Digital Commons Network^™

Pathways To Progress: Policy-Driven Innovation And Community Building In Early Childhood Integrated Education, Hallie Caddy, Rachael Flynn, Annie Insana, Cathy Eschete

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The presentation outlines Belmont University's efforts to transform early childhood education through an innovative integrated teacher preparation program and the development of a new preschool. It discusses the changing landscape of Tennessee’s early childhood education policies, including new licensure endorsements that blend early childhood and special education. Belmont aims to address challenges such as teacher shortages and accessibility while aligning with the university’s mission of serving diverse communities. Key strategies include understanding community needs, anchoring initiatives to the university’s mission, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and leveraging critical resources. The university is preparing to launch its integrated early childhood education program …

Cannabis At Work: Navigating The Intersection Of Employment Law And Legalized Marijuana, Eva Lane

Washington and Lee Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice

As states increasingly legalize forms of cannabis use, federal regulation remains stagnant. These outdated laws still hold power, undermining state-granted rights. This impact is especially felt in the employment sector. While states pass laws legalizing cannabis use, employers still have a right to a drug free workplace. Many employment agreements prohibit drug use, even if legal under state law. This Note examines recent caselaw to analyze how courts are handling the battle between state and federal government as it relates to cannabis legalization. Ultimately, the argument highlights the risk employees face – engaging in what they believe is legal behavior …

Aging In Somerville: A Community Needs Assessment, Ceara Somerville, Caitlin E. Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA) within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the City of Somerville. The goals of this project were to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Somerville residents age 60 or older by engaging the community regarding their experiences and needs relevant to the Council on Aging’s (COA’s) objective to identify and serve the needs of all Somerville citizens 60 and older.

Comparative Performance Of Reciprocal Cross Hybrid Striped Bass In Three Intensive Production Systems, Bartholomew Green, Steven D. Rawles, Matthew E. Mcentire, Candis L. Ray

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Objective: The objective of these two studies was to quantify the comparative performances of yearling and 2- year- old reciprocal cross hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass Morone chrysops ♀ × Striped Bass M. saxatilis ♂), also called sunshine bass, and water quality in traditional and split ponds and an outdoor mixotrophic biofloc technology production system.
Methods: In study 1, two- year- old fish (247.9 g/fish) were stocked at 7,410 fish/ha (0.86 fish/m3) in ponds and 6.3 fish/m2 (7.1 fish/m3) in biofloc system tanks and grown for 151–153 d. In study 2, yearling fish (147.0 g/fish) were stocked at 7,904 fish/ha …

Research Priorities For Drivers Of Food Choice For Food System Transformation In South Asia: Proceedings Of A Collaborative Workshop, Christine E. Blake Ph.D., Rd, Sunny S. Kim, Edward A. Frongillo Ph.D., Purnima Menon

Faculty Publications

Agrifood systems in South Asia are highly productive, but substantial challenges including poverty, climate change, and environmental degradation complicate progress toward achieving sustainable healthy diets for all. The dynamics of food systems and the consequence of their rapid transformation for food choice behaviors that contribute to healthy and unhealthy diets are not well understood. Food choice is defined as a decision-making process through which individuals and households consider, acquire, prepare, distribute, and consume foods and beverages. Understanding drivers of food choice (DFC) is important for achieving sustainable healthy diets, but evidence is lacking. This article outlines collectively derived priorities for …

Adipocyte-Derived Cchamide-1, Eiger, Growth-Blocking Peptide 3, And Unpaired 2 Regulate Drosophila Melanogaster Oogenesis, Chad Simmons, Isaiah Williams, Tancia Bradshaw, Alissa R. Armstrong

