Digital Commons Network^™

Assessing Male Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Mating Frequency Via Spermatophore Quantification, Gelyn D. Sapin, Marcela M. Navasero

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), has caused significant yield losses to corn due to its destructive feeding. Bt corn currently controls ACB, but it still poses a threat to Philippine traditional varieties. Random mating of ACB is essential to the insect resistance management (IRM) of Bt corn, and studying the mating behavior, specifically the mating frequency of ACB, is a critical part of understanding the IRM in the Philippines. Currently, there is no available information on the mating frequency of ACB. Here, the male and female ACB were allowed to mate at a ratio of 1 male …

Oviposition Preference And Behavior Of The Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), On Corn And Non-Corn Plants Under Semi-Field And Mini-Screen Cage Conditions, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Jessica B. Baroga-Barbecho, John David C. Cortez, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Oviposition site selection in Ostrinia furnacalis is a hierarchical, multi-stage process influenced by plant phenology and spatial context. Oviposition preferences under mini-screen cage (Sampaloc) and semi-field (BL2) conditions were evaluated to determine the effects of field size, corn developmental stage, and the presence of non-corn plants on egg deposition patterns. Females deposited significantly more egg masses on 40 DAP (pre-reproductive) corn than on early vegetative-stage plants [Sampaloc: n=437 (40 DAP), n=88 (30 DAP); BL2: n=98 (40 DAP), n=84 (30 DAP)], demonstrating a strong phenological preference, particularly in Sampaloc. The presence of non-corn plants has a negligible …

Oviposition Preference Of The Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Towards Bt And Non-Bt Corn, And Under Confined Conditions, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Jessica B. Baroga-Barbecho, John David C. Cortez, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Several experiments were conducted on the ovipositional preference and behavior of the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Confirmatory tests were conducted in table cages (1.5 m²) to determine if the results would align with those obtained from experiments on semi-field (285 m²) and mini-screen cage (90 m²) spatial scales. Preference for Bt and non-Bt corn was then observed under confined conditions. Table cage test results showed similar oviposition behavior to that observed in prior studies on larger test areas. There is no preference for either Bt or non-Bt corn plants. ACB adults …

Adult Dispersal Of Field-Released Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), In Northern And Southern Philippines, Mario V. Navasero, Randolph N. Candano, Gelyn D. Sapin, Wilson N. De Panis

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The effectiveness of Bt corn in controlling the Asian Corn Borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée, is well recognized. However, concerns persist regarding the potential development of resistance to Bt toxins by this pest. This resistance could arise from surviving ACB individuals carrying homozygous resistance alleles, potentially leading to resistant offspring if mating between resistant individuals is not prevented or minimized. To address this issue, various studies have investigated the factors that limit or facilitate resistance development. These factors include adult dispersal and mating behavior in the field, as well as ecological conditions such as weather and landscape features. However, there …

The Effect Of Corn Event Mir162 And The Triple Stacked Hybrid, Bt11 X Mir162 X Ga21, On Key Non-Target Organisms Of Corn, Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Kristine O. Abenis, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Assessments of environmental risks, especially to non-target organisms, are required before genetically modified plants are approved for commercial production. Incorporated genes or traits, whether as single events or stacked or combined with other traits, are treated separately. In compliance with Philippine regulations, confined field trials were conducted to evaluate possible effects of corn event Maximus MIR162 and triple stacked corn hybrid Bt11 x MIR162 x GA21 on non-target arthropods from August 2011 to January 2012 in Laoac, Pangasinan, and Tampakan, South Cotabato. Visual counts and opportunistic sampling, sweep net sampling, pitfall traps, and sticky traps were used at each sampling …

Exploring The Growth Dynamics Of Streptococcus Mutans In Diverse Environmental Conditions, Vanessa Escudero

Theses and Dissertations

Dental caries, a prevalent oral health issue, is primarily associated with the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a Gram-positive bacterium that grows under various oral environments. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different beverages and mechanical cleaning on the growth of S. mutans, which plays a crucial role in tooth decay. Using a nano-spectrophotometer we analyzed bacterial growth by constructing growth curves under different conditions, including exposure to cranberry juice, Hawaiian juice, and mechanical brushing.

