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An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Bid Of Infant-Formula Manufacturers In Wic Rebate Auctions, Raymond Opoku

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the factors that affect bid decisions of infant-formula manufacturers in WIC rebates auctions. Since its inception in 1972, the WIC program has served more than half of participating women and their infants each year. Today, Infant formula - the most expensive food item on the WIC menu - is accessible to all participants for free through the WIC rebate program. Through the rebate program, firms submit bids to solely supply their infant formula to a state WIC agency at a discount leading to fall in net prices. Yet, the firms in the infant formula market are selective …

Designing And Development Of A Photobioreactor For Optimizing The Growth Of Micro Algae And Studying Its Growth Parameters, Sarmila Katuwal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the estimated value of materials required to grow 1g of biomass and the analysis of the light intensity with respect to flow path and flow rate. This thesis aims to design the sparger for a flat plate Photobioreactor, study the flow patterns at different flow rate of air flow and check the performance of flat plate PBR by growing the cyanobacteria. The estimated value to produce 1g of biomass (C_44.6H₇O₂₅N_7.68P_0.9S_0.3) was 0.099g of N, 0.493g of C, 0.160 g of Na, 0.026 g of P, …

Biofilm Formation By Common Dairy Sporeformers On Native And Modified Stainless Steel Surfaces, Shivali Jindal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aerobic sporeformers can be traced in a variety of dairy products such as milk powders, evaporated milk, and canned products, which demonstrates their capability of resisting high temperature treatments such as pasteurization and Ultra high temperatures. These bacilli also actively attach to the stainless steel surfaces, consequently resulting in the formation of biofilms. Product quality as well as its safety is undesirably affected by the growth of these sporeforming bacteria. Therefore, creating an ideal environment for the processing of dairy products is a critical challenge for the dairy industry. Hence, the objective of this research was to analyze various surface …

Lysine Bioavailability Of Two Lipid Coated Lysine Products After Exposure To Silages With Different Acidity, Jessica N. Reiners

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three experiments were conducted to determine bioavailability of 2 lipid coated Lys products (EB and EC). In an initial experiment, Lys disassociation from 2 lipid coated Lys products was best described by a first-order kinetic model after incubation in alfalfa- or corn-silage at 2 different amounts of acidity. Greater amounts of Lys immediately disassociated from EC (15.7%) than EB (4.9%; P < 0.05). Lysine that initially disassociated in corn silage at low pH (0.5%) was less than corn silage at a more neutral pH (18.7%), whereas Lys that initially disassociated in alfalfa silage was not affected (P = 0.26) by pH. Lysine that slowly disassociated from lipid coated Lys differed by product (P = 0.01), and acidity (P < 0.01) affected amounts of Lys that slowly disassociated differently within alfalfa- or corn-silage (pH × silage = 0.02). Greater amounts of Lys disassociated from acidic corn silage (79%) than neutral corn silage (32%; P = 0.01). However, amounts of Lys that slowly disassociated from alfalfa silage was not impacted by acidity (P = 0.40). Additionally, amounts of Lys that did not disassociate (P < 0.04) within 24 h were greater (P < 0.04) when lipid coated Lys was mixed with neutral silages (44%) compared to acidic silages (21%). However, rate of Lys disassociation from lipid coated Lys products was not affected by acidity or exposure to alfalfa- or corn-silage (P = 0.21). In a second experiment, we measured in vitro ammonia release from EB and EC after mixing with alfalfa- or corn-silage at different amounts of acidity with or without monensin. Ammonia release from Lys increased (Quadratic < 0.01) with greater amounts of time; however, differences between in vitro cultures with added Lys and negative control were not detected until 36 h of incubation. By 36 h, all cultures containing added Lys were greater than the negative control. After 42 h of incubation, ammonia release from Lys was greatest from EC and when lipid and Lys-HCl in amounts identical to EB were provided to cultures; EB, Lys-HCl, and lipid and Lys in amounts identical to EC were intermediate. After 48 h of incubation, ammonia release from Lys in EB was greatest and Lys-HCl was least, but EC and amounts of lipid and Lys-HCl identical to either EB or EC were intermediate. Ammonia release from Lys were less from cultures containing monensin after 48 h of incubation. In experiment 3, 9 white-faced ewes (70.1 ± 5.2 kg BW; 5.3 ± 0.6 yr) were used to measure Lys bioavailability by a slope-ratio analysis from 2 lipid coated Lys products and Lys-HCl after mixing in corn silage. Plasma Lys concentrations increased (Linear < 0.01) in response to abomasal infusion of Lys, and bioavailability of EB, EC, and Lys- HCl were calculated to be 10.74%, 18.82%, and 11.87%, respectively. However, increases in plasma Lys from EB (Linear = 0.41) and Lys-HCl (Linear = 0.36) were not different from plasma Lys supported by diet alone, but the rate of increase in plasma Lys in response to EC tended (Linear = 0.15) to be greater than plasma Lys levels from diet. Evidently, manufacturing method among lipid coated Lys products as well as physical and chemical characteristics of diet can impact availability of Lys from lipid coated Lys products.

