Digital Commons Network^™

Training And Thickening Skills Among Food Service Professionals In Early Intervention Day Treatment Facilities, Keelin G. Fullen

Student Theses and Dissertations

Dysphagia, defined as impaired swallowing, affects children and is often treated by modifying food textures and thickening liquids before consumption. Early intervention day treatment (EIDT) facilities serve children with developmental delays and medical conditions that may require food modification such as thickened liquids. Inaccuracies in thickened liquid consistency have been documented in multiple professions, leading to potential negative health implications for the consumer. This study aimed to evaluate food service providers in EIDT facilities and the implementation of thickened liquids plans, training factors, and the accuracy of liquid thickening. Using interviews with five administrators (n=5) and observation of thickened liquid …

The Utah Statesman, April 21, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

A Geospatial Livestock-Carrying Capacity Model (Glcc) In The Akmola Oblast, Kazakhstan, Jiaguo Qi, Zihan Lin, Mark A. Weltz, Kenneth Spaeth, Gulnaz Iskakova

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

Spatial disparities in rangeland conditions across Kazakhstan complicate field-based assessments of livestock-carrying capacity (LCC), a critical metric for the country's food security and economic planning. This study developed a geospatial livestock-carrying capacity (GLCC) modeling framework to quantify LCC spatio-temporal dynamics at the Oblast level, by integrating satellite-derived data on vegetation, water resources, and terrain with in situ measurements. By providing ground-truth observations and contextual detail, field-based measurements complement remote sensing data and help to validate estimates and improve the reliability of the GLCC model. The modeling framework was successfully applied and validated in a case study in the Akmola Oblast, …

Nourishing Movement: Nutrition For Parkinson's Wellness, Alexa E. Shever

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Bridges for Parkinson's, an organization designed to connect people living with Parkinson's Disease to a community that engages them in a specialized fitness program that helps them rediscover hope and joy and connect them to other resources to improve overall quality of life. The primary objective was to understand the lived experience of individuals with PD and develop PD specific nutrition education and programming for PD fighters and their care partners to use in fighting back against PD. The specific nutrition topics in the education and programming include Whole Foods, Hydration, …

Highly Targeted Metabolomics Coupled With Gene Expression Analysis By Rt–Qpcr Improves Beef Separation Based On Grass, Grain, Or Grape Supplemented Diet, Lucas Krusinski, Chloe Castanon, Rosalee S. Hellberg, Isabella C. F. Maciel, Muhammad Ahsin, Stephan Van Vliet, Jason E. Rowntree, Jennifer I. Fenton

Food Science Faculty Articles and Research

The objective of this study was to use a multi-omics (i.e., gene expression quantification, metabolomics, and fatty acid [FA] profiling) approach to separate and authenticate beef from three different dietary groups. In this 2-year study, Red Angus steers (n = 54) were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: (1) complex biodiverse pasture (GRASS), (2) total mixed ration (TMR) in feedlot (GRAIN), or (3) TMR in feedlot supplemented with 5% (dry matter) grapeseed extract for the last 30 days (GRAPE). FAs were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), secondary metabolites were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry …

Gender Differences In Food Parenting, Lily Arrowood

Student Works

Children’s food behavior can be determined by food parenting practices, which can differ between mother and father. This review aims to present the most current research on the difference in parenting styles between fathers and mothers and the influences on children’s food behavior. Searches were conducted through EBSCO database and the National Library of Medicine database to produce 10 peer-reviewed articles that were empirical studies. Findings about nutritional risk and nutrition education were inconclusive. A relationship exists between fathers and coercive food parenting strategies. There are inconclusive findings about children’s environment, but mothers contributed to more foodwork and used supportive …

Sustainable Forage Yield Improvement Through Perennial Grass–Legume Intercropping In Degraded Grasslands, Alina-Ștefania Stanciu

