Life Sciences Commons^™

Roots And Greens: Discovering The Power Of Indigenous Produce, Abiodun T. Atoloye, Sherif O. Olasoji, Ebunoluwa G. Ibidapo

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Courseware

The curriculum was designed in alignment with the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML), Empowerment Theory (ET), and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) frameworks. These frameworks were used to determine the selection and sequencing of learning activities. As reflected in CTML principles, the use of texts, images, infographics, and videos enhances knowledge retention and information comprehension and helps prevent cognitive overload. Through activities, homework, and family engagement, the principles of ET were incorporated into the curriculum to facilitate participants’ perceived control over food-related decisions. Additionally, by applying the principles of SCT, the curriculum incorporates scenario-based questions, opportunities to engage with peers, …

Viruses Causing Panleukopenia In Domestic Cats: A Review Of Feline And Canine Parvoviruses, Simon Colby

University Honors Theses

Parvoviruses remain among the most important viral pathogens in domestic cats today. Despite this, there is much confusion around which parvoviruses can infect cats, and what extent of disease they can cause. One of the two parvoviruses infecting cats, canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2), likely evolved from the other parvovirus infecting cats, feline parvovirus (FPV). These viruses differ at only a few places in their genomes, and share the method of cell entry via the transferrin receptor. The disease caused by FPV has been well characterized in cats, but disease caused by CPV-2 is more obscure. Additionally, current testing methods for …

Developing A High-Resolution Off-Axis Common-Mode Digital Holographic Microscope, Lucy Cook

University Honors Theses

Off-axis digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a powerful tool for 3D, non-invasive live-cell tracking without moving parts. However, traditional setups face an inherent dilemma: split-path interferometers offer high spatial resolution but poor temporal stability, while more stable common-mode configurations are historically limited to lower numerical aperture (NA) regimes. This thesis bridges that gap by scaling a common-mode DHM architecture into a high-resolution benchtop instrument featuring NA = 0.65 objectives, paired with a high-power 520 nm laser source to combat transmission losses and sustain imaging frame rates across an expanded optical footprint. We map the multi-variable design space required to satisfy …

Shallow-Marine Crinoid Genera May Have Been More Resilient Across Permian Extinction Events In Terms Of Richness Than Deep-Marine Crinoid Genera, Amelia C. Kolstad

University Honors Theses

Throughout the Phanerozoic, one of the most successful phyla of marine invertebrates has been Echinodermata. Echinodermata was particularly successful throughout the Paleozoic, with class Crinoidea making up a majority of occurrences. The proportion of echinoderm occurrences that are crinoids declined massively at the end of the Permian and continued to decrease into modern day, never fully recovering. One of the factors thought to have been so important for crinoid success in the Paleozoic and their decreasing success throughout geologic time has been their propensity for success in shallow-marine environments, though crinoids also exist within deep-marine environments. This study seeks to …

Microbial Literacy, Equity, And Sustainability At Cal Poly: A Policy Framework With University Housing As A Pilot Case, Joseph B. Fewel

Biological Sciences

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in human health, environmental systems, and the functioning of built environments, yet they remain largely absent from sustainability and public policy discussions. This project proposes a framework for integrating microbial literacy, equity, and health into institutional decision-making, using California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) as a case study and university housing as a pilot site for implementation. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature in microbiology, public health, environmental justice, and sustainability, as well as policy analysis and stakeholder interviews, this project examines how campus systems, including housing, ventilation, sanitation, food systems, and waste management, shape microbial exposure …

Resource Assessment Report No. 7: Shark Bay Invertebrate Resource - 2024 Assessment, Jason How, Inigo Koefoed, Rachel Marks, Scott E. Evans, Sharon Wilkin

Resource Assessment Reports

The Shark Bay Invertebrate Resource (Resource) is accessed by three managed commercial fisheries; the Shark Bay Prawn Managed Fishery (SBPMF), the Shark Bay Scallop Managed Fishery (SBSMF) and the Shark Bay Blue Swimmer Crab Managed Fishery (SBCMF). Additionally, blue swimmer crabs are taken by recreational fishers through a variety of methods, though the overall level of boat-based catch is relatively low (~ 7.8 t). The SBSMF and SBCMF fisheries are quota managed and primarily retain their target species of scallops and crabs, respectively. The SBPMF is an effort-managed fishery that targets brown tiger prawns (BTP; Penaeus esculentus) and western king …

Crop Performance Of Aromatic Basmati Rice Grown In Tidal Lands In Indonesia [Research Note], Riza Adrianoor Saputra, Indra Jatmika Liran, Yulia Padma Sari

