Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of A Food Distribution Center, Antonia Danielle Bates-Ford, Darlene Showalter

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Food insecurity in the United States is experienced by one in seven American households. In 2023, the food insecurity rate for the U.S. was 13.5%, which was 6% higher than the prior year. As a result of these rising numbers, emphasis has been placed on food insecurity as a social determinant of health that, on its own, serves as a contributing factor and predictor of patient outcomes. The food distribution center is crucial in alleviating food insecurity in Madison County. This program evaluation assesses the efficacy and operational efficiency of the center, providing insights for strategic enhancements and informed policy …

Character Of Leaders Initiative Celebrates People And Virtues, Marisa C. Atkinson

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi officials are working to integrate virtues into campus life while recognizing those who personify the traits through an initiative launched this fall.

From Liahona To Talk: An Inspired Method 1, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

If our past series, Actionable Insights from the Liahona, laid out essential principles like a detailed instruction manual, this time, I'm shifting gears into a softer narrative.

The core question is: "How do we make sure these essential principles stick?"

To answer that, I've sprinkled in approachable metaphors and a bit of humor that will make you want to slap your knee and exclaim, "That's exactly my story!" My goal is that, once you've finished reading or listening, these vital principles will adhere to your mind like a magnet on a refrigerator door.

From Liahona To Talk: An Inspired Method 2, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

In my previous series, Actionable Insights from the Liahona, I introduced many principles that felt like tightly cut jewels. This time, I'm changing the tempo and delivering those same principles set to a heart-stirring melody. I've set aside the rigid outlining and repackaged the principles with relatable stories and humorous metaphors that I hope will make you chuckle and think, "Oh, I know that feeling!" My wish is that this new approach helps these vital principles to gently drop anchor deep within your heart.

Community Water Fluoridation And Oral Health: Proposal & Systematic Review, Kristina Lauranzano

Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) Theses

Fluoridation of community drinking water systems has been a staple of preventative dental care in the United States since the mid 20^th century. In recent years, there has been increased public discourse pertaining to the safety and efficacy of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF). The aim of the proposed study is to identify if there is an association between the CWF status (never fluoridated, currently fluoridated, or formerly fluoridated) and oral health status of a community in New England. This study will be a retrospective cross-sectional study design using NHANES Oral Health Status Survey data from the 2007-2008 and 2017-2018 …

Provider Perspectives Of Produce Prescription Programs In A Rural Community: Evaluating Barriers, Heather Joy Ward, Sarah Giaquinta, Susan Storey

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Poor diet is the leading identifiable cause of poor health.¹ Diets high in produce are recommended to improve chronic diseases.² Food insecurity, the inability to access sufficient food to meet basic needs,³ has higher rates among rural households.⁴ Produce Prescription Programs (PPP) successfully pair access to fruits/vegetables with education by a dietician⁶ for people with chronic disease. Health care providers (HCPs) are well-suited to screen for food insecurity and refer patients to PPPs. However, day-to-day practice demands make this challenging .^7,8 This project examined HCPs perceptions of and barriers to referring patients to PPPs. …

Exploring Predictors Of School Lunch Completion: Taste, Time, And Student Preferences, Bhanoday Boda

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Struggles Of Minorities In Low-Income Communities With Affording And Financing Housing In San Antonio, Daniel Maes

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Affordability of housing has emerged as a major socio-economic issue in San Antonio, Texas,

especially among minority groups and other low-income groups. This thesis provides an analysis of the underlying factors that lead to housing unaffordability and the systemic factors that deny

these groups of people a chance to live in stable and affordable houses. This paper combines both primary survey data of local residents and secondary governmental and academic data, which

allows identifying the intersection of income differences, increased property prices,

gentrification, and the lack of affordable housing to worsen the affordability crisis. The

evaluation of the perception of …

Sustaining People And Planet: A Triple Bottom Line Analysis Of The University Of San Diego’S Initiative To Empower The Community And Climate Through Food Waste Reduction, Iris L. Dao

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Every year, 17% of the world’s food supply is wasted by consumers, contributing to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. When food is unconsumed and disposed of, food waste rots in landfills and open dumps, which is one of the largest contributing factors to the planet’s drastic climate change. As a result, crop yield, growth, and nutrition are negatively impacted, disrupting the food supply chain and food security, while 3.1 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. College and university campuses are one of the most concentrated generators of food waste due to large-scale food preparation and buffet-style services. As …

Using Food As A Fun And Effective Teaching Tool In Preschool, Kelly Furr, Melani Duffrin, Eugene A. Geist

Spark! Innovations in Early Childhood Education: A Research-to-Practice Journal for Educators

Food is one of the most engaging, hands-on materials for preschool classrooms. This article highlights research from the Food FAN Academy (Furr, 2023), which demonstrates how food can be used as a teaching tool across early childhood learning environments. Practical strategies are provided for preschool teachers, including detailed lesson plans that connect to early math, science, literacy, and social development. The article emphasizes the importance of using everyday materials, cultural inclusivity, and active learning methods to promote curiosity, health awareness, and foundational skills in young learners.

