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Nutrient Intakes, Compliance With Recommendations And Key Sources In Women Of Child-Bearing Age (18-50 Y) In Ireland, Abigail O' Mahony

Theses

Women’s pre-conceptional health (including nutritional status) is important for both the health of the individual themselves and also for the lifelong health of any occurring offspring. However, it has been estimated that up to 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, thus optimal nutritional status is important for all women of child-bearing age (WCBA) not just those with pregnancy intentions. Despite the accumulation of evidence of the importance of nutritional status at this life-stage, nutrient recommendations for WCBA for the most part don’t differ from recommendations for other population groups. The notable exception to this is that all WCBA are recommended to …

Identification And Creation Of Novel Bacteriocins With Potential Food And Clinical Applications, David Lynch

Theses

Bacteriocins represent a heterogeneous group of small, ribosomal-synthesized, potent antibacterial peptides produced by bacteria, capable of inhibiting bacteria both closely related or indeed those from other genera than the producer. In addition to their role as food preservatives, bacteriocins have potent activity against medically significant pathogens and are considered attractive alternatives to antibiotics, due to their inherent heat stability, potency at nanomolar scale, resistance to proteases and low levels of acquired resistance in commercial applications. The aim of this thesis was to identify, purify and bioengineer novel bacteriocins from Staphylococcus and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), with a view to expanding …

Assessment Of Biosecurity Practices Adoption In Broiler Farms In East Africa: Case Study Of Pwani Region In Tanzania, Rogia Saïdath Adéline Gomez

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Broiler farming in Tanzania is an important poultry sub-sector, providing employment and the much-de- manded meat hence, contributing to the income and nutrition of the population. However, for small to medium-scale producers the profitability has been hampered by high incidences of diseases and costs associated with their control. This study aimed to assess the biosecurity practices adopted by broiler farmers in the Pwani region, Tanzania. A struc- tured questionnaire was administered to 78 broiler farmers complemented with on-site observations. Data collected were related to the socio-demographic characteristics, the structure of broiler farms, the level of biosecurity in the farms as …

Bibliometric Analysis Of The State Of Research On Agroecology Adoption And Methods Used For Its Assessment., Theodore Nikiema, Eugène C. Ezin, Sylvain Kpenavoun Chogou

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

As a sustainable and holistic approach to agriculture, agroecology has received considerable attention in recent years because of its potential to address the environmental, economic, and social challenges of agricultural systems. In order to identify key trends, influential authors, impactful journals, and emerging research themes surrounding the agroecological adoption topic, we performed a bibliometric analysis based on metadata from documents dealing with the topic and methods employed for its assessment over the period of January 1990 to July 2023, extracted from the Web of Science database. Based on the metadata of more than 1280 articles, our analyses show that the …

Nanoparticles In Soil Remediation: Challenges And Opportunities, Wei Wei New, Joseph Ekhebume Ogbezode, Paran Gani

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Nanoremediation emerges as a promising technology for mitigating soil contamination, encompassing various nanotechnology applications, including chemical degradation, Fenton-type oxidation, photocatalytic degradation, immobilization, and integration with bioremediation techniques like phytoremediation. In addressing soil pollution, the most extensively researched nanomaterials (NMs) are based on carbon, metal and metal oxide, nZVI, and other nanocomposites. Nevertheless, limitations accompany the use of NMs in soil remediation. To assess whether nanotechnology applications outweigh environmental threats, it is crucial to investigate potential effects of NMs on terrestrial vegetation, soil organisms, and human well-being. The impacts of NMs on ecology and the soil environment must be taken into …

Modeling Impacts Of Climate Change On The Geographic Distribution And Abundances Of Tamarindus Indica In Tigray Region, Ethiopia, Yirga Gufi, Ashenafi Manaye, Berihu Tesfamariam, Haftu Abrha Mengesha, Musse Tesfaye, Sibhatleab Hintsa

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Tamarindus indica is a multipurpose dry land species in sub-Saharan that is traditionally used to build resilience into the farming system. The species is highly threatened and listed on the IUCN Red List. However, information on how climatic condition locally influences its ecological distribution is limited. This study investigates the current and future suitable habitat for the species in the Tigray region, in northern Ethiopia. A total of 220 species presence points and the number of T. indica within a 50 m × 50 m plot were collected. In addition, 19 bioclimatic variables, 3 topographic variables and soil data …