The study was designed to mimic real-world oral conditions by testing S. mutans in four distinct environments. First, we established …

Stocking Density Effects On Growth Performance Of Glass Eels (Anguilla Bicolor Pacifica) In Outdoor Tank Conditions, Frolan A. Aya

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Optimizing stocking density is necessary to maximize the production efficiency of farmed fish. This study examined the effect of stocking density on the growth performance of the Pacific shortfin eel Anguilla bicolor pacifica reared in outdoor tank conditions. Glass eels (0.72 ± 0.03 g mean body weight [BW]) were stocked at 50 and 100 individuals m⁻² in 6 4-m² outdoor tanks with a flow-through system set up in triplicate. Eels were individually measured for total length and BW, followed by blood sampling at the end of the 286-d trial. Glass eels stocked at a density of 50 m …

Review Of Dr. Adelina A. Barrion’S Contributions To Basic Studies On The Asian Corn Borer And A Tribute To An Outstanding Entomologist, Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, John David C. Cortez, Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The previous works of the late Dr. Adelina A. Barrion, a distinguished Filipino insect geneticist, on the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee), were retrieved. The works were reviewed and highlighted in relation to the recently funded project entitled “Basic studies on the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee),” funded by the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines in collaboration with various players in the corn seed industry. The unpublished papers of Dr. Barrion from the 1981 PCARR project entitled “Breeding for Corn Borer Resistance” were important milestones in basic studies on the ACB. Several studies conducted by her team …

Non-Target Organisms And Terrestrial Arthropod Biodiversity In The Corn Agroecosystem: Bt Corn Beyond Acb Pest Management [Review Article], Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Kristine O. Abenis

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Assessments of risks of modern biotechnology products to non-target organisms (NTOs) are required before a product can be registered and allowed for commercial production. For Bt-engineered plants, data from such studies become part of environmental risk or impact assessments that are reviewed before a hybrid can be registered and allowed for commercial planting. The approaches and methods vary among countries and researchers. Consequently, the choice of species and groups of organisms or guilds that are monitored or studied may range from narrow to broad and encompassing. The inevitability of adverse changes in agroecosystems, including those that involve the corn crop, …

Basic Studies On The Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée), Are Crucial For Insect Resistance Management For Bt Corn In The Philippines, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The Philippines is considered to be “at the forefront of biotech research and commercialization in Southeast Asia and a model for science-based and thorough regulatory policy in the region” (ISAAA 2016). This is evident in the country's pioneering adoption of Bt corn technology in Asia and in the effective handling and implementation of rules and regulations on biosafety and the application of transgenic crops through the regulatory function of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) under the Department of Agriculture.

Age-Dependent Reproductive Fitness And Behavioral Dynamics Of The Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae), Marcela M. Navasero, Randolph N. Candano, Maricon Dp Javier, Jethro M. Navasero, Wilson N. De Panis

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study evaluated the effects of parental age of the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), on fecundity, egg hatchability, adult longevity, and the duration of pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods using arranged mating pairs aged 1 to 5 days old. Mating behavior was also observed and documented. The highest fecundity, measured by the number of egg masses and total eggs produced, was recorded in pairings of 1-day-old males and females, indicating a positive effect of young parental age. In contrast, pairings involving 5-day-old males and females resulted in the lowest egg production, demonstrating an inverse relationship between parental …

Characterization Of Adult Emergence Pattern And Eclosion Behavior Of The Asian Corn Borer, [Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée)] (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Under Laboratory And Field Conditions In The Philippines, Marcela M. Navasero, Gelyn D. Sapin, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Wilson N. De Panis, Randolph N. Candano, Maricon Dp Javier, Jethro M. Navasero, Meijei T. Bangangao

