Digital Commons Network^™

Integrated Child Nutrition, Parenting, And Health Intervention In Rural Liberia: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study, Sejla Isanovic, Musa Sanoe, Shelbie Wooten, Edward A. Frongillo Ph.D., Aisha K. Yousafzai, Christine E. Blake Ph.D., Rd, Mufaro Kanyangarara Ph.D., Melanie Swan, Nicole Rodger, Miriam Murray, Leila M. Larson Ph.D., Mph

Faculty Publications

In Liberia, children are exposed to multiple forms of adversity which can negatively impact their health and development. Research is needed to examine the feasibility and benefits of integrated interventions that can be incorporated into existing health delivery programs to simultaneously address low responsive stimulation, undernutrition, and infection. This study assessed the feasibility of an integrated intervention promoting psychosocial stimulation and improved child feeding by the provision of eggs and fish. The integrated intervention was incorporated into an existing government health program. Thirty female caregiver-child dyads were randomly selected from two rural communities in Liberia. Participants received fortnightly group parenting …

Early Detection And Intervention Of Preschool-Aged Children Using Android-Based Monitoring During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Central Java, Triwiji Lestari, Elisa Elisa

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Preschool age is widely recognized as a critical phase in child development, often referred to as the golden period, the window of opportunity, and the critical period. Alarming statistics from the Indonesian Ministry of Health reveal that 16% of Indonesian toddlers, amounting to 0.4 million children, experience developmental delays, encompassing fine and gross motor skills, hearing impairments, reduced cognitive abilities, and speech delays. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of an Android-based early detection and intervention system on the development of preschool children during the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic in Central Java. The research employed a quasi- …

Full Issue, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Analyzing Food Sources And Food Insecurity Of Kichwa Farming Families In The Ecuadorian Amazon, Reina Watanabe

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

While the right to food is internationally recognized and the United Nations established the sustainable development goal to end hunger and achieve food security by 2030, many households remain without consistent access to food in 2024. In Latin America, approximately 4 in 10 households were reported as food insecure in 2020 with higher rates in rural and indigenous communities. Rural areas, which have great overlap with indigenous communities in Ecuador, experience disproportionately high levels of poverty and food insecurity compared to urban areas. The most populous indigenous nationality in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the participants of this study are the …

Impact Of Water Ionic Chemistry On Kombucha Fermentation, Katherine A. Thompson-Witrick, Olivia Sundman, Sadie Disselkoen, Nicholas Hanson, Cheyenne Butler, Victoria Jordan, Ian Galbraith, Jada Spake, Seiler Pollock, Drew M. Budner

Chemistry

Kombucha is made by using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to ferment sweetened tea. This fermentation produces a beverage with a unique aroma and acidic flavor. Kombucha has recently gained popularity in the United States and has been reported to have numerous health benefits. While there is a wide variation in kombucha composition, little is known about the impact water’s chemistry has on the fermentation and the resulting kombucha. Brewing water for kombucha was altered using the following ions: bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and sulfate at different concentrations. Pre-(tea) and post-(kombucha) fermentation (kombucha) products were analyzed for …

Improving Primary Care Providers Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, And Intention To Change Practice About Uncontrolled Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Its Effect On Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Formerly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Prognosis, Olivia Amoakowaa-Senya

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the world. The mechanisms involved in its development and progression continue to be a mystery that scientists are trying to unravel. However, many research studies found a correlation between uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and worsening of NAFLD. Chronic intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in OSA increase sympathetic activity and promote oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and metabolic dysregulation, which increases the risk of various diseases, including NAFLD/MASLD progression. Early assessment and screening for OSA in patients …

Gc-Ms Analysis And Evaluation Of Antioxidant, Anticancer, Cytotoxicity, And Hypoglycemic Properties Of The Libyan Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract On Alloxan-Induced Diabetes In Mice, Osama Abdel-Hafeez Mohammed Al-Bedak, Ahlam Rashed, Seham T.M. Oskandali, Nouri Kushlaf, Amal Eishebani, Samira A. Alacrouk, Fadia T.M. Oshkandale, Manal Eisheli, Zahur R. Almesai, Ameerah Shaeroun, Steven L. Stephenson, Fuad Ameen