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Grasslands constitute one of the largest terrestrial biomes, providing essential ecosystem services such as biodiversity preservation, food production, and climate change mitigation. Globally, the desertification and degradation of grasslands have been accelerated by intensified land use and climate change. It is crucial to conserve and restore grasslands to address climate and biodiversity challenges. However, due to their diverse nature and undervalued benefits for humans, grasslands have often been overlooked in terms of preservation, conservation, and restoration compared to forests. In sustainable agriculture, intercropping grasses with legumes can enhance crop nutritional quality, increase productivity, and impact soil microbiological activity, ultimately leading …

Silage Yield And Quality Of Different Grass Pea (Lathyrus Sativus L.) Genotypes, Murat Azak, Erdem Gülümser

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This study aimed to determine the silage yield and quality of different 12 grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) genotypes (Gap Mavisi, İptaş, Karadağ, 1603, 2006, 2401, 4301, 4403, 5001, 6408, 6410, and S3). The trial was established in Bilecik’s ecological conditions in 2022 and 2023. It was carried out according to the randomized block design with four replications, and the plants were harvested at the full flowering stage. The harvested plants were chopped to 2 cm in size and ensiled in vacuum bags and left to ferment at 25 ± 2 °C for 45 days. The silage yield, pH, dry …

Effect Of Different Mulch Materials Applications On Weed Control, Plant Characteristics, And Yield In Garlic (Allium Sativum L.), Ayşe Usanmaz Bozhüyük

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This study was conducted in plots under controlled conditions in the Silvan district of Diyarbakır Province in 2023. The local garlic genotype (Allium sativum L.) from Diyarbakır was used as the plant material. Three different organic mulching materials (sawdust, pine, and straw) were applied at a thickness of 5 cm. The effects of these mulching materials on leaf number, root length, plant height, number of cloves per plant, plant density, bulb diameter, dry and fresh weight of garlic, dry and fresh weight of weeds, weed density, and yield were analysed. A total of 34 weed species from 15 families were …

Appraisal Of Germination Behavior And Activity In Newly Developed Rice Lines, Muhammad Usman Akbar, Muhammad Aqeel, Maryam M. Alomran, Ijaz Haider, Omar Mahmoud Al-Zoubi, Ali Noman

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Rice is a fundamental food source for more than half of the global population. This study evaluated the germination capacity of four rice lines [Sakh (V1), Campena (V2), Kharamana (V3), and Binicol (V5)] and one local variety, KSK-282 (V5). The findings revealed significant differences in the germination attributes among the rice lines. V1 and V3 showed superior germination performance, while V5 consistently exhibited the lowest values. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) across multiple parameters, including the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination index, mean germination rate (MGR), and synchronization index. A significant …

From Ancient Wisdom To Modern Medicine: The Cultural And Therapeutic Significance Of Ficus Carica L. (Moraceae) Extracts In Colorectal Cancer Treatment, Esra Hacimüftüoğlu, Azizeh Shadidizaji, Kağan Tolga Ci̇ni̇sli̇, Songül Karakaya

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Figs, mentioned in the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran, are of historical and cultural significance and have been used for medical treatment, prompting extensive research. Colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is expected to significantly increase in terms of mortality rates by 2035, with its progression closely linked to inflammatory processes. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme encoded by the Ptgs2 gene, plays a key role in these processes by converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a mediator of inflammation. In the present study, the potential of natural antiinflammatory compounds, specifically fumaric acid and …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Impact Of Planting Density And Environmental Variables On Maize Yield Productivity, Bojan Drašković, Bojan Mitrović, Velimir Mladenov, Ivana Mitrović, Milena Janković, Miroslav Zorić, Nenad Đurić

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Our study investigated the performance of various maize hybrids across diverse environments and planting densities, with the aim of understanding the complex interaction between genotypes, environmental conditions, and planting practices. A set of 13 experimental maize hybrids and two commercial check hybrids was tested over a 3-year period at eight different locations and under two distinct plant densities using a split-plot design. The results revealed significant variations in grain yield (GY) among hybrids across different environments, suggesting a substantial genotype-by-environment (G × E) interaction effect, particularly of the crossover type. This variability was attributed to fluctuations in environmental factors such …

