Digital Commons Network^™

Sustainability Innovations, Seray Ergene

Seminar in Textiles and Clothing

In a market as competitive as today companies are always looking for ways to be sustainable while remaining ethically responsible. In last weeks lecture, Seray Ergene spoke about the many needs of sustainability within the fashion industry. Ergene teaches at URI as a strategic management business professor and studies many sustainability practices. The needs for sustainability in the fashion world are at an all-time high. There are many ethical issues in the modern day supply chain. Many materials pose environmental issues to our Earth, factories in certain countries do not uphold ethical standards in their workplace, and the use of …

Virtual Avatars: Trans Experiences Of Ideal Selves Through Gaming, Kai Baldwin

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

This article aims to explore the experiences transgender gamers have with avatars. Building on a foundation of identity construction theories from both media studies and queer studies, this study theorizes that these gamers will use their virtual world avatars to experiment with gender performance and ideal selves. These theories of identity construction are explored and examined through digital ethnography, by using the participant observation method, in which trans gamers are interviewed about their experiences with avatar creation and use. Based on the evidence gathered from those interviews, this study concludes that trans gamers in general tend to create avatars who …

Convergence Markets: Virtual [Corpo]Reality, Tracy Harwood, Tony Garry, Russell Belk

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

This paper reflects on the growing trend in the computer games sector towards multi-user social gaming that transcends media platforms. Technological advancements enable embodiment of game-based assets by players who use their ludic affordances to extend experiences into other virtual spaces. In effect, this constitutes a convergence of markets derived from different forms of media content. We comment on the game-to-virtual corporeal transcendence, discussing the cultural context of the game and its impacts on players (consumers) who interact in virtual communities using the device of an avatar.

Complex Transboundary Movements Of Marine Megafauna In The Western Indian Ocean, A.N. Barkley, M Gollock, M Samoilys, F Llewellyn, M Shivji, Bradley M. Wetherbee, N.E. Hussey

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Transboundary marine species have an increased risk of overexploitation as management regimes and enforcement can vary among states. The complex geopolitical layout of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) introduces the potential for migratory species to cross multiple boundaries, consequently a lack of scientific data could complicate regional management. In the current study, we highlight both the relative lack of spatial data available in the WIO, and the prevalence of transboundary movements in species that have previously been studied in the region. Five tiger sharks Galeocerdo cuvier were tracked with near real‐time positioning (SPOT) satellite tags …

Sexual Assault Campus Climate Surveys: Insights From The First Wave, Kristen M. Budd, Alana Van Gundy, Rose Marie Ward, Glenn W. Muschert

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

One tool to help institutions of higher education (IHEs) to address campus sexual assault is the campus climate survey (CCS); yet little is known about the CCS implementation process. This study used a mixed methods approach to examine the implementation process of CCSs deployed during the 2015/16 academic year at 244 IHEs throughout the United States. Quantitative results indicate CCSs were designed primarily by the Title IX officer and campus administration; assessed victimization rates and knowledge about campus resources; and were voluntary. Qualitative findings generate concerns surrounding generalizability, participation rates, validity of data, and suggestions for improvement for future CCSs.

The North Atlantic Aerosol And Marine Ecosystem Study (Naames): Science Motive And Mission Overview, Michael J. Behrenfeld, Richard H. Moore, Chris A. Hostetler, Jason Graff, Peter Gaube, Lynn M. Russell, Gao Chen, Scott C. Doney, Stephen Giovannoni, Hongyu Liu, Christopher Proctor, Luis M. Bolaños, Nicholas Baetge, Cleo Davie-Martin, Toby K. Westberry, Timothy S. Bates, Thomas G. Bell, Kay D. Bidle, Emmanuel S. Boss, Sarah D. Brooks, Brian Cairns, Craig Carlson, Kimberly Halsey, Elizabeth L. Harvey, Chuanmin Hu, Lee Karp-Boss, Mary Kleb, Susanne Menden-Deuer, Françoise Morison, Patricia K. Quinn, Amy Jo Scarino, Bruce Anderson, Jacek Chowdhary, Ewan Crosbie, Richard Ferrare, Johnathan W. Hair, Yongxiang Hu, Scott Janz, Jens Redemann, Eric Saltzman, Michael Shook, David A. Siegel, Armin Wisthaler, Melissa Yang Martin, Luke Ziemba

Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications

The North Atlantic Aerosols and Marine Ecosystems Study (NAAMES) is an interdisciplinary investigation to improve understanding of Earth's ocean ecosystem-aerosol-cloud system. Specific overarching science objectives for NAAMES are to (1) characterize plankton ecosystem properties during primary phases of the annual cycle and their dependence on environmental forcings, (2) determine how these phases interact to recreate each year the conditions for an annual plankton bloom, and (3) resolve how remote marine aerosols and boundary layer clouds are influenced by plankton ecosystems. Four NAAMES field campaigns were conducted in the western subarctic Atlantic between November 2015 and April 2018, with each campaign …

Diet And Addiction: Interview With A Former Food, Pornography, And Alcohol Addict, Tro Kalayjian, Brian Lenzkes

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

Drs. Tro Kalayjian (Tapan, New York) and Brian Lenzkes (Santee, California) talk to Matt about his struggles with food, pornography, and alcohol addiction, and how changing his diet contributed to his recovery from his addictions. This report is excerpted from the audio podcast LowCarbMD, Episode 13 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/low-carb-md-podcast/ ), January 30, 2019). This podcast has filled us with immense hope for those struggling with addiction.

Livestock Judging And Evaluation Avs 250, Michael Cerbo

Library Impact Statements

No abstract provided.

Fluorescence-Based Detection Of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene, And Cumene (Btexc) Compounds In Fuel-Contaminated Snow Environments, Dana J. Discenza, Lauren E. Intravaia, Anna Healy, Sage B. Dubrawski, Mindy Levine

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Reported herein is the sensitive and selective cyclodextrin-promoted fluorescence detection of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and cumene (BTEXC) fuel components in contaminated snow samples collected from several locations in the state of Rhode Island. This detection method uses cyclodextrin as a supramolecular scaffold to promote analyte-specific, proximity-induced fluorescence modulation of a high-quantum-yield fluorophore, which leads to unique fluorescence responses for each cyclodextrin-analyte-fluorophore combination investigated and enables unique pattern identifiers for each analyte using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). This detection method operates with high levels of sensitivity (sub-micromolar detection limits), selectivity (100% differentiation between structurally similar compounds, such as ortho-, …

Molecular Identification Of Three Sympatric Lagomorphs In The Northeastern United States, Mary Sullivan, Thomas J. Mcgreevy, Amy E. Gottfried, Brian C. Tefft, Bill Buffum, Thomas P. Husband

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

The New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) is the focus of extensive efforts to conserve the species. A major component of their conservation program is the collection of faecal samples to determine their distribution and abundance throughout their range. In parts of their range, New England cottontail is sympatric with a non-native eastern cottontail (S. floridanus) and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Because faecal samples from all three lagomorphs are indistinguishable, a reliable molecular genetic method for specimen identification is necessary. We tested the efficacy of a diagnostic character method by analyzing sequence data from 1770 faecal, blood, and tissue samples collected …

Conifer Responses To A Stylet-Feeding Invasive Herbivore And Induction With Methyl Jasmonate: Impact On The Expression Of Induced Defenses And A Native Folivore, Chad M. Rigsby, Emma E. Shoemaker, Mary M. Mallinger, Colin M. Orians, Evan L. Preisser

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

1. Trees attacked by multiple herbivores need to defend themselves against dynamic biotic challenges; appropriate responses to one stressor can elicit hormonal responses that are antagonistic to another. Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA; Adelges tsugae) results in the accumulation of the defensive hormone salicylic acid.
2. We explored the potential for HWA infestation to interfere with anti‐folivore‐induced defence signalling and its implications for a native folivore (hemlock looper; Lambdina fiscellaria). Hemlocks were infested with HWA and/or sprayed with methyl jasmonate; foliar defences were analyzed and foliage quality for looper larvae was assessed.
3. Both treatments …

Surfo Technical Report No. 19-02, Surfo

SURFO Technical Reports

The 2019 technical reports written by undergraduate students participating in the SURFO (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships in Oceanography) Program while at the University of Rhode Island.