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study focuses on understanding the emergence pattern of Asian Corn Borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee), in the Philippines vital in crafting integrated pest management schemes, including insect resistance management against pesticides and Bt protein. Although ACB adults are known to be nocturnal and primarily emerge at night, identifying critical windows of emergence for targeted management actions is essential. In the experiments conducted, the scotophase period is the preferred time for adult emergence under laboratory conditions with 248 adults (80.52%) and 60 adults (19.48%) in the photophase period. A similar trend was also observed under field cage conditions with ACB …

Temporal Decline And Spatial Heterogeneity Of Cry1ab Susceptibility In Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée), Populations In The Philippines: A Review And Synthesis Of Monitoring Data (2015–2024) [Review Article], Edwin P. Alcantara

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Transgenic corn expressing the insecticidal Cry1Ab protein has been widely utilized in the Philippines to control the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Continuous, long-term monitoring is critical to detect shifts in baseline susceptibility and mitigate the risk of field-evolved resistance. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal dynamics of ACB susceptibility to Cry1Ab over nine years (2015–2024). Bioassay data were collected from 12 geographically distinct field populations across the Philippines, alongside a susceptible laboratory reference strain (UPLB). To account for spatial hierarchy and temporal variance, data were analyzed using a Bayesian hierarchical multilevel model with a logit link. Baseline assessments …

Movement Of The Different Larval Stages Of Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée), On Conventional Corn Hybrid Under Field Caged Conditions, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Mark Bryan A. Lontoc, Victor V. Alpuerto, Abigail P. De Leon, Jenifer Bigkas-Naungayan, John David C. Cortez, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Larval dispersal is crucial in pest population establishment in crop fields. The movement of Ostrinia furnacalis (ACB) larvae within corn plots was observed to determine which factors affect larval dispersal in the field. Conventional corn plots (3 rows, 0.70 m apart x 9 plants, 0.20 m apart) were artificially infested with different combinations of larval age and pest density. The distributions of larvae were recorded through destructive sampling at 4, 8, 12, and 16 days after infestation (DAI). The behavior of ACB from the time the hatching larvae break open the egg mass shell to ballooning to start actual movement …

External Funding Bulletin July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, Office Of Research And Creative Activity, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Sponsored Programs Bulletins

No abstract provided.

Modeling And Analysis Of Electric Signal In Neurons, Kevin J. Roberts

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Neurons in humans and other species transmit information by sending electric signals via axons. This process relies on the generation and propagation of action potentials—rapid changes in the membrane potential of the axon. Understanding the mechanisms of action potentials, including how they are generated and influenced by the axon geometry and material parameters, is crucial for gaining insight into neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis (diseases highly correlated to demyelination). In this work, we review and summarize mathematical models for signal transmission–including the classical Hodgkin-Huxley model, the Single Cable (SC) model, and the Double Cable (DC) model. We …

An Impact Study Of Young Women's Leadership Development: A Case Study Of Kosovo, Linda Gjergji

Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the leadership development trajectories of young women in Kosovo engaged in a global leadership program, offering significant insights into their capabilities, aspirations, and the barriers they face in pursuit of leadership roles. Using a qualitative instrumental case study approach, this study examines how participation in global leadership initiatives fosters skill development, self-awareness, and civic engagement among young women in a traditionally male-dominated society. The conceptual framework of the study is comprised of Erikson's theory of Psychosocial Development (Erikson, 1968) and Positive Youth Development (Lerner, 2005). Data was collected through online semi-structured interviews and an arts-based method, revealing …

Nevertheless, She Persisted: An Examination Of The Lived Experiences Of Single Mother College Students And The Factors That Drive Motivation And Persistence, Amy N. Migura

Theses & Dissertations

How single-mother college students find the motivation to persist toward achieving their college degrees is an underexplored phenomenon in the current literature. This qualitative study used an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach to explore the lived experiences of single-mother college students and the things that motivate them to persist. Participants described their personal challenges counteracted by the ways in which they were able to persevere. Findings of this study identified both a positive and negative component of the factors that impacted their motivation to persist, along with providing a closer look at the way the participants set and achieved goals.