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Rice production in Banjar Regency has declined in recent years due to land-limiting factors, particularly the suboptimal conditions of tidal wetlands. Therefore, improving cultivation techniques for new superior varieties such as Aromatic Basmati is essential to enhance productivity on marginal lands. This study aimed to determine the best combination of seedling number per planting hole and seedling age, as well as to evaluate the effect of each factor on the growth and yield of Aromatic Basmati rice cultivated on tidal land. The experiment was conducted for 4 mo (August to December 2020) in the experimental paddy fields of the Agricultural …

Leveraging Ict Adoption And Electricity Access For Sustainable Agricultural Productivity Among Nigerian Households, Menghan Huang, Qin Chen, Oluwayemisi Kadijat Adeleke, Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Faryan

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study investigated ICT adoption (mobile phone and internet usage), access to electricity, and their impact on household agricultural productivity in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy. Utilizing Wave 4 (2018 to 2019) Living Standards Measurement Study–Integrated Survey on Agriculture (LSMS–ISA) data covering 4,980 household heads, this study applied logit regression and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) for estimation, alongside a Cobb-Douglas production function to analyze input contributions to agricultural output. The findings revealed that the age, residential location, educational level, and access to electricity of household heads significantly determine technology adoption among farming households. Furthermore, ICT adoption exhibits a significant, positive relationship …

Establishing An Elite Core Panel For Accelerating Genetic Gain In The Philrice Irrigated Rice Breeding Program, Leonilo V. Gramaje, Frodie P. Waing, Raysha Ann Marie Garcia, Nia N. Manlulu, Rogemae C. Ravela, Alvin D. Palanog, Oliver E. Manangkil, Holden Verdeprado, Rose Imee Zhella Amar-Morante, Norvie L. Manigbas, Pompe C. Sta Cruz, Suresh Babu Kadaru, Parthiban Thathapalli Prakash, Jose E. Hernandez

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Increasing the performance of rice varieties in terms of yield and other economically significant traits through genetic improvement is crucial to achieving food security in the Philippines. The Department of Agriculture– Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) plays a central role in developing high-yielding rice varieties that are more adaptable to local conditions to meet national rice demand. This study determined the trend in genetic gain for yield among national test entries from 2015 through 2021 using historical data and evaluated key agronomic, grain quality, and pest- and disease-resistance traits as criteria for assembling an elite core panel. Historical yield data …

Postharvest Response Of Jute Mallow (Corchorus Olitorius L.) Tops To Different Storage Temperatures, Wella L. Absulio-Morales, James L. Tababa, Daphne Cassandra H. Gonzales, Genesis M. Banawa, Angelo C. Castro, Arlan James D. Rodeo

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.), locally known as saluyot, is a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable, but its potential remains underutilized due to its high perishability. This study determined the postharvest behavior of jute tops stored at 4 different temperatures (5, 13, 20, and 28 °C). Key quality parameters were measured at specific time intervals. The marketable shelf life of jute tops was 7 d at 5 and 13 °C, but only 2 and 3 d at 28 and 20 °C, respectively. This shorter shelf life was mainly due to wilting caused by high weight loss, especially at higher temperatures. …

Filtered Genome Of Commercial Philippine Varieties Of Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum L.) For The Characterization And Identification Of Ssrs Associated With Resistance To Philippine Downy Mildew (Peronosclerospora Philippinensis), Antonio G. Lalusin, Jhun Lawrence S. Rasco

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Sugarcane is a major global source of sugar, with total production reaching 1.89 billion t. Although the Philippines produces about 1.85 million t of sugarcane annually, yields are limited by downy mildew and smut. Developing varieties resistant to these pathogens is the most economical and practical approach to mitigating losses from these biotic stresses. In this study, SSRs related to disease resistance were developed through Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of the filtered genomes of sugarcane varieties with known phenotypic responses to downy mildew. Two assemblies based on minimum contig lengths (450 and 900 bp) were performed using SoapDeNovo2. The 900-bp assembly …

Marker-Assisted Identification Of Hybrids In Polyembryonic ‘Carabao’ Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Breeding In The Philippines, John Edward L. Felipe, Kyla Andrea G. Mendoza, Benjamin Christian J. Esguerra, Carolyn E. Alcasid, Gino R. Hernandez, Eureka Teresa M. Ocampo

