Digital Commons Network^™

Optimized And Validated Box–Behnken Design Combined Response Surface Methodology To Quantify Acetic Acid Content In Potassium Clavulanate Using High–Performance Liquid Chromatography, Sk Manirul Haque

Yanbu Journal of Engineering and Science

A simple and robust high-performance liquid chromatography method with UV detection was developed to quantify acetic acid in potassium clavulanate. The chromatographic separation was performed on the Hypersil BDS C18 column (250×4.6 mm, 5 μm) with optimized response surface methodology combined Box–Behnken experimental design. The mobile phase comprises of a buffer prepared by ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate (20 mM) containing 0.01% triethylamine, maintained pH between 2.8–3.2 using phosphoric acid and % acetonitrile as per Box–Behnken factorial design. The detection was performed at 235 nm with a mobile phase flow rate of 1 ml/min. The method was validated as per the ICH …

A Novel Bio-Coagulant Aid To Treat High Turbid Water Containing Humic Acids, Hossam Altaher, Tarek E. Khalil, Reda Abubeah

Yanbu Journal of Engineering and Science

In general, the production of potable water from raw water sources involves the coagulation or flocculation process to remove turbidity. Alum has been widely used as a coagulant; however, there is a concern about its associated risk of Alzheimer's disease. As a result, there has been considerable interest in the development of natural coagulants and coagulant aids in order to reduce the dose of alum. This study aimed at evaluating the use of Corchorus Olitorius L. (COL), a leafy vegetable grown in Africa and the Middle East, as a novel coagulant aid over other synthetic coagulant aids. It is a …

Eng 4764-001 Advanced Dramatic Writing, Christopher Wixson

Fall 2024

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Fresh-Cut Onion Types And Flavonoid Profiles On The Survival Kinetics Of Foodborne Pathogen During Refrigerated Storage, Veerachandra Yemmireddy, Matthew Mancias

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

This study investigated the effect of onion flavonoid profiles on the growth, survival, and/or death kinetics of foodborne pathogens in fresh-cut onions at 4 °C. Fresh-cut white, yellow, red, and sweet onions were inoculated with separate four-strain cocktail(s) of nalidixic acid-adapted Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes achieving a 4 to 5 log CFU g−1. The samples were stored in clam shell containers at 4 °C and 70 ± 2 % relative humidity for 14 days. Additionally, flavonoid profiles were determined on uninoculated control samples stored under similar conditions using standard chromatography techniques, with quercetin derivatives identified as …

Making Waves: Depression Era Violent Crime In The Upper Peninsula And The United States, Zoe Jancek

HS 390 Primary Research Papers

The Great Depression overlaps with several other important historical eras, all of which had their own impact on crime. This study looks at stressors throughout the decade of the Great Depression to attempt to understand how they affect people and therefore, how they affect the amount of violent crimes committed in both a broad and specific sense. Using statistics and historical accounts, this research analyzes topics such as culture, mental and physical health, substance abuse, gangs, and the effects of Prohibition. The fluctuations can be attributed to economic, social, and cultural factors such as Prohibition and the rise of organized …

Exploring The Impact Of Residential Proximity To Blue Spaces On The Occurence Of Diabetes, Justin Acala

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

There is a commonly held belief among surfers in the healing properties of the ocean. Many report that simply visiting a beach has a positive effect on them, whether it is spiritually, mentally, or physically. According to Sandifer et al. (2021) “evidence suggests that living close to ‘blue spaces’ (water features), particularly coastlines, has salutary effects on human health” (p. 1), highlighting a potential benefit to coastal living. For some countries across Europe and Australia, research suggests that living by the coast in Europe and Australia is associated with better health (Geiger et al., 2023). Can similar health benefits of …

The Effects Of Bipap Masks While In Acute Care Settings, Drawbacks And Alternate Mask Options, Leanne Rider

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

There are a variety of clinical masks used in hospital environments for respiratory treatments. One treatment used for acute care patients experiencing symptoms, due to chronic respiratory health issues such as COPD or sleep apnea, is referred to as a Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machine. The Cleveland Clinic defines this machine in simple terms as “…a type of noninvasive ventilation that helps you breathe. Providers can use it to treat you if you’re not getting enough oxygen or can’t get rid of carbon dioxide “(The Cleveland Clinic, 2023, BiPAP). To break it down further, bilevel in this case means …

