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Utah State Magazine, Fall 2019, Utah State University

Utah State Magazine

The quarterly magazine for friends and alumni of Utah State University.

Genetic Mapping Of Grass Monoculture And Grass-Legume Mixture Compatibility Qtls In Intermediate Wheatgrass, John Mortenson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Due to increased environmental stewardship and fertilizer prices, there is increased interest in using legume mixes in perennial croplands. The objective of this study was to compare quantitative genetic parameters and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) when grown in 1) a non-competitive spaced environment, 2) a polyculture with alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and 3) a monoculture with crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum). Traits evaluated include plant growth characteristics (Zadok’s maturity, height, and tiller count), biomass, and forage nutritive value (CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, IVTD, NDFD, NFC, ME, RFQ). A linkage map …

Explorations And Collaborations On Two Under-Recognized Native American Food Crops: Southwest Peach (Prunus Persica) And Navajo Spinach (Cleome Serrulata), Reagan C. Wytsalucy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Agricultural production among the Native American populations of the Southwest declined significantly during the twentieth century. Corn, beans and squash, the three most recognized traditional food crops, remains widespread, but knowledge regarding the traditional management of these crops was lost. The loss of traditional knowledge for Southwest Indigenous Nations was more pronounced for the Southwest peach (Prunus persica) and Navajo spinach (Cleome serrulata Pursh). The Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni Nations are all seeking to increase the availability of traditional crops for their original uses, such as for food and wool dye. In order to revitalize traditional agriculture …

Discovery And Engineering Of An Endophytic Pseudomonas Strain From Taxus Chinensis For Efficient Production Of Zeaxanthin Diglucoside, Ozkan Fidan, Jixun Zhan

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Background

Endophytic microorganisms are a rich source of bioactive natural products. They are considered as promising biofertilizers and biocontrol agents due to their growth-promoting interactions with the host plants and their bioactive secondary metabolites that can help manage plant pathogens. Identification of new endophytes may lead to the discovery of novel molecules or provide new strains for production of valuable compounds.

Results

In this study, we isolated an endophytic bacterium from the leaves of Taxus chinensis, which was identified as Pseudomonas sp. 102515 based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and physiological characteristics. Analysis of its secondary metabolites revealed …

Asea Redox Supplement Fails To Improve Aerobic Capacity And Ventilatory Threshold: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, Dale R. Wagner, Kyle Shegrud, Korry J. Hintze

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

The ASEA redox cell signaling supplement beverage has been commercially available for the past decade. Despite the market longevity of this supplement, athletic sponsorship, and anecdotal ergogenic claims, there is no independent, peer-reviewed research on its efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine if ASEA improves aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) and/or ventilatory threshold (VT) of physically active subjects. Eleven (6 females, 5 males) young adults (21.9 ± 3.9 yrs) performed 3 VO₂ max tests: (a) baseline; (b) after 2 wks of supplementing with ASEA; and (c) after 2 wks of taking a placebo in a cross-over …

General Catalog 2019-2020, Utah State University

University Catalogs

This catalog contains information on the Academic Departments and Programs as well as Course Descriptions for the above school year at Utah State University. To avoid large file downloads, the Academic Departments and Programs information is located in this file. The Course Description information is located in the secondary file.

Piloting A Cooking Demonstration Curriculum For Dietetics Students, Jill Henderson

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

Cooking demonstrations are a unique and effective way to teach nutritional concepts and basic cooking skills in a community setting. They have been found to be beneficial for participants in attendance as they improve confidence in the kitchen, cooking skills development, and the promotion of healthier foods into the diet. Classroom learning facilitates critical thinking but does not necessarily provide a platform for hands-on learning. In planning and executing community-involved cooking demonstrations, students are able to connect content learned in the classroom to professional practice. Over the last decade the field of dietetics has involved more community-based programs designed to …

