Digital Commons Network^™

Automated Plant Morphological Assessment And Microbial Community Monitoring In Simulated Lunar Regolith, Collin R. Topolski

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Upcoming lunar bases will need to leverage in-situ resources to ensure long-term sustainability and reduce mission costs. One key challenge is food production, which could be addressed by growing crops in lunar regolith-based substrates. However, lunar regolith lacks essential nutrients, requiring organic amendments to support continuous plant cultivation. This study examined the impact of manure-amended lunar regolith simulant on Mizuna mustard growth while assessing microbial community diversity and functionality. To support this effort, a custom software pipeline utilizing an open-source library, PlantCV, was developed to automatically track plant leaf area and height via image analysis. Results indicated that amended rhizosphere …

Graduate School Blog - April 2025 Volume 2, Cynthia Haynes

UofM Grad School Blog

No abstract provided.

Smart End Effector Docking System, Matthew Becker, Julie Corey, Mia Gallarate, Rachel Lee, Adam Shpolyansky

Mechanical Engineering Senior Theses

The Smart End Effector Docking System (S.E.E.D.S.) serves as an autonomous docking system to assist with replenishing fluid and charging the Agricultural Robot (AgBot) that has been developed by the Robotic Systems Laboratory. The docking system aims to improve autonomous capabilities by allowing the AgBot to recharge and transfer fluid independently, removing the need for human involvement. The S.E.E.D.S. project can additionally help to address labor shortages and safety hazards associated with agricultural workers by providing several functions including fluid transfer and power transfer for charging.

Nicotine Promotes Angii-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aortopathies In Female And Male Mice, Mark Ensor, Sean E. Thatcher, Kristen Mcquerry, Kory Heier, Heba M. Ali, Victoria English, Lisa A. Cassis, Yasir Alsiraj

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), with studies suggesting a higher smoking-related AAA risk in women than men. We examined nicotine’s effects on angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AAAs in male and female low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr^-/-) mice. Moreover, we defined effects of gonadectomy (GDX) of both sexes on nicotine-induced regulation of AAAs. Male and female Ldlr^-/- mice (8–12 weeks of age) were infused with AngII with or without nicotine. Mice underwent sham or GDX surgeries prior to infusions of AngII and nicotine. In males, one or both testes were removed. AAA incidence, size, …

The Antelope, University Of Nebraska At Kearney

The Antelope

No abstract provided.

Role Of Race And Ethnicity In The Development, Diagnosis, And Treatment Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Gabrielle D. Shupard

Senior Theses

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, and rates of this disease have been steadily increasing over the past ten years. GDM disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities at higher rates than their Caucasian counterparts. In this study, the PRECEDE model framework was employed during a literature review to gain a greater understanding of the complex risk factors contributing to differences in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of GDM among these population subgroups. The second part of this study concentrated on reviewing the extent to which current literature evaluates the role of race and ethnicity …

Program Agenda 4-1-25, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

The Association Between Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines And Anxiety Following The Covid-19 Pandemic; Nhis, 2020 And 2022, Rory Coughlin, Loretta Dipietro, Timothy O'Neal

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

Unveiling Cultural Dynamics And Maternal Nutrition Taboos: A Scoping Review On Their Impact On Stunting In Nusa Tenggara, Eastern Indonesia, Ignatia Elfiana Manek

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

Barriers In Receiving A Diagnosis Of Sanfilippo Syndrome: Perceptions From Healthcare Providers And Caregivers, Cassidy Lena

Theses and Dissertations

Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III) is a rare, degenerative condition characterized by symptoms impacting neurological functioning, behavior, and quality of life. Diagnosis is often not made until three to six years of age, but comprehensive and effective symptom management have been reported to optimize patient longevity. The aim of this study was to identify barriers to diagnosis and the corresponding impact on patients. This study surveyed healthcare providers and caregivers of individuals with Sanfilippo syndrome. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to assess provider knowledge and comfortability in managing Sanfilippo syndrome. Additionally, it explored caregiver perspectives on healthcare system navigation, …

Implementing Breast Milk Expression Education Protocol: A Quality Improvement, Brenda Balarezo

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Prematurity related complications (PRC) are the second leading cause of death for children under the age of five. Breast milk (BM) contains bio-actives that reduce PRC. However, delayed BM expression (BME) reduces BM availability. Adherence to Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative’s recommendation for BME within 6 hours in mothers of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants remain poor without a standardized BME protocol.

Purpose: To increase the percentage of NICU mothers initiating BME within 6 hours of birth. To educate labor and delivery nursing staff on early BME.

