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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

The Effects Of Lactoferrin And Iron-Enriched Whey On Iron Status Of Collegiate Females, Connor Kemp Dec 2025

The Effects Of Lactoferrin And Iron-Enriched Whey On Iron Status Of Collegiate Females, Connor Kemp

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Iron deficiency has remained a global issue even in developed countries despite food fortification and increased nutritional literacy, biological women of child baring age are at particular risk due to menstruation and reduced dietary intake of iron containing foods compared to men. This issue is of particular concern in athletics due to the critical role of iron in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. With nearly half of female athletes presenting low iron status iron supplementation is often necessary. With iron supplementation often resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms that could negatively impact sport performance itself there is a need to explore other …


From Mechanisms To Management: Implications Of Biogeochemical Controllers And Land Management For Soil Carbon Cycling And Storage, Savannah R. Adkins Dec 2025

From Mechanisms To Management: Implications Of Biogeochemical Controllers And Land Management For Soil Carbon Cycling And Storage, Savannah R. Adkins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Climate change and its cascading effects are driven by increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Many climate solutions exists to remove this excess carbon (C) from the atmosphere, and soils, in particular, represent one of the few win-win solutions. Soils play a vital role in the global C cycle because they store more C than plants and the atmosphere combined, however, they also release more CO2 annually than fossil fuel combustion (a major contributor to accelerating climate change). Therefore, preventing CO2 loss from soil could help slow the progression of climate change, and increasing overall soil …


Understanding Impact Of Starter Culture Blends On The Ph Variation In Cheddar Cheese During Early Aging, Samuel J. Clarke Dec 2025

Understanding Impact Of Starter Culture Blends On The Ph Variation In Cheddar Cheese During Early Aging, Samuel J. Clarke

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Consumer expectations govern what is acceptable when it comes to the flavor, texture, and color of the cheese. These quality attributes of cheese are all influenced by the pH of the cheese which is in turn controlled by the acid production of the starter lactic acid bacteria (SLAB) used to make cheese. Whatever the final pH of the cheese is, is what determines the quality of the cheese. Unfortunately, there are some Cheddar cheese manufacturers that have observed pH variation during the early aging of their cheeses. We hypothesize that the addition of thermophilic, fast-acid producing bacteria, like Streptococcus thermophilus …


Tannin Supplementation Alters Foraging Behavior And Spatial Distribution In Beef Cattle, Bashiri Iddy Muzzo, R. Douglas Ramsey, Kelvyn Bladen, Juan J. Villalba Nov 2025

Tannin Supplementation Alters Foraging Behavior And Spatial Distribution In Beef Cattle, Bashiri Iddy Muzzo, R. Douglas Ramsey, Kelvyn Bladen, Juan J. Villalba

Wildland Resources Student Research

Beef production on chemically uniform grass monocultures can limit nutrient synchrony and contribute to uneven pasture use. We evaluated whether supplementing tannins with bioactive plant secondary compounds improves foraging dynamics and landscape use by beef cattle grazing a meadow bromegrass monoculture in ways aligned with rangeland sustainability. Twenty-four Angus cow–calf pairs were allocated to six 3.6-ha paddocks (four pairs/paddock), randomly assigned to Control (Ctrl; n = 3) or Tannin treatment (TT; n = 3). Animals received 1 kg/cow/day of DDGs, with TT receiving an added 0.4% tannins (2:1 condensed:hydrolyzable). Grazing occurred during four 15-day periods (July– September) across two years. …


Access To Healthy And Nutritious Food In Utah: Results From The 2024 Utah Wellbeing Survey, Heather H. Kelley, Palak Gupta, Courtney G. Flint Nov 2025

Access To Healthy And Nutritious Food In Utah: Results From The 2024 Utah Wellbeing Survey, Heather H. Kelley, Palak Gupta, Courtney G. Flint

All Current Publications

Every Utahn, regardless of income, ZIP code, race, age, or health status, deserves reliable access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally meaningful food. Yet, too many communities across the state face persistent barriers that limit their ability to eat well and live healthy lives. This fact sheet reviews results of a 2024 Utah State University (USU) Extension needs assessment that identified food and nutrition security as a high-priority issue in Utah. It explores the current landscape, identifies key challenges, and outlines strategic opportunities for USU Extension and its partners to enhance food security statewide.


