State University Research Articles

South Dakota State University Extension’s two-year beefSD program has high impact on beginning beef cattle producers

Abstract The value of Extension programming is the generation of short (knowledge gain), medium (behavior change), and long (condition improvement) term outcomes or impact for clientele. Evaluating impact is a critical step in Extension programming. Effective evaluation can be used to measure outcomes, adapt and improve curricula of ongoing programs, and document public value gained from Extension funding. Although evaluation tools administered during or at the end of program activities can measure short-term outcomes, they cannot measure subsequent change in behavior and condition as a result of the program. South Dakota State University Extension has conducted a program entitled “beefSD” wherein cohorts of beginning beef cattle producers have been exposed to a two-year curriculum to increase their capacity to successfully manage their beef cattle enterprises. Five cohorts completed the program between 2010 and 2022. To measure the medium- and long-term impacts of this program, an online survey instrument was administered to the alumni of all five cohorts in Fall 2022. Twenty-two percent of alumni completed the survey. Survey results indicated that since completion of the program, most respondents expanded their beef cattle enterprises, implemented goals, financial, marketing, grazing, drought, and business plans, and became more profitable. The majority of respondents found high value from practices, tools, and concepts learned in beefSD that they incorporated into their enterprise management plans. Evaluation results indicated beefSD has positively impacted the beef cattle enterprises and lives of alumni, increasing the likelihood of their improved sustainability going forward. Further, this evaluation survey clearly demonstrated program impact, documenting public value from the program. Similar Extension programs could be developed for other regions or commodities, contributing comparable outcomes with program evaluation documenting further public value.

Comprehensive Assessment of IT Systems Integration at A Local State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)

Comprehensive Assessment of IT Systems Integration at A Local State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)

TikTok Narratology, Health Belief System and Sexual Health Awareness among Students of Akwa Ibom State University

TikTok Narratology, Health Belief System and Sexual Health Awareness among Students of Akwa Ibom State University

Human Papillomavirus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and Oral Microbiota Interplay in Nigerian Youth (HOMINY): A Prospective Cohort Study Protocol

IntroductionPersistent oral infections with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) are a potential cause of most oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs). Oral HR-HPV infection and persistence are significantly higher in people living with HIV...

Liposomal bupivacaine use is not associated with a higher rate of surgical site infections or multidrug-resistant infections in dogs undergoing anal sacculectomy.

To describe whether infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is a risk factor for the development of surgical site infection (SSI) in anal sacculectomy (AS) and compare bacterial isolates from SSIs in animals that received LB and those that did not. A medical record review was performed at Colorado State University for dogs undergoing AS between August 2019 and October 2024. Data retrieved included signalment, reason for AS, anesthesia time, additional procedure performed, perioperative and postoperative antibiotic administration, use of LB, development of SSI, and bacterial isolates. The study population included 105 dogs that underwent a total of 121 ASs. In 18 of 105 cases (17.1%), SSI was noted. For the cases where LB was infiltrated intraoperatively, the rate of SSI was 17.5% (11 of 63). In cases where LB was not used, the rate of SSI was 16.7% (7 of 42). The most common bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. Of the 10 cultures, 8 had resistance profiles and 2 of 8 (25%) were found to have multidrug-resistant bacteria present, with no difference between the groups. This study did not show that LB was a significant risk factor for the development of SSI or multidrug-resistant infections. Incisional infiltration of LB does not seem to be associated with a higher rate of SSI or higher rates of multidrug-resistant infections in dogs undergoing AS.

Alternative Sources of Potassium for Soybean Crops

Over the last three decades, soybean production in the Brazilian agricultural sector has experienced significant yield growth. The soil must have adequate fertility to provide nutrients for good agricultural yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different sources and doses of potassium on the soybean grain yield and its components. The experiment was conducted in the 2022/2023 crop season at the experimental field of the Goiás State University in Ipameri, GO. The experimental design used was randomized blocks arranged in a 3 x 5 factorial scheme, with three potassium sources potassium chloride (KCl: 58% K2O), Phonolite (Ph1:8% K2O and 25% Si), and Hydrothermalized Phonolite (HPh2:12% K2O and 25% Si) and five doses (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1), with four replications. The management used the no-till system on sorghum straw planting the NEO 750 IPRO soybean cultivar. According to the results, there was an influence of the interaction between the factors only on the number of pods per plant. The potassium doses influenced the first pod insertion height, hectoliter mass, and grain yield. Based on the results, potassium fertilization using the alternative sources, Ph1 and HPh2, reached satisfactory grain yield levels compared to KCl, with the maximum grain yield value, regardless of the source, occurring at a dose of 138.18 kg ha-1 of potassium.

