Digital Commons Network^™

Assessing North American Influenza Dynamics With Hierarchical Spatio-Temporal Models, Jessica Anderson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

We present a general statistical modeling framework to characterize continental-level influenza dynamics in the United States for the purposes of examining state-level epidemiological sources and sinks. The methods we describe depend directly on state-level influenza data that are updated weekly and available on the internet. Advances in search engine query analysis have provided powerful new tools for collecting epidemiological data and, when used in conjunction with sophisticated statistical models, allow for the identification and quantification of the flow of influenza across the continental United States. Our proposed methods, when conditioned on this comprehensive search query product, can provide unprecedented scientific …

Assessing The Precision And Accuracy In A Small Sample Of Actical Devices, Peter Sherick

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Actigraphy is an increasingly popular approach in medicine to assess patient activity levels in a variety of scenarios. The devices are essentially accelerometers encased in a write-watch type assembly. This project sought to determine the device precision and accuracy for the Actical model. In a sample of four Acticals, it was found that intra-device variability was minimal. However, one device was found to be statistically biased in comparison to the other three. This bias could have adverse effects on aggregated or magnitude dependent data analysis. Also, inter-device comparisons may be problematic.

Let Me Introduce You To A New Peer: The Postsecondary Education, Employment, And Research Project At Usu, Robert L. Morgan, K. Done

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Adaptations And Continuities In The Use And Design Of Visual Representations In Us Middle School Science Textbooks, Victor R. Lee

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Visual representations are ubiquitous in modern‐day science textbooks and have in recent years become an object of criticism and scrutiny. This article examines the extent to which changes in representations in textbooks published in the USA over the past six decades have invited those critiques. Drawing from a correlational analysis of a corpus of 34 US middle school physical science textbooks, continuities are established with respect to the purposes that most textbook images serve and the numbers of schematic representations that are used. Changes are observed in the overall total number of representations in textbooks and in the proportion of …

Effectiveness Of Deer Repellents In Connecticut, Jeffrey S. Ward, Scott C. Williams

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Browsing by overabundant herds of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can cause significant economic damage to agricultural crops and landscape plantings. In many instances, for both commercial growers and homeowners, commercially available repellents may be an appealing alternative to physical exclusion and lethal control of animals. We tested 10 different commercially-available repellents (Chew-Not®, Deer Off®, Deer-Away® Big Game Repellent, Plantskydd®, Bobbex®, Liquid Fence®, Deer Solution®, Hinder®, Repellex® systemic tablets, and coyote urine) on yews (Taxus cuspidata Densiformis) at 2 different locations in Connecticut. The study included both positive (fence) and negative (no treatment) controls. We planted yews in …

Driver Knowledge, Beliefs, And Attitudes About Deer–Vehicle Collisions In Southern Michigan, Alix Marcoux, Shawn J. Riley

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) are one of the most frequent and costly human– wildlife conflict throughout the range of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We conducted a self-administered, mail-back survey of Michigan drivers to determine: (1) driver attitudes and knowledge about DVCs; (2) reporting rates of DVCs; and (3) effects of being in a DVC on attitudes toward desired deer population levels. From a sample of 3,600 randomly selected licensed drivers >18 years of age in southeast Michigan, we obtained 1,653 completed questionnaires (48% response rate). Although 18% of respondents reported experiencing >1 DVC within 5 years of the survey …

European Starling Preferences For Bait Substrates Used In Drc-1339 Applications, H. Jeffrey Homan, George M. Linz, Scott Beckerman, Anthony G. Duffiney, Thomas D. Halstead

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Additional bait substrates for the avicide, DRC-1339 Concentrate (3-chloro-4- methylaniline hydrochloride), could provide USDA/Wildlife Services with more fl exibility when managing nuisance populations of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) at livestock facilities. From January 11 to 21, 2008, we conducted 11 2-choice preference tests with 6 bait types at a feedlot in central Kansas. The baits included cracked corn mixed with lard (2 concentrations), 2 forms of distiller’s grain (wet powder and pellets), 2 types of livestock feed (calf-starter pellet and sweet-feed mix), and a custom-produced poultry pellet (carrier pellet) made by USDA specifically for baiting starlings. We evaluated …

An Effective Chemical Deterrent For Invasive Cuban Treefrogs, Steve A. Johnson, Monica E. Mcgarrity, Christina L. Staudhammer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Introduced vertebrates have a variety of impacts on ecosystems and economies, and many cause problems for humans. One such problem is the loss of electrical power when invasive animals cause short circuits in power-transmission equipment. Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are known to cause power outages and are a nuisance to humans when they invade homes and defecate on doors and windows. These large, slightly toxic treefrogs were introduced into Florida from the Caribbean. They now occur throughout the peninsula of Florida and are spreading to other states in the Southeast. We used refuge choice experiments to test the …

In The News, Joe N. Caudell

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No abstract provided.

