Digital Commons Network^™

Functional Analysis Of Genes Involved In Response To Sheath Blight Disease Using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing, Elaf Osamaho Mohammed Ali

Theses and Dissertations

Phytotoxins (RS toxin) play a crucial role in the virulence of the necrotrophic phytopathogenic Rhizoctonia solani. This pathogen is highly invasive and has an extremely wide host range that causes economic loss, moreover, this pathogen is both soil- and water-borne and can produce lesion symptoms that rapidly develop into a disease known as sheath blight disease. Susceptibility to this disease and sensitivity to phytotoxins depend on the plant's ability to defend itself against the pathogen attack and induce an active defense mechanism. There are several genes-candidates that have been suggested as possible host-plant sensitivity genes associated with R. solani infection. …

Effect Of Malathion On The Microbial Ecology Of Activated Sludge, Seth K. Martin

Theses and Dissertations

Decontamination activities may cause the release of contaminated washwater into the wastewater that eventually flows into a wastewater treatment facility. This raises concerns about the effect of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) on the microbial consortia that are responsible for cleaning the wastewater. This study investigated the impact of malathion on the microbial ecology of laboratory scale activated sludge communities. The Simpson Reciprocal Index decreased for three bioreactors operated in the absence of malathion, which showed that the microbial assemblage became less diverse during the course of the study. The species identified in the bioreactors belonged to well-known groups of heterotrophic …

Seta Structure In Members Of The Coleochaetales ( Streptophyta ), Timothy Richard Rockwell

Theses and Dissertations

The charophycean green algae, which include the Coleochaetales, together with land plants form a monophyletic group, the streptophytes. The order Coleochaetales, a possible sister taxon to land plants, is defined by its distinguishing setae (hairs), which are encompassed by a collar. Previous studies of these setae yielded conflicting results and were confined to one species, Coleochaet. scutata. In order to interpret these results and learn about the evolution of this character, setae of four species of Coleochaete and the genus Chaetosphaeridium within the Coleochaetales were studied to determine whether cellulose, callose, and phenolic compounds contribute to the chemical composition of …

Associations Between Physical Activity And Weight Status With Grade-School Performance, Taylor Panfil

Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity and weight control are predictive of childhood health, but more recent research suggests they may also be associated with academic success.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationships between physical activity, weight status, and academic performance in children.

METHODS: 614 third-to-fifth grade children (53.9% female, age 9.6 ± 0.9 years) from two Midwestern communities participated. Physical activity was assessed using a Digiwalker 200-SW pedometer worn for seven consecutive days. Teachers provided an estimate of general academic performance, and children were categorized into three performance groups (high, moderate, low). School behavior (attentiveness, staying on task, interruptive behavior) was assessed by the …

Integrating Experiential Learning Into Animal Science Curriculum Through A Hands-On Beef Cattle Management And Marketing Contest, Corinne J. Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

According to the Illinois Agricultural Education, nearly 61% of students beginning their undergraduate studies in Agriculture at a 2-year college in Illinois come from non-farm backgrounds. Yet, knowledge of and experience in livestock operations is still a requirement for many careers in the animal science industry. In response to this predicament, the Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University has implemented a course that provides students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with beef cattle management and marketing. The course was designed to enhance learning by requiring students to develop and execute a management and marketing plan for a pen …

The Effect Of A Fruit And Vegetable Program On Diet Quality And Produce Consumption, Jeanne Arbuckle

Theses and Dissertations

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of our diet, yet few individuals consume the recommended amounts. Incorporating produce in our diet provides many necessary nutrients and may aid in decreasing the risk of chronic disease, controlling obesity and improving mental functioning. In an attempt to increase intake, a program was created to provide fresh fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis to an Illinois State University population for eight weeks. Participants chose from three sizes of produce bags and were supplied with seven different types of fruits and vegetables each week. Dietetic interns performed the planning, ordering, organizing and …

Dietary Supplement Use, Perceptions, And Associated Lifestyle Behaviors In Undergraduate College Students, Student-Athletes, And Rotc Cadets, Arthur A. Valentine

Theses and Dissertations

The use of dietary supplements has steadily increased among the American population in recent years; however, little is known about current trends in dietary supplement use in the collegiate population. The purpose of this study was to investigate dietary supplement use, perceptions of knowledge and efficacy of dietary supplements, and lifestyle behaviors of supplement users and non-users in a university population. Undergraduate students, NCAA division I student-athletes, and Army ROTC cadets at a midsized Midwestern University were recruited for a single-stage cross-sectional online survey via email and also through the use of fliers. Participants included 381 undergraduate students, 56 student-athletes, …

Analysis Of Heart Rate Training Responses In Division I Collegiate Athletes, Maria Canino