Characterization Of Pyrenophora Tritici-Repentis In Wheat And Rye To Study Tan Spot Susceptibility And Insights Into Its Relationship With Stem Rust Resistance, Sidrat Abdullah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Tan spot, caused by the ascomycete fungus, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr), is a major foliar fungal disease of wheat worldwide. To date, Ptr isolates have been grouped into eight races based on the production of three host selective effectors (toxins), Ptr ToxA, ToxB, and ToxC, which are associated with necrosis and chlorosis symptoms on wheat differential lines. In order to see the correlation between stem rust resistance and tan spot susceptibility in 1970’s, to know the pathogen virulence profile, and explore the sources of tan spot resistance, we recovered isolates from wheat and rye and evaluated wheat and rye lines with …

Silencing Seed Dormancy Genes To Mitigate Risk Of Transgene Flow To Weedy Rice, Alexander Wireko Kena

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The flow of fitness-enhancing transgenes from genetically modified crops into wild/weed relatives may cause serious ecological and economic consequences. Seed dormancy (SD) is a key adaptive trait that distributes germination over time, resulting in weed persistence in agroecosystems. Thus, silencing major genes controlling SD would reduce the adaptive fitness of weeds. SD-enhancing genes cloned from weedy rice include SD7-1, SD7-2, SD12a, SD12b, and SD12c. The goal of this study was to develop a transgenic mitigation (TM) strategy using SD gene-silencing structures as mitigating factors to reduce the risk of transgene flow to wild/weed populations. TM vector constructs consisted of the …

Explaining The Gender Wage Gap In Rural And Urban China, Wei Gu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The gender wage gap is a long-standing and worldwide issue. Since the equality sense towards gender role are difference between rural and urban China, this paper will (1) compare the gender wage gap in rural and urban settings; (2) examine how the associated factors (such as education, occupation, and housework involvements) affect the wage; (3) assess and compare gender discrimination in the rural and urban labor markets. This paper utilizes the survey data from China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2011. The methods of descriptive statistics, correlation, and stepwise multiple regression models are applied in analyzing the data. The results …

Heterogeneous Nitrogen Losses: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of Changes In Management Across South Dakota, Archibold Quaye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The loss of nitrogen fertilizer into the atmosphere and waterways is of increasing concern for citizens and policy makers. This is particularly relevant for hypoxia in rivers, lakes, and oceans, but also relevant for policy makers in reducing the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. GHGs trap heat in the atmosphere and include: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. Overall, the estimated contribution from the agricultural sector to GHG emissions was 9% in 2013 (EPA, 2013). Further, the addition of nitrogen to the soil through the use of synthetic fertilizers is a main contributor to …

Identification Of Physiological And Morphological Traits Governing High Water Use Efficiency In Alfalfa, Krishna Ghimire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Alfalfa is an important forage crop worldwide. Being deep-rooted, N2-fixing and high yielding, alfalfa has great economic, ecological and nutritional benefits. While alfalfa is a high yielding crop, its high productivity depends on irrigation water in many areas and consumes the greatest amount of water among all the major crops. With a growing demand for water resources due to an increase in human population and industrial water use, plus frequent drought due to climate change, irrigation water has become increasingly scarce and expensive. To sustain high production of alfalfa with limited water resource, alfalfa cultivars with improved water use efficiency …

The Lived Experience Of Retired College Athletes With A History Of 1 Or More Concussions, Rebecca Cover

