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Changing Water Resources’ Effect On Livelihoods And Socio-Ecological Relationships In Himalayan Communities Of Nepal, Luke Bazemore

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The looming threat of climate change will lead to significant alterations in livelihoods and daily practices for individuals across the world. This paper seeks to identify the effects of climate change on hydrological regimes in Himalayan communities in Nepal with particular focus towards livelihood and socio-ecological transformations. Using the socio-ecological systems framework to analyze specific communities and their resource use, along with vulnerability and adaptative capacity analysis, this paper includes a meta-analysis of existing literature. Numerous findings indicated that rural, mountainous communities of Nepal face a variety of environmental impacts which may reduce viability of two significant modes of production: …

Temperature-Dependent Development And Survival Of Immature Stages Of The Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus Hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), A. G.A. Azrag, A. A. Yusuf, C. W.W. Pirk, S. Niassy, K. K. Mbugua, R. Babin

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Although the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is the most destructive insect pest of coffee worldwide, there is much to learn about its thermal biology. This study aimed to develop temperature-based models for H. hampei development and to provide the thermal requirements of immature stages in the laboratory. Using a new observation method, larval development and survival were monitored daily on fresh Arabica coffee seeds, under seven constant temperatures in the range 15-35°C, with 80 ± 5% RH and 12:12 L:D photoperiod. Linear and non-linear functions were fitted to the development data plotted against temperature, using …

Multiple Anti-Predatory Behaviors In Red-Tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus Ascanius) Groups Reveal Distinct Landscapes Of Fear, Lillian J. Fornof , '20

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

Foraging opportunity and predation risk can act as opposing influences on an animal’s habitat use. This opposition can be addressed with a “landscape of fear” (LOF), where models predict the spatial distribution of predators or perceived predator presence using prey responses. LOF models are often generated using a single behavioral metric. Here, I expanded on the concept of LOF by measuring three anti-predatory behaviors—aggregation, alarm calling, and vigilance—in two groups of red-tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius). I also looked at the relationship of each type of anti-predatory behavior to habitat characteristics, age/sex class, seasonality, and their relationship to the …

Contemporary Challenges Facing Small, Family Farms In America: The Grant Family And Their Maraschino Cherry Farm, Haley Allaben 20

Honor Scholar Theses

No abstract provided.

The Era Of Commercialized Genetics: Examining The Intersection Of Dna, Identity, And Personal Origin, Joanna Hutchins 20

Honor Scholar Theses

No abstract provided.

Spring 2020, Joëlle Walls

The Investigator Research Magazine

Dear readers,

We are proud to present the spring issue of The Investigator, giving you an inside look into the varied research and scholarly activities taking place at Kennesaw State.

In a new interview, President Pamela Whitten discusses KSU's growing research reputation and lessons learned from her own experiences as a researcher and mentor. Similarly, our cover story follows three First-Year Scholars as they explore the possibilities of research in Martin Hudson's lab through a new Office of Undergraduate Research initiative.

This publication would not have been possible without the contributions of the editorial team, including undergraduates Kaelyn Ireland, Geena …

If Watersheds Spoke: A Condition Analysis Of The Rio Tomebamba Watershed In Southern Ecuador Using Gis Analysis, Lenka G. Doskocil

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Understanding processes and ecological threats occurring at the watershed level scale composes a critical piece of water resource conservation and management. This proves doubly true in areas such as the Ecuadorian highlands where water resources depend heavily on the hydrologic regulation capacities of páramo soils. This study examined watershed condition of the Rio Tomebamba watershed and existing habitat for Metallura baroni and Chibchanomys orcesi, two highly endemic species, within its boundaries. Watershed condition was determined based on a simple index that considered nine indicators of watershed health—converted land, impacted riparian zones, impermeable surfaces, water quality, fluvial habitat condition, riparian vegetation …

An Apex Predator In Peril In The Western Lowlands Of Ecuador: Mapping The Population Distribution Of Harpy Eagles (Harpia Harpyja) In A Highly Deforested Region, Samuel Zhang

