Life Sciences Commons^™

Bakterielle Schutzmechanismen Gegen Hypochlorige Säure, Jan-Ulrik Dahl

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

Reactive chlorine species (RCS) are highly bactericidal and produced in large amounts during host defense to kill invading pathogens. More recent studies have investigated how bacteria respond to and defend RCS, which appear to elicit more multifaceted responses compared to reactive oxygen species. A comprehensive understanding of bacterial RCS responses has clear potential to devise strategies that increase the sensitivity of bacterial pathogens to host defenses without harming commensals.

Host-Associated Beneficial Gut Microbiota Boosts Induced Immunity And Limits Immune Deployment Costs In Bumblebees, Austin C. Calhoun, Teni Shosanya, Brenna K. Long, Jade K. Rehberger, Ben M. Sadd

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

1. Ecological immunology posits that variation in host resistance to infection may be attributed partly to the ecological and evolutionary costs of immunity. While the deployment of immune defence is necessary to combat pathogenic infection, hosts pay energetic and other costs for activation.
2. Host-associated beneficial microbiota have been shown to affect multiple host traits, including immunity, but how interactions with these microbial communities may mitigate the costs of immune activation remains an open question. For apid bees, including eusocial bumblebees, core members of the adult gut microbiota contribute to a variety of fitness-relevant traits and provide a key ecological and evolutionary …

Physiological Conditions Of Barn Owl (Tyto Furcata) Nestlings As Indicators Of Habitat Quality Within The Wine-Growing Region Of Napa Valley, Christian Cortez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The global environmental impacts of increasing agricultural demand a transition to sustainable farming practices, including the use of integrated pest management to decrease reliance on harmful pesticides. Vineyard managers in Napa Valley, California, have implemented this strategy by establishing nest boxes that attract barn owls (Tyto furcata) which, in turn, provide an ecosystem service by removing rodent pests. Studies in this system have found uncultivated landcover to be positively associated with distributional and demographic measures of habitat quality for barn owls, but individual measures have not been thoroughly explored. I examined three physiological conditions of barn owl nestlings …

Benthic Community Structure Changes In Northern California Following A Marine Heatwave, Franklin D. Moitoza

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In 2014, an unprecedented ecosystem shift impacted the rocky reef communities of northern coastal California following a rapid succession of severe disturbance events. Rocky reef communities shifted from kelp forests to large scale urchin barrens due to the demise of the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides), an unprecedented marine heatwave event (MHW) and increased purple sea urchin densities. This “perfect storm” caused a decrease in benthic species richness and led to a change in community structure due to intense sea urchin grazing. Here I examine the richness of the benthic community across four survey sites over an 8-year time …

Just Keep Swimming: Outmigration Survival Of Upper Klamath Basin Juvenile Chinook Salmon, James M. Whelan

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The removal of four impassable hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River provides salmonids with the opportunity to recolonize their historic range in the upper Klamath River watershed. However, successful reestablishment of salmon populations requires juvenile salmon born in Oregon's upper tributaries to safely migrate downstream through the river's upper reaches. This stretch of the Klamath River, immediately downstream of Upper Klamath Lake, presents multiple migration challenges, including two flow-control dams not scheduled for removal (Link River Dam and Keno Dam), significant water diversions, and water quality issues. To evaluate these challenges, I conducted experimental releases of radio-tagged juvenile Chinook salmon …

Exploring The Placebo Effect On The Cortisol Stress Response, Povheng Yam

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The placebo effect is well-studied on pain perception and is often observed to have a pain-reducing effect in patients. A few studies suggest that the placebo effect can influence physiological changes in people. To date, not many studies have examined the placebo effect on stress; thus, the current study explored the placebo effect on participants’ cortisol stress response and self-reported stress while undergoing a modified acute stress task, the Sing-a-Song Stress Test (SSST). The current study includes 44 participants (22 in the control group and 22 in the treatment group). A deceptive stress-reducing tincture (filled with water) was used as …

Facilitating On-Task Behavior In Physical Education For Learners With Asd Through Special Interest Modified Materials: Antecedent-Based Intervention, Gary Smith

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are affected in the areas of social skills, communication, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors that can lead to barriers in accessing physical education (PE). School-based PE helps children learn how to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to live physically active lifestyles. The purpose of this current study is to implement an antecedent based intervention using special interest materials to increase on task and engagement in learners with ASD in PE activities. The intervention showed modest to minimal improvements in on-task behavior and performance for two of the three participants, with high variability and …

