Digital Commons Network^™

A Deep Learning Model Compression And Ensemble Approach For Weed Detection, Martinson Ofori, Omar El-Gayar, Austin O'Brien

Research & Publications

Site-specific weed management is an important practice in precision agriculture. Current advances in artificial intelligence have resulted in the use of large deep convolutional neural networks for weed detection. In this paper, a transfer learning, model compression, and ensemble learning approach is introduced that is suitable for resource-limited hardware such as mobile and embedded devices. The resulting ensemble model achieves 91.2% classification accuracy which is comparable to the performance of state-of-the-art deep learning models (such as the vanilla VGG16, DenseNet, and ResNet) while being about 62.22% smaller in size than DenseNet (the smallest-sized full-sized model). The approach used in this …

Factors Associated With Mask Use In New York City Neighborhood Parks During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Field Audit Study, Lisa Hitch, Marie A. Sillice, Hanish Kodali, Katarzyna E. Wyka, Javier Otero Peña, Terry Tk Huang

Publications and Research

Background: Mask use is a cost-effective measure to decrease COVID-19 transmission. Mask mandates intend to increase mask compliance but are often ambiguous when it comes to public outdoor spaces.

Methods: We used a field audit study to examine mask use in New York City neighborhood parks during COVID-19. 1453 park visitors were observed in 13 parks during July–August 2020 using a modified and validated park use audit tool (System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities) that included items on general and proper mask use (i.e., mask covering both nose and mouth). Generalized estimating equation regression was used to determine …

Effects Of Peer Relationships On The Relationship Between Avoidant Attachment And Romantic Intimacy Among Adolescents, Selina Johnson

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Adolescence is a time when interacting with the opposite sex tends to increase and become more serious, and romantic relationships start to form. However, for some adolescents, specifically adolescents who have an avoidant state of mind in regards to attachment, romantic relationships and particularly intimacy is an experience they may find challenging. Given the importance of intimacy in an adolescent’s life, this study proposes to investigate whether the quality of peer relationships can influence romantic intimacy among adolescents with an avoidant attachment. Friendship quality was chosen as a mediating variable in the present study to examine if the quality of …

The Combinatory Effects Of Pediatric Obesity And Ontogeny On Monocarboxylate Transporter Expression In Tissues Of Drug Disposition, Michael Ng

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Proton-coupled and sodium-dependent monocarboxylate transporters are encoded by the SLC16A and SLC5A gene family of solute carriers, and are responsible for the transport of essential nutrients such as L-lactate, pyruvate, and ketone bodies. Basigin, or CD147, acts as an ancillary protein for MCT1 and MCT4, and is involved in membrane surface expression of transporters. MCT's are also involved in the shuttling of monocarboxylic xenobiotics across cell membranes, including the drugs valproate and gamma hydroxybutyrate. MCT’s are also important for normal mammalian development, particularly during embryogenesis and early neonatal life. Previous studies have shown that ketogenic diets increase MCT expression in …

Optimization Of The Structure Of Ttr Ligands For Half-Life Extension (Tlhe), Guanming Jiang

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Many potential therapeutic agents face challenges for their clinical development due to short circulation half-life. As a result, prolonging the half-life of therapeutic drugs in circulation while preserving their hydrophilicity and small size will be a key step toward more effective and safe pharmacological molecules. Our lab developed a new approach for enhancing the safety and efficacy of therapeutic agents. By endowing therapeutic agents with a hydrophilic small molecule (a derivative of the clinical candidate, AG10) which reversibly binds to the serum protein transthyretin (TTR), the half-life of the therapeutic agent should be extended by binding to the TTR in …

Peripherally Restricted Opioid Conjugates And Its Use As Pharmacological Probes And Potential Therapeutics, Md Tariqul Haque Tuhin

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is one of the major adverse effects of opioid analgesics used by millions of patients each year. While progress has been made, there remains a significant unmet medical need in the treatment of OIC. Major gaps remain in our understanding of the role of the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system (CNS) in precipitating OIC. For the last four decades, numerous investigations to study the sites of action of opioid analgesics have utilized peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs), which have been incorrectly believed to have limited penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Several preclinical and clinical …

Self-Care Practices And Burnout Experiences Of Music Therapists In A Metropolitan City, Sylvester Sroka

