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Language Embeddings Meet Shallow Autoencoders, Rodrigo Alves, Vojtěch Vančura, Pavel Kordík, Antoine Ledent

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Shallow autoencoders are appealing recommenders due to their simplicity, scalability, and competitive retrieval quality, but they struggle in strict cold-start settings where new items have no interactions. We propose an inductive shallow autoencoder that leverages item side information (language embeddings) by fixing the decoder to item features and learning only an encoder in the same semantic space. To prevent trivial self-reconstruction without enforcing a hard zero diagonal, we introduce diagonal gating: a leave-one-item-out objective that blocks the self-copy shortcut only for the item being updated while retaining context from the rest of the user history. An alternating-style optimization trains the …

Assessing Shifts In Research Priority Areas From The Neurological Community Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Leah Dempsey, Travis Cruickshank, Mitchell Turner, Manja Laws, Danielle Bartlett, Barby Singer, Onno Van Der Groen, Moira Sim, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: People living with a neurological condition face many difficulties in daily life, impacting their function and quality of life (QoL). There is currently no cure to many neurological conditions, therefore identifying interventions to improve QoL is of high importance. COVID-19 changed society in many ways and understanding the research priorities from the neurological community post pandemic is urgently needed to ensure resources are used efficiently and aligned with the needs and priorities of the community. To better understand the priority areas, it is essential for individuals with lived experience to have input into priority areas for research. Therefore, the …

Global, Regional And National Burden Of Maternal Haemorrhage (2000–2021) And Projections To 2050 In 204 Countries And Territories, Mulat Ayele, Bereket Duko, Tenaw Tiruye, Paul R. Ward, Lillian Mwanri, Gavin Pereira, Tegene Atamenta Kitaw, Biruk Beletew Abate, Eyob Shitie Lake, Abebaw Alamrew, Aynalem Yetwale, Gizachew Yilak, Befkad Derese Tilahun, Chalie Mulugeta, Tadele Emagneneh, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To estimate the global, regional and national burden of maternal haemorrhage (2000–2021) and its 2050 projections in 204 countries and territories. Design: This study systematic analysis of the burden of maternal haemorrhage sourced data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. We estimated the incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs) and years of life lost (YLLs) due to maternal haemorrhage. Changes in the burden from 2000 to 2021 were computed using AAPC. To detect statistically notable changes in the trends of maternal haemorrhage metrics between 2000 and 2021, Joinpoint regression analysis using …

Recruitment And Retention Of Rural-Dwelling Young Adults Into A Digital Healthy Eating Intervention: Lessons Learned From A Randomized Controlled Trial Of The Veg4me Study, Katherine M. Livingstone, Stephanie R. Partridge, Jonathan C. Rawstorn, Kathleen M. Dullaghan, Yuxin Zhang, Stephanie L. Godrich, Sarah A. Mcnaughton, Gilly A. Hendrie, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Ralph Maddison, John C. Mathers, Laura Alston

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/objectives: The study aimed to identify the key methodological challenges and solutions related to recruitment and retention of rural-dwelling young adults into a randomized controlled trial that tests the feasibility of a digital healthy eating intervention (Veg4Me). Methods: Digital registration for a 12-week study was set up as a one-step process without researcher involvement. Participant registrations and recruitment rates were monitored daily using predetermined online preventative measures to identify fraudulent responses and to amend the digital registration process where necessary. Retention rates were monitored daily to identify any necessary amendments to the follow-up protocol. Results: During data collection, n = …

Sporadic Appetites: Unearthing The Fungal Diets Of Two Mycophagous Mammals Across An Australian Climate Gradient, Rebecca J. Quah, Saul J. Cowen, Robert A. Davis, Harriet R. Mills, Anna J.M. Hopkins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Translocating threatened ecosystem engineers may offer the dual benefit of contributing to species conservation and ecosystem restoration. Boodies (burrowing bettong; Bettongia lesueur) and woylies (brush-tailed bettong; Bettongia ogilbyi) are threatened mycophagous marsupials known for their crucial role in ecosystem health through fungal dispersal and bioturbation. As part of restoration efforts across Australia, these bettong species are frequently targeted for translocations, where a better understanding of their fungal dietary requirements is essential for ensuring their resource requirements are met and in predicting their ecological contributions to recipient ecosystems. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding to study the fungal diets of boodies and …