Decision Support To Meet Objectives For Water And Fisheries Management In Large River And Estuarine Systems, Phaedra Elizabeth Budy Nov 2025

Decision Support To Meet Objectives For Water And Fisheries Management In Large River And Estuarine Systems, Phaedra Elizabeth Budy

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.


Preserve The Harvest: Canning Goat Meat At Home, Callie Adams, Andrea Schmutz Nov 2025

Preserve The Harvest: Canning Goat Meat At Home, Callie Adams, Andrea Schmutz

All Current Publications

Due to its lean composition and nutritional profile similar to those of other tested meats, goat is well-suited for pressure canning. Follow USDA and Utah State University (USU) Extension altitude guidelines. This fact sheet provides guidelines for selecting high-quality meat, using proper equipment, and adhering to tested methods. Home canners can safely preserve goat meat and enjoy its benefits year-round.


Vermicomposting, Hayley Waldbillig, Roslynn Brain, Scott Kent, Roslynn Brain Mccann Nov 2025

Vermicomposting, Hayley Waldbillig, Roslynn Brain, Scott Kent, Roslynn Brain Mccann

All Current Publications

Vermicomposting, or worm composting as it is more commonly known, is the process of using worms to break down discarded food and other organic wastes and convert them into compost and liquid fertilizers.


Shade As An Agro-Technique To Improve Gas Exchange, Productivity, Bioactive Potential, And Antioxidant Activity Of Fruits Of Hylocereus Costaricensis, Milena Maria Tomaz De Oliveira, Noemi Tel-Zur, Francisca Gislene Albano-Machado, Daniela Melo Penha, Monique Mourão Pinho, Marlos Bezerra, Maria Raquel Alcântara De Miranda, Carlos Farley Herbster Moura, Ricardo Elesbão Alves, William Natale, Márcio Cleber De Medeiros Corrêa Nov 2025

Shade As An Agro-Technique To Improve Gas Exchange, Productivity, Bioactive Potential, And Antioxidant Activity Of Fruits Of Hylocereus Costaricensis, Milena Maria Tomaz De Oliveira, Noemi Tel-Zur, Francisca Gislene Albano-Machado, Daniela Melo Penha, Monique Mourão Pinho, Marlos Bezerra, Maria Raquel Alcântara De Miranda, Carlos Farley Herbster Moura, Ricardo Elesbão Alves, William Natale, Márcio Cleber De Medeiros Corrêa

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Hylocereus species are promising for enhancing fruit productivity in arid regions, but high solar radiation often leads to yield loss. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term impact of different shading levels on the physiological performance, productivity, and post-harvest quality of Hylocereus costaricensis under semi-arid conditions. Plants were grown in the field under two shade levels, i.e., 35 and 50% and their performances were compared to plants under control, i.e., 0% of shade or full sunlight. The nighttime CO2 assimilation and productivity increased significantly by 310.5 and 114.6% and 34.3 and 50.14% for plants under 35 and 50% of …


White Bryony (Bryonia Alba), Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Jacob Hadfield, Cory Ransom Nov 2025

White Bryony (Bryonia Alba), Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Jacob Hadfield, Cory Ransom

All Current Publications

White bryony is more than just a nuisance plant. It is an aggressive, perennial vine that threatens riparian ecosystems, agricultural lands, and residential landscapes by destructively smothering vegetation. Additionally, its toxicity poses risks to people, livestock, and pets. Early detection and consistent management are critical to reducing its spread in Utah.


Strengthening The Utah Diabetes Cook Along Program For Statewide Extension Delivery: Curriculum Refinement And Randomized Controlled Trial, Carrie Durward Nov 2025

Strengthening The Utah Diabetes Cook Along Program For Statewide Extension Delivery: Curriculum Refinement And Randomized Controlled Trial, Carrie Durward

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.


Data Accompanying "Landscape Composition Surrounding Restoration Projects Modulates Use By Wildlife: A Case Study Of Mule Deer In Utah", Jaylin Solberg Nov 2025

Data Accompanying "Landscape Composition Surrounding Restoration Projects Modulates Use By Wildlife: A Case Study Of Mule Deer In Utah", Jaylin Solberg

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With mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), hereafter, deer, populations in decline, wildlife managers have increased their efforts to improve factors that limit population growth. In the State of Utah (hereafter, Utah), these efforts have included habitat restoration which is expected to improve environmental conditions for deer. Some of these efforts include pinon-juniper removal, prescribed burning, and spraying of invasive plant species. Although previous work has demonstrated the local impacts of restoration on deer populations, it is unknown how the environmental conditions in the landscape surrounding restoration treatments may modify local restoration impacts. Identifying how both local and landscape-scale conditions influence deer …