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined a phenomenological inquiry into the lived experiences of music therapists in a metropolitan city in the United States. During the study, five music therapists were interviewed about their self-care practices and experiences with burnout. Data included a recorded Zoom transcription of the 30–45-minute open-ended interview. The data was analyzed through Moustakas’ (1994) cluster of themes approach. Four themes emerged from the data analyses of the interviews: living/working in a metropolitan city, self-care practices, advice for entry level music therapists, and knowledge of and experience with burnout symptoms. Respondents associated living and working in a metropolitan city with …

Incorporating Glutamic Acid-Valine-Citrulline Linker In Trifunctional Molecules Targeting Psma Ensures Enhanced Stability, Safety, And Efficacy In Mouse Model Of Prostate Cancer, Toufiq Ul Amin

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This project describes the development of a new antitumor therapeutic platform that combines the benefits of small-molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Valine-citrulline (VCit) dipeptide linkers are popular cathepsin B cleavable ADC linkers. Due to its instability in mouse serum, translating efficacy data from mouse to human is more difficult. It has been reported that replacing the VCit linker with glutamic acid-valine-citrulline (EVCit) improves ADC stability in mouse serum. The effect of the EVCit linker on the stability of SMDCs has not been reported so far. In a xenograft mouse model of prostate cancer, we found that …

Assessment And Monitoring Of Achilles Tendinopathy In Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Descriptive Exploration Of The Barriers Clinicians Face, Myles Calder Murphy, James Debenham, Caroline Bulsara, Paola Chivers, Ebonie Kendra Rio, Sean Docking, Mervyn Travers, William Gibson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Our primary objective was to explore the barriers preventing clinicians from implementing what they think is ideal practice as it relates to using tools to aid diagnosis and monitor progress in mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Our secondary objectives were to describe the assessments employed by clinicians in their own practice to aid with (a) diagnosis and (b) monitoring progress in Achilles tendinopathy and explore the outcome measure domains clinicians believe to be the most and least important when managing patients with Achilles tendinopathy. We employed a qualitative descriptive study design. Thirteen participants (eight female, five male) from across Australia, consisting of …

Associations Between Eight Earth Observation-Derived Climate Variables And Enteropathogen Infection: An Independent Participant Data Meta-Analysis Of Surveillance Studies With Broad Spectrum Nucleic Acid Diagnostics, Josh M. Colston, Benjamin F. Zaithcik, Hamada S. Badr, Eleanor Burnett, Syed Asad Ali, Ajit Rayamajhi, Syed M. Satter, Daniel Eibach, Ralf Krumkamp, M Imran Nisar, Anita K. M. Zaidi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Diarrheal disease, still a major cause of childhood illness, is caused by numerous, diverse infectious microorganisms, which are differentially sensitive to environmental conditions. Enteropathogen‐specific impacts of climate remain underexplored. Results from 15 studies that diagnosed enteropathogens in 64,788 stool samples from 20,760 children in 19 countries were combined. Infection status for 10 common enteropathogens—adenovirus, astrovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, sapovirus, Campylobacter, ETEC, Shigella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia—was matched by date with hydrometeorological variables from a global Earth observation dataset—precipitation and runoff volume, humidity, soil moisture, solar radiation, air pressure, temperature, and wind speed. Models were fitted for each pathogen, accounting …

Investigation Of The Users’ Access To Health Information For Sustainable Development During The Covid 19 Era In Professor Kenneth Dike E-Central Library, Awka, Anambra State, Eliezer C. Agim, Maureen Azolo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The research investigated users’ access to health information for sustainable development during the Covid 19 era in Professor Kenneth Dike E-central Library, Awka, Anambra state. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The sample population comprised of 100 users of Professor Kenneth Dike E-central Library through the use of accidental sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used for collection of data. The instrument was subjected to face validation and pilot test using Cronbach Alpha which gave a reliability coefficient value of 0.97. Data collected from the study were analyzed using mean scores. The study found that health …

Library Use For Agricultural Research By Undergraduate Students Of The Faculty Of Agriculture, Forestry And Wildlife Resources Management, University Of Calabar, Nigeria, Friday O. Idiku, Oliver Effiong Ntui, Dorathy Aje Iyamah, Love Eyo Abu, Dorcas Okaja Ochang

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated the use of the University of Calabar library for agricultural research by students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management. The general objective of the study was to determine the use of the University of Calabar library for agricultural research by students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management. The specific objectives include to identify the number of students of the Faculty of Agriculture who registered with the University of Calabar library for the 2020/2021 academic session, identify the purpose of library use by students, assess the material and electronic resources …

