Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Feeding A Ground Raw Soybean Diet On Reproductive Performance And Carcass Quality Of Prepubertal Gilts, Daniel Jason Sykes

Theses and Dissertations

The administration of raw soybeans to the diet of prepubertal gilts had no effect (p>0.05) on age to puberty, number of corpora lutea, or embryos present. Also, the number of pigs farrowed live and 28d litter weights did not differ between gilts consuming the raw soybean diet and gilts consuming the control diet. There was a reduction (p<0.05) in the number of pigs weaned in the group consuming the raw soybeans but no differences (p>0.05) in weaning weights. Gilts fed the raw soybean diet had a reduction (p=0.05) of hot carcass weights compared to gilts consuming the control diet but exhibited no differences for other carcass parameters measured. Thermal imaging was able to differentiate gilts …

The Spotted Cucumber Beetle (Diabrotica Undecimpunctata Howardi):Interactions With Cucurbits And Its Status As A Sweetpotato Pest In Mississippi, Daniel Edward Fleming

Theses and Dissertations

The spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber) is regarded as a pest of sweetpotatoes in Mississippi; however, its feeding on sweetpotatoes has not previously been documented. They are attracted to cucurbit crops that could be utilized as a trap crop or sentinel plant for management of cucumber beetles in sweetpotatoes. Studies were conducted between 2006 and 2008 to determine if cucurbit plants have the potential to serve as a trap crop or as sentinel plants for the spotted cucumber beetle in sweetpotato fields, and to determine the status of the spotted cucumber beetle as a sweetpotato pest in Mississippi. …

The Use Of Non-Invasive Monitoring Techniques For Profiling Hormonal Changes Associated With Stress And Reproductive Cyclicity In Domestic And Non-Domestic Species, Marcus Mcgee

Theses and Dissertations

Accurately examining animal endocrine profiles pose unique challenges due to possible human interaction influencing basal values. Standard methods of gathering information about an animal’s endocrine status are often dependent upon restraint and use of invasive methodologies. However to accurately monitor the influence management practices, blood sampling sometimes requires that hormone measurements be observed from animals in a relaxed state. To this end, methods for non-invasive monitoring (NIM) are greatly needed to obtain basal endocrine measurements. Such methods include fecal collections followed by hormone extraction, and remote sampling technologies for obtaining blood samples without handling. The overall objective of this study …

Pictures With A Voice: Understanding The Everyday Lives Of Native Americans Of The Chickasaw Nation In Developing A Nutrition Social Marketing Campaign, Krystal Rebecca Bowen

Theses and Dissertations

Randomly selected Native American families eligible to receive commodity foods were provided cameras to take pictures of visual responses in the areas of: 1) primary food purchases, 2) family use of food, 3) family activities and information access, and 4) future goals of the family. Using a focus-group format, participants chose five pictures that represented the group’s consensual responses. Selected pictures and meaning were analyzed using thematic analysis procedures. Twelve families completed the project. There were four major themes: 1) the importance of family and the Native-American community, 2) health of individual and family including extended family as it pertains …

Effect On Children's Eating Behavior And Self-Efficacy From Participation In Fun With Food Summer Camp, Alma Land Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Surface heterogeneities cause differential heating that can generate mesoscale convective boundaries, sometimes leading to cloud development and enhanced localized precipitation. A preferred cloud pattern has been identified across Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula region from 1998-2006 through the detection of cumuliform clouds on days when synoptic-scale forcing is weak. Hourly visible Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) imagery data are used to identify convective cloud masses. This allows quantitative description of the frequency and spatiotemporal extent of the clouds, helping forecasters gain insight into when and where they are likely to develop. Despite the inability to determine the underlying causes of …

An Assessment Of The Inservice Training Needs Of Mississippi County Extension Directors In The Area Of Program Needs Assessment, Martha Jackson-Banks

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to address in-service training needs of Mississippi County Extension Directors in the area of program needs assessment. The population consisted of the 80 County Extension Directors; 2 positions were vacant. Eighty percent of County Extension Directors responded. County Extension Directors that responded by program area: 38 Agriculture and Natural Resources, 12 Family and Consumer Sciences, 4 4-H Youth Development, and 10 County Extension Directors that are Generalists. Sixty-one percent were male and 39 percent were female. Eight percent completed a bachelor’s degree, 11% completed a bachelor’s degree plus graduate work towards master’s degree, 60% …

Understanding The Impact Of Technical Assistance On Early Care And Education Sites In Mississippi Rural Communities, Kimberly Mechelle Triplett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine if early childhood teachers can enhance literacy and language development in preschool children and strengthen the literacy with the support of an on-site technical assistant (TA). The present investigation sought to explore two questions: Is there a statistically significant difference between classroom environments for which teaching early literacy skills, as measured by the Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation Toolkit (ELLCO) Research Edition of three and four-year-olds participating in the on-site technical assistance model when compared to classroom environments in programs where early childhood teachers did not participate? and Is there a …