The Effect Of Boosting Dietary Lactobacillus And Phytochemical Rich Foods On Biomarkers Of Longevity—A Phase Ii Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial, Robert J. Thomas, Madeleine Williams, Jeffrey W.F. Aldous, Stacey A. Kenfield, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As men age, systemic inflammation increases, whereas grip strength (GS) and testosterone levels tend to fall. This rate of decline is known to be influenced by gut microbial health, lifestyle and diet but the role for interventions to slow this decline are less well established. This double-blind randomised controlled trial evaluated the impact, and explored the synergistic potential, of boosting phytochemical rich foods and Lactobacillus probiotics on these physical and biological markers. Two hundred and eight men with untreated early prostate cancer managed with observation only (average age 74 years) received a phytochemical rich supplement (PRS) containing concentrated broccoli, green …

The Life Study: A Cross-Sectional Study Protocol For Lifestyle Risk Factors For Chronic Disease Across The Stages Of Reproductive Ageing, Laura E. Pernoud, Jamie L. Noll, Paul A. Gardiner, Melinda Dean, Kathryn M. Broadhouse, Meegan Anne Walker, Hattie H. Wright, Anthony Villani, Joseph Scott, Alexandra P. Metse, Mia A. Schaumberg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The dynamic physiological and hormonal changes through the menopause transition predispose women to an increased risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, depression and dementia. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, yet it is thought that chronic systemic inflammation and changes to lifestyle behaviours play important roles. The LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing (LIFE study) is a cross-sectional study aimed to characterise how hormonal and lifestyle (physical activity, diet and sleep) differences across pre, peri and postmenopause influence chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity, cognitive function and sleep health. Methods and analysis: …

Screening Tools For Maternal Mental Health In Africa: A Systematic Review, Joyce Jebet, Irene Mageto, Benard Mutwiri, Abednego Ongeso, Ruth Wagathu, Rose Maina, Denis Munene, Kawira Kithuci, Peter Gatiti

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background:

Maternal health during pregnancy and the postnatal period encompasses mental health, which is a key aspect in enhancing a positive outcome. Despite screening for other possible complications during pregnancy and the postnatal period, very little attention has been paid to screening for mental health. Screening is a key tool in early diagnosis and, eventually, timely diagnosis and management in cases where complications arise.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the available maternal mental health screening tools and compare the outcome on their utilization during pregnancy and postnatal periods in the African continent.

Methodology:

This was a …

The Impact Of Economic Stability On Diagnostic Timing Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Children, Leslie Box Simms

ETDs from 2020-2029

Diagnosis of neurodevelopmental delays in children, including autism spectrum disorder, is an often lengthy and burdensome process, potentially placing children with economic instability at risk for diagnostic delay. The first aim of this dissertation was to explore the impact of economic stability on diagnostic timing of autism spectrum disorder via a scoping review of the literature. Papers were summarized by study design, data sourcing, handling of variables, statistical methodology, and the effect of economic stability factors on diagnostic timing of autism. Income and healthcare insurance were the most frequently employed measures of economic stability, with transportation, housing, and food security …

Aging Like A Pro: Altering Health Behavior Motivation Through Community Education Programs, Susan Eva Fox-Rosellini

ETDs from 2020-2029

ABSTRACT Population aging presents significant public health challenges, particularly in preventing cognitive decline and maintaining functional independence among older adults. Today in the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that about 40% of people aged 65 or older have age-associated memory issues. That number is expected to more than double by 2060. Community-based education programs can represent a scalable strategy to influence behavior modification that may be linked to successful cognitive aging. This dissertation evaluated the Aging Like A Pro (ALP) community education program that focused on key aspects of health: sleep, mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness, encouraging …

The Association Of Motherhood And Maternal-Related Life Events And Cardiovascular-Related Health, Disease Events, And Mortality, Taishayla Mckitt

ETDs from 2020-2029

More than 40% of U.S. women have cardiovascular disease (CVD), and nearly half have at least one major risk factor. Sparse evidence exists related to the role of childrearing (regardless of prior pregnancy) on CVD. A recent literature review highlighted the influence of reproduction on CVD and health and identified opportunities for advancement. At present, it has yet to be discovered from prospective epidemiologic studies the extent to which parenting and maternal events have influence on cardiovascular health and clinical events. It has been demonstrated that parous women have greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., short sleep duration and …