Machine learning-based myocardial infarction bibliometric analysis

PurposeThis study analyzed the research trends in machine learning (ML) pertaining to myocardial infarction (MI) from 2008 to 2024, aiming to identify emerging trends and hotspots in the field, providing insights into the future directions of research and development in ML for MI. Additionally, it compared the contributions of various countries, authors, and agencies to the field of ML research focused on MI.MethodA total of 1,036 publications were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace 6.3.R1, Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer were utilized to analyze bibliometric characteristics, determining the number of publications, countries, institutions, authors, keywords, and cited authors, documents, and journals in popular scientific fields. CiteSpace was used for temporal trend analysis, Bibliometrix for quantitative country and institutional analysis, and VOSviewer for visualization of collaboration networks.ResultsSince the emergence of research literature on medical imaging and machine learning (ML) in 2008, interest in this field has grown rapidly, particularly since the pivotal moment in 2016. The ML and MI domains, represented by China and the United States, have experienced swift development in research after 2015, albeit with the United States significantly outperforming China in research quality (as evidenced by the higher impact factors of journals and citation counts of publications from the United States). Institutional collaborations have formed, notably between Harvard Medical School in the United States and Capital Medical University in China, highlighting the need for enhanced cooperation among domestic and international institutions. In the realm of MI and ML research, cooperative teams led by figures such as Dey, Damini, and Berman, Daniel S. in the United States have emerged, indicating that Chinese scholars should strengthen their collaborations and focus on both qualitative and quantitative development. The overall direction of MI and ML research trends toward Medicine, Medical Sciences, Molecular Biology, and Genetics. In particular, publications in “Circulation” and “Computers in Biology and Medicine” from the United States hold prominent positions in this study.ConclusionThis paper presents a comprehensive exploration of the research hotspots, trends, and future directions in the field of MI and ML over the past two decades. The analysis reveals that deep learning is an emerging research direction in MI, with neural networks playing a crucial role in early diagnosis, risk assessment, and rehabilitation therapy.

Special Issue Interview with Dr. Amanda Baden

This article presents an interview with Dr. Amanda L. Baden, Professor and Doctoral Program Director at Montclair State University and a licensed psychologist. Baden shares information on their rich adoption-focused research agenda and offers insight into emergent clinical and research areas of focus for adult adoptees and their families. Additionally, Baden provides recommendations for adoptee-identifying graduate students in mental health training programs.

АДАПТАЦИЯ КЛЮКВЫ КРУПНОПЛОДНОЙ (VACCINIUM MACROCARPON AIT.) К УСЛОВИЯМ EX VITRO С ПРИМЕНЕНИЕМ ГИДРОПОННОГО МЕТОДА

The purpose of research is to study the characteristics of adaptation of V. macrocarpon plants, varieties of foreign and Russian selection, obtained by the in vitro method, to non-sterile conditions using a peat substrate and using a hydroponic installation. The studies were carried out on the basis of Northern Federal University named after. M.V. Lomonosov and Surgut State University using generally accepted methods in 2021–2023. The objects of the study were plants of V. macrocarpon varieties of North American (Ben Lear, Piligrim) and Russian (Meryanka, Slavyanka) selection, obtained by the method of microclonal propagation. Adaptation of regenerated plants was carried out in a vertical ABS hydroponic installation (manufactured by Active Biological Systems LLC, Russia) in periodic flooding mode. 7, 14, 20, 30, 50 and 70 days after transplantation, the survival rate and morphometric indicators of plant growth (number and length of shoots, number of leaves, number and length of roots) were systematically recorded. The experiments were carried out in 3 replicates with 100 regenerated plants in each. The maximum survival rate of regenerated V. macrocarpon plants when adapted using a hydroponic installation (100 %) was noted on the 50–70th day of cultivation, on a peat substrate (75–80 %) – on the 70th day. The maximum values of morphometric parameters of V. macrocarpon plants on the 70th day of cultivation were noted when using a hydroponic installation (number of shoots – on average 4.1–5.1 pcs.; length of shoots – 24.9–30.2 cm; number of leaves – 84.0–95.4 pcs.; number of roots – 20.4–25.6 pcs.; root length – 21.3–26.1 cm), whereas when adapting to a peat substrate, the length of shoots was shorter on average 1.9–4.2 times, number of leaves – 1.2–1.7 times. Russian varieties had advantages in the number of shoots, number and length of roots compared to North American varieties.