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

CONTEXT: Concussions remain misunderstood, underreported, and undiagnosed. While most concussion symptoms resolve within 2 weeks, some patients experience persistent symptoms which adversely affect physical, emotional, social, and/or cognitive functioning. Minimal evidence delineating the effect of concussions on recently retired college athletes currently exists. OBJECTIVE: To examine the lived experience of retired collegiate athletes with a history of 1 or more concussions to discern individual concussion histories, knowledge and perceptions of concussions, and post-concussion quality of life. DESIGN: Qualitative.
SETTING: Personal life after retirement from competitive athletics.
PATIENTS or OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Former Division I athletes (n=14) 1-5 years post-athletics retirement with …

Evaluation Of Supplementing Brewer's Yeast To Lactating Dairy Cows, Taylor Christine Aubrey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Probiotics have been used as effective, natural feed additives in the dairy industry to improve animal health and performance. Yeast product supplementation can be beneficial in the diet of lactating dairy cows by increasing feed efficiency, alleviating disease, and improving production performance under heat stress. Objectives of this study were to evaluate supplementing a concentrated brewer’s yeast in the ration of a lactating dairy cow by assessing milk yield and composition, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and feed intake and efficiency. We hypothesized that diets containing a concentrated brewer’s yeast supplement would increase milk and component yields, benefit rumen fermentation, and …

The Influence Of Chromium Supplementation On The Insulin Pathway, Carcass Traits, And Meat Quality Of Feedlot Steers, Heather Rode

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chromium supplementation (Cr) can increase efficiency of growth in livestock by amplifying insulin signaling. Previous research showed Cr increases nutrient utilization and changes in muscle growth and fat deposition. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine how Cr affects carcass traits, meat quality, and the insulin pathway in feedlot steers. Calf-fed steers were allotted to 0 ppb (CON) or 400 ppb Cr propionate (Cr400) for 210d in experiment 1. Two longissimus muscle (LM) biopsies were collected to examine protein abundance and gene expression after adaptation to a terminal implant and after adaption to ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC). A follow …

An Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Cooking And Wellness Behaviors In College Students, Andrea Hanson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Few studies have examined the relationship between cooking and wellness behaviors in college students.
Objective: Determine the association between cooking, wellness behaviors, fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and body mass index (BMI) in college students.
Design and Participants: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data a multi-state, Community-Based Participatory Research project aimed at preventing weight gain in first-year college students. Physical activity (PA), cooking (type, frequency and confidence), intention for meal planning (MP), mealtime behaviors, and cups of FV, were measured using validated survey tools. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. Study participants were first-year students …

Evaluation Of Nutrition Education In The Families In Transformation (Fit) Program., Sydney Anne Devers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Pre-Kindergarten Programs On Student Achievement In Mississippi Elementary Schools, Fletcher B. Harges

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Each of the states bordering Mississippi invests large amounts of money in providing children with state-funded pre-k programs in their public schools. However, Mississippi falls behind these states and does not similarly invest in this effort to provide many of its children with the opportunity to attend state-funded pre-k programs. Because school readiness is such a huge concern for instructional leaders of Mississippi schools, there is a need to determine the benefits associated with offering pre-k to all students throughout the state. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact pre-k has on the academic achievement of …

The Effects Of Closed-Captioned Television On The Oral Reading Fluency Of Low Socioeconomic 2nd Grade Students, Kristina Livingston

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research into the use of closed-captioning has provided exciting evidence into the possibilities of its usefulness as a literacy tool. Although previous studies have shown the efficacy of closed-captioning as a tool that can assist the deaf and hard-of-hearing, those learning a second language, and hearing students, the existing scholarship lacks important information regarding closed-captioning and its impact on oral reading fluency. Previous scholars have proven that CC can assist all students on word recognition, vocabulary, and reading comprehension; however, there is a dearth of new research focusing on low socioeconomic students from rural communities. This quantitative, quasi-experimental, comparative study …

Food Insecurity And Eating Behaviors Of Collegiate Male Athletes, Kacie Poll

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship of high school (HS) and collegiate (OM) household food security status (FSS) to current food consumption behaviors in a sample of NCAA Division 1 male, collegiate athletes ≥18 years of age (y). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of NCAA athletes from a Southeastern Conference (SEC) university was approved by the Institutional Review Board and conducted during August-September, 2016. The questionnaire included the USDA food security survey module and questions related to disordered eating behaviors and food hoarding USDA methods were used to calculate FSS. RESULTS: Participating athletes (n=111) were 19.7±1.4 y and primarily white, football players …