Faculty Publications

In addition to energy storage, adipose tissue communication to other organs plays a key role in regulating organismal physiology. While the link between adipose tissue dysfunction and pathophysiology, including diabetes, chronic inflammation, and infertility, is clear, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these associations have not been fully described. We use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to better understand how adipose tissue communicates to the ovary. In this study, we utilized D. melanogaster’s robust genetic toolkit to examine the role of five adipokines known to control larval growth during development, CCHamide-1, CCHamide-2, eiger, Growth-blocking peptide 3, and unpaired 2 in regulating …

"Getting Students Involved In School Meals": An Exploration Of Implementation Strategies By School Food Service Staff To Increase Student Participation In School Meals In Southern Illinois., Jennifer Ohene-Afrah

Research Papers

This study examines the impact of the Getting Students Involved in School Meals workshop (November 2023) on student participation in school meals among food service staff in Southern Illinois K–12 schools. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys (n=20) and in-depth interviews. Participants found the workshop valuable and adopted strategies such as social media engagement, direct communication with students, and taste tests. Slight increases in Average Daily Participation (ADP) for breakfast were observed, though results varied by school size. Key barriers included personnel shortages, time constraints, and logistical challenges, especially in rural areas. Findings underscore the importance of …

Does Name, Image, And Likeness Increase Gender Inequality In College Athletics?, Aimee Christenson

Political Science Theses and Capstones

In June of 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association adopted its first interim policy regarding Name, Image, and Likeness. From here, college athletes have been able to benefit from opportunities regarding their brand as an athlete. While this development has been historic in its expansion of rights to athletes, it highlights the inequities between male and female athletes. Title IX requires equal opportunity for male and female students. This research raises questions about whether NIL is increasing the disparity between male and female athletes. To answer this question, I looked at NIL data collected by Kyle Ems on the NIL …

The Aspire Study: Assessment Of Shoe Performance In Recreational Exercisers, Amanda Ares, Morgan Koskela, Allison Petry

Inquiry Journal Spring 2025

Carbon-fiber plated (CFP) shoes improve running efficiency, performance, and gait, and minimize fatigue in elite runners. However, the effects of CFP shoes on recreational runners are less clear. It is also unknown whether CFP shoes affect sex differences in pacing. The purpose of this study was to compare running performance and fatigue, gait variables, and sex differences in pacing during a 5 km time trial in recreational runners wearing CFP running shoes and non-CFP running shoes. Twenty-one participants (11 females, 10 males) aged eighteen to thirty-five who trained 15-30 miles per week performed two 5 km time trials on a …

The Effects Of School Based Physical Activity And Health Education On Adolescents, Sam Mason, Riquita Groh, Natalie Hu, Michele Shaw

NURS 404/406 Research & Info Management

PICOT Question: Does participation in health class improve the health of adolescents in young adults?

Beauty Versus Health: African American Generation Z Women Social Media Habits, Kaylee Harper, Kalynda Smith Ph.D.

2025 Honors College Research Symposium

Over time, Black beauty standards have been ignored by mainstream culture. Movements within the Black community have highlighted these ideals, continuing online as Black Generation Z (Gen Z)women use social media to celebrate their appearances. Current research explores how socialmedia impacts health-related behaviors but does not fully study the unique experiences of young Black women. The overall study aimed to understand how social media influences and contributes to health behaviors of Black Gen Z women. This specific presentation prioritizes both beauty and health behaviors impacted by social media. The sample included 35 Black women aged 18 to 25 years old …

Health Social Media’S Influence On Gen Z African American Women, Aniyah Hamlin, Kalynda C. Smith Ph.D.

2025 Honors College Research Symposium

Social media platforms often serve as sources of community and culturally relevant health information, providing accessibility to healthy lifestyle choices. This study explored the health and fitness messages that Generation Z (Gen Z), African American female college students encounter on social media, aiming to understand how these messages influence health behaviors and can inform culturally tailored health interventions. Data collection occurred in two phases, the first involved interviews with 35 participants about their perceptions of health messages on social media, while phase 2 investigated 19 participants' eating and fitness habits. All participants attended a large historically Black university. Qualitative analysis …

Awareness Of Diet And Disease Among African American Women, Destyni Seberry, Kalynda C. Smith Ph.D.