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Varietal improvement of the Philippine ‘Carabao’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) through conventional breeding is constrained by polyembryony, which makes it difficult to distinguish zygotic hybrids from nucellar seedlings at early developmental stages. This study evaluated the utility of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for early and accurate identification of hybrids in polyembryonic ‘Carabao’ mango crosses. Genomic DNA was isolated from 24 parental accessions and 61 putative hybrid seedlings using a modified CTAB protocol that yielded DNA suitable for PCR-based marker analysis. Eighty-one SSR markers were screened across 29 parental combinations, of which 64 markers (79.0%) were polymorphic in at …

Effect Of Leaf Harvesting Frequency On Cassava Leaf Production And Tuber Yield Of Binulak, Lakan 1 (Upl Cv-2), And Sultan 6 (Nsic 2003 Cv-25), Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo, Rosa Buena A. Capuno, Hiyasmin Rose L. Benzon, Jayson F. Garcia, Lizette Sahar N. Arcillas, Rona Joy C. Tud

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a vital staple crop in many developing countries, valued for its adaptability and dual-purpose use of roots and leaves. This study investigated the effects of leaf harvesting frequency on the leaf and tuber yields of 3 locally grown cassava varieties: Binulak, Lakan 1, and Sultan 6. The experiment followed a split plot in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 treatments varying in leaf harvesting frequency and initiation. Cassava leaves were harvested at 4, 6, 8, or 10 mo after planting (MAP), and tubers were harvested at 10 MAP. Results indicated that leaf yield …

Growth And Yield Of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Under Different Irrigation Methods In Transplanted And Direct-Seeded Systems, Wang Guirui, Crisanta S. Bueno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

In the face of climate change and socioeconomic transformation, there is an urgent need to save energy and enhance rice production. Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a viable alternative to transplanted rice due to reduced water and labor requirements, potentially achieving comparable or higher yields with reduced inputs. This study was conducted in the 2025 dry and wet seasons in Los Baños, Philippines, using a 2-factorial randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The first factor was the 2 rice varieties NSIC Rc 506 (Tubigan 41, V1) and NSIC Rc 160 (Tubigan 14, V2), and the second factor was cultural management, …

In Vitro Assessment Of The Reproductive Biology Of Sweet Potato Weevil, Cylas Formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae) Among Commonly Grown Sweet Potato Cultivars, Jerah Mystica Novenario, Flor A. Ceballo-Alcantara

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius), is a devastating pest of sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., with a specific point of damage at the tuber where eggs are oviposited, and voracious larvae feed. Farmers in Tarlac province in the Philippines claim that a specific cultivar is highly infested by the pest, suggesting that other cultivars may not be susceptible to the pest damage. This study aimed to determine the reproductive biology of the weevil across 3 sweet potato cultivars (Inubi, Super Bureau, and Bureau) frequently grown in Central Luzon. Since the weevils are nocturnal, behavioral observations were conducted …

Hydroxamate Formation In The Lipopeptide Containing Siderophore Taiwachelin, Aaron J. Gringer, Kernen P. Agwaza, Isabel Da Fonseca, Pablo Sobrado

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cupriavidus taiwanensis is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium found in root nodules of the invasive tropical weed Mimosa pudica . C. taiwanensis has been shown to grow in environments contaminated with heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, and Cd. Taiwachelin, a recently identified siderophore produced by C. taiwanensis , is an iron chelator that contains a hydroxamate functional group for metal binding. In its biosynthesis, a flavin-dependent N-monooxygenase (NMO) was predicted to hydroxylate l -ornithine, leading to formation of the metal binding hydroxamate moiety. Here, we report the cloning, expression, and biochemical characterization of this enzyme, herein referred to as CtNMO. CtNMO …

Exploring The Durability Of Marine Picocyanobacterial Microcolonies, Erik Swanson

University Honors Theses

Picocyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcus are widespread aquatic photoautotrophs that play essential roles in primary production and carbon cycling. Some Synechococcus strains form multicellular microcolonies, but the mechanisms of cell-to-cell attachments and structural durability of these microcolonies remain poorly understood. This research investigated the physical durability of microcolonies in two marine Synechococcus strains (CC9605 and CC9311) using physical disruption treatments. Cultures were subjected to vortexing and sonication treatments, and populations of single cells and microcolonies were quantified using flow cytometry based on differences in measures of size. Results indicated that strain CC9605 showed no significant treatment effect, whereas CC9311 displayed …

Exercise Therapy For Mood Disorders In Retiring/Former Athletes, Christian Antos

Dissertations

This dissertation examined the potential integration of exercise therapy and psychotherapy as a treatment approach for mood-related difficulties experienced by former elite athletes during the transition out of competitive sport. Retirement from athletics is often associated with significant biopsychosocial challenges, including disruptions in identity, healthy routines, social support, and emotional well-being. Existing literature suggests that exercise may serve as an effective adjunctive intervention for improving mood and overall psychological functioning, though limited research has explored its application among retiring athletes within psychotherapeutic contexts. This literature review synthesized current research related to athletic retirement, neurobiological mechanisms associated with physical activity, and …

