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Sexual Differences In Survival And Competition In Grasshoppers, Marianne Harris

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

A study was conducted to determine if the proportional survival of the sexes of the grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (Orthoptera, Acrididae), differs. By stocking cages in the field with grasshoppers with different body size, sex and density combinations, proportional survival could be estimated. This study revealed that, in the absence of predation, there was a lower proportional survival when both sexes were together at high densities as compared to when they together were at low densities, and when both sexes were separate at either density. Even though females, on average, are larger than males, this study found size to be insignificant. …

Sexual Differences In Survival And Competition In Grasshopers, Marianne Harris

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

A study was conducted to determine if the proportional survival of the sexes of the grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (Orthoptera, Acrididae), differs. By stocking cages in the field with grasshoppers with different body size, sex and density combinations, proportional survival could be estimated. This study revealed that, in the absence of predation, there was a lower proportional survival when both sexes were together at high densities as compared to when they together were at low densities, and when both sexes were separate at either density. Even though females, on average, are larger than males, this study found size to be insignificant. …

The Role Of An Invasive Exotic Plant On The Structure Of Aquatic Invertebrate Assemblages: Tamarix In The Southwest United States, Bert Lewis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Over the past 100 years, riparian vegetation communities throughout the Southwest United States have been extensively invaded by Tamarix spp. (saltcedar). Saltcedar derives its common name from its physiological adaptation to excrete salts. The production of Tamarix detritus with associated secondary chemicals may affect the quality of aquatic invertebrate food and habitat resources. An alteration in food and habitat quality may affect the composition and structure of aquatic invertebrate assemblages.

A series of experiments was conducted contrasting aquatic invertebrate assemblage densities, colonization rates, and growth rates associated with Tamarix versus native vegetation, Populus fremontii (cottonwood) and Salix exigua (willow), to …

Designing, Developing, Producing, And Evaluating Interactive Geography Education Multimedia Materials, Michael Forrest Harper

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

Through experiences on a variety of projects with the Utah Geographic Alliance, it has become increasingly apparent that there needs to be a greater emphasis placed on project-oriented geography education multimedia materials for both teacher and student use. Through direct participation and extensive involvement with UGA projects and activities the importance, value and potential of computer based technology for geography education has become very obvious. Over the past three years USU students and Alliance teachers have been intensely involved with Dr. Cliff B. Craig in spearheading UGA and Department of Geography & Earth Resources efforts in conducting both state and …

Influence Of Boat Density Levels On Boaters' Satisfaction At Hyrum Lake, Utah, Floyd Alma Powell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of boat density on boaters' satisfaction at Hyrum Lake State Park, Utah. The study evaluated relationships between boaters' satisfaction with their Hyrum Lake experience and density of boats at different locations on the lake and among participants in different boating activities.

The participants in this study were boaters who used Hyrum Lake between May and September of 1996. An oral, on-site interview survey was randomly given to 282 boaters as they left the lake for the day. The surveys were conducted on high-density days (weekends) and low-density days (weekdays), which …

Management Of Microbial Nitrate Production In Agricultural Soils, Wei Shi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nitrate (NO₃^-) is of central importance in the internal soil nitrogen (N) cycle. While animal wastes and nitrification inhibitors have been used in modern agriculture for decades, their effects on soil NO₃^- concentrations in relation to microbial NO₃^- production have not been well characterized. The objective of this research was to determine microbial NO₃^- production in relation to ammonium (NH₄⁺) availability and nitrifier population activity in agricultural soils receiving animal wastes or nitrification inhibitors.

Several laboratory and field studies assessed the impacts of variously treated dairy wastes and …

The Role Of Ammonia In Reproductive Inefficiency In High-Producing Dairy Cows Fed Excess Rumen Degraded Protein, Douglas Scott Hammon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The role of ammonia in reproductive inefficiency in early lactation dairy cows was studied in a series of experiments designed to determine the concentrations of ammonia in normal bovine follicular fluid (bFF), to determine the effects of ammonia on the bovine embryo during specific stages of development, and to test the hypothesis that elevated plasma urea nitrogen concentration is associated with elevated ammonia and urea nitrogen concentrations in the reproductive fluids.