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Libyan Moringa oleifera leaves were extracted using methanol, and the bioactive components' antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer characteristics were assessed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). Moringa oleifera exhibited antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 11.53 µg/mL. Wi38 cell line's viability decreased with increasing M. oleifera extract concentration, while its cytotoxicity increased with an IC50 of 393.41±7.77 μg/mL. Alloxan-induced diabetes model in Swiss albino mice was implemented. Three different doses (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg of mice body weight) of M. oleifera’s extract were evaluated for their effects on blood sugar concentration and the histology of the pancreatic islets. …

Arima-Genetic Algorithm Approach For Forecasting Milk Production In India, Pramit Pandit, Bishvajit Bakshi, Moumita Paul, B. S. Pooja

Open Access archive

Background: Dairying in India has witnessed a radical transformation from a largely unorganised activity into a thriving organised industry. However, there are only a limited number of earlier attempts that specifically evaluated the milk production pattern of India. Moreover, most of these earlier studies are quite dated and have employed autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models, which suffer from the problem of local optima. To overcome this lacuna, we have utilised a genetic algorithm (GA) in the ARIMA framework. Its suitability to forecast the annual milk production in India has also been assessed comparatively with respect to the traditional ARIMA …

Examining Nursing Students' Awareness Of Various Medical Errors During Clinical Internships To Enhance Patient Safety: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study, Ola Mousa, Basma Salameh, Asmaa Saber Ghaly, Md Gulzarull Hasan

Open Access archive

Background Patient safety is a global concern within health facilities, primarily attributed to medical errors, constituting a significant global public health issue. Patients experiencing medication errors face serious problems, with increasing mortality rates and escalating hospital costs. Aim The study aims to examine nursing students' awareness of various medical errors during their clinical internships at Al- Ahsa, identifying types of errors to enhance patient safety. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 nursing students during their internship at King Faisal University, Al Ahasa, Saudi Arabia.A total of 131 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire based on a medical error scale …

Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Impaired Kidney Functions Among Children And Adolescents In India: Insights From The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (Cnns) 2016-18, Angad Singh, Madhur Verma, Milan Das, Pragyan Paramita Parija

Open Access archive

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem. The burden of CKD in children and adolescents in India is not well described. We used data from the recent Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) to estimate the prevalence of impaired kidney function (IKF) and its determinants in children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19. Methods: CNNS 2016–18 adopted a multi-stage sampling design using probability proportional to size sampling procedure after geographical stratification of urban and rural areas. Serum creatinine was tested once in 24,690 children and adolescents aged 5–19 years. The estimated glomerular filtration rate …

Root Plasticity Of Selected Corn (Zea Mays L.) Varieties Grown For Food And Forage In Response To Fertigroe®-N And Urea, Vanica Apostol, Edna Aguilar, Lilia Fernando, Lourdes Edano Ma., Tonette Laude, Eureka Teresa Ocampo

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Root plasticity, the capacity of a corn root system to modify its growth and development in response to varying environmental conditions, is a crucial adaptability trait for optimizing water and nutrient uptake, especially in a challenging environments. Understanding root plasticity provides insights into the pattern basis of crop adaptation, contributing to the development of improved corn varieties and agricultural practices that optimize the production of both ear shoots and forage. This study assessed root traits and other morphological-physiological responses of three corn varieties (NK8840, IPB Var 6, and Pearl Sweet) grown for food (ear shoots) and forage (baby corn fodder) …

Machine Learning And Evaluation Of Diabetes Risk Using 2022 Brfss Data, Addie Weaver

Masters Theses

This research analyzes Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2022 with three machine learning models, Neural Network, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine, to determine and compare the models’ accuracy rate of diabetes prediction. Principal Component Analysis was employed to determine principal factors of diabetes risk. Results show that the Neural Network is most accurate at 90.09 percent at predicting diabetes. Factors increasing diabetes risk include alcohol consumption, smoking, and self-perceived mental and physical health.