ИНТРОДУКЦИЯ ALLIUM АLTAICUM PALL. В СИБИРСКОМ БОТАНИЧЕСКОМ САДУ ТГУ

The purpose of research is to study the economic and biological characteristics of Allium altaicum Pall. (Altai onion) in the conditions of the subtaiga zone of the Tomsk Region. Objectives: to study the rhythm of seasonal development, morphological characteristics; to determine seed productivity and seed quality. The study was carried out on the ecosystem dendrological territory of the Siberian Botanical Garden of the Tomsk State University in 2020–2023. When conducting the study, generally accepted methods were used: N.A. Naumova, I.N. Beideman, G.N. Zaitsev, B.A. Dospehov. The objects of the study were three samples of Allium altaicum Pall. The seeds were obtained from the botanical gardens of Ivanovo, Norway and Germany. Collection samples are 2–4 years old. Samples of A. altaicum show high seed germination in the year of harvesting – from 93.5 to 96.7 %. All samples make self-seeding, which indicates adaptation of the species upon introduction. When propagating A. altaicum from seeds, it is recommended to use seeds no older than 1 year of storage. Under the conditions of the Tomsk Region, A. altaicum samples undergo a full development cycle. The growing season ranges from 156 to 160 days. The studied samples are promising for use for cutting greenery in early spring and autumn. High seed productivity and seed germination were revealed. Fungal species (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys) found on the seeds are capable of producing toxins and inhibiting the germination of onion seeds. The maximum diversity of fungi was found on the seeds of A. altaicum from Ivanovo, the least – on the seeds of samples from Norway and Germany, which affected the decrease in seed germination during storage.

Evaluating mediators of the effect of varenicline preloading on smoking abstinence in a randomized controlled trial.

Mechanisms of varenicline preloading in promoting smoking abstinence have not been evaluated. Based on an extinction of reinforcement framework, we tested the hypothesis that pre-quit reductions in smoking rate mediate the effect of extended preloading on abstinence. We also tested alternative indicators of change in smoking reinforcement, as well as smoking aversion, nausea and abstinence self-efficacy as candidate mediators. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT03262662) comparing extended (4-week varenicline) to standard (3weeks of placebo, 1-week varenicline) preloading, preceding 11 weeks of open-label varenicline, in 320 adults (56% female). The primary outcome was self-reported continuous smoking abstinence during the last 4 weeks of treatment, with cotinine bio-verification at end of treatment (EOT). University at Buffalo, State University of New York, USA (part of the trial was conducted at participants' homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Candidate mediators, including smoking rate and subjective effects of smoking (reward, satisfaction, aversion), self-reported craving, withdrawal, nausea and abstinence self-efficacy, were assessed daily during the pre-quit period with ecological momentary assessment. At two laboratory visits participants completed a choice task to assess smoking reinforcement. There was a statistically significant indirect effect of extended preloading on greater EOT abstinence rates through pre-quit declines in smoking rate [a*b =0.284, 95% confidence interval (0.072,0.616)] and percent reduction in smoking across the pre-quit period [a*b = 0.225, (0.080,0.437)]. There were also statistically significant indirect effects through reductions in pre-quit craving [a*b =0.150, (0.01,0.420)] and increases in pre-quit self-efficacy [a*b =0.157, (0.038,0.375)]. Sex-specific analyses suggested these mediated effects were consistently limited to females. No other candidate mediators yielded statistically significant indirect effects. Extended varenicline preloading mediated smoking abstinence through reduced pre-quit smoking and craving among female smokers seeking to quit; increased pre-quit abstinence self-efficacy was also a significant mediator.

An Exploratory Study on Effective Leadership and Change Management in the Transformation of Indonesian Public Universities Towards World-Class University Status

This study aims to examine the influence of leadership styles on institutional transformation and to identify adaptive strategies for effective change management in the context of Indonesian Public Universities (PTNs) striving to achieve world-class university (WCU) status. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 125 universities through a hybrid questionnaire method involving Rectors, Directors, Vice Rectors, and Vice Directors as representatives. This study employed logistic regression to analyze the influence of leadership styles on the likelihood of PTNs achieving WCU status, alongside Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for deeper insights. The study results indicate that transcollegial leadership increases the likelihood of universities achieving WCU status by 35%, while digital and entrepreneurial leadership contribute 25% and 20%, respectively. The primary challenges identified include inadequate digital infrastructure, resistance to change, and regulatory limitations. This study provides practical and theoretical contributions by identifying adaptive leadership strategies tailored to the unique contexts of PTNs. This study is significant as it addresses the leadership challenges specific to Indonesian public universities in their pursuit of international recognition, providing practical and theoretical insights for achieving sustainable transformation. Future research could examine how leadership styles interact with institutional policies and external factors, such as global rankings and funding mechanisms, to achieve and sustain WCU status. Expanding the scope to include comparative studies across different regions or educational systems could provide broader insights into effective strategies for institutional transformation.