In the first study, ammonia concentration in different size follicles and the effect of ammonia during in vitro maturation on embryo development were determined. Ammonia concentration in the bFF …

The Effects Of Retinoic Acids On The Angiogenic Growth Factors Produced By Solid Tumors, Lynn C. Burgess

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

These studies investigated the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on angiogenesis. Three human, neoplastic cell lines were used to examine angiogenic promotion and/or inhibition. The cell lines, U-373MG glioblastoma, DU-145 prostate carcinoma, and TCCSUP bladder transitional cell carcinoma, were treated with the following: all-trans, 9-cis, or 13-cis RA, at doses from 0.0001 to 100 μM. Hypoxia was used to assist the expression of the angiogenic phenotype. Conditioned media (CM) were prepared by growing the tumor cells in the presence of RA and hypoxia for 24 hours, and then the CM was transferred to bovine, capillary endothelial …

Rangeland Dynamics And Pastoral Development In The High Andes: The Camelid Herders Of Cosapa, Bolivia, Lita P. Buttolph

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Current models of rangeland system dynamics were evaluated in Cosapa, a pastoral community on the Bolivian altiplano. Two specific models were tested: the "equilibrium" model, which assumes biotic interactions dominate rangeland dynamics and lead to system stability, and the "nonequilibrium" model, in which stochastic, abiotic factors control systems such that equilibrium is never attained. A livestock development project (called "Project Alpaca") working in the community was then assessed in terms of how its assumptions of system dynamics compared with empirical findings. The goal of Project Alpaca was to increase incomes for camelid (i.e., llama and alpaca) herders on the …

Assessing Mental Health Of Native American Children: Relationship Of Acculturation With Social, Emotional, And Behavioral Functioning, Christopher H. Morris

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The literature indicates that, in comparison to children of other ethnic minority groups, Native American children may be at greater risk for a variety of emotional and behavioral Ill disorders and negative psychosocial conditions. Many may also struggle to resolve issues related to cultural identity. Understanding how Native American children and families relate to the cultures within which they live is a critical aspect of preventing and treating childhood mental disorders. Although Native children and families face persistent social pressure to adapt to a multicultural world, no systematic research exists examining the relationship between families' experience of acculturation and their …

Physically And Sexually Violent Juvenile Offenders: A Comparative Study Of Victimization History Variables, Monique R. Frazier

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The primary purpose of this study was to examine and compare physically and sexually violent juvenile offenders (PVJOs and SVJOs) to determine whether specific factors in their abuse histories, if present, tend to be associated with-the type of violent offense pattern they exhibit. The Youth Experiences and Behaviors Structured Interview (YEBSI)--an instrument which assesses for primary (victimization), secondary (witnessing), and perpetrated abuse of an emotional, physical, and sexual nature, by and/or toward family members, acquaintances, strangers, and animals--was developed by the primary researcher for use in this study. Thirty-six PVJOs and 30 SVJOs were interviewed. Results indicated that the YEBSI …

A Descriptive Study Of The Relation Between Domestic Violence And Pet Abuse, Claudia V. Weber

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This was a descriptive study that examined the relation between domestic violence and pct abuse. Participants were questioned about their styles of conflict resolution with partners and how pets were treated in the home. Information was gathered using the Conflict Tactics Scale, and three surveys were developed for this study: the Battered Partner Shelter Survey, Families and Pets Survey, and the Child 's Observations and Experience with Pets. Four groups were recruited: (a) women in crisis shelters who chose to include one of their children in the study (n = 39), (b) women in crisis shelters who did not …

The Nonuse Of Figurative Language In Conduct Disordered Adolescents, Mike Berger

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relationship between the literal language and conduct problems among conduct disordered adolescents was examined in 109 subjects. The inability to use figurative language was found to be positively related to ratings of conduct problems. Both the parents' discipline style and nonuse of figurative language were related to conduct problems in conduct disordered adolescents. The possible role of other variables, for example, age, sex, and IQ, was examined. Possible mechanisms that could relate the lack of figurative competence and conduct problems were explored.