Barriers To Parental Engagement In Early Childhood Education, Jordan E. Clark

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Parental engagement in early childhood education has long been recognized as a foundational contributor to children's academic success. However, many families face persistent barriers that limit their participation. This study examined three primary obstacles to parental engagement: disabilities, socioeconomic status, and underdeveloped parent–teacher relationships. The findings suggested that intentional, community-centered approaches effectively reduce barriers to engagement, strengthen school–family partnerships, and offer replicable models for promoting equitable participation in early childhood education settings. To bring these strategies to life, the study included a family engagement event developed in collaboration with a childcare center serving children with developmental delays, which provided a …

Sb 1 - Elementary, Secondary, And Postsecondary Education, Kathryn A. Hammock, Noelle C. Hoke

Georgia State University Law Review

The Act establishes statewide requirements for student participation in athletic teams based on biological sex as recorded on a student’s original birth certificate. It requires all public schools, and any private schools that compete against them, to designate school-sponsored athletic teams as male, female, or coeducational. Teams designated for females are restricted to students whose biological sex is assigned female at birth while teams designated for males are restricted to students whose biological sex is assigned male at birth, unless a corresponding team for females is not offered. The Act directs the state athletic association to develop rules to enforce …

Hb 127 - Education Generally, Rachel V. Ramsey, Robin K. Stein

Georgia State University Law Review

The bill proposed a prohibition on local education agencies and postsecondary institutions from endorsing any programs or activities that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, which includes any efforts to promote the different treatment of individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. However, the bill excludes policies and rules relating to restrooms and changing areas. Violation of the bill’s provisions may result in the withholding of state funding or state-administered federal funding.

Sb 185 - Penal Institutions, Hailey Sanford, Elijah C. Byrd

Georgia State University Law Review

The Act prohibits the use of state funds or resources to provide genderaffirming medical care to incarcerated individuals. It bans funding for sex reassignment surgeries, hormone replacement therapy, and any cosmetic or prosthetic procedures intended to alter an inmate’s primary or secondary sex characteristics. The bill includes limited exceptions, such as treatments for individuals with intersex conditions or those requiring continued hormone therapy that began prior to incarceration and is continued only for tapering purposes. The Georgia Department of Corrections is tasked with creating rules to govern these exceptions.

Breastfeeding Safety Following Maternal Anesthesia: A Guideline Development, Megan Honea, Mary Johnson

Doctoral Projects

Recommendations regarding breastfeeding following maternal anesthesia are inconsistent and often not up to date with current best practice guidelines. Previous recommendations have led to mothers unnecessarily “pumping and dumping” breast milk has benefits for both mother and baby. These benefits include (a) increasing the infant’s access to colostrum, (b) encouraging mother-baby bonding, (c) improving the mother’s breastfeeding experience, (d) and providing significant health benefits to the infant. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a set of evidence-based recommendations that focus on mothers who desire to breastfeed following general anesthesia. These recommendations will highlight maternal- fetal transfer of …

Annual Report 2024-2025, Houston Academy Of Medicine - Texas Medical Center Library

Annual Reports: 1943 - Present

This file contains the Annual Report for the library from 2024-2025.