Modeling Forest Stewardship In Goukdi’N: An Assessment Of Carbon, Wildlife Habitat, And Fire Resilience In A University Forest, Benjamin Stock

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This thesis presents a forest management plan for Goukdi’n (also known as the Jacoby Creek Forest University Tract), a coast redwood–tanoak–Douglas-fir forest within the ancestral homelands of the Wiyot Tribe. This project addresses the need for a forest stewardship approach that supports ecological resilience, cultural values, and long-term forest health in a landscape shaped by industrial logging, fire exclusion, and decades of under-management. To evaluate potential management pathways, forest growth modeling was conducted using the USFS Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) to compare three management prescriptions focused on carbon storage, fire resilience, and structural heterogeneity and a no-action alternative. Model outputs …

Variation In The Timing And Duration Of Rough-Skinned Newt (Taricha Granulosa) Larval Period In The Center Of Their Geographic Range (Humboldt County, California), Emmery R. Parker

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) occur along the Pacific coast of the U.S. from central California to southwestern Alaska at elevations from zero to 2,800 m. Across that range, the timing and duration of various life history events (i.e., hatching, metamorphosis, breeding, and oviposition) are largely unknown, although general trends have been observed in a few locales. Larval life stages are particularly important for determining amphibian population persistence, but there have been no formal studies describing the larval period of rough-skinned newts. Using minnow-trap and dip net surveys at nine lentic sites in northern Humboldt County, California (elevations 400 …

Examining The Effects Of Songbird Nest Boxes And Habitat On Avian And Arthropod Communities In A Vineyard Ecosystem, Eleanor Macdonald

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Agricultural expansion threatens biodiversity, but integrating insectivorous birds into vineyard ecosystems may support both conservation and ecosystem services. We tested how nest boxes and habitat composition influence avian and arthropod communities in Napa Valley vineyards using a before-after, control-impact experiment across 20 sites. During the 2023-2024 breeding seasons we conducted avian point counts, sampled key pest and beneficial arthropods, and collected fecal samples from adult and nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and western bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) to detect vineyard pest DNA. Nest boxes significantly increased swallow and bluebird abundance within one year; swallow responses were strongest …

Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Technical Manual [2025], Kristine Nemec, Josh Brandt, Kirk Henderson, Jim Uthe

Faculty Book Gallery

The objective of this publication is to provide basic technical support for new and existing Iowa county roadside programs. This manual is also intended to provide guidance to policymakers and engineers interested in adopting or expanding integrated roadside vegetation management in county rights-of-way.

Recovery Of Verbal Working Memory Depends On Left Hemisphere White Matter Tracts, Randi C Martin, Junhua Ding, Ali I Alwani, Steve H Fung, Tatiana T Schnur

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Researchers propose that the recovery of language function following stroke depends on the recruitment of perilesional regions in the left hemisphere and/or homologous regions in the right hemisphere. Many investigations of recovery focus on changes in gray matter regions, whereas relatively few examine white matter tracts and none address the role of these tracts in the recovery of verbal working memory. The present study addressed these gaps, examining the role of left versus right hemisphere tracts in the longitudinal recovery of phonological and semantic working memory. For 24 individuals with left hemisphere stroke, we assessed working memory performance within 1 …

Advancing Alzheimer's Research By Improving Disease Modeling Of Secondary Tauopathy, Ethan R Roy, Wei Cao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Despite decades of mechanistic investigation of Alzheimer's disease (AD), wide gaps exist in disease modeling, particularly the pathobiological arm of tau pathology. Relying on transgenic models expressing mutated forms of tau has contributed much knowledge about primary tauopathy, yet with limited relevance to human AD. To eliminate blind spots for basic and translational research, we review recent developments in this area and discuss key refinements toward next-generation AD-relevant tauopathy modeling.

Wnt7a, Naomi M Calhoun, Richard R Behringer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

WNT7A regulates numerous developmental processes. It can activate canonical and non-canonical signaling depending on context. It is expressed in the developing central nervous system, limb buds, reproductive organs, and other tissues. Spontaneous and targeted Wnt7a mutations in mouse models resulted in abnormal limbs, defects in male and female reproductive tract organs, infertility, and defects in cerebellar axon remodeling. In zebrafish, wnt7aa mutants exhibited neurogenesis and angiogenesis defects in the central nervous system. In humans, recessive WNT7A missense and nonsense mutations resulted in severe limb and pelvic bone defects. Alterations in WNT7A expression correlated with multiple types of cancer.

