Life Sciences Commons^™

Examining Consumer Pre-Purchase Deliberation Process In An Online Marketplace, Hyung Chul Park

Doctoral Dissertations

The research objective of this study was to examine the consumer pre-purchase deliberation process in an online marketplace. Especially, examining the role of extrinsic quality (website-related quality), intrinsic quality (business operation-related quality), reputation of the retailer (other consumers’ opinions), attitude toward the retailer, and intention to transact with the retailer in an online marketplace context was main purpose of this study.

To collect the data, extensive online survey was performed. The data were analyzed through structural equation modeling test.

Findings revealed that there are significant positive relationships among extrinsic quality, intrinsic quality, reputation of the retailer, attitude toward the retailer, …

Physical Activity Of Older Adults Residing In Different Levels Of Care, Randall Joseph Bergman

Doctoral Dissertations

This study compared the physical activity and functional levels of older adults residing in retirement (RH), assisted-living (AL) and nursing homes (NH). The StepWatch Step Activity Monitor3 (SW) pedometer was used to collect the number of steps taken during one day of activity. Activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) surveys were completed to measure functional status in terms of ADL problems and impairments. The sample consisted of thirty-seven older adults (17 RH, 8 AL, 12 NH, 71 – 94 years old) who wore the SW on the right ankle during a full day of …

Father Perspectives On The Relationship Between Family-Centered Practices And Empowerment Outcomes In Early Intervention, William Bryan Higgins

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of the present investigation was to explore fathers’ perceptions of family-centered practices in early intervention services and to examine how these practices influence fathers’ feelings of empowerment. Literature reviewed examined the family-centered approach to service delivery and empowerment outcomes, especially in early intervention programs. In addition, a brief discussion of fatherhood research was presented in an effort to inform potential hypotheses and discussion.

The current study was conducted as part of the Pathways to Family Empowerment Project whose purpose is to evaluate the family-centered model of service delivery in Tennessee’s Early Intervention System (TEIS). The data collected were …

An Evaluation Of The Effects Of Small, Man-Made Impoundments On Stream Macroinvertebrate Communities And Water Quality In Eastern Tennessee, Larry Eugene Everett Jr.

Masters Theses

Semi-quantitative benthic macroinvertebrate samples were collected from riffles above and below four small impoundments in eastern Tennessee. Watershed and habitat surveys and a variety of field measurements were performed for each sample site and each sampling event when appropriate. Samples were collected quarterly (seasonally) during a one-year period. The goal of the study was twofold: (1) to determine whether or not differences in stream macroinvertebrate communities above and below impoundments existed and if so, (2) to attempt to evaluate the possible effects of the impoundments on the downstream benthic community and water quality.

One-hundred and fifty-four distinct macroinvertebrate taxa in …

Old-Field Community Response To Multiple Interacting Factors Of Global Change, Elizabeth Cayenne Engel

Masters Theses

Communities are structured by many factors including abiotic factors such as resource availability, and biotic interactions. Climatic and atmospheric change will affect the composition of plant communities through multiple interacting biotic and abiotic factors. Literature on the effects of single factors on plant communities is abundant yet there have been few experiments examining the effects of multiple abiotic factors associated with climate change. Moreover, plant communities are not controlled solely by environmental conditions, but by biotic interactions such as competition and facilitation. In this thesis, I used a field experiment to examine the effects of elevated [CO₂], warming, …

Acupuncture Use For Pain As Compared To Other Complementary And Alternative Medicine And Conventional Medicine, Elizabeth Susan Mcgrady

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine the factors associated with the use of acupuncture for pain and to compare these factors to the use of other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional medical services. The treatment of pain is expensive. In addition, use of surgery and medication increases risk of medical errors, complications, side effects and addiction. Clinical trials of acupuncture for pain have demonstrated results at least as effective as conventional treatments with negligible side effects and complications. Only 4% of the United States population has used acupuncture. The healthcare field is studying means to predict …

Nonindigenous Herpetofauna Of Florida: Patterns Of Richness And Case Studies Of The Impacts Of The Tadpoles Of Two Invasive Amphibians, Osteopilus Septentrionalis And Bufo Marinus, Kevin G. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations

Although invasive species are considered to be a significant threat to native biodiversity, the impacts of very few nonindigenous species are well known. In this dissertation I describe the results of several studies evaluating the impacts of the presence of nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida. I conducted an analysis to assess the patterns and effects on biodiversity of the establishment of nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida at the county level. The richness of the 40 established nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles is not distributed evenly across the state, but instead is significantly greater in the southern part of the …