Data And Code Used For The Manuscript, "Robust Native Aquatic Plant Propagule Banks Limit Curly-Leaved Pondweed", Meghan Slocombe Nov 2025

Data And Code Used For The Manuscript, "Robust Native Aquatic Plant Propagule Banks Limit Curly-Leaved Pondweed", Meghan Slocombe

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The relationship between the invasive curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) and native aquatic plants was explored via a sixteen month mesocosm experiment and annual surveys of the passive revegetation of the newly restored Provo River Delta (Utah, USA) (PRD). These studies took place in 2023 and 2024.


Starting An Equine-Assisted Services Program, Makenna L. Pahlke Nov 2025

Starting An Equine-Assisted Services Program, Makenna L. Pahlke

All Current Publications

Starting an equine-assisted services (EAS) program requires more than just access to horses and a passion for helping others. This fact sheet outlines the key considerations for communities and individuals interested in developing safe, sustainable, and impactful equine-assisted programs.


Selecting Irrigated Alfalfa Varieties, Mckenna S. Barney, Earl Creech, Matt Yost Nov 2025

Selecting Irrigated Alfalfa Varieties, Mckenna S. Barney, Earl Creech, Matt Yost

All Current Publications

Selecting an alfalfa variety is one of the most important decisions an alfalfa producer can make and is the cornerstone of successful alfalfa production. Variety selection directly impacts yield potential, forage quality, stand persistence, pest and disease resistance, and environmental adaptation—all factors that can have a major economic impact. Informed decisions can be made by carefully considering the goals of your operation and adhering to the criteria outlined in this fact sheet.


Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Water-Wise Gardening, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Lawrence Krissek Nov 2025

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Water-Wise Gardening, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Lawrence Krissek

All Current Publications

Water-wise gardening, also known as xeriscaping, involves using water efficiently and effectively to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing landscape for residential and commercial properties. This fact sheet defines water-wise gardening, its benefits, and provides ideas for planning and improving a landscape to conserve a precious resource: water.


What Are Equine-Assisted Services? A Practical Guide For Families And Communities, Makenna L. Pahlke Nov 2025

What Are Equine-Assisted Services? A Practical Guide For Families And Communities, Makenna L. Pahlke

All Current Publications

Horses are very present animals, meaning they provide immediate, nonjudgmental feedback. Their nature and size can often encourage confidence, responsibility, and self-regulation. Families and communities considering equine-assisted services (EAS) for themselves or a loved one need to understand terms, as they will help guide them to the type of program best suited to meet their expected needs, as well as help them find quality programs.


Dusky Grouse Seasonal Resource Selection In The Great Basin Isolated Mountain Ranges Of Nevada, Usa, Stephanie Landry, Brian Smith, Erica Stuber, Shawn Espinosa, David Dahlgren Nov 2025

Dusky Grouse Seasonal Resource Selection In The Great Basin Isolated Mountain Ranges Of Nevada, Usa, Stephanie Landry, Brian Smith, Erica Stuber, Shawn Espinosa, David Dahlgren

Aspen Bibliography

Dusky grouse Dendragapus obscurus are a montane forest grouse species with a paucity of information regarding their temporal and spatial resource use during critical times of high mortality and reproductive output. This lack of vital data may leave dusky grouse at risk of sub-optimal management in many areas of their distribution, especially in the isolated ‘sky island’ mountain ranges of the Great Basin, where high elevation habitats are surrounded by sagebrush and salt desert shrub land flats. Many of these high elevation habitats are being altered and lost rapidly from increasing disturbance events and effects of climate change. Our objective …


Ai Recipe Blog Is Evaluated Similarly To A Recipe Blog Created By Nutrition And Dietetic Students, Katie N. Kraus, Stacy L. Bevan, Sarah Moore Smith, Maeci H. Armstrong, Brooke Campbell Jeppesen, Catherine Fish, Heidi J. Wengreen Nov 2025

Ai Recipe Blog Is Evaluated Similarly To A Recipe Blog Created By Nutrition And Dietetic Students, Katie N. Kraus, Stacy L. Bevan, Sarah Moore Smith, Maeci H. Armstrong, Brooke Campbell Jeppesen, Catherine Fish, Heidi J. Wengreen