Bioresources In Organic Farming: Implications For Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Akinlolu Olalekan Akanmu, Olumayowa Mary Olow, Austin Tenthani Phiri, Drocelle Nirere, Adeyinka John Odebode, Noëlla Josiane Karemera Umuhoza, Michael Dare Asemoloye, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Over the years, the practice of agriculture has transformed from the era of traditional to that of intensive agriculture in the bid to boost the production index that will satisfy the food needs of the globally growing population. However, the continuous and exaggerated use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has resulted in major adverse impacts on food and environmental safety, whereas most traditional techniques for reclamation of natural soil nutrients, including shifting cultivation and polyculture, are no longer attractive measures of land rejuvenation. There is, therefore, the need for urgent evaluation and adoption of innovative methods of replenishing the agricultural …

Geospatial Characterization Of Climate-Smart Agroforestry In Two Contrasting Physiographic Zones Of Rwanda, Donatien Ntawuruhunga, Edwin Estomii Ngowi, Halima Omari Mangi, Raymond John Salanga, Mashisia Shikuku

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Efficient use of rich natural resources notably land, is one of the most important indicators of economic progress. The unmatched population growth with production has triggered increased demand for food. Nations have prioritized sustainable agriculture as a coping strategy. Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) can be one of the options to increase productivity, income, and food security, and stabilize the environment. CSAF denotes a practiced farming system of combining trees with crops or animals (AF) evolved in practices to enhance productivity and feed the food-insecure people while coping with the adverse effects of climate change. This study investigates the land suitability for …

Bushmeat Consumption In Africa: A Microbiological Safety Challenge?, Gwladys Gloria Amen Ahouanse, Abdulsudi Issa-Zacharia, Nuria Majaliwa

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Objective: This review analyzed the microbiological safety of bushmeat consumed in Africa over the past decades. Methodology:Previous Studies mainly focused on large animals like antelopes and smaller ones like grasscutter. Most microbes studied were similar to those in domestic animal meat, except for rare pathogens such as Salmonella spp, E.coli. Sampling, experiments, and microbe prevalence varied among studies.Results:All studies confirmed the presence of zoonotic pathogens dangerous to human beings. Therefore, more investigations are needed, especially for the chronic and severe cases of pathogens, since only few studies have addressed the bushmeat's microbiological safety in Africa. Conclusion:Efforts should be made to …

Edible Insect Biodiversity And Anthropo-Entomophagy Practices In Kalehe And Idjwi Territories, D.R. Congo, Mercy Mmari, Marcellin C. Cokola, Ariel Buzera, Mercy Mmari, David Bugeme, Saliou Niassy, Karume Katcho, John Kinyuru

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Abstract Background: Located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (South-Kivu), Kalehe and Idjwi are two relatively unexplored territories with little to no research on edible insects even though anthropo-entomophagy practice is widespread. This study therefore aimed at exploring the biodiversity, perception, consumption, availability, host plants, harvesting techniques, and processing techniques of edible insects. Methods: Data were collected through a field survey using three techniques, namely structured interviews, direct observations, and insect collection and taxonomy. A total of 260 respondents, 130 in each territory, were interviewed. The field survey focused on inventorying commonly edible insects as well as recording consumer …

Econometric Modelling Of The Nexus Of Agricultural Policy And Food Security In Nigeria. A Dummy Variable Regression Approach, Ufedo Monday Shaibu, Umeh Jc, Abu Ga, Abu O, Is Egyir

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Sustainable food production is not negotiable if food security is to be achieved. Recent statistics show increasing food insecurity issues in Nigeria despite government policy and programmes in the agricultural sector. The study specifically described agriculture growth trend under three policy regimes and analysed the effects of agricultural sector policy on food security in Nigeria between 1960 and 2020. Secondary data on agricultural output, gross deficit financing, labour employed in the agricultural sector, land, and population were obtained from World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization Statistics (FAOSTAT), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and National …

Heat Stress Effects On Milk Yield Traits And Metabolites And Mitigation Strategies For Dairy Cattle Breeds Reared In Tropical And Sub-Tropical Countries, Vincent Habimana, Athumani Nguluma, Zabron Cuthibert Nziku, Gota Morota, Raphael Mrode, Sebastian Chenyambuga

