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Genome-Wide Association Study/ Genomic Prediction Of Cowpea Seed Protein And Black Seed Coat Color In Cowpea, Yilin Chen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) is a crucial crop in many regions, serving as a vital protein source for humans and livestock. Addressing the need to enhance its nutritional quality and make it easier to cultivate cowpeas of specific colors, this study utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify markers associated with protein content and seed coat color patterns in cowpea.

In the protein content study, a GWAS was conducted on 161 cowpea accessions using 110,155 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Seven significant SNP markers were identified, all located at a locus on chromosome 8 associated with the gene Vigun08g039200, enhancing …

Journal Of Food Law & Policy -Spring 2024, Journal Editors

Journal of Food Law & Policy

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Late Season Potassium Applications To Arkansas Soybean, Carrie Ortel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Potassium (K) deficiency is one of the most important yield limiting factors in Arkansas soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) production, although there are recently improved diagnostic and management opportunities available. However, several questions regarding the successful implementation of in-season K management in soybean production remain. Therefore, the research objectives were to (a) delineate the relationship between drought stress and K deficiency on soybean vigor, (b) identify the spatial dependencies of leaf-K concentrations at the production scale, (c) develop a leaf sampling protocol, (d) calibrate the fertilizer-K rate needed to correct varying levels of K deficiency at 15, 30, and …

Intervention Measures Alleviating Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis In Broilers: Experimental Lameness And Feed Additive Treatments, Andi Asnayanti

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As the global population grows, the supply and demand for meat have dramatically increased. The poultry industry has managed to satisfy the high demand for chicken meat through fast-growing broilers. The poultry breeder industry has successfully provided modern broilers with high liveability, feed efficiency, and processing yields through genetic selection of the traits of interest such as growth rate, feed conversion rate, and breast quality. Nevertheless, the intensive selection of modern broiler chickens for fast growth and feed efficiency leads to unintended side effects, such as excessive fat, low reproductive performance, leg abnormalities, low immunity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. …

Reimagining The Grocery Shopping Experience, Isabel Provisor Lemery

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research investigates the design and implementation of a Smart Shopping Cart system aimed at enhancing the shopping experience and providing nutritional education to consumers. The study begins with a comprehensive store observation across various grocery stores, including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Harps, and Aldi, to gather information on current in-store environments. Detailed measurements and assessments are conducted on shopping carts, baskets, circulation paths, and signage, as well as the functionality of mobile apps offered by each store. Based on these observations, design suggestions for the Smart Shopping Cart system are proposed. The Smart Shopping Cart design incorporates two different-sized …

Implementing A Dairy Industry In Mauritius, Lainey Deitrick

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

Over the Summer, I interned at the University of Mauritius and the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security from May 18th to July 15th, 2022, researching issues with Mauritius’s food security and helping to create solutions to their economic problems. My project covered all Mauritius’s agricultural imports, but it had an emphasis on their dairy industry. While in Mauritius, I conducted research on food security among Mauritians, and a feasibility study on if residents would be open to drinking more fresh milk, which is a market the country is exploring to replace sugar cane. My data analysis will be …

Surveys Assessing Food Security And Willingness To Buy Dairy Products In Mauritius Conducted Summer 2022, Abigail Burch

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the summer of 2022, I worked on a team of University of Arkansas and University of Mauritius students to administer surveys regarding the consumption of dairy milk and the impact of COVID-19 on food security in the island nation of Mauritius. This project was created by both universities in conjunction with the Mauritian Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security.

Reaping What You Subsidize: A Comprehensive Review Of Outcomes From Crop Subsidies In The United States, Sawyer J. Knox

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

The motivation for researching this topic comes from an interest in public policy and public health. In this paper, we will examine the impact of farm subsidies on the health of citizens, look at who benefits financially and economically from these subsidies, and examine the environmental impact of these programs. The paper will be structured as follows: Section II, the wealth distribution results from farm subsidies; Section III, the disproportionate impacts on health from farm subsidies; Section IV, the impact on global economies from farm subsidies; Section V, the environmental impact from farm subsidies; and Section VI, conclusions and policy …

The Digital Pivot: Exploring Credit Card And E-Payment Utilization In Direct-To-Consumer U.S. Agriculture, Amanda Thomsen

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examines the adoption of electronic payment systems within direct-to-consumer (DTC) transactions in U.S. farmers' markets to draw broader implications for small business strategy. Through primary and secondary data sources, this paper assesses the impact of electronic payment integration on consumer behavior and market dynamics. The analysis reveals significant disparities in payment system adoption across different geographic and demographic landscapes. Regions with higher adoption of credit card systems at farmers' markets are predominantly urban and higher-income areas, suggesting a correlation between market access to technology and economic status. Consumer data further indicates that the availability of electronic payment options …

