Digital Commons Network^™

Analyses Of Consumer Perceptions, Farmer Challenges, Polyamine, And Amino Acid Content Of Organic And Conventional Fresh Produce Grown In South Carolina, Emily Steinberg

All Dissertations

Execution of the USDA organic standards led to more support for local food as distinct from organic food. The current study was conducted to examine fresh produce perceptions and purchasing decisions of S.C. consumers. Four-hundred and eight S.C. consumers were surveyed at S.C. grocery stores. More than one-third of the S.C. consumers not knowing about the 'certified S.C. grown' program suggest that the S.C. Department of Agriculture (SCDA) may want to improve the promotion of their program. Eighty-five percent of consumers indicated that they would choose local over organic. This information would be useful to local S.C. produce farmers who …

Policy Evaluation Using Cost-Benefit Analysis: Empirical Ramifications For Two Policy Issues, Elizabeth Crouch

All Dissertations

Using two distinct health policy issues my research examines the relevance and ramifications of using cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to demonstrate real-world impacts of the policies. My dissertation discusses how these two situations represent particular challenges to cost-benefit analysis. The challenges have specific implications for how scholars, agencies, and government entities should use CBA to evaluate policies. Specifically, my research finds that by separating CBA into four different approaches, a much more complete, and less assumption-laden, CBA can be accomplished.

Coaching Equestrian Vaulting: The Motivation Behind Volunteer Coaching, Amy Mccune

All Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify the primary motivations for people to become and continue as equestrian vaulting coaches. Using a nomothetic context for research, this study focused on gaining a better understanding of equestrian vaulting coaches by identifying factors that generally motivate their participation in the sport. The first research question related to what motivates someone to become a vaulting coach while the second question related to what motivates these coaches to continue in the coaching role.
Fifteen female coaches were selected for interviews from the American Vaulting Association membership. Interview questions were based on a preliminary …

Gene Duplication And The Evolution Of Hemoglobin Isoform Differentiation In Birds, Michael T. Grispo

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The majority of bird species co-express two functionally distinct hemoglobin (Hb) isoforms in definitive erythrocytes: HbA (the major adult Hb isoform, with α-chain subunits encoded by the α^A-globin gene) and HbD (the minor adult Hb isoform, with α-chain subunits encoded by the α^D-globin gene). The α^D-globin gene originated via tandem duplication of an embryonic α-like globin gene in the stem lineage of tetrapod vertebrates, which suggests the possibility that functional differentiation between the HbA and HbD isoforms may be attributable to a retained ancestral character state in HbD that harkens back to a primordial, …

The Impact Of Low, Moderate, And High Military Family Mobility School District Transfer Rates On Graduating Senior High School Dependents' Achievement And School Engagement, Jeffrey K. Rippe

Student Work

The results of this study suggest that there were no significant differences in the academic performance of military dependents' with low (n = 20), moderate (n = 20), and high (n = 20) mobility school district transfer rates compared to non-military control students (n = 20) before completing high school. The findings were not consistent with some past research on student mobility. The research school district takes the goal of the Interstate Compact, which is to replace the widely varying treatment of transitioning military students with a comprehensive approach that provides a uniform policy in every school …

December 2012 Commencement Program, Bowling Green State University

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Energy Beverages In Counteracting The Symptoms Of Mild Hypoxia At Legal General Aviation Altitudes, Daniel Mark Bull

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to conduct preliminary research, in the form of a pilot study, concerning the natural effects of hypoxia compared to the effects of hypoxia experienced after the consumption of an energy beverage. The study evaluated the effects of hypoxia on FAA certificated pilots at a simulated legal general aviation altitude, utilizing the normobaric High Altitude Lab (HAL) located at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. The researcher tested 11 subjects, who completed three simulated flight tasks within the HAL using the Frasca International Mentor Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). The flight tasks were …

Fear Vs. Facts: Examining The Economic Impact Of Undocumented Immigrants In The U.S., David Becerra, David K. Androff, Cecilia Ayón, Jason T. Castillo