Characteristics Of Internalizing Social-Emotional Behaviors Of Southwestern Native American Children, Carolyn Thomas Morris

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The knowledge base targeting internalizing symptomatology in Native American children is surprisingly limited. As yet, it is not clear if the process and symptoms of internalizing disorders are the same across cultures. The need for further investigation is heightened by the fact that, compared to the majority population, Native Americans are believed to be at greater risk for psychological problems because of impoverished conditions, high unemployment, and high numbers of traumatic events on the reservations. Additionally, the losses of traditional culture and language are considered risk factors for greater psychopathology. The negative ramifications of internalizing disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety) …

Kokanee Fry Recruitment And Early Life History In The Lake Tahoe Basin, Christine K. Gemperle

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Lake Tahoe kokanee salmon have experienced decreasing mean adult size and fluctuating populations since 1970. We proposed to determine whether fish production was limited by spawning and incubation processes in Taylor Creek, or by growth constraints, or by mortality in the lake by studying egg-to-fry survival rates and early life history. Estimated egg-to-fry survival was 15. 9% for the 1994 brood year and 1.5% for the 1995 brood year. Egg-to-adult survival was 3.5% for the 1991 brood year and 5.9% for the 1992 brood year. Of the 35 possible survival scenarios, egg-to-fry survival was 7.5-20% and fry-to-adult survival (inlake phase) …

Influence Of Streptococcus Thermophilus Mr-1c Capsular Exopolysaccharide On Cheese Moisture Level, Deborah Low

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study investigated the role of exopolysaccharide (EPS) in cheese moisture retention. Analysis of low-fat Mozzarella cheese made with different combinations of EPS-producing (Streptococcus thermophilus MR-1C and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus MR-lR) and non-EPS-producing (S. thermophilus TA061 and L. helveticus LH100) starters showed significantly higher moisture levels in cheese made with S. thermophilus MR-1C. To determine if the S. thermophilus MR-1C EPS was responsible for increased moisture retention, gene replacement was used to inactivate the epsE gene in this bacterium. Low-fat Mozzarella cheese made with L. helveticus LH100 plus the EPS-negative mutant, S. thermophilus DM1O, had significantly lower …

Diet, Health Practices, And Variables Associated With Breastfeeding In Caucasian And Asian Participants In The Special Supplemental Food Program For Women, Infants, And Children: A Comparative Study, Rebecca E. Blaine

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The United States Department of Health and Human Services wrote Healthy People 2000 National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives. One major goal is to reduce the mortality rate for infants by reducing low birthweight. The disparities have been great when goals and objectives are applied to poor and minority populations.

Objectives have been set to reduce risk factors associated with low infant birthweight. These include addressing inappropriate health practices, and appropriate nutrition for mother and infant.

Forty-eight Asian and 50 Caucasian participants were compared for maternal diet, health practices, breastfeeding initiation and duration, and infant growth parameters. Data were …

Effect Of Aging On The Quality Of Beef Semitendinosus Muscle Treated With Ultra High Temperature Pasteurization, Habiba Ali Nur

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of aging on the tenderness and palatability of beef from the semitendinosus muscle of the round. Tenderness may be affected by the length of the aging period and the aging temperature. Steaks from the semitendinosus muscle were stored for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hr at two temperatures, 43.3°C and 2.2°C. Ultra high temperature (UHT) pasteurization was accomplished by subjecting the meat to 1100°C for 20 seconds. UHT pasteurization denatures surface proteins, destroys vegetative pathogens, and eliminates some spoilage organisms from the surface of the meat. UHT -treated …

Tryptophan Catabolism By Lactobacillus Spp. : Biochemistry And Implications On Flavor Development In Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese, Sanjay Gummalla

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Amino acids derived from the degradation of casein in cheese serve as precursors for the generation of key flavor compounds. Microbial degradation of tryptophan (Trp) is thought to promote formation of aromatic compounds that impart putrid fecal or unclean flavors in cheese, but pathways for their production have not been established. This study investigated tryptophan catabolism by Lactobacillus casei LC301 and LC202 and Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ32 and LH212 cheese flavor adjuncts in carbohydrate starvation (pH 6.5, 30 or 37°C, no sugar) and cheese-like conditions (pH 5.2, 4% NaCl, 15°C, no sugar). Enzyme assays of cell-free extracts revealed both species of …