Recent Advances In The Juvenile-To-Adult Phase Transition, Yifei Liao, Mingli Xu

Faculty Publications

The transition from the juvenile to adult vegetative phase in Arabidopsis thaliana is a fundamental developmental process that integrates morphological and physiological maturation. Despite extensive study, how vegetative phase change is regulated and how this phase transition is coordinated with plant physiology remain incompletely understood. This review synthesizes recent advances in the molecular regulation and physiological functions of vegetative phase change. We summarize how developmental traits—such as leaf shape, trichome distribution, and margin serration—are controlled through distinct downstream targets of the age-dependent miR156–SPL pathway. We further highlight emerging insights into how epigenetic factors dynamically modify chromatin states of key regulatory …

The Phoenix Flora: Plant Survival, Succession, And Putative Adaptation In The Post-Atomic Landscapes Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki, Gian Marco Ludovici, Paola Amelia Tassi, Alba Iannotti, Colomba Russo, Fausto D'Agostino, Matilde Neble Segade, Timothy Mousseau, Andrea Malizia

Faculty Publications

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 created a unique environment of acute, high-dose ionizing radiation, contrasting sharply with the chronic low-dose rate exposure in the Chernobyl and Fukushima Exclusion Zones. This stands in stark contrast to the chronic, low-dose rate contamination that defines the Chernobyl and Fukushima Exclusion Zones. While the long-term ecological effects of the latter are well-documented, a systematic synthesis of the floral response to the atomic bombings is lacking. This review integrates historical data with modern radio-ecological principles to analyze plant survival and succession. We document the remarkable recovery of vegetation, from the resprouting …

Can Generative Ai Make Farming Decisions? Current Status And Future Pathways: A Case Study In Row Crop Production With Chatgpt, Nipuna Chamara, Yufeng Ge, Joe Luck, Yu Pan, Saleh Taghvaeian, Cory Walters, Christopher Proctor, Daran Rudnick, Daren Redfearn

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The agricultural decision-making process is experience-based, knowledge-dependent, time-sensitive, complex, and driven by historical data. Planting, fertilization, irrigation, and chemigation are key categories in farm decision-making, and currently there is no one-shot decision-support tool that covers all these activities. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are more advanced than traditional machine learning and deep learning models. These models have been trained on vast amounts of data from the internet, allowing them to accept unstructured data in various forms and generate human-like text, solutions to problems, and scenario predictions. Given this capability, we became interested in exploring the potential of generative AI in …

Part I: Drip Tape Irrigation For Cut Flowers, Alex Rodriguez, Melanie Stock, James Frisby, Burdette Barker

All Current Publications

Drip irrigation can be the most efficient method for delivering water and has the added benefit of keeping moisture off foliage and blooms of cut flowers. This fact sheet is the first in a series of irrigation fact sheets for cut flowers. It provides a step-by-step guide to the initial selection and installation of a surface drip tape irrigation system. Descriptions of and considerations for common components, setup, management, and repair are discussed. While this content may apply to other horticultural and garden plants, this fact sheet was developed for cut flower crops and growers. We recommend USU Extension resources …

Movement And Space Use Of Weaned Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga Angustirostris) Pups During Their First At-Sea Foraging Migration, Katie Saenger

Master's Theses

The northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) is a marine mammal known for engaging in long foraging migrations at sea. Adult male northern elephant seals follow pathways along the western coast of North America towards Alaska and adult female northern elephant seals follow pathways to open ocean in the North Pacific. However, there is little information on weaned northern elephant seal pup foraging behavior during their first foraging migration. This lack of knowledge is significant because northern elephant seals have a mortality rate of >50% in the first year. This project aimed to better understand the at-sea migratory movement …

Effects Of Irrigation And Nitrogen Management On Yield And Leaching Risk In Organic And Conventional Broccoli Fields, Shane Egerstrom

Master's Theses

Under regulatory pressures to reduce groundwater contamination by nitrate from fertilizer, such as those posed by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Agricultural Order 4.0, a need exists to better understand interactions between irrigation and nitrogen (N) management. To increase N use efficiency (NUE), growers are encouraged to account for additional sources of N in their management plans, such as irrigation water N and preplant soil N. The availability of these N sources for plant uptake and how it is affected by other management conditions is not yet well documented. We conducted 6 field trials, 3 organic and …