Impact Of Hydration On Collegiate Athletic Performance, Fatigue, And Recovery, Lauren Woodard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The impact of dehydration on several key physiological functions that are critical for athletic performance is well studied. Hydration monitoring has been known to have significant value on impaired physical functions by maximizing performance during training and competition. Impaired physical functions has been suggested as a limitation on explosive strength, musculoskeletal output, cardiovascular output, and proper technique in contact sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hydration levels and physiological profiles that can be used as a proactive approach in monitoring a collegiate athlete’s athletic performance, fatigue, and recovery status. It was hypothesized that insufficient …

Relationships Between Dietary Habits, Demographics, And Hike Outcome Among 2015 Pacific Crest Trail Backpackers, Lauren Ann Black

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative research study explores the relationship between dietary patterns, hiker demographics, and total miles hiked during a backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Long hiking distances, low rate of thru-hike completion, consumption of processed and ready to eat foods, weight loss, and large time and monetary strains are comthemes accepted anecdotally by the backpacking population11. However, these themes have yet to be adequately researched and validated for long distance backpackers and PCT backpackers specifically. The online survey gathered data from 151 backpackers who hiked the PCT in 2015. Significant positive correlational relationships were found between the number …

An Evaluation Of The Mississippi Recipes For Success Resource From The Perspective Of Child Nutrition Directors, Chelsea L. Bell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Mississippi Recipes for Success (MRS), A Guide for Child Nutrition Programs provides printed and online resources for child nutrition directors. These resources include recipes and methods to assist directors in effectively implementing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition standards. The purpose of this study was to investigate if child nutrition directors utilize these resources, as well as assess child nutrition directors’ perceptions of the helpfulness, satisfaction, and importance of the various components of the online and 2014 printed versions of the MRS. Data collection for this study involved an online survey that evaluated directors’ usage of the resources …

The Ethical Right To Healthcare In The Affordable Care Act, Stella Morden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, It has been questioned whether the right to healthcare in it can be ethically justified. The objection to a right to healthcare in general has been prominent over many decades in the U.S. The concern over higher personal taxes, quality care, and national debt steered the opposition. Responding to these concerns has a direct effect on each individual in society. In particular, the lack of healthcare is very significant.

The idea of a comprehensive national healthcare in the United States caught the attention of the public in the 1970s. It was inspired …

The Experiences Of Registered Nurses Injured By Interpersonal Violence While On Duty In An Emergency Department, Salena Wright-Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Numerous studies and reports identify the concerning incidence of work place violence directed toward healthcare workers (Centers for Disease Control, 2013; Gerberich et al., 2004; Government Accountability Office, 2016; U.S. Department of Labor, 2016). Despite efforts over the past few years to reduce workplace violence in healthcare facilities and specifically in emergency departments, the incidence of violence has not substantially lessened (Government Accountability Office, 2016). In March, 2016, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that was prepared by congressional request. The GAO found that workers in in-patient healthcare facilities experienced work-place violence that resulted in lost time from …

Examining The Role Of Ethnic Identity In The Relationship Between Characteristics Of Autism Spectrum Disorders And Eating Disorders, Ashley Bojorquez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present work provides a synthetic literature review investigating the potential role of ethnic identity in the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and eating disorders (EDs). To date, there is no literature that directly examines the role that ethnic identity may play in the relationship between these two disorders. However, there is reason to believe it may; previous literature has shown that race/ethnicity plays a role in both of these disorders, and the role of ethnic identity has been more fully explored in the ED population. Notably, there is little research that examines the role of ethnic identity on …

The Relationship Between Caring For Individuals Diagnosed With Prader-Willi Syndrome And Caregiver Stress, Michael Andrew Vice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background/Purpose: Chronic stress is related to numerous health risks such as causing an individual to age more rapidly than an individual with less stress (Oliveira, et al., 2010; Bauer, 2009; McEwen, 2002). Other aging problems related to chronic stress are Alzheimer’s disease (Peterson et al., 2007) and premature death (Canizzo et al., 2011). Stress can lead to mental health issues such as depression (Wiegner, 2015; Hammen, 2005) and anxiety (Wiegner et al., 2015). Stress has also been linked to cardiovascular disease (Seldenrijk, 2015), asthma (Rod et al., 2012; Chen & Miller, 2007), obesity (McInnis et al., 2014), diabetes (Salpea, 2010), …

