Digital Commons Network^™

Investigations Of Guayule Resin As A Wood Protectant, Queen Aguma

Theses and Dissertations

Wood products are subject to deterioration by numerous processes, as a biological material. Today, a significant area of preservative development is the utilization of existing plant residues that have water-repelling, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties as components of wood protectants. Parthenium argentatum, known as guayule (wy-oo-lee), is a promising wood protectant due to its resin. However, the resin's complicated chemical, physical, and solvent-resistant properties make it difficult to use. The primary goal of this study was to eliminate the use of any solvent and rely on thermal modification only to fractionate usable compounds from guayule resin. Utilizing heated dialysis and …

Innovative Methyl Bromide Alternatives: Efficacy Of Acetic Acid Coated Ham Nets And Carboxymethyl Cellulose Films In Inhibiting Mite Infestations On Dry-Cured Ham, Sawyer Wyatt Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Dry-cured hams may become infested with Tyrophagus putrescentiae (ham mites) during the aging process. Traditionally, methyl bromide (MB) fumigation has been used to control these infestations, but its phase-out due to environmental concerns has prompted the need for alternative methods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of acetic acid-coated ham nets and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based edible films with propylene glycol (PG) in mitigating mite infestations. Laboratory trials assessed the impact of these treatments on mite orientation, reproduction, infestation rates, and sensory quality. Results indicate that CMC films were effective at controlling mite growth and reproduction with minimal sensory impact. In contrast, …

Habitat Suitability Modeling For Optimizing Stand Initiation And Restoration Efforts Of Economically And Ecologically Important Hardwoods, Segun Michael Adeyemo

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses critical challenges in forest management and restoration in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) through a series of interconnected studies focused on improving habitat suitability modeling and growth prediction for oak species. The research employs advanced modeling techniques to enhance our understanding of species-habitat relationships and forest dynamics in the context of climate change. Initial studies focused on developing ensemble habitat suitability models for American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and butternut (Juglans cinerea), two historically important but currently threatened tree species. These models predict suitable habitats and potential range shifts under various climate change scenarios, highlighting the species' …

Evaluation And Characterization Of Two Capacitive Sensors For Cotton Moisture Measurement In Static And Dynamic Modes For Real-Time Use In Cotton Gin, Sushma Perati

Theses and Dissertations

Two capacitive sensors, a commercial FP-32C and a custom design capacitor plate were evaluated for real-time cotton moisture content (MC%) measurement in ginning environment. The sensors were able to measure MC ranges of 3.56%–19.7% and 4.56%–21.04% MC for FP-32C and custom capacitor pate, respectively. In dynamic mode, the ranges were 4.9%–14.5% and 4.9%–14.7% respectively. Results showed that measurements of both sensors had strong correlations with results obtained from oven method. A comparison of moisture content measurement methods using a moisture balance (M5 Thermo 163M,) and oven method was conducted with the result showing that Lint-Only samples were the most closely …

Identification Of Salt Tolerance And Stress Response In Us Department Of Agriculture Tomato Germplasm At The Seedling Stage, Ibtisam Alatawi, Haizheng Xiong, Kenani Chiwina, Hanan Mohammedsaeed Alkabkabi, Qun Luo, Neelendra K. Joshi, Xiaolun Sun, Xuan Zhuang, Kai-Shu Ling, Ainong Shi

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Abstract. Soil salinity is a significant abiotic factor that impedes sustainable crop pro- duction in key agricultural regions worldwide. Saline cultivation adversely affects soil quality, whereas the use of saline water for irrigation disrupts the physiological and biochemical processes of plants. Continuous irrigation with high salt concentrations leads to a gradual buildup of soil salinity, thus hindering optimal plant growth and development. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on breeding salinity-tolerant cultivars of various crops. In this study, 71 tomato accessions sourced from 20 coun- tries and provided by the US Department of Agriculture were evaluated under con- trolled greenhouse …

Ecological Niches Applied To Socioeconomic Phenomena: The Case Of The Colombian Internal Conflict, Alexander Alegría, Laura Jiménez, Jhon Jairo Alvarado-Quintero

Peace and Conflict Studies

Recent studies of the Colombian conflict have shown that struggle for resource accumulation and territorial control, in a very competitive and violent environment in which the illegal armed groups are involved, is crucial to their survival and development. Here, we applied a highly successful methodology from ecology (Ecological Niche Modelling) to the problem of identifying the ideal socioeconomic conditions for the presence of a Colombian illegal armed group, named the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). We analyzed some determining factors of FARC´s presence and permanence within the Colombian territory that reflect aspects of the socioeconomic dynamics and productive capacity …

“The Invulnerable Tide”: Water, Nation, And Nature In Yeats, Nels C. Pearson

International Yeats Studies

No abstract provided.