Unveiling The Influence: Corporate Lobbying And The American Diet, Annaleigh Mattingly

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

The United States has an ongoing health problem. At 41.9%, our obesity rate is one of the highest in the worldi . While there are several factors that contribute to obesity, food is a crucial one. Food plays a key role in our short- and long-term health. This impact spills over into other aspects of life, such as productivity and mental well-being. This begs the question why the United States, as a very wealthy nation, has relatively lower food quality when compared with other high-income nations. This is a multi-faceted problem that is rooted in American culture, government regulation, and …

Community Development In Stann Creek, Belize, Connor O'Neill

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research attempts to understand the inner workings of community development by taking part in ongoing development projects in Belize. Through collaboration with existing government entities, we took part in meetings, surveys, and site visits to gather the data necessary for the development projects. These projects consisted of finding cost of production, collecting market research, and constructing business plans. During our time, we experienced multiple difficulties similar to those that developers consistently encounter. Ultimately, we gained valuable insight into procedures involved in community development, as well as being able to aid in ongoing development work.

Potential Consumer Response To The Healthy Symbol Proposed By The Us Food And Drug Administration, Jillian Hyink, Brandon R. Mcfadden, Brenna Ellison

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed updates to the definition of “healthy,” including distinctions between types of sugar and fats and limits on added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. To communicate the updated standards, the FDA is developing a Healthy symbol to display on food packages, which could reduce knowledge gaps by assisting U.S. consumers in meeting recommended nutritional guidelines. This study aimed to explore the potential for the label to increase consumers' ability to correctly identify a food product that met the FDA's criteria for a healthy symbol. To complete the study objective, 1018 adults were …

Assessing Consumer Willingness To Pay For Zinc-Biofortified Rice – The Case Of Colombia, Sara Ann Oswalt

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Hidden hunger, a form of undernourishment caused by micronutrient deficiencies, remains a critical global challenge affecting billions worldwide. Biofortification of staple crops, such as rice, offers a promising solution to address this problem. However, changes in the physical and culinary characteristics due to biofortification may hinder consumer acceptance and limit the benefits of this approach. This research explores consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for zinc-biofortified rice in Cartagena, Colombia. A non-hypothetical experimental auction, including 400 consumers in five different locations within Cartagena, was conducted to analyze the impact of information, socioeconomic factors, and consumer nutrition knowledge on WTP …

Catchment-Scale Thawing And Greening Decreases Long-Term Nitrogen Export In Ne Greenland, Shannon L. Speir, Jennifer L. Tank, Ada Pastor, Marc F. Muller, Mikhail Mastepanov, Tenna Riis

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Climate change is expected to alter nitrogen (N) export from Arctic rivers, with potential implications for fragile coastal ecosystems and fisheries. Yet, the directionality of change is poorly understood, as increased mobilization of N in a 'thawing' Arctic is countered by higher rates of vegetative uptake in a 'greening' Arctic, particularly in the understudied region of Greenland. We use an unprecedented dataset of long-term (n = 18 years) river chemistry, streamflow, and catchment-scale changes in snow and vegetation to document changing riverine N loss in Greenland. We documented decreasing inorganic and organic N loads, linked to decreasing snow stores, …

The Impact Of 16 Weeks Of Protein And Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation On Appetite Regulation In Postmenopausal Women., Annjeanette Coambes

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

With life expectancy continuing to increase and menopause typically occurring at age 51, women now spend a significant portion of their lifespan in the postmenopausal stage, facing increased health risks such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Estradiol, which postmenopausal women show deficiency in, has been shown to be associated with appetite- related peptide hormones cholecystokinin (CCK), leptin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY). This study aimed to investigate the effects of protein and omega- 3 fatty acid (O3FA) supplementation on appetite hormones, energy intake (kcal/day), and BMI (kg/m!) in postmenopausal women over a 16-week supplementation …

Creating Cultural Competency Curriculum: How Diverse Are Your Jellybeans?, Noah Boggs Riley

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

As college enrollment continues to grow and diversity becomes more prominent, it is crucial to recognize the importance of nurturing cultural competence in campus communities. Cultural competence refers to the ability to build relationships with individuals from both similar and diverse backgrounds. In order for students to be successful in their future careers, they must develop knowledge and skills to effectively collaborate with people from different backgrounds. As college students actively engage in conversations about multiculturalism, cultural awareness, and the significance of appropriate accommodations, it is imperative that multicultural education plays a more significant role in college settings. This thesis …

Dispersal Movement And Overwintering Ecology Of A Cryptic Migratory Forest Owl, Mitchell Lee Pruitt