Information Needs By People Living With Hiv/Aids In Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, Anambra State., Egwuonwu Ugochi Iruoma, Ezechika Chiamaka Priscilla, Chigor Christianan Nneka

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study dwelt on the information needs by People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus /Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (PLWH/A) in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku-Awka. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Three research questions were drawn from the three purposes that guided the study. The population consists of 3,264 registered Human Immune-Deficiency Virus (HIV) patients no AIDS patient. Sample size comprises of 50 HIV patients using purposeful sampling technique. Questionnaires were used as instruments for data collection. These research questions were analyzed using mean of 2.5. The findings indicated the areas of information needs of …

Local Context And Post-Crisis Social Venture Creation, Sergey Anokhin, Todd Morgan, Lisa Jones Christensen, William Schulze

Faculty Publications

Research summary: We investigate the effects of local market and government failure on the creation of social ventures in the context of post-crisis recovery during the period following the dot-com crisis and ending before the housing bubble burst across all Ohio counties. Drawing on social embeddedness theory, we posit that social venture creation rates vary across local contexts and are higher in communities characterized by market and government failures. Longitudinal contextual data from 88 Ohio counties indicates that situations characterized by failures of both types are especially conducive to the creation of local social enterprises. We address the shortage of …

Psychological Distress And Quality Of Life In Asymptomatic Adults Following Provision Of Imaging Results For Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease Events: A Scoping Review, Reindolf Anokye, Ben Jackson, James Dimmock, Joanne M. Dickson, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims Psychological distress and changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may occur after screening for disease. Reporting outcomes related to potential benefits and harms of screening is a key recommendation in the guidelines for reporting high-quality trials or interventions. However, no reviews have directly investigated outcomes related to psychological distress and/or changes in HRQoL following imaging assessment of cardiovascular risk and communication of cardiovascular findings to asymptomatic adults. A scoping review was conducted to map research on psychological distress and/or HRQoL following screening. Methods and results

Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Social Work Abstracts, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, …

Cohort Profile: The Growing Up Healthy Study (Guhs)—A Prospective And Observational Cohort Study Investigating The Long-Term Health Outcomes Of Offspring Conceived After Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Roger J. Hart, Blagica Penova-Veselinovic, Laura A. Wijs, John L. Yovich, Peter Burton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Worldwide, over 8 million children and adults are conceived following assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and their long-term health is of consequential public health interest. The objective of this paper is to describe the Growing up Healthy Study (GUHS) cohort in detail, publicise it and invite collaboration. Combining the data collected in the GUHS with other cohorts or databases will improve the much-needed knowledge about the effects of ART, and allow for better understanding of the long-term health outcomes of offspring conceived after ART. The GUHS cohort is a prospective observational study of adolescents and young adults conceived after assisted reproductive …

Stem Cell Therapy For Insulin-Dependent Diabetes: Are We Still On The Road?, Lu Yang, Zhu-Meng Hu, Fang-Xu Jiang, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In insulin-dependent diabetes, the islet β cells do not produce enough insulin and the patients must receive exogenous insulin to control blood sugar. However, there are still many deficiencies in exogenous insulin supplementation. Therefore, the replacement of destroyed functional β cells with insulin-secreting cells derived from functional stem cells is a good idea as a new therapeutic idea. This review introduces the development schedule of mouse and human embryonic islets. The differences between mouse and human pancreas embryo development were also listed. Accordingly to the different sources of stem cells, the important research achievements on the differentiation of insulin-secreting β …

Voluntary Activation Of Muscle In Humans: Does Serotonergic Neuromodulation Matter?, Justin J. Kavanagh, Janet L. Taylor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Ionotropic inputs to motoneurones have the capacity to depolarise and hyperpolarise the motoneurone, whereas neuromodulatory inputs control the state of excitability of the motoneurone. Intracellular recordings of motoneurones from in vitro and in situ animal preparations have provided extraordinary insight into the mechanisms that underpin how neuromodulators regulate neuronal excitability. However, far fewer studies have attempted to translate the findings from cellular and molecular studies into a human model. In this review, we focus on the role that serotonin (5-HT) plays in muscle activation in humans. 5-HT is a potent regulator of neuronal firing rates, which can influence the force …