Lysine And Threonine Responses In Ross X Ross Tp16 Male Broilers, Derrick Lashawn Everett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Lys and Thr responses of TP-16 male broilers. Experiment 1 (14-28 d of age) showed no significant live performance effects. In Experiment 2, Lys and Thr (P=0.021) interacted to affect 28 to 42 d body weight gain and (P=0.004) feed intake. Lys main effects improved body weight gain (P=0.002), and feed conversion (P=0.009). Thr fed at the 0.68% level improved body weight gain and feed conversion. Mortality did not differ among treatments and averaged 0.09% across all treatments. The study indicated the sensitivity of the Thr:Lys ratio when broilers are fed …

Identification Of Strobilurin And Benzimidazole Resistance In Colletotrichum Cereale Isolates Causing Anthracnose On Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens In Mississippi And Alabama, Joseph Ronald Young

Theses and Dissertations

Anthracnose, incited by Colletotrichum cereale, is a destructive disease of physiologically stressed creeping bentgrass putting greens in Mississippi and Alabama. Anthracnose severity and frequency of occurrence have increased over the past 15 years, and fungicide resistance may have had a role in the increase. In vitro bioassays were performed to evaluate thiophanate methyl and azoxystrobin against C. cereale isolates exposed to the fungicides and baseline isolates that had not been exposed to either fungicide. All isolates collected from creeping bentgrass were uninhibited by both fungicides at discriminatory doses. Partial nucleotide sequences of the â-tubulin 2 (thiophanate methyl) or cytochrome b …

Evaluation Of Technology Aimed To Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency For Delayedlood Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Production, Jason Morris Satterfield

Theses and Dissertations

Improving nitrogen (N) use efficiency is crucial for maximizing growth and yield in rice production. Tools to determine precise midseason N rates as well as knowledge of the effects of starter fertilizer N applications on rice growth and yield are lacking. Field experiments were conducted in 2007 and 2008 at the Delta Research and Extension Center to evaluate canopy reflectance as a means for determining yield and N nutrition at midseason and to assess agronomic effects and N recovery efficiency of starter fertilizer N. Measurable in-season parameters were significantly related to grain yield. Grain yield and measured parameters were related …

Diabetes Management With Insulin Pump Therapy And Its Compliance In Adolescents, Jacqueline L. Reep-Jarmin

Theses and Dissertations

Glycemic control is difficult to achieve for the adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellites (TlDM). Intensive insulin therapy through continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with an insulin pump can give the adolescent better glycemic control and a more flexible schedule and lifestyle. The purpose of this project was to determine if insulin pump therapy among adolescents increases their compliance of their medical regimen and to increase awareness of diabetic educators of insulin pump therapy and it's appropriateness among adolescent patients.

An intensive literature review was conducted to detern1ine the current evidence on insulin pump therapy in adolescents and their compliance. …

Preeclampsia And Future Cardiovascular Risk, Christine Lauzon

Theses and Dissertations

Several recent studies have shown that women with a history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension are at increased risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life. It is unclear whether this increased risk is due to underlying conditions in the women that predispose them to preeclampsia, or to the long-term sequelae of the preeclampsia syndrome. It is clear though that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. There is a lack of anticipatory guidance for women regarding their future risk of cardiovascular disease following pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. Therefore, the purpose of this project was …

Spirituality In The Community, Dawn Fredrich

Theses and Dissertations

Important nursing theorists throughout history agree that human beings are comprised of several dimensions. These dimensions generally include body, mind and spirit. Many also agree that these dimensions cannot be isolated for treatment. The body, mind and spirit are so intricately interconnected that each of the dimensions has an effect on the other. Although nurses are charged with assessing, intervening, and evaluating care for each of these three dimensions, most nurses practicing in acute and long term facilities provide interventions directed primarily at the body and mind. There is, however, a resurgence of interest in how spirituality affects the health …

Pediatric Feeding Problems Related To Tactile Defensiveness: A Case Study, Lauren Maguire

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory, single-subject design study was to introduce to a child with a severe feeding disorder and tactile sensitivity different activities related to food in an attempt to increase the child's acceptance of new foods. After a baseline assessment, the child and his parents participated in a 12-week intervention that included at least one new tactile activity and a selection of new foods the parents identified that they wanted their child to eat. In the process of conducting this study, an underlying medical problem was identified; therefore, halfway through the study, the child began to take medication …