Associations Among Shopping Methods, Diet Adherence, And Nutrition Knowledge Of Employed Primary Grocery Shoppers In Households With Children, Baylee Schneider

Master's Theses

Obesity is a prominent risk factor for chronic disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity and chronic disease rates continue to rise, requiring a need for prevention and intervention efforts. The future role of dietetics is to provide treatment and prevention through holistic approaches, by understanding individuals’ habits that contribute to the onset of disease, specifically their food choices, grocery shopping methods, and influences that waver these selections. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between grocery shopping methods (online or in-store), Mediterranean diet adherence, nutrition knowledge, and food purchase patterns …

Protein Digestibility Impacted By Bacillus Coagulans, Pasteurization And Protein Source In Ready-To-Drink Protein Beverages, Samantha L. Bass, Samantha L. Bass

Master's Theses

The goal of this study was to assess how to maximize the digestibility of protein in protein beverages utilizing various protein sources, differing temperature/storage combinations, and the addition of probiotics (Bacillus coagulans). The protein sources used included 3 milk proteins and 2 plant protein sources (micellar casein, milk protein concentrate, reduced-calcium milk protein concentrate, pea protein isolate, and soy protein isolate). Soy protein isolate was chosen because it is readily available and commonly used as a plant protein alternative. Pea protein isolate was chosen because it is a non-allergen, and similarly, it is readily available. Milk protein concentrates …

Urinformed March 2025, Urinformed

URInformed: The URI Employees' Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Using Community-Engaged Research To Achieve Health Equity: A Report From The Initiative For Community-Engaged Research And Health Equity (Cereq), Dominique L. Bennett, Rebecca O. Barclay, Markiah A. Mcrae, Jane Elyce Glasgow, Heather M. Barker, Kelli J. England

Division of Community Health and Research Publications

This report discusses the scope and progress of Community Engaged Research (CEnR) among a multi-institutional network of community-engaged partners in Southeastern Virginia. It explores the pivotal role of CEnR in fostering equitable health outcomes by detailing the active partners, describing the institutional support and infrastructure in place, and highlighting growth opportunities that include the recommended development of a formal Office of Community Engagement.

The initiative for Community-Engaged Research and Health Equity (CEREQ) was launched in Spring 2023 to foster collaborations that bridge a gap between academic research and community health needs. CEREQ focuses on building sustainable community-engaged research infrastructure – …

Cobm Adjunct Faculty Bi-Monthly Newsletter: March-April 2025, Ellen Ramsey

College of Business and Management Adjunct Faculty Newsletter

College of Business and Management Adjunct Faculty Bi-Monthly Newsletter: March-April 2025

Comparison Of Caregiver-Reported Dietary Intake Methods In Zellweger Spectrum Disorder, Mousumi Bose, Nancy L. Von Thun, Adrian L. Kerrihard, Melisa L. Lopez, Chelsea I. Donlon, Alyssa K. Smolen, Nicole P. Fontes

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works

Background/Objectives: Zellweger spectrum disorder (ZSD), a rare genetic disease characterized by defects in peroxisome biogenesis, results in dysfunction of all organ systems, including feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal bleeding, and reduced overall growth. Despite this nutritional impact, no published studies have assessed dietary intake in ZSD. The purpose of this study was to determine nutrient intake in individuals with ZSD or a related peroxisomal disorder using two methods of dietary assessment as provided by family caregivers. Methods: Family caregivers participated in multiple 24 h dietary recall interviews and completed 3-day food records for their child with ZSD or a related single-enzyme peroxisomal …

An Exploratory Case Study Of A Community Food Pantry In Northwest Louisiana, Abigail Clair Henington

Master's Theses

Many individuals are struggling with food insecurity in Louisiana; according to the Louisiana Food Bank Association's website, Feeding Louisiana’s 2023 impact report, an estimated 683,100 people in Louisiana experience food insecurity. In northwest Louisiana, 30% of the population lives below the poverty line, with an average income of $34,485 per household. Common Ground is a nonprofit community outreach program in Northwest Louisiana, specifically Shreveport. The program has been in operation for over 20 years and strives to provide a place free of judgment and a place of common ground for those in the Cedar Grove community. Each week, they have …