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Understanding species’ distributions and how a species uses its environment is a vital aspect of ecology and important for the development and implementation of conservation planning. In migratory species, with distinct breeding and nonbreeding ranges, understanding distributions is a complex endeavor. Nevertheless, evaluating movement behavior by linking seasonal distributions and identifying source areas is vital for understanding a species’ full annual cycle ecology. Understanding distributions is particularly important for predators, like birds of prey, that can exert top-down effects on community structure and ecosystem function through their influence on prey populations. Among raptors, owls are severely understudied in large part …

A Micro-Perspective Analysis Of The Demand For Greek And Non-Greek Yogurt In The United States Over Calendar Years 2018 To 2020, Oral Capps, Riuxin Jia, Vikas Mishra, Macson O. Ogieriakhi

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Using the Heckman framework, we develop profiles of households who purchase Greek yogurt and non-Greek yogurt and estimate own-price, cross-price, and income elasticities of demand. Attention is centered on the impacts of age, race, education, and ethnicity of the household head, household income, household size, region, the presence of children, and prices of Greek yogurt and non-Greek yogurt. This analysis rests on data acquired from Nielsen pertaining to 164,484 households over calendar years 2018–2020. Own-price elasticities are estimated to be −1.36 for Greek yogurt and −0.70 for non-Greek yogurt. Additionally, these yogurt products are not only substitutes but also necessities.

Ability Of Genomic Prediction To Bi-Parent-Derived Breeding Population Using Public Data For Soybean Oil And Protein Content, Chenhui Li, Qing Yang, Bingqiang Liu, Xiaolei Shi, Zhi Liu, Chunyan Yang, Tao Wang, Fuming Xiao, Mengchen Zhang, Ainong Shi, Long Yan

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Genomic selection (GS) is a marker-based selection method used to improve the genetic gain of quantitative traits in plant breeding. A large number of breeding datasets are available in the soybean database, and the application of these public datasets in GS will improve breeding efficiency and reduce time and cost. However, the most important problem to be solved is how to improve the ability of across-population prediction. The objectives of this study were to perform genomic prediction (GP) and estimate the prediction ability (PA) for seed oil and protein contents in soybean using available public datasets to predict breeding populations …

Genomic Characterization Of Enterococcus Spp Infecting Chicken Embryo, Aishat Olaoluwa Lawal

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Chicken embryo mortality has been attributed to bacterial infections and can lead to a decline in hatchability, posing potential losses in the broiler industry. This study aims to investigate the vertical transmission of specific bacterial pathogens from breeder hens to subsequent broiler flocks through MGEs and their association with host specificity. In our sampling of 360 eggs from a broiler flock, we isolated various Enterococcus species, including E. gallinarum and E. faecalis, from incubated egg yolks or aborted embryos. E. avium was found in unincubated bad yolks. Other species like Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Bacillus were observed but presumed to be …

Turfgrass Soil Surfactants: Examining Active Ingredients, Application Strategies, And The Structure–Function Relationship In Sand-Based Putting Greens, Daniel O'Brien

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Soil surfactants, commonly referred to as wetting agents, are a leading water management strategy for golf courses. Non-ionic block copolymers are the most common type of turfgrass soil surfactant. However, differences in the registration process and labeling requirements allow soil surfactants to enter the marketplace accompanied by far-less data compared to other products used on golf courses. This has led to considerable confusion among golf course superintendents. Three primary sources of confusion are: (i) the widely-used marketing terminology of “penetrants” and “retainers” to classify wetting agents; (ii) active ingredients which in some cases are not disclosed at all; and (iii) …

Genetic Dissection Of Diverse Seed Coat Patterns In Cowpea Through A Comprehensive Gwas Approach, Haizheng Xiong, Yilin Chen, Waltram Ravelombola, Beiquan Mou, Xiaolun Sun, Qingyang Zhang, Yiting Xiao, Yang Tian, Qun Luo, Ibtisam Alatawi, Kenani Edward Chiwina, Hanan Mohammedsaeed Alkabkabi, Ainong Shi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study investigates the genetic determinants of seed coat color and pattern variations in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), employing a genome-wide association approach. Analyzing a mapping panel of 296 cowpea varieties with 110,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we focused on eight unique coat patterns: (1) Red and (2) Cream seed; (3) White and (4) Brown/Tan seed coat; (5) Pink, (6) Black, (7) Browneye and (8) Red/Brown Holstein. Across six GWAS models (GLM, SRM, MLM, MLMM, FarmCPU from GAPIT3, and TASSEL5), 13 significant SNP markers were identified and led to the discovery of 23 candidate genes. Among these, four specific …

Determination Of Factors Influencing Microbial Food Safety Risks Of Additive Manufacturing And 3d Printing Of Food, Allyson Nichole Hamilton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The burgeoning field of 3D food printing introduces opportunities for customizing the physicochemical properties of food, offering tailored solutions in color, shape, and texture. Despite its potential, the implications of this technology on food safety, particularly the efficacy of manufacturer-recommended cleaning protocols for stainless steel food ink capsules, the transferability of pathogens from a contaminated food ink capsule into the food ink based on macronutrient composition of the food, and the impact of storage conditions on pathogen viability, have not been thoroughly investigated. This dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of these aspects, focusing on the control of foodborne pathogens and …