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is a highly threatened bird of prey in Ecuador. While they are already elusive in the Ecuadorian Amazon, they are even lesser known in the coastal lowlands, and their existence is threatened by rapid deforestation. This study mapped their potential distribution by examining satellite images to find intact humid forest, their ideal habitat. Habitat areas were quantified using ImageJ. The only sites found to be adequate for sustaining Harpy Eagle populations were the primary forests in the vicinities of Reserva Ecológica Mache Chindul and Reserva Ecológica Cotacachi Cayapas. The two reserves are expected to be …

Shifting Landscapes: The Effects Of Male Out-Migration On Food Security And Food Sovereignty In Rural Nepal, Emma Brown

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Rural Nepal is experiencing rapid demographic changes, significantly impacting the socioeconomic and agricultural landscape of these areas. Growing percentages of the male population are migrating out of the country in search of better livelihood opportunities. This is largely a result of poor development processes and governmental policies that have failed to create adequate domestic livelihood opportunities and incentives to work in agriculture, as well as changing ideas on what it means to be successful, spurred by globalization. Further, dominant neoliberal ideology and the commercialization of agriculture is decreasing the profitability of agriculture, making migration a lucrative option. Due to out-migration, …

Motsinger, Mary Jo, (Fa 1370), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1370. Student folk studies project titled “Early Veterinary Practices” which includes survey sheets with brief descriptions of remedies for cattle and horses in Logan County and Todd County, Kentucky. Sheets may include a brief description of the folk remedy, traditional practice, and informant’s name.

Howard, Wayne (Fa 1372), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1372. Student folk studies project titled “The Blackbird Invasion of Logan County, Kentucky: An Oral History Account, in Human Terms, of a Current Problem” which includes interviews and a paper about the effects of blackbirds in Logan County, Kentucky. Interviews may include information about blackbird situation, informant’s name and address. The photos are stored in the WKU Photo Archives.

An Examination Of Changes In Muscle Thickness, Isometric Strength, And Body Water Throughout The Menstrual Cycle, Tayla E. Kuehne

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Women are often excluded from research studies interested in changes in muscle size and strength due to confounding influence that the menstrual cycle may have on these variables. Although there is considerable data showing that strength may fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, the thesis that muscle size changes throughout the cycle is based on the premise that changes in body water throughout the menstrual cycle may influence the size of the muscle. Despite this suggestion there is no experimental data demonstrating that the menstrual cycle has any influence on muscle size. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine …

German Immigration And Its Ties To Landscape Change In Nebraska, Lindsey Labrie

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis uses a multidimensional approach to frame the different waves of German immigration within the context of land use change in Nebraska. By recounting the historical challenges and struggles Germans faced in their homelands, this thesis provides similarities between historical immigration patterns throughout the state. Observing the timing of these movements of people paints a clearer picture of how these immigrants might have helped change the farming and cultural landscapes of Nebraska. Knowing and recognizing historical immigration in Nebraska cultivates a deeper appreciation for the current relations between immigrants and Nebraska’s physical landscape.

Variation In Brown Rat Cranial Shape Shows Directional Selection Over 120 Years In New York City, Emily E. Puckett, Emma Sherratt, Matthew Combs, Elizabeth J. Carlen, William Harcourt-Smith, Jason Munshi-South

Publications and Research

Urbanization exposes species to novel environments and selection pressures that may change morphological traits within a population. We investigated how the shape and size of crania and mandibles changed over time within a population of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) living in Manhattan, New York, USA, a highly urbanized environment. We measured 3D landmarks on the cranium and mandible of 62 adult individuals sampled in the 1890s and 2010s. Static allometry explained approximately 22% of shape variation in crania and mandible datasets, while time accounted for approximately 14% of variation. We did not observe significant changes in skull size through time …

Anthropometric Characteristics Of The Population Of The Aral Region Of Uzbekistan, V. O. Yerkudov, A. P. Pugovkin, A. T. Matchanov, B. Yu. Akhmedova

Karakalpak Scientific Journal

The diversity of the national composition and the unfavorable ecological state of the Aral Sea region is the rationale for the relevance of the study of morphophysiological characteristics of the population living in this territory. The aim of the study was a comparative investigation of ethnic diversity of anthropometric distinctions in youngsters of both sexes – habitants of the Republic of Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan).