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Undocumented immigration has become a contentious issue in the U.S. over the past decade. Opponents of undocumented immigration have argued that undocumented immigrants are a social and financial burden to the U.S. which has led to the passage of drastic and costly policies. This paper examined existing state and national data and found that undocumented immigrants do contribute to the economies of federal, state, and local governments through taxes and can stimulate job growth, but the cost of providing law enforcement, health care, and education impacts federal, state, and local governments differently. At the federal level, undocumented immigrants tend to …

Review Of Great American City: Chicago And The Enduring Neighborhood Effect. Robert Sampson. Reviewed By Gwendolyn Y. Purifoye., Gwendolyn Y. Purifoye

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Robert Sampson, Great American City: Chicago and the Enduring Neighborhood Effect (2012). Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press. $27.50 (hardcover).

4th Asian Preventive Cardiology And Cardiac Rehabilitation Conference

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

No abstract provided.

Toward A Lockean Moral Justification Of Legal Protection Of Intellectual Property, Kenneth Einar Himma

San Diego Law Review

This Article attempts to provide the beginnings of a viable moral justification for recognizing and providing legal protection of intellectual property. The argument follows a line of arguments that is fairly characterized as “inspired” by John Locke’s attempt to justify legal protection of what he took to be a natural, objective, moral right to material property. That is to say, it is Lockean in spirit in the following sense: Locke grounds his argument for original acquisition in the idea that a person is justified in acquiring something from the commons in virtue of an investment he makes of something that …

Learning Disabilities And Substance Use, Marqueeta L. Harrington

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Growth Hormone On Primary Bovine Mammary Cell Models, Lisa Mcdonnell

Master's Theses

The ability of exogenous growth hormone (GH) to increase milk yield through insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) in dairy cows is well characterized. However, recent studies utilizing mammary epithelial cell lines indicate a direct effect of GH on mammary epithelial cells (MEC). To test if these observations are relevant in vivo and if this response differs between dairy breeds, three mammary models were utilized. Mammary explants from a lactating Jersey cow were cultured in classical lactogenic media (dexamethasone, insulin, and prolactin) with 0 or 10 ng/mL of recombinant bovine GH for 12h. Primary MEC from lactating Holstein and Jersey cows were …

Effect Of Short-Term Estrogen Depletion On Compact Bone Microdensitometry In The Ewe, Cailyn Bugbee

Master's Theses

Osteoporosis affects the human skeleton through the direct effects of the disease on the function and structure of bone. Individuals who are affected by osteoporosis may be subject to serious fractures and it is estimated that annually approximately 1.5 million fractures can be attributed to this disease [1]. The disease is categorized as the direct side effect of increased bone porosity and bone loss and is directly linked to estrogen deprivation [2]. Animal models are often used to make initial conclusions about the effects of the disease or pharmacological treatments. In this study, sheep were chosen as a representative animal …

Population Dynamics In Predynastic Upper Egypt: Paleodemography Of Cemetery Hk43 At Hierakonpolis, Ernest King Batey Iii

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The site of Hierakonpolis is considered to have played an important role in the development of the Egyptian state, which formed at end of the fourth millennium BC. Archaeological evidence suggests that, for the Middle and Late Predynastic periods (ca. 3900-3200 BC), Hierakonpolis may be characterized as having experienced the following: a growth in both settlement and population size, an increased reliance on cereal agriculture, development of craft specialization, and the presence of a Social hierarchy as interpreted from an observed increase in the differentiation of mortuary behavior. Historical data suggest that these Social and economic changes would have affected …

Characterization And Epidemiology Of Soybean Vein Necrosis Associated Virus, Jing Zhou

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Soybean vein necrosis disease (SVND) is widespread in major soybean-producing areas in the U.S. The typical disease symptoms exhibit as vein clearing along the main vein, which turn into chlorosis or necrosis as season progresses. Double-stranded RNA isolation and shot gun cloning of symptomatic tissues revealed the presence of a new tospovirus, provisionally named as Soybean vein necrosis associated virus (SVNaV). The presence of the virus has been confirmed in 12 states: Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and New York. Symptomatic samples collected from eight states (AR, IL, MO, MS, KS, TN, MD and DE), …

