Digital Commons Network^™

Net Effects Of Wild And Managed Birds In Agroecosystems, Karina Garcia

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

Agricultural intensification and expansion have reduced biodiversity in agroecosystems, jeopardizing the ecosystem services that nature provides to humans in these landscapes including wildlife-mediated pest control. Among these purveyors of ecosystem services are birds, who can provide services to agroecosystems by consuming arthropod pests. Yet some bird species also act as pests by consuming crops. Herein, I use molecular diet analysis through high-throughput sequencing on DNA extracted from bird fecal samples to examine birds’ diet and classify bird species as consumers of major strawberry pests (Lygus spp.). Additionally, I use targeted PCR approaches to determine which bird species consumed strawberries. …

The Influence Of Faculty Peer Network Communication In The Diffusion Of A Centralized Cure, Nicole L. Scheuermann

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide students the benefits of undergraduate research participation by incorporating authentic scientific research into laboratory courses. CUREs are a relatively young pedagogy and are therefore innovative. Roger’s (2003) diffusion of innovations (DOI) framework posits that the diffusion of innovations, such as CUREs, is a highly social process. Most existing CURE research has focused on the impacts to students and the critical elements of CURE design. Investigation into instructor peer network communication is largely absent from the existing CURE literature. This study investigates the structure and function of a CURE community – the Malate Dehydrogenase CURE …

How Sweet It Is: Fellowship And Continuity In A Church-Based Fall Prevention Program With African American Elders In The Northeastern United States, Michelle L. Ramirez, Cedric H. Jones Jr., Carol Maritz, Donna Jensen

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

Deaths from unintentional injuries are the seventh leading cause of death among older adults and falls account for the largest percentage of these deaths, with individuals aged ≥85 particularly vulnerable. Physical activity can reduce frailty and prevent falls; however, many elders are not physically active and women, ethnic minorities, and those with low education levels are the least active. Moreover, experiences of racial discrimination can lead to increased stress and unhealthy adaptive behaviors, and the cumulative effects of age and race related stressors have been shown to negatively impact the physical and mental health of elderly African Americans. Thus, participation …

Interventions For Mitigating Drought-Related Livestock Mortality In Africa’S Pastoral Areas: A Review Of Their Relevance And Effectiveness With Special Reference To Kenya, Hallo Dabasso Bulle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

One of the key challenges facing pastoral livestock production in Africa’s drylands is the recurring drought which triggers shortage of grazing resources and massive losses of livestock. Though the pastoralists have traditional drought coping mechanisms, the changing land use, insecure land-tenure arrangements, and the declining natural resource base, have undermined the effectiveness of the mechanisms and worsen the drought impacts. Several interventions have hence been implemented over the years to mitigate the increasing drought impacts and to create more resilient pastoralist societies. Focusing on Kenyan pastoral areas, this study reviewed the relevance and effectiveness of various interventions in reducing the …

2021 Celebration Of Scholarship, Creativity, And Engagement, Todd Bruns, Beth Heldebrandt

Programs

At this annual celebration, we, as a shared community, are pleased that the important work of faculty continues and evolves as faculty have broadened and redefined the boundaries of scholarship, creativity, and innovation throughout the COVID, late-COVID, and soon-to-be post-COVID eras. While we are pleased to return to more familiar campus-based traditions, functions, and activities, the experiences of 2020-2021 have contributed to the development of new forms and strategies for scholarship and creativity that reflect the core principles of faculty life and ensure that student learning remains central to the mission of Eastern Illinois University.

For that reason, our faculty, …

The Creeks And Communities Strategy: Accelerating Cooperative Riparian Restoration, Sandra Wyman, Sherman Swanson, Laura Van Riper

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Townsville Tropical Savannas — An Innovative Approach To Urban‐Rural Education And Ecotourism, Greg A. Bruce

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Farmers Field School Technology Extension Approach Increases Grassland Productivity And Improves Spiritual And Socio‐Economic Welfare Of Communities In Kenya, Apollo B. Orodho, Arwyn Bailey

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Participatory Identification Of Factors Inhibiting Integrated Management Of Livestock And Wildlife Production On Kenyan Rangelands, E. N. Muthiani, S. K. Karimi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Parents' Perceptions Of Life Skill Development And Satisfaction With Utah 4-H, Oakley G. Perry

