Digital Commons Network^™

Description Of Job Embeddedness In Arkansas County Extension Agents, Anika Parks

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Cooperative Extension System (CES) has had a long-standing problem with the retention of its county Extension agents (CEAs), who are in charge of running various programs in over 3,000 counties within the United States. When a CEA leaves a county, voluntarily or involuntarily, the community members are left without that leader, and their needs go unmet, which was proposed to increase voluntary turnover among CEAs even further. Arkansas CES has had its problems with turnover, and studying this issue through the lens of Job Embeddedness Theory was identified as a gap in the literature.

Job Embeddedness Theory is a …

Production, Evaluation, And Selection Of Elite Quality Protein Popcorn (Qpp) Hybrids, Leandra Marshall Parsons

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In 2017, twelve Quality Protein Popcorn (QPP) inbred lines were developed and selected as premier dent by popcorn crosses fit for hybridization and testing. These QPP inbred lines were derived from specific Quality Protein dent Maize (QPM) by ConAgra Brands® popcorn line crosses to produce high lysine, vitreous popcorn lines capable of near-equal popping characteristics compared to the original popcorn parents. The QPP hybridization project commenced in the summer of 2018 utilizing these 12 inbred QPP lines and crossing them in a full diallel. Since then, the production of QPP hybrids has employed a diverse set of selection factors evaluating …

The Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation On Colostrum And Milk Quality And Immunoglobulin G Concentrations In Sheep, Alexandra Bettencourt

Honors Scholar Theses

Maternal over- and under-nutrition have negative effects on the growth and development of offspring. Colostrum and milk are critical to neonatal development, and composition and quality of colostrum and milk may be influenced by maternal factors, including diet. In this study, 46 pregnant ewes received one of three diets, 60% (RES), 100% (CON), or 140% (OVER) of National Research Council (NRC) nutrition requirements for total digestible nutrients from d 30 of gestation until parturition. Colostrum samples were collected within 24 hours of parturition. Milk samples were collected on d 3 and d 21 postpartum. Total solid concentrations of samples were …

Estimation Of Spatial Change In Cropland Area And Evaluation Of Irrigation Performance In Imperial Valley Using Remotely Sensed Data, Usha Poudel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Imperial Valley (IV) in the US is an extensively irrigated agricultural region, which includes multiple crops changing on an annual and semiannual basis. The valley is facing grave concerns about water management due to its semi-arid environment, water intensive crops, and limited water supply. A simple, inexpensive, and repeatable method to detect changes in cropping patterns may assist irrigation managers to understand crop diversification and associated consumptive use. In addition, a spatial assessment of existing water irrigation system performance and productivity is crucial to benchmark and improve current water management strategies. This thesis estimates the spatial pattern of change …

Estancia Vs. Kentucky 31: Examining Leaf Nutrient Content Of Established Tall Fescue, Macie W. Clark

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

In 2020 Missouri ranked third in beef cattle production and second in hay production. As part of the fescue belt of the United States, Missouri’s agricultural industries rely on tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb.) as a main forage crop. Two major disorders in cattle grazing tall fescue are fescue toxicosis and grass tetany. Fescue toxicosis occurs when animals consume toxic ergot alkaloids produced by an endophyte within the tall fescue plants. The most commonly grown tall fescue variety, Kentucky 31, is infected with the toxic endophyte. Varieties containing a novel non-toxic endophyte, such as Estancia, have been developed to …

Identifying Effective Teaching And Recruitment Strategies Used By Efnep In Reaching Limited Income Audiences In The United States, Alexandria Mcleod

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The two articles presented in this thesis used a researcher-developed literature-based survey instrument to collect data on the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in the United States. Data was collected on methods of teaching, communication technologies used, recruitment strategies, barriers to attending classes, and program assistant demographic data. There were 803 program assistants working during the 2018-2019 program year. There were 346 program assistants who completed the 35-question survey instrument during data collection.

