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Advancements in Cattle Nutrition and Health: From Antimicrobial Strategies to Environmental Sustainability and Innovative Pedagogy
No full textThree experiments were conducted to evaluate 1) the interrelationship between virginiamycin (VM) inclusion, ruminal pH dynamics, and hepatic blood metabolites to determine optimal supplementation phases; 2) the additive effects of condensed tannins (CT) and active dry yeast (ADY) on digestibility and fermentation dynamics; and 3) writing and visual models as a pedagogical strategy for creating individual learning paths in animal nutrition. In the first study, 120 growing steers (304 �� 27 kg) were fed for 150 d to evaluate the strategic administration of VM at 240 mg/d. We concluded that VM supplementation during the whole feeding phase tended to decrease the time spent under pH 5.8 (P = 0.081), thus improving rumen buffering capacity and reducing acidotic events. Additionally, VM inclusion lessened the acute phase protein response during the transition between the grower and finisher diet. In the second study, 23 ruminally cannulated steers (284.3 �� 4.1 kg) were utilized in a factorial design to evaluate the supplementation of ADY at 10 g/d, CT at 1 % DM of quebracho extract (0.78% total CT and 0.312% PPP on DM basis), and combined CT and ADY (CTY; 1% DM and 10 g/d, respectively). In vitro methane production was affected in a quadratic fashion (P = 0.001) as days progressed, with CTY being less relative to CON, CT and ADY (8.14 vs. 14.69 mM, respectively). The inclusion of ADY and CT did not affect ruminal variables (total VFA, protozoa, pH and redox; P ��� 0.05). However, apparent total tract DM digestibility (aDMD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (aNDFD) for CTY (60.08% and 51.78%, respectively) were intermediate of ADY and CT supplementation, aligning with our intended outcome of combining them. In the third study, students (n = 27) who participated in the honors contract of an upper-level animal nutrition course were asked to participate in a self-directed learning project. Likert scale surveys (88.8% response rate) and reflections reported that writing to learn gave them an authentic scientific writing experience that when paired with the creation of visual models improved their confidence and ability to interpret and integrate concepts from lecture and outside sources
Search for New Resonances Produced by Bottom Fermion Fusion in Dimuon Final State with Run 2 CMS Data
No full textA search is presented for a new neutrally-charged boson Z��� decaying into two muons associated with one or two jets and at least one b tag among them. The analysis is performed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137.58 f b^���1 collected in 2016-2018 with the CMS detector in proton-proton collisions at ��� s = 13 TeVand sets limits upon Z��� masses between 125 and 350 GeV. No significant deviation from the expected background is observed, setting 95% confidence level upper limits on the production cross section times branching ratio times acceptance (�� �� Br(Z ��� ��� ����)�� A) ranging between 3-10 f b. Acceptances for a variety of final states are also provided, allowing for the interpretation of these results to a variety of models
A Climate Smart Agricultural Productivity Assessment of Smallholder Women Farmers in Farming Associations in Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study
No full textThe world is plagued with multiple planetary threats of rising food insecurity, COVID-19 pandemic, aggravated conflicts, shrinking natural resources and worsening climate crisis. Smallholder women farmers (SWFs) fare even worse in Africa than their male counterparts due to limiting opportunity structures stemming from gender biases and discriminating societal norms. This mixed methods research assessed the interaction of climate smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) and agricultural productivity among SWFs in Nigeria using the climate smart sustainable livelihoods framework.
My findings provide evidence on the levels of use of CSA among SWFs and their agricultural productivity demonstrated by their state of empowerment. The study employed a convergent mixed-method design, collecting data from SWFs through structured interviews (n=196) and focus group discussions (six groups), which informed the quantitative and qualitative strands of the study respectively. Participants were mutually exclusive of the two strands of study. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, rich thick description, thematic analysis, patterns, themes, and representative quotes. Findings from the quantitative strand converged with the qualitative strand in a joint display of data.
The study revealed the most preferred CSAP used by SWFs is mixed cropping while the least used in crop insurance. Participants livelihood dynamics were described, and significant associations are observed between Educational Level and Use of CSA, as well as between Empowerment Level and Use of CSA. Additionally, a significant amount of variance was explained in the Empowerment Level based on the Use of CSA and Educational Level (R�� = 0.288, F = 39.00, p = <.001). Furthermore, six overarching themes emerged from farmers livelihood context, dynamics, and outcomes. The themes reinforced the existential threat of climate change and vulnerability of SWFs which is exacerbated by a complex interplay of factors.
