Digital Commons Network^™

An Assessment Of The Invasive Poison Hemlock And Its Insect Associates In Kentucky, Christine D. Allen

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum (Apiaceae), is an invasive plant in North America with a unique toxic chemistry. Previous research on this plant has focused on identifying herbivores as potential biological control agents or describing the toxic plant alkaloids. However, none have examined the role of higher trophic levels in the food web surrounding poison hemlock. Generalist predators and food web interactions are an important component of studies investigating invasion effects, as plant or animal introductions can alter ecosystem functioning. In this study, predators in poison hemlock were sampled at the foliar and epigeal levels, resulting in 956 Carabidae and 321 …

Enhancing Beneficial Insect Biodiversity And Biological Control In Turf: Mowing Height, Naturalized Roughs, And Operation Pollinator, Emily Dobbs

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

The goal of this study was to evaluate several sustainable turf maintenance techniques for their potential to increase beneficial insect populations, which could then provide ecosystem services including pest suppression and pollination. The three techniques in question were 1) raising mowing height in commercial and residential lawns, 2) establishing naturalized roughs on golf courses, and 3) creating pollinator refuges on golf courses through the program Operation Pollinator. We found that raising mowing heights did increase populations of some predators such as spiders and staphylinids, but did not increase predation, which was ubiquitously high because ant populations were unaffected by mowing …

Endosymbiotic Prevalence And Reproductive Manipulation Of The Spider Mermessus Fradeorum, Meghan M. Curry

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

Spiders are host to a plethora of heritable endosymbiotic bacteria. Broad-taxa screening studies indicate that endosymbionts are particularly common among spiders, however, little is known about how these bacteria affect their spider hosts. In insects these bacteria ensure vertical transmission by either conveying a benefit to the host or manipulating host reproduction to eliminate males that serve as evolutionary dead-ends for maternally-inherited bacteria. Common modes of reproductive manipulation include parthenogenesis, male killing, feminization, and cytoplasmic incompatibility. Screening an assemblage of Mermessus genus spiders, I detected a high frequency and diversity of endosymbiont infection. Within a single species, M. fradeorum …

Maximizing Benefits And Minimizing Impacts: Dual-Earner Couples’ Division Of Household Labor, Matthew W. Carlson

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

Several socio-structural theoretical approaches attempt to explain the gendered division of household labor, but the dyadic process of dividing labor has gone largely unexplored. Therefore, a grounded theory approach was taken with 20 dual-earner married couples to uncover the process of dividing household labor between spouses. The theory that emerged indicated that couples seek to maximize benefits in their distribution of labor, and do so by dividing tasks according to personal preferences and proficiencies. When a household task goes unclaimed by both spouses’ preferences and proficiencies, containment and outsourcing are the strategies employed to minimize the impact of the unclaimed …

Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Habits Of Farmers Market Patrons, Lindsey M. Mayes

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been strongly associated with weight management, improved overall health, and decreased incidence of chronic disease. Availability of locally grown produce is associated with a higher intake of fruits and vegetables; there were 7,864 farmers markets operating in the U.S. in 2012, a 9.6% increase from 2011. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, nutrition knowledge, and dietary habits of farmers market patrons at ten diverse markets in Kentucky. A total of 153 surveys were collected; the average age of study participants was 46 ± 21 year. Respondents reported …

Celiac Disease: A Gluten Free Diet And Diet Quality, Taylor M. Stauble

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The media has highlighted a proposed link between a gluten free diet (GFD) and weight loss. However, research related to weight gain and a GFD for persons with celiac disease (CD) has shown the opposite effect. A GFD is the only known treatment for persons with CD. If a patient with CD consumes a diet high in GF processed foods, weight management may be difficult to achieve.

Participants with self-reported CD completed a modified GF food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess typical dietary consumption of whole grains, sweets, fruits, vegetables and regular soda. Additionally, body mass index (BMI) and exercise …

Overall Diet Quality Of Collegiate Athletes, Amanda N. Ireland

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Athletes appear healthy according to weight for height and body fat standards. Though athletes appear to be healthy, little is known about their diets. Research states there is a connection between athletic performance and nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine the diet quality of 138 collegiate athletes. Data were collected in a laboratory. Demographics were collected via survey. Anthropometrics were assessed using a free standing stadiometer and the BodPod® for body fat assessment. Block 2005 Food Frequency Questionnaire© was used to assess diets. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2005 was used to calculate diet quality scores. The …

Entrepreneurship On The Farm: Kentucky Growers’ Perceptions Of Benefits And Barriers, Amy L. Camenisch

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

This study analyzed the perceptions of Kentucky Homebased Processors and Microprocessors of the benefits of and barriers to developing and selling value-added products. The final sample consisted of 141 participants, 60.5% (n=72) of which were from Central KY, 26.9% (n=32) were from Western KY, and 12.6% (n=15) were from Eastern KY. Overall, participants seemed to feel that their value-added products were successful in many different benefit categories. The primary barriers to developing value-added products were lack of time, lack of funding, and lack of legal knowledge. The primary barriers to utilizing program resources for farmers were not having enough time, …

Disordered Eating Habits And Behaviors Among Elite Collegiate Athletes, Ann M. Armes

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Eating disorders and disordered eating habits and behaviors were measured using the Eating Disorders Inventory-3 Referral Form (EDI-3 RF). The sample consisted of 159 elite, collegiate student athletes, males and females, aged 18 to 22. Five sports were represented, including basketball, gymnastics, soccer, swimming & diving, and volleyball. Overall, findings support the position that athletes, as a distinct population, and specifically female athletes and those that participate in lean sports, are at an increased risk for disordered eating behaviors and diagnosable eating disorders. Of the 159 total athletes that completed the questionnaire, 33% (n=53) of the athletes sampled met one …

Feasibility Of A Nutrition Training Program On Improving Self-Efficacy And Life Skill Development For Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease, Ashara Calisse-Atchley Cashaw

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for growth and nutritional
deficiencies due to poor dietary intake. Presently, no efficacious behavioral intervention exists to address the nutritional need in SCD management. The Good Nutrition 4Me Living with SCD program is a multi-component intervention, developed to improve knowledge base and the dietary habits of adolescents living with SCD. This report reviews the outcomes for 5 adolescents that participated in this 5-week program. Dietary intake was monitored daily via text messaging and progress with goals was reviewed weekly in the group sessions. Parents were also updated on their adolescent’s progress …

Shaken Baby Syndrome: Child Abuse Or Judicial Misuse?, Sarah Elizabeth Elias

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Evangelicalism And Religious Pluralism In Contemporary America: Diversity Without, Diversity Within, And Maintaining The Borders, William Vance Trollinger

History Faculty Publications

Not that many people need convincing, but the 2008 American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) provides confirming evidence that evangelicalism in America is alive and well. In this survey, which involved 54,461 telephone interviews