Ellen White And Environmental Ethics, Joann Davidson

Ellen White and Current Issues Symposium

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Ovarian Characteristics And Propylene Glycol Supplementation On Pregnancy Rates Per Ai In Suckled Beef Cows Subjected To A 7-Day Co-Synch Fixed-Time Ai Protocol Across Seasons, Body Condition Scores, And Postpartum Intervals, Pachara Pearodwong, Sarawanee Khunmanee, Kajohn Nitiwararuk, Thuwanon Boonkerd, Thananon Junsuri, Andrew A. Ponter, Winai Kaewlamun

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The present study evaluated the independent effects of ovarian characteristics and oral propylene glycol (PG) supplementation on pregnancy rates in suckled beef cows subjected to the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR fixed-time AI (FTAI) protocol across different seasons, body condition scores (BCS; 5-point scale), and parturition-to-FTAI intervals. Cows received a CIDR insert and 10 μg GnRH on day -10, followed by 25 mg PGF2α at CIDR removal on day -3, and another 10 μg GnRH 72 h later (day 0). In Study 1, the ovarian characteristics of 36 cows were assessed transrectally on days -10 and 0 relative to the FTAI. …

Assessing Health Literacy In Somali Women Living In The United States With Hypertension, Tawanna Morris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health literacy (HL) remains a critical public health concern, particularly among immigrant populations. This qualitative study explored how low health literacy relates to hypertension (HTN) management among Somali immigrant women. Low HL and chronic conditions such as HTN continue to affect this group disproportionately, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this research examined Somali immigrant women’s perceptions of HL, how literacy levels influence hypertension management, and the barriers they encounter when managing their condition. Five Somali immigrant women who met the criteria participated in semi-structured interviews. All spoke English, were at least 18 years …

Inferring Disease Progression Networks To Predict Comorbidities, Nolan Stuessy

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Role Of Nano Edible Coating, Packaging, And Storage Temperature In Maintaining Color, Moisture Content, And Phenolic Compounds Of Straw Mushroom, Kiki Nuratni Sitompul, Syariful Mubarok, Kusumiyati

Jurnal Kultivasi

Straw mushrooms are among the most sought-after edible mushrooms, but their harvest is highly perishable due to their high respiration and transpiration rates, leading to a decline in quality during storage. The application of nano edible coating can cover the surface of straw mushrooms and maintain their freshness, while packaging and storage at low temperatures can maintain quality by inhibiting respiration and enzymatic activity. This study aims to evaluate the effects of nano edible coating, packaging types, and different storage temperatures on the color, moisture content, and phenolic compounds of straw mushrooms. The study was conducted at the Horticulture Laboratory, …

A Review Of Bioactive Compounds Of Caesalpinia Sappan: Pre- And Post-Harvest Effect, Annisa Lugina Rachman, Santi Rosniawaty, Syariful Mubarok, Cucu Suherman, Yudithia Maxiselly

Jurnal Kultivasi

Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is a shrub or small tree that thrives in tropical regions and has been widely distributed across various areas. It has long been used as a natural dye in textiles, cosmetics, and herbal beverages due to its content of various bioactive compounds. This literature review discusses the secondary metabolites in sappanwood, their health benefits, and strategies to enhance product quality through pre-harvest and post-harvest treatments. This literature review was conducted by searching for relevant journals on Google Scholar using relevant keywords. Sappanwood contains diverse secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolics, anthraquinones, triterpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and tannins, with …

Consensus-Based Expert Recommendations For Diagnosis And Clinical Management Of Vanishing White Matter., Romy J. Van Voorst, Daphne H. Schoenmakers, Joshua L. Bonkowsky, Adeline Vanderver, Ingeborg Krägeloh-Mann, Geneviève Bernard, Enrico Bertini, Ali Fatemi, Paulo V. Sgobbi, Nicole I. Wolf, Samuel Groeschel, Davide Tonduti, Caroline Sevin, Jennifer L. Orthmann-Murphy, Ludger Schöls, Ettore Salsano, Bernard Brais, Nicole Jaffe, Kasper W. Ter Horst, Sabine E. Hannema, Katherine G. Hayes, Jochen Meyburg, Marc Van Heerde, Anne Marie Sbrocchi, Rosalina Van Spaendonk, Isabelle Thiffault, Geesje H. Hofsteenge, Carolina Sudmeier-Broek, Corrie Timmer, Donna Skwirut, Allyson Buck, Bret Hollberg, Ron Chapleau, Hanka Dekker, Susan G. Campbell, Truus E M Abbink, Prisca S. Leferink, Marjo S. Van Der Knaap