Developing Holistic And Reduced Fertilization Guidelines For Southeastern Peach (Prunus Persica (L.) Batsch) Orchards, Richardson Bien-Aime

All Theses

Peach production in the southeastern United States requires optimizing fertilization practices to balance economic sustainability and environmental health. Current guidelines may overlook rootstock-specific nutrient requirements and fail to align with orchard-specific conditions, often resulting in overfertilization, increased costs, and environmental risks. This study, conducted at Clemson University’s Musser Fruit Research Center during 2023 and 2024, aimed to refine fertilization practices through two complementary experiments. The first experiment investigated how three rootstocks, ’MP-29’, Lovell, and Guardian, influence nutrient dynamics of ‘Carored’ peach trees. Nutrient concentrations were measured in various tree organs, including leaves, pruned wood, thinned fruitlets, and harvested fruits, along …

The Impact Of Food Law Policies On Local Community Empowerment In Indonesia’S Sustainable Food Garden Program, Tiyas Vika Widyastuti, Achmad Irwan Hamzani, Anis Masdurohatun

Indonesia Law Review

This research examines the impact of food law politics on community empowerment and sustainable agriculture in Indonesia, focusing on the Sustainable Food Garden Program (P2L). Utilizing a normative juridical analysis, it explores how legal frameworks can support or obstruct community-led agricultural initiatives. The study highlights the empowering effect of laws aligned with community goals and the challenges arising from legislation favoring industrial agriculture. It proposes legal reforms to address ambiguities and barriers, such as clarifying land tenure rights and simplifying organic certification processes. Recommendations aim to foster a legal environment conducive to sustainable, community-driven agriculture, enhancing food security and environmental …

Chronic Illness Education 2024: Incremental Diet And Activity Changes To Improve Cardiovascular Health, Carter Dunaway, Jonah Kornbluh, Kit Tran, Naya Pabla, Olivia Jeakle, Zaid Saadeh

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Edible Caterpillars (Gonimbrasia Belina And Gynanisa Maja) As Emerging Source Of Nutrients And Bioactive Compounds, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Brian O. Ochieng, Dennis Beesigamukama, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Cynthia Mudalungu, Xavier Cheseto, Isaac M. Osuga, Sevgan Subramanian, Segenet Kelemu

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Globally, despite the commercial and cultural importance of edible caterpillars (Gynanisa maja and Gonimbrasia belina), comprehensive information on their dietary and therapeutic benefits has not been fully explored. The study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds profile of two important edible caterpillars (Gonimbrasia belina and Gynanisa maja) in Africa. Our results demonstrated that G. belina and G. maja are capable of amplifying host plant protein (17 %) by 4.3-folds [72.8 %] and 3.6-folds [61.3 %], respectively. Lysine (32.6 mg/g), methionine (12.5–27.1 mg/g) and valine (7.7–25.4 mg/g) value were significantly harnessed. Substantial amounts of ω−3 fatty acids …

Unearthing Lactococcus Lactis And Scheffersomyeces Symbionts From Edible Wood-Boring Beetle Larvae As A Bio-Resource For Industrial Applications, Shadrack Kibet, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Njogu M. Kimani, John Mark O. Makwatta, James Kabii, Subramanian Sevgan, Segenet Kelemu, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Gut microbiota have several advantages in influencing the host nutrition, metabolism, immunity and growth. However, the understanding of the gut microbiota in key edible wood-boring beetle larvae remain largely undefined. In the present study, the characteristics of the gut microbiota of two edible wood-boring species (Titocerus jaspideus and Passalus punctiger) from two indigenous forested areas were investigated. Results: Over 50% of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) constituted of Firmicutes in T. jaspideus. The dominant phyla in both beetle species were Bacteroidota (4.20–19.79%) and Proteobacteria (15.10–23.90%). Lactococcus lactis was the most abundant and core prokaryote in the guts of T. jaspideus. …

Long-Term Push–Pull Cropping System Shifts Soil And Maize-Root Microbiome Diversity Paving Way To Resilient Farming System, Abdul A. Jalloh, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Sevgan Subramanian, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The soil biota consists of a complex assembly of microbial communities and other organisms that vary significantly across farming systems, impacting soil health and plant productivity. Despite its importance, there has been limited exploration of how different cropping systems influence soil and plant root microbiomes. In this study, we investigated soil physicochemical properties, along with soil and maize-root microbiomes, in an agroecological cereal-legume companion cropping system known as push–pull technology (PPT). This system has been used in agriculture for over two decades for insect-pest management, soil health improvement, and weed control in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared the results with …