The first article focused on identifying effective teaching strategies used to increase program engagement by collecting data on program characteristics, methods of teaching, and educational …

Economic Feasibility Of Sub-Surfaced Poultry Litter, James Timothy Stults

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Livestock producers routinely spread fertilizer or broadcast poultry litter to improve forage production. With poultry litter widely available across the Southeastern United States and a cheaper source of plant nutrition than fertilizer when proximal to application sites, the novel application of litter below the soil surface, while costly, allows for greater nutrient retention than broadcasting. Since quantifying costs and benefits of sub-surface litter application (SSLA) is complex, we develop and present a spreadsheet tool for automated comparison between SSLA, fertilizer, and broadcasted litter for user-specific scenarios involving equipment choices (new, used, custom), desired nutrient needs for crops grown, litter nutrient …

Challenges And Benefits Experienced By Mississippi Schools In The Adoption Of Farm To School Programs, Manuel Aldair Franco Pech

Honors Theses

Mississippi obesity rates are the second highest in the United States. An appropriate target group to combat the state’s high obesity rates are school age children (ages 18 and under), because healthy eating habits developed at this age translate into adult years. An avenue to encourage and develop healthy eating habits are Farm to School (F2S) programs, which provide in-school accessibility to healthy, locally produced foods. The objective of this study was to analyze the results from the 2015 United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) F2S Census, which collected details regarding F2S participation across the country, to determine the benefits …

Simulating The Feasibility Of Dual Use Switchgrass On Cow-Calf Operations, Michael P. Popp, Amanda J. Ashworth, Charles P. West

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Meeting biorefineries' demands for lignocellulosic biomass will require sourcing feedstock without affecting the food or animal-feed supply. A decision-aid model can assess the dual use of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) to maintain animal production while providing biomass. We simulated a mixed-farm operation with 156 ha of hay+pasture, 96 beef cows (Bos spp.), and poultry (Gallus gallus L.) production wherein the hay land was converted to switchgrass for dual use as biomass and forage. The cow-calf simulator tracked changes in forage and cattle production, economic returns, and net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Dual use of switchgrass consisted of …

Evaluation Of Grain Type And Processing Method On Steer Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Nutrient Digestion, Caitlin A. Coulson

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A feedlot finishing study evaluated the effect of replacing corn with dry-rolled wheat in diets containing wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS; Exp 1). Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of corn type [dry corn (DC), high-moisture corn (HMC), or a blend of dry and high-moisture corn (BLEND)] processed with either AutomaticRoller Mill (ROLL) or hammer mill (HAMMER) on steer performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility (Exp. 2 and 3). In Exp. 1, steers were fed diets containing 100% dry-rolled corn (DRC) or a 50:50 blend of dry-rolled corn and wheat (WHEAT) in diets containing 12 …

Understanding Rumen Microbial Community Structure And Function Towards Decreasing Methane Emissions, Allison L. Knoell

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Resource use is continually being limited due to this growth, therefore, production of high-quality animal protein sources, such as meat and milk, are challenged. The rumen microbiome is extensive and serves to provide several metabolic requirements for the animal for growth. Recently, a significant amount of research is being driven towards understanding the rumen microbiome due to its large effect on metabolic requirements.

A study was conducted to replace alfalfa with nonforage fiber sources in dairy cows. It was determined milk yield and intake are maintained when nonforage fibers replace forage sources, while decreasing methane levels. Water consumption decreased when …

Quality Determinates Of Rice Price In Open Bag Markets In Sub-Saharan Africa, Bailey Peterson-Wilhelm

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Weaknesses in the grades and standards system in low-income countries across Sub-Saharan Africa undermine the transparency of agricultural markets. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana and Mozambique rice is predominately sold in open bags and if rice price does not reflect its quality, then inefficiencies may lead to consumer welfare losses. Importantly, it is possible that impoverished communities are priced out of the market due to inflated and inefficient prices. The objective of this study is to examine determinates of rice price by estimating the impact of selected rice quality attributes on rice prices in DRC, Ghana …

Evaluation Of Nutrient Solutions Produced From Aqueous Extracts And Decomposition Products Of Organic Waste Materials On The Plant Growth Performance In Hydroponics, Noura Said Al Nuaimi

Theses

Hydroponic plant production involves the cultivation of plants in absence of soil. In this system, the supply of the plant root with water and nutritional elements occurs via a nutrient solution made of inorganic salts. Hydroponic plant cultivation often achieves higher yields, water use efficiencies and quality of crops compared with soil production. In addition, it renders the farming system independent from soil properties. However, the currently available systems rely on the steady input of non-renewable inorganic salts. Unlike soil-based systems, hydroponics, so far, do not offer feasible opportunities for recycling nutritional elements from within crop residues or organic waste …