Ecological Elemental Homeostasis And Stoichiometric Shifts: Biotic Responses To Ionic And Viral Stress, Samuel Anthony Tooru Dias

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Anthropogenic activities are reshaping the elemental composition of freshwater ecosystems, often creating stoichiometric imbalances that influence the growth, physiology and interactions of aquatic organisms. Ecological stoichiometric theory (EST) provides a framework for examining these changes by linking organismal elemental regulation to broader ecosystem processes. While traditionally focused on elements, such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), emerging stressors highlight the need to expand this framework to be more elementally inclusive for the examination of novel interactions. My dissertation integrates abiotic (salinization) and biotic stressors (viral infection) into an EST framework to evaluate how these factors alter elemental regulation …

The (Birthweight) Gains From Trade: Chinese Imports And Infant Health In Sub-Saharan Africa, Jorge M. Aguero, Patralekha Ukil

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

A growing literature has documented broad negative impacts of Chinese imports to advanced economies, mainly due to the competition of these imports with local production. However, for countries with a smaller manufacturing sector and which have not experienced a structural transformation away from agriculture, Chinese imports could have positive effects. We find evidence supporting this claim using a sample of over 350,000 births from 25 countries in Sub-Sahara Africa. Our identification compares the birthweight of biological siblings born at different levels of Chinese imports to their country. We find that an increase in Chinese imports of $100 (constant USD) is …

Rapid Construction Of Short Gap Crossings Using Indigenous Timber, Jack Everett Hamburger

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines multiple design options for constructing short span crossings for the military using indigenous timbers. Using indigenous timbers allows for a significant reduction in resources that must be brought into a site for construction. Construction time is minimized by optimizing the steps to convert indigenous timber into structural members for use as timbers in a short gap crossing. A major objective during this thesis study was to examine approaches for maximizing timber strength for design purposes and reduce timber weight for handling purposes. Wood strength and wood weight are highly dependent on moisture content. Decreasing moisture content addresses …

Advancing The Virus Diagnostic Toolkit: Development Of Accurate And Reliable Artificial Virus-Mimicking Positive Controls And Crispr-Based Detection, Habeeb Yinka Atanda

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and reliable detection of plant viruses is critical for protecting berries and other economically important crops. Yet diagnostic programs face persistent challenges with positive control availability, biosafety concerns, and specificity limitations. This thesis advances the diagnostic toolkit for berry viruses through three complementary innovations that address fundamental gaps in current detection methodologies. First, this research developed and validated virus-mimicking artificial positive controls (ViMAPCs) for diverse viruses affecting berry crops for endpoint PCR applications. ViMAPCs incorporate size differentiation, which enables immediate visual gel band discrimination between control and natural infection signals. Amplification efficiency analysis demonstrated close correspondence with true-positive controls …

Development Of Novel Small Molecule Therapeutics For Myotonic Dystrophy, Xhesika Azis

Biological Sciences

Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) results from expanded CUG repeat RNA that sequesters MBNL proteins and disrupts alternative splicing. Small molecules that bind toxic repeat RNA and release MBNL proteins represent a promising therapeutic strategy. This thesis examines newly synthesized modified polycyclic compounds (MPCs) engineered to target CUG RNA with enhanced specificity and efficacy. Through Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and benzoquinone-mediated cyclization, MPC03 was synthesized and characterized by NMR and LC–MS.

The biological activity of these compounds was assessed in DM1 patient-derived myotubes and fibroblasts. MPC03 consistently produced dose-dependent rescue of multiple MBNL-regulated exons, restoring splicing patterns toward those observed in healthy …

Integrated Pest Management Adoption, Pesticide Handling And Knowledge Gaps Among Cotton Farmers In Tanzania: Implications For Human And Environmental Health, Sospeter Jibunge Charles

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The global demand for cotton has risen significantly due to its extensive use in the textile and manufacturing industries, making it one of the most valuable cash crops worldwide. However, this growing demand for cotton production is severely threatened by the currently emerging pests which are intensified by the occurring of climate change and variability. As a result, many smallholder farmers have increasingly turned to chemical pesticides use to control the pests and maintain cotton production. But, while pesticides are effective in controlling pests and improving yields, their improper use and mismanagement pose serious risks to human health and the …