Barriers, Roles, And Information Source Preferences For Utilizing Agricultural Science Projects Among Utah 4-H Extension Professionals, Aleigh Aurin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Agriscience is the growing study of biotechnology, business, and economics within the agriculture industry. Through 4-H, youth can experience hands on learning through different program areas. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers, roles, and how Utah 4-H personnel preferred to learn about new programs. The study showed time and available volunteers were a barrier for 4-H Extension personnel to implement Agriscience projects. Other results included internet and workshops as the top choices for training programs. The Extension personnel agreed it was their job to involve and educate youth. Yet, need training in how to integrate Robotics; …

Characterization Of Biofilms In A Synthetic Rhizosphere Using Hollow Fiber Root-Mimetic Systems, Michelle Bonebrake

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The area around a plant’s roots hosts a complex and diverse microbial community. This environment can include a large number of bacteria that live on the surface of the root and benefit from the nutrients that the roots exude into the soil. These microbes can in turn be beneficial to the plant by protecting the roots from harmful fungi or stressful environmental conditions such as drought. In this thesis, several root-mimetic systems (RMSs) were developed for the study and growth of plant-beneficial bacteria in the laboratory environment. The RMS uses a porous hollow fiber used in hemodialysis as a surface …

Urban Alaskan Moose: An Analysis Of Factors Associated With Moose-Vehicle Collisions, Lucian R. Mcdonald

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

As human populations continue to grow and encroach into wildlife habitats, instances of human-wildlife conflict are on the rise. Increasing numbers of reported wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) provide tangible evidence of anthropogenic impacts on wildlife as well as increasing threats to human health and safety. Increasing WVCs are of particular concern, especially those involving large-bodied ungulates such as moose (Alces spp.), because of the increased risk of property damage, personal injuries, and human fatalities. Motorists directly involved in a WVC are at risk of injury or mortality, but other motorists are also put at risk due to road obstructions and traffic …

Effect Of Supplemental Prebiotics, Probiotics And Bioactive Proteins On The Microbiome Composition And Gut Physiology In C57bl6/J Mice, Ye Li

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The composition and metabolic activity of the microbiome affect many aspects of health, and there is current interest in dietary constituents that may affect this system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a mix of probiotics, a mix of prebiotics and a bioactive protein fraction on the microbiome, when fed to mice individually and in combination. Mice were fed the total western diet (TWD) supplemented with prebiotics, probiotics, and Tri-Factor (bioactive proteins) individually and in combination for four weeks. Subsequently, effects on the composition of gut microbiome, gut short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration, gut …

Ecosystem Functioning Of Great Salt Lake Wetlands, Maya Cassidy Pendleton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Great Salt Lake (GSL) wetlands account for ~75% of all Utah wetlands and provide not only critical habitat for millions of migratory birds, but also provide valuable ecosystem functions and services as well as economic benefits to Utahns. However, these wetlands are facing an aggressive invader, Phragmites australis, that has spreading across the GSL wetlands and replacing native wetland habitats. Wetland managers have spent countless resources and time trying to control the spread of P. australis and restore GSL wetlands. However, we do not fully understand how these wetlands functions and services are being altered with this habitat …

Dementia Caregiver Coping Strategies And Caregiver-Care Recipient Relationship Closeness: Associations With Care-Recipient Outcomes, Stephanie Behrensberg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This project used data from the Dementia Progression Study, a longitudinal, population-based study based out of Cache County, Utah. Statistical models were used to examine the association between caregiver factors, the care environment, and cognitive outcomes in persons with dementia. Mediational analyses were also used to examine if the care environment, inferred for nutritional status, engagement in physical and cognitively stimulating activities, mediated the relationship between the closeness/caregiver coping strategies and cognition in persons with dementia. Results showed that closer caregiver-care recipient relationships were associated with better nutritional status and more engagement in number of cognitively stimulating activities as well …

Development And Validation Of An Agricultural Literacy Instrument Using The National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes, M. Rose Judd-Murray

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was conducted to develop a standardized agricultural literacy assessment using the National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes (NALOs) as benchmarks. The need for such an assessment was born out of previous research, which found that despite numerous programs dedicated to improving agricultural literacy, many students and adults remain at low or very low levels of literacy. Low literacy levels lead to negative associations with the production and processing of food, clothing, and shelter, as well as misinformed public perceptions and policies. Agricultural literacy researchers recognized that the development of a standardized assessment for post-12^th grade, or equivalent, could unify …