Letter From The Faculty Editor, Beth Kegley

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Leukocyte Infiltration Profiles At The Site Of Intradermal Injection Of Silikon-1000 In Scleroderma-Prone Ucd200/206 And Healthy White Leghorn Chickens, Katee L. Johnson, Jossie M. Santamaria, Chrysta N. Beck, Gisela F. Erf

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Intradermal injections of silicone-based fillers for the face and body may cause chronic inflammation and fibrotic reactions in some individuals. Chickens from the UCD 200/206 White Leghorn (WL) line spontaneously develop a fibrotic autoimmune disease known as scleroderma/systemic sclerosis (SSc). Using the SSc-prone UCD and healthy WL chickens, a longitudinal study was conducted to examine the cellular inflammatory responses to intradermal (i.d.) injections of sterile SILIKON-1000. Specifically, the pulp (a skin derivative) of growing feathers (GFs) was i.d. injected with sterile SILIKON-1000 or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as injection control (8 and 3 birds/line, respectively; 10 µL/GF; 20 GFs/bird). Two GFs …

Can Fungal Endophytes Suppress Trialeurodes Vaporariorum And The Transmission Of Tomato Infectious Chlorosis And Chlorosis Viruses In Field Conditions?, Marial Makur Zechariah Paweer, Everlyne Samita Namikoye, Shem Bonuke Nchore, Komivi Senyo Akutse

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Field trials were conducted for two seasons in two experimental sites (Mwea in Kirinyaga and Ngoliba in Kiambu counties of Kenya) to assess the efficacy of fungal endophytes Hypocrea lixii F3ST1 and Trichoderma asperellum M2RT4 in the control of Trialeurodes vaporariorum vector of tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV) and tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) through seeds inoculation. TICV and ToCV’s disease incidence, severity and the yield were also evaluated. All the fungal endophytes successfully colonized all the tomato plant parts, but the highest root colonization was observed in H. lixii F3ST1 compared to the T. asperellum M2RT4 in both seasons. The …

The Role Of Information And Communication Technologies-Based Extension In Agriculture: Application, Opportunities And Challenges, Kelvin Mulungu, Menale Kassie, Maurice Tschopp

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Limited access to information about new technologies is a major barrier to agricultural productivity. To bridge this information gap, agricultural extension services increasingly use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to provide timely and actionable information to farmers. This systematic review analyses evidence from 49 studies examining the impact of ICT interventions including mobile apps, SMS messaging, educational videos, and voice calling services on awareness, agricultural practices adoption, yields, and income. The review reveals that 76% of studies reported increased adoption of good agricultural practices, 60% demonstrated improved awareness, 74% indicated higher yields, and 68% observed enhanced incomes. Cereals, particularly maize, …

Biology-Informed Inverse Problems For Insect Pests Detection Using Pheromone Sensors, Thibault Malou, Nicolas Parisey, Katarzyna Adamczyk-Chauvat, Elisabeta Vergu, Béatrice Laroche, Paul André Calatayud, Philippe Lucas, Simon Labarthe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Most insects have the ability to modify the odor landscape in order to communicate with their conspecies during key phases of their life cycle such as reproduction. They release pheromones in their nearby environment, volatile compounds that are detected by insects of the same species with exceptional specificity and sensitivity. Efficient pheromone detection is then an interesting lever for insect pest management in a precision agroecological culture context. A precise and early detection of pests using pheromone sensors offers a strategy for pest management before infestation. In this paper, we develop a biology-informed inverse problem framework that leverages temporal signals …

Biological Control Of Ticks In Domestic Environments: Modeling The Potential Impact Of Entomopathogenic Fungi On The Transmission Of East Coast Fever In Cattle, Joseph Wang Ang A. Oundo, Nienke Hartemink, Mart C.M. De Jong, Constantianus J.M. Koenraadt, Shewit Kalayou, Daniel Masiga, Quirine Ten Bosch

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Biological control of ticks using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is a highly desired alternative to chemical acaricides for the control of tick-borne pathogens. For Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE 7, one of these EPFs, efficacy against multiple tick species has been demonstrated in laboratory and field settings. However, we currently have little quantitative understanding of how EPFs can impact transmission. We developed a deterministic model of tick–host–pathogen interactions to explore how the effects of EPF on Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks may impact the transmission dynamics of East Coast fever (ECF) in cattle populations. We parameterized the multi-faceted effects of EPFs on tick dynamics …