Father Communication Coaching For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single-Subject Study, Michelle Flippin

Communicative Disorders Faculty Publications

Background and aims: Parent-mediated interventions have been shown to be effective for improving communication skills for children with autism spectrum disorder when implemented by mothers. Little is known about the efficacy of autism spectrum disorder communication interventions implemented by fathers. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week coaching program on a father’s use of responsive strategies. Targeted responsive strategies included follow-in comments, follow-in directives, responsive physical play, and responsive object play. Collateral measures of changes to child communication skills and parental stress levels were also investigated.

Methods: A single subject, multiple baselines across behaviors experiment was conducted …

Momentum: Research & Innovation For Spring 2019, University Of Rhode Island

Publications (Research and Economic Development)

The Spring 2019 issue of Momentum: Research & Innovation, a periodical focused on research at the University of Rhode Island.

Momentum: Research & Innovation For Fall 2019, University Of Rhode Island

Publications (Research and Economic Development)

The Fall 2019 issue of Momentum: Research & Innovation, a periodical focused on research at the University of Rhode Island.

Hybridization And Rapid Differentiation After Secondary Contact Between The Native Green Anole (Anolis Carolinensis) And The Introduced Green Anole (Anolis Porcatus), Johanna E. Wegener, Jessica N. Pita-Aquino, Jessica Atutubo, Adam Moreno, Jason J. Kolbe

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

In allopatric species, reproductive isolation evolves through the accumulation of genetic incompatibilities. The degree of divergence required for complete reproductive isolation is highly variable across taxa, which makes the outcome of secondary contact between allopatric species unpredictable. Since before the Pliocene, two species of Anolis lizards, Anolis carolinensis and Anolis porcatus, have been allopatric, yet this period of independent evolution has not led to substantial species‐specific morphological differentiation, and therefore, they might not be reproductively isolated. In this study, we determined the genetic consequences of localized, secondary contact between the native green anole, A. carolinensis, and the introduced …

Reduced Compsilura Concinnata Parasitism Of New England Saturniid Larvae, Alex K. Baranowski, Catherine Conroy, Goerge H. Boettner, Joseph S. Elkinton, Evan L. Preisser

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

1. In the northeastern U.S.A., the non‐native generalist parasitoid Compsilura concinnata, introduced in the early 20th Century to control forest pests, has been linked to the decline of giant silk moths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae).
2. Field research conducted in New England in the late 1990s on two saturniid species, Hyalophora cecropia and Callosamia promethea, found that C. concinnata parasitized 81% and 68%, respectively, when larvae were reared outdoors and replaced weekly. These parasitism rates, extrapolated over the larval period, would prevent any larvae from reaching pupation.
3. In 2017 and 2018, this field experiment was repeated using these same two saturniid species …

Using Interactive Nutrition Modules To Increase Critical Thinking Skills In College Courses, Jade Mcnamara, Sara Sweetman, Priscilla Connors, Ingrid E. Lofgren, Geoffrey Greene

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Objective: To understand how the addition of an evidence-based framework to an online nutrition module influences college students’ critical thinking decision making (CT-DM).

Design: Students were individually randomized into an intervention group or a control group. The nutrition modules focused on 2 topics related to different types of eating behavior. Students completed a CT-DM activity to generate a score.

Participants: College students, between 18 and 24 years old, recruited from introductory nutrition and agriculture science courses at 2 universities.

Intervention: Intervention and control received 2 nutrition modules. The intervention added a CT-DM framework that framed the topic as a problem, …

Body Armor -- The Liquid Vest, Andrew Smedberg, Brendan Granquist, Michael Douleh, Cameron Thibeault

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

Ever since man first walked the Earth, he faced conflict. Ways to gain an advantage over the opposition in these conflicts were always searched for. One way to help protect oneself and in turn gain an advantage was the utilization of body armor. The main issue was this armor was almost always bulky, heavy, and unbreathable. Fast forward to modern day and body armor is still in high demand but still has similar drawbacks. A great deal of law enforcement and security contractors find themselves in situations on a daily basis in which wearing armor becomes vital for protecting their …

Biological Evaluation Of Dna Biomarkers In A Chemically Defined And Site-Specific Manner, Ke Bian, James C. Delaney, Xianhao Zhou, Deyu Li

Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

As described elsewhere in this Special Issue on biomarkers, much progress has been made in the detection of modified DNA within organisms at endogenous and exogenous levels of exposure to chemical species, including putative carcinogens and chemotherapeutic agents. Advances in the detection of damaged or unnatural bases have been able to provide correlations to support or refute hypotheses between the level of exposure to oxidative, alkylative, and other stresses, and the resulting DNA damage (lesion formation). However, such stresses can form a plethora of modified nucleobases, and it is therefore difficult to determine the individual contribution of a particular modification …

Exploring Ecodynamics Of Coastal Foragers Using Integrated Faunal Records From ČixWIcən Village (Strait Of Juan De Fuca, Washington, U.S.A.), Virginia L. Butler, Sarah K. Campbell, Kristine M. Bovy, Michael A. Etnier

Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Publications

Extensive 2004 excavation of Čḯx^wicən (pronounced ch-WHEET-son), traditional home of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe in northwest Washington State, U.S.A., documented human occupation spanning the last 2700 years with fine geo-stratigraphic control and 102 radiocarbon samples. Remains of multiple plankhouses were documented. Occupation spans large-magnitude earthquakes, periods of climate change, and change in nearshore habitat. Our project began in 2012 as a case study to explore the value of human ecodynamics in explaining change and stability in human-animal relationships on the Northwest Coast through analysis of faunal and geo-archaeological records. Field sampling was explicitly designed to allow …

Platonic Personal Immortality, Doug Reed

Philosophy Faculty Publications

I argue that Plato distinguishes between personal immortality and immortality of the soul. I begin by criticizing the consensus view that Plato identifies the person and the soul. I then turn to the issue of immortality. By considering passages from Symposiumand Timaeus, I make the case that Plato thinks that while the soul is immortal by nature, if a person is going to be immortal, they must become so. Finally, I argue that Plato has a psychological continuity approach to personal identity. Thus, for Plato, a person becomes immortal by avoiding reincarnation and securing for themselves psychological continuity …

Extreme Site Fidelity As An Optimal Strategy In An Unpredictable And Homogeneous Environment, Brian D. Gerber, Mevin B. Hooten, Christopher P. Peck, Mindy B. Rice, James H. Gammonley, Anthony D. Apa, Amy J. Davis

Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications

1.Animal site fidelity structures space‐use, population demography, and ultimately gene flow. Understanding the adaptive selection for site fidelity patterns provides a mechanistic understanding to both spatial and population processes. This can be achieved by linking space‐use with environmental variability (spatial and temporal) and demographic parameters. However, rarely is the environmental context that drives the selection for site fidelity behavior fully considered.

2.We use ecological theory to understand whether the spatial and temporal variability in breeding site quality can explain the site fidelity behavior and demographic patterns of Gunnison sage‐grouse (Centrocercus minimus). We examined female site fidelity patterns across …

The Importance Of Isotopic Turnover For Understanding Key Aspects Of Animal Ecology And Nutrition, Wales A. Carter, Ulf Bauchinger, Scott R. Mcwilliams

Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications

Stable isotope-based methods have proved to be immensely valuable for ecological studies ranging in focus from animal movements to species interactions and community structure. Nevertheless, the use of these methods is dependent on assumptions about the incorporation and turnover of isotopes within animal tissues, which are oftentimes not explicitly acknowledged and vetted. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the estimation of stable isotope turnover rates in animals, and to highlight the importance of these estimates for ecological studies in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems that may use a wide range of stable isotopes. Specifically, …

Independence Day: Post-Fledging Movements And Behavior Of Adult Eastern Towhees (Pipilo Erythrophthalmus) In Landscapes Managed For American Woodcock (Scolopax Minor), Stephen J. Brenner, Scott R. Mcwilliams

Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications

Umbrella species management offers a potential solution to the financial and logistical challenges of managing for the many declining species in early-successional forests, a habitat that is also critical for many mature and young forest songbird species during the post-fledging and post-breeding period. We investigated the movements of adult Eastern Towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) during the post-fledging period in 4 km² landscapes managed for American Woodcock (Scolopax minor), a popular umbrella species candidate for young forest management. Home range size (mean = 2.8 ha, SE 0.33) did not differ during the post-fledging period between adult towhees …