Exploring Food Supply Chain Trends In The Covid-19 Era: A Bibliometric Review, Abderahman Rejeb, Karim Rejeb, Andrea Appolloni, Mohammad Iranmanesh, Horst Treiblmaier, Sandeep Jagtap

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Recently, the food supply chain (FSC) has been severely disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, putting the vital flow of food products from farmers and producers to the ultimate consumers at risk. Furthermore, due to the pandemic, several food organizations have been prompted to rethink their strategies for the future. Although the literature on FSC research in the COVID-19 era is increasing, no attempt has been made to summarize this stream of research using bibliometric techniques. This paper fills this knowledge gap and looks at the current scholarly discourse around the FSC and COVID-19. Applying bibliometric techniques, 287 journal articles …

Supporting Premature Infants’ Oral Feeding In The Nicu—A Qualitative Study Of Nurses’ Perspectives, Evalotte Mörelius, Charlotte Sahlén Helmer, Maria Hellgren, Siw Alehagen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

One major task in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) involves ensuring adequate nutrition and supporting the provision of human milk. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences of the oral feeding process in the NICU when the infant is born extremely or very preterm. We used a qualitative inductive approach. Nine nurses from three family-centered NICUs were interviewed face-to-face. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Five sub-categories and two generic categories formed the main category: ‘A complex and long-lasting collaboration.’ The nurses wished to contribute to the parents’ understanding of the feeding …

Digitalization In Food Supply Chains: A Bibliometric Review And Key-Route Main Path Analysis, Abderahman Rejeb, Karim Rejeb, Alireza Abdollahi, Suhaiza Zailani, Mohammad Iranmanesh, Morteza Ghobakhloo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Technological advances such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, big data, social media, and geographic information systems represent a building block of the digital transformation that supports the resilience of the food supply chain (FSC) and increases its efficiency. This paper reviews the literature surrounding digitalization in FSCs. A bibliometric and key-route main path analysis was carried out to objectively and analytically uncover the knowledge development in digitalization within the context of sustainable FSCs. The research began with the selection of 2140 articles published over nearly five decades. Then, the articles were examined according to several bibliometric metrics such as year of …

Residual Renal Function – How Fast Does The Residual Urine Output Function Decline In The First Year Of Haemodialysis? – A Scoping Review, Ulrich Steinwandel, Homa Kheirkhah, Hugh Davies

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Haemodialysis is the most common treatment method in Australia for individuals requiring renal replacement therapy. Although it is known that the residual renal function in these patients has many advantages for their overall health outcomes and that the residual urine volume production is also declining over time, it is unknown how fast this functional decline occurs when patients are embarking on their first year on haemodialysis. Aim: This scoping review sought to determine if the functional decline in renal residual function in the first year of haemodialysis has been previously investigated, documented or quantified. Method: The scoping review was …

The Impact Of Skeletal Muscle Disuse On Distinct Echo Intensity Bands: A Retrospective Analysis, Zachary S. Logeson, Rob J. Maclennan, Gerard Kyle B. Abad, Johnathon M. Methven, Molly R. Gradl, Matheus D. Pinto, Ronei S. Pinto, Matt S. Stock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Echo intensity (EI) is a novel tool for assessing muscle quality. EI has traditionally been reported as the mean of the pixel histogram, with 0 and 255 arbitrary units (A.U.) representing excellent and poor muscle quality, respectively. Recent work conducted in youth and younger and older adults suggested that analyzing specific EI bands, rather than the mean, may provide unique insights into the effectiveness of exercise and rehabilitation interventions. As our previous work showed deterioration of muscle quality after knee joint immobilization, we sought to investigate whether the increase in EI following disuse was limited to specific EI bands. Thirteen …

Understanding Employee Travel Behaviours In Response To Workplace Relocation: A Case Study Comparing Commuting Patterns Between Subiaco And Perth, Western Australia, Emil E. Jonescu, Chamil E. Ramanayaka, Stephen Moorcroft, Dean Symington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Our built environments offer distinct variables that impact behaviour–throughout the world, and equally within Western Australia. However, an in-depth analysis of extant literature indicates that influencing human behaviour is difficult in the absence of a ‘disruption’ event. Accordingly, this organization-level study examined the disruptive effects of relocating from a Subiaco office to a new office in Perth’s Central Business District on the commute habits of its built-environment professional employees. The relocation occurred during a ‘non-lockdown’ period between July and August 2021 (southern hemisphere winter). The study sought to determine if an office relocation constituted a sufficient ‘disruption’ to affect employees’ …

