Digital Commons Network^™

Visible Light-Triggered Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Molecules, Marina Popova

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Carbon monoxide (CO) is now well established as one of the signaling molecules in higher organisms, including humans. Due to its physiological roles, CO is now accepted as a potential therapeutic agent. The use of CO gas has been studied in multiple clinical trials. Vasodilation, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-proliferative and cytoprotective effects are just a few of the pharmacological actions attributed to CO gas in various models of diseases. Use of inhaled CO gas as a therapeutic has many limitations which necessitate the development of a new approach for CO delivery. In order to handle CO safely, compounds that release CO …

The Impact Of Master’S Level Education On The Assessment And Intervention Of Pediatric Swallowing, Andrea Seagren

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

Purpose: Pediatric swallowing disorders is increasing in prevalence as medical advancements are made. This increase raises the need for more speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to be involved in the assessment and intervention of pediatric swallowing. However, discrepancies exist in the amount and level of education being provided during academic coursework in the area of pediatric swallowing.

Method 1: The investigation had a two-tier approach. Part one included a survey specifically targeting SLPs who graduated within the most recent accreditation standards (2014 to present) and masters level students in their second year of graduate school (n=100). Part two explored academic courses offered …

Friends Or Foes? Composition And Creative Writing, Christopher N. Davis

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

In the current realm of collegiate English, there exists a polarized separation between two fields: composition and creative writing. Though there are a number of ways these two fields intersect, they are seen and taught as distinct entities, and have been so for much of the last three decades. Some scholars see the blending of the two fields as potentially hindering to students’ writing development in either field – the idea that attempting to do two things at once, rather than focusing on each one at a time, will inevitably result in less-effectiveness in both. Others see creative writing as …

"I Wanted Her Dead More Than Voldemort": Examining People's Hatred Of Dolores Umbridge, Jessica Griffeth

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

This Plan B thesis explores the question: Why do audience members detest Dolores Umbridge so much? Dolores Umbridge is an incredibly hated woman in the Harry Potter series who has attracted attention from audiences, but Umbridge has not been studied fully by scholarship. When scholars do discuss Umbridge, they typically focus on her cruelty while ignoring her other characteristics. Looking at popular internet audience reactions to Umbridge, however, shows the complexities of Umbridge’s character by revealing what Louise Rosenblatt calls the “transaction” between the audience and the texts, and scholarship has ignored that “transaction.” Using quantitative and qualitative methods to …

In Vitro Simulation Of Microgravity Induced Muscle Loss Successfully Increases Expression Of Key In Vivo Atrophy Markers, Charles P. Harding

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Muscle loss from lack of activity is a serious issue for immobilized patients on Earth and in human spaceflight, where the low gravity environment prevents normal muscle activity. Simulating muscle loss in cultured cells is an important step in understanding how this condition occurs. This work evaluates different means of simulating muscle loss and selects the one that most closely mimics the cellular responses seen in animals and humans.

To simulate the microgravity environment of spaceflight, mouse skeletal muscle cells were grown in a rotary cell culture system (RCCS). Growing the cells within a natural gelled substrate was compared against …

Advancing Streamflow Forecasts Through The Application Of A Physically Based Energy Balance Snowmelt Model With Data Assimilation And Cyberinfrastructure Resources, Tseganeh Zekiewos Gichamo

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (CBRFC) provides forecasts of streamflow for purposes such as flood warning and water supply. Much of the water in these basins comes from spring snowmelt, and the forecasters at CBRFC currently employ a suite of models that include a temperature-index snowmelt model. While the temperature-index snowmelt model works well for weather and land cover conditions that do not deviate from those historically observed, the changing climate and alterations in land use necessitate the use of models that do not depend on calibrations based on past data. This dissertation reports work done to overcome these …

The Impact Of Wood Biochar On The Plant Uptake Of Pharmaceuticals And Personal Care Products From Reclaimed Wastewater, Jeffrey Flashinski

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Reclaimed water (treated water discharged from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)) is increasingly used in drier regions for irrigation purposes. This effectively increases the water supply and reduces the amount of WWTP discharge into surface waters but it creates the potential for contaminants in the reclaimed water, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), to accumulate in exposed crops. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) considers PPCPs contaminants of emerging concern due to their near universal presence in the environment and their potential for endocrine disruption. Biochar is gaining attention as a soil amendment and could potentially be used …

Experience Of Microaggressions: White Bystanders’ Physiological And Psychological Reactions, Alexandra K. Reveles

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The negative impacts of discriminatory events to the physiological and psychological stress of the recipient has been thoroughly documented. However, there is little to no evidence about the impacts to bystanders of these events, particularly White bystanders. Psychological impacts may emerge through academic achievement, which has implications for educational institutions and their diversity initiatives. This study examined the impact of witnessing discriminatory events on academic achievement, biological markers of distress, and emotional distress.