Establishing Threshold Levels Of Nitrite Causing Pinking Of Cooked Meat, Kevin M. Heaton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Sporadic problems with pink color defect, or pinking, has occurred in cooked meat products for decades. Pink color can be due to the presence of undenatured myoglobin, denatured globin hemochromes, or nitrosylhemochrome. This research documented the level of added nitrite that produced nitrosylhemochrome in processed meat rolls from fabricated beef round, pork shoulder, turkey breast, and chicken breast. For each meat type, preliminary studies were conducted to narrow the range at which added nitrite caused pinking. Subsequently, the nitrite levels were increased incrementally by 1-ppm, and pink color was measured by trained panelists and by a Hunter color meter. Nitrosylhemochrome …

Influence Of Stress Treatments On The Resistance Of Lactococcus Lactis To Freezing And Freeze-Drying, Chan Lin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study investigated the effect of cold, heat, or osmotic shock treatment on the resistance of L. lactis subsp. cremoris MM160 and MM310 and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MM210 and FG2 cheese starter bacteria to freezing and freeze-drying. The ability to withstand freezing at -60°C for 24 h was variable among lactococci, but resistance to this treatment was significantly improved (P < 0.05) in most strains by a 2-h cold shock at l0°C or a 25-min heat shock at 39°C (L. lactis subsp. cremoris) or 42°C (L. lactis subsp. lactis). Stress treatments that improved lactococcal freeze resistance were also found to significantly (P < 0.05) enhance the resistance of most strains to lyophilization. Increased resistance to freezing or lyophilization was not detected when stress treatments were performed in broth that contained erythromycin, which indicated stress-inducible proteins were involved in cell protection. Membrane fatty acid analysis of stress-treated cells suggested that enhanced resistance to freezing and lyophilization may be related to heat or cold shock-induced changes in cell membrane composition. Heat-shocked cells had a higher 19:0 cyclopropane fatty acid content than did control cells, and cold-shocked cells contained a lower ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids. Other factors must also be involved in cell protection, however, because similar changes in membrane composition were also detected in strains whose resistance to freezing and lyophilization was not improved by heat or cold shock.

Quaternary Amino Acid Geochronology Of The Lahontan Basin, Nevada, And The Chewaucan Basin, Oregon, Jeffrey Bigelow

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Amino acid geochronology based on fossil molluscs provides a useful approach to determining the Quaternary history of Great Basin lakes. The Lahontan basin, Nevada, and the Chewaucan basin, Oregon, in the northwest corner of the Great Basin, both contained lakes during the Quaternary. The aim of this study is to improve the Quaternary geochronology in these two basins by measuring time-dependent changes in amino acids preserved in fossil molluscan shells. The abundance of D-alloisoleucine relative to Lisoleucine (All) characterizes the extent of racemization, which increases with age and Ul forms the basis of relative and correlated ages. An age-calibration curve …

Modeling Soil Loss To Determine Water Erosion Risk At Camp Williams National Guard Base, Utah, Kevin P. Bartsch

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Soil erosion was assessed at Camp Williams National Guard Base by creating an erosion risk classification map and comparing the erosion impact of disturbance regimes on different hillslopes. Soil erosion does not appear to be a problem for most of Camp Williams.

The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation was applied using GIS to create a soil erosion risk map for the entire Camp Williams facility. The map indicated where problem areas occurred and showed relative erosion risk, but its lack of quantitative accuracy should be noted. Areas of concern included landscapes with little or no protective vegetation such as roads, …

Regeneration Ecology Of Chrysopogon Aucheri And Cymbopogon Jwarancusa In Grasslands Of Upland Balochistan, Pakistan, Sarfraz Ahmad

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the seed attributes, movements and fates of dispersal units, and seedling establishment of Chrysopogon aucheri and Cymbopogon jwarancusa in a representative grassland ecosystem in upland Balochistan, Pakistan.

Cymbopogon jwarancusa had more filled and viable caryopses than Chrysopogon aucheri. Seeds (spikelets) of both species had similar morphological features. Chrysopogon aucheri had one dispersal unit, a triplet spikelet. Cymbopogon jwarancusa had four types of dispersal units: a paired spikelet, a partial raceme, an entire raceme, and a partial inflorescence comprised of two racemes.

