Digital Commons Network^™

Weather And Technology Trends In U.S. Durum Wheat Yields, Charles Sanders

Research Papers

Durum wheat is the primary ingredient in a global staple food item: pasta. Yet, it is considered a minor wheat crop with less than 2.0 million acres devoted to production in the U.S. Durm wheat production has not received much attention from researchers in terms of either weather impacts or technology trends. This paper uses a multiple regression model to estimate the gains in U.S. yields due to technology and the key weather variables that impact yields in the April through August growing season. The data focus on yields in the key Montana and North Dakota growing areas commonly referred …

One Island, Two Worlds: An Investigation Of The Diverging Economies Of The Dominican Republic And Haiti, Daniel Espinal

Business and Economics Summer Fellows

An investigative study into the diverging economies of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. A greater focus is placed on the divergence point of the 1960s where two authoritarian leaders both ruled the country.

Cover Cropping: How Sustainability And Economics Can Work Hand In Hand, Emma Reyes

Business and Economics Summer Fellows

Research finds that over half of the agricultural lands worldwide have been moderately or severely affected by soil degradation (Kopittke et al., 2019). This problem is further heightened by the fact that many farmers are concerned about the profitability of sustainable practices. As a result, this may lead to an increase in the practice of more harmful conventional agricultural techniques if they continue to be considered more economically beneficial in comparison. This paper aims to see if the use of a specific sustainable practice known as cover cropping can help to increase the level of economic benefits farmers receive. Cover …

Blue Notes, July 19, 2024 (Issue 2024-09 ), Illinois State University, Department Of Chemistry

Blue Notes

Newsletter of the Illinois State University Department of Chemistry

July 19, 2024 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Defining A Dynamic Architecture Of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Colin L. Welsh

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), a critical class of signaling enzymes, are principally responsible for balancing the actions of kinases through the dephosphorylation of tyrosine residues on substrate proteins. As such, this family is involved in myriad pathways and individual members are able to perform both oncogenic and tumor-suppressing roles. However, while clinical success has been achieved in targeting kinases, PTPs have remained therapeutically challenging. Orthosteric inhibition is limited in PTPs due to their highly conserved fold, leading to off-target effects, and their highly charged active site, requiring highly polar molecules with poor bioavailability. These challenges posit the allosteric inhibition of …

Bridging Cultural Identities: Empowering El Students Through Acculturation, Sarah D.T. Corder

Masters Projects

English learners (ELs) are more likely to develop positive social and psychological outcomes when they acculturate to American society, which is to develop cultural competency while maintaining their home language, customs, and traditions (Berry et al., 2006). Yet, multiple factors in our current society cause ELs to lose connection to their heritage culture by assimilating to American society (Chen, 2018). This project first explores the factors that contribute to assimilation behaviors among elementary-age ELs and limit the positive social, emotional, and academic effects of acculturation. Using Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory as a framework, it then examines culturally responsive pedagogy as a …

Exploration Of Therapists' Use Of Bibliotherapy As A Clinical Strategy For Military Children, Destiny Huff

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Military-connected children face unique life stressors related to their parents serving in the military. Therapists play an integral role in supporting these families. Specifically, research on therapists’ use of bibliotherapy as a clinical strategy to support these children’s needs is recommended. Bibliotherapy uses written material such as books, stories, and poems to address clients’ needs. The purpose of this interpretive descriptive qualitative study was to explore therapists’ use of bibliotherapy as a clinical strategy to address the unique stressors faced by military children ages 3-8 years old. Shrodes’s model of bibliotherapy was used as the theoretical framework. Data were collected …

Use Of A Community-Based Mentoring Program To Reduce Juvenile Delinquency And Crime In Adolescents, Andida Prince

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The risk factors of juvenile delinquency and crime fail to acknowledge the systemic injustices, environmental stressors, and challenges youths bring to mentoring programs. Community-based mentoring programs are in place to assist with deterrence and reduction of juvenile delinquency and crime. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand delinquency and crime in adolescents through the theoretical lens of social control theory. The goal was to explore the theories and understand what can be done to counteract the risk factors from the perspective of mentoring professionals. The research questions focused on community-based mentoring programs’ role in an adolescent’s life and …