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Heat stress is an important problem for dairy industry in many parts of the world owing to its adverse effects on productivity and profitability. Heat stress in dairy cattle is caused by an increase in core body temperature, which affects the fat production in the mammary gland. It reduces milk yield, dry matter intake, and alters the milk composition, such as fat, protein, lactose, and solids-not-fats percentages among others. Understanding the biological mechanisms of climatic adaptation, identifying and exploring signatures of selection, genomic diversity and identification of candidate genes for heat tolerance within indicine and taurine dairy breeds is an …

The Use Of Reframing: Increasing The Importance Of Lifestyle Medicine, Molly R Vega, Saad Nadeem, Elizabeth M Vaughan, Craig A Johnston

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Lifestyle behavior modification is an essential component to prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases worldwide. For the last 40 years, studies have recognized that there is suboptimal training of physicians in lifestyle medicine and its implementation in clinical settings. The lack of nutrition and exercise counseling occurring in the medical office does not reflect the high level of evidence supporting its use. Lifestyle behavior counseling is complex; as are the individualized needs of patients. Therefore, we suspect that the lack of knowledge in nutrition and exercise prescriptions are not the only barriers to providing optimal care. Reframing lifestyle medicine interventions …

Gene-Environment Interactions Underlying The Etiology Of Neural Tube Defects, Carlo Donato Caiaffa, Cristiane Sá Roriz Fonteles, Lei Yunping, Richard H Finnell

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Neural tube defects (NTDs) consist of severe structural malformations of the brain and spinal cord and are the second most common structural birth defect in humans, accounting for approximately 2700 affected pregnancies every year in the United States. These numbers are highly significant, considering that birth defects remain a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, affecting approximately 120,000 babies born annually. Survivors of these congenital malformations face long-term disability and lifelong challenges imposed by severe physical burdens compromising the afflicted individual's overall quality of life. Clearly, birth defects, and especially NTDs remain a global public health challenge, …

Nanocurcumin Combined With Insulin Alleviates Diabetic Kidney Disease Through P38/P53 Signaling Axis, Raghu Ganugula, Nikhil K Nuthalapati, Subhash Dwivedi, Dianxiong Zou, Meenakshi Arora, Richard Friend, David Sheikh-Hamad, Rita Basu, M N V Ravi Kumar

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Treatments for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) mainly focus on managing hyperglycemia and hypertension, but emerging evidence suggests that inflammation also plays a role in the pathogenesis of DKD. This 10-week study evaluated the efficacy of daily oral nanoparticulate-curcumin (nCUR) together with long-acting insulin (INS) to treat DKD in a rodent model. Diabetic rats were dosed with unformulated CUR alone, nCUR alone or together with INS, or INS alone. The progression of diabetes was reflected by increases in plasma fructosamine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, bilirubin, ALP, and decrease in albumin and globulins. These aberrancies were remedied by nCUR+INS or INS but …

Correlation Between Proteome Changes And Synchrony Of Cardiac Electrical Excitation Under 3-Day «Dry Immersion» Conditions, L H Pastushkova, A G Goncharova, V B Rusanov, A M Nosovsky, D N Kashirina, O V Popova, I M Larina

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Gluteus Maximus Activation And Running Economy In Recreational Distance Runners, Carlos Hernandez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Within the running community, there are strategies that a trainer will utilize to improve the performance of an athlete. One of these strategies suggests that an increase in activation of the Gluteus Maximus (GM) muscle will result in an increase in the efficiency of runners. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between GM activation and running economy (RE).

Methods: Three female and seven male recreational runners (27±8 yrs) from California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt and the local community. A Pearson product-correlation was used to determine the strength of the relationship between Gluteus Maximus activation and …

Severity Of Post-Traumatic Stress And Non-Medical, Concomitant Opioid And Benzodiazepine Use In A Sample Of Women At High Risk Of Overdose, Catherine Tomko, Kristin E. Schneider, Danielle Friedman Nestadt, Jessica L. Zemlak, Susan G. Sherman