Balancing Act: How Graduate Student Mothers Navigate Dual Roles, Jessica Seymour

ETDs from 2020-2029

Graduate student mothers represent a growing but often overlooked population within higher education. While research has examined the experiences of undergraduate student parents, significantly less attention has been given to graduate students who balance academic responsibilities with motherhood. This study explores the experiences of graduate student mothers enrolled at public four-year institutions, focusing on the institutional, financial, and social barriers that shape their academic success and participation in campus life. Using a phenomenological approach, this research seeks to understand how graduate student mothers navigate the dual roles of parenting and pursuing advanced degrees. The study employs a Borderland Theoretical Framework …

Electrophysiological Retinal Changes In Aging And Its Implication In Alzheimer’S Disease, Samuel Jacob Haskins

ETDs from 2020-2029

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most expensive and fatal diseases facing medical practitioners to this day. According to the CDC, statistics show that it is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. In addition to fatalities, there is a tremendous financial and emotional cost of dementia to the patient and surrounding caregivers. Improved screening techniques and new treatments for this disease are a priority of several institutes within the NIH. Early detection and early intervention are critical to improve the outcomes of patients worldwide. Amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) are two of the most important protein aggregates …

Bridging Gaps In Federally Qualified Health Centers: Examining Enabling Services And Their Role On Care Delivery, Shanequa Roscoe-Nelson

ETDs from 2020-2029

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are a vital provider of comprehensive healthcare for vulnerable and underserved communities. They serve populations that are disproportionately impacted by chronic health conditions and socioeconomic related barriers to healthcare. To provide adequate support and reduce barriers faced by patients, some FQHCs deliver not only primary and preventative care but also a range of enabling services. These enabling services range from providing transportation to health education and case management. This dissertation includes three studies that examine how environmental conditions are related to the use of enabling services in FQHCs, the relationship between enabling services and process …

Enhancing The Downtown Slo Farmers’ Market Experience, Nicole D. Cung

Graphic Communication

The Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market is a popular weekly event that attracts residents, students, families, and visitors. However, attendees often face challenges such as locating vendors, accessing product information, and navigating crowded areas.

This senior project builds upon a previous team project completed alongside Sameeha Siraj and Michelle Kim. The original project focused on identifying user needs and developing a mobile application concept to improve the market experience. For this senior project, the concept was expanded and refined through additional design development, user experience improvements, and usability evaluation.

Using research gathered through surveys, interviews, and observations, the project …

The Putative Role Of Oral Microbiome In Premature Aging During Hiv Infection: What Do We Know?, Carlos Solá-Morlá, Daphne Alcalá-Zúñiga, Juan Araujo, Maria Da Gloria Bonecini-Almeida, Upal Roy, Josué Pérez-Santiago

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Despite improvements in life expectancy, people with HIV (PWH) are at risk of developing HIV-associated comorbidities at a younger age when compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. This premature aging process can be attributed to various factors, such as the prolonged exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), inflammation, microbial perturbances and oxidative stress. Similarly to the gut, oral dysbiosis occurs in HIV-1 infection, with cART and inflammation playing a crucial role. This gives rise to an enrichment of pathogenic microorganisms that in turn, elicit an immune response tied to chronic inflammation. Consequently, cART exposure, dysbiosis and persistent inflammation in HIV-1 infection have …

Exploring Racial And Ethnic Diversity Trajectories And Diabetes Prevalence In The United States, Jiue-An Yang, Calvin P Tribby, Anna Dmowska, Qian Xiao, Marta M Jankowska

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study investigates whether long-term changes in neighborhood racial and ethnic diversity are associated with adult diabetes prevalence across the contiguous United States. We calculated diversity indexes for US census tracts (n = 72,033) using decennial census data from 1990 to 2020. Five diversity trajectory clusters were identified using K-means clustering. Diabetes prevalence in 2019 was obtained from the CDC's PLACES dataset. Linear mixed models (LMMs) assessed global associations between diversity trajectories and diabetes prevalence, adjusting for age, sex, poverty, marital status, and public insurance. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) examined local variations in these associations. Compared to the reference group …

4-H Summerfest Animal Premium Book, Extension

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Implementation And Assessment Of A Postreprocessing Endoscope Surveillance Program At The University Of Kentucky, 2019-2024, Court Desmond, Faith Fursman, Derek Forster, Julie A. Ribes, Sandra L. Mills, Kimberly Blanton, Kevin Hatton, Rachel Howard, David Olafsson, Sean Mctigue, Nicholas Van Sickels, Sherese Hinton, Deborah R. Flomenhoft, Takaaki Kobayashi

Surgery Faculty Publications

We evaluated an endoscope surveillance culture program at a tertiary academic center from 2019-2024. Postreprocessing culture positivity was highest for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (25.9%). Carbapenem-resistant organism matches between endoscope and patient isolates occurred in 5% of positive cultures.