Feature Selection And Analysis For Standard Machine Learning Classification Of Audio Beehive Samples, Chelsi Gupta

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The beekeepers need to inspect their hives regularly in order to protect them from various stressors. Manual inspection of hives require a lot of time and effort. Hence, many researchers have started using electronic beehive monitoring (EBM) systems to collect critical information from beehives, so as to alert the beekeepers of possible threats to the hive. EBM collects information by applying multiple sensors into the hive. The sensors collect information in the form of video, audio or temperature data from the hives.

This thesis involves the automatic classification of audio samples from a beehive into bee buzzing, cricket chirping and …

The Thermal And Physical Properties Of Beef From Three Usda-Quality Grades Cooked To Multiple Degrees Of Doneness, Jessica Mcclellan Hadfield

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of quality grade (QG) and degree-of-doneness (DOD) on thermophysical properties of beef strip steaks. The “Prime” eating experience must be marketed to compete with cheaper protein sources, and so palatability is a major concern with beef products. Thermal and physical properties help shed light on the impacts various components have on beef palatability, mainly tenderness and juiciness. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and the textural property of springiness are both influenced by a combination of QG and DOD. This is also true for viscoelasticity and the degradation of myosin and sarcoplasmic …

Synthesis And Biological Studies Of Amphiphilic Compounds Derived From Saccharides And Aminoglycosides, Madher N. Alfindee

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Adjacent cells communicate through gap junctions (GJs). These GJs are formed by head to head docking of two hemichannels (HCs) from two adjacent cells. HCs are connexin hexamer proteins. Connexin mutation is the most frequent cause of childhood hearing loss. This hearing impairment affects 2 in every 2000 children. Inhibition of the HCs might be the key factor to treat such disorders. A library of amphiphilic kanamycins was synthesized to be tested as HC inhibitors. These compounds showed excellent inhibition activity in comparison with the parent compound (kanamycin A) with less toxicity.

A library of monosaccharide esters with varying carbon …

The Effect Of Lactation And Energy Status On Gene Expression In The Main Reproductive Tissues Of Lactating Dairy Cattle, Sameer M. Alhojaily

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Modern high-yielding dairy cows are currently producing far more milk than their ancestors due to a prolonged and intensive genetic selection for milk production trait accompanied by the revolutionary improvement in technology, management, and nutrition. On the other hand, a noticeable decline in fertility and reproductive performance was undeniably consistent with the increase in milk yield. This decline in fertility and reproductive performance are recognized worldwide and well documented in several studies. Dairy cows typically experience a period of energy deficit during the first few months of lactation due to the rapid increase in milk production and limited feed intake. …

Subsistence Strategy Tradeoffs In Long-Term Population Stability Over The Past 6,000 Years, Darcy A. Bird

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

I conduct the first comparative analysis of long term human population stability in North America. Questions regarding population stability among animals and plants are fundamental to population ecology, yet no anthropological research has addressed human population stability. This is an important knowledge gap, because a species’ population stability can have implications for its risk of extinction and for the stability of the ecological community in which it lives. I use archaeological and paleoclimatological data to compare long term population stability with subsistence strategy and climate stability over 6,000 years. I conduct my analysis on a large scale to better understand …

Ruminant Bloat, Austin Sears, Kerry A. Rood

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes bloat, a non-infectious disease common among the ruminant species, including types and clinical signs, prevention, and treatment.

4-H Career Readiness - Animal, Dairy And Veterinary Sciences, Bioveterinary Science Emphasis, Joshua Dallin, Kelsey Romney

All Current Publications

This brochure gives 4-H members information about preparing for careers in Animal, dairy and veterinary science, with a bioveterinary emphasis.

4-H Career Readiness - Animal, Dairy And Veterinary Sciences, Equine And Management Emphasis, Joshua Dallin, Kelsey Romney

All Current Publications

This brochure gives 4-H members information about preparing for careers in animal, dairy and veterinary science, with equine and management emphasis.