Subsyndromal Delirium And Postoperative Pain In Older Adults, Dawn Lujean Denny

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between subsyndromal delirium and pain in older adults following major elective orthopedic surgery. The design of this correlational study was based on Inouye and Charpentier's (1996) multifactorial model of delirium.

Circadian Body Temperature And Activation Rhythms And The Well-Being Of Independent Older Women, Diana J. Mason

Dissertations

This study examined changes in the circadian parameters of body temperature and activation and their relationship to the well-being of the older woman.

Nurse Educators' Perceptions Regarding Faculty Participation In University Governance, Janet J. Gross

Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify nurse educators' perceptions of faculty participation in university governance

Nurse Delegation Decision Making: Impact On Nurse Job Satisfaction, Lynn Carol Parsons

Dissertations

The purpose of this experimental study was to ascertain if a structured educational intervention (versus a mimic intervention) was followed by a statistically significant increase in nurse delegation decision making knowledge and nurse job satisfaction.

Reducing The Use Of Multiple Restraints In The Psychiatric Emergency Department, Juliet Nneka Udo

Dissertations

The purpose of the quantitative quality-improvement project was to implement the interprofessional collaborative practice model (ICPM) education program for providers, as an evidence-based intervention in reducing the use of multiple restraints in the psychiatric emergency department.

Jovial Family Farm Facilitates Intergenerational Learning Opportunities Through Urban Farming, Maera Williams

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Maera Williams is a sophomore in Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. She joined the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Urban Farming team as a freshman and now serves as project manager of ten undergraduate students collaborating with Jovial Family Farm to design and develop three indoor hydroponics systems for a laboratory space on their property in Broad Ripple, IN. Jovial Family Farm is a nonprofit organization founded by Drs. Bobbie and Brian Jellison with the mission to provide senior citizens, their families, and their communities with meaningful engagement opportunities on an intergenerational scale through urban agricultural activities. …

Wolf Park, Pawsing For Impactful Beginnings: The Role Of Community Engagement And Education In Service-Learning, John W. Robbins, Deniz Eksioglu, Kaushal Patel

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Our team’s endeavor, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Kristen Bellisario, encapsulates a service-learning journey with Wolf Park, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and research of wolves and wildlife. Through immersive experiences, community outreach, and collaborative partnerships, our team sought to amplify public understanding of wildlife conservation and inspire a sense of responsibility among participants. This essay examines the impact of our initiatives on both the community and ourselves, emphasizing the transformative potential of education, engagement, and community partnerships in effecting positive societal change. Our team advocates for sustained support for wildlife conservation efforts and underscore the necessity of …

Beyond The Bench: Redefining Research Impact In Society, Nouran Amin

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

The following essay reports on the reflective experiences of the author’s time completing a certificate program “Advancing Graduate Research Impact in Society” offered by Purdue University’s Office of Community Engagement in Fall 2023. It begins by narrating the author's journey as a Muslim woman in STEM spaces, highlighting the lack of relatable role models and the ensuing dissonance between aspirations and prevailing narratives. Through introspection, the essay progresses to examine the paradox of publicly funded but inaccessible science, which often fails to engage with community needs and priorities. The essay underscores the importance of inclusivity and diverse representation in scientific …

Aboard The Giant Clam: Ramon Muzones's Maritime Historicization Of The Nation, Winton Lou G. Ynion

Kritika Kultura

Philippine literature scholarship is currently interested in decentering the discourse of nation-building from the capital to the periphery, but least often is attention given to the very geography that makes these communities marginalized. Habitually, multiculturalism and multilingualism have been convenient explanations for why it is difficult for the Philippines to come up with a “national literature” and a paradigm for imagining a nation. This essay centers on this neglected aspect, casting a novel written by a marginalized author in a vernacular language – the Margosatubig (1946) by Ramon Muzones. Three prime objectives guided the navigation of this paper: (1) to …

Comparison Of Efficacy Between Thai Herbal Anti-Hemorrhoid Formula And Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction In Patients With Internal Hemorrhoids, Darunee Rattanawongsamathakul, Varut Lohsiriwat, Suksalin Booranasubkajorn, Angkana Apichartvorakit, Pravit Akarasereenont

Journal of Health Research

Background: Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal condition. In Thai traditional medicine, the Bantaoridsidwangthawan formula (BRF) has been used to treat hemorrhoids. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and satisfaction of BRF versus Micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in patients with internal hemorrhoids grades 1 and 2.