Nutritional And Antioxidant Properties Of Two Species Of Edible Scarab Beetles (Cetonia Aurata And Oryctes Rhinoceros), S. S. Mwanza, C. M. Mudalungu, N. M. Kimani, H. O. Mokaya, B. O. Ochieng, S. Juma, C. M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Edible scarab beetles are important repositories for nutritive and bioactive compounds, but this information remains largely unexplored. This study explored the nutritional and therapeutic properties of two edible scarab beetles from three different locations (Embu, Murangâa and Nairobi Counties) in Kenya. Morphological and molecular characterization of the wild collected larvae revealed two important edible beetle species (Cetonia aurata L. and Oryctes rhinoceros L.). The larvae of both species are excellent source of crude proteins (44% for O. rhinoceros and 63% for C. aurata). The larvae of O. rhinoceros were rich in minerals, particularly calcium (15.75-22.65 mg/g) and potassium (13.62-22.88 mg/g). …

Effects Of Insect Meals On Fish Digestibility, Blood Parameters, And Economic Performance: A Meta-Analysis, M. A. Aaqillah-Amr, A. Hidir, M. Ikhwanuddin, N. A. Fatan, R. Muhammad-Rahimi, S. Ning-Shahira, R. G.N. Siankhe, G. W. Vandenberg, C. M. Tanga, R. Yossa

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This review examines the use of insect meal (IM) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM) in fish feeds within the past decade. While global interest in this alternative is growing, research on its effects on fish digestibility, blood parameters, and economic performance has been limited. Meta-analysis on the apparent digestibility coefficient revealed a negative effect summary on dry matter (0.92) and crude lipid (0.51), although the difference between the two groups was relatively minor. However, a positive effect summary was reported in the apparent digestibility of crude protein (0.12), suggesting a potential advantage in the utilization of protein by fish …

Global Strategies To Manage Huanglongbing (Hlb) And Its Vectors: Insights And Implications For The Mediterranean Region, Meritxell Pérez-Hedo, Mark S. Hoddle, Fernando Alferez, Lochy Batista, George A.C. Beattie, Shourish Chakravarty, Paul Holford, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Inusa Jacob Ajene, Aruna Manrakhan, Paul H. Fourie, Maritza Luis, Eduardo Osorio-Hernández, Mamoudou Sétamou, Alejandro Tena, Pedro Takao Yamamoto, Tara Wade, Changyong Zhou, Nian Wang, Lukasz L. Stelinski, Alberto Urbaneja

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, poses a severe threat to the global citrus industry. This disease is caused by three species of bacteria, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, ‘C. L. africanus’, and ‘C. L. ameri-canus’. The primary pathogen vectors are the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and the African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae Del Guercio, Hemiptera: Triozidae). The disease is incurable, and its management relies on reducing vector densities and the adverse effects of bacterial infections on host trees. Managing psyllid vec-tors, especially D. citri, has proven exceptionally challenging due to its rapid spread and subsequent …

Effects Of A Diet Supplemented With A Blend Of Protected Organic Acids And Essential Oilson Growth Performance And Cecal Microbiota Composition In Broilers, Mehmet Akan, Kadi̇r Serdar Di̇ker, Serdar Özlü, Murat Çelebi̇, Seyyi̇de Sariçam İnce, Barişhan Doğan, Okan Eli̇bol

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Organic acids (OAs) and essential oils (EOs) have several positive effects on the gut microbiota of broilers. In this study, weaimed to determine the efficacy of a blend of protected OAs and EOs [P(OA+EO)] on the growth performance and cecal microbiota ofbroiler chickens. A total of 160 Ross 308 broiler chickens, including 80 male and 80 female birds, all 1 day old, were randomly distributedbetween the control group (basal diet) and the treatment group [basal diet + 300 g/t P(OA+EO)] according to an 8-pen arrangementwith 4 replicates of 20 birds. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), …