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a rare disorder, characterized by degeneration of CNS white matter, clinically often exacerbated by stressors such as fever and minor head trauma. VWM is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the EIF2B1-5 genes, causing reduced activity of eukaryotic initiation of translation factor 2B, resulting in dysregulation of the integrated stress response (ISR). New scientific insights and increased clinical trials in experimental therapies highlight the need for clinical guidelines to improve and standardize care for patients with VWM worldwide. Standardized care is important for therapy development, as it lessens clinical variability of trial participants at study …

Advancing Louisiana's Cropping Systems: Sustainable Bioenergy Production, Cover Crops, And Technology Integration, Pedro R. Carrillo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The adoption of cover crops in Louisiana is lower than the national average, underscoring the need for region-specific research to address environmental challenges and demonstrate the short-term benefits of these practices within existing production systems. This research evaluated the integration of cover crops (CC) in energy cane (Saccharum spp.) and no-till cotton systems, focusing on their effects on soil health, nitrogen (N) management, and biomass production. Soil health indicators (SHIs), including enzymatic activities (β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, and urease), protein N, inorganic N concentrations (nitrate and ammonium), soil organic matter (SOM), and microbial community composition assessed through ester-linked fatty acid …

Dairy And Food Science Student Newsletter, December 9, 2025, Department Of Dairy And Food Science

Dairy and Food Science Student Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Communities With Diverse Subsistence Needs Require A Variety Of Functional Tree Traits, Minoseheno Rakotovao, Cortni Borgerson, Kerry A. Brown, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt, Steig E. Johnson, Onja H. Razafindratsima, Ruth Mendum, Onjaniaina O. Andrianjatovo, Harisoa B. Ravaomanalina, Seheno Andriantsaralaza, Sheila M. Holmes

Department of Anthropology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Tree species preference is an understudied yet crucial component of sustainable forest management, as unsustainable harvesting can lead to non-random loss of functional traits. We examine wood resource preference across five regions of Madagascar's biodiverse eastern humid forests. We asked forest users in 19 men's and 19 women's focus groups to list their preferred tree species for common short- (charcoal, firewood) and long-term (house construction, furniture, tools) uses. We then measured functional traits of 260 preferred and common tree species: height, DBH, bark thickness, specific leaf area, wood specific gravity, and seed dispersal syndrome in the surrounding landscape. Using household …

Proceedings Of The 4th Research In High Performance Sports Colloquium (Hpsc 2025), Sultan Qaboos University

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Adolescent Children’S Risk Of Long Covid-19 Syndrome Based On Diet And Demographic Factors From An Online Survey, Christopher Waskewich

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Limited information is available on how coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has [JG1] affected adolescents regarding long-term health risks. This quantitative study focused on the effect of U.S. adolescents’ daily diet, race/ethnicity, levels of income, family level of education, access to health care, age, and comorbidities on the risks of long COVID-19 syndrome. I used the constructs of the health belief model to understand the impact of those variables. The online survey results (N = 298) found that adolescents whose daily vegetable consumption was more than daily recommendations (2–3 cups) had a lower odds ratio of having long COVID-19 syndrome …

Conceptions Of Indigenous Child Development: Perspective Of Families And Health Professionals, Francisca Marquez-Doren, Camila Lucchini-Raies, Marcela Gonzalez-Aguero, Angelica Farías-Cancino

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Introduction. The factors that deprive children of their rights are well known, and one of them is their belonging to indigenous peoples. Indigenous children in their early childhood are exposed to greater social inequalities, as they are born and develop in more unfavorable living conditions (Alarcón Muñoz et al., 2021; Pyerín & Weinstein, 2015). The percentage of poverty, deficits in education, social security and work is higher in indigenous early childhood (Pyerín & Weinstein, 2015). In Chile, children belonging to indigenous peoples account for around 14% of the population between 0 and 9 years of age, with the Mapuche, Aymara …

Analysis Of Source–Sink Organ Dynamics In Kaffir Lime (Citrus Hystrix Dc.) At Different Plant Ages, Siti Auliya Rahma, Rahmat Budiarto, Syariful Mubarok

Jurnal Kultivasi

Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) is a leafy spice commodity widely used as a culinary ingredient, in bio-pharmaceuticals, and as a raw material for essential oil production. Despite its high demand, leaf productivity remains relatively low, highlighting the need for improved cultivation practices. A better understanding of source–sink dynamics is essential, as leaf production is strongly influenced by the balance between assimilate-producing and assimilate-consuming organs. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the source-sink capacity of kaffir lime plants of different ages as a preliminary step toward identifying cultivation strategies to enhance leaf production. The experiment was conducted at Bale Tatanen …