Methods: This was a single-blind, randomized control noninferiority trial. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to BRF (n=13) or MPFF (n=14). The BRF group received 5 pills 3 times daily for 14 days. The MPFF group received 2 tablets 3 times daily for 4 days, and then 2 tablets 2 times daily …

Biomarkers Of Formaldehyde Exposure For Health Surveillance, Songkran Deeruen, Vorakamol Boonyayothin, Urai Chaisri, Songsak Petmitr, Aronrag Cooper Meeyai, Manee Chanama, Natkamol Chansatitporn, Wantanee Phanprasit

Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to identify suitable biomarkers of formaldehyde exposure to conduct health surveillance among embalmers. Micronucleus frequency, DNA damage, and genetic polymorphisms were studied.

Methods: Ninety-eight staff in 13 hospitals were recruited and categorized into high or low formaldehyde exposure groups (n=49 for each group). For each participant, personal air sampling was taken and analyzed using the NIOSH method 2016. On the same day of air sampling, participants’ buccal tissue was collected and analyzed for micronucleus frequency by staining, DNA damage using the Comet assay, and polymorphism of Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) by polymerase chain …

Smokejumper Biographies For 1959 Rookie Class, National Smokejumper Association

Smokejumper Biographies by Rookie Year

This document contains short biographies of smokejumpers who rookied in 1959.

The Effect Of Dha On Myo-Inositol Levels In Lymphoblasts Derived From Patients With Bipolar Disorder, Katherine Pierre

Honors Theses

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by recurring episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar I disorder is accompanied by severe episodes of mania and depression, while bipolar II disorder is characterized by a milder form of mania. It has been hypothesized that currently approved treatments for this disorder, lithium and valproic acid, exert their therapeutic effect by decreasing myo-inositol levels intracellularly. However, these treatments may lead to undesired side effects, creating a need for safer treatments. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of bipolar disorder.

To investigate …

Motivations And Goals Of Parents Participating In The Working With Parents Manual Pilot Study, Amanda Nicholson

ETD Collection

Understanding the motivations and goals of parents participating in parenting programs is crucial for developing effective parenting programs and keeping participants engaged. This study reviews the motivations and goals of participants in the Working With Parents Manual (WWPM) Pilot Study (Mowder, 2022). The WWPM is based on the Parent Development Theory (PDT) which defines six categories of important parenting behaviors (i.e., Bonding, Discipline, Education, General Welfare and Protection, Responsivity, Sensitivity). The study explores parents' motivations and goals for participating in the WWPM program, the impact participation has on parenting behaviors, and the relationship between parenting goals and program satisfaction. A …

The Abusive Effects Of Trauma On Leadership Styles And Performance, Robert Kraft

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Major Applied Project (MAP) investigates the relationship between toxic leadership in the military and trauma, particular how trauma can have negative, abusive effects on leadership style and performance. Most research in this area addresses trauma in postvention. This MAP addresses trauma’s potential effect on leadership style and explores the use of a pre-emptive, preventative training. Leadership theory is explored as well as trauma in the form of mental disorders, such as PTSD and narcissism. The author’s experience as an ordained pastor of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, serving as an Army Chaplain, revealed the value of …

Michigan Academician, Volume 49, Issue 1

Michigan Academician

2024 Conference Abstracts

Investigation Of Real-Time Gaseous Thermal Decomposition Products Of Representative Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas), Kateřina Litvanová, Bethany Klemetstrud, Feng Xiao, Alena Kubatova

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The thermal decomposition of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is poorly understood. Here, we present an innovative, comprehensive analytical method to investigate their thermal decomposition, including perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), alcohol, sulfonates, and GenX (acid dimer), focusing on identifying their breakdown products. In this study, evolved gas analysis–mass spectrometry (EGA-MS) was used for fast real-time screening to determine the significant temperatures to be investigated with the thermal desorption-pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-Py-GC-MS), which provided detailed information about evolved PFAS and their breakdown products. This approach enabled a systematic study of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) ranging from C₃ to …

