Digital Commons Network^™

Spatial And Temporal Immune Response In House Flies In Response To Ingestion Of Bacillus Cereus And Eschericha Coli 0157-H7, Adam Fleming

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

House flies (Musca domestica L.) feed and breed on septic substrates, putting them in direct contact with a multitude of disease causing agents and can act as a bridge for those agents to humans. The house fly has previously been shown to carry many different species of bacteria that are pathogenic. Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a pathogenic enterohemorrhagic serotype of E. coli that can be vectored by the house fly. Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen that has also been isolated from the house fly in previous studies. To examine vector potential for these pathogens, house flies were fed green …

Predation Risk And Colony Structure In The Pea Aphid, Acyrthosiphon Pisum, Carl Nicolas Keiser

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Many organisms live in transient or permanent aggregations to reduce individual predation risk. Hamilton's "Selfish Herd" theory states that an individual should assume a central position within a group to decrease individual predation risk relative to that of its neighbors (i.e., individuals should be selfish). This theory, however, cannot predict the spatial distribution of individuals within clonal aggregations, that is, when individuals are genetically identical (the "evolutionary self"). As aphids (small, herbivorous insects) are parthenogenetic, emit alarm signals, and have high levels of phenotypic plasticity to cope with environmental stressors like predation risk, they are a model organism for investigating …

Do The Opportunities Offered During The School Day Provide The Recommended Physical Activity Levels For Children?: An Assessment Of The Upson County Pre-Kindergarten And Elementary School Physical Activity Occurrences, Cheryl Lynn Robinson Gaddis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Problem Statement: Almost 90% of students do not meet the national recommendations for physical activity in school. The purpose of this study was to determine the need for school policy changes to incorporate classroom-based physical activity programs in an effort to increase school physical activity levels for children in grades pre-kindergarten through five by assessing the levels of and the barriers/facilitators to physical activity engagement.

Methods: This was a sequential explanatory mixed methods study utilizing school board members, principals, and teachers in the Upson County School System as participants. The online survey was adapted from the School Health …

Armstrong Magazine, Marketing & Communications Department, Armstrong State University

Armstrong News & Publications: Armstrong Magazine (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Fecal Indicator Bacteria In Knitting Mill Creek With A Comparison Of Methods Used To Enumerate E. Coli, Manju Nagarajan

OES Theses and Dissertations

This research seeks to evaluate the impact of an urban, multi-use neighborhood on the bacteriological quality of water in Knitting Mill Creek, a blind arm of the Lafayette River, a sub-estuary of the lower Chesapeake Bay. A principal objective was to determine the effects of rainfall, a surrogate for run-off, on water-column concentrations of fecal-indicator bacteria (FIB). I collected water samples weekly (September 2009-December 2010) and biweekly (January 2010-December 2011) at a storm-sewer outfall and a nearby marina and quantified their E. coli and enterococci concentrations using Colilert-18 and Enterolert, most-probable-number assays. In addition, I took monthly samples for these …

Life History Of Stranded Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) In Virginia, Margaret Cook Lynott

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Little is known about the life history and overall ecology of bottlenose dolphins that strand in Virginia. In this study, I examined archived life history samples and stranding data from bottlenose dolphins found in Virginia waters to (1) develop growth curves based on ages from sectioned teeth, (2) document characteristics of male and female reproductive organs, and (3) define the relationship between age/length and presence of neonatal characteristics during the first year of life. The Gompertz growth model provided the best fit of growth data for stranded T. truncatus in Virginia. Length at birth and asymptotic length for males were …

Evolution On The Hawaiian Hotspot: Biogeography And Divergence Time Estimation Of Kadua (Rubiaceae), Kenneth L. Parker

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Recent studies on the colonization time of Hawaiian plant and animal lineages have suggested certain lineages arrived to the archipelago before the formation of the extant islands. Kadua, a recently resurrected genus, is mostly endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago, with many member taxa autochthonous to individual islands. This work investigates the colonization time of Kadua to the Hawaiian Islands. Sequence analyses of the quickly evolving nuclear regions ITS, ETS and 5s-NTS regions for 20 Hawaiian and 7 French Polynesian species of Kadua were used to create dated phylogeny calibrated with island ages. The phylogeny suggests a single colonization of Hawaii …

Orientation-Invariant Ecg-Based Virtual Pathology Stethoscope Tracking For Standardized Patient Heart Auscultation, Nahom B. Kidane

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Cardiac auscultation (CA), the act of listening to the heart sounds, is a critical physician's skill that provides substantial information for diagnosing many cardiovascular disorders; therefore, competent training can be a key for accurate and reliable diagnosis. The teaching of CA has been an area of recognized importance since the inception of the stethoscope. However, recent changes in health-care, such as limited student access to patients and higher reliance on competing technologies have made it challenging to teach bedside CA techniques.