Grounding institutional planning in stakeholder theory: A participatory study of inclusive consultation in a Philippine state university

Grounding institutional planning in stakeholder theory: A participatory study of inclusive consultation in a Philippine state university

Effectiveness of Assertiveness Counselling Skills on Marital Conflict among Married Female Students in Sokoto State University

The focus of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of assertiveness counselling skills on marital conflict among married female students at Sokoto State University. The population of the study consists of UG I students of the 2023/2024 session, Sokoto State University Sokoto, totaling about 48 subjects, female married students who were randomly selected and assigned to experimental and control groups. An experimental design of pre-test and post-test only control groups were administered to generate data from the subjects of the study in the two groups for eight (8) weeks. An instrument titled “Marital Conflict Questionnaire” was administered to both experimental and control groups for data collection. A t-test technique was used to analyze the data. The result showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the participants in the study. Based on the findings, recommendations were made that Sokoto State University should include assertiveness counselling programs as a core part of its student support services. These programs can be tailored to address the unique needs of married female students, focusing on stress management, financial decision-making and effective communication skills to enhance their overall academic and personal well-being.

Relações entre Matemática e Arte: análise de algumas obras expostas no Salão de Arte Matemática na UESB

This article is an excerpt from my master's thesis (Meira da Silva, 2021), which explores the connections between mathematics and art expressed by students and teachers in the works produced for the Mathematical Art Salon, an event promoted by the Mathematics Education Study Group at the State University of Southwest Bahia. With a qualitative approach, developed from the analysis of works of art, based on the assumptions of Content Analysis, we sought to answer: What relationships between Mathematics and Art are established by students and teachers of Basic Education and undergraduate students in the works produced for the Mathematical Art Salon? The results reveal an emphasis on geometric knowledge, considering that the majority of the works are based on Geometry concepts; and that this integration of knowledge is significant, as it provides an insight into mathematics, normally seen as a rigid science, with well-defined limits and little room for more contextualized approaches.

A comparison of applicant and accepted student characteristics to research training programs with implications for recruitment and selection strategy

IntroductionVery few studies have examined the relationship between student characteristics and their acceptance to research training programs that use holistic selection. The present study addressed this question using institutional and applicant data of three NIH undergraduate training programs at California State University, Long Beach. Its first aim was to examine whether the applicants to the training programs were representative of the broader campus population. Its second aim was to investigate whether applicants who were accepted to the programs using a holistic selection process differed in academic discipline, demographics, and psychosocial characteristics from applicants who were not accepted.MethodsInformation on students’ majors, race/ethnicity, and gender was obtained from the university records or applications submitted by students. Majors were categorized as either biomedical or behavioral disciplines, while URM status was defined as students who self-identified their race and ethnicity as African American/Black, Native American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic. Applicants’ psychosocial characteristics were obtained from a separate online survey. The acceptance status of applicants was obtained from the training programs’ records.ResultsThe applicant and non-applicant groups showed similar distribution of demographic characteristics regarding URM status and gender. Moreover, students’ academic discipline and other demographic variables were not associated with application status at either the lower division (LD) or upper division (UD) levels. Although psychosocial characteristics measured with the online survey were not considered in the selection process, post-hoc analyses showed that LD applicants with higher grit and UD applicants with higher science interests were more likely to be accepted to the programs.ConclusionThe equal representation of URM and female students in the applicant and non-applicant groups suggests that students from these traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM were just as likely to apply to our training programs. Furthermore, while the holistic selection process resulted in comparable acceptance rates across URM status and gender, it appeared to favor LD applicants with higher grit and UD students with higher science interests. These findings imply that research training programs can effectively recruit diverse students from underrepresented populations in STEM by using intentional outreach and recruitment efforts coupled with an objective and holistic selection process.

BlakeLeyerle: Christians at Home: John Chrysostom and Domestic Rituals in Fourth‐Century Antioch. University Park: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2024; pp. xii + 152.