Implications Of Spatial Autocorrelation And Dispersal For The Modeling Of Species Distributions, Volker Bahn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Modeling the geographical distributions of wildlife species is important for ecology and conservation biology. Spatial autocorrelation in species distributions poses a problem for distribution modeling because it invalidates the assumption of independence among sample locations. I explored the prevalence and causes of spatial autocorrelation in data from the Breeding Bird Survey, covering the conterminous United States, using Regression Trees, Conditional Autoregressive Regressions (CAR), and the partitioning of variance. I also constructed a simulation model to investigate dispersal as a process contributing to spatial autocorrelation, and attempted to verify the connection between dispersal and spatial autocorrelation in species' distributions in empirical …

Interannual Variation Of Stratification In Lower Chesapeake Bay, Christopher S. Katzenmiller

OES Theses and Dissertations

Stratification in the water column can prove to be an important indicator to the state of the water column and ecosystem. The focus of this research is to evaluate trends in stratification in the Lower Chesapeake Bay. Detailed analysis was performed on a 14 year data set to study interannual variation in the region of study. Potential energy anomaly was used to quantify stratification. Potential energy anomaly is the amount of energy required to mix a water column. It is determined from the vertical density structure of density. Potential energy anomaly is the departure of potential energy from climate conditions. …

Analyzing The Effects Of Various Sign Types Used By The Bureau Of Land Management For Desert Cleanup And Restoration Projects, Christopher Linehan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

What is the effectiveness of attempts to curb illegal dumping with prompts on signs posted in the area? Do positive friendly language prompts such as “Restoration in Progress Please Do Not Disturb” generate more positive attitudes and intentions towards illegal dumping problems, than less friendly prompts such as “No Dumping Allowed”?

Results, although inconclusive, did however show a slight trend towards the negative language signs.

Total Suspended Solids In Las Vegas Wash, Mika Koponen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Erosion along the Las Vegas Wash (Wash) has increased steadily along with the rapidly increasing population. The focus of this study is to find out if there is a relationship between lower total suspended solids rate (TSS) and the construction of erosion control structures along the Wash. The study was conducted between 7/15/2003 and 11/29/2004.

The method was water sampling on 7 sites and the samples were analyzed at Southern Nevada Water Systems (SNWS) laboratory at Saddle Island in Boulder City. Additional water quality data was also collected using Quanta, a device measuring different parameters in water. In this study …

Relative Influence Of Landscape Indicators On Macroinvertebrate Communities In A Predominately Forested Watershed: Effects Of Spacial Scale, Robert Johnson

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Robert Johnson on May 9, 2005.

The Relationship Between Spirituality And The Health Of College Students In A University Setting, Linda Wyatt Nelms

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between spirituality and the health of college students. Undergraduate students enrolled in Personal Health and Wellness classes at The University of Tennessee were selected to participate in the study. Two-hundred twenty-one students were administered two instruments: The College Student Appraisal of Risks Survey (The CARS) and the Spirituality Scale (SS). The CARS instrument was used to obtain descriptive statistics and specific health risk factors relating to the health of college students. The SS instrument was used to obtain the student’s self-reported level of spirituality. Based upon a thorough literature review, …

A Comparison Of Population Sizes And Number Of Captures For The Desert Woodrat (Neotoma Lepida) In Two Microhabitats In The Las Vegas Wash, Nevada, Jayson Barangan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Planned removal and eradication of saltcedar in the Las Vegas Wash, Nevada could potentially generate adverse impacts on present desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) populations inhabiting the area. Consequently, research was conducted investigating population sizes of N. lepida in two distinct microhabitat types, saltcedar (Tamarix sp.) and mesquite/quailbush (Prosopis sp./Atriplex lentiformis). The results of this study will aid in gauging the effects of the changes in vegetation once restoration work is completed and assist with logistical scheduling for implementation of control measures. Mark-recapture field techniques were utilized for data collection from July 2002 to June 2003. Population estimates were calculated using …

Alternative Futures For The Bear River Watershed, Richard E. Toth

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The Bear River Watershed (BRW) is located in northeastern Utah, southeastern Idaho, and southwestern Wyoming. Over the three states the watershed encompasses an area of 7,500 square miles (4,800,000 acres). The Bear River 's headwaters begin at close to 13,000 feet in the High Uintas Wilderness Area of northeastern Utah. The course of the river follows a horseshoe pattern flowing north through Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho before bending south at Soda Springs. The river then meanders through the Gem and Cache Valleys before reaching its delta at the Great Salt Lake at an elevation of 4,211 feet.