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The 4-H program is the nation’s largest youth development program with near six million members nationwide. Utah 4-H provides this program to the residents of Utah through Utah State University’s Extension Service. The program focuses on teaching life skills to youth to prepare them for their future using hands on educational programs tied to project areas, or particular topics like equine science or fine arts. Utah 4-H has many different stakeholders, one of which being the parents of its members. For youth programs to continue to be successful, these programs must show stakeholders their significance and ensure that its audience …

Multiple‐Use Grasslands: Integrating Forage, Biofuel, And Carbon/Phosphorus Sinks, James P. Muir, B. Lambert, G. W. Evers, T. J. Butler, K. F. Bronson, L. Stanley‐Stevens, R. D. Wittie

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Adding Value Through Sustainability: Incentivizing An Ecosystem Approach To Oyster Aquaculture In Maine, Samuel Feldman

All Theses And Dissertations

This study identified oyster farming practices that have the potential to increase the sustainability of Maine’s oyster industry while increasing its value. Practices aligned with the principles of the ecosystem approach to aquaculture were gleaned from semi-structured interviews and surveys of oyster farmers and their buyers. Themes from interview transcripts were developed using thematic analysis. Survey data was used to triangulate interview transcript data. As a result, sustainable oyster farming practices were identified that had direct and indirect connections to the value of Maine’s oysters. Practices with direct connections to increased oyster value included conducting and advertising actions of increased …

Implementation Of Childhood Obesity Prevention And Control Policies In The United States And Latin America: Lessons For Cross-Border Research And Practice, Rafael Perez-Escamilla, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Elizabeth Rhodes, Olga L. Sarmiento, Camila Corvalan, Rachel Sturke, Susan Vorkoper

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Progress has been made in the development and widespread implementation of effective interventions to address childhood obesity, yet important challenges remain. To understand how the United States and Latin American countries achieved success in implementing obesity policies and programs (PAPs) and identify improvement opportunities using implementation science principles. We identified three comparative case studies: (1) front-of-food package labeling (Mexico and Chile); (2) Open Streets/play streets (Colombia and the United States); and (3) the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (Brazil and the United States). Information from multiple sources (e.g., scientific and gray literature and key informant interviews) was synthesized to describe barriers, facilitators, …

A Living City: Food Accessibility And Urban Growth In New York City, Kat Coleman

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper examines the way in which food equity and localization initiatives, specifically in New York City, are a vital response to urban growth and sustainable food demand. Improvements to the current food system in the form of changing the way food is produced, procured, stored, transported, and distributed improves nutrition and contributes to urban sustainability. Chapter 1 provides data on urban environmental justice issues related to food equity, drawing on research from the United Nations and food justice organizations in New York City. Chapter 2 explores the ethical issues surrounding food access and food justice in an increasingly urban …

(Re-)Defining Permaculture: Perspectives Of Permaculture Teachers And Practitioners Across The United States, Kaitlyn Spangler, Roslynn Brain Mccann, Rafter Sass Ferguson

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

The solutions-based design framework of permaculture exhibits transformative potential, working to holistically integrate natural and human systems toward a more just society. The term can be defined and applied in a breadth of ways, contributing to both strengths and weaknesses for its capacity toward change. To explore the tension of breadth as strength and weakness, we interviewed 25 prominent permaculture teachers and practitioners across the United States (US) regarding how they define permaculture as a concept and perceive the term’s utility. We find that permaculture casts a wide net that participants grapple with in their own work. They engaged in …

Evaluating Urban Parks Accessibility And Equity: A Case Study Of Hartford, Ct And New Haven, Ct, Natalie Roach, Mara Tu

Honors Scholar Theses

Public parks provide cities with environmental benefits, positive health effects, recreational opportunities, community building, educational spaces, and public amenities. However, certain populations have been systematically denied their fair share of these benefits because of unjust practices in the creation and maintenance of urban parks. With a lens of environmental justice, the goal of this research was to assess park quality and accessibility of two Connecticut cities, Hartford and New Haven, by gathering publicly available information as well as using GIS tools.