Cal Poly Rodeo Program, Keith J. Johnson

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

The purpose of this project was to evaluate and improve livestock welfare practices within the Cal Poly Rodeo Program while supporting the program's core values of student success, western heritage, and program excellence. Livestock play a critical role in collegiate rodeo by providing educational opportunities, athletic competition, and hands-on learning experiences for students. As public awareness of animal welfare continues to increase, rodeo programs must demonstrate responsible stewardship and ethical animal management practices.

This project assessed current livestock management procedures, identified areas for improvement, and implemented educational and operational strategies designed to enhance animal health and welfare. Key performance indicators …

Association Of Insulin Resistance And Fracture Risk In The Osteoporotic Fractures In Men (Mros) Cohort, Jeonghoon Ha, Li-Yung Lui, Kristine Ensrud, Qian Xiao, Andrew R Hoffman, Joy Y Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Context: Insulin resistance (IR) is more prevalent in men than in women, but evidence directly linking IR to fracture risk in older men remains limited.

Objective: To evaluate the association between insulin resistance (IR), estimated using the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, and fracture risk in older men.

Methods: Data from 5994 men (≥65 years) in the MrOS cohort were analyzed. A total of 5416 participants were included in the HOMA-IR analysis and 5384 in the TyG index analysis. Fractures were self-reported and confirmed radiographically. Participants were grouped into quartiles based on IR …

Age And Sex Affect The Prevalence And Severity Of Periodontal Conditions In An Academic Setting, Karo Parsegian, Nikolaos Soldatos, Tonia C Carter, Nikola Angelov, Neel Shimpi, Krishna Kumar Kookal, David K Okano, Effie Ioannidou

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The aim of the present study was to examine whether age and sex affected the prevalence and severity of periodontal conditions in patients attending an academic dental clinic.

Methods: Electronic health record (EHR) data on the demographic characteristics and periodontal conditions of patients presented for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation were extracted from the institutional dental EHR database. Retrospective analysis of independent associations of age, sex, and other subject characteristics with periodontal conditions was determined using multinomial logistic regression. The null hypothesis stating that age and sex were not associated with the increased prevalence and/or severity of periodontal conditions was …

June 2026, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

• Fitness and Hydration Month

• Stress Management Tips for Bulldogs

• Bulldog Resources

• HYDRATION TRACKER

Assessing Family Planning Progress In Exemplar Countries: Development Of A Conceptual Framework And Case Study Methodology, Zahid Memon, Hina Najmi, Abeer Mian, Sacha Ahmad, Muhammad Islam, Kevin Samuel, Marleen Temmerman, Ali Mohammad Mir, Zeba Sathar

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Family planning (FP) is a critical component of reproductive health, enabling individuals to plan the number and timing of children through various contraceptive methods.

We outline the conceptual framework and country case study methodology used by the Exemplars in Family Planning (EFP) project. This was based on the wider Exemplars in Global Health programme, which uses mixed-methods to examine determinants of FP progress in countries that exceed expectations for health outcomes. The EFP project integrates findings from case studies on six such countries, including quantitative analyses of trends and drivers of modern contraceptive prevalence, systematic reviews, policy, programme and financing …

Independent And Combined Effects Of Early-Life Iron Deficiency And Antibiotic Exposure On Growth And Hematological Outcomes In A Piglet Model, Ginger M. Fitzpatrick

Master's Theses

Iron deficiency (ID) affects over 2 billion individuals globally. Children under 5 are at increased risk of ID due to rapid growth and are especially vulnerable to its negative consequences because of iron’s essential role in cognitive development and immune maturation. ID is the leading cause of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), with IDA affecting approximately 40% of children in this age group. Antibiotic (abx) exposure is also prevalent during early life and may disrupt growth and through gut dysbiosis, with increasing use posing additional risk in younger populations. Geographically, there is overlap in regions with high anemia prevalence and those …

Effects Of Irrigation And Nitrogen Management On Yield And Leaching Risk In Organic And Conventional Broccoli Fields, Shane Egerstrom