Using Geographic Information Systems To Examine Red Wolf Home Range And Habitat Use In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harry Ford Mauney

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

A Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis was conducted to determine home range and habitat use patterns of the reintroduced red wolf (Canis rufus) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). To facilitate this GIS analysis, the original telemetry data was first converted from obsolete file formats into a contemporary database. When spatial movement patterns of animals are analyzed with regard to habitat characteristics, habitat use patterns may be revealed. In order to ascertain gender-based home range and core area size differences, home range and core areas were determined for 16 of 31 red wolf data sets (9 male, 7 …

Effects Of Fire Disturbance On Terrestrial Salamanders In Mixed-Coniferous Forests Of The Klamath/Siskiyou Region Of The Pacific Northwest, Donald J. Major

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An effective examination of fire disturbance on floral and faunal components requires research that integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines to understand the pattern and process controls affecting organisms in a complex system. However, current fire effects research typically focuses on the pattern response of organisms or their habitats with little integration of the dynamic fire process that created the pattern. This dissertation integrates an analysis of the processes of fire disturbance with terrestrial salamander ecology in a fire-dependent forest ecosystem, Klamath Province, California, USA.

In Chapter 1, I begin with a comprehensive review of disturbance ecology, focusing primarily on fire …

Examination Of The Ecological Differences Between Two Closely Related Endemic Whitefish In Relation To Growth Conditions And Predation Risk, Benjamen M. Kennedy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Benthic Bear Lake whitefish (Prosopium abyssicola) and Bonneville whitefish (P. spilontus) are closely related, yet the extent of ecological separation remains poorly understood. We described their spring and summer distribution and diet in Bear Lake and examined how these were related to environmental growth conditions, and predation risk. In spring and summer, Bonneville whitefish dominated shallower depths (5-30 m), whereas Bear Lake whitefish dominated deeper depths (45-55 m). At intermediate depths (35-40 m), low numbers of both species occurred. Bonneville whitefish ate mostly Chironomidae, whereas Bear Lake whitefish ate mostly Ostracoda. Habitats occupied by Bonneville whitefish …

Cattle Utilization Of Forage Kochia (Kochia Prostrata) And Its Relation To Forage Quality And Plant Morphological Characteristics, Burke W. Davenport

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Several experimental lines of forage kochia [Kochia prostrata (L. Shrad.)] have potential to provide taller forage on fall and winter rangelands than the only released variety of forage kochia, Immigrant. This study was conducted to determine differences in cattle utilization among experimental lines of forage kochia and relate them to forage quality and morphological attributes. The utilization of forage kochia was also compared to 'Ladak ' alfalfa [Medicago saliva (L.)] and two entries of winterfat [Krashnennikovia species (Guldenstaedt)]. Cattle utilization was determined by calculating a biomass consumed value and a percent biomass consumed value. Dry weights for …

Observed Omnivory In The Herbivorous Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis Aureus), Stephen M. Oliveira Jr.

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Gila seminuda, a native endangered species, and Oreochromis aureus, a nonnative invasive species, share the same habitat in the form of the Reid Gardner Power Plant intake ponds. The purpose of this study is to characterize the feeding habits of Oreochromis aureus within the Reid Gardner Power Plant intake ponds and address the potential predation habits of Oreochromis aureus. Stomach contents of O. aureus were identified and analyzed using chi-square and log-likelihood ratio techniques, with respect to mass, length, girth, gender, or spatial distribution of samples. Results showed omnivorous behavior with a 7.00% predatory/prey relationship, and no difference of feeding …

Macrofungi Of The Tennessee River Gorge, William D. Starrett

Honors Theses

Representative macro fungi of the Tennessee River Gorge were collected on the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT) property during 18 forays I conducted fom May to November 2004. This dramatically added to the baseline data on the macrofungi of the TRGT by adding 15 orders, 34 families, and 138 species to the existing list. These data were recorded in the herbarium of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga database. I converted the University's File Maker Pro fungi database into Microsoft Excel and Access, which allows it to be processed for introduction into the National Biological Information Infrastructure and onto the …

Morphological And Molecular Defects In Zebrafish Embryos (Danio Rerio) After Chromated Copper Arsenate Exposure, Kerry Jean Lee

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

This investigation identified the morphological defects caused by different concentrations of chromium, copper, and arsenic (CCA) on the developing zebrafish embryo; in addition to defects caused by the three combined components (complete CCA). A change in the DNA of the developing embryos in response to the three components of CCA and complete CCA was also determined. Early Dania rerio embryos were cultured for five days with various concentrations of CCA components and complete CCA. Morphological defects were assessed with light microscopy and DNA fragmentation was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. Embryonic exposure of D. rerio to sub lethal concentrations of …

Home Range And Behavior Of The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus), Jennifer P. Adams