The results were triangulated with the sustainable livelihoods framework which used Amartya Sen���s capabilities theory on the robust concept of agricultural productivity, not only in terms of yield or income but in the real doings and capabilities of what a farmer is able to do and has done with their capabilities. I found that although participants demonstrated adequate intrinsic, instrumental, and collective agency, they face obstacles such as poor infrastructure, unfulfilled government promises, and limited access to assets and tools which underscores systemic and institutional challenges that counterproductively affect agricultural productivity and empowerment.
Overall, I found SWFs are moderate and high users of CSA, but their livelihood outcomes are exacerbated by the negative effects of climate change and institutional failures. This underscores the need for targeted interventions, including improved infrastructure, access to resources, and supportive policies to enhance the resilience and empowerment of these farmers in the face of ongoing challenges
Nitrogen-Containing Organic Bases for Molecular Electronic and Biological Investigations
No full textThis dissertation shows the efforts towards tailor-made nitrogen-containing organic base molecules for modular electronic studies as well as biological investigations. The first part features the development of two different kinds of aniline-derived conjugated molecules and their applications as molecular models for single-molecule junction studies. The second part of this dissertation describes the development of a series of polyamine-based detergents and their applications in native mass spectrometry studies of membrane proteins.
First, a general introduction of nitrogen-containing organic bases is presented in Chapter I. Example molecules and their applications including pharmaceuticals, metalorganic frameworks (MOFs) and conducting polymers, specifically polyaniline (PANI), are discussed.
In Chapter II, the design and synthesis of a ladder-type polyaniline-inspired single-molecule switch are presented. With exceptional electrochemical stability rendered by the ladder-type constitution, the molecule can be converted between three distinct molecular states characterized by varying levels of protonation and oxidation. In collaboration with the Schroeder Group at UIUC, we demonstrate its superior conductance and multi-state switching capabilities through electrochemical scanning tunneling microscope break-junction (STM-BJ) experiments. Our results suggest that ladder-type molecules are promising candidates for advanced single-molecule electronics. This work also sheds light on the mechanism of electronic conductivity of redox-active conductive polymers.
Chapter III describes the motivations of a model study involving oligo(para-phenylene)s within a graphene single-molecule junction for mechanistic studies of RCM in the synthesis of ladder polymers or oligomers. The design and synthetic efforts towards the target molecules are the main foci of this chapter.
Next, in Chapter IV, synthesis and purification towards spermine-derived detergents are described. These detergents are employed as additives/co-detergents in native mass spectrometry (MS) studies of various membrane proteins. Their effectiveness in achieving reduced average protein charge states and preserving membrane proteins in more intact states has been demonstrated. Our research in this area laid the groundwork for the molecular design principles of charge-reducing detergents with enhanced protein solubility and improved compatibility with commercial detergents. These principles are crucial for conducting native mass spectrometry studies of membrane protein complexes.
Lastly, Chapter V concludes the entire dissertation by providing an overview of the findings presented in the preceding chapters. Additionally, future research perspectives that promise to shed further light on both fields are discussed
Effects of Prenatal Transportation Stress on Liver Gene Expression in Brahman Calves
No full textThe liver plays an important role in physiological processes necessary for growth and development. Stress can have negative effects on the liver, which may lead to differences in phenotype and gene expression. The objectives of this study were to evaluate phenotypic traits and liver tissue gene expression in Brahman heifer and bull calves from prenatal transportation stress (PNS) and control treatment groups. One group of pregnant Brahman cows were transported for a 2-h period every 20 d (�� 5 d) from 60 to 140 d of gestation. Another group of pregnant Brahman cows were preserved as a control. A total of 32 calves, 8 heifer and 8 bull calves from the PNS and control groups, were utilized. Calves were weighed at approximately 25 d (�� 4 d) of age. The following day, calves were euthanized and liver tissues were harvested.
Phenotypic traits evaluated include birth weight, harvest weight, liver weight, pen score, and liver weight/harvest weight. Interaction of sex and treatment was not significant for any trait (P > 0.28). Sex influenced calf birth weight, harvest weight, and liver weight (P 0.41).