A Feedback-Guided Analysis Of Environmental, Health And Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Drivers’ Willingness To Shift To E-Jeepneys, Charlotte Kendra Gotangco Gonzales, Katrina Abenojar, Carlos Rosauro Manalo, Melliza Templonuevo Cruz, Maria Obiminda L. Cambaliza, James Bernard Simpas, Imee Delos Reyes, John Wong, Bernell Go, Krizelle Cleo Fowler, Rene Marlon Panti, Emma E. Porio, Jean Jardeleza Mijares

Environmental Science Faculty Publications

The Jeepney Modernization Program involves the replacement of traditional jeepneys with more efficient alternatives, including modern enclosed electric vehicles, alongside operational improvements to the public transportation system. This study aims to assess the environmental, health and socio-economic factors impacting drivers’ willingness to shift to e-jeepneys. Feedback-Guided Analysis was used as a framework for designing an interdisciplinary approach towards understanding the decision-making paradigms of drivers plying a specific route in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Measurements of drivers’ exposure to PM2.5 and associated health parameters were complemented by key informant interviews delving into income, expenses, valuation of benefits and decision-making paradigms. A …

Experimental Study For Improving Oil Recovery Using Organic Alkaline And Nano-Silica For An Egyptian Oil Field, Attia Attia, Mohamed Sadek Hamedi Al, Mayar Abdelrahman Hassan Eng.

Petroleum Engineering and Gas

The oil and gas industry continually seeks innovative methods to enhance hydrocarbon recovery due to the declining productivity of conventional techniques. Current recovery methods, such as water flooding and chemical flooding, often face limitations like high interfacial tension, unfavorable wettability, and reduced mobility of oil, especially under harsh reservoir conditions of high salinity. To address these challenges, this study explores the implementation of nanotechnology in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), focusing on the distinct and unique properties of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles, particularly SiO2, were chosen for their ability to significantly decrease interfacial tension, alter wettability, and improve oil mobility. SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit …

From Past To Present: Tracing Africa’S Path To Universal Health Coverage, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Paul Russell Ward, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Lillian Mwanri

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

At the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005, the international community charted a course for universal health coverage (UHC), aiming to ensure access to health care for all in need, of sufficient quality, and without causing financial hardship. At the time, barriers to accessing health care were overwhelming, particularly in low-and middle-income countries like Africa. Currently, 50 of Africa’s 54 countries are in various phases of UHC implementation. Some are developing national UHC agendas, while others have made significant progress but still face gaps in meeting UHC targets. This mini review comprehensively examines the literature to understand the temporal and …

A Review Of The Ripple Effect Of Parental Incarceration: Suggestions For System Improvement From Neonatal Development Through Adolescence, Karen Thew, April Terry

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Parental incarceration has the potential to drastically affect the social, behavioral, and physical lives of children. Such negative impacts include prenatal and chronic health conditions, behavioral and mental health issues, developmental delays, juvenile and criminal legal system involvement, and overall declines in well-being. These damaging outcomes occur for babies delivered during their mothers’ incarceration with negative lingering effects seen throughout the lifespan. Due to the stigmatization of incarceration, these children may experience bullying, engage in isolating behaviors, and struggle within the school, which may lead to the school-to-prison pipeline. While prevention and intervention services directed at these youth could not …

Developing A Southern Ocean Marine Ecosystem Model Ensemble To Assess Climate Risks And Uncertainties, Kieran Murphy, Denisse Fierro-Arcos, Tyler Rohr, David Green, Camilla Novaglio, Katherine Baker, Kelly Ortega-Cisneros, Tyler D. Eddy, Cheryl S. Harrison, Simeon L. Hill, Patrick Eskuche-Keith, Camila Cataldo-Mendez, Colleen M. Petrik, Matthew Pinkerton, Paul Spence, Ilaria Stollberg, Roshni C. Subramaniam, Rowan Trebilco, Vivitskaia Tulloch, Juliano Palacios-Abrantes, Sophie Bestley, Daniele Bianchi, Philip Boyd, Pearse J. Buchanan, Andrea Bryndum-Buchholz, Marta Coll, Stuart Corney, Samik Datta, Jason D. Everett, Romain Forestier, Elizabeth A. Fulton, Vianney Guibourd De Luzinais, Ryan Heneghan