Evaluating The Effects Of 6-Day And 7-Day Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocols Using Sex-Sorted Semen On Pregnancy In Beef Cattle, Nicole Noel Noga

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this study, 527 beef heifers from three locations across two states were enrolled between November 2020 and May 2021 for experiment 1, divided into three sub-experiments: 1A (n = 85), 1B (n = 383), and 1C (n = 59). These heifers were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Treatments 1 and 2 involved a 6-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol, including administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100 μg IM; Factrel; Zoetis Animal Health, Parssipany, NJ) and a CIDR insert (EAZI-BREED CIDR; 1.38g P₄; Zoetis Animal Health) on Day 0, followed by prostaglandin F2α (PGF_2α; …

Determination Of Ileal Digestible Phosphorous Values In Various Inorganic Sources Meat And Bone Meal Sources, Jay Hampton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Concerns around the economic and environmental consequences of suboptimal or excess dietary P levels in broiler diets has led to increased interest in determining ileal P digestibility values for feed ingredients. Therefore, two experiments (EXP) were conducted to determine the apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of P in various inorganic phosphates and meat and bone meals (MBM) using the direct method. In both EXP 1 and 2, ileal samples were collected at 22 d post-hatch from birds fed semi-purified diets based on dextrose and corn starch containing test ingredients and one N and P free (NPF) diet for …

Well-Being Behaviors And Outcomes In Arkansas Teachers: A Qualitative Analysis Of Teachers In Arkansas During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Ashton Elizabeth Human

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges to teachers and emphasized those already existing in the education system. The increased reliance upon technology and lack of administrative support perceived during distance learning led to lower levels of commitment to teaching and increased levels of teacher burnout. Burnout risk is associated with an increased workload, exhaustion from job demands, cynicism toward the professional community and has been shown to have a negative relationship with well-being. Teachers experiencing burnout are unable to establish positive relationships with students, understand students’ needs, stay in contact with trends in the education field, or provide pedagogically …

Evaluating The Association Between Daily Fluctuations In Sleep And Blood Pressure, Mara Egeler

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Hypertension is a major contributing factor for heart disease, with nearly half of US adults meeting criteria. While studies have begun to examine the relationship between insomnia and blood pressure (BP), little is still known regarding the relationship between daily fluctuations in sleep and BP. This study aimed to provide further clarification on the role insomnia plays in the development of hypertension, including the impact that daily fluctuations in sleep have on fluctuations in BP. Participants included 61 adults from the greater Northwest Arkansas area (63.9% White, 67.2% Female, 30-79 y) who completed 10 consecutive days of sleep and blood …

Examining The Direct And Mediating Relationship Between Immigration, Family Structure, And Crime: A Community-Level Analysis., Obed Asare

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT Amidst debate about immigration into the United States, many in the public and varying levels of government have questioned its impact on vital social institutions of social control. Public perception often associates immigrants with increased crime, though empirical research reveals a consistently null or negative association at the community-level. Scholars have proposed that immigrants contribute to community revitalization and foster social control, at least some of which may be tied to the ways that immigration reshapes aggregate family structures across the community. However, few empirical studies examine this important relationship. The current study aims to bridge this gap in …

The Effects Of Instructed Task Prioritization On Dual-Task Cost In Older Adults, Megan D. Jones

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Concurrently performing motor and cognitive tasks, also known as dual-tasking (DT), is a daily activity being shown to produce decrements in gait and cognitive performance in older adults (OA) (Bootsma-van der Wiel et al., 2003; CDC, 2023; Kenny et al., 2017). Determining if OAs can cognitively flex attention allocation between motor and cognitive tasks during DT activities offers insight into how to educate older adults on improving activities of daily life (Della Sala et al., 1995; Mac-Auliffe et al., 2021; Montero-Odasso et al., 2012). Purpose: To evaluate changes in DTC in older adults during DT walking with instructed task prioritization …

The Kids Aren’T Alright: Examining The Spatial Concentration Of Drug Crime Near Schools In Little Rock, Arkansas, Jason Neeley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the last two decades, violence and death stemming from drug activity has become a concern to communities across the country. Increasingly, policymakers and law enforcement agencies have sought to understand where drug activity is located, including in and around schools, and why some places are more susceptible to drug problems than others. The current study explores two related questions: (1) How do drug crimes spatially pattern around schools? and, in turn, (2) What are the neighborhood-level predictors of the concentration of drug crime? Focusing on Little Rock, Arkansas, I examine the spatial distribution of drug offenses and overdoses within …