An Assessment Of Vegetable Production Constraints, Trait Preferences And Willingness To Adopt Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya And Uganda, Rose N. Okoma, Evanson R. Omuse, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dennis Beesigamukama, Marius F. Murongo, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global food production systems are under pressure due to population increase, limited farmland, biotic and abiotic constrains, and ongoing climate change. Sustainable intensification is needed to increase agricultural productivity with minimal adverse environmental and social impacts. Vegetable-integrated push pull (VIPP) technology coupled with black soldier fly (BSF) frass offer such opportunities to smallholder farmers. However, farmers’ vegetable preferences and willingness to adopt these innovations remain unknown and are variable across various geographic scales. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-person interviews with smallholder farmers were conducted to assess vegetable production constraints and select vegetables to be integrated into VIPP coupled with …

The Genomic Landscape Of Hermetia Illucens: Exploring The Potential Of The Black Soldier Fly Through Molecular Insights, Peter Muchina, Johnson Kinyua, Fathiya Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Grum Gebreyesus, Zexi Cai, Goutam Sahana

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Abstract The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has garnered significant attention recently due to its potential applications in waste management, animal feed production, frass fertilizer production, and biotechnology. Despite its numerous advantages, genomic resources for BSF remain limited, underscoring the necessity for continued genomic exploration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genomic landscape of BSF, emphasizing the critical role of genomics in understanding its biology and optimizing its applications. We highlighted recent advancements in BSF genome sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and the characterization of the gut microbiome, revealing its implications for BSF health and production efficiency. …

Morphometric Characterization Of Invasive Diaphorina Citri Infesting Citrus And Orange Jasmine In Ghana, Kodwo Dadzie Ninsin, Maxwell Kelvin Billah, Bernard Agyeman Boateng, Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Fred Kormla Ablormeti, Samuel Opuni-Basoa, Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor, George Edusei, Steve B.S. Baleba, Owusu Fordjour Aidoo

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and classification of insect pests, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies. The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species and a known vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and ‘Ca. Liberibacter americanus,’ the bacterial pathogens associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), has recently emerged as a pest of concern in Ghana. Despite its significance, little is known about the biological traits of field populations in the region. In this study, we examined morphometric variation in D. citri populations infesting citrus and orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) across different …

Performance Of The Dssat Manihot-Cassava Model For Cassava Cultivation In The Recôncavo Baiano, Diego M. De Melo, Paola De F. Bongiovani, Fabio L.S. Costa, Patricia Moreno-Cadena, Alexandre B. Heinemann, Julian Ramirez-Villegas, Mauricio A. Coelho Filho

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The aim of the present study was to calibrate the DSSAT MANIHOT-Cassava model with information from cassava varieties grown in the Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state, Brazil. The database used to calibrate the model was obtained in the dry sub-humid tropical climate in Cruz das Almas city, from 2019 to 2020. The model was calibrated with experimental data obtained under irrigated and rainfed conditions for the BRS Novo Horizonte and Eucalipto varieties. The calibration was carried out by adjusting parameters related to the characteristics of each variety. Model performance was evaluated with statistical indices that indicate the precision and accuracy …

Predicting Food Prices In Kenya Using Machine Learning: A Hybrid Model Approach With Xgboost And Gradient Boosting, Benard O. Ogol, Evans Omondi, John Olukuru, Betsy Muriithi, Kennedy Senagi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction: Food price volatility continues to be a significant concern in Kenya's economic development, posing challenges to the country's economic stability. Methodology: This study examines the application of machine learning methods, employing a hybrid approach that combines XGBoost and gradient boosting, to predict food prices in Kenya. The food prices data from the World Food Programme, covering the period from January 2006 to September 2024, as well as currency exchange rates data from the Central Bank of Kenya in US dollars (USD) and inflation rates data, were collated and preprocessed to be ready for analytics and machine learning. The augmented …

Acceptability And Suitability Of Some Poaceae Plants For Fall Armyworm Feeding And Oviposition, Xavier Chiriboga Morales, Islam S. Sobhy, Duncan Cheruiyot, Charles A.O. Midega, Toby J.A. Bruce, Zeyaur R. Khan, Amanuel Tamiru

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has invaded new geographical regions, now spanning Africa, Asia, Oceania and Europe, from its native distribution in the last decade. Little is known about FAW host plants in recently invaded habitats; although more than 300 hosts have been reported in the Americas, its native habitat. In our study, we evaluated the acceptability and suitability of 12 cultivated varieties of plants from Africa, in the family Poaceae, for FAW herbivory and oviposition. Methods: Experiments investigating larval development, no-choice oviposition, and no-choice larval arrestment-feeding were conducted to evaluate the insect´s ability to utilize …