BlakeLeyerle: Christians at Home: John Chrysostom and Domestic Rituals in Fourth‐Century Antioch. University Park: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2024; pp. xii + 152.

Beta vulgaris production with micronutrient fertigation of seedlings

Adequate seedling nutrition is essential for beet production. This study evaluated the effects of applying boron, molybdenum, nitrogen and zinc to seedlings, considering agronomic characteristics and productivity. The experiment was carried out at the São Manuel Experimental Farm of the São Paulo State University, with a randomized block design, seven treatments (fertilizers) and five replicates: T1 - control (without application), T2 - Raiz® (4% N, 5% Mo), T3 - ‘Raiz®+Zintrac®’, T4 - Biotrac® (5.6% N, 2.3% K2O, 1.1% B, 1,1% Zn), T5 - ‘Biotrac®+Zintrac®’, T6 - Zintrac® (1% N, 40% Zn) e T7 - ‘Raiz®+Biotrac®’. Doses of 2.0 mL/L for Biotrac® and 0.5 mL/L for Raiz® and Zintrac® were used. The cultivar used was Betana from Feltrin Sementes®, sown in 200-cell trays. The applications took place 8 days after emergence. Evaluations at transplanting and at the end of the cycle included length, diameter, number of leaves and fresh and dry mass of seedlings and adult plants. Treatment T3 (Raiz® + Zintrac®) showed the highest fresh root mass (120 mg). The combination of Raiz® with Zintrac® and Biotrac® increased the number of leaves (3.6) and fresh root mass (20 mg) compared to the control. The application of Biotrac® alone (T4) resulted in the highest root yields (6.25 and 5.50 t/ha), the largest root diameter (19.68 cm) and the highest fresh leaf mass (125 mg). The Zintrac® (T6) treatment resulted in a higher fresh leaf mass (112.8 mg) than the control. However, the results were below commercial expectations.

Unveiling the impact of ChatGPT: investigating self-efficacy, anxiety and motivation on student performance in blended learning environments

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the impact of ChatGPT on students’ self-efficacy, anxiety and motivation within blended learning environments.Design/methodology/approachA correlational quantitative method was employed using the data collected through an online questionnaire distributed randomly to 293 science and engineering students from 2 state universities in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Measurement analysis was conducted to assess instrument validity, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships between the constructs.FindingsThe results indicate that self-efficacy and motivation significantly enhance student performance in blended learning, with the positive effect of self-efficacy moderated by ChatGPT. Although anxiety had a positive, though not significant, effect, the interaction between anxiety, motivation and ChatGPT still demonstrated a positive effect on learning performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study highlights the moderating effect of ChatGPT on motivation, anxiety and performance, emphasizing the need to understand educational contexts and individual differences. The study was limited to a specific student population and a short duration of ChatGPT usage, potentially restricting generalizability. Future research should explore diverse educational settings, disciplines, long-term effects and qualitative methods to gain deeper insights.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable new insights into the use of AI technology in education from the psychological perspective of students and offers practical implications for improving future learning strategies.

On the issue of the effect of defrosting on the nutritional value of meat

The article presents the results of studying the effect of single and repeated defrosting on the nutritional value of meat. Meat of slaughtered animals and poultry is one of the indispensable sources of high-grade protein, the nutritional value of which depends on the content of proteins, fats and moisture in it. In accordance with the current Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation, special attention is currently being paid to the rational use of meat and other slaughter products. However, falsification of meat by thermal condition is often found in the retail network. Thawed meat loses its original taste and culinary properties due to profound changes occurring in the cells of muscle tissue. Such raw materials should be sent for industrial processing.The purpose of the research was to study the specific features of protein, fat and moisture content in poultry meat, slaughtered and commercial animals, as well as to assess the effect of single and repeated defrosting on the nutritional value of meat.The research was conducted at the educational and Research Center for the examination of food and animal feed of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. The materials for the study were samples of meat from different species of animals and poultry.The research was conducted in stages. At the first stage, the nutritional value of the chilled meat was determined, at the next stage, the meat was once defrosted, and at the third stage, the meat was repeatedly defrosted. The determination of the nutritional value of meat samples was carried out using the infrared analyzer InfraLUM FT-12.As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the nutritional value of meat depended on the specific characteristics of the protein, fat and moisture content in poultry meat, slaughtered and commercial animals.The greatest loss of nutritional value occurred in re-defrosted meat compared to meat subjected to a single defrosting. The loss of protein, fat and moisture also depended on the type of meat.