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

With the growing use of AI, it is important to know target audiences’ perceptions of its use. A convenience sample of students were invited to take an online survey in which they were randomly assigned to Group 1 (evaluated a student-generated blog; n = 456) or Group 2 (evaluated an AI-generated blog; n = 492). The results of independent t-tests and chi-squared tests indicated no group differences in ratings of ease of recipe preparation, time to prepare the recipe, utilization of common ingredients, and frequency of intended use of the blog. The student-generated blog was rated higher on budget …


A Guide To Breaking Seed Dormancy Of Common Wetland Plant Species, Samantha R. Kurkowski, Rae Robinson, Sandra E. Johnston, Montana M. Horchler, Adrienne E. Ernst, Margaret D. Haney, Karin M. Kettenring Oct 2025

A Guide To Breaking Seed Dormancy Of Common Wetland Plant Species, Samantha R. Kurkowski, Rae Robinson, Sandra E. Johnston, Montana M. Horchler, Adrienne E. Ernst, Margaret D. Haney, Karin M. Kettenring

All Current Publications

This guide was developed from a series of seed dormancy break and germination experiments conducted over 4 years with 41 species. The purpose of this guide is to synthesize the information we learned through these experiments and present the findings for those interested in breaking seed dormancy, such as land managers, restoration practitioners, and wetland researchers. Ultimately, we hope this guidance catalyzes further wetland restoration throughout the Intermountain West.


Visible Image-Based Machine Learning For Identifying Abiotic Stress In Sugar Beet Crops, Seyed Reza Haddadi, Masoumeh Hashemi, Richard C. Peralta, Masoud Soltani Oct 2025

Visible Image-Based Machine Learning For Identifying Abiotic Stress In Sugar Beet Crops, Seyed Reza Haddadi, Masoumeh Hashemi, Richard C. Peralta, Masoud Soltani

Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research

Previous researches have proved that the synchronized use of inexpensive RGB images, image processing, and machine learning (ML) can accurately identify crop stress. Four Machine Learning Image Modules (MLIMs) were developed to enable the rapid and cost-effective identification of sugar beet stresses caused by water and/or nitrogen deficiencies. RGB images representing stressed and non-stressed crops were used in the analysis. To improve robustness, data augmentation was applied, generating six variations on each image and expanding the dataset from 150 to 900 images for training and testing. Each MLIM was trained and tested using 54 combinations derived from nine canopy and …


The Genome Sequence Of The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges Tsugae Annand 1924, Bryan M.T. Brunet, Dustin T. Dial, Gaelen R. Burke, Carol D. Von Dohlen, Julia Douglas Freitas, Haley Sanderson, Afiya R. Chida, Samantha J. Jones, Fergal J. Martin, Leanne Haggerty, Stephen W. Scherer, Ioannis Ragoussis, Steven J.M. Jones, Robert G. Foottit, Nathan P. Havill Oct 2025

The Genome Sequence Of The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges Tsugae Annand 1924, Bryan M.T. Brunet, Dustin T. Dial, Gaelen R. Burke, Carol D. Von Dohlen, Julia Douglas Freitas, Haley Sanderson, Afiya R. Chida, Samantha J. Jones, Fergal J. Martin, Leanne Haggerty, Stephen W. Scherer, Ioannis Ragoussis, Steven J.M. Jones, Robert G. Foottit, Nathan P. Havill

Biology Faculty Publications

The genome of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is presented in 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules along with 132 unplaced scaffolds for a combined length of 216.56 Mb. The genome is highly contiguous with an N50 of 20.54 Mb and its longest scaffold 37.41 Mb in length. The assembly recovered 97.7% of benchmarked universal single-copy Hemiptera orthologs (BUSCO) with an overall completion score of 98.6%. On the basis of chromosomal synteny with other aphid genomes, the hemlock woolly adelgid’s genome is composed of eight autosomes and two sex (X) chromosomes. Annotation of the assembly identified 11,800 coding genes, 1,930 …


Goals Reconsidered: From Brute Prelusory States Of Affairs To The Lusory Complexity Of Sport, Francisco Javier López Frías Oct 2025

Goals Reconsidered: From Brute Prelusory States Of Affairs To The Lusory Complexity Of Sport, Francisco Javier López Frías

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

In this paper, I examine Bernard Suits’ conceptualization of goals in his influential definition of gameplay, focusing on how his account falls short of capturing the complexity of sporting practices. Suits famously describes games as voluntary attempts to overcome unnecessary obstacles in achieving an identifiable state of affairs. By referring to this state of affairs as the prelusory goal of games, he frames gameplay as structured teleologically around this goal, converting it into the most fundamental element of his notion of gameplay. Although elegant and very intuitive, this conception of games raises tensions when applied to the complex, multilayered activities …