Over the past few decades, standardized patients (SPs), individuals trained to portray real patients, have been widely used for …

Semi-Automatic Simulation Initialization By Mining Structured And Unstructured Data Formats From Local And Web Data Sources, Olcay Sahin

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Initialization is one of the most important processes for obtaining successful results from a simulation. However, initialization is a challenge when 1) a simulation requires hundreds or even thousands of input parameters or 2) re-initializing the simulation due to different initial conditions or runtime errors. These challenges lead to the modeler spending more time initializing a simulation and may lead to errors due to poor input data.

This thesis proposes two semi-automatic simulation initialization approaches that provide initialization using data mining from structured and unstructured data formats from local and web data sources. First, the System Initialization with Retrieval (SIR) …

Design And Comparison Of Immersive Interactive Learning And Instructional Techniques For 3d Virtual Laboratories, Shuo Ren

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Virtual reality (VR) as a learning environment plays an important role m engineering education. Utilizing the VR learning environment as a supplement to engineering-based laboratories is especially beneficial for students to prepare for the physical experiment and to grasp the experiment objectives and procedures. Such a methodology can also play a significant role in distance education.

This work presents the methodology design for the physical-to-virtual transformation of two undergraduate mechanical engineering laboratory experiments, namely the "Jet Impact Force on Vanes (Jet Force Lab)" and the "Elastic Test of a Beam in Pure Bending (Beam Bending Lab)" at Old Dominion University. …

Modification And Application Of A Turbulence Response Analysis Method For Flexible Aircraft Configurations, Christie Jeanne Funk

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A software program and associated methodology to study gust loading on aircraft exists for a classification of geometrically simplified flexible configurations. This program consists of a simple aircraft response model with two rigid and three flexible symmetric degrees of freedom and allows for the calculation of various airplane responses due to a discrete one-minus-cosine gust as well as continuous turbulence. Simplifications, assumptions, and opportunities for potential improvements pertaining to the existing software program are first identified, then a revised version of the original software tool is developed with improved methodology to include more complex geometries, additional excitation cases, and output …

Citizen Petitions: An Empirical Study, Michael A. Carrier, Daryl Wander

Cardozo Law Review

In recent years, brand-name drug companies have engaged in an array of conduct that has delayed generic competition. While some of the activity - such as settlements between brand and generic firms and "product hopping" from one drug version to another - has received attention, another behavior has, until now, flown under the radar.

This Article examines the activity of "citizen petitions." A citizen petition is a request for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take an action such as evaluating a drug's safety or effectiveness. When used appropriately, it could raise awareness of legitimate concerns with a …

Fall Dance Concert, 2012, School Of Theatre And Dance

Programs - Theatre, Dance, and Film

Productions took place December 6 - 8 at 7:30 pm; December 8 at 2:00 pm, 2012

Spherical Lamina Emergent Mechanisms, Samuel E. Wilding, Larry L. Howell, Spencer P. Magleby

Faculty Publications

Lamina emergent mechanisms (LEMs) are compliant mechanisms that can be manufactured from planar materials and are capable of motion out of the plane of manufacture. Spherical LEMs combine the unique motion of spherical mechanisms with the compactness and simple topology of LEMs. The fundamentals of spherical LEMs are discussed in this work. It is found that 21 of the 33 possible spherical 4R types can be spherical LEMs. A classification based on these 21 possible types is developed. This classification is used to predict motion capabilities of spherical 6R, and Equintet mechanisms. It is also applied to arrays of spherical …

Blue Orchard Bee, Cory Stanley

All Current Publications

This publication contains a description,the life cycle, and tips for management of blue orchard bees in Utah.

Reuse: Creating A Next Life For Common Items, Roslynn Brian, Hayley Waldbillig

All Current Publications

If you are looking for ways to save money and add creative flair to your daily life, reusing everyday items you are likely to throw away could be the answer!