Faculty Publications

Climate change could irreversibly modify Southern Ocean ecosystems. Marine ecosystem model (MEM) ensembles can assist policy making by projecting future changes and allowing the evaluation and assessment of alternative management approaches. However, projected changes in total consumer biomass from the Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project (FishMIP) global MEM ensemble highlight an uncertain future for the Southern Ocean, indicating the need for a region-specific ensemble. A large source of model uncertainty originates from the Earth system models used to force FishMIP models, particularly future changes to lower trophic level biomass and sea-ice coverage. To build confidence in regional MEMs …

Global And Regional Marine Ecosystem Models Reveal Key Uncertainties In Climate Change Projections, Tyler D. Eddy, Ryan F. Heneghan, Andrea Bryndum-Buchholz, Elizabeth A. Fulton, Cheryl S. Harrison, Derek P. Tittensor, Heike K. Lotze, Kelly Ortega-Cisneros, Camilla Novaglio, Daniele Bianchi, Matthias Büchner, Catherine Bulman, William W.L. Cheung, Villy Christensen, Marta Coll, Jason D. Everett, Denisse Fierro-Arcos, Eric D. Galbraith, Didier Gascuel, Jerome Guiet, Steve Mackinson, Olivier Maury, Susa Niiranen, Ricardo Oliveros-Ramos, Juliano Palacios-Abrantes, Chiara Piroddi, Hubert Du Pontavice, Jonathan Reum, Anthony J. Richardson, Jacob Schewe, Lynne Shannon, Yunne Jai Shin, Jeroen Steenbeek

Faculty Publications

Climate change is affecting ocean temperature, acidity, currents, and primary production, causing shifts in species distributions, marine ecosystems, and ultimately fisheries. Earth system models simulate climate change impacts on physical and biogeochemical properties of future oceans under varying emissions scenarios. Coupling these simulations with an ensemble of global marine ecosystem models has indicated broad decreases of fish biomass with warming. However, regional details of these impacts remain much more uncertain. Here, we employ CMIP5 and CMIP6 climate change impact projections using two Earth system models coupled with four regional and nine global marine ecosystem models in 10 ocean regions to …

Evaluating The Effect Of Consumption Of Fermented Foods On Glycemic Control And Markers Of Cardiometabolic Risk Amongst Pre-Diabetic And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Adult Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Alex Makau Muia

Master of Medicine in Family Medicine

Introduction 

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a major global health challenge, particularly in resource limited countries where conventional treatments are often inaccessible or unaffordable. While lifestyle interventions can reduce diabetes risk, their efficacy is moderate, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Fermented foods (FFs), which are widely available and affordable, have been shown to improve glucose metabolism and may offer a promising adjunct in the prevention and management of T2DM and prediabetes.

Methods 

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the effects of fermented food consumption on glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk markers in adults with prediabetes …

Neurocognitive Gains Among Ugandan Children With Sickle Cell Anemia On Hydroxyurea: 18-Month Trial Interim Results, Shubaya Kasule Naggayi, Dennis Kalibbala, Vincent Mboizi, John M. Ssenkusu, Zhezhen Jin, Caterina Rosano, Deogratias Munube, Bill Wambaka, Ruth Namazzi, Robert Opoka

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) frequently develop progressive neurocognitive impairment. We aimed to determine effects of hydroxyurea therapy on neurocognitive function in Ugandan children with SCA by comparing levels at enrollment to a planned 18-month interim assessment. Ugandan children (N=264) ages 3-9 years were enrolled from a SCA clinic and treated in a 30-month singlearm open-label trial with escalation to maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Primary outcome was the effects of hydroxyurea on cognition, attention and executive function, along with transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) blood flow velocity. Sibling controls (N=110) without SCA underwent neurocognitive testing in parallel to establish age-normalized …

Tolle Lege Works Published In 2025, Mcquade Library

Bibliographies

Bibliography of Tolle Lege works published by members of the Merrimack College Community in 2025. Works include journal articles, newspaper articles, books and book chapters or sections, reports, book reviews, conference papers, web articles, and published interviews.