Engaging In Conversations About Climate Change With Cattle Producers, Ricky Telg, Cassie Wandersee, David Smith, Saqib Mukhtar

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Cooperative Extension Service agents and United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel used a dialogic model of communication in their interactions with cattle producers in the Southwest and Mountain West regarding the topic of climate change. Findings indicated that dialogic communication is being used, with a focus on discussing best management practices, avoiding the term “climate change,” and focusing on local data and weather events. The study suggests that Extension agents and NRCS personnel recognize the need to adapt their communication strategy and tactics to suit the …

Rockhounding, Seafaring, And Other Material Tales For The End Of The World, Noemie Fortin

The Goose

In the face of accelerated environmental degradation and climate instability, the future of the Earth and of all life on earth is difficult to visualize. Therefore, the different mediums through which we consider environmental issues are just as important as the actions we take to address them. Focusing on three projects combining art, science, and activism, this article suggests a compilation of material tales. They tell stories of plastic rocks and aluminum nuggets where the protagonists are partly finely crafted objects, partly waste materials, and sometimes both at once. Artists Kelly Jazvac, Yesenia Thibeault-Picazo, and the collective Studio Swine collaborate …

Sex Bias In Gut Microbiome Transmission In Newly Paired Marmosets (Callithrix Jacchus), Lifeng Zhu, Jonathan B. Clayton, Mallory J. Suhr Van Haute, Qinnan Yang, Haley R. Hassenstab, Aaryn C. Mustoe, Dan Knights, Andrew K. Benson, Jeffrey A. French

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Social behavior can alter the microbiome composition via transmission among social partners, but there have been few controlled experimental studies of gut microbiome transmission among social partners in primates. We collected longitudinal fecal samples from eight unrelated male-female pairs of marmoset monkeys prior to pairing and for 8 weeks following pairing. We then sequenced 16S rRNA to characterize the changes in the gut microbiome that resulted from the pairing. Marmoset pairs had a higher similarity in gut microbiome communities after pairing than before pairing. We discovered sex differences in the degrees of change in gut microbiome communities following pairing. Specifically, …

Hidden Dangers To Researcher Safety While Sampling Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrates, Ralph D. Stoaks

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Abstract

This paper reviews hidden dangers that threaten the safety of freshwater (FW) researchers of benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs). Six refereed journals containing 2,075 papers were reviewed for field research resulting in 505 FW BMI articles. However, danger was reported in only 18% of FW BMI papers. I discussed: 1) papers that did not warn of existing danger and consider researcher safety, 2) metric threshold values (e.g., chemical hazards), and non-metric dangers, (e.g., caves and aquatic habitats), 3), the frequency of danger occurrence, 4) baseline and extreme values. Examples of 28 danger factors that posed a threat to BMI researchers in …

Mitochondrial Dna Diversity And Evolutionary History Of Native Human Populations Of Northwest Patagonia (Argentina), María Bárbara Postillone, Virginia Agustina Cobos, Celmira Urrutia, Cristina Beatriz Dejean, Paula N. Gonzalez, Sergio Ivan Perez, Valeria Bernal

Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints

The genetic composition of Amerindian descendants from Patagonia has long been a focus of interest, although the information available is still scarce for many geographic areas. Here, we report the first analysis of the variation in the mtDNA control region for an area of northwestern Patagonia, the North of Neuquén, with the aim of studying the processes and historical events that modeled the evolutionary history of these human groups. We analyzed 113 individuals from two localities of northern Neuquén, along with 6 from southern Neuquén and 223 mtDNA sequences previously published from neighboring areas from Argentina and Chile. We estimated …