Impact Of Differentiation On Long-Term Emergent Bilingual Outcomes, Tara Cargill

Education Theses and Dissertations

The No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 and the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015 mandated reforms for English Learners in K–12 schools across the nation. This led to a focus on language development and instruction for emergent bilinguals. This dissertation uses the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to implement interventions for long-term emergent bilinguals in general education classes. The study aims to refine the cycle and impact system changes for improvement. Emergent bilinguals are identified through state-approved English language proficiency exams. Students scoring less than proficient are labeled as limited English proficient/emergent bilingual and offered English as a Second Language …

Repetitive Subconcussive Head Impacts In Sports And Their Impact On Brain Anatomy And Function: A Systematic Review, Lukas Hack, Bhagyashree Singh, Ferdinand Binkofski, Ingo Helmich

Exercise and Sport Studies: Faculty Publications

Repetitive subconcussive head impacts occur regularly in sports. However, the exact relationship between their biomechanical properties and their consequences on brain structure and function has not been clarified yet. We therefore reviewed prospective cohort studies that objectively reported the biomechanical characteristics of repetitive subconcussive head impacts and their impact on brain anatomy and function. Only studies with a pre- to post-measurement design were included. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Structural white matter alterations, such as reduced fractional anisotropy and an increase in mean diffusivity values, seem to be evident in athletes exposed to repetitive subconcussive head impacts exceeding 10 …

Artificial Chordae Implantation Vs Posterior Leaflet Preservation: A Comparison Of Midterm Results After Mitral Valve Replacement, Salih Salihi, Bilhan Özalp, Fatih Toptan, Ibrahim Kara

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

BACKGROUND: Various techniques have been proposed for the preservation of the subvalvular apparatus (SVA) in mitral valve replacement. This study aimed to compare the midterm results of posterior leaflet preservation with the results of selective preservation of the SVA involving artificial chordae implantation in terms of left ventricular performance in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement.

METHODS: In total, 127 patients were included in this study. Patients were allocated to 1 of 2 groups according to the techniques used to preserve the SVA. Patients in group 1 underwent posterior leaflet preservation: The anterior leaflet was completely resected, and the posterior leaflet …

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Using A Cold Fibrillatory Cardiac Arrest Technique In Patients With Prior Cardiac Surgery, Ahmed Ali, Zachary Gray, Gabriel Loor, Alexis E Shafii, Todd K Rosengart, Kenneth K Liao

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (mini-MVS) is typically reserved for patients who have not undergone open cardiac surgery. In the reoperative setting, using intrapericardial dissection for crossclamping the aorta through a minimally invasive approach can be difficult and, at times, risky. Cold fibrillatory cardiac arrest (CFCA) with systemic cardiopulmonary bypass without cross-clamping is a well-described technique; however, data about its safety for patients who undergo reoperative mini-MVS are limited.

METHODS: Data for 34 patients who underwent reoperative mini-MVS with CFCA from March 2017 to March 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. A mini right thoracotomy (n = 30) or robotic (n …

Working (Around/Within/Against) Prior Appropriation: Diverse Hydrosocial Practices To Secure Water For Rivers, Alida Cantor, Jillian Farley, Thien-Kim Bui, Zachary Boyce

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

Water scarcity in the Western US, through the lens of political ecology, can be understood as inextricably shaped by power dynamics, governance structures, and legal practices of resource allocation. Water allocation in the region is determined largely by the legal doctrine of Prior Appropriation, the 'first in time, first in right' principle. However, prior appropriation is fundamentally based in anthropocentric and settler colonial assumptions, and in light of drought, climate change, and shifting social and environmental values, the system has been critiqued as inadequate to meet contemporary water challenges. Despite challenging historical legacies, water managers in the Western US are …

Perceived Beef Producer Challenges And Competencies For A Value-Added Beef Extension Program, Sarah J. Al-Mazroa Smith, Greg Miller

Journal of Extension

As markets are changing in the beef industry, producers are seeking new opportunities for value-added beef production. A select group of beef industry experts and experienced beef producers have come to consensus regarding challenges that producers face in the current marketplace. They identified competencies that would be a positive addition to a value-added beef Extension program. Competencies and challenges were organized to enable Extension specialists to create a new Extension program framework.