Flawed Analysis Invalidates Claim Of A Strong Yellowstone Trophic Cascade After Wolf Reintroduction: A Comment On Ripple Et Al. (2025), Dan R. Macnulty, David Cooper, Michael Procko, T.J. Clark-Wolf Oct 2025

Flawed Analysis Invalidates Claim Of A Strong Yellowstone Trophic Cascade After Wolf Reintroduction: A Comment On Ripple Et Al. (2025), Dan R. Macnulty, David Cooper, Michael Procko, T.J. Clark-Wolf

Aspen Bibliography

Ripple et al. (2025) recently argued that large carnivore recovery in Yellowstone National Park triggered one of the world’s strongest trophic cascades, citing a ∼1500 % increase in willow crown volume derived from plant height data. In this comment, we show that their conclusion is invalid due to fundamental methodological flaws. These include use of a tautological volume model, violations of key modeling assumptions, comparisons across unmatched plots, and the misapplication of equilibrium-based metrics in a non-equilibrium system. Additionally, Ripple et al. rely on selectively framed photographic evidence and omit critical drivers such as human hunting in their causal attribution. …


Managing Chickens From Chicks To Peak Egg Production, Joseph Okoh, Essence Perry Oct 2025

Managing Chickens From Chicks To Peak Egg Production, Joseph Okoh, Essence Perry

All Current Publications

Chickens were first domesticated for cultural purposes, but selective breeding has focused on egg production. Choosing the right breeds and good management practices are essential for farmers to maximize egg yield, quality, and safety. This fact sheet covers poultry history, top egg-laying breeds, egg anatomy, nutrition, and practical tips to help farmers improve productivity and run successful egg production ventures.


A Farmer's Guide To Egg Quality, Safety, And Flock Health, Joseph Okoh, Essence Perry Oct 2025

A Farmer's Guide To Egg Quality, Safety, And Flock Health, Joseph Okoh, Essence Perry

All Current Publications

Eggs are a valuable source of nutrition and income for many backyard and smallholder farmers. To ensure a steady supply of high-quality eggs, it's essential to understand the key factors that influence hens’ health and productivity. From proper nutrition to effective lighting and disease prevention, each decision you make affects your flock’s performance. This guide offers practical advice to help you raise resilient, high-laying hens and build a successful small-scale egg production system, no matter your level of experience.


Plant Biomass (Dry) Per Square Meter, Johan Du Toit, Shantell Garrett Oct 2025

Plant Biomass (Dry) Per Square Meter, Johan Du Toit, Shantell Garrett

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Results of plant biomass clippings (dry mass / square meter) conducted in the foothills of the Henry Mountains, south-central Utah, over 2012-2022.


Chemical Analyses Of Grass Samples, Johan Du Toit, Shantell Garrett Oct 2025

Chemical Analyses Of Grass Samples, Johan Du Toit, Shantell Garrett

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Results of chemical analyses of grass samples collected in the foothills of the Henry Mountains, south-central Utah, in the fall of 2021.


Western Ranch Management Institute, David Secrist Oct 2025

Western Ranch Management Institute, David Secrist

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.


A Preliminary, Photography-Based Assessment Of Bee Diversity At The Finca Botánica Organic Farm In The Central Pacific Coast Of Ecuador, Joseph S. Wilson, Tyler M. Wilson, Chris Packer, Orlando Pacheco Oct 2025

A Preliminary, Photography-Based Assessment Of Bee Diversity At The Finca Botánica Organic Farm In The Central Pacific Coast Of Ecuador, Joseph S. Wilson, Tyler M. Wilson, Chris Packer, Orlando Pacheco

Biology Faculty Publications

Understanding wild bee diversity is critical for pollinator conservation, particularly in understudied tropical regions like coastal Ecuador. This preliminary study provides a photography-based assessment of bee diversity at Finca Botánica, an organic and regenerative farm on Ecuador’s central Pacific coast. Over a 10-day survey in December 2024, researchers documented 51 bee species across four families, with Apidae being the most represented. The study highlights a predominance of solitary, ground-nesting bees and a lower-than-expected diversity of Meliponini (stingless bees) and Euglossini (orchid bees) compared to other regions of Ecuador. Many species were found in forest patches, ecological corridors, and cover-cropped maize …