Detection Of Neopterin In The Urine Of Captive And Wild Platyrrhines, Alexandra J. Sacco, Jessica A. Mayhew, Mrinalini Watsa, Gideon Erkenswick, April K. Binder

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Background: Non-invasive biomarkers can facilitate health assessments in wild primate populations by reducing the need for direct access to animals. Neopterin is a biomarker that is a product of the cell-mediated immune response, with high levels being indicative of poor survival expectations in some cases. The measurement of urinary neopterin concentration (UNC) has been validated as a method for monitoring cell-mediated immune system activation in multiple catarrhine species, but to date there is no study testing its utility in the urine of platyrrhine species. In this study, we collected urine samples across three platyrrhine families including small captive populations of …

Adapting Livestock Production Systems To Climate Change In Nepal: Challenges And Opportunities, D. D. Poudel, R. P. Thakur, T. Duex, G. Blakewood, A. Singh, A. Deramus, B. Chapagain, K. Acharya, S. Adhikari, R. B. Gramling, N. Sharma

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

To assess climate change impacts and identify challenges and opportunities for livestock climate change adaption, we conducted a comprehensive study in the Thulokhola watershed of Nuwakot district in Nepal from June 1, 2011 to January 31, 2013. We established nine community livestock groups (CLGs) consisting of 51 members and trained the CLG members in daily livestock record keeping and monitoring surface water quality. Monthly fecal samples from 50 cattle, 50 goats, and 50 buffaloes were collected for the determination of gastrointestinal parasites. Soil and fodder samples were also collected and analyzed. Group discussions, Participatory Rural Appraisals, and full-fledged household survey …

Urine As A High-Quality Source Of Host Genomic Dna From Wild Populations, Andrew T. Ozga, Timothy H. Webster, Ian C. Gilby, Melissa A. Wilson, Rebecca Nockerts, Michael L. Wilson, Anne Pusey, Yingying Li, Beatrice H. Hahn, Anne C. Stone

Biology Faculty Articles

The ability to generate genomic data from wild animal populations has the potential to give unprecedented insight into the population history and dynamics of species in their natural habitats. However, in the case of many species, it is impossible legally, ethically, or logistically to obtain tissues samples of high-quality necessary for genomic analyses. In this study we evaluate the success of multiple sources of genetic material (feces, urine, dentin, and dental calculus) and several capture methods (shotgun, whole-genome, exome) in generating genome-scale data in wild eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) from Gombe National Park, Tanzania. We found that …

Impacts Of Invasive Rats On Hawaiian Cave Resources, Francis G. Howarth, Fred D. Stone

International Journal of Speleology

Although there are no published studies and limited data documenting damage by rodents in Hawaiian caves, our incidental observations during more than 40 years of surveying caves indicate that introduced rodents, especially the roof rat, Rattus rattus, pose significant threats to vulnerable cave resources. Caves, with their nearly constant and predictable physical environment often house important natural and cultural features including biological, paleontological, geological, climatic, mineralogical, cultural, and archaeological resources. All four invasive rodents in Hawai‘i commonly nest in cave entrances and rock shelters, but only the roof rat (Rattus rattus) habitually enters caves and utilizes areas …

Examining Group Differences In Emotion Regulation Strategies And The State And Trait Anxiety Of Lifeguards And Non-Lifeguards In A Real-World Precompetitive Situation, Hannah Calverley, Dr Paul Davis, Dr Jack Harvey, Dr Christopher Mesagno

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences, between swimmer-lifeguards and swimmer-non-lifeguards, in trait and state anxiety and emotion regulation techniques in a real-life precompetitive situation with a secondary focus on gender differences. The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Sport Anxiety Scale – 2 and the Mental Readiness Form – 3 were distributed to 100 participants at university swimming competitions in the United Kingdom. Swimmer-lifeguards displayed significantly lower cognitive (p=.03) and somatic state (p=.05) anxiety and cognitive trait anxiety (p=.02) than swimmer-non-lifeguards. Males reported significantly lower levels of cognitive and somatic trait anxiety (ppp=.01); no …