Assessing The Impact Of Cluster Farming Initiatives On Small And Socially Disadvantaged Farmers, Ranchers, And Forestland Owners: A Case Of The Southeastern Region Of The United States, Lila Karki, Raymon Shange, Walter A. Hill, Conrad Bonsi, Henry English, Edoe Agbodjan, Melissa Stewart, Franklin Chukwuma, Dawn M. Patin, Joshua Idassi

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Farming in clusters is an economically viable practice to sustain small, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers and forestland owners with their agricultural operations. The objectives of the study were to strengthen the capacity of clientele on cluster farming and to lower production and marketing costs by sharing input costs. Clusters were created and interventions were provided by project partners through several activities, including workshops, meetings, field days, loans, and materials/equipment. The results showed that 29 clusters involving 224 farmers, and 14 cooperatives involving 410 farmers were formed and strengthened. The number of farmers participating in workshops, training programs, field …

The Growing Monopoly In The Corn Seed Industry: Is It Time For The Government To Interfere?, Bethany K Sumpter

Texas A&M Law Review

How a company conducts business is often a consumer concern. Individuals have accused company after company of monopolistic behavior. These individuals have also criticized the Department of Justice for not stopping a monopoly from forming in a specific industry. An example is the corn seed industry, where stakeholders have accused companies of monopolistic behavior. Recent mergers and acquisitions in the corn seed industry have left fewer companies in control, and because of this consolidation, individuals are urging the government to act. This Comment argues that, while the corn seed industry is on the road to containing a monopoly, the industry …

Yield Response Of ‘Whatley-Loretan’ Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.)) Transplanted In Single And Double Row At Different Dates In A Wiregrass Tunnel House, Marquess James, Raymon Shange, Cassandra Searight, Victor Khan, James E. Currington, Ramble Ankumah, Michele S. Foo, Nathaniel Ellison, George X. Hunter, Jeffery Moore

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

A split-plot study was conducted to evaluate the yield response of ‘Whatley-Loretan’ sweetpotato when planted in single and double rows at four planting dates (March, April, May, and June) in a Wiregrass Tunnel House located at S&B Farm in Eufaula, Alabama. The main plots consisted of planting dates, sub-plots single, and double rows, with each treatment combination, replicated three times. The results showed a significant linear and quadratic effect for US#1 grade of sweetpotato and total marketable yields. Yields were highest at the first and second planting dates and declined at the two later planting dates. Single vs. double row …

Sustainable Winter-Feeding Practices For Meat Goats Within The Southeastern United States, Nikisha Ryan, Nar Gurung, Jeremy Byrant, Frank Abrahamsen, Wendell Mcelhenney

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Winter feeding systems were evaluated on male Kiko meat goats against the traditional practice of raising goats in the winter months. Forty-Five Kiko bucks were randomly assigned to one of three treatments; Treatment 1, Treatment 2, and Treatment 3 consisted, respectively, of Cosaque Oats, annual Ryegrass, Crimson Clover mix, and 1.0% of BW concentrate supplementation with free choice hay. Forage clippings were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber. Body weights were monitored over the grazing period. Blood samples were collected during the experiment, and animals were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass traits. Data were analyzed …

Research Progress On Formation Mechanism And Influencing Factors Of Egg Yolk Gel, Zhang Gen-Sheng, Xu Yi-Meng, Yu Shi-You, Pan Lei

Food and Machinery

In this review, gelation process, physicochemical properties and formation mechanism of egg yolk gel induced by heat, alkali and freezing were introduced. On this basis, the effects of different factors on heat-induced gel, alkali-induced gel and freezing-induced gel were elaborated, and the research direction of egg yolk gel was prospected.

Effects Of Ultrasound-Assisted Glycation On The Allergenicity Of Β-Lactoglobulin During Digestion, Ma Qiu-Ping, Wang Hui, Tu Zong-Cai, Wen Ping-Wei, Hu Yue-Ming

Food and Machinery

The method of indirect competitive ELISA, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to study the ultrasound-assisted glycation with lactose (UAG) on changes in allergenicity and structure of β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) during digestion in vitro. The results showed that the allergenicity and the degree of hydrolysis of UAG modified β-Lg had a reduced during gastrointestinal digestion. Glycation limited β-Lg to form a smaller particle structure during gastric digestion, then aggregated during intestinal digestion. The fluorescence intensity first increased and then decreased, and the maximum emission wavelength appeared red shift. These results indicated that UAG modification could effectively …

