complemented by a multiprocessing engine that enhances the utilisation of computational resources. This integrated approach comprises four key …

Morphometric Characterization Of Invasive Diaphorina Citri Infesting Citrus And Orange Jasmine In Ghana, Kodwo Dadzie Ninsin, Maxwell Kelvin Billah, Bernard Agyeman Boateng, Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Fred Kormla Ablormeti, Samuel Opuni-Basoa, Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor, George Edusei, Steve B.S. Baleba, Owusu Fordjour Aidoo

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and classification of insect pests, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies. The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species and a known vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and ‘Ca. Liberibacter americanus,’ the bacterial pathogens associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), has recently emerged as a pest of concern in Ghana. Despite its significance, little is known about the biological traits of field populations in the region. In this study, we examined morphometric variation in D. citri populations infesting citrus and orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) across different …

A Review On Knowledge And Information Extraction From Pdf Documents And Storage Approaches, Salvador D. Atagong, Henri Tonnang, Kennedy Senagi, Mark Wamalwa, Komi M. Agboka, John Odindi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction: Automating the extraction of information from Portable Document Format (PDF) documents represents a major advancement in information extraction, with applications in various domains such as healthcare, law, or biochemistry. However, existing solutions face challenges related to accuracy, domain adaptability, and implementation complexity. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to examine approaches and trends in PDF information extraction and storage approaches. Results: The review revealed three dominant methodological categories: rule-based systems, statistical learning models, and neural network-based approaches. Key limitations include the rigidity of rule-based …

Performance Of The Dssat Manihot-Cassava Model For Cassava Cultivation In The Recôncavo Baiano, Diego M. De Melo, Paola De F. Bongiovani, Fabio L.S. Costa, Patricia Moreno-Cadena, Alexandre B. Heinemann, Julian Ramirez-Villegas, Mauricio A. Coelho Filho

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The aim of the present study was to calibrate the DSSAT MANIHOT-Cassava model with information from cassava varieties grown in the Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state, Brazil. The database used to calibrate the model was obtained in the dry sub-humid tropical climate in Cruz das Almas city, from 2019 to 2020. The model was calibrated with experimental data obtained under irrigated and rainfed conditions for the BRS Novo Horizonte and Eucalipto varieties. The calibration was carried out by adjusting parameters related to the characteristics of each variety. Model performance was evaluated with statistical indices that indicate the precision and accuracy …

Spatial Analytics To Elucidate The Incubation Period And Drivers Of Visceral Leishmaniasis: Case Of Turkana County In Kenya, Kennedy Senagi, Maureen Nzilani, Evans Omondi, David P. Tchouassi, Tobias Landmann, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, Emmanuel Okunga, Barrington Gesimba, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Dawn Maranga, Joseph M. Ndungu, Daniel Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe and neglected tropical disease of public health concern. VL is fatal if not treated. Kenya has experienced multiple outbreaks of the disease since 2017. The underlying drivers of the disease risk dynamics, as well as the incubation period, are not well understood. Methods: We implemented statistical (spatial logistic regression and Bayesian spatial) and machine learning (random forest, support vector machine, AdaBoost, logistic regression, and extra trees) models to estimate the incubation period and predict areas of low/high risk in Turkana County, an endemic VL foci in Kenya. Two-year (2019–2020) patient data were sourced …

Predicting Food Prices In Kenya Using Machine Learning: A Hybrid Model Approach With Xgboost And Gradient Boosting, Benard O. Ogol, Evans Omondi, John Olukuru, Betsy Muriithi, Kennedy Senagi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction: Food price volatility continues to be a significant concern in Kenya's economic development, posing challenges to the country's economic stability. Methodology: This study examines the application of machine learning methods, employing a hybrid approach that combines XGBoost and gradient boosting, to predict food prices in Kenya. The food prices data from the World Food Programme, covering the period from January 2006 to September 2024, as well as currency exchange rates data from the Central Bank of Kenya in US dollars (USD) and inflation rates data, were collated and preprocessed to be ready for analytics and machine learning. The augmented …