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has an existing ParkScore rating system that evaluates the quality of a city’s …

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 …

Declining Knowledge On Paper Food Storage And Preparation Household Food Waste And Sustainability, Luke Ramirez-Bryan, Amir Golmohamadi

Nutrition Student Work

In 2020 in the U.S alone over 40 million tons of food was wasted. Part of this this waste is attributed to discarded fruits and vegetables and equals to 7% of croplands’ yearly production. Reducing food waste can be an important factor in improving environmental and social sustainability. Lack, or inadequate, knowledge of food preparation, storage, and cooking has contributed to this loss. One method of reducing food wastes is decreasing the amount of waste in households by using nutrition education intervention such as training local communities to improve their cooking skills and general food storage and preparation knowledge. Consumers …

Assessment Bank, Center For Urban Resilience

Module 01: Introduction to Urban Ecology

No abstract provided.

2021 School Of Culinary Arts And Food Technology, Spring Newsletter, Tu Dublin., James Murphy

Other resources

The School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology, TU Dublin, Spring Newsletter captured the many events, research, awards, significant contributions and special civic and community activities which the students and staff members of the school have successfully completed up to the Spring period of 2021. The successful completion of these activities would not be possible without the active and on-going support of the 'INSPIRED' friends of Culinary Arts (school supporters) and our school's industry association supporters. In this issue we also fondly remember Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 2 (as the school now prepares to move to our new campus facilities …

Stakeholder Perspectives And Sustainability Of An Integrated Care Model For The Prevention And Management Of Obesity: The Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (Cord) Project, Rebecca E Lee, Nathan H Parker, Allen M Hallett, Dennis Kao, Maria J Modelska, Hanadi S Rifai, Erica G Soltero, Daniel P O'Connor

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Although reliable strategies exist to promote healthy habits that reduce childhood obesity, the sustainability of these strategies remains an ongoing public health challenge. This study aimed to identify factors experienced in a large, multisite project aimed at reducing childhood obesity that might contribute to project sustainability. Hypothesized constructs underpinning sustainability included replicability, continuation of benefits, institutionalization, and community capacity. Key informants (n = 27) completed 60 min, in-depth interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were first coded using a combined deductive and inductive approach. Four major themes emerged (with numerous subthemes): developing partnerships, challenges to the sustainability …

Picking Up Where The Tmdl Leaves Off: Using The Partnership Wild And Scenic River Framework For Collaborative River Restoration, Alan R. Hunt, Meiyin Wu, Tsung-Ta David Hsu, Nancy Roberts-Lawler, Jessica T. Miller, Alessandra Rossi, Lee Lee

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects less than ¼ of a percent of the United States’ river miles, focusing on free-flowing rivers of good water quality with outstandingly remarkable values for recreation, scenery, and other unique river attributes. It predates the enactment of the Clean Water Act, yet includes a clear anti-degradation principle, that pollution should be reduced and eliminated on designated rivers, in cooperation with the federal Environmental Protection Agency and state pollution control agencies. However, the federal Clean Water Act lacks a clear management framework for implementing restoration activities to reduce non-point source pollution, of which …

Sars-Cov-2: An Investigation On Mutagenicity And Its Effects On Infectivity And Mortality, Tyler Elliott Silverwood

Honors Theses and Capstones

SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, has rapidly become a worldwide public health concern. Classified as a betacoronavirus, it is the third human coronavirus (HCoV) to emerge in the 21st century that causes severe disease, alongside SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The genome consists of open reading frames encoding accessory proteins and four structural proteins, including the spike protein which is a key determinant of host cell tropism. Mutations within the genome, particularly the spike gene, have been linked in-vitro to increased binding affinity to the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), increased fitness in human hosts, and immune evasion. …

Advancing Applied Research In Conservation Criminology Through The Evaluation Of Corruption Prevention, Enhancing Compliance, And Reducing Recidivism, Jessica S. Kahler, Joseph W. Rivera, Zachary T. Steele, Pilar Morales-Giner, Christian J. Rivera, Carol F. Ahossin, Ashpreet Kaur, Diane J. Episcopio-Sturgeon

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Concomitant with an increase in the global illegal wildlife trade has been a substantial increase in research within traditional conservation-based sciences and conservation and green criminology. While the integration of criminological theories and methods into the wildlife conservation context has advanced our understanding of and practical responses to illegal wildlife trade, there remain discrepancies between the number of empirical vs. conceptual studies and a disproportionate focus on a few select theories, geographical contexts, and taxonomic groups. We present three understudied or novel applications of criminology and criminal justice research within the fields of fisheries, forestry, and wildlife conservation. First, we …