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Seventeen timber rattlesnakes were surgically implanted with radio transmitters and subsequently radio-tracked to determine the home range and behavior, as well as cause-specific mortality, of timber rattlesnakes on production forests in Randolph County, West Virginia. Mean home range sizes were 94.3 ha, males; 31.2 ha, nongravid females; 8.5 ha, gravid females; and 44.7 ha, among sex classes. Among sex classes, the mean daily movement rate was 20.2 mper day; the mean maximum known distances from den sites was 1110.2 m; the mean distance from den sites was 514.2 m; and the mean total distance moved was 2852.9 m. Mean active …

Habitat Analysis By Hierarchical Scheme And Stream Geomorphology, James B. Spence

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A study was undertaken to classify eight stream reaches in the North Branch of the Potomac River watershed and determine if geomorphologic differences influenced the availability of fish habitat structure and fish density. Stream reaches were classified using Rosgen Level II (1996) methods, and fish habitat was determined using Hydraulic Channel Unit (HCU) classification based on a method modified from Bisson et al. (1982). Other habitat variables were also studied such as stream shading and physical habitat based on the Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (Barbour et al. 1999). Despite the differences in HCU density between sites, HCU density did not influence …

Natural History And Conservation Biology Of A Southern West Virginia Contour Surface Mine Reptile And Amphibian Community, Zachary James Loughman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

During the 2004-2005 field seasons, natural history of a herpetofaunal community was studied on an abandoned contour surface mine in Eccles, Raleigh County, West Virginia. This study is the first natural history investigation of amphibian and reptile populations present on an abandoned mine site. Specific natural history parameters for each order on the mine were investigated to determine what effect the post mining landscape had on herpetofaunal communities. Pond breeding caudates population success was dependent on life history parameters. Anurans were efficient at re-colonization, with 12 of a possible 14 species collected on the mine site. Anuran diversity was linked …

Comparisons Of Morphology And Reproductive Status Of Plethodon Glutinosus At High, Middle, And Low Elevations In West Virginia, Cynthia F. Lucas

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Plethodon glutinosus populations in West Virginia were looked at in three different elevations. Objectives were to determine if there is enough difference in elevation to cause different populations to vary in morphology and reproduction. Nine morphological measurements were taken to represent both size and proportional shape. Sexual dimorphism was found in all measurements only in low elevations, males being larger (p<0.001-p=0.041). Mean measurements between the three elevations showed significant differences (p<0.005) in all measurements excluding head width, tail length, and 3rd digit length. Salamanders were dissected; testes and vasa deferentia were removed from males and ovaries with follicles were removed from females. Results showed males in lower and middle elevations deposit spermatophores May-July. Low sample sizes in higher elevations provided inconclusive results. Females of lower elevations lay eggs early-mid summer. Middle and higher elevations results revealed a likely spring oviposition, or possibly a fall oviposition.

The Natural History, Distribution, And Phenotypic Variation Of Cave-Dwelling Spring Salamanders, Gyrinophilus Spp. Cope (Plethodontidae), In West Virginia, Michael Steven Osbourn

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

There are over 4000 documented caves in West Virginia, potentially providing refuge and habitat for a diversity of amphibians and reptiles. Spring Salamanders, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, are among the most frequently encountered amphibians in caves. Surveys of 25 caves provided expanded distribution records and insight into ecology and diet of G. porphyriticus. Over 500 species locality records were compiled in a nearly comprehensive list. The Gyrinophilus population from General Davis Cave is of particular interest. In 1977, Besharse and Holsinger first described the West Virginia Spring Salamander, G. subterraneus; however, its taxonomic status is unclear. In order to …

Effects Of Human Disturbance On The Breeding Success Of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis), Caitlin Rebecca Kight

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Molecular Variation In The Federally Endangered Astragalus Jaegerianus (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae): A Species With A Restricted Geographic Range, George Floyd Walker

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to investigate the level and distribution of genetic variation in Astragalus jaegerianus by using molecular markers. The objectives of the study are: to estimate levels of genetic variation within and among populations of Astragalus jaegerianus; to test the hypothesis that levels and patterns of genetic variation in species of restricted ranges and few individuals is low and partitioned at the population level; and to discern whether, or how well, genetic partitioning of Lane Mountain milk vetch correlates with its geographic partitioning in the field.

Influence Of Environmental Factors On The Seed Ecology Of Vallisneria Americana, Jessie J. Campbell

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Environmental conditions may positively or negatively influence production, reproduction, and restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). As SAV populations decline, it is important to understand the potential impacts of the environment on the natural processes of reproduction. The objectives of this study are to provide fundamental information on sexual reproduction in a dominant species of freshwater SAV, Vallisneria americana, in the Chesapeake Bay observe the changes in environmental conditions in an established V. americana bed over an entire growing season (April-October), quantify the effects of similar environmental conditions on V. americana seed germination under controlled laboratory conditions, and finally to …