5-Substituted Flavones—Another Class Of Potent Triplex Dna-Specific Ligands As Antigene Enhancers, Landy Gu, Nghia Tran, Vanessa M. Rangel, Mandeep Singh, Krege M. Christison, Geoff P. Lin-Cereghino, Liang Xue

Pacific Faculty Work

In the field of drug development, the quest for novel compounds that bind to DNA with high affinity and specificity never ends. In the present work, we report the newest development in this field, namely, triplex DNA-specific binding ligands based on the 5-substituted flavone scaffold in our lab. Biophysical studies showed that the newly synthesized flavone derivatives (depending on the side chains) bind to triplex DNA with binding affinities better than or similar to 5-substituted 3,3′,4′,7-tetramethoxyflavonoids. These compounds selectively stabilize triplex DNA while having little effect on duplex DNA, as verified by various biophysical methods. A detailed structural analysis suggested …

Predictors Of Reported Serious Health Outcomes And Death A After Covid-19 Vaccine In The United States, Jean Amost Cadet

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

COVID-19 vaccines have been available in the United States since December 2020. However, very few studies have looked at the serious health outcomes reported by those who received a COVID-19 vaccine. Guided by the social ecological model, factors associated with reported serious health outcomes and deaths within the first 2 months after taking a COVID-19 vaccine were examined. A total of 720,210 cases from the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System data from December 2020 to December 2022 were analyzed using multiple logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression to determine if medical conditions predict the number of reported deaths and …

Optimized Fabrication Of Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles As Efficient Delivery System For Cancer Immunotherapy, Varsha Godakhindi, Mostafa Yazdimamaghani, Sudip Kumar Dam, Farzana Ferdous, Andrew Z. Wang, Mubin Tarannum, Jonathan Serody, Juan L. Vivero-Escoto

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In the past decade, cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of oncology. Major immunotherapy approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, cytokines, and immunomodulators have shown great promise in preclinical and clinical settings. Among them, immunomodulatory agents including cancer vaccines are particularly appealing; however, they face limitations, notably the absence of efficient and precise targeted delivery of immune-modulatory agents to specific immune cells and the potential for off-target toxicity. Nanomaterials can play a pivotal role in addressing targeting and other challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) can enhance the efficacy of cancer vaccines …

Climate And Gypsum Parent Material Shape Biocrust Communities And Moss Ecology In The Chihuahuan And Mojave Deserts, Nicole Pietrasiak, Katelyn G. Gobbie, Brian Jusko, Rebecca E. Drenovsky

Life Sciences Faculty Research

Biological soil crust communities (biocrusts) establishing on gypsum soils have been well-documented for their prolific appearance and rich diversity of lichens and bryophytes. However, studies characterizing gypsum biocrusts have occurred primarily outside of the U.S., most of which lack comparisons to other soil types. We conducted intensive field surveys to evaluate the ground cover and frequency of biocrust functional groups and moss species on gypsum and non-gypsum soils in the U.S. regions with the most extensive gypsum outcrops, the northern Chihuahuan and eastern Mojave Deserts. Study sites were stratified by geomorphology and paired, so that every gypsum site was matched …

​​Living With Parkinson’S During Covid-19: A Survey Of Parkinson’S Patients During Covid-19​, Sia Shaila Pilgaonkar

Undergraduate Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), raising concerns about exacerbation of symptoms and vulnerability of the patients. This project first reviews existing literature on the interconnections between COVID-19 and PD, focusing on the physiological, psychological, and treatment-related challenges faced by patients. Then it analyzes survey data examining increased severity of COVID-19 in individuals with PD, alongside the literature researching potential mechanisms linking the two, such as inflammation and neurodegeneration. The survey’s key areas of focus included symptom management, treatment satisfaction, the impact of PD on daily living, and the impact of COVID-19 on motor and …

Elucidating The Role Of Astrocytes In Norepinephrine Neuromodulation, Katheryn Bry Lefton

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Norepinephrine, a wakefulness-associated neuromodulator, profoundly reshapes neural systems, from synaptic circuits to behavior. Through decades of research, a substantial catalogue on the effects of noradrenergic signaling on behavior and networks has been generated. How norepinephrine remodels synaptic circuitry is widely thought to underlie the larger changes in neural networks and behavior, highlighting the need for a more thorough understanding of the circuit effects of norepinephrine neuromodulation. However, the mechanistic details of the norepinephrine on synapses are still unclear. In recent decades, a large body of work has shown that norepinephrine acts not just on neurons, but on glial cells including …