Bulldozers And Blueberries: Managing Fence Damage By Bare-Nosed Wombats At The Agricultural–Riparian Interface, Philip Borchard, Ian A. Wright

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Fence damage by bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) can be a serious problem for farmers wishing to reduce herbivory by other herbivores on valuable crops. We investigated the effectiveness of exclusion fencing to prevent the incursion of unwanted native and feral herbivores and the use of swinging gates designed to allow wombats to pass through the fence without having to damage it. We also examined the temporal response of animals toward exclusion fencing and wombat gates. The 10-month study took place on the interface between natural riparian vegetation and a 22-ha blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) orchard in southeastern …

Bullet Fragmentation And Lead Deposition In White-Tailed Deer And Domestic Sheep, Marrett D. Grund, Louis Cornicelli, Leah T. Carlson, Erika A. Butler

Human–Wildlife Interactions

In February 2008, a private physician in North Dakota radiographed hunterharvested venison and found that 60 of 100 packages contained metal fragments. This discovery had implications for public-funded venison donation programs, and it prompted several Midwest states to examine their programs. Approximately 500,000 deer hunters harvest >200,000 deer annually in Minnesota, and the state has a donation program similar to North Dakota’s program. Therefore, we analyzed fragmentation patterns and lead deposition in carcasses of 8 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and 72 domestic sheep (Ovis aries). We fired 5 different bullet types from centerfire rifles, and we …

Survival And Harvest Characteristics Of Giant Canada Geese In Eastern South Dakota, 2000–2004, Charles D. Dieter, Jeffrey S. Gleason, Bobby J. Anderson, Spencer Vaa, Paul W. Mammenga

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The population of giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) in eastern South Dakota has increased substantially since reintroduction efforts began in the 1960s. Breeding population estimates of Canada geese exceeded the population management objective of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks by the mid-1990s and has continued to increase at an estimated rate of 3 to 5% per year. Goose-related crop damage complaints have also increased. In 1996, a September hunting season (September 1 to 15) was implemented in 10 counties in eastern South Dakota and was expanded in 2000 to include most of eastern South Dakota. …

Fate Of Captive-Reared And Released Mallards On Eastern Long Island, New York, Carrie E. Osborne, Bryan L. Swift, Guy A. Baldassarre

Human–Wildlife Interactions

We studied captive-reared mallards (Anas platyrhynchos; CRMs) released on eastern Long Island, New York, in 2006 to 2007 and 2007 to 2008 to determine: (1) survival rates of CRMs; (2) contribution to hunter harvest; (3) local movements; and (4) pair status, reproductive behavior, and production of CRMs. We banded and released 100 CRMs in November 2006 of which 20 were radio-marked. In November 2007, we banded and released 299 CRMs of which 60 were radio-marked. We used Program MARK to determine weekly survival estimates (0.53 to 1.00) up to 24 weeks after release; cumulative survival from November to …

Refinement Of Biomarker Pentosidine Methodology For Use On Aging Birds, Crissa K. Cooey, Jesse A. Fallon, Michael L. Avery, James T. Anderson, Elizabeth A. Falkenstein, Hillar Klandorf

Human–Wildlife Interactions

There is no reliable method for determining age for most species of long-lived birds. Recent success using the skin chemical pentosidine as a biomarker has shown promise as an aging tool for birds. Pentosidine levels have been determined only from the breast tissue of carcasses, and we sought to refine the procedure with respect to biopsy size and location for safe and effective use on living birds. We compared pentosidine concentrations in 4 skin-size samples (4, 6, 8, and 20-mm diameter biopsies) from the breast of black vulture (Coragyps atratus) carcasses. We also compared pentosidine levels from breast …

In Memory William B. Jackson, Michael W. Fall

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No abstract provided.

