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The Effects Of Starvation Selection On Drosophila Melanogaster Life History And Development, Lauren A. Reynolds

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In nature, animals may endure periods of famine to complete their life cycles. Starvation stress will increase in populations as climates around the world change. To predict how populations may respond to such a stress, laboratory experimentation becomes essential. The evolutionary process of adaptation, its innovations and their trade-offs, can be studied in populations experiencing starvation stress. For this purpose outbred populations ofDrosophila melanogasterwere selected for starvation resistance in the laboratory.

After 60+ generations of starvation selection the starvation-selected flies have gone from surviving 2-3 days without food to 12-14 days without food. How this amazing feat of resistance is …

Feeding In Children With Autism, Katie M. Molinet

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Project Knowledge Of 4-H Members Who Participated In The Equine Skillathon At The West Virginia State Fair, Kolby Denae Wyant

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An Equine Skillathon is conducted annually at the West Virginia State Fair in Department F that is open to 4-H and FFA members. At the 2012 West Virginia State Fair, a descriptive research study was done utilizing the Equine Skillathon as the method of instrumentation. The study was conducted to assess the fundamental equine knowledge of junior and senior 4-H members who participated in the 2012 State Fair Equine Skillathon in the five categories of breed identification, conformation, body and hoof parts, as well as feed identification. The data was collected from the participating 4-H members' score sheets and used …

Mechanisms Of Cadmium Tolerance In Populus, Brahma Reddy Induri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cadmium (Cd), a known carcinogen and one of the leading heavy metal pollutants on a global scale, is released to the atmosphere through various industrial processes such as smelting and mining and other applications including manufacture of batteries and phosphate fertilizers. It causes many deleterious effects in plants, and is harmful to humans through its entry into the food chain. Traditional methods of remediating Cd-contaminated soils, such as excavation and land-filling, are expensive and disturb the natural topography. The emerging method of phytoremediation in which plants are employed to remediate contaminated soils has become increasingly popular because of its cost …

Knowledge And Awareness Of Sickle Cell Trait Among Ncaa Division I Fbs, Division I Fcs, Division Ii, And Division Iii Head Football Coaches And Strength And Conditioning Specialists, Timothy D. Yates

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge of Sickle Cell Trait among head football coaches and strength and conditioning specialists within all three NCAA Divisions. Additionally, a second purpose is to identify whether or not head football coaches and strength and conditioning specialists present awareness and confidence to provide the proper treatment and/or referral for an athlete suffering from an exercise-related event due to Sickle Cell Trait. Design: This study is a descriptive prospective questionnaire analysis of the knowledge and awareness of Sickle Cell Trait among collegiate head football coaches and strength and conditioning specialists. Results: …

Differences In The Health Of Domesticated Sheep (Ovis Aries) Pastured In Wild And Agricultural Landscapes, Corine Giroux

Biological Sciences

The purpose of this study was to compare the health of sheep grazed in a quasi-wild landscape (Norman’s Kill Farm, an abandoned dairy) as part of a targeted grazing research project, to that of sheep in a conventional agricultural pasture setting (Longfield Farm). This study tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the health and nutrition of sheep in a domestic setting and those in a wild setting. Sheep on the quasi-wild landscape were healthier than those on the agricultural setting, having healthier body condition scores. The mean body condition scores of the sheep at Longfield was …

The Development And Application Of A Custom Robotic Biomechanical Testing Platform Employing Real-Time Load-Control To Compare Spinal Biomechanical Testing Protocols: Pure Moment, Ideal Follower Load, And A Novel Trunk Weight Protocol, Charles Ramsey Bennett

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The human lumbar spine has been the subject of biomechanical study for many decades owing to the numerous medical cases resulting in the development of various corrective surgical procedures and medical devices intended to relieve patient discomfort. Spinal biomechanics is a broad field containing but not limited to the in vitro study of cadaveric tissue utilizing testing platforms used to apply motion- or load-profiles to tissue in the investigation of the various kinetic or kinematic responses, respectively. The particular arena field of this research concerns the field of robotics as it applies to testing platforms and how they are applied …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The International Index Of Erectile Function (Iief-5) (Shim) Questionnaire On The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction, Evelyn Martin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Thirty million or 52% of males between 40 and 70 years of age in the United States have some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED) (Feldman et al., 1994; Hakim, Subit, Kandzari, & ZasLau, 2002; Tsertsvadze et al., 2009). The American Urology Association (AUA) outlines measures to slow the rate of, control, and treat ED. To decrease the prevalence, ED must be diagnosed, identified, and the major risk factors aggressively controlled. Utilization of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) may improve identification and documentation of treatment, but questions remain about how to implement CPGs in practice. The purpose of this pilot project was …