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Women who exchange sex and use opioids experience substantial post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Among veterans, PTSD increases the risk of concomitant opioid-benzodiazepine use, increasing overdose risk, but this relationship is underexplored in other at-risk populations. We examined correlates of non-medical benzodiazepine use among a cohort of women who exchange sex and use opioids daily (N = 270) in Baltimore, MD. PTSD symptom severity was measured by the full PCL-5 (possible range: 0–80, categorized by tertile as low, medium, high) and four symptom-specific subscales. The prevalence of benzodiazepine use was 27% and the median PCL-5 score was 34. In …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of An Oral Probiotic To Reduce Antepartum Group B Streptococcus Colonization And Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Lisa Hanson, Leona Vandevusse, Marie Forgie, Emily Malloy, Maharaj Singh, Maryanne Scherer, Diana Kleber, Jonah Dixon, Andrew J. Hryckowian, Nasia Safdar

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

BACKGROUND

Probiotics have been suggested as a strategy to reduce antenatal group B Streptococcus colonization. Although probiotics are known to improve gastrointestinal symptoms, this has not been studied during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic to reduce: (1) standard-of-care antenatal group B Streptococcus colonization and colony counts and (2) gastrointestinal symptoms of pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

In a double-blind fashion, 109 healthy adult pregnant people were randomized to Florajen3 probiotic or placebo capsules once daily from 28 weeks’ gestation until labor onset. Baseline vaginal and rectal study swabs for group B Streptococcus colony-forming units and …

Sickle Cell Virtual Support Group Program For Adults: An Implementation Evaluation, Dora L. Clayton-Jones, Lee Za Ong, Abir K. Bekhet, Weneaka D. Jones, Elodie Ontala, James Griffin, Ethlean Peacock, Kristin Haglund

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with medical and psychosocial challenges. SCD in adulthood is characterized by increased morbidity and mortality, vulnerability, inadequate self-management preparation, and limited social support. This study evaluated the implementation of a virtual support group during the COVID-19 pandemic using an intervention parameters framework evaluation. Participants included six adults living with SCD. Content analysis was conducted for each of the six intervention parameters, and satisfaction scores were summarized. Participants positively evaluated all intervention parameters of the virtual support group. Findings confirmed that a community-engaged intervention supports self-management and establishes key social networks for adult participants.

Physical Activity, Inflammation, And Physical Function In Older Adults: Results From The Health & Retirement Study, Jeanne L. Hlebichuk, Randall J. Gretebeck, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal, Linda B. Piacentine, Maharaj Singh, Kimberlee A. Gretebeck

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Physical function declines with aging due to physical and biological changes. The biological process of aging has been associated with increases in systemic inflammation and a greater risk for chronic conditions. In older adults, physical activity aids in maintenance of function. However, the influence of inflammatory biomarkers and adiposity on physical activity and physical function needs to be further explored. Methods: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis from Wave 13 of the Health & Retirement Study (HRS) core biennial data and Venous Blood Study (VBS) was conducted. Structural equation modeling was used to establish the model and test the relationships. Results: …

Exploring The Feasibility Of Intrapartum Gbs Collection To Identify Residual Gbs In A Pilot Study Of An Antenatal Probiotic Intervention, Emily Malloy, Lisa Hanson, Leona Vandevusse, Karen Robinson, Maharaj Singh, Marie Forgie

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background: We aimed to explore the feasibility of collecting intrapartum maternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization and immediate post-birth neonatal GBS colonization cultures for use in a larger trial and to identify cases of residual GBS, which were hypothesized to be less common in the probiotics group.

Methods: This sub-study added additional outcome measures to the parent study to identify intrapartum and neonatal colonization and compare between probiotic and placebo groups and to identify cases of residual GBS. Intrapartum maternal vaginal and rectal GBS cultures were collected at the time of admission to a hospital for labor and to give …

Large-Scale Network Connectivity And Cognitive Function Changes After Exercise Training In Older Adults With Intact Cognition And Mild Cognitive Impairment, Junyeon Won, Kristy A. Nielson, J. Carson Smith

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

Despite growing evidence regarding the association between exercise training (ET) and functional brain network connectivity, little is known about the effects of ET on large-scale within- and between-network functional connectivity (FC) of core brain networks.

Objective:

We investigated the effects of ET on within- and between-network functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and salience network (SAL) in older adults with intact cognition (CN) and older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The association between ET-induced changes in FC and cognitive performance was examined.