The Global Atlas Of Edible Insects: Analysis Of Diversity And Commonality Contributing To Food Systems And Sustainability, Evanson R. Omuse, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Honest Machekano, James Peter Egonyu, Emily Kimathi, Samira Faris Mohamed, Menale Kassie, Sevgan Subramanian, Juliet Onditi, Serah Mwangi, Sunday Ekesi, Saliou Niassy

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The future of the food system on the planet is increasingly facing uncertainties that are attributable to population growth and a surge in demand for nutritious food. Traditional agricultural practices are poised to place strain on production, as well as natural resources and ecosystem services provided, particularly under a changing climate. Given their remarkable attributes, including a low environmental footprint, high food conversion ratio, rapid growth and nutritional values, edible insects can play a vital role in the global food system. Nonetheless, substantial knowledge gaps persist regarding their diversity, global distribution, and shared characteristics across regions, potentially impeding effective scaling …

Evaluation Of Pierce’S Disease-Resistant Grapevine Cultivars In Upstate South Carolina, Annie Bruno

All Theses

Interest in wine grape production is increasing in South Carolina, but Pierce’s Disease (PD) caused by the xylem-limited bacteria Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a major limiting factor. Xf is spread by sap-sucking insect vectors in the Cicadellidae family such as sharpshooters. In the United States, Xf has become endemic to the southeast as global temperatures rise, causing winter temperatures to increase, which allows the bacteria to survive year-round. However, PD-resistant grapevine hybrid cultivars have become available through breeding V. vinifera genes with native American Vitis species that are resistant to Xf. In this study, the PD-resistant grapevine …

Sustainable Agriculture Practices And Economic Outcomes: Selected Ipm In Tomato And Cover Crop Inter-Seeding In Organic Corn In South Carolina, Rohini Sonti

All Theses

This two-chapter thesis focuses on the economic evaluation of integrating a combination of sustainable agricultural practices aimed at improving environmental resilience and farm profitability across both conventional and organic farming systems in South Carolina. The research study lays emphasis on two key areas: the use of Integrated Pest Management practices, specifically grafting and Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) in tomato production and the inter- seeding of cover crops under different tillage systems in organic corn production.

The first chapter assesses the economic feasibility of two IPM practices: grafting and anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) in tomato production. Following the phase-out of methyl …

Examination Of The Relationship Between Algal And Mussel Populations In Streams, Haarika Hebbur

Honors Projects

Due to the ecological importance of both mussel and algal populations, understanding their interactions is critical for further studies in the field. This literature review will explore the functions of both organisms within stream ecosystems, followed by an observational study. The study is designed to evaluate the potential interactions between algal biomass and mussel populations using chlorophyll a concentration as a tool for algal abundance measurement.

The Role Of Fitness Influencers In Shaping Hegemonic Masculinity Among Young Men, Ali Al Zamle

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This study analyzes how fitness influencers on social media shape perceptions of hegemonic masculinity among young men. By examining content from influencers like Jay Cutler and Noel Dyzel, as well as insights from interviews, this research investigates the psychological and physical effects of adhering to idealized masculine body standards. The findings reveal that influencers reinforce traditional masculine norms but also offer alternative, more inclusive representations of strength and vulnerability. This analysis contributes to our understanding of how digital fitness culture influences young men's body image and mental health.

The Effects Of Physical Education On The Well-Being And Academics Of Elementary School Students, Maria Melendez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone examines the vital role of physical education in schools, highlighting its profound impact on students' academic success and overall well-being. Despite its importance, many districts have recently reduced physical education programs, negatively affecting students' well-being and academic performance, particularly in elementary schools. This study aims to demonstrate the necessity of physical education in elementary schools for facilitating students' well-being and academic achievement through a comprehensive review of existing literature and interviews.