The Effect Of Epigallocatechin Gallate (Egcg) On Caeonorhabdits Elegance Exposed To Modelled Microgravity, Sieanna Marissa Blackwood

Theses (Pre-2016)

Antioxidants are substances found in many foods, nuts, grains, fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants protect cells from the damage caused from free radicals. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the main constituent of green tea. Studies show that EGCG protects against oxidative stress. There is indication that EGCG can prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Caenorhabditis elegans are used as model organisms to better understand the effect of zero gravity on organisms. With the widespread popularity of space flight, scientists continue to better understand the consequences of microgravity on organism. Microgravity weakens the muscular, skeletal, nervous system, reproductive and …

Mississippi's First Annual Farm To School Week: Evaluation Of School Participation, Kelsey Jean Lingsch

Master's Theses

Mississippi has recently established the first week of October as statewide Farm to School (F2S) Week, providing Mississippi the opportunity to improve the health status of children while improving the local economy. The study aimed to measure Mississippi school districts' participation during F2S Week 2012 and identify perceived barriers and future interest of participation among child nutrition directors (CND). An electronic survey was sent to the 156 CNDs in the state of Mississippi participating in the National School Lunch Program. Data were analyzed in SPSS v.20 using descriptive and correlational statistics. Among the 75 CNDs who responded to the survey, …

Animal Science E-Newsletter, May 2013, University Of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Department Of Animal Sciences

Animal Science e-Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition On Gh, Igf-I, Igfbp-2 And -3, Insulin, And Leptin Concentrations In Pregnant Ewes, Michelle E. Forella

Honors Scholar Theses

Maternal hormones impact fetal growth and development through their effect on nutrient partitioning and placental development. Maternal diet is one factor regulating maternal hormone concentrations. We hypothesized that during gestation, diet alters concentrations of maternal metabolic hormones. Pregnant ewes (n=36; 12/treatment) were individually fed 1 of 3 diets [100% (CON), 140% (OVER), or 60% (RES) NRC requirements] from wk 5 of gestation until parturition. Weekly blood samples (20 mL) were obtained via jugular venipuncture and BW was measured. Concentrations of GH, IGF-I and leptin were determined by RIA. Insulin was determined by ELISA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. By the …

Understanding Organizational Wellness: The Impact Of Perceived Organizational Support, Motivation, And Barriers On The Effectiveness Of Wellness Programs, Aaron Owsley Manier

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Organizational wellness programs can serve as a powerful tool for organizations to improve the health and well-being of employees. As organizational wellness grows in popularity and implementation, organizations should seek to understand employee perceptions of these programs to maximize their effectiveness and use. The present study examined the effect of perceived organizational support of wellness, core self-evaluation, and motivation/interest for wellness programs on wellness program use and satisfaction. This effect was tested with barriers to use and participative wellness design as possible mediators. Motivation and interest had a strong and direct effect on program use and satisfaction, while both organizational …

Gamification In Science Education: The Relationship Of Educational Games To Motivation And Achievement, Kelly Elizabeth Rouse

Dissertations

Community colleges have become increasingly more important in America’s higher education system. Part of this emphasis has been directly due to President Obama’s 2010 directive to produce a competitive workforce in the United States by increasing the community college graduation rate by five million over the next decade (Madhani, 2010). Community colleges allow open admission for students which permits marginally prepared students to enter. These students may lack motivation, which contributes to student attrition (Williams, 2010). The focus of this study is to examine methods that may improve student learning and motivation, which could ultimately lead to higher graduation rates. …

Effects Of Food Dispersion On Dominance Related Behaviors In Garnett's Bushbaby (Otolemur Garnettii)?, Kyle Daniel Edens