2025 Honors College Research Symposium

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are closely linked to diet. However, many individuals rely on familial teachings rather than formal nutritional education, shaping their health perceptions and dietary behaviors. Understanding how Gen Z African American female college students perceive these links is crucial for developing effective health interventions that address cultural and generational influences. This study investigates how health messaging on social media influences the behaviors of African American women. This poster explores how Gen Z African American female college students understand the relationship between diet and chronic disease, the sources of their nutritional knowledge, …

Navigating Nutrition: Exploring Dietary Management And Nutrition Awareness Among Generation Z African American Women, Ashara Perry, Kalynda Smith Ph.D.

2025 Honors College Research Symposium

Dietary management and awareness plays a crucial role in one’s overall health and well-being, although individuals often struggle with maintaining healthy eating habits despite their awareness of nutritional guidelines. This is especially true for African American women who are at risk for type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of young women’s confidence in dietary management and their knowledge of nutrition. While participants demonstrate confidence in selecting healthy foods, they may lack in-depth knowledge of specific nutrients, which could influence the overall quality of their dietary choices. The study utilizes qualitative data from …

Food, Design & Desire, Emily Harnden

Interior Design Capstones

The research presented in Food, Design, and Desire examines the impactful role of interior design in shaping the connection between humans and food, with a focus on fine dining environments. Grounded by the thesis, the ideal dining experience creates a profound connection to oneself and the environment around you. This project investigates how built environments influence diners’ emotional and physical experiences, enhancing their intimacy with food. The research addresses the interplay between space, desire, and the human relationship with culinary experiences, aiming to develop design strategies that increase customer retention and deepen the human connection to food.

This project utilizes …

Epigenetics, Preconception Tort Liability, And Public Health, Peter Sie

UC Law Journal

Epigenetics is an emerging science that studies how our behavior and environment can change the function of our genes without changing our genetic code. These changes can pass on to our children and grandchildren, for better or for worse. Epigenetic knowledge could change our understanding of human biology and individual responsibility. However, it is also ripe for misunderstanding. Commercial entities seek to capitalize on the hype to sell snake oil under the “epigenetic” label. In the popular press, reporters dramatize limited studies to create sensational headlines, often blaming parents for causing epigenetic harms to their children.

If this attitude toward …

America’S Failure To Rescue Parents: A Narrative Of Inequitable Tax “Reform”, Shannon Weeks Mccormack

UC Law Journal

Other developed nations provide a slew of direct benefits to parents, such as paid parental leave and affordable childcare. America instead takes a circuitous route, heavily relying on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) to provide tax breaks to certain parents. In addition to being indirect and comparatively stingy, these “parental tax benefits” are not awarded equitably. Instead, they favor nonpoor, one-breadwinner families, ignore the plight of nonpoor, working parents incurring substantial childcare and other work-related costs, exhibit an outright hostility toward poor parents, and raise a host of other distributional concerns. This preferentialism is sticky— when Congress alters parental …

Meals That Matter: Funding Minnesota's Senior Nutrition Programs To Promote Wellbeing As We Age, Kelly Brancamp, Susan Panciera, Amanda Rieke, Abi Santiago

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

Senior nutrition programs meet the essential needs of adults aged 60 and over, especially those who are low-income, live in rural areas, have limited English proficiency and are at risk of requiring higher levels of care without these services. In many greater Minnesota counties, over 25% of the population is aged 65 or older. Rural communities are aging more rapidly and face higher rates of food insecurity compared to urban and suburban areas.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Surgeon General issued a 2023 advisory report highlighting the critical issue of social isolation and loneliness. Senior nutrition programs …

Tillamook: Ethical Values Or Misleading Marketing?, Victoria Chin, Ealynn Hsu, Kyana Le, B Littman, Natalia Trejo Andalon