Educator Feedback On A Farm Tractor And Machinery Safety Training Program: Implications For Program Content And Success, Linda Fetzer, Brenna Butler, Judd Michael

Journal of Extension

This article provides results from a survey of instructors who have offered the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) to youth planning to work in agriculture. Youth younger than age 16 who wish to be employed on non-family farms are required to complete an approved safety training program to operate tractors and other powered machinery. A survey of educators who offered the NSTMOP program was conducted to learn more about their successes, challenges, and feedback related to the instructor training course and program materials. Results provide direction to the instructors’ programmatic needs with respect to teaching safety-related topics.

Engaging Home Literacy Environments: Building A Partnership Between School And Home, Robert E. Samuels Iii

Masters Projects

The reading proficiency levels of fourth grade students in the United States has been stagnant or declining for nearly two decades, an issue only amplified by school closures during the pandemic. Struggling third graders, including those at Fennville Elementary School, are beginning fourth grade without a solid grasp of their foundational reading skills These skills are necessary for accessing complex text in fourth grade and later. A lack of parental involvement and absence of an engaging home literacy environment has added to these reading deficits. This project analyzes educational theories and research to determine the importance of parent and family …

An Observational Study To Compare The Anti Anginal Efficacy Of Ranolazine Versus Nicorandil In Ischemic Heart Disease Patients Attending A Tertiary Care Hospital In Kolkata, Arup Mallick, Pradip Saha, Ishita Sengupta, Gairik Sengupta, Paramartha Bhattacharya, Soumya Dutta

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Ischemic Heart disease (IHD) occurs due to an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. In stable IHD, second-line anti-anginal drugs like Ranolazine and Nicorandil are used as add-on therapy with first-line agents like Nitrates and beta-blockers. Our study compared the efficacy of Ranolazine versus Nicorandil utilizing the patient’s responses to the Short Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ7) score. A prospective observational study on stable IHD patients attending the cardiology Outpatient Department (OPD) of IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, with either Ranolazine or Nicorandil as add-on therapy (50 patients in each group). SAQ7 score was recorded at baseline and three follow-up …

Adverse Events Of Bedaquiline Drug Use In The Treatment Of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (Mdr-Tb) Patients: A Review Artcile, Nabilah Nihlah, Bilqis Nailah, Imam Wicaksono

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) is any unfavorable and unexpected drug response in patients dosed for prevention, diagnosis, or therapy. Tuberculosis is a contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Multi-drug resistance Tuberculosis (MDR TB) is caused by bacteria that are resistant to the two most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs - isoniazid and rifampicin; cases of resistance to both drugs result in worse treatment outcomes, longer treatment duration, high costs, and various other complications. All medications used to treat MDR TB patients have the potential to cause mild, moderate, and severe side effects, especially Bedaquiline. This article will explain …

Modeling Hyperglycemia With Induction Variants In Mice As Preclinical Test Animals, Setiyo Santoso, Widarika Hapsari, Deksa Putra

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Inducing hyperglycemia in animal models is crucial for preclinical research on anti-diabetic drug development, especially when genetically diabetic test animals are unavailable. Various induction methods have been employed to elevate glycemic levels in test animals. However, there is a lack of substantial literature proving the effectiveness and stability of these induction alternatives. This study aims to compare the stability of glycemic levels and assess histopathological changes in mice induced by dextrose, streptozotocin, and alloxan. Our protocol involved dividing mice into six groups of five, each with a control group. Mice in Groups A and D were exposed to alloxan monohydrate, …