Toy Safety Tips For Holiday Shopping, Center For Persons With Disabilities

Blog Posts

No abstract provided.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Minutes, December 7, 2009, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• Council on Teacher Education Report - Francine Johnson
• Scholarship Advisory Board Report - Chelise Elwood
• EPC Items - Larry Smith

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda, December 7, 2009, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• Council on Teacher Education Report
• Scholarship Advisory Board Report
• EPC Items

The Utah Statesman, December 4, 2009, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes, December 3, 2009, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Department of Agricultural Systems Technology and Education

• Inactivate Course
• Delete Course

Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences

• Title Change, Course Description Change
• Title Change, Prerequisite Change, Course Description Change, Add Repeatable for Credit
• Prerequisite Change

Department of Plants, Soils and Climate

• Delete Course

Department of Economics and Finance

• New Course
• Title Change, Prerequisite Change, Course Number Change

School of Teacher Education and Leadership

• New Course
• Course Description, Add Dual List
• Title Change, Course Description Change, Add Dual List
• Title Change

Department of Family, Consumer and Human Development

• New Course
• Prerequisite Change
• Grade Mode Change

Department of Health, Physical Education …

Surrounded By Heroes, Center For Persons With Disabilities

Blog Posts

No abstract provided.

The Utah Statesman, December 2, 2009, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Creating Tomorrow, Fall 2009, College Of Engineering

College of Engineering Magazines

Annual magazine for the College of Engineering at Utah State University.

Sagestep News, Winter 2009, No. 8, Sagestep

Newsletters

Seasonal newsletter of SageSTEP.

Discovering Metabolic Networks Of Bovine Fertilization, Erin Lynn Young

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

At the time of fertilization, a dramatic change occurs in the oocyte that transforms this cell from a metaphase arrested state into a metabolically active and dynamic state. The view of the flow of biological processes within organisms has recently shifted from that of a linear path to a more complex network. Biological processes are no longer thought of in the simple terms of DNA to RNA, RNA to proteins, and proteins to final activity. It is now known that many biological processes involve interconnected networks and feedback loops in which DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites perform specific roles. We …

What’S Going On In The Macomb, Wayne, And Oakland Counties; Is There A Link Between Arab American Acculturation And Perceived Prejudice?, Justin Du Mouchel

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Arab Americans are a growing segment of the U.S. population. Issues like anti-Arab prejudice are becoming more visible, but few studies have considered how the problem might be viewed by an Arab American community member. This study asks the question: does acculturation within the Arab American community have an effect on the amount of perceived prejudice the group senses? Secondary data from the Detroit Arab American Study was used to test for a relationship between perceived prejudice as measured by “American Media Bias”, and acculturation within the Arab American community as measured by “Arab Acts” and “Arab News”. Findings show …

The Impact Of Knowledge, Attitudes, And Peer Influence On Adolescent Energy Drink Consumption, Alyson C. Ward

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Adolescents are labeled as sensitive to caffeine, though despite this predisposition, consumption is high among this population. Energy drinks are a current trend in soft-drink-like beverages and are marketed to 11-35 year olds. However, unlike soft drinks, energy drinks are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and therefore do not have to limit their caffeine content.

This cross-sectional, correlational study sought to identify the role that knowledge, attitudes, and peers play in adolescent energy drink consumption. Adolescents (n = 199), ages 18 to 21, at a university in the west were surveyed. Descriptive statistics revealed that 25% …

Selected Barriers And Incentives For Participation In A University Wellness Program, Trever J. Ball

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Evidence supporting the benefits of worksite health promotion (WHP) programs is extensive. Research shows these programs can improve the health of participants, lower health care costs, and improve the bottom line of employers. Although the evidence of these benefits is vast, reported participation in WHP is not optimal. Little published data exists on employees' perceived incentives and barriers for participation in WHP.

The purpose of this study was to determine perceived barriers and incentives for participation in an existing WHP program at a large land-grant university. Opinions of eligible WHP participants were collected using a web-based questionnaire (n = …

A Pilot Study Examining The Use Of Technologically Assisted Psychotherapeutic Intervention In The Delivery Of Therapy To Women With Anxiety Residing In Rural Utah Communities, Benjamin K. Farmer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine change in symptoms of anxiety and satisfaction experienced by participants who received acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) by using technologically assisted psychotherapeutic interventions (TAPI). TAPI utilizes the internet as a medium to make mental health services available and accessible to people residing in rural communities. The participants in this study were women who were experiencing severe levels of anxiety and lived in a rural community. Measures were taken at three different points in the study (pretherapy, posttherapy, and 6-months posttherapy). Participants received therapy over the internet via Macromedia Breeze videoconferencing to reduce …

The Effectiveness Of A Specialized Upper Body Stretching Protocol On Ncaa Division I Athletes, Brandon M. Howard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Previous studies with college athletes determined that the shoulder girdle plays a vital role in a variety of athletic activities. The previous research showed that a decrease in shoulder range of motion (ROM) was associated with a higher risk injury. Decreased shoulder ROM was shown to be a primary reason that many athletes were unable to perform many overhead lifting variations within their strength and conditioning programs.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate a group of athletes by means of a postural assessment using the overhead squat test. This study consisted of a pretest-post test control group design. …