B-Corp Case Studies by UNL Raikes Seniors

Tillamook began as a humble cooperative for the local dairy farmers of Tillamook County, Oregon, to ensure that high-quality cheese was the local standard. As time passed, Tillamook evolved to establish an internal Farm Services Team to help support each farmer and pay above market value for members’ milk–in return, receiving a stable supply of dairy to manufacture its dairy-based products. Additionally, the farmers are still the ones who call the important shots for Tillamook rather than other corporate shareholders. Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has since expanded nationally, but the foundation remains the same: high-quality dairy to create high-quality …

Food For Thought: The Impact Of The Gut-Brain Axis On Mental Health, Emily S. Miiller

Honors Thesis

Research regarding the role of the human microbiome has grown over the years as professionals develop a better understanding of the gut-brain axis. New studies and expanding knowledge on the relationship between the nervous system and gut microbiome promote a deeper understanding of the impact of diet on mental health. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between the gut and the brain. Incorporating nutritional modulators, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins, is crucial for supporting the gut-brain axis by influencing neurotransmitter production, managing inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. On the other hand, …

One Health, One Planet: Optimizing Dairy Cow Metabolism With Natural Additives For A Sustainable Future, Joel Alabi

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

This study investigated the combined effects of unique blends of essential oil (EOBs) and fumaric acid (FA) on ruminal fermentation and metabolites in dairy cows, using the rumen simulation technique system. Three rumen-cannulated, non-lactating Holstein Friesian cows served as inoculum donors. The total mixed ration (TMR) included corn silage, alfalfa hay, and a concentrate mix in a 3:1:1 ratio. The four treatments were: Control (TMR without additives), EFA1 (TMR + EOB1 + FA), EFA2 (TMR + EOB2 + FA), and EFA3 (TMR + EOB3 + FA). Sixteen fermentation chambers, with four replicates per treatment, were arranged in a completely randomized …

Association Of Per-And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances With Pan-Cancers Associated With Sex Hormones, Elizabeth Olarewaju

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants with potential endocrine-disrupting properties. This study explores the relationship between exposure to multiple PFAS and pan-cancers associated with sex hormones (PCSH), accounting for non-linear interactions. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2012, including 14,373 participants, were analyzed for serum concentrations of six PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDE, PFNA, PFUA) and their association with PCSH. Statistical methods included t-tests, chi-square tests, regression analyses, and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to assess complex interactions. PFOS levels were significantly higher in individuals with PCSH (p=0.0022), and ethnicity …

Gsa Nca&T 3rd Graduate Research Symposium: Book Of Abstracts (April 1, 2025), Ugonna Morikwe, Tia Pope, Faith Zablon

2025 Graduate Student Research Symposium

This Book of Abstracts showcases the scholarly contributions presented at the Third Annual Graduate Research Symposium hosted by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) of North Carolina A&T State University. Held on April 1, 2025, the event highlighted the creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary research of graduate students across various colleges. The symposium theme, “Empowering Research, Driving Innovation,” celebrates forward-thinking scholarship and student leadership. This volume includes abstracts from five categories: Completed Research, Ongoing Research, Research Proposals, Theoretical & Literature Reviews, and Innovative Methods & Techniques.

Herbicide Management For Bromus Tectorum To Enhance Rangeland Productivity In Western Nebraska, Miranda Mueller

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum (L.), has increased in the mixed-grass prairies of the Nebraska Panhandle. Limited research is available in these ecosystems on the ecological factors that influences its spread and options for management. This study focuses on the efficacy of herbicide treatments (indaziflam and imazapic) as a cheatgrass control method on the native rangelands of western Nebraska. In September of 2022, a mixture of indaziflam (73 g ai ha^-1, Rejuvra) and imazapic (70 g ai ha^-1, Plateau) was aerially applied at 6 unique upland ecological sites (1-3 ha) near Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Functional group plant biomass data …

Genetic And Soil Influences On The Grapevine Rhizosphere Microbiome, Lauren M. Quackenbush

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In vineyard cropping systems, the rhizosphere microbiome arises through recruitment and filtering of the bulk soil microbiome shaped over time by soil carbon and nitrogen, climate, pH and historical legacies of vineyard management. The recruitment and filtering steps occur under the genetic influences of rootstock and scion that together drive variability in rhizosphere microbiome diversity and composition.