Master's Theses

Under regulatory pressures to reduce groundwater contamination by nitrate from fertilizer, such as those posed by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Agricultural Order 4.0, a need exists to better understand interactions between irrigation and nitrogen (N) management. To increase N use efficiency (NUE), growers are encouraged to account for additional sources of N in their management plans, such as irrigation water N and preplant soil N. The availability of these N sources for plant uptake and how it is affected by other management conditions is not yet well documented. We conducted 6 field trials, 3 organic and …

Weaning Stress Induced Alterations To The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid And -Adrenal Axes In Swine, Isabel B. Walpole, Alyssa A. Smith, Kaylyn G. Rudy, Dayeon Jeon, J. Scott Radcliffe, J. Alex Pasternak

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Combined modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axes is known to play a critical role in maintaining physiological stability in response to stress. In this study, stress induced modulation of these axes was examined using 20 pigs/treatment either weaned (WN), weaned with feed/water restriction 9 h (FR), transported 9 h (TRANS), or remaining with sow (SOS) and euthanized at 32 or 56 h post-weaning. Serum cortisol, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) were measured before weaning and after 24, 32, and 56 h with no difference in cortisol concentrations among treatments at any timepoint. However, both T3 and T4 …

Assessing Aflatoxin Knowledge, Perceptions, And Related Practices, In A Rural Coastal Community: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey, Rosebella Iseme, Joseph Abuodha, Anthony Ngugi, Innocent Abayo, Mansoor Saleh

Population Health, East Africa

Background

Aflatoxin contamination is a significant yet under-addressed food safety challenge in low-resource settings, driven by a complex interplay of environmental, agricultural, and socio-economic factors. Limited access to agricultural inputs, inadequate post-harvest handling and storage, and weak regulatory enforcement alongside food scarcity and climate change heighten the risk of contamination and exposure. Human exposure is associated with serious health consequences, including hepatocellular carcinoma, immune suppression, and childhood stunting. Although aflatoxin is increasingly recognized as a global food safety concern, little is known about community-level knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices. This study examined household heads’ awareness, perceptions, and behaviours related …

The International Glossary On Infertility And Fertility Care, 2025†., Fernando Zegers-Hochschild, Silke Dyer, G David Adamson, Valerie Baker, Kurt Barnhart, Siladitya Bhattacharya, Clare Boothroyd, Georgina Chambers, Jacques De Mouzon, Eman Elgindy, Bart Fauser, Karin Hammarberg, Marcos Horton, Osamu Ishihara, Seung Chik Jwa, Mohamed Khrouf, Markus Kupka, Dolores J. Lamb, Martha Luna, A Gustavo Martinez, Brent Monseur, Peter Nagy, Anja Pinborg, Catherine Racowsky, Laura Rienzi, Peter Schlegel, Lone Schmidt, Lan Ngoc Vuong, Tari Turner, Mónica Hebe Vázquez-Levin, Ibrahim Wada, Dagan Wells, Christine Wyns

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

STUDY QUESTION: What updates of the International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care are required, to reflect contemporary scientific knowledge, social needs, and inclusive definitions, while harmonizing international communication across clinical, research, policy, and public domains?

SUMMARY ANSWER: This 4th edition presents 348 consensus-based terms and definitions, including numerous revisions from the previous edition and 79 newly introduced definitions reflecting advances in reproductive science, technology, and evolving social contexts.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Previous glossary editions (2006, 2009, 2017) established internationally recognized definitions related to clinical practice, research, and policy. The 2017 edition comprised 283 terms and, among many others, …

Partial Insect-Based Meal Inclusion In The Diets Of Ross® 308 Broilers Upregulates Growth And Immune Related Genes, Victor K. Rotich, Isaac M. Osuga, Mathew G. Gicheha, Shaphan Y. Chia, Jandouwe Villinger, Anderson N. Maina, Jinhua Xiao, Dennis Beesigamukama, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This work investigated the effects of black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal (BSFLM) on growth- and immune-related gene expression in Ross 308 broilers. Birds were fed diets containing soybean meal (SBM), fishmeal (FM), combinations with BSFLM, or BSFLM alone. Growth, organ weights, immune genes [interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrotic factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)] and growth-related genes [chicken growth hormone (cGH), insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1)] expression were measured. Our results demonstrate that birds fed FM+BSFLM had significantly higher final liveweight, average daily weight gain (ADG), and low feed conversion ratio. Birds fed FM+BSFLM showed highest …