Dissertations

Socio-ecological theorists tie primate social structure diversity to variations in habitats within which primate species reside. This premise permits laboratory researchers to investigate specific factors that influence or relate to social structure formation and maintenance. The focus of the current investigation was three fold. We first aimed to determine the relationships between traditional and non-traditional behavioral measures of dominance, then evidence for dominance hierarchy formation was examined, and various hypotheses were tested to discern if adjustments in the foraging context altered social behaviors in Garnett’s bushbaby (Otolemur garnettii). It was determined that animals likely to displace conspecifics were …

Characterization Of Whole Pine Tree Substrates For Adventitious Rooting Of Cuttings And Initial Growth Of Seedlings, Anthony Lynn Witcher

Dissertations

Processed whole pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees have been extensively evaluated to supplement peatmoss and pine bark usage in container substrates for greenhouse and nursery crop production. The suitability of whole pine tree (WPT) substrates for crop propagation has not been investigated. Demonstrating the versatility of WPT substrates is essential to expanding their commercial availability and use.

The objective of this work was to evaluate WPT substrates for stem cutting and seed propagation of ornamental crops, and to identify factors affecting root development. Stem cutting and seedling root development was evaluated in WPT and traditional (peatmoss and pine bark) …

University Of Central Florida Graduate Catalog, 2013 - 2014, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Kindergarten Readiness: The Impact Of Sensory Integration On Preschool Children's Readiness For The Transition To Kindergarten, Laura Alexandria Boyd, Shannon Logan Sobieraj

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The goal of this quantitative, descriptive pilot study was to identify the frequency of sensory processing disorders (SPD) in preschool students who are preparing for the transition into kindergarten. The research also explored the relationship between preschool teachers' perspectives of challenging classroom behavior and parents' reports of sensory processing in the home. Researchers distributed the Sensory Processing Measure for Preschoolers (SPM-P) assessment to parents and a behavioral questionnaire to teachers in three northern California preschools. Thirty-two SPM-P assessments were distributed to parents and 15 (47%) were accurately completed and returned. Of this sample, 2 (13%) student scores on the SPM-P …

Healthy Seniors: A Program Evaluation, Andrea Edith Maffei, Matthew Alexander Patjawee, Jamie Christine Thompson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research study was to perform a summative evaluation of the Healthy Seniors program at Dominican University of California, a wellness program for older adults facilitated by occupational therapy students and faculty.

METHOD: A non-experimental mixed-methods descriptive research design composed of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to analyze data from the 2011 Healthy Seniors sessions.

RESULTS: The majority of participants in the Dominican University of California Healthy Seniors program were women between the ages of 75 and 85. Overall, participants in the Healthy Seniors program improved in functional status and were satisfied with their experience. …

Estimation Of Optimal Protein To Energy Ratio And Percent Soybean Meal Replacement Of Fish Meal In Juvenile Scaphirhynchus Sturgeon Diets, Elliott C. Kittel

Theses

Research developing artificial propagation, husbandry, and nutrition of sturgeon species has developed greatly since the collapse of the Caspian Sea fisheries in the 1980s. Sturgeon species are commercially prized for their unfertilized roe which is marketed as the delicacy, caviar. Sturgeon production units commonly utilize commercial salmonid feeds, which contain large proportions of fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO). Concerns regarding economics and sustainability have put pressure on aquafeed manufactures to efficiently utilize FM and FO, and to incorporate alternative protein sources, such as soybean meal (SBM). Therefore, the present studies estimated the optimal protein:energy ratio of juvenile Pallid …

Enhancing Early Childhood Teachers’ Reflective Practice, Karen Magee Koski

Dissertations

This collective case study was undertaken to discover if early childhood teachers could increase their reflective capacity after participating in professional development centered around reflection on their practice. Three professional development sessions were held with each participant: in the first session, a working definition of reflection was written; in the second session, participants were exposed to using reflection to examine multiple perspectives of a situation; and in the third session, participants used an issue in their practice and created an action plan after looking at multiple solutions and the consequences of each solution.