Uv-B Affects Photosynthesis, Ros Production And Motility Of The Freshwater Flagellate, Euglena Agilis Carter, S Kottuparambil, W Shin, Mt Brown, T Han

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The effects of ultraviolet B (UV-B; 295-320 nm) radiation on certain vital physiological (photosynthesis), biochemical (production of reactive oxygen species - ROS) and behavioral (motility and orientation) characteristics were investigated in the unicellular photoautotroph, Euglena agilis Carter. The photosynthetic performance of E. agilis was recorded after exposure of between 15 and 60 min followed by a period of recovery lasting 6-24h under dim light (5-10 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1)). The maximum quantum yield of PS II (F(v)/F(m)) was reduced to 65% and 14% of initial values immediately following 15 and 30 min UV-B exposure, but recovered to 100 and 86% …

A Theoretical Framework For Serious Game Design: Exploring Pedagogy, Play And Fidelity And Their Implications For The Design Process, Pauline Rooney

Journal Articles

It is widely acknowledged that digital games can provide an engaging, motivating and “fun” experience for students. However an entertaining game does not necessarily constitute a meaningful, valuable learning experience. For this reason, experts espouse the importance of underpinning serious games with a sound theoretical framework which integrates and balances theories from two fields of practice: pedagogy and game design (Kiili, 2005; Seeney & Routledge, 2009). Additionally, with the advent of sophisticated, immersive technologies, and increasing interest in the opportunities for constructivist learning offered by these technologies, concepts of fidelity and its impact on student learning and engagement, have emerged …

Model Checking Software Architecture Design, Jiexin Zhang, Yang Liu, Jing Sun, Jin Song Dong, Jun Sun

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Software Architecture plays an essential role in the high level description of a system design. Despite its importance in the software engineering practice, the lack of formal description and verification support hinders the development of quality architectural models. In this paper, we present an automated approach to the modeling and verification of software architecture designs using the Process Analysis Toolkit (PAT). We present the formal syntax of the Wright# architecture description language together with its operational semantics in Labeled Transition System (LTS). A dedicated model checking module for Wright# is implemented in the PAT verification framework based on the proposed …

Book Review: Cultural Law: International, Comparative, And Indigenous, By James A. R. Nafziger, Robert Kirkwood Paterson & Alison Dundes Renteln, Asha Kaushal

Osgoode Hall Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Genetic Architecture Of Declarative Memory: Implications For Complex Illnesses, Carrie E. Bearden, Katherine H. Karlsgodt, Peter Bachman, Theo G. Van Erp, Anderson M. Winkler, David C. Glahn

School of Medicine Publications

Why do memory abilities vary so greatly across individuals and cognitive domains? Although memory functions are highly heritable, what exactly is being genetically transmitted? Here we review evidence for the contribution of both common and partially independent inheritance of distinct aspects of memory function. We begin by discussing the assessment of long-term memory and its underlying neural and molecular basis. We then consider evidence for both specialist and generalist genes underlying individual variability in memory, indicating that carving memory into distinct subcomponents may yield important information regarding its genetic architecture. And finally we review evidence from both complex and single-gene …

A Model For Evaluating Extension Communities Of Practice, Kathleen D. Kelsey, Eric T. Stafne

Journal of Extension

As Americans shift their work and leisure activities online, Extension seeks to remain viable by delivering programs through a website known as eXtension. eXtension is predicated on the voluntary labor of Extension specialists and educators who form Communities of Practice to create and deliver content through the website. Evaluation of eXtension CoP can be effectively executed using Patton's (2011) developmental evaluation model. A flow of activities for evaluating eXtension CoP using this approach is presented along with a case study of the Grape CoP evaluation using Patton's developmental evaluation model.

Converting Face-To-Face Curricula For Online Delivery: Lessons Learned From A Biomass Harvesting Guidelines Curriculum, Diomy S. Zamora, Charles R. Blinn, Dave T. Chura, Eli S. Sagor, Larry D. Coyle, Grant M. Domke

Journal of Extension

With shrinking budgets, staff reductions, and increased availability and access to digital technologies, Extension educators will be seeking ways to convert face-to-face programs to alternate formats. When converting Minnesota's biomass harvesting guidelines for online delivery, we learned many lessons while planning, developing, and testing our curriculum that can help others through a similar process.