Million Dollar Plus Donors Within Intercollegiate Athletics: A Qualitative Analysis Of Donor Motivations, Nancy Carol Hixson

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Creating Healthful Food Environments Through Policy Change: A Toolkit For Faith-Based Organizations, Marjorie Freedman

Faculty Publications

Creating Healthful Food Environments Through Policy Change: A Toolkit for Faith-Based Organizations provides practical information to members of the faith-based community for use when developing, adopting, and implementing a food and beverage policy within their organization. For the purposes of this Toolkit, the term “food and beverage policy” refers to a policy officially adopted by a faith-based organization (FBO) (e.g., a church, parish, temple, mosque) requiring that the food it purchases, provides, or sells to members and guests meets guidelines established by public health authorities. Such a policy might, for example, indicate the types and kinds and relative amounts of …

Intestinal Flow Of Microbial Protein And Rumen Undegradable Protein In Cattle Fed Corn Distillers’ Grains And Solubles, With Emphasis During Lactation, Ezequias Castillo Lopez

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Metabolizable protein (MP) is the true protein absorbed by the intestine, supplied by rumen undegradable protein (RUP) and microbial crude protein (MCP). This research was focused on evaluating the effect of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on the nature and supply of MP, with emphasis during lactation.

Experiment 1 evaluated the use of DNA markers and the effects of fermentation time and DDGS on rumen microbial growth

in vitro. Treatments were 1) CONTROL, 0% DDGS; 2) 20% DDGS replacing corn; 3) 20% DDGS replacing soybean meal and 4) 20% DDGS replacing corn and soybean meal. Results indicate that …

J Am Coll Dent 2012 79 4

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

The Impact Of Creosote Bush (Larrea Tridentata) And Biological Soil Crust On Ca Distribution In Arid Soils Of The Mojave Desert, Brittany Myers

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Ca is an important nutrient that plays a role in membrane stability and cell repair in plant life. This study examines the impact of creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and biological soil crust on calcium cycling and distribution in desert soils in order to explore the use of Ca as a biosignature. Samples of creosote bush, biological soil crust and eolian dust were taken at two field sites in the Mojave Desert. The first site is located in Eldorado Valley, NV, a soil formed on a young (800-1200 years) alluvial fan deposit; the second site is located on a late Holocene-aged …

An Exploration Of Contextual Factors That May Influence The Expulsion Rates Of Middle School Students, Tracy Schroeder

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

On March 6, 2012, the New York Times released an article in the education section describing a study by the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. The study showed that the education system continues to create inequities for minority students. In particular, according to the Office of Civil Rights, Black students made up 18% of the sample size, yet 35% were suspended once and 39% were expelled (U.S. Department of Education, 2012). In a review of the literature, the statistics of the discipline inequities that minorities face became a recurring theme. However, very little research explored other factors that …

Motivation For Consumers Participating In A Sustainable Food System, Brittney Albin

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Currently there are trends for consumers to start choosing more sustainable options in every aspect of their life, including food. There are many negative consequences for both the environment and human health due to conventional industrial agricultural practices (Horrigan et al., 2002; Leitzman and Cannon, 2005). Sustainable agricultural practices are being promoted as part of a larger sustainable food system. As Leo Horrigan et al. describe it, “sustainable agriculture is not merely a package of prescribed methods. More important, it is a change in mindset whereby agriculture acknowledges its dependence on a finite natural resource base” (Horrigan et al., 2002: …

Aesthetic Qualities Of Websites And Their Effects On Public Perceptions Of Agricultural Issues And Organizations, Chase Tyler Hundley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to evaluate perceptions of agricultural issues and organizations based on how information is presented visually in websites. Researchers intended the results to be used to help the agricultural industry more effectively communicate information through better website design and increased persuasiveness. The study was conducted through the use of three focus group sessions as mapped out by Krueger (1998a, 1998b, 1998c) and Morgan (1998a, 1998b). The study used non-agriculture students purposively selected from a class in the University of Arkansas School of Human Environmental Sciences as participants in the study. The subject demographics closely resembled the primary demographics …