Four early childhood teachers from three types …

An Exploration Of Latino Student Access To Advanced Placement Curriculum, Susan Ann Walker

Dissertations

Determining how to provide a quality education for underserved students in the United States is a dilemma for educational leaders. In particular, high poverty Latino students are the least educated group in America. This qualitative study used data from focus group transcripts and school records to complete a comparative case study to explain how Latino students experienced the access to and equity in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework. Nine Latino students and eight White students from one high school participated in eight semi-structured focus groups based on ethnicity, grade level, grades in AP classes, and grade point averages. Triangulated data from …

Teaching The Reflective Approach Within The Service-Learning Model, Laurie A. Morin, Susan L. Waysdorf

Journal of Legal Education

No abstract provided.

Building A Foundation For Interprofessional-Education (Ipe) Between Dietetic Students And Dental Hygiene Students At East Tennessee State University (Etsu), Monique Richard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nutrition education is an integral part of dental education as well as a variety of other healthcare professions¹, but interprofessional education (IPE) between the fields of dietetics and dental hygiene is limited. The purpose of this pilot study was to define areas of opportunity to establish a foundation for the implementation of complimentary curriculum between the dietetics and dental hygiene programs at ETSU. A 76-question survey was developed and administered to dietetic interns (n=26), dental hygiene students (n=49), dietetic faculty (n=23), and dental hygiene faculty (n=19) at ETSU and Baylor College of Dentistry at Texas A&M Health Science …

Mobility And Student Achievement In High Poverty Schools, Janet D. Dalton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Student mobility is an issue for high poverty schools in the shadow of increased rigor and accountability for student performance. Whereas mobility is not a sole cause for poor achievement, it is a contributing factor for students in poverty who are already considered to be at risk of low achievement. Student mobility creates a hardship for schools and districts and hampers attempts to properly monitor the progress of students. This quantitative study examined the differences between mobile and nonmobile 4th grade students from 4 high poverty schools in a Northeast Tennessee school district. Research before and after the No Child …

Larval Performance And Kill Rate Of Convergent Ladybird Beetles, Hippodamia Convergens, On Black Bean Aphids, Aphis Fabae, And Pea Aphids, Acyrthosiphon Pisum, Travis M. Hinkelman, Brigitte Tenhumberg

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Generalist predator guilds play a prominent role in structuring insect communities and can contribute to limiting population sizes of insect pest species. A consequence of dietary breadth, particularly in predatory insects, is the inclusion of low-quality, or even toxic, prey items in the predator’s diet. Consumption of low-quality prey items reduces growth, development, and survival of predator larvae, thereby reducing the population sizes of generalist predators. The objective of this paper was to examine the effect of a suspected low-quality aphid species, Aphis fabae (Scopoli) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on the larval performance of an abundant North American predator, Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville) …

A Ten Cent Dream, Kunkyong Lee

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

No abstract provided.

Literature Review Of Early And Precocious Puberty In Girls, Denise R. Tate

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Conservation Genetics Of Threatened Gopher Tortoises, Gopherus Polyphemus: An Assessment Of Genetic Variation And Parentage In Two Populations In South Mississippi, Angela Huang Getz

Master's Theses

Despite the protection of gopher tortoises, Gopherus polyphemus, in the western portion of their range for over twenty years, populations of the De Soto National Forest (DNF) in southern Mississippi experience low recruitment and lower hatching success than populations in the eastern portion of the range, and the causes of this are unknown. Previous work has shown that Mississippi populations of the DNF have lower levels of genetic diversity than eastern populations, which prompted the suggestion that reduced levels of genetic variation may play a part in low hatching success. Small populations can become more susceptible to the effects …

The Varied Roles Of Induced Plant Responses In Species Interactions, Justine B. Roths Ms

All Student Scholarship

In this review, I will discuss indirect species interactions that occur as a result of herbivore-induced trait changes in plants. Species interactions are at the very core of the field of ecology. In particular, plant–insect herbivore interactions are of central importance as these two groups together consist of over 75% of the macroscopic diversity on earth. Historically, research has focused on pair-wise direct interactions however, more recently, the importance of indirect interactions has been widely acknowledged. Indeed, indirect interactions may be as strong and as common as direct interactions. Indirect interactions have been actively investigated in plant–insect systems, which are …