Academic achievement was negatively impacted for participants in the microaggression and blatant racism conditions when compared to a control condition. Study participants also experienced negative emotional impacts. …

Farm Shops: A Direct-To-Consumer Extended Season Opportunity, Kynda R. Curtis, Emily Rice, Susan L. Slocum, Karin E. Allen

All Current Publications

This fact sheet discusses the impact of the expanding food tourism and local food movements on the demand for locally-produced goods, how farms shops can cater to that demand, the advantages and disadvantages of farms shops for both growers and consumers, and best practice suggestions for operating farm shops.

Cell Imaging And Data Analysis For Biomaterial-Mammalian Co-Cultures, Jefferson Pontsler

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

Microscopic bioimaging is a useful approach to study cell-biomaterial interactions which are vital to the biomedical application of biomaterials. Through microscopic imaging, numerous cellular responses, such as proliferation, uptake, and death, can be recorded, characterized and analyzed.

In this thesis, I first provided basic introductions to the imaging techniques and analysis tools, especially those that are highly relevant to the studies of biomaterials and cell interactions. I also detailed the adaptation of these techniques and tools in the application of two specific research projects in biomaterials, with special focuses on the imaging and analysis.

The first project assessed the subtle …

Organization Of A Community Garden Program Through Utah State University Food $Ense And Master Gardener Extension Programs For Low-Income Families In Logan, Utah, Jackie Hendrickson

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

Nearly 12.3% of American households are food insecure. In Cache County, Utah, specifically, the rates of food insecurity are even higher (15%). Addressing the issue of food insecurity improves physical/mental health outcomes, childhood cognitive/physical development, family environments, and decreases healthcare costs. Evidence-based strategies to improve food security include increasing one’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables and improving self-efficacy. Community gardens are recognized as an initiative that improve participant’s levels of food security. In Utah, a number of community gardens exist, but none focus on food insecure individuals or include a curriculum of basic gardening and nutrition skills. Utah State …

4r'S Of Irrigation Management, Matt Yost, Niel Allen, Grant Cardon, Earl Creech

All Current Publications

This fact sheet introduces the concept of the 4'R's of irrigation management and discusses some factors to consider in each of the 4R's, right source, right rate. right time, and right place.

Quantifying The Value Teachers Place On Non-Monetary Factors When Evaluating Job Opportunities, Jeffrey Gunther

Teacher Education and Leadership Student Research

The way in which working conditions, personal characteristics, and school factors influence teacher recruitment and retention is an oft-studied topic in the field of education finance and policy. Through decades of research, it has become increasingly clear that teachers respond to a set of monetary and non-monetary factors when making decisions in the teacher labor market. What is less clear is the relative or absolute value teachers place on factors such as salary, student demographic factors, school conditions, and other working conditions such as class size, curricular autonomy, and principal support, to name a few. This project introduces the use …

Usu Engineering Students Showcase Senior Projects | College Of Engineering, Utah State University

College of Engineering News

Students, faculty, staff and the university community are invited to participate in Utah State University’s College of Engineering Senior Design Night. On Wednesday, May 1, Approximately 260 graduating seniors from USU will be on hand to discuss their capstone design projects.

Water Walking — The New Mode Of Rock Skipping | College Of Engineering, Utah State University

College of Engineering News

Researchers at Utah State University’s Splash Lab discovered a new mode of water surface skipping termed “water walking."