Controlling the false discovery rate at 0.15, there were 4, 0, 5, 42, 15, and 3 differentially expressed genes for 1) male PNS relative to control, 2) female PNS relative to control, 3) PNS male relative to female, 4) control male relative to female, 5) male relative to female, and 6) PNS relative to control comparisons, respectively. A single stress-related gene was differentially expressed across comparisons in the study: heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 6 (HSPA6)
Improving Maize (Zea mays) Production: Assessing Impacts of Seed Cleaning, Treatment, and Novel White Sub-Tropical Inbred Varieties
No full textMaize is an important crop in the U.S. and globally and grain yield continues to increase from both agronomic and genetic technologies. Farmer���s successful crop establishment of maize has relied on treated and cleaned seed to reach plant population targets of healthy plants. The purpose of the first study was to determine the effects that cleaning and treating seed had on both the plant population and yield of a crop in small plots for a breeding program. Ten diverse experimental maize cultivars were chosen based on seed availability and subject to different combinations of cleaning and treating. The cultivars were tested across two years (2021 and 2022) and multiple environments. A reengineered Mater Continuous Seed Blower was used to clean the seed. Cruiser 5FS and Maxim 4FS were blended following recommendations and used as a seed treatment. Overall, the results of this experiment showed a positive correlation between cleaning and treating seeds and an increase in yield and plant population. The results help to reinforce the use of cleaning and treating techniques in seed preparation for small plot research.
The second study involved preparing a release of novel white inbred lines for white maize hybrids. The varieties proposed for release include Tx131, Tx133, Tx134, Tx148, Tx149, Tx150, Tx160 and Tx161. All inbreds listed are derived from white sub-tropical germplasm and can improve yield and genetic diversity white maize in the U.S. Current white maize varieties are limited, and this release will increase the genetic diversity providing farmers with more options for planting. These lines were crossed with a variety of commercial and within Texas A&M program testers, and resulting hybrids were grown at multiple locations over several years. Hybrids from each line produced yields that met or exceeded those of current commercial hybrids
Shame as an Affective Component of Pain Experiences
No full textThe experience of pain is a warning that potential harm has come to the body. Furthermore, pain is recognized as a biopsychosocial phenomenon, with a person���s traits, emotions, social interactions, and environments all encompassing pain outcomes. As such, identifying specific psychological components of the experience of pain may help further guide our understanding of the manifestation and persistence of pain. One potential aspect of pain may be the self-conscious emotion of shame, a feeling arising from the judgment of others acting as a warning that something about one���s self is socially unacceptable. Indeed, people living with chronic pain frequently express feeling shame because of how pain impacts their lives; however it has not been assessed in relation to the exacerbation of pain itself. Therefore, this dissertation employed four studies examining the relationship between shame and pain, specifically hypothesizing that greater feelings of shame would be associated with greater pain experiences. Studies 1a and 1b were correlational online studies, finding that shame was positively associated with clinically relevant self-report of pain. Study 2 found a similar relationship with self-reported measures of central sensitization, but not laboratory-based sensory measures central sensitization as assessed by mechanical temporal summation. Study 3 explored the relationship between shame and endogenous opioid response measured using conditioned pain modulation, and also did not find support for the overarching hypothesis. Study 4 utilized a daily diary design to observe actual lived experiences of shame and pain, and found that people experienced greater pain severity and interference on days they felt more shame. Although results were mixed across studies they provide a foundation for future understanding of the relationship between shame and pain outcomes with implications for clinical treatment and care
Culturally Responsive Coaching for African American Parents of Children with Autism: A Single-Case Analysis, Qualitative Systematic, and Practitioner Paper
No full textAfrican American children and their families face a heightened susceptibility to disparities associated with autism (Dababnah et al., 2018). While advancements have been made in mitigating racial inequities in the identification of autism, Constantino et al. (2020) still report the existence of diagnostic delays for autism in Black children. This study suggests a gap of approximately three years between the period when parents initially express concerns about their child's developmental milestones and the eventual diagnosis of autism. The purpose of these three studies were (1) to identify how culturally responsive parent coaching for African American families of children with autism can increase parent implementation of naturalistic intervention strategies by conducting a multiple-probe single case experimental design across participants; (2) to conduct a qualitative systematic review on the experience and quality of studies on African American families of children with autism; 3) To provide a practitioner guideline of culturally responsive parent coaching, for educators and service providers working with African American families of children with autism.
The findings of the study indicated that culturally responsive parent coaching is effective in improving communication for African American parents and their children with autism. The findings from the second study reports the different experiences of African American families ranging from lack of source of support, cultural differences, cost of health care services, and parents lack of prior knowledge of autism. The third study provides a guideline for practitioners who serve culturally diverse families like African American parents.