Methods:

33 older adults (78.0±7.0 years; 16 MCI and 17 …

Optimizing Human Performance In Extreme Environments Through Precision Medicine: From Spaceflight To High-Performance Operations On Earth, Michael A Schmidt, Jeffrey A Jones, Christopher E Mason

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Humans operating in extreme environments often conduct their operations at the edges of the limits of human performance. Sometimes, they are required to push these limits to previously unattained levels. As a result, their margins for error in execution are much smaller than that found in the general public. These same small margins for error that impact execution may also impact risk, safety, health, and even survival. Thus, humans operating in extreme environments have a need for greater refinement in their preparation, training, fitness, and medical care. Precision medicine (PM) is uniquely suited to address the needs of those engaged …

Sex-Specific Associations Between Urinary Bisphenols Concentrations During Pregnancy And Problematic Child Behaviors At Age 2 Years, Sarah Dee Geiger, Salma Musaad, Jennifer Hill, Andréa Aguiar, Susan Schantz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Effects of prenatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on child behavior are mixed with some reports suggesting increased problematic behaviors in girls (e.g., aggression and emotional reactivity) and in boys (i.e., externalizing behaviors), while other reports suggest decreased problematic behaviors in girls. Little is known about the potential impact of pregnancy bisphenol S (BPS) exposure on child behavior. In a prospective cohort study (n=68), five maternal spot urine samples collected across pregnancy were pooled and analyzed for BPA and BPS. Child behavior at 2 years was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Linear regression models were used to assess associations …

Paternal Investment And Young Adults’ Commitment Readiness, Peter G. Messmore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

The current study examined the association between retrospectively recalled paternal investment and current levels of commitment readiness in young adults. Various aspects of the participants’ relationship with their fathers during childhood were measured in a sample of 250 undergraduate students. Participants were also asked questions about how ready they are to be involved in a committed romantic relationship. The results did not support the main hypotheses: there were no significant associations between retrospectively recalled paternal investment and commitment readiness. Exploratory analyses revealed that attachment avoidance was significantly negatively correlated with both paternal investment, including measures of nurturant fathering and father …

Suaeda Linearis An Emerging Superfood Sea Vegetable: Evaluating Plant Biomass Production And Mineral Content Using Four Harvest Frequencies, Amanda Ruth Matthews

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Suaeda linearis is an edible halophyte crop with nutraceutical properties that is native to Florida. This study investigated how the biomass production and mineral content of aquacultured S. linearis was affected by harvest frequency during a 10-week period using four different harvest treatments. Under the first treatment (T1) plants received zero intermittent harvests, the second (T2) received harvests every five weeks, the third (T3) received harvests every 3.3 weeks, and the fourth (T4) received harvests every 2.5 weeks. The results indicate that biomass production and mineral content were both strongly affected by harvest treatment. Intermittent harvesting decreased biomass production and …

Tackling Bias, Privacy, And Scarcity Challenges In Health Data Analytics, Shuwen Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Health data analysis has emerged as a critical domain with immense potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, disease management, and medical research. However, it is confronted by formidable challenges, including sample bias, data privacy concerns, and the cost and scarcity of labeled data. These challenges collectively impede the development of accurate and robust machine learning models for various healthcare applications, from disease diagnosis to treatment recommendations. Sample bias and specificity refer to the inherent challenges in working with health datasets that may not be representative of the broader population or may exhibit disparities in their distributions. These biases can significantly impact …

The Lived Experience Of Older Nepalese Women With Urinary Incontinence, Somi Panday

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Urinary incontinence (UI) poses a significant challenge for women across different cultures, as their diverse perceptions of UI impact their decision-making and choices, which are influenced by personal beliefs and preferences. Although research on women's experiences with urinary incontinence has shown substantial progress, encompassing various cultural contexts, more studies are still needed to examine cultural factors and employ the framework of transcultural nursing theory. Additionally, limited research has explored the experiences of older women with urinary incontinence in Nepal. This descriptive phenomenological study aims to explore the lived experience of older Nepalese women dealing with urinary incontinence. By applying the …

The Unfiltered Raw Public Cyborgs That Drink Raw Breast Milk, Nannette Marie Mudafort

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

The commodification of the female body is a vital concern that can be seen throughout history from the rhetoric consumed by societies. This thesis will give a rhetorical analysis of the websites of the milk banks of Prolacta Bioscience, Medolac, and The Human Milk Banking Association of North America. This will demonstrate how commodification, erasure, and disembodiment occurs to the mothers who donate their milk. I will examine how each organization offers up mothers, their milk, and infants as complete separate entities. My argument will propose a new metaphor I will define as the unfiltered raw public. I will demonstrate …