Animal Source Foods, Rich In Essential Amino Acids, Are Important For Linear Growth And Development Of Young Children In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Panam Parikh, Richard Semba, Mark Manary, Sumathi Swaminathan, Emorn Udomkesmalee, Rolf Bos, Bee Koon Poh, Nipa Rojroongwasinkul, Jan Geurts, Rini Sekartini, Tran Thuy Nga

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Growth faltering under 5 years of age is unacceptably high worldwide, and even more children, while not stunted, fail to reach their growth potential. The time between conception and 2 years of age is critical for development. The period from 6 to 23 months, when complementary foods are introduced, coincides with a time when growth faltering and delayed neurocognitive developments are most common. Fortunately, this is also the period when diet exercises its greatest influence. Growing up in an adverse environment, with a deficient diet, as typically seen in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), hampers growth and development of children …

Myth-Busting In An Aboriginal Pre-University Bridging Program: Embedding Transformative Learning Pedagogy, Rebecca Bennett, Karin Strehlow, Braden Hill

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Pre-university bridging programs can address the significant under-representation of Indigenous students in Australian universities by providing culturally supported alternative pathways into undergraduate study. However, successful completion of bridging programs does not always correlate with university enrolment for Indigenous students. This paper offers a pedagogical rationale for an Indigenous bridging program that aims to address this discrepancy. The program curriculum challenges deficit myths about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and education, while developing foundational academic skills for university study. Leveraging Transformative Learning and Cultural Interface theories, the program aims to empower students with the opportunity to develop their own narratives …

Summary Of Diabetes Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet, Kathy Ride

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This publication, in plain language, is based on information presented in the Review of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (2022). This short, visual report summarises the key findings and concepts from the review to provide a holistic picture of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is a quick source of information covering:

• the social and cultural context of diabetes, and the behavioural and biomedical factors that contribute to diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• the extent of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including incidence and prevalence data; hospitalisations; mortality …

Understanding A Low Vitamin D State In The Context Of Covid-19, James Bernard Walsh, Daniel Mccartney, Eamon Laird, Kevin Mccarroll, Declan G. Byrne, Martin Healy, Paul O'Shea, Rose Anne Kenny, John L. Faul

Articles

While a low vitamin D state has been associated with an increased risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 in addition to an increased severity of COVID-19 disease, a causal role is not yet established. Here, we review the evidence relating to i) vitamin D and its role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease ii) the vitamin D status in the Irish adult population iii) the use of supplemental vitamin D to treat a deficient status and iv) the application of the Bradford-Hill causation criteria. We conclude that reverse causality probably makes a minimal contribution to the presence of low vitamin D …

Development And Validation Of A New Methodological Platform To Measure Behavioral, Cognitive, And Physiological Responses To Food Interventions In Real Time, M.A. Vargas-Alvarez, H. Al-Sehaim, J.M. Brunstrom, G. Castelnuovo, S. Navas-Carretero, J.A. Martínez, E. Almiron-Roig

Articles

To fully understand the causes and mechanisms involved in overeating and obesity, measures of both cognitive and physiological determinants of eating behavior need to be integrated. Effectively synchronizing behavioral measures such as meal micro-structure (e.g., eating speed), cognitive processing of sensory stimuli, and metabolic parameters, can be complex. However, this step is central to understanding the impact of food interventions on body weight. In this paper, we provide an overview of the existing gaps in eating behavior research and describe the development and validation of a new methodological platform to address some of these issues. As part of a controlled …

A Qualitative Analysis Of A Caregivers’ Experience Of Complementary Feeding In A Population Of Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander And Filipino Infants: The Timing Of The Introduction Of Complementary Foods, And The Role Of Transgenerational Experience, Kara Mulville, Jessie Kai, John Kearney, Jacqueline Ng-Osorio, Carol J. Boushey, Marie K. Fialkowski

Articles

The aim of this study was to investigate caregivers’ experiences of complementary feeding (CF) among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), and Filipino populations. Research focused on the timing of CF commencement, and the influence of transgenerational experience on feeding practices. The experiences and practices of those who fed human milk exclusively (HME), were compared to those who included infant formula (F&HM). Caregivers of a subset of 32 infants who were participating in a larger longitudinal study relating to CF and diet diversity, took part in voluntary in-depth interviews relating to CF practices. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. …