Methods: The Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Model for Improvement Plan-Do-Study-Act …

An Exploration Of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels After Unstable Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures In Community-Dwelling Elderly, Hakan Zora, Gökhan Bayrak

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: Inadequate vitamin D is related to increased fall risk, which leads to hip fractures among the elderly. Therefore, this study aimed to explore vitamin D levels and the variables potentially influencing the total hospitalization time of community-dwelling elderly patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: Between 2020-2024, 75 elderly patients treated with total hip replacement (THR) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the deficient (<20 ng/mL, n=46), insufficient (20 to 29.99 ng/mL, n=16), and normal (≥30 ng/mL, n=13) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) groups. Presence of delirium status, postoperative intensive care entrance, number of chronic diseases, preoperative waiting, and total hospitalization time after THR were recorded. Results: The cohorts’ mean serum 25(OH)D level was 20.11ng/mL. The deficient, insufficient, and normal serum 25(OH)D level groups displayed no significant difference in the postoperative intensive care entrance ( p =0.547) and the presence of delirium ( p =0.947). The multiple linear regression model indicated that elderly patients’ total hospitalization increases with the coefficients as the preoperative waiting time (β=0.466, p =0.001) and the number of chronic diseases (β=0.263, p =0.011) increase. Serum 25(OH)D level did not impact patients’ total hospitalization time (β=-0.072, p =0.474). Conclusion: This study indicated that community-dwelling elderly patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures had significantly decreased serum 25(OH)D levels. Reducing preoperative waiting time and monitoring and addressing chronic diseases may decrease total hospitalization. Efforts should focus on achieving and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through supplementation post-hospitalization.

Associations Between B Vitamin Interactions With Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Cognitive Function Among Cognitively Healthy Older People As Modified By Amyloid Status And Sex, Chuliang Zhao, Karen A. Abbott, Chinedu Momoh, Geraint Price, Oliver J. K. Robinson, Sujin Kang, Celeste A. De Jager Loots

Brain and Mind Institute

Background/Objectives: Nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate (B9), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may independently influence cognitive health, but their combined effects and interactions remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of B12, folate, and PUFAs, including their interactions, on cognitive function in cognitively healthy older adults, considering effect modification by sex and amyloid-beta status.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 321 participants aged 60–85 y enrolled in the UK CHARIOT–PRO SubStudy. Dietary intake was assessed using the Scottish Collaborative Group Food Frequency Questionnaire, and cognitive performance was measured via the Repeatable Battery …

Nature-Based Education In A Student-Led Environment: A Program Proposal, Cynthia Duus

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This abstract explores the development of documents to be used for the proposal of a nature-based education program for students in grades kindergarten through second grade. This program is grounded in the principles of student-led learning and the nature-human connection. There is a growing body of research that indicates that exposure to natural environments correlates with significant improvement in the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development in children. By combining outdoor education experiences with student-led learning, the program fosters confidence, self-direction, and a lasting connection to the natural world. The program is structured around thematic, inquiry-driven units that can be designed …

The Essential Role Of Federal Government In Education: Protecting Rural Schools And Communities, Steven L. Johnson

The Rural Educator

No abstract provided.

Electronic Resources Updates - 2025 Q1, Brigitte Galauner, Gregg Harris

Electronic Resources Quarterly Updates

No abstract provided.

Developing And Refining Eco-Friendly Messaging To Reduce Sugary Drink Consumption Among African American Children In Washington D.C., Bitanya M. Berhane, Sarah Patton, Rebecca Fallick, Jasmine Charter-Harris, William D. Evans, Nia I. Bodrick, Allison C. Sylvetsky

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

Nourish Gw: Associations Between Food Insecurity And Self-Perceived Physical And Mental Health Among Gw Students, Lily Amorosino, Mackenzie Konyar, Aditi Venkateswaran, Sean Watley, Grace Jordan, Kaleigh Stegman, Andrew Sonn, Jennifer Sacheck, Gabby Headrick

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

A Systems Theory Of Tort Law: Reevaluating The Case Against “Regulation By Litigation”, Timothy D. Lytton

Missouri Law Review

For decades, critics of tort law have argued that lawsuits are a poor substitute for government regulation. These detractors compare the institutional capacities of courts and agencies, and they conclude that litigation is ineffective, inefficient, and illegitimate as an alternative to notice-and-comment rulemaking. In response, this Article asserts that characterizing tort law and administrative regulation as alternatives obscures their interdependence. By using systems theory to model this interdependence, the Article argues that any fair-minded assessment of tort litigation’s contribution to regulatory governance requires understanding it as part of a system. Ignoring the systemic impacts of tort litigation overlooks the subtle …

Cultivating Community And Commerce: A Summary Of The Statewide Social And Economic Impacts Of Utah Farmers Markets, Jaclyn Pace, Bryn Watkins, Roslynn Mccann, Steven Price

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Data collected from six markets throughout the market seasons between 2023 and 2024 highlights the transformative impact of Utah’s farmers’ markets on the state’s economy, health, and sense of community. According to market patrons, Utah’s farmers' markets are vital economic and social hubs supporting local agriculture, small businesses, and community well-being.