Teaching New Mothers The Importance Of Prenatal And Postnatal Nutrition, Brisa Villa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many pregnant women are unaware of the significant impact that prenatal and postnatal malnutrition can have on both their health and their baby's development. Prenatal and postnatal malnutrition can affect pregnancy, childhood, and even adulthood. According to Barker (1997), prenatal malnutrition puts the baby at a high risk for heart disease, low-birth weight, high blood pressure, stillbirth, and many more long-term health issues. To address the issue of prenatal and postnatal malnutrition, I created a two-day workshop for new mothers on how to identify consequences of malnutrition during and after pregnancy, understanding appropriate portion sizes across different food groups and …

Soil Dynamics In Carbon, Nitrogen, And Enzyme Activity Under Maize–Green Manure Cropping Sequences, Cassio Hamilton Abreu-Junior, Wanderley José De Melo, Roberto Alves De Oliveira, Paulo Henrique Silveira Cardoso, Raíssa De Araujo Dantas, Rodrigo Nogueira De Sousa, Dalila Lopes Da Silva, Thiago Assis Rodrigues Nogueira, Arun Dilipkumar Jani, Gian Franco Capra, Gabriel Maurício Peruca De Melo

Biology, Agriculture and Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The diversification of cropping sequences has a positive impact on soil organic carbon, while improving nutrient cycling and crop yields. The objective of this research was to assess amylase, cellulase, C and N dynamics, and maize yield on a low fertility oxisol in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was conducted under field conditions during three maize crop succession cycles. The treatments consisted of cultivating maize during the summer, after sorghum and lablab cropped as green manure and fallow during the winter. Higher maize yields were achieved by sorghum–maize succession compared to monocropping, due to higher N fertilizer and biomass inputs …

Mission Possible: Motivating Students Toward High School Completion, Terri Howard

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Celebrated each spring, high school graduation yields many positive, long-term impacts on an individual’s life. These include better overall health, lower reliance on government resources, higher lifetime earnings, and eligibility for post-secondary educational opportunities (Levin et al., 2007; Rowley et al., 2011; McFarland et al., 2019; Uretsky, 2019). While the benefits of high school completion are clear, each year hundreds of students fail to meet diploma requirements. Autonomous motivation, both intrinsic motivation and integrated regulation, drives engagement in activities perceived as relevant to desired outcomes and is closely associated with positive academic performance, school persistence (Deci et al., 1991; Vallerand …

Analyzing Milled Rice Breakage Patterns Under Diverse Environmental Settings, Devisree Chukkapalli

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study comprehensively evaluates the effects of environmental conditions, transportation, and storage practices on the quality of milled rice using three cultivars: CLL16 (long grain pureline), XP753 (long grain hybrid), and Titan (medium grain pureline). Three distinct objectives guided the research: (1) assessing the impact of relative humidity (RH), temperature, and exposure duration on rice quality post-milling and post-storage; (2) analyzing seasonal and locational influences on rice quality during transportation and storage; and (3) investigating the effects of subfreezing storage on key quality attributes.
Under controlled environmental conditions, post-milling exposure (PME) caused significant quality degradation at higher RH (75% and …

Integrating Sustainability And Food Safety Through Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment And Life Cycle Assessment Of Low-Moisture Foods, Jessica Bain

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Food safety and sustainability are critical concerns in the food industry. However, these areas are often evaluated separately, leading to an incomplete understanding of the overall impact of food production on human health. This dissertation aims to integrate food safety with sustainability to provide a comprehensive assessment of the impact of low-moisture foods on human health, using the almond processing supply chain as a case study.

In addition to conducting life cycle assessments (LCA) of almond processing, wheat flour production, and dried apple processing, this dissertation aims to create a framework to bridge the gap between sustainability and food safety. …

Factors Contributing To Chronic Student Absenteeism In Low Socioeconomic Urban Elementary Schools: An Analysis Of Multiple Stakeholders’ Perspectives, Kellen D. Conaway

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine factors contributing to chronic student absenteeism in two lower socioeconomic urban elementary schools. This qualitative study was guided by two research questions: 1) What are stakeholders’ perspectives on chronic absenteeism at Mission and Lincoln Elementaries? and 2) What changes to practice or policy could improve attendance at Mission and Lincoln Elementaries? Research question one was answered via data collected from interviews with purposefully selected parents, teachers, administrators, social workers, and nurses. Analysis of interview data led to the identification of three themes which reflect stakeholders’ perspectives on chronic absenteeism at Mission and …