The findings of these three studies presents several implications for practice and research. Service providers and healthcare professionals need to be trained to become more culturally responsive to better serve African American families. There is also a need for more research on the implementation of culturally responsive practice with African American families of children with autism
Teleoperation for Time-sensitive and Challenging Construction Environments: Dive into Cognitive Challenges
No full textDespite the dream of fully autonomous construction robots, the inherently unpredictable and dynamic scenarios of construction tasks make complete automation challenging. In many scenarios, situations that are outside the planned tasks or the pre-programmed robots��� capabilities underscore the necessity for human adaptability and decision-making. Teleoperation, therefore, has emerged as an effective approach in the construction domain and has been extensively studied. In the past two decades, prior studies primarily focused on technological advancements such as sensing for distant workplaces, computation algorithms, and automated control systems. However, this focus often neglected one crucial element of the teleoperation system: the human operator. As humans are decisionmakers and vital in addressing construction challenges effectively, a more in-depth understanding of human operators is necessary. Particularly, we must dive into the limited human cognition capacity and the challenges it poses during construction teleoperation, as cognitive workload directly influences their decision-making quality and control performance. This study thus employs a human-centric approach to navigate and manage the cognitive challenges faced by operators during the teleoperation of construction robots, especially those focused on the excavators. There are three research objectives: (1) the first objective aims to explore human factors that significantly affect teleoperation performance in construction from a systematic perspective, this objective involves identifying and prioritizing factors focused on cognitive aspects to understand their impact on operational efficiency and safety; (2) the second objective examines how various demanding and challenging construction scenarios impact teleoperators' cognitive and task performance along with safety behavior, this objective seeks to deepen understanding of the impact of the cognitive challenges identified in the first objective; and (3) the third objective is to assess the effectiveness of a novel assistive technology that has been specifically designed to reduce cognitive load and promote safer and more efficient performance, even under highly demanding conditions towards a cognitive-resilient teleoperation system. The findings reveal that excavator performance is negatively affected not only by tangible obstacles but also by intangible obstacles that impact the operator's cognitive state, such as time pressure and risk perception in remote environments. During our investigation, we found that teleoperators conducting demanding tasks performed the best under reasonable time pressure, even better than without pressure, whereas under excessive time pressure, they experienced cognitive overload and impaired risk perception, resulting in significant control errors as a result. However, teleoperators using electro-tactile feedback, a novel assistive technology, achieve high levels of safety and productivity regardless of the level of time pressure. This assistive technology is shown to help prevent cognitive overload by distributing cognitive tasks to the robotic system, enhancing awareness of remote hazards. This dissertation significantly contributes to the body of knowledge of construction teleoperation by bridging the gap in understanding human aspects within teleoperation systems. The research also offers valuable insights for designing user-centered systems for human-robot interaction or collaboration in construction teleoperation, applicable across various scenarios ranging from normal to highly demanding and challenging workplaces
Are Open Contacts Associated with Peri-implant Disease?
No full textAims: This study was conducted to determine if open contacts are associated with peri-implant disease. Also, possible associations concerning the width of an open contact as they relate to disease and food impaction were evaluated.
Material and Methods: A clinical exam was performed including: probing depths, interproximal contact status (open vs. closed), microbial sampling from 16 implants, report or observation of food impaction, and review of existing radiographs. This information was used to determine the implant diagnosis. The microbial samples were studied using qPCR. Spearmann���s correlation test was performed to determine whether any associations around the desired variables could be found.
Results: 44 (22 open contacts/ 22 closed contacts) sequential implants in 25 patients were evaluated in the Texas A&M School of Dentistry���s dental clinics. The prevalence of peri-implant mucositis was 22.7%, and the prevalence of peri-implantitis was 11.4%. No statistically significant associations were found between open contacts and peri-implant health status or rate of food impaction. No statistically significant association was found between food impaction and rates of peri-implant disease as well. The width of an open contact also did not impact the health status of the implants or the rates of food impaction. However, peri-implant disease was associated with elevated levels of Peptostreptococcus micros. Also, there was a positive association between the number of Capnocytophaga species bacteria present and the increased width of open contact.
Conclusions: Within the confines of this study open contacts around dental implants are not associated with peri-implant disease. There is a noted increase of Peptostreptococcus micros around diseased dental implants. More research is necessary to corroborate these findings