4-H Career Readiness- Animal, Dairy And Veterinary Sciences, Animal And Dairy Science Emphasis, Joshua Dallin, Kelsey Romney

All Current Publications

This brochure gives 4-H members information about preparing for careers in animal and dairy science..

4-H Career Readiness - Animal, Dairy And Veterinary Sciences, Biotechnology Emphasis, Joshua Dallin, Kelsey Romney

All Current Publications

This brochure gives 4-H members information about preparing for careers in Animal, dairy and veterinary science, with a biotechnology emphasis.

Overcoming Feeding Difficulties In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hali Obray, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, April Litchford, Casey Coombs, Carrie Durward

All Current Publications

This fact sheet discusses different factors that contribute to selective eating in children with ASD and some strategies that may help expand food acceptance. Treatment for feeding problems in children with autism is based on the individual needs and abilities of each child, not all strategies will be successful for every child.

Thresholds Are In The Eye Of The Beholder: Plants And Wildlife Respond Differently To Short‐Term Cattle Corrals, Kari E. Veblen, Lauren M. Porensky

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

Rangelands are governed by threshold dynamics, and factors such as drought, wildfire, and herbivory can drive change across thresholds and between ecological states. Most work on this topic has focused on shifts in a single response variable, vegetation, and little research has considered how to reconcile responses of more than one variable to determine whether a system has undergone a genuine state change. In sub‐Saharan Africa, mobile overnight livestock corrals (bomas) can be used by managers to precipitate ecological transitions from areas dominated by bare ground to productive ecosystem hotspots (glades) that are attractive to wild herbivores. We asked how …

Comparison Of A 2d Ipad Application And 3d Body Scanner To Air Displacement Plethysmography For Measurement Of Body Fat Percentage, D. R. Wagner, F. Castañeda, B. Bohman, W. Sterr

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Background Novel and innovative imaging methods that rapidly estimate body fat percentage (%BF) are publicly available, yet little is known about their accuracy. The present study evaluated the test–retest reliability of a two-dimensional iPad (Apple, Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) application (2D APP) and a three-dimensional body scanner (3D SCAN) for estimating %BF and compared both imaging methods with air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod; Cosmed USA, Inc., Concord, CA, USA).

Methods Seventy-nine adults (37 female, 42 male) varying widely in age [mean (SD), range] [32.9 (12.4), 18–65 years] and body mass index [25.0 (4.9), 18.2–41.8 kg m^–2] were measured …

Basal Diet Determined Long-Term Composition Of The Gut Microbiome And Mouse Phenotype To A Greater Extent Than Fecal Microbiome Transfer From Lean Or Obese Human Donors, Daphne Michelle Rodriguez Jimenez, Abby D. Benninghoff, Niklas D.J. Aardema, Sumira Phatak, Korry J. Hintze

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

The Western dietary pattern can alter the gut microbiome and cause obesity and metabolic disorders. To examine the interactions between diet, the microbiome, and obesity, we transplanted gut microbiota from lean or obese human donors into mice fed one of three diets for 22 weeks: (1) a control AIN93G diet; (2) the total Western diet (TWD), which mimics the American diet; or (3) a 45% high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) diet. We hypothesized that a fecal microbiome transfer (FMT) from obese donors would lead to an obese phenotype and aberrant glucose metabolism in recipient mice that would be exacerbated by consumption …

The Utah Statesman, July 16, 2019, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Plant Based Meat Substitutes, Sensational Reporting, And Information Literacy, Rachel Robinson-Greene

Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Faculty Publications

2019 has been a good year for plant-based meat replacements. In January, Carl’s Junior launched their Beyond Famous Star Burger, made with the plant-based Beyond Meat. The Mexican food franchise Del Taco launched tacos made with Beyond Meat at all of their franchises in April. The introduction of the vegan alternative has been a smash success, leading the company to release two additional products made with Beyond Meat to their menu in June of this year. Many other restaurants have recognized the consumer interest in meat-free options. Restaurants such as Burger King, White Castle, A&W, and Red Robin offer products …