Modeling Spatiotemporal Abundance Of Mobile Wildlife In Highly Variable Environments Using Boosted Gamlss Hurdle Models, Adam Smith, Benjamin Hofner, Juliet S. Lamb, Jason Osenkowski, Taber Allison, Giancarlo Sadoti, Scott R. Mcwilliams, Peter W. C. Paton

Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications

Modeling organism distributions from survey data involves numerous statistical challenges, including accounting for zero‐inflation, overdispersion, and selection and incorporation of environmental covariates. In environments with high spatial and temporal variability, addressing these challenges often requires numerous assumptions regarding organism distributions and their relationships to biophysical features. These assumptions may limit the resolution or accuracy of predictions resulting from survey‐based distribution models. We propose an iterative modeling approach that incorporates a negative binomial hurdle, followed by modeling of the relationship of organism distribution and abundance to environmental covariates using generalized additive models (GAM) and generalized additive models for location, scale, and …

Habitat Selection Of American Woodcock And Its Implications For Habitat Management Where Young Forests Are Rare, Roger J. Masse, Brian C. Tefft, Bill Buffum, Scott R. Mcwilliams

Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications

American woodcock (Scolopax minor; hereafter woodcock) habitat use or selection has been studied extensively since the mid-1960s; most such studies, however, have taken place when and where young forest habitat selected by woodcock was relatively common. Woodcock population declines have been mostly attributed to loss of young forest vegetation types throughout the species’ range. Thus, understanding woodcock habitat selection and the benefits of habitat management in areas where young forests are rare is important in conserving woodcock and other wildlife that uses young forest. We conducted studies of male radio-tagged woodcock in Rhode Island, USA, when and where the extent …

Maternal–Infant Supplementation With Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements Does Not Affect Child Blood Pressure At 4–6 Y In Ghana: Follow-Up Of A Randomized Trial, Sika M. Kumordzie, Seth Adu-Afarwuah, Rebecca R. Young, Brietta M. Oaks, Solace M. Tamakloe, Maku E. Ocansey, Harriet Okronipa, Elizabeth L. Prado, Kathryn G. Dewey

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Background: In the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS)-DYAD-Ghana trial, prenatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) had a positive effect on birth weight. Birth weight may be inversely related to blood pressure (BP) later in life.

Objectives: We examined the effect of the intervention on BP at 4–6 y of age, and maternal and child factors related to BP.

Methods: The iLiNS-DYAD-Ghana study was a partially double-blind, randomized controlled trial which assigned women (n = 1320) ≤20 weeks of gestation to daily supplementation with: 1) iron and folic acid during pregnancy and 200 mg Ca for …

Prenatal And Postnatal Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplementation And Cognitive, Social-Emotional, And Motor Function In Preschool-Aged Children In Ghana: A Follow-Up Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, Maku E. Ocansey, Seth Adu-Afrawuah, Sika M. Kumordzie, Harriet Okronipa, Rebecca R. Young, Solace M. Tamakloe, Brietta M. Oaks, Kathryn G. Dewey, Elizabeth L. Prado

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Background: Adequate nutrition is necessary for brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Few randomized controlled trials of supplementation during these periods have measured later developmental outcomes.

Objective: Our objective was to investigate the effects of provision of prenatal and postnatal lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) on child development at preschool age.

Methods: We conducted a follow-up study of 966 children aged 4–6 y in 2016, born to women who participated in the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements-DYAD trial conducted in Ghana in 2009–2014, representing 79% of eligible children. Women ≤20 weeks of gestation were randomized to daily LNS or …

Sex Differences In Lifestyle Behaviors Among U.S. College Freshmen, Melissa D. Olfert, Makenzie L. Barr, Camille C. Charlier, Geoffrey W. Greene, Wenjun Zhou, Sarah E. Colby

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Within lifestyle behavior research, the sex of populations causes differences in behaviors and outcomes of studies. This cross-sectional study investigated lifestyle behavior patterns in college students, examining sex differences in four areas: Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress. Data from over 1100 college freshmen across 8 United States universities were used for this cross-sectional analysis. Self-reported data assessed fruit and vegetable intake, fat percent intake, physical activity, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Statistical analysis included Pearson chi-squared and Mann–Whitney’s U tests for scores by sex. Likewise, healthy cut-offs were used to determine frequency of participants within range of the five …