Analysis Of Fatty Acid Profile In Metabolites And Cells Of Five Bifidobacterium Strains By Gc-Ms, Chen Shi-Yang, Liu Feng-Ying, Chen Hui-Min, Chen Li-Jun, Chen Shu-Xing

Food and Machinery

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze fatty acid profile in metabolites and cells of five strains of Bifidobacterium. The results showed that the fatty acid content of different Bifidobacterium was significantly different among the metabolites, and there were some differences among the cells. Differences of fatty acid were also found among the same Bifidobacteriium strains derived from different sources. Methyl palmitate (C_16:0), methyl lignocerate (C_24:0), and methyl stearate (C_18:0) were the main fatty acids in metabolites and cells of the five strains. Among them, the C_16:0 was significantly different (P＜0.05), and …

The Effect Of Ph And Buffer Systems On The Inhibition Of Lipoxygenase Activity By Plant Polyphenols, Ye Feng-Ling, Jia Li-Rong, He Qiang, Dong Yi

Food and Machinery

In order to optimize the Ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method for determination of polyphenols inhibiting LOX activity, and to explore the influences of the buffer systems and pH on LOX enzyme activity and polyphenol auto-oxidation, this paper studied the changes of LOX enzyme activity and the auto-oxidation of gallic acid, quercetin, catechin and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid under different buffer systems and pH conditions. The results showed that the activity of LOX was stronger under alkaline conditions, and the 4 polyphenols had the weakest self-oxidation in the borate system and the strongest self-oxidation in the Tris-HCl system. The higher the pH in each …

Rheological Properties Of Fenugreek Gum On Improving The Safety Of Drinking Water In Nursing Dysphagia, Hao Lu-Lu, Wang Ling, Shang Long-Chen, Li Bin

Food and Machinery

In this paper, according to the American Dysphagia Diet standard, based on the viscosity at 50 s^-1, fenugreek gum was prepared into thickening fluids with viscosity of 180 cP(nectar),1 000 cP(honey) and 2 500 cP(pudding), that the rheological properties had been systematically studied to evaluate the potential of fenugreek gum in improving the safe drinking water of patients with dysphagia. And then the rheological properties of fenugreek gum prepared at different temperatures were further explored. The results showed that the dissolution temperature was the key to whether the rheological properties of fenugreek gum meet the requirements of drinking …

International Experience And Enlightenment Of The Guiding Stars Front Of Package Labeling, Huang Ze-Ying, Huang Bei-Xun

Food and Machinery

This study elaborated nutritional evaluation algorithm and its characteristics, the promotion, the product search database, publicity and education activities, implementation effect of Guiding Stars labeling, summarized three enlightenments for Chinese enterprises to enter the field of FOP labeling certification, and put forward policy suggestions to promote enterprises to carry out FOP labeling certification.

Effect Of Storage Conditions On Protein Quality Of Walnut Kernel, Peng Wu, Wang Wei-Qing, Wang Ping, Yu Xiong-Wei, Fu Qing-Li, Li Shu-Gang

Food and Machinery

Walnut kernel was used to research the influence of temperature and vacuum degree on its protein structure and function properties. The results showed that the quality of walnut kernel protein was significantly affected by factors of temperature and vacuum, and the influence degree of these factors was valued as: temperature > vacuum, constant temperature (35 ℃) > room temperature (25 ℃)> refrigeration (4 ℃). Moreover, with the extension of storage time, the content of sulfhydryl groups in walnut kernel protein decreased, and the content of disulfide bonds and carbonyl compounds increased. The results obtained from electrophoresis and infrared analyses indicated that the …

Study On Drying Characteristics And Drying Kinetic Model Of Kiwi Fruit Slices In Fluidized Bed, Zou San-Quan, Liu Xian-Xi, Zhao Zhen-Chao, Zhang Xue-Bo

Food and Machinery

In order to improve the drying quality and shorten the drying time of kiwifruit slices, the effects were studied in different temperatures (55, 65, 75, 85 ℃), wind speed (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 m/s) and thickness (5, 10, 15 mm) on the hot air drying curve, water effective diffusion coefficient and drying activation energy of kiwifruit slices. The results showed that the whole drying process of kiwifruit slices belonged to reduced-speed drying, and the effective water diffusion coefficient was 1.296 39×10^-9 ~4.589 94×10^-9 m2/s, which increased with the increase of temperature and wind speed, and decreased with the …