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, Spring 2025, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Page 1 Dean's Message from Dr. Sen Subramanian
Page 2 Student Spotlights
Page 3 Kaushik honored, Three-Minute Thesis, & Ice Cores revealed
Page 4 Alumni Spotlight
Page 5 Day of Scholars
Page 6 Cyanide research, Record Research Expenditures, Adhikari awarded Miller Research Award
Page 8 Hanson Receives NSF Grant
Page 9 Snow Lab Research Team
Page 10 Faculty Awards
Page 11 Drone Day
Page 13 Khalaf Awarded Presidential Award

Building Online Digital Resources For Project-Based Learning Assignments, Roisin Burke, Ronan Donnelly

Case studies: Digital Education

TU Dublin’s School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology is a partner of the EU+ Tradinnovations project. which focuses on the study of recipes using project-based learning in an interdisciplinary environment. As part of the Tradinnovations project students and staff from EU partners in the disciplines of Food science, Nutrition, Food Engineering and the Social Sciences and Humanities work on project-based learning topics which aim to support innovation within the local food heritage of each country and adapt these recipes to specific vulnerable populations needs (malnutrition among elderly and Alzheimer population, challenges in obesity among young people, dietary needs of …

Electronic Hearing Protection: Advancements And Applications, Amanda Mattei

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) represents a significant and irreversible public health concern and is classified as the most prevalent occupational illness in the United States (Masterson et al., 2013). Prolonged exposure to hazardous noise levels precipitates auditory impairment and correlates with other comorbid health risks, including tinnitus (Tufts & Berger, 2022). While traditional hearing protection devices (HPDs) have been implemented extensively to mitigate NIHL, persistent issues such as user discomfort, barriers to effective communication, and compromised situational awareness impede their optimal utilization (Melamed et al., 1994; Neitzel & Seixas, 2005).

Recent innovations in electronic HPDs have emerged, targeting these limitations …

Obstacles And Opportunities In Marine Mammal Care And Welfare : Insights From Trainer, Heather Hill, Megan Davis, Sabrina Brando

Presentations - 2025

No abstract provided.

Detection Of Microplastics In The Hindgut Content Of Zophobasmoriolarvae, Zoey Drexler

Posters - 2025

Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with potential impacts on soil ecosystems and the organisms within them. Insects play a crucial role in soil health, and their digestive processes may influence the fate of microplastics in terrestrial environments.

Detection of micro- and nano-plastic particles in complex mixtures such as soil, sediments, and feces is difficult because these small particles often resemble particles of mineral or organic materials. One way to visualize them more specifically is by using Nile Red, a stain which is a dull blue when in aqueous on hydrophilic conditions, but which fluoresces bright red …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Physical Activity, Physical Function, And Psychological Health, Lauren Opielinski

Dissertations (1934 -)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Long COVID is secondary to an acute COVID-19 infection and is characterized by chronic symptoms that persist for >3 months after initial infection with minimal information about the mechanisms and who is most vulnerable. Further, the protective effects of physical activity (PA) on the acute symptoms of COVID-19 and persistent symptoms of Long COVID are not known. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine (1) PA levels before, and after COVID-19 infection, and the persistent effects of COVID-19 on (2) physical function and (3) psychological health in non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. We …

Novel Approaches To Analyze Consumer Behavior And Policies To Promote Sustainable Consumption, Bhagyashree Katare, Xuejian Wang, Shuoli Zhao, Jacqueline Yenerall

Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Technological advancements, such as online grocery shopping, have significantly transformed consumer retail environments and experiences. Effectively studying consumer behavior in these new environments requires the use of novel methodological approaches, which will also aid in developing interventions to encourage sustainable consumption. This paper begins by providing an overview of the current literature on novel approaches to analyzing consumer behavior, then provides an empirical application by examining consumer decision-making pathways within an online grocery shopping platform. Specifically, the paper focuses on exploring the consumers’ digital footprints, such as page visits, product additions and removals, and interactions with information labels to identify …

Rationing Hunger: The Gendered Consequences Of India's Public Distribution System, Krisha Silwal

Audre Lorde Prize

This paper examines how the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, while introduced to address hunger and food insecurity, displaces women from traditional farming, weakens their nutritional autonomy, and erases their cultural roles in food systems. The focus on subsidized rice and wheat benefits male landowners and excludes women, especially Dalit and Adivasi farmers, from agricultural decision-making. Drawing on a grassroots initiative led by Dalit women in Zaheerabad, the paper highlights how community-driven, decentralized food systems rooted in women’s knowledge can improve food security and restore autonomy. It calls for a reimagined PDS that centers women’s lived experiences and leadership.

Sacred Oath Of Healing - Volume 9

be Still

No abstract provided.

A Child’S Oath, Nozimakhon K. Omonullaeva

be Still

"A Child's Oath" reflects the transformative journey of a young girl shaped by her personal experiences with healthcare inequities, both in her home country of Uzbekistan and in the United States. This piece explores the emotional impact of these experiences and how they inspired a lifelong commitment to healing and serving underserved communities. It is a testament to the resilience born from hardship and the sacred promise to bring compassion and equity to medicine.