Acceptability And Suitability Of Some Poaceae Plants For Fall Armyworm Feeding And Oviposition, Xavier Chiriboga Morales, Islam S. Sobhy, Duncan Cheruiyot, Charles A.O. Midega, Toby J.A. Bruce, Zeyaur R. Khan, Amanuel Tamiru

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has invaded new geographical regions, now spanning Africa, Asia, Oceania and Europe, from its native distribution in the last decade. Little is known about FAW host plants in recently invaded habitats; although more than 300 hosts have been reported in the Americas, its native habitat. In our study, we evaluated the acceptability and suitability of 12 cultivated varieties of plants from Africa, in the family Poaceae, for FAW herbivory and oviposition. Methods: Experiments investigating larval development, no-choice oviposition, and no-choice larval arrestment-feeding were conducted to evaluate the insect´s ability to utilize …

Automated Vulnerability Scanning And Security Audit Framework For Maritime Systems, Avanthika Vineetha Harish

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

The maritime industry is a well-established sector, with the shipping industry dating back hundreds of years. The devices in this sector differ from those in the Information Technology (IT) sector in their usage, operations, hardware, andprotocols. Technological advancements have introduced new challenges in the sector, including the increased risk of cyber attacks. To effectively identify, respond to, and analyse these threats, it is essential to understand the cyber securityvulnerabilities in maritime systems and system-of-systems.Currently, there are no standardised methods or automated tools for conducting cyber security testing of maritime systems. This thesis presents an automated vulnerability scanning and security audit …

Generated Image Quality Assurance And Generative Adversarial Network Augmentation For Machine Learning, Dirk Holscher

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

The advancement of machine learning is heavily dependent on the quality of data used for training models. This thesis explores the enhancement of data quality and augmentation techniques using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), pecifically focusing on the Pix2Pix architecture. The research addresses the critical challenges of improving image quality, optimizing hyperparameters, and detecting fake images generated by GANs, aiming to enhance the robustness and eliability of machine learning models. This work presents a collection of metrics for measuring data quality for both structured and unstructured data. Furthermore, it defines data quality for machine learning, divided into three quality levels. Advanced …

Long-Term Health-Related Quality Of Life In Kawasaki Disease-Related Coronary Artery Aneurysm: A Large Single-Center Assessment In Nanjing, China, Yun Zhou, Mei Chen, Wenting Gao, Yu Chen, Ying Meng

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

BACKGROUND: The impact of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) caused by Kawasaki disease (KD) on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children has not been well documented.

METHODS: This study investigated long-term HRQOL in a large sample of children diagnosed with KD-related CAAs. A case-control, retrospective study included 66 patients with KD-related CAAs. A total of 98 hospitalized patients were matched as controls based on age and sex: 49 patients were allocated to a group with pneumonia and 49 patients were allocated to a group with arterio-arterial fistula. Both child-reported and parent-proxy-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory surveys were collected. …

The Mental Health Of Cardiology Fellows In Training, Juan Simon Rico-Mesa, Suman M Atluri, Maria Antonia Rico-Mesa

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

No abstract provided.

Effective Thrombectomy For Biventricular Thrombosis With An Endoscope Via The Aortic And Tricuspid Heart Valves, Yuki Endo, Yoshiei Shimamura, Chizuo Kikuchi, Hiroshi Niinami

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

The simultaneous formation of thrombi in the left and right ventricles is extremely rare, and this condition's clinical characteristics and prognosis remain unknown. Therefore, treatment methods are still controversial. This case highlights the potential for endoscopic thrombectomy as a viable option for the treatment of giant floating biventricular thrombi in a patient with restricted cardiac function. This approach via the aortic and tricuspid heart valves allowed for effective and complete removal of the thrombi, thereby preventing further embolic complications.