Prescribing Pattern Of Corticosteroid In Dermatologic Disorder At Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital In Western Indian, Zankrut Patel, Dhiren Patel, Jatin Patel, Sumit Patel

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Based on their potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, corticosteroids are essential for treating several skin disorders. Due to their lesser systemic toxicity, topical treatments are recommended. The use of corticosteroids in Indian dermatology practice, however, is not well documented. This study aims to analyze the prescribing patterns of corticosteroids for dermatologic disorders. In the outpatient dermatology department of GCS Hospital, Ahmedabad, a cross-sectional, observational study was conducted for six months, from March 2021 to August 2021. We looked at prevalent skin problems and prescribing patterns in 500 prescriptions. A descriptive statistical analysis was done following the compilation of all the …

Nanoemulsion Formulation As A Drug Delivery System For Coleus Atropurpureus Bioactive Compounds, Marsella Oktavioni, Dian A.E Natasya, Yusnaidar Yusnaidar, Madyawati Latief, Indra Tarigan

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Miana plant (Coleus) is a plant with compound flowers. Miana leaves have various bioactive compounds widely used to treat diseases such as fever, cold, cough, headaches, asthma, constipation, and skin diseases. Based on phytochemical screening of Coleus atropurpureus Benth. Several bioactive compounds are produced, such as sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, lactones, catechols, and tannins. Miana leaf extract has been tested for antioxidants using the DPPH method, and the IC50 value obtained from the antioxidant test results is 3.80 ppm and is categorized as a powerful antioxidant. There were four formulations of miana leaf extract nanoemulsion. Based on the …

Evaluation Of Antibiotic Use In Pediatric Inpatients At One Of Bandung Regional Hospitals In August 2023, Purti Maharani, Imam Wicaksono, Falerina Puspita, Hijrah Zainudin

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Infectious diseases are a major concern in the field of health, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. Children are vulnerable to infections because their immune systems are not fully developed. Proper management is necessary for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in pediatric patients. Antibiotics are the primary choice for addressing bacterial infections. However, the increased use of antibiotic can contribute to high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), rendering infection treatment ineffective. The evaluation of antibiotic use can be conducted through the ATC/DDD method, which focuses on the quantity and types of antibiotics used. Although this method provides a …

Prospect Study Of Anti-Inflammatory Activity By Identification Of Muntingia Calabura Leaf Infusion, Shenny Permana, Muchamad Yusuf, Aufa Putriana, Jasmine Sukmayani, Ratu Sudrajat, Miski Khairinisa, Indah Wahyuni, Enny Rohmawaty, Muhammad Bashari, Ronny Lesmana, Aziiz Rosdianto

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Many diseases occur due to inflammation that is not handled properly. One of the feature of inflammation is swelling or edema. Inflammation can be handled with traditional medicine, such as Muntingia calabura L. (M. calabura L.) Pharmacologically, this plant extract is reported to have antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial. Metabolite compound contained in M. calabura L. has the potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. The objective of this study is to ascertain the secondary metabolites contained in M. calabura L. leaves infusion. This experimental research method includes the simplicia making and infusion of M. calabura L. leaves by cold infusion …

Teacher Knowledge And Confidence Integrating Social Change Concepts In K–12 Classrooms, Amy White, Fran Reed, Tina Marshall-Bradley, Kathy Strang

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

The purpose of this survey research was to examine the perspectives of K–12 classroom teachers about their knowledge of social change concepts and their confidence in implementing these into their existing curriculum. A questionnaire was used to (a) examine the perspectives of K–12 classroom teachers about the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to implement social change concepts into their teaching and (b) define areas of social change that teachers struggle to implement in K–12 classrooms. We employed Wilcoxen signed rank tests to determine if differences existed between what teachers reported they knew and their confidence in integrating 11 social …