The Influence Of Extension On Team Success Of A Milk Quality Improvement Program, Kathryn J. Hohmann, Pamela L. Ruegg

Journal of Extension

A mail survey was used to determine the influence of Extension on team success of a milk quality improvement program for Wisconsin dairy producers. Producers who did not learn about Milk Money from Extension were less likely to complete the program and reported an increased bulk milk somatic cell count at the time of survey. Producers who did not use an Extension agent as the team leader were less likely to complete Milk Money compared to teams led by Extension agents. The impact of Extension on team success of Milk Money should be considered when creating new Extension programs.

Eating Green: Coverage Of The Locavore Movement, Amanda Ruth-Mcswain

Journal of Extension

Various environmental, health, and food safety concerns have affected the purchasing decision of consumers and contributed to the growing demand for local produce and products, all of which can be found at local farmers markets. The research reported here adds knowledge about the media coverage regarding the role of farmers markets in local food consumption. Through a framing analysis of newspapers from eight different U.S. cities, the study revealed that four frames describe the coverage on the farmers markets and the buying local trend. Suggestions for Extension outreach efforts based on the locavore movement are offered.

Iowa Consumer Motivations And Preferences For Agritourism Activities, Melissa S. Norby, Michael S. Retallick

Journal of Extension

The study reported here sought to ascertain the agritourism attraction preferences of Iowa consumers based on population category. Respondents were asked questions regarding their motivation and preferences related to participation in agritourism activities. The results revealed that individuals enjoy participating in agritourism activities to spend time with family and friends while supporting local farmers. They placed considerable importance on the availability of fresh produce, on-site restrooms, and a convenient location. The information regarding consumer motivation and preferences may be used by Extension educators, state organizations, and the agritourism owner/operator to create a consumer profile and target market prospective audiences.

Grazing Schools Improve The Sustainability Of Pasture-Based Livestock Enterprises, Dennis W. Hancock

Journal of Extension

Implementing intensive grazing management can improve the three primary aspects of sustainability of enhancing profitability, natural resource stewardship, and quality of life. Participants in Georgia Grazing Schools (GGS) held between 2007-2010 were surveyed to assess near-term (six-42 month post-meeting) impact of the workshops on these aspects of sustainability. Respondents reported increased profitability, with nearly 18.9% and 18.9% reporting an increase in net returns of 20-30% and over 30%, respectively. Respondents also highly rated principles learned and experiences gained at the GGS as aiding them in meeting goals of improved natural resource stewardship and quality of life on their farms.

Using Extension Phosphorus Uptake Research To Improve Idaho's Nutrient Management Planning Program, Steven Hines, Amber Moore, Brad Brown, Mireille Chahine, Richard J. Norell, Mario De Haro Marti, Christi Falen, Tianna Fife, Stuart C. Parkinson, James A. Ippolito

Journal of Extension

Irrigated silage corn is the main crop used for P removal in southern Idaho; however, little is known about the actual amounts of P removed under southern Idaho growing conditions. The study surveyed P removal by irrigated silage corn in primarily manured southern Idaho fields and wide-ranging soil test P. Whole plant corn tissue P concentrations ranged from 0.116 to 0.307% total P and averaged 0.208%—lower than Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) estimates used prior to 2007 (0.26%P) but higher than estimates used since 2007 (0.185%). The study was used to update the OnePlan.org© Nutrient Management planning online program.

Equine Owner Knowledge And Implementation Of Conservation Practices, Jennfier M. Marriott, Amy Shober, Paul Monaghan, Christine Wiese

Journal of Extension

Various outreach programs promote best management practices (BMPs) for small farms, including equine farms; however, many horse owners may fail to get this information. A survey was completed by 230 people who owned and/or managed an equine facility to examine the current level of knowledge about nutrient (manure) management and awareness of extension services available. Results show that less than half of respondents use conservation techniques on their farms; 93% of Florida and 73% of non-Florida respondents, respectively, had never spoken with a conservation agency. Results of the survey have implications for educating equestrians about nutrient management and conservation techniques.

Patent Infringement In The Context Of Follow-On Biologics, Janet Freilich

Faculty Scholarship

This Article fills a gap in the literature by conducting a comprehensive analysis of patent infringement in the context of follow-on biologics. Patent infringement is an important topic because, like small molecule generic drugs, follow-on biologics are likely to begin their life facing infringement suits. Because it is tremendously expensive to develop a follow-on biologic, it is vital that there be consistency in how they are treated in the courts once the inevitable patent infringement suits arrive. If follow-on biologics companies cannot predict how their product will be received in court, they may decide it is not worth the risk …