Resource Characterization And Utilization Of Lepironia Articulata (Retz.) Domin At Kg. Beris Tok Kuand Kg. Beting Lintang, Terengganu, Shoma Tani

Student Works (2020-2029)

This research focused on how handicrafts could contribute to sustainable community development with natural resource management. This research aims to characterize Lepironia articulata as a resource by taxonomy and distribution patterns, examine its utilization through group and semi-structured interviews with ten local residents who got involved in handicraft productions at two selected villages in Setiu Wetlands of Terengganu state and identify their capacity development opportunities by following a guideline provided by United Nations Development Programme. This research clarified that the height of Lepironia articulata in Setiu Wetlands was shorter than the records of the other description and the other site …

An Approach For Sustainable Affordable Housesdesign In Egypt, Sherif Khashaba Associate Professor, Department Of Architectural Engineering Faculty Of Engineering

BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing

Achieving sustainability is an important factor to be considered in the architectural design process, there is an important need to consider sustainability in affordable houses design. The research problem is the presence of many affordable houses in Egypt without considering the terms of sustainability, and also the increasing the numbers of these projects in Egypt. By studying the current situation of most affordable houses projects in Egypt, a lack of achieving sustainability requirements appear , which led to the need for an approach to meet these requirements in affordable houses design. The research includes a theoretical study of the sustainability …

Nature In Cities:An Approach To Promote The Sense Of Belonging Inurban Communities, Nahed Hamawi Teaching Assistant (Phd Candidate), Faculty Of Architecture - Design & Built En

BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing

During the second half of the twentieth century, a time that has been noticeable by rapid urbanization of societies, urban environments have become diminished and dysfunctional. Particularly in the practice of forming urban space and in addition, the design of buildings has been allowed to be bloomed, with the lack of both social and environmental responsibility have turned into revolting influences of the plot. With regards to the Urban Environment, sociological consequences will undermine the amenity value of the social environment if the community and the end user are not satisfied by the incompetence to meet the cultural needs. The …

Designing For A Healthy And Cultureintegrative Urban Environment: Thecase Study Of Al-Diriyah Triangle, Sami Al-Sabbagh1 Architect,

BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing

Problem Definition: The given situation is pushing urban designer and planner to think of solutions that could help alleviate the threats of the rapid growth repercussions and plan for a better living urban environment. Aim and Objectives:This paper examines the possibility of planning future urban developments through the application of modern sustainable urban models and solution as well as learn from century old environmentally responsive architectural and urban practices. Methodology: This paper will take the Case Study of Al-Diriyah Triangle project in Riyadh – Saudi Arabia, a new urban development bordering Wadi Hanifa and neighboring to the historic core of …

Monitoring Participatory Approaches In Mediterranean Waterfront Developments (El Mina, Lebanon; Alexandria, Egypt; And Antalya, Turkey), Sima El-Cheikh, Mary Felix, Nabil Mohareb, Ibtihal Y. El-Bastawissi

BAU Journal - Creative Sustainable Development

Public participation is an important tool for communities to influence development decisions for public spaces in general and waterfronts in particular. In coastal cities, waterfronts are an important touristic attraction and are affected by social and economic issues. Users’ activities and responsiveness to waterfront projects are affected by the development types and methods. This study is part of ongoing research aiming to evaluate the participatory approach methods in the waterfronts of Mediterranean cities. It examines three coastal cities that have developed differently based on sustainable development studies. This study is a top–down approach that investigates the applied phases and methods …

Identifying The Weak Foundation Of Public Health Resilience Fornational Disaster Policy In Indonesia’S Mid-Term Developmentagenda 2015–2019: A Policy Content Analysis, Gita Miranda Warsito, Meiwita Budiharsana, Sharyn Burns

Kesmas

Indonesia is one of the most susceptible nations toward natural disasters in the world. Since 1992, approximately 37 tsunami incidents have occurred inIndonesia, with at least 1,244 cases of natural disasters during 2018. Despite the overwhelming impact of disasters on Indonesia, Public Health Resilience,as an approach to disaster countermeasures, has been poorly elaborated in Indonesia’s development agenda (National Mid-term Development Plan (NMDP),or Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Nasional (RPJMN), 2015 - 2019). By utilizing the method of policy content analysis, this study aimed to analyzethe policy background of Public Health Resilience against disasters in the NMDP 2015 - 2019 and National …