Optimization On Subcritical Extraction Of Oil From Cucumariafrondosa Visceral By Response Surface Method, Xu Meng-Hao, Liang Yang, Yao Yan-Yan, Zhu Ji-Hai, Zhao Xiang-Zhong

Food and Machinery

A new process for subcritical extraction of Cucumariafrondosa oil was established using freeze-dried Cucumariafrondosa visceral which is rich in lipid active substances. The subcritical extraction conditions were optimized by single factor and response surface methodology, and the best extraction process was obtained: material-liquid ratio 1∶3 （g/mL）, extraction pressure 0.4 MPa, extraction times 5 times, extraction time 56.18 min, extraction temperature 48.55 ℃, extraction rate 23.38%. By comparing the physical and chemical indexes of oil extracted by different methods and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) graphs, the physicochemical indexes of oil extracted by subcritical method are better than other methods, the content …

Research Progress On The Main Active Components And Physiological Functions Of Sugarcane Molasses And Beet Molasses, Li Qing-Lan, Cui Chun, Wang Wei

Food and Machinery

In this review, the application scope of molasses was summarized, and the main active substances and their physiological activities of sugarcane molasses and beet molasses were introduced. In addition, the development prospect of molasses active substances was prospected.

The Relationship Between Selenium-Containing Rice Milling Rate And Selenium Loss In Jiangjin District, Chongqing, Sun Rui, Zhong Geng, Zhang Yang, Zeng Zuo-Hua, Fang Li-Kui

Food and Machinery

19 kinds of selenium-containing rice were collected from 7 towns in Jiangjin District, and the influence of milling on the selenium content of rice was investigated. Significant differences were found in the selenium content in different varieties of brown rice (P<0.05). Yuxiang 203, Jing 1 You Huazhen, Q Xiang You 100 and Jing Liang You 510 had stronger selenium accumulation ability. Under the influence of rice varieties and planting environment, rice bran with different milling rate, selenium content and selenium loss in the milling process were different. The selenium content in rice bran of Yuxiang 203 and Jing1 Youhuazhen was higher, up to 0.82 mg/kg, which could be widely used as selenium-rich by-products produced in the processing process. All the samples showed that higher milling rate could cause higher processing precision and higher loss rate of selenium, and the highest loss rate of selenium was up to 44.39%. During the milling process, the selenium loss of Jing1 Youhuazhen and Jing Liang You 510, planted in Jiasui Town, Q Xiang You 100, and Yuxiang 203 planted in Baisha town and Zhongshan town, was relatively small. After grinding the 80 s, the selenium content in first-grade polished rice could still reach the level of selenium enrichment.

Study On Absorption And Desorption Properties Of Macroporous Resin For Pericarps Of Trapa Bispinosa Roxb., Yuan Huan, Peng Li-Sha, Sun Meng-Yao, Cao Qing-Ming, Long Qi-Zhi

Food and Machinery

This study describes a method for separation and purification of polyphenolics of ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of Trapa bispinosa Roxb. pericarps (TBP) by macroporous resins. The abilities of static absorption and desorption of seven kinds of macroporous resins were studied. The best macroporous resin D101 was selected. The dynamic absorption and desorption conditions were optimized as follows: 5 mg/mL of the sample concentration, 1 mL/min of the flow rate of sample loading, 70% of ethanol as the eluent, 4 mL/min of the elution flow rate and 5 BV of the elution volume. After enrichment by D101 macroporous resin, the content …

Effect Of Germination On Grain Quality Of Tartary Buckwheat And Optimization Of Technology, Tong Xiao-Meng, Chai Chun-Xiang, Wang Yong-Qiang

Food and Machinery

Using tartary buckwheat seeds as raw materials, the effects of different temperature and time during seed soaking and germination were analyzed, on the content of total flavonoids and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), DPPH free radical clearance rate, germination rate and bud length of tartary buckwheat seeds, and the germination conditions of tartary buckwheat tea were optimized. The results showed that the optimal germination conditions of tartary buckwheat seeds were as followd: soaking temperature 20 ℃, soaking time 8 h, germination temperature 26 ℃, and germination time 98 h. Under these conditions, the total flavonoids content of germinating tartary buckwheat was 10.34 …