Early Survival And Growth Of Haloxylon Ammodendron Seedlings Under Irrigation In Arid Southern Tajikistan, Jieun Ahn, Gaeun Kim, Heejae Jo, Jieun Park, Youngjin Lee, Woo-Kyun Lee, Asia Khamzina, Yowhan Son

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Understanding plant drought responses is crucial for effective afforestation in drylands. This study aimed to investigate the effects of irrigation (31.25 mm seedling–1 every 45 days) on the early survival and growth of 3-month-old Haloxylon ammodendron seedlings at an afforestation site established in Tajikistan in 2021. In July 2022 and June 2023, surveys were conducted to compare seedling survival rates, height, root collar diameter (RCD), stem volume per unit area, and height-to-RCD ratio between irrigation (IR) and nonirrigation (NIR) treatments. The IR treatment increased survival rates in 2022 but not in 2023. By 2023, the IR treatment had increased the …

Acculturation, Education, Food Choice, And Body Mass Index: A Survey In The Rio Grande Valley, Melanie Espinoza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity is a global problem and a risk factor for many life-threatening illnesses and diseases. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas has higher than state and national obesity rates. The cultural influences on food choice in this region are a frequent focus of research, and there have also been numerous studies on the relationship between socioeconomic status and overweight and obesity; however, there are currently no studies that specifically investigate the relationship between educational attainment, acculturation, food choice behavior, and overweight and obesity among Hispanics in the RGV. Grounded in social cognitive and acculturation theories, the purpose of …

Roles Of Cpsa And Slamf1 In The Innate Immune Response To Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Steven Grigsby

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), possesses an arsenal of virulence factors to evade host immunity. Not only is Mtb able to evade innate immunity, but adaptive immunity also often fails to adequately control Mtb infection. A mechanistic understanding of how Mtb establishes infection and evades immunity is critical to the development of a protective vaccine and novel therapeutics. The Mtb protein CpsA protects Mtb against the host NADPH oxidase and LC3-asociated phagocytosis of the innate immune system. Consequently, a ΔcpsA mutant is initially attenuated in vivo but eventually reaches the same bacterial burden in the lungs …

Culturally Competent Diabetes Management Guide For African Immigrants, Bryce Hunderman

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

Abstract

Background: Culturally competent care is a cornerstone in medicine to address health disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Suboptimal diabetes management was noted within a federally qualified health center in the Midwest along with a lack of culturally competent diabetes education available for African immigrants. The research question for this project is: Will a culturally appropriate diabetes management guide that addresses barriers to diabetes management improve African immigrant’s understanding and abilities to manage diabetes within a federally qualified health center in the Midwest?

Methods: A culturally competent diabetes management guide for African immigrants was created. We …

Effects Of Cooking Oil And Bitter Gourd On Obesity Development In C57bl/6j Mice, Justin Talmadge Mcguire

Honors Theses

This study examined the use of different oils in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with bitter gourd incorporated into unhealthy diets to assess its effects. A total of 72 mice were divided into six groups. Two of these groups were gavaged with an aqueous solution of bitter gourd, with one group additionally receiving corn oil and the other receiving lard. The four groups that did not receive bitter gourd were each fed a different diet containing either corn oil, lard, canola oil, or olive oil. Measurements of weight, food intake, water consumption, blood glucose levels, …

Utilization Of Zinc As A Supplemental Treatment To Prostate Cancer, Cony Cs Chow, Vishal Ahuja, Luis Mangiafico

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Prostate cancer remains as a significant contributor to mortality among men worldwide, and despite advancements in treatment, there is still a need for adjunct therapies that could assist in mitigating the progression of this disease. Zinc is an essential trace element which plays a crucial role in the function of the prostate and has shown signs of influencing the development of prostate cancer. This prospective study will aim to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on the progression of prostate cancer through a controlled experimental design. Participants will include patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer (stages 1-3) and will …

2025 Undergraduate Research Competition Program, Coastal Carolina University

Undergraduate Research Symposium Programs

16th Annual Undergraduate Research Competition, April 15-16, 2025.