This study compares rhizosphere microbiomes of four Pinot Noir blocks under two rootstocks (101-14 and 420A) and four scions (777, 828, Calera, Mt. Eden). Core microbiomes were consistent across all replicates. The most abundant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteriota …

Anthropogenic Influences On Parasitoid Wasps’ Biocontrol Of Invasive Insect Pest Species In Africa, Fathiya M. Khamis, Inusa J. Ajene

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Sustainable agriculture is crucial to ensuring food and nutritional security and improving livelihoods of millions across Africa. However, agricultural production is constrained by native and invasive pests. Indiscriminate insecticide use is often the first line of action to manage these pests, harming human and animal health, and impacting biodiversity. Thus, shifting to more ecologically sustainable alternatives is key to biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. Biological control is a core component of integrated pest management strategies, and natural enemies, like parasitoid wasps, are considered one of the most environmentally sustainable means of managing pests. However, the Anthropocene plays a significant role …

From Doubter To Disciple: A Case Study On The Process Of Spiritual Transformation, Petr Činčala

Great Commission Research Journal

This study examines the spiritual transformation of Hadassah, who, despite a Christian upbringing, struggled with faith until a series of crises—including a severe car accident—catalyzed her journey toward discipleship. Grounded in theological principles such as the Great Commission and the Parable of the Sower, the article explores the unpredictable nature of spiritual growth. Integrating scientific research on conversion and six key motifs of transformation, it highlights the roles of crisis, mentorship, rituals, sensory experiences, rebirth, and triggering catalysts. Hadassah’s story underscores that discipleship is not an immediate outcome but a dynamic, ongoing process requiring divine intervention, relational support, and personal …

Physiotherapy In Community-Based Rehabilitation In Middle And Low-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Er D. Petil Jr., Napoleon R. Caballero

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a widely recognized approach to address the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role within CBR programs. This study aimed to synthesize the current state of literature regarding the integration of PT in CBR programs in LMICs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, examining key characteristics, reported outcomes, and challenges to implementation.

Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on studies published in the past decade. Data were extracted and synthesized in matrix format to compare and contrast findings across the …

Admission Glycemic Status In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome, Mousa Hussein, Mostafa Hashim, Yehia Hossien, Falah Al-Azzawi

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

ABSTRACTBackground: Cardiovascular complications are more common among diabetic patients and are usually associated with a significantly greater risk of morbidity and mortality than in nondiabetic subjects. Hyperglycemia during stress situations, especially during Acute Coronary Syndrome, may also be seen in nondiabetic patients. Regardless of diabetes status, hyperglycemia on arrival for patients presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome has been associated with adverse outcomes, including death.Aim of study: To analyze the relation between serum glucose concentration and hospital admission of patients across the whole spectrum of acute coronary syndromes.Methods: A cross sectional study that conducted at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital for a period …

Assessment Of Knowledge And Misconceptions Of Osteoarthritis Patients Attending A Rheumatology Unit, Alyaa Aljafr, Sami Shihab

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Background: Osteoarthritis accounts for around 8% of the total burden of diseases worldwide. There is evidence that patient education has the beneficial impact of pain reduction and function improvement. The psychological advantages of patient education emphasized the effect of better knowledge on quality of life along with reduction in health care visit for patients with knee osteoarthritis.Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and highlights the educational needs of Iraqi patients about osteoarthritis and to evaluate osteoarthritis patients’ attitude and practice as a part of self-management approach.Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at Rheumatology Unit of Baghdad Teaching Hospital …