The Nifz Accessory Protein Has An Equivalent Function In Maturation Of Both Nitrogenase Mofe Protein P-Clusters, Emilio Jimenez-Vicente, Zhi-Yong Yang, Julia S. Martin Del Campo, Valarie L. Cash, Lance C. Seefeldt, Dennis R. Dean

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The Mo-dependent nitrogenase comprises two interacting components called the Fe protein and the MoFe protein. The MoFe protein is an α₂β₂ heterotetramer that harbors two types of complex metalloclusters, both of which are necessary for N₂reduction. One type is a 7Fe-9S-Mo-C-homocitrate species designated FeMo-cofactor, which provides the N₂-binding catalytic site, and the other is an 8Fe-7S species designated the P-cluster, involved in mediating intercomponent electron transfer to FeMo-cofactor. The MoFe protein's catalytic partner, Fe protein, is also required for both FeMo-cofactor formation and the conversion of an immature form of P-clusters to the …

The Picture Of Smartphones At School Is Not A Dire One And The Picture Of Student Competence Is A Bright One, Victor R. Lee

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

In the United States, where I am based, one would get the impression that smartphones are a dangerous drug. Adults worry about smartphone addiction, the correlation of depression with smartphone usage, and an excess amount of screen time (e.g., Elhai, Levine, Dvorak, & Hall, 2016; Duke & Montag, 2017; Škařupová, Ólafsson, & Blinka, 2017). News headlines appear about technology moguls who will not allow their own children to have their own mobile device despite they themselves being the leaders in smartphone products and services. This then evokes guilt and causes anxiety for all the other American adults who are not …

Life‐History Differences Across Latitude In Common Side‐Blotched Lizards (Uta Stansburiana), Geoffrey D. Smith, Peter A. Zani, Susannah S. French

Biology Faculty Publications

1. Life‐history strategies are known to shift with latitude in many species. While life‐history variation related to body size, reproductive investment, and behavior has been studied for years, another crucial life‐history component is the immune system, which can influence an animal's survival.
2. We measured selected life‐history traits in side‐blotched lizards in southern Utah and Oregon in the field for two consecutive years and conducted a common‐garden experiment in the laboratory to determine how organisms from different latitudes optimize either immunity or reproduction. We observed lizards from southern populations, which are known to be shorter‐lived, had lower immune function during reproduction when …

El Reajuste De La Derecha Colombiana. El Éxito Electoral Del Uribismo, Laura Gamboa Gutierrez

Political Science Faculty Publications

Objetivo/contexto: este artículo busca explicar el éxito electoral de Iván Duque en las elecciones de 2018. La victoria del candidato uribista es paradójica por dos razones. Primero, Duque hizo campaña contra el proceso de paz, uno de los logros más importantes en la historia reciente colombiana y un paso importante para reducir la violencia y fortalecer la democracia del país. Segundo, Duque era el candidato más inexperto de la derecha. Logró derrotar a políticos más visibles, con más trayectoria y mejor acceso a maquinarias electorales. Metodología: El texto presenta un estudio de caso que triangula información de fuentes primarias y …

Depression Mediates The Association Of Disordered Eating Behaviors And Sexual Function In Female Service Members And Veterans, Whitney Livingston

Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Poor sexual function is comprised of diminished sexual desire and arousal, presence of sexual pain, inability to reach orgasm, and loss of satisfaction. Worse sexual function is associated with disordered eating behavior; however, the mechanism through which this association exists remains unclear. Theory suggests that depression mediates the association of disordered eating behaviors and poor sexual function in female service members and veterans. Indeed, veterans with depression have almost 12 times higher odds of having an eating disorder diagnosis and 7 times higher odds of having a sexual dysfunction disorder, relative to those without depression. The purpose of the …

21st-Century Skills: A Needs Assessment Of School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers, Kisia Weeks

Student Research Symposium

Industry has recognized that students need soft skills to be successful in today's workforce, these skills are otherwise known as 21st-century skills (Rotherham & Willingham, 2009). Incorporating 21st-century skills into the school-based agricultural education classroom will engage students in the learning process which will allow them to graduate being better prepared to succeed in a growing global economy. When a school and educator build upon the foundation of applying academic content learned in all disciplines students become engaged, take an active role in the learning process, and are prepared to thrive in a growing global economy. While the mastery of …

A Brief History Of Musical Theater, Anne Blotter

Student Research Symposium

In my performance, I will sing a selection of musical theater songs that highlight different styles, time periods, and composers of the musical theater genre. I want to explore not only the musical qualities of these pieces, but their context and function in the shows they're from.