The 2025 CCU Undergraduate Research Symposium included 168 oral and poster presentations (51 oral presentations and 117 poster presentations) and an additional 20 team pitch presentations composed of 57 students who participated in the inaugural year of the Wall College’s Chant’s Tank Pitch Competition.

Presentations at the Undergraduate Research Symposium were judged by over 80 faculty and staff, and prizes are awarded in three categories: Best Oral Presentation, Best Poster Presentation, and Best Chant’s Tank Pitch Presentation. Here are the following award winners in their respective categories:

Best Oral Presentation:

• 1st Place: …

Adapting To Climate Change In Semiarid Regions Via Conservation Measures: Climate-Smart Crop Rotations Of Food Legumes In Cool Seasons, Velibor Spalevic, Mohsen Janmohammadi, Naser Sabaghnia, Shuraik Kader

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The high potential of evapotranspiration, unsuitable soil conditions, irregular distribution of rainfall, and ineffective techniques of soil moisture conservation are among the limitations of semiarid regions of Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA), and they have intensified during recent decades with climate change. CWANA’s agroecosystems are fragile and highly vulnerable to the consequences of global warming and aggravation of water scarcity, and need to redefine agroclimatic zoning. Winter cereals are the predominant crops in the region of CWANA. The highest amount of cultivation is allocated to societies with dominant rainfed agriculture, which is often not economically profitable. The …

Assessment Of Chlorophyll Levels In Navel Oranges Based On Remote Sensing Images Of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Hu Li, Shijiang Zhu, Wen Xu, Zhongyong Yang, Xinbo Liu, Weiqi Zhang

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The swift, effective, and noninvasive assessment of citrus chlorophyll levels is important for the timely diagnosis of citrus growth status, and the decision-making of orchard management. In this study, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with multispectral remote sensing imagery were applied to the mandarin orange, through which five vegetation indices [Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI), Red-edge Chlorophyll Index (CIre), Nitrogen Reflectance Index (NRI), Red, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)], which better reflect citrus photosynthetic activity and productivity, were screened. The stepwise linear regression (SLR) method, support vector machine (SVM) regression method, and radial basis function neural network …

Postharvest Application Of 1-Methylcyclopropene And Modified Atmosphere Packaging Extends Shelf Life And Maintains Eating Quality Of Mango Fruit Cv. Sufaid Chaunsa, Hafiz Muhammad Usman, Sajid Hussain, Raheel Anwar, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Aman Ullah Malik, Muhammad Moaaz Ali, Khurram Ziaf, Arooba Abbas

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit is globally relished for its sweet taste, unique aromatic profile, and enriched nutritional value. However, its short postharvest life is a serious challenge for export to long-distance markets. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is an ethylene inhibitor known to delay ripening in many fruits, including mango. However, comparative research suggesting an appropriate method to treat mangoes with 1-MCP is limited. In this study, mango fruit cv. Sufaid Chaunsa were fumigated with 0.25 ppm 1-MCP or treated aqueously with 1.2 ppm 1-MCP for 5 min and then packed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The control fruits were not …

Effect Of Eco-Friendly Fertilizers And Edible Coatings On Fatty Acids And Phenolics In Fresh-Cut Melon During Cold Storage, Firat İşlek

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food has increased, including fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. At the same time, people are also becoming more health-conscious and are aware of the positive impact of healthy food choices on their well-being. For this reason, it is important to deliver fruits and vegetables to people’s tables using both environmentally and human-friendly practices, from cultivation to postharvest storage. In the current study, in order to support agricultural sustainability, humic acid, liquid vermi¬compost, and organomineral fertilizers that do not pose a risk to human health or the environment were used in melon. Furthermore, several edible coverings …