Analysis Of Cost-Effectiveness Of Antihypertensive Therapy In Hypertension Patients At Al-Ihsan Regional Public Hospital In 2023, Masyitah Isnaini, Widiah Widiarti, Miski Khairinisa

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Hypertension is a disease that causes an abnormal increase in blood pressure, which causes cardiovascular disease. Long-term hypertension therapy requires large costs. Apart from that, existing antihypertensives are also very varied, so a cost-effectiveness analysis is needed in order to choose medications that balance costs and advantages. This study aims to determine the most economical antihypertensive medication at Al-Ihsan Regional Public Hospital in Baleendah. Based on patient medical records, this study was carried out retrospectively. Therapy data and treatment costs are the basis for the data collection process. The data is processed descriptively. The reduction in blood pressure that meets …

Developing Future Managers Through Business Simulation Gaming In The Uk And Hong Kong: Exploring The Interplay Between Cognitive Realism, Decision-Making And Performance, Jonathan Lean, Robert Newbery, Jonathan Moizer, Mohamed Haddoud, Wai Mun Lim

Plymouth Business School

PurposeThis paper investigates how individuals' decision-making approach and perceptions of a game's cognitive realism affect the performance of virtual businesses in a web-based simulation game.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data are collected from 274 business simulation game users and is analysed using the fsQCA technique.FindingsThe study identifies three alternative pathways to high and low performance in a business simulation game. Results indicate that a flexible decision-making approach exists in all high performance pathway solutions. Where a game is perceived to be realistic, a more focused decision-making approach is associated with high performance. However, where perceived cognitive realism is absent, a less focused experimental decision-making …

Computational Investigations Of Optical Properties Of Plasmonic Nanoparticle Assemblies By Dda Method, Saghar Gomrok

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Plasmonics is a multidisciplinary field focused on the study of collective oscillations of conduction electrons in metals, known as plasmons. These plasmons lead to unique optical responses when coupled with nanostructures, enhancing electric fields at the metal surface at specific wavelengths. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) occurs at the interface of metal-dielectric structures, while localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) manifests within metallic nanoparticles (NPs), influenced by composition, size, shape, and surroundings. Gold (Au) and silver (Ag) NPs are well-known for distinctive LSPR-induced optical properties. Assemblies of Au or Ag metallic NPs allow further tuning of plasmonic behaviors. Moreover, packing metallic NPs …

Laser-Induced Electrochemical Biosensor Modified With Graphene-Based Ink For Label-Free Detection Of Alpha-Fetoprotein And 17Β-Estradiol, Ridma Tabassum, Pritu P. Sarkar, Ahmed Hasnain Jalal, Ali Ashraf, Nazmul Islam

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

In this research, a novel electrochemical biosensor is proposed based on inducing graphene formation on polyimide substrate via laser engraving. Graphene polyaniline (G-PANI) conductive ink was synthesized by planetary mixing and applied to the working zone of the developed sensor to effectively enhance the electrical signals. The laser-induced graphene (LIG) sensor was used to detect alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and 17β-Estradiol (E2) in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) buffer and human serum. The electrochemical performance of the biosensor in determining these biomarkers was investigated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (CA). In a buffer environment, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and 17β-Estradiol detection range …

Navigating Global Engineering Education Accreditation: Assessing Ethical Integration And Charting Pathways For Progress, Shannon M. Chance, J Seniuk Cicek, A R Bielefeld, S Hladik, Diana Adela Martin, D M Riley

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Accreditation in engineering has been widely adopted, enabled by notable harmonization among accrediting bodies worldwide. This alignment, facilitated by accords among nations and regions, fosters a shared understanding of expectations critical for the globalized engineering profession. While ensuring graduates are equipped with essential skills for international collaboration, engineering education grapples with defining and instilling ethics, and the problematic nature of this endeavor is complicated by vague and ambiguous terminology within accreditation documents. Addressing this gap requires navigating power dynamics among education, accreditation, and licensure alongside creating localized, meaningful educational experiences. This paper overviews one section from the forthcoming Routledge International …