Responses Of The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris Ocellata) To Human Disturbance, Thomas Hughes Martin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Habitat loss and habitat degradation are major drivers of the current biodiversity crisis. Nowhere else are these threats more severe than in the tropics. Because the tropics are estimated to contain as much as 60% of all the species on Earth, they are critically important for the conservation of biodiversity. To conserve species we need to understand both the factors that lead to extinction and how the taxa that persist are able to adapt to the rapid anthropogenic change of their environment. The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata) is a Neotropical galliform bird of conservation concern because it faces a rapidly …

Before Me, After Me, Through Me: Stories Of Food And Community In Eastern Kentucky, Abigail Myers Huggins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This text contextualizes and presents twenty-three oral history interviews conducted in eastern Kentucky during the summer of 2016 as a part of a Master of Arts thesis in southern studies. The interviews were conducted with people specifically connected to food, farming, and community activism in and near Letcher County, Kentucky. The interviews explore such topics as: past and present food traditions, seed saving, gardening, farming, food preservation, herbalism, local food systems, food access, youth, theater arts, lgbtq+ advocacy, and appalachian identity. This document complements an online collection of oral history excerpts created as an audio documentary portion of the overall …

Cafeteria Culture: An Anthropological Approach To Lunchtime In A Central Florida Elementary School, Emily Herrington

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Public school cafeterias are used by nearly 51 million children (ages 4-17) in the United States every day. With over 40% of the approximately 73 million children (ages 0-17) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), public school lunches carry resounding nutritional, social, and educational significance for their consumers. This fact, coupled with frequent media attention to school lunch food, notwithstanding, a notable lack of social scientific engagement with both students' perspectives and NSLP operators persists. Divided into two studies, this research utilizes ethnographic methods to explore students' lunchtime experiences within a Central Florida public elementary school cafeteria. Both …

An Assessment Of Trace Elements Distribution In Teeth Utilizing A Sample Group From Postclassic Lamanai: The Application Of La-Icp-Ms In Bioarchaeology And Forensics, Michelle Hawkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Trace element analysis of skeletal remains and teeth is a common research technique in biological and forensic anthropology. In particular, LA-ICP-MS has become a widely-accepted tool for analyzing and mapping the distribution of trace elements in teeth. Investigation into the relative spectral intensities and spatial distribution of thirteen trace isotopes (13C, 24Mg, 27Al, 31P, 44Ca, 47Ti, 52Cr, 55Mn, 56Fe, 66Zn, 88Sr, 138Ba, 208Pb) within teeth was undertaken using LA-ICP-MS. The total archaeological sample of teeth (N=26) was comprised of four tooth types (UCI, ULI, UPM1, and UPM2) and 18 individuals from a Postclassic Lamanai site. In preparation for analysis, teeth …

Advanced Castes At The Outset Of Eusociality In Wasps (Vespidae), Patrick Piekarski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A dominating and widespread view is that evolutionary change is gradual and waits upon mutation. Likewise, it is thought that workers and queens of eusocial insects diverged gradually and stepwise. That is, rudimentary castes preceded advanced castes. This paradigm hinges on eusociality having evolved once in Vespidae, and primitively eusocial paper wasps lacking ontogenetic caste biasing (differentiation of castes during larval development). Using a phylogenomic approach this study shows strong evidence for two origins of eusociality in vespid wasps, wherein one origin is likely characterized by the sudden appearance of castes with physiological, and perhaps even morphological, differences established before …

An Anthropological Study Of Eating Perspectives, Meal Composition, And Food Choices Among Diverse Student Populations, Chelsea Daws

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My thesis explores the factors that shape or reinforce international college students' perceptions of food. This research not only examines how cultural values affect individual nutrition and maintenance of eating behaviors, it also addresses the extent to which accessibility impacts eating behaviors. Notably, the research endeavor uses the concept of dietary habitus as an underlying directive mechanism for study. This study finds that most students experience a reduction in their fruit and vegetable intake. Another finding suggests that international students eat healthier and are more structured in comparison to domestic students if they hybridize their dietary habitus. Research findings also …