Assessing Nitrogen Leaching Risk In Organic Vegetable Production, Megan Widle

Master's Theses

Nitrogen (N) leaching is the primary driver of groundwater contamination in agricultural regions. On California’s Central Coast, Agricultural Order 4.0 regulates this risk by constraining field-level N balances (N applied minus N removed). However, the assumption that unrecovered N is lost via leaching may not hold in organic and regenerative systems that promote soil organic matter accumulation. This study evaluated whether measured N leaching aligns with estimates derived from partial N budgets in organic systems, and whether management practices (intercrops, cover crops, and reduced tillage) can mitigate leaching risk. Four field trials were conducted to investigate N dynamics in organic …

Evaluating The Commercial Aquaculture Potential Of The Native Pacific Littleneck Clam (Leukoma Staminea) As A Climate Resilient Alternative To The Non-Native Manila Littleneck Clam (Ruditapes Philippinarum)., Skylar M. Wuelfing

Master's Theses

The California shellfish industry’s near-exclusive reliance on the non-native Manila littleneck clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) creates an economic vulnerability to climate-driven disturbances, which can cause mortality events that eradicate up to 80% of stocks. This singular reliance on an introduced species highlights a need for the evaluation of native alternatives like the Pacific littleneck clam (Leukoma staminea). Our goal was to assess the feasibility of using the native Pacific littleneck in commercial aquaculture by comparing their performance to the non-native Manila littlenecks across the following conditions: 1) a five-month field outplant trial at high and low intertidal …

Marine Heatwaves And Fish Reproduction: Endocrine Responses In The Eurythermal Sheepshead Minnow (Cyprinodon Variegatus), Isabel Villafuerte

Master's Theses

Marine heatwaves associated with climate change are increasing in frequency and severity, posing significant threats to fish populations in shallow habitats such as estuaries and salt marshes. Because temperature is a primary regulator of fish reproduction, understanding how heatwaves affect reproductive physiology is critical for anticipating the biological consequences of ongoing climate change for coastal fishes. Here we examined how simulated heatwave conditions affect the reproductive hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) endocrine axis in the estuarine sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus), a eurythermal fish well suited to studying thermal stress responses in estuarine environments. Adult sheepshead minnows acclimated to a daily oscillating …

Effects Of Hot Water Dipping And Sub-Zero Saline Chilling On The Microbial Safety Of Broiler Carcasses And Recycled Chilling Water, Elen Zhu

Master's Theses

Broiler meat became the most widely consumed meat within the United States and across the world in 2019. The trend of increasing broiler consumption is expected to continue due to affordability, health benefits, and production efficiency. To meet the growing demand of broilers, a substantial number of birds need to be produced and processed while minimizing bacteria contamination, water consumption and wastewater generation.

In this study, the microbial safety (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and Escherichia coli) of broiler carcasses and post-chill water (red water) was assessed, using innovative processing techniques and red water recycling. A total of 144 broilers …

Evaluation Of Ultraviolet-C Light For Control Of Mites And Western Tarnished Plant Bug In Strawberry & Interactive Lethal Effects Of Common Strawberry Fungicides And Adjuvants On Phytoseiulus Persimilis, Colin T. Koubek

Master's Theses

California strawberry production relies heavily on chemical pesticides to manage arthropod pests and diseases, but pesticide resistance, regulatory pressure, and the need to conserve biological control agents have increased interest in alternative pest management tools. This thesis evaluated ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light as a nonchemical management tool for key strawberry arthropod pests and assessed the compatibility of common strawberry fungicides and adjuvants with the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot. The first objective was to determine the ovicidal and lethal effects of UV-C light on Lygus hesperus Knight eggs and nymphs. Laboratory and field ovicide assays were conducted using UV-C doses relevant …

The Phoenix Flora: Plant Survival, Succession, And Putative Adaptation In The Post-Atomic Landscapes Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki, Gian Marco Ludo, Paola Amelia Tassi, Alba Iannotti, Colomba Russo, Fausto D'Agostino, Matilde Neble Segade, Timothy Mousseau, Andrea Malizia

Faculty Publications

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 created a unique environment of acute, high-dose ionizing radiation, contrasting sharply with the chronic low-dose rate exposure in the Chernobyl and Fukushima Exclusion Zones. This stands in stark contrast to the chronic, low-dose rate contamination that defines the Chernobyl and Fukushima Exclusion Zones. While the long-term ecological effects of the latter are well-documented, a systematic synthesis of the floral response to the atomic bombings is lacking. This review integrates historical data with modern radio-ecological principles to analyze plant survival and succession. We document the remarkable recovery of vegetation, from the resprouting …