Paired spikelets and partial racemes of Cymbopogon jwarancusa had greater …

Livestock Watering Practices In The Moroccan Pre-Sahara: Their Effects On Water And Nutrient Metabolism Of Sheep In Different Body Conditions, El Mostafa Darfaoui

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A field survey and a metabolism experiment were conducted to study livestock watering practices in the Moroccan Pre-Sahara and their changes with drought extent, season, ecological zone, pastoral system, and herd size. The metabolism experiment was designed to determine effects of once per 2 days (ID), once daily and twice daily drinking frequencies, and high and low body conditions on water and nutrient utilization by sheep fed high- and low-quality diets.

The way herds are managed in this region exposes all sex and age categories of animals to food and water shortages during annual dry seasons and occasional droughts. Livestock …

Relationship Between Teton Science School Programs And Teachers' Ability To Teach About The Environment, Jennifer A. Levy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This thesis presents an analysis of 1996/97 survey research data regarding the relationship between three types of Teton Science School (TSS) programs and classroom teachers ' ability to teach about the environment. Based on observations by resident instructors and faculty at TSS, three research questions were developed. The primary objective of the research questions was to consider the relationship between TSS residential education programs and participating teachers' ability to teach about the environment.

Analyses are based on comparing descriptive statistics of teachers who have participated in one of the three types of TSS programs or a combination of the three …

Seed Dispersal By Livestock: A Revegetation Application For Improving Degraded Rangelands, Ferhat Gokbulak

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A series of experiments was conducted to: 1) investigate how feeding cattle with different amounts of different-sized seeds affects seed passage rate through the digestive tract, and the germinability of passed seeds; 2) examine how the location of seeds in dungpats of different thicknesses influences seedling emergence, development, and survival in cattle dungpats; and 3) characterize seedling emergence in naturally and artificially deposited cattle dungpats. Three perennial, cool-season grasses, bluebunch wheatgrass [Psuedoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love], Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda Presl.), and 'Hycrest' crested wheatgrass [Agropyron desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) X A. cristatum (L.) Gaert.], were used …

Effects Of Uv-B Radiation On Egg And Larval Golden Shiner (Notemigonus Crysoleucas) In Castle Lake, California, Jai-Ku Kim

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

I studied effects of UV-B radiation on egg and larval golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) in Castle Lake, California, USA. To compare egg hatching and survival of larval golden shiner, I exposed eggs and larval fish to three different UV-B treatments, low UV-B (4% UV-B), high UV-B (92% UV-B), and ambient (100% UV-B). The egg experiment was conducted in lake and pond water, whereas proto- and mesolarval stage experiments were conducted in lake water only.

High and ambient UV-B radiation affected the hatching rate of golden shiner eggs. The mean hatching rate was 13% lower in high UV-B, and …

Short-Eared Owl Post-Fledging Survival And Breeding Season Diet, Thomas A. Rivest

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

My research primarily focused on the survival of short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) from leaving the nest until their emigration from their natal territories during 1993 and 1994. I attached tarsal-mounted radio transmitters to nestlings prior to fledging. Of 25 fledgling short-eared owls monitored, 16 (64%) died prior to dispersal and one (4%) died after dispersing. Mammalian predation (5, 29.4%) was the primary cause of mortality followed by starvation (4, 23.5%), exposure (2, 11.8%), auto collision (1, 5.9%), burial (1, 5.9%), and unknown causes (4, 23.5%). Hatch date was found to be negatively correlated with fledgling survival.

A secondary …

A Geographic Information System Assessment Method For Fire Management: Identifying Fire Danger Areas, Richard D. Stratton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, a geographic information system (GIS) was used to create a wildland fire assessment methodology. GIS layers (or themes) include topography, infrastructure, vegetation, climate, "sensitive" natural values, and fire history. Two phases of assessment are presented: a preliminary analysis designed for planning use at the landscape level, and a detailed analysis for site-specific use.

Results of the phase 1 assessment are density grids delineating areas of high fire occurrence and suggesting to managers where a phase 2 assessment is needed. By using the environmental, …