Nursing News & Views - March 2025, Brenda Rocha Rn, Cno

Nursing Newsletters

Nursing News & Views Newsletter - March 2025

Community Centered Funding Models For Maine, Timothy Atkinson, Jillian Foley, Jane Rooks

Justice Policy

This report is an exploration of literature and frameworks for local community-driven funding strategies to improve Maine’s public health outcomes. The authors present a number of community-led funding theories such as place-based funding models and participatory grant making, examine lessons learned from recent public health events, and discuss reflections from interviews with key stakeholders. The report looks at examples of community-led models and makes recommendations for next steps such as improving collaborative relationships, strengthening peer-to-peer networks, expanding availability of flexible funding that includes backbone support, and conducting a cost-benefit analysis of collaborative community health capacity investment options.

Impact Of Polysaccharides On Advancing Plant-Based Meat Alternatives, Prashant Dahal, Clifford Hall, Srinivas Janaswamy

Dairy Science and Food Science Faculty Publications: 2022 to Present

Plant-based meat products are a valued choice for vegetarians and others. Their production has been perceived as an innovation promoting animal welfare and sustainability. However, there are challenges in simulating desirable appearance, texture, and flavor using only plant-based protein sources. Polysaccharide addition during the formulation and texturization of plant proteins can improve the physi- cochemical and sensory properties of texturized protein products. In this regard, a clear understanding of the fundamental properties of polysaccharides is essential for transforming plant proteins into fibers or nonfilamentous protein aggregates. Enhancing water-holding capacity, gelation, and binding functionality is crucial for overcoming structural and textural …

Bridging Cognitive Psychology And Natural Language Processing: A Bias-Detection Framework For Large Language Models, Stephen Surles

Masters Theses & Doctoral Dissertations

Bias in large language models (LLMs) poses substantial risks to fair and accurate information processing, particularly in high-impact contexts such as news dissemination and content moderation. These models often learn and unintentionally amplify systematic biases, ranging from confirmation and negativity to anchoring and partisanship, present in the data on which they are trained, thereby distorting public discourse and potentially fueling misinformation. Building upon theories in cognitive psychology and AI-decision-making, the Cognitive Bias in Artificial Intelligence Theory (CoBAIT) becomes the interdisciplinary theoretical foundation of this work.

Drawing on both cognitive bias theory and a design science approach, this dissertation develops a …

A Preliminary Report Of The Carotenoid Assessment In Adults 50 Years Of Age And Older In Louisiana, Mary-Catherine Feazell

Master's Theses

Fruits and vegetables are at the core of a healthy, balanced diet. They assist in preventing the development of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer (Fadnes, et al., 2022). Aging is a natural biological process followed by disease, cognitive impairment, and a natural decline of the body’s ability to perform at its best. The older adult population is currently the fastest-growing population globally (El-Shebiney et al., 2022). Vitamin A is crucial for several parts of the body to function correctly. Despite the positive effects of Vitamin A on the body, the recommended dietary intake is not …

Maine Career Exploration: Final Evaluation Report, Julia Bergeron-Smith Mppm, Msw, Sarah Goan, Madison Burke, Becky Wurwarg, Amy Geren, Shannon Saxby

Publications

The Maine Career Exploration (MCE) Program was a two-year, $25 million pilot initiative launched in 2022 by Governor Janet Mills as part of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan. The program aimed to connect young people aged 16 to 24 with Maine’s economy through paid, age-appropriate career experiences that matched their interests, while also expanding career exploration opportunities in schools and communities and building long-term infrastructure to sustain these efforts. Managed by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, MCE distributed funding across three main streams: the Maine Children’s Cabinet Career Exploration Pilot Project, the Maine Department of Education’s …

2025 Little International Agricultural Exposition Catalog, Little International Agricultural Exposition South Dakota State University

Little International "Little I" Agricultural Exposition Catalogs

This is the catalog for the 102nd Little International 'Little I' Agricultural Exposition, held on March 28 & 29, 2025.