Arranged Marriages: An Inappropriate Fabrication, Karika Sethi, Michael D. Reiter

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

This paper explores what an inappropriate relationship is and the taxonomy scale used to evaluate different relationships, specifically, arranged marriages. Arranged marriage is a topic that is considered taboo depending on global location. It is more prevalent in Eastern nations such as India, China, Oriental countries, and the Middle East. However, Western influence plays a significant role on what is and is not acceptable, as societal norms differ from place to place. What is defined as normal by culture is what helps to define if a relationship is or is not viewed as inappropriate. This paper is designed to explore …

Temporal Trends In The Standing Broad Jump Performance Of United States Children And Adolescents, Bridget K. Pinoniemi, Grant R. Tomkinson, Tanis J. Walch, James N. Roemmich, John S. Fitzgerald

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

Purpose: To estimate temporal trends in broad jump performance for United States youth, a marker of muscular fitness and health.

Method: Electronic databases, topical systematic reviews, and personal libraries were systematically searched for studies reporting descriptive standing broad jump data for apparently healthy United States youth (age 10–17 years). Temporal trends at the sex-age level were estimated using sample-weighted regression models associating the year of testing to mean jump performance, with national trends standardized to the year 1985 using a post-stratified population-weighting procedure.

Results: Collectively, there was a small increase of 12.6 cm (95%CI: 12.5 to 12.7) or 7.9% (95%CI: …

The Role Of Dislodgement In The Territorial Ecology Of The Owl Limpet, Lottia Gigantea, Ryan T. Kabala, Natalie Swinford, Maria J. Mason, William G. Wright

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Ascertaining the risks and benefits of different behaviors is a central goal of research on territoriality. Although most territorial behavior is ritualized, with concomitant reduced risks for both residents and intruders, this ritualization is generally found to be underpinned by rare, highly consequential, interactions. The agonistic behavior of the intertidal owl limpet, Lottia gigantea, involves defense of a feeding territory, and includes a relatively explosive thrusting response by territory holders against intruding conspecifics. We here ask whether this thrusting behavior is capable of entirely dislodging intruders from their rocky wave-swept substratum, thereby ridding the resident of future challenges by …

Maternal Weight Affects Placental Dna Methylation Of Genes Involved In Metabolic Pathways In The Common Marmoset Monkey (Callithrix Jacchus), Laren Narapareddy, Derek E. Wildman, Don L. Armstrong, Amy Weckle, Aleeca F. Bell, Crystal L. Patil, Suzette D. Tardif, Corinna N. Ross, Julienne N. Rutherford

Biology Faculty Publications (Archived)

Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of placental DNA methylation (DNAm) is a mechanism linking maternal weight during pregnancy to metabolic programming outcomes. The common marmoset, Callithrix jaccus, is a platyrrhine primate species that has provided much insight into studies of the primate placenta, maternal condition, and metabolic programming, yet the relationships between maternal weight and placental DNAm are unknown. Here, we report genome-wide DNAm from term marmoset placentas using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. We identified 74 genes whose DNAm pattern is associated with maternal weight during gestation. These genes are predominantly involved in energy metabolism and homeostasis, including the regulation …

World View: Self Perceptionhow Do Traditional Healers See Themselves?A Comparative Study Between Two Tribes: The Kikuyu (Kenya) And El Gabaleya (Egypt), Iman El Bastawisi

BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing

In terms of all the changing orientations and perspectives towards “Traditional Healing” as an activity and professional that might meet with the call of “back to nature”, the present research aims to shed light on the views and perceptions of the one who are truly and totally involved in this practition. By using the comparative method in presenting and analyzing two different cases : the case of a traditional healer from the Kikuyu tribe in Kenya and the case of a traditional healer from El Gabaleya tribe in Egypt. Field studies were carried out among both tribes and intensive in …