Theses and Dissertations

New technology continuously develops to assist with enhancing athletic performance. Assessing the physiological responses athletes experience from training is crucial when developing programs to simultaneously optimize performance and improve fitness levels. By combining coaching expertise with scientific technology, coaches can monitor and obtain their athletes' individual objective physiological responses (i.e. heart rates) on the effectiveness of the applied external stimuli or training program(s). PURPOSE: To examine the physical training doses through heart rate monitoring of strength and condition (S&C) sessions compared to a typical game setting in female soccer and basketball collegiate athletes. METHODS: Participants were nine female soccer players …

Environmental Impacts On Life History In Container Breeding Mosquitoes, Kathleen May Westby

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation I explore different ways that the environment impacts life history in mosquitoes in ways that may alter vectorial capacity. In chapter I, I tested if short-term sugar deprivation experienced after exposure to La Crosse virus altered infection rates in Aedes albopictus and if sugar treatment and virus infection status altered blood feeding behavior and fecundity. I found no evidence that sugar deprivation impacted infection rates or fecundity. Sugar deprivation did increase blood feeding. There was no effect of infection status on blood feeding or fecundity. In chapter II, I tested for effects of seasonal cues (temperature and …

Advancing Biomechanical Research Through A Camelid Model Of The Human Lumbar Spine, Dean K. Stolworthy

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing incidence of disc degeneration and its correlation with lower back pain is an alarming trend in modern society. The research of intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain would greatly benefit from additional methods to study its etiology and possible treatment methods. A large animal model that maintains the biological and mechanical environment that is most similar to the human lumbar spine could provide substantial improvements in understanding and resolving the problem of intervertebral disc related low back pain.This dissertation presents my doctoral work of investigating the potential for the camelid cervical spine to serve as a suitable …

Effects Of Panelist Participation Frequency And Questionnaire Design On Overall Acceptance Scoring For Food Sensory Evaluation In Consumer Central Location Tests, Mauresa Bastian

Theses and Dissertations

Two studies were conducted to determine the effect of panelist participation frequency and specific aspects of questionnaire design on overall acceptance scoring in consumer central location tests. Regarding participation frequency, research subjects who participate frequently in some survey types are known to provide responses that differ from subjects who participate less frequently, known as panel conditioning. With respect to questionnaire design, overall acceptance (OA) question placement and usage of pre-evaluation instructions (PEI) in questionnaires for food sensory analysis may bias consumers' scores via carry-over effects. To investigate these concerns, data from consumer sensory panels previously conducted at a central location, …

Teaching Culture Using E-Portfoliosin A 4th-Semester University Spanish Classroom, Ricardo Gustavo Cetz

Theses and Dissertations

The World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (ACTFL, 2014) encourage teachers to help their students use the target language to “investigate, explain, and reflect” on the relationships between cultural products, practices, and perspectives. However, while most language instructors agree that language and culture should be connected, many fail to teach culture explicitly because they are so focused on the language components of their courses. Of those who do teach culture explicitly, many either teach only about the cultural products and not the perspectives, or they teach the culture in English because of its complexity. This project explores the use of e-portfolios …

Stability Of Selected B Vitamins In Thermally-Treated Pinto Beans, Virginia Anne West

Theses and Dissertations

Beans are a commonly consumed food and a staple in many regions worldwide. Pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), categorized as legumes, are dried seeds from plants and are high in protein, carbohydrate and fiber, and low in fat. They are also a good source of various minerals and well as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate Beans are typically soaked and thermally processed before consumption. Different processing methods can impact the composition of beans. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of thermal treatments on vitamin concentration in pinto beans. Beans were simmered, canned, dried-flaked, or dried-extruded, …

An Exploratory Investigation Of Extracurricular Activity And Academic Achievement, Jean Marie Gwathney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory study were to (a) examine student participation in extracurricular activity, (b) define whether involvement in extracurricular and organizations influence academic achievement, (c) identify if risk behavior is a result of decrease in participation in extracurricular, and organizations. A review of existing literature presented contributing factors affecting student involvement in extracurricular activity, organizations, and increase with academic achievement and decrease in risk behavior. Estimations were made regarding similar factors in extracurricular involvement, and academic achievement literatures. To investigate these estimations, data was configured via, the Rowan University Subject Pool. A correlation and non-parametric analyses revealed no …

A Qualitative Assessment Of Eating Behaviors In Adults With Autism, Samantha Barbier

Theses and Dissertations

Rationale: Diagnosis of autism has increased ten-fold in the last 40 years, and adults with autism remain an underrepresented population in research. Purpose: To qualitatively explore the relationship between eating behaviors and autism using a questionnaire and interviews with adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Four males aged 22-27 were interviewed with their mothers present and completed the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA). Interviews were analyzed through the process of open coding, and the questionnaires were analyzed to determine consistent findings between the interview and the SWEAA questionnaire. Major Findings: Participants generally recognized hunger and satiety …

Development Of Real-Time Pcr Assay For Detection Of Total Bacteria In Beverage Emulsions, Essam Gamaleldin Elsisi

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid growth and expansion of the soft drinks market and the necessity to meet and maintain the consumers’ expectations of having high quality products safe for consumption, have both drawn the attention to the need for rapid and sensitive methods for the detection of potential microbial contaminations. This has made the current conventional culture-based methods inconvenient due to the relatively long periods of time they need to yield results, in addition to their relatively low sensitivity. In contrast, real-time PCR is a rapid and sensitive molecular detection technique, capable of providing quick detection and quantification methods of specific DNA …

The Impact Of A Cartoon Character’S Gender On Egyptian Girls’ Knowledge Of And Intentions Toward Pneumonia Prevention, Farah Hafez El-Shiaty

Theses and Dissertations

Pneumonia kills 11% of children under the age of five in Egypt yearly. Studies suggest that health educational cartoons are effective ways to educate children about healthy practices to prevent diseases. The literature suggests that children tend to learn better from and imitate same-gender models more than opposite-gender models. Healthy Egyptians, a non-governmental organization, developed a health educational cartoon to educate young children on the preventative practices of pneumonia through a boy called Montasser as the main character. It was hypothesized that having a female character as the main character in this cartoon would increase the girls’ knowledge of and …

The Role Of Non-Governmental Organizations In Addressing Street Children In Egypt, Reem Elmenshawy

Theses and Dissertations

Both governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have initiated programs to support street children. Despite the fact that the number of NGOs working with this group of children is not large; estimated between 25-35 NGOs, they have existed in Egypt for more than twenty five years and have developed many interventions for street children. There is very limited literature that documents this role so far. This study addresses this gap in literature through studying the role of NGOs in Egypt in developing effective interventions for street children. It discusses the current practices of the NGOs, the obstacles they face in their …

Bread Subsidy Policies In Egypt: A Swot Analysis Of Recent Systemic Reforms, Hossam El Din Fawzy Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

Food subsidy programs are a key component of Egypt’s social policy. Recently, the Egyptian government introduced a number of reforms to address the targeting and quality of subsidized bread. These policies focused on addressing loss of subsidized flour through the different supply chain processes, compromised quality and the need for the rationalization of consumption. This thesis provides an analysis of these new reforms. The study relies on qualitative research methods through structured and semi-structured in-depth interviews with several ranks in the supply chain including those in the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade as well as various consumers of subsidized …

A Comparative Study On The Effect Of Male Migration On Female Spouses In Middle And Lower Income Families, Marwa Helmy

Theses and Dissertations

Migration is not a novel occurrence; it has always been a driving force along with civilization. The main catalyst behind the new era of migration is globalization. Migration is a gendered topic, and in previous academic discourse from which women have often been excluded from it. However, the effect of male migration on female spouses in the home country is an area where research has been scarce. It was not until the last decade that attention was shed on female migrants; and the important role they play in international migration. Therefore this study seeks to explore the effect of male …

Role Of Non Governmental Organizations In Combating Sexual Harassment In Egypt, Lamiaa Farag Abdel Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

One of the problems which Egypt has been facing for many years is sexual harassment against women and girls, and the problem is increasing day by day until it became hard to control. This study focuses on the important role of NGOs in fighting sexual harassment. NGOs provide psychological and legal support to sexual harassment victims, and do awareness campaigns, creative activities to increase people’s awareness and encourage females to file a case against the harasser to take their rights. The study also shows how scholars perceived role of NGOs, the importance of partnership between the government and NGOs and …

An Application Of Asset Based Community Development Approach: A Case Study From Rural Community In Egypt, Alyaa Farouk Hessin

Theses and Dissertations

Many communities in Egypt, specifically the rural areas, are unquestionably distressed places as a result of the major economic and political shifts that have occurred over the past few years. Strategies of community development are currently viewed as the radical remedy for poverty related problems. In Egypt, community development strategies are usually driven from traditional approaches including charity, needs and rights based approaches which focus on basic needs like shelters and food. These approaches have proved a deficiency as they ignore the structural causes of poverty and address symptoms only. In response to these shortages came an alternative capacity focused …

Achieving Environmental Sustainability Of Sugarcane Industry In Egypt: An Application Of Life Cycle Assessment, Dalia Adel Habib Nakhla

Theses and Dissertations

Sugarcane industry in Egypt goes back to the year 710 AD. Cane plantations are concentrated in the area of Upper Egypt. The total amount of cane cultivated in Upper Egypt is about 16 million tons per year. There are eight sugarcane producing factories in Egypt, most of them located close to the cultivations. The sugarcane industry in Egypt can be currently defined as an open industrial system that consumes material and energy and creates products and wastes. The two main stages of sugarcane production are the agricultural stage and the industrial stage. The agricultural stage involves cane cultivation which involves …

Obesity Interventions In Egypt: Identifying Gaps And Highlighting Assets, Hana Shahin

Theses and Dissertations

Worldwide, obesity is a growing epidemic and a leading non-communicative disease. Egypt has high levels of obesity, causing harm to both individuals and society at large. Data on obesity in Egypt includes measures of obesity rates, comorbidity, and consequences, but there is little documentation on obesity interventions. This is in large part due to the fact that obesity is overlooked by the Egyptian government and culture. This study aimed to collect data on available programs and interventions in Egypt, to explore assets and challenges to obesity programming, and to ask for recommendations for combatting obesity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with …

The Association Between Health Financing And Maternal And Child Health In Middle East And North Africa Countries, Ahmed Tammam Abdelgawad

Theses and Dissertations

Improving maternal and child health outcomes for women and children is a critical step to achieve the MDGs; however it requires sufficient funding to implement proven quality interventions. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between the different health care financing options cross the Middle East and North Africa “MENA" countries and the maternal and child health outcomes. Our main argument is that: Can different health care financing strategies affect Maternal, Neonatal and Child health? If yes, How?. This study is based on a cross sectional analysis of twenty one states from MENA region between 2009 and …

Rhetoric: Spoken Discourse, A Systematic Appeal For Reasoning "Pathos", Marwa M. Adel Farid

Theses and Dissertations

The tekhnē of spoken discourse is a critical tool for particular communications and is a substantial means to transform good knowledge . It is an objective tekhnē with an ergon, which is man-made. As such, it may be implemented for political, religious, social or educational purposes. Thus, understanding the implications of spoken discourse and establishing a shared understanding between the rhētōr and his listeners is not just an option in this context. On the contrary, both elements are the mind/soul/heart of the discourse. For what is the value of a discourse if its implications and representations are not well perceived …

Magnetic Treatment Of Brackish Water For Sustainable Agriculture, Kareem Hassan

Theses and Dissertations

Egypt and most of the MENA countries are suffering from physical water scarcity. The abundance of fresh water is very limited; consequently, it is needed to rethink about the use of non-conventional water resources as a source of water for agricultural purposes. This study investigated the influence of magnetic treatment on brackish water, and its application for sustainable agriculture practices. The experimental work was divided into four main categories: The first category was the physical analysis of magnetically treated brackish water; including surface tension investigation, salt solubility test, and nutrients solubility test. The second category was the chemical analysis; including …

Skill-Training Programs For Youth In Egypt: A Study Of Key Targeting And Associated Employment Services, Afaf Faryz

Theses and Dissertations

The thesis examines the skill training programs implemented by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Egypt and their implementation types. The thesis focuses on five types of skill-training programs based on a secondary data resource available on the Youth Employment Inventory (YEI) online database. Common characteristics are examined between 100 skill-training programs in Egypt. Similarities and differences between the programs in both the urban and rural places and an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses concerning training, labor market barriers, the targeted groups, beneficiaries, types of programs, and other services provided from the programs is discussed. The study shows that there …

Revisiting Gender Equality In Millennium Development Goal 3: Establishing Education For Women As A Human Right, Colleen Renee Kahl

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate Millennium Development Goal 3 and to propose a new goal based in a human rights-based approach. This goal promotes gender equality and women's empowerment and is primarily measured by gender parity in education. For many countries in the developing world, this goal is far from being reached and has resulted in millions of children, particularly girls, out of school. The primary focus of this thesis will be on the secondary level of education as gender parity is far from being obtained. This thesis will review the goals and the human rights-based approach …

Self-Determination Theory And Wellness Tourism: How Do Wellness Facilities Contribute To Wellbeing?, Karen I. Thal

Theses and Dissertations

Wellness tourism as a subsector is differentiated in terms of the pursuit and enhancement of wellbeing. Wellness itself is defined as holistic wellbeing and optimal psychological states. Enhanced wellbeing is cited as the motivation and outcome of travel and in terms of dedicated infrastructure, services, and amenities at destinations. Yet enhanced wellbeing following a wellness vacation is typically assumed rather than assessed. While tourism studies have focused on wellbeing as the outcome of leisure travel, a theoretical framework that might be adapted to assess wellbeing following a stay at a wellness facility was not apparent. The majority of tourism studies …