Assessing The Asset Management Programs Of Locals: Bridges And Pavement Conditions, Richard Ajagu, Dongyoon Song, David Holguin Mejia, Deepak Benny, Mohammadhosein Pourgholamali, Isaiah C. Mwamba, Kumares Sinha, Samuel Labi

JTRP Technical Reports

Indiana’s 2016 House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001 provided a funding mechanism for transportation infrastructure that required Local Public Agencies (LPAs) to have an Asset Management Plan (AMP) to be eligible for funding. In 2022, the Indiana General Assembly desired to know the extent to which LPAs had adopted AMPs in response to this legislation. This study’s literature review found that LPAs nationwide are increasingly adopting asset management practices. Analysis of aggregate data on local road expenditures and revenues in Indiana showed significant reductions in maintenance expenditures in post-HEA 1001-2016 years, suggesting the efficacy of the 2016 legislation. The data trend …

Reducing The Dependency On Chlorides And Impacts, Ajuna P. John, Hoon C. Shin, Isaiah C. Mwamba, David J. Yu, Amisha Shah, Samuel Labi

JTRP Technical Reports

This study examined the performance and environmental impacts of various deicing materials, assessed their short- and long-term effects on infrastructure, soil, and water quality, and identified opportunities for operational improvement within INDOT’s winter maintenance practices. The study used a comprehensive methodology that included an extensive literature review, a detailed survey of INDOT personnel (both field crews and supervisory staff), in-depth interviews, and rigorous statistical analysis. Additionally, a multi-criteria decision analysis framework was developed and used to evaluate alternative deicing materials based on performance, cost, environmental impact, and ease of application. The results and findings suggest that sodium chloride remains the …

Roadside Right-Of-Way Maintenance Strategies, Cheryl Daniels, Angela Burdell, Patrick Ewbank, Keith Shane

JTRP Technical Reports

The Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) roadside management program is tasked with multiple items across the state’s 39,000 lane miles. Roadside maintenance is an essential task that keeps INDOT’s rights-of-way (ROWs) safe and functional for drivers. Most roadside vegetation maintenance work for INDOT is outsourced, and INDOT’s in-house staff perform any follow-up vegetation maintenance as needed. INDOT needs to focus on cost-efficient solutions due to budgetary constraints from increased labor, equipment, and contractor costs and no budgetary increases.

INDOT contracted Davey Resource Group, Inc. (DRG) to provide recommendations for updates to INDOT’s roadside ROW vegetation maintenance strategies. DRG completed a …

Exploration Of Color Patterns For Improving Work Zone Safety And Perception, Hongyue Wu, Ze Wang, Yunfeng Chen, Jiansong Zhang, James L. Jenkins

JTRP Technical Reports

Work zone safety remains a persistent concern in the United States. Color patterns are an effective way to provide visual information for drivers. Existing studies explored the colors of work zone elements, while how the color patterns impact the drivers’ perception and overall safety in work zones is missing. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate color patterns based on human information processing theory to improve the overall safety and perception of Indiana work zones. Methodology of this study includes: (1) A literature review to summarize the current efforts; (2) Crash data analysis to identify the representative work zones; (3) …

Effective Shoulder Width On Rural Highway System Related To Roadway Departure Crashes, Mario A. Barahona, Vamsi Krishna Bandaru, Mario A. Romero, Andrew Tarko

JTRP Technical Reports

Roadway design plays a crucial role in traffic safety, particularly on rural roads. This research investigates the safety effectiveness of shoulder width on Indiana’s rural two-lane highways, and to use this understanding to provide a basis for more effective shoulder improvement programs. Although previous studies have established the benefits of shoulder widening in other states, limited research has been conducted in Indiana conditions. This research aims to evaluate the safety effectiveness of shoulders on rural roads in Indiana and to propose a practical and systemic approach to identifying road segments that require additional attention and possible need for shoulder improvements. …