Sample Preparation Techniques For The Improvement Of Analytical Measurements: Capillary-Channeled Polymer Fibers Employed In Protein Solid Phase Extraction Applications And Characterization Of Active Components In Botanical Dietary Supplements, Carolyn Burdette

All Dissertations

The task of sample preparation encompasses many challenges and demands for analytical techniques. Appropriate preparative steps can be the determining factor between successful measurements and failures. Too little preparation can lead to the inability to detect analytes due to low concentrations, insufficient extraction of analytes, and/or strong matrix effects; exhaustive preparation steps increases analysis times, the potential for analyte losses, and the difficulty to obtain consistent reproducible results. Discussed here are several examples of analytical techniques where sample preparation is critical and can be used to improve existing techniques. Capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fibers used for solid phase extraction (SPE) protein …

Develop Novel Frap Techniques For Determining Anisotropic Solute Diffusion In Cartilaginous Tissues, Changcheng Shi

All Dissertations

Cartilaginous tissue is a connective tissue composed of specialized cells (e.g., chondrocytes and fibroblasts) that produce a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM), which is comprised mostly of collagen fibers, abundant ground substance rich in proteoglycan, and elastic fibers. It is characterized by its avascular structures within the tissue, implying that nutrition for normal tissue cells, for maintaining a healthy ECM, is mainly supplied through diffusion from nearby vascularized tissues and synovial fluid. Poor nutritional supply to the cartilaginous tissue is believed to be an important factor leading to tissue degeneration. Moreover, due to the complex collagen fiber structures, the …

Dna-Based Population Estimation, Harvest Vulnerability, And Home Range Dynamics Of Black Bears In Western Maryland, Michael D. Jones

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

After nearly being extirpated from the state, black bears in Maryland have rebounded to a point where recreational harvest has now become an important management tool. Having a better understanding of bear population parameters, movements, and harvest vulnerability allows managers to implement hunting more effectively and responsibly. To estimate demographics of the Maryland bear population, we implemented noninvasive genetic sampling of bear hair during summer 2011. We used a model-based sampling design that allowed us to collect samples more efficiently. We used presence-only maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling to classify the study area based on predicted probability of bear occurrence, and …

Manufacture And Properties Of Thermoplastic Starch Biocomposites, Charlie A. Collins Ii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Bio-composites have attracted considerable attention from the industry as potential substitutes for petroleum-derived composites. Starch is a potential candidate because it is biodegradable and is readily available sustainable polymer from agriculture resources. However, it is not easy to process like petroleum-derived polymers because of the lack of defined melting point and is sensitive to high humidity with poor mechanical properties. This study evaluated the processability of starch, lignin and pulp fibers using a BrabenderRTM Torque Rheometer. Type of starch exerted great influence on processability. Gelation characteristics of the four composite mixtures correlated with starch type. Amylose containing composite mixtures (#1 …

Study Of Chemical States, Composition And Adsorption Behavior Of Iron Coated Granular Activated Carbon (Fe-Gac) For Selenate Removal And Feasible Adsorbent Modifications, Ning Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the adsorptive removal of selenate using iron coated granular activated carbon (Fe-GAC) and further investigated its complexation mechanisms and coordination structures using spectroscopic techniques. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium experiments with initial selenium concentration of 1 mg/L were conducted under three different ionic strengths to study selenate adsorption behavior. Selenate adsorption reached equilibrium within 48 hours with more than 85% of the equilibrium capacities being obtained within the first 6 hours. High removal efficiency (i.e., > 75%) was achieved for pH range 2 - 5. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model characterized selenate adsorption kinetics well (R2 = 0.999) and the rate …

Parents Living Within The Paradoxes Of Infant Death From Life-Limiting Anomaly: A Grounded Theory Study, Susan Bush Welch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

BACKGROUND: Life-limiting congenital anomalies are the leading cause of death of infants in the United States. Most of these infants die in intensive care units with limited access to adequate palliative/end-of-life care. There is an extensive knowledge gap about the experience of the parent of infants who died from life-limiting anomaly. PURPOSE: The aims of the study was to explore the process a parent goes through as they experience the birth, life and ultimate death of an infant from a life-limiting explore the process a parent goes through as they experience the birth, life and ultimate death of an infant …