A Place For Everyone: Assessing Recreational Opportunities For Children In Urban, Suburban, And Rural Communities Across The United States, Emily Cook

Student Research Symposium

Despite an increased need to remain physically active, data suggest that fitness levels decrease across childhood and adolescence (Cooper, 2010). While anecdotal reports often blame this phenomenon on a normalized increase in meal portion size and adolescents' inclination toward screen time (e.g., gaming, media, entertainment), researchers are beginning to investigate the community and family level barriers that may limit or prevent structured and unstructured physical activity among children and adolescents. In line with these efforts, the present research was designed to address the potential link of community infrastructure and youth well-being across a range of communities in the United States. …

Hydraulic Fracturing, Mandilyn Hatch, Shannon Burnham

Student Research Symposium

Hydraulic fracturing or also know as fracking, the removal of natural gas and oil from shale rock, took off in the 1990s, but the anti-fracking movement didn't start taking notice until 2005. Fracking began to take place in the the south and the middle of the United States, because those areas are not known for have environmental activists. Anti-fracking groups main goal was to convince the public that fracking, caused health problems, contaminated drinking water, and increased seismic activity. Where as pro-fracking groups claim that it creates jobs, and boosts the economy for the locals in the area. Our main …

Get The Frack Outta Here, Jordan Love, Jordan Nathan

Student Research Symposium

The term hydraulic fracturing, is a method utilized for the extraction of oil or gas from 'eccentric' supplies, for example, shale (Williams, 2017). This topic of fracking has come with two sides and has created some public misunderstanding on hydraulic fracking, with those who agree with fracking and feel it is an important environmental tool that helps the world, and helps the community bring in more revenue, and then the side that does not agree with fracking and feels the risks outweigh the rewards: contaminate ground water supplies, its hazardous conditions, and the industrialization impacts on communities (Ladd, 2014). There …

Gene Expression Profiles Of Immune Cells Under The Influence Of Bovine Trophoblast Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles, Ana Silva

Student Research Symposium

Embryonic loss is an important problem in the cattle industry. Therefore, an understanding of mechanisms that regulate placental and embryonic development, such as the immune regulatory interactions that exist between placental cells and immune cells during pregnancy, is relevant for this industry. Our hypothesis is that trophoblast cells from functional placentas secrete extracellular-vesicles (EV) that can alter the gene expression profile of immune cells as a mechanism of immune regulation. To test this conjecture, bovine placental cells were isolated and cultured for 48h, conditioned media was harvested, and 50-1000 nm EVs were isolated by a differential ultracentrifugation method. Cells from …

Alice's Garden: An Interactive Theatre Experience For Infants Ages 0-3, Alyssa Landroche, Elizabeth Bohannon

Student Research Symposium

I believe experiencing art is a human right. Whether it be a stunning painting, a magnificent opera, or a piece of riveting theatre, art can be educational and personally beneficial to the person viewing it. That is why I am exploring a new and upcoming form of theatre called Theatre for the Very Young--or simply TVY. TVY is specifically theatre for children ages 0-5. It is not just a verbal performance but a multi-modal one that is interactive with the young people in the audience. It includes vocal sounds, facial expression, bodily gesture and expressively animated props. Through research, collaborating …

Nourishing Nordics: A Celebration Of Sustainable Foodways In Scandinavia, Shandrea Hickok

Student Research Symposium

On April 15, 2019, I will host the event “Nourishing Nordics” to explore sustainable foodways of Scandinavia. There will be tasting of local and organic foods, education about sustainable farming, Scandinavian genealogy, and musical performances. The purpose of this event will be to educate students and the public about local sustainable vendors in Cache Valley. Utah is ranked 9th worst in the nation for access to local food. We have two food desserts in our area where people are unable to access fresh products. Scandinavia, on the other hand, leads the world with its devotion to sustainability and promotion of …

Predicting U.S. Adolescents' Purchasing Of Denim Jeans Using Quality Attributes, Behavioral Characteristics, And Sociodemographics, Michelle Clouse

Student Research Symposium

The purpose of this study was to establish a predictive model of the factors that contribute to the decision-making process when purchasing denim by 13- to 19-year-old adolescents living in the U.S. The researcher created an online survey through Qualtrics and administered it to an opt-in panel of adolescents, through Centiment. There were 460 survey responses collected. Important denim attributes to respondents included comfort and fit, price, durability, and body perception. Significant predictors that increased respondents' intention to purchase denim jeans included intrinsic attributes-appearance of fabric on the body, cognitive attributes, tighter fit, and purchased denim in the last three …

Hemp Research Underway At Utah State University, Utah Water Research Laboratory

News

Scientists at Utah State University are studying cultivation practices to optimize the yield and quality of hemp for botanical medicines.