Exploring The Synergistic Effect Of Curcumin On Gelatin Films For Real-Time Pork Freshness Assessment, Risna Erni Yati Adu, Gebhardus Djugian Gelyaman, Kristoforus Wilson Kia, Emirensiana Oki, Maria Desi Silab, Angelina Knaofmone

Chimica et Natura Acta

A smart film based on hydromethanol-curcumin has been developed as a freshness detector for local packaged pork. It was fabricated using solution casting method by varying the curcumin content to determine its effect on the chemical, physical, mechanical and functional characteristics of the film. Film characteristics were determined using colorimeter, TGA, FTIR, SEM and bioactivity assay. Film response was analyzed in different pH buffer solutions, different acid base media and pork samples during the storage period. Film characteristics such as antioxidant, antibacterial activity and surface color was improved by increasing curcumin concentration. On the other hand, mechanical dan physicochemical characteristics …

Behavioral Health Interventions For Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Scoping Review, Carolyn R. Bates, Sydney M. Gibson, Peter R. Johnson, Sarah L. Hunt, Patrick Dyjak, Courtney A. Gibson, Christina M. Sharkey, Kimberly L. Klages

Student Publications

Background: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer, with significant advancements in treatment leading to over 90% five-year event-free survival rates in developed countries. However, disruptions in health behaviors during treatment, such as diet, activity, and sleep, can negatively impact treatment tolerance and increase risks of late effects. This scoping review aimed to assess the breadth of existing behavioral health interventions designed to improve immediate and long-term health outcomes for children and adolescents receiving treatment for ALL.

Method: The review focused on behavioral interventions for children (ages 2-18 years) undergoing active treatment for ALL. We followed the …

Subject Specific Autoencoders Reveal Terminal Stage Gait Variability In The Bruce Protocol, Ali Boolani, Azarang Asadi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

General fatigue impacts both physiological and neuromuscular systems, leading to mechanical consequences in the musculoskeletal system that manifest as alterations and variability in gait patterns. The Bruce Protocol ends at maximal exertion, providing a window to study fatigue-linked gait deviations. Purpose: To investigate whether step-by-step gait during the terminal stages of the Bruce Protocol departs from a subject’s normal pattern. Methods: 24 Division I athletes completed the Bruce Protocol while spatiotemporal gait parameters were captured with OptoGait. Features included normalized parameters plus within- and between-limb variability metrics. Redundant features were removed using hierarchical clustering. A deep autoencoder was trained on …

The Mode Of Physical Activity Does Not Affect Post-Prandial Blood Glucose Attenuation When Metabolically Matched, Tanathia Camacho, Adam E. Mohan, Thinh Le Mr., Levi Vazquez, Douglas J. Oberlin Ii

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE:

Postprandial hyperglycemia contributes to the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. While post-meal physical activity (PA) is known to reduce blood glucose (BG), it remains unclear whether certain modes of PA are more effective than others when matched for energy expenditure. This study aims to compare the BG-attenuating effects of two energetically equivalent postprandial modes of PA.

METHODS:

Eleven healthy adults completed three randomized sessions, consisting of a 75g oral glucose challenge and either walking, stepping, or rest. Each session’s PA lasted 15 minutes and occurred between 45–60 minutes post-ingestion, when BG typically peaks. During PA both …

Effect Of Short-Term Beetroot Supplementation On High-Intensity Cycling Sprint Performance In Recreationally Active Adults, Lia M. Karas, Adam M. Gonzalez, David Wang, Jamie J. Ghigiarelli, Katie M. Sell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Nitric Oxide (NO) has a plethora of physiological benefits including vascular smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. Beetroot (BR) is a rich source of dietary nitrate which serves as a precursor for enhancing the bioavailability of circulating NO levels. BR has been used by athletes as a supplement to potentially enhance blood flow and exercise performance. Understanding the performance effects of BR supplementation is important for determining its practical value as an ergogenic aid for athletes and active individuals.PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate whether BR supplementation enhances exercise performance during a cycling sprint protocol. METHODS: Ten recreationally active males …

Age And Gender Differences In Half Marathon And Marathon Performance: Predicted Vs. Official Finish Times, Leno Benny, Bridget Mcfadden, Gregory Klimaytis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

GNYACSM Original Research Abstract

Age and Gender Differences in Half Marathon and Marathon Performance: Predicted vs. Official Finish Times

LENO BENNY, GREGORY KLIMAYTIS, BRIDGET A. MCFADDEN

Human Performance Laboratory; Department of Family, Nutrition, and Exercise Science; Queens College, City University of New York; Flushing, NEW YORK

Category: Graduate

Advisor / Mentor: McFadden, Bridget ([email protected])

ABSTRACT

Participation in marathons (26.2 mi) and half marathons (13.1 mi) has grown for men (M) and women (W) in all age categories. Recently, some races have included a non-binary (NB) gender category. Therefore, research assessing gender and age differences in race performance is warranted. Predicted …