Weight Perception And The Use Of Unhealthy Weight Loss Tactics Among Adults In The United States: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Nhanes Data, 2000-2006., Laura King

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Weight dissatisfaction and misperception are widespread problems in the United States as are unhealthy weight loss practices. These negative body image issues can lead to eating disorders which have serious health and quality of life consequences. Objective: To evaluate the extent to which the prevalence of distorted body image and unhealthy dieting tactics exist in adults in the US and how these are related. Methods: Data from NHANES 2000-20006 on adults aged 20-59 was used. Weight perception was assessed with the physical exam measurements of weight status and the weight history questionnaire item asking if the person considered him …

Relationship Between Parental Role-Modeling Of Physical Activity And Child's Physical Activity, Katherine Culver

Theses and Dissertations

Trends in childhood obesity have lead to a generation that has a shortened lifespan, where excessive weight may decrease life expectancy by as much as five years. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for childhood obesity as well as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Addressing inactivity in children could help keep the obesity epidemic from continuing to grow as well as help address other health concerns. The specific aims of this study are 1) To examine the effect of parental role-modeling of exercise on children’s activity level by specifically looking at the role of the mother and the father, …

Perception Of Power Dynamics And Risky Sexual Behavior In Indian Men, Amber Haley

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Women account for about a third of all new cases of HIV in India. Based on research examining trends of HIV infection in women, male perception and behaviors have emerged as strong potential risk factors. However, there has been limited research examining the relationship between male’s attitudes toward women and their sexual risk-taking behaviors. This study examined the degree to which men’s beliefs about power dynamics in heterosexual relationships are related to risky sexual behaviors in Indian men. Methods: Data on Indian men from the 2005-2006 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) was analyzed (N= 44,727). The outcome variable, risky …

Altruism, Activism, And The Moral Imperative In Craft, Gabriel Craig

Theses and Dissertations

I consider myself a metalsmith although my interest in materials and ideas extend beyond the boundaries of traditional practice. I approach my work thematically, meaning that I treat my discipline as a framework for a broad investigation rather than as a skill set or process. The outcomes of this approach are therefore varied and include jewelry, installation, performance, video, interactive community based projects, print and web based writing, and historical research. It is through humor or direct viewer interaction that I promote accessibility in my work. My ideas are layered and communicated in a way that allows viewers to engage …

The Impact Of Ethnic Identity And Group Support On Hiv Intervention Outcomes, Kristina Hood

Theses and Dissertations

The current study investigated if condom outcomes vary as a function of perceived group support (from members of the group) and ethnic identity among participants in an HIV prevention intervention. The peer-led intervention consisted of an empirically supported curriculum, Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics about AIDS (SISTA) with an additional component that addressed the role of alcohol/drugs in risky sexual behavior. Participants included 263 unmarried, heterosexual, African American women who were recruited from three universities. At post-test, perception of a supportive group environment was associated with positive attitudes towards condom use. In addition, ethnic identity was associated with positive attitudes …

Scribble As A Possible Binding Partner For The Map Kinases Erk2 And Erk6, William Allen

Theses and Dissertations

We worked on finding a new kinase regulator to develop basic data to be used for cancer prevention. Our work found a link between three previously unrelated proteins involved in cancer, ERK2 and ERK6 and Scribble. The MAP kinase cascade is involved in cell proliferation, which is highly deregulated in cancer. Through the screening of ERK6 associating molecules, we found the cell polarity, and cell cycle related molecule Scribble. Furthermore, we found that Scribble was a dual-specific kinase regulator. We clearly demonstrated that these ERKs interact with Scribble through the LRR and the PDZ domains of Scribble. We hypothesize that …

A Mathematical Model For Anti-Malarial Drug Resistance, Amanda Matthews

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the array of medical advances of our modern day society, infectious diseases still plague millions of people worldwide. Malaria, in particular, causes substantial suffering and death throughout both developed and developing countries. Aside from the socioeconomic challenges presented by the disease's prevalence in impoverished nations, one of the major difficulties scientists have encountered while attempting to eradicate the disease is the parasite's ability to become resistant to new drugs and methods of treatment. In an effort to better understand the dynamics of malaria, we analyze a mathematical model that accounts for both the treatment aspect as well as the …

Structural And Functional Considerations In The Design Of Collagen-Based Electrospun Scaffolds, Chantal Ayres

Theses and Dissertations

Electrospinning can be used to selectively process a variety of natural and synthetic polymers into highly porous scaffolds composed of nano-to-micron diameter fibers. This process shows great potential as a gateway to the development of physiologically relevant tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study we examine the structural and functional considerations regarding electrospun scaffolds for dermal template applications using novel quantification techniques. In order to characterize scaffold structure, a technique utilizing the fast Fourier transform was developed to systematically quantify fiber alignment and evaluate how different electrospinning parameters impact the structure and material properties of an electrospun scaffold. Gelatin was suspended …