Allelic Diversity Of Azerbaijani Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) By Ssr Markers, Javi̇d Ojaghi, Sevi̇nj Nuriyeva, Sami̇ra Salayeva, Mahammad Eldarov, Zeynal Akparov, Jamala Eldarova Mursalova

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The objectives of this research entailed studying genetic variation in 50 Azerbaijani wheat accessions from 6 different botanical varieties using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. On the basis of the seven SSR primers used in this work, 42 different alleles were observed among the wheat accessions studied with an average of six alleles per locus. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.428 to 0.772, revealing the existence of rich genetic diversity in Azerbaijani wheat accessions. The highest PIC values were calculated with the Xgwm190, Xgwm337, and Xgwm261 SSR primers with a mean value of 0.561. Cluster analysis representing the Nei …

Facilitating Better Literacy Outcomes In First And Second-Grade At-Risk Readers At An After-School Program, Brooke Goldhammer

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of literacy intervention in first and second-grade at-risk readers at an after-school program, CityYouth Ministries, in Jonesboro, AR. It was hypothesized that if children at risk for literacy difficulties receive literacy intervention at an after-school program, they would have better reading outcomes, narrowing the gap in academic achievement. If successful, it may resolve the need for long-term literacy support at school, which has been frequently observed with this population. The study utilized a quasi-experimental, within-group pretest-posttest design. Reading fluency and sight word knowledge were measured using DIBELS-8 Oral Reading Fluency passages and Dolch …

Development Of Raman Spectroscopic Methods To Analyze Chemical, Biological, And Physical Constituents For Food Safety And Quality, Hannah C. Broadbent

Theses and Dissertations

Ensuring food safety and quality is crucial for consumer health, satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. This study aims to develop rapid, reliable methods for detecting food constituents (i.e. lactose), pathogens (i.e. Listeria monocytogenes), and contaminants (i.e. micro- and nano-plastics) using Raman spectroscopy. With advantages like high specificity, minimal sample preparation, and fast analysis, Raman spectroscopy offers a promising alternative to traditional methods. This research explores its application in assessing chemical, biological, and physical properties of food to enhance safety and quality monitoring. Lactose-free products are increasingly popular due to the global prevalence of lactose intolerance, creating a need for effective verification …

The Great Writ Revived: A Contemporary Reimagining Of The Master’S Tools How 28 U.S.C. § 2241 Provides A Pathway To Relief For Vulnerable Classes Facing Inhumane Conditions Of Confinement, Corinne Noonan

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

Emergence Of Heterogeneity In Bacteria During Antibiotic Exposures, Mirjana Stevanovic

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Bacterial populations exposed to antibiotics often exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity, with individual cells displaying distinct responses with fates ranging from survival to arrest or death. The emergence of this heterogeneity is largely driven by feedback mechanisms mediated by the interactions between antibiotic action, gene regulation, and cellular metabolism. These responses unfold in dynamic environments where conditions such as nutrient availability and drug concentration fluctuate over time and space. Yet, these complex interactions and their role in shaping population-level outcomes during drug responses remain poorly understood. Using tetracycline resistance in E. coli as a model system, this thesis focuses on how these …

Effects Of Environmental And Genetic Factors On Biofilm Formation Of Various Salmonella Serotypes, Hafi̇ze Di̇lşad Yanik, Hami̇t Kaan Müştak, Seyyi̇de Sariçam İnce

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Biofilm formation by Salmonella spp. poses significant challenges across environmental, public health, industrial, and medical sectors, with its capacity to form biofilms influenced by environmental and genetic factors. The present study aimed to identify the biofilm morphotypes of Salmonella serotypes (n=120) and investigate the effects of environmental factors (temperature, pH, and salt concentration) by conventional analysis and genetic factors (csrB, csrC, fimA, and fimI genes) on biofilm formation by molecular analysis. Five different serotypes of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica were used in this study, including serotype Infantis (S. Infantis) (n=100), serotype Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) (n=5), serotype Hadar (S. Hadar) (n=5), …