Stratified Neighborhoods, Stratified Schools: Intradistrict Transfer And Racial And Socioeconomic Stratification, Elisabeth Stuart Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Intra-district transfer policies allow students to attend any school within a district and thus may have unique consequences for stratification within a district. If parents make choices based on common academic interests, this policy can create racial and socioeconomic integration across the schools in a district. However, socially motivated choices may lead to the creation of increasingly stratified zones. This study examines one urban school district with an intra-district transfer policy to examine if the schools in the district become more racially and economically stratified under the choice policy and if the level of stratification at family's zoned schools is …

The Role Of Connexin-36 Gap Junctions In Alcohol Intoxication And Reward, Kathryn Diane Bradley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis project was to examine the function of connexin-36 (Cx36) gap junctions (GJs) in producing alcohol's intoxicating and rewarding effects. GABA neurons are thought to inhibit dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the mesocorticolimbic system, which originates in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projects to limbic structures such as the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). The mesolimbic DA system is believed to be the neural substrate of alcohol intoxication and addiction (Tepper, Paladini, & Celada, 1998). Alcohol suppresses the firing rate of GABA neurons in the VTA (Gallegos, Criado, Lee, Henriksen, & Steffensen, 1999) and presumably disinhibits DA …

Preventive Dental Services For Infants And Subsequent Utilization Of Dental Services, Elizabeth Berry

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of dental services for young children following a preventive oral health intervention in a pediatric medical clinic. Over a 3 year period (2005-2008), children 0-36 months of age, enrolled in Medicaid, were provided preventive oral health services in a medical setting. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the effect receiving the preventive oral health services in a medical setting with the outcomes of dental utilization. 15% were determined to have dental caries at the intervention and 42% found to have a dental visit post-intervention. Children determined …

Youth Leadership Development And Peer-Led Initiatives, Kathryn Conley

Theses and Dissertations

The current study explored the experiences of high school peer leaders (N = 45) chosen to participate in an eight-week peer-led tobacco intervention program, Living Free of Tobacco, Plus! (LIFT+). The study used a repeated measures design to examine changes in leadership self-efficacy, perceived leadership skill, and goal-setting from baseline to post-test. Leaders’ susceptibility to future tobacco use, self-efficacy to resist and avoid tobacco, and confidence and interest in following nutritional guidelines were also examined at two time points. To strengthen self-report measures, peer and teacher evaluations of observed leadership behavior were collected. Results suggest that participation as a peer-leader …

Conflict Resolution Skills Guidance, Heather Lommen-Solig

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Theory Of An Efficacious Treatment Plan., Valerie Jeanette Johnston

Theses and Dissertations

There are numerous commonalities and similarities in the symptoms presented in those individuals suffering from Korsakoff's Syndrome, Vascular Dementia, B vitamin deficiencies and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. These similarities include physiological, neurological and psychological findings. B vitamin supplementation is being used effectively to treat several of these disorders. Because of these similarities and commonalities in both symptomology and physiology, it is my hypothesis that PTSD may be partially or totally a consequence of a B vitamin deficiency. Narrative re-exposure therapy is already in use to treat those with PTSD. Using the Biopsychosocial Model of health psychology, I propose an empirical study …

Bonding Orthodontic Brackets To Stainless Steel Crowns, Daniel Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare shear bond strengths of brackets bonded to stainless steel crowns using various orthodontic adhesives and surface conditioning techniques. One hundred and twenty mandibular first molar stainless steel crowns were randomly divided into groups: (1): Aluminablasting + Metal Primer + Assure; (2): Aluminablasting + Silane Coupling Agent + Transbond; (3): Diamond Bur Abrasion + Metal Primer + Assure; (4): Diamond Bur Abrasion + Silane Coupling Agent + Transbond; (5: control): Acid Etching + Metal Primer + Assure; (6: control): Acid Etching + Silane Coupling Agent + Transbond. Bond strength was tested using a …

A Comparison Of The U.S. Air Force Fitness Test And Sister Services' Combat-Oriented Fitness Tests, Thomas E. Worden

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores how the United States Air Force Physical Fitness Test (AFPFT) events compare to sister-services' physical fitness test events with respect to their predictability of combat capability. Multiple regression tools, non-parametric analyses, and chi² contingency table hypothesis testing were utilized to test hypotheses about performances and determine associations between involved variables. AFPFT scores had minimal predictability (adj R² 0.2045) [but improved when raw data replaced scoring sheets, pushups have no maximum, and abdominal circumference and age are removed (adj R² 0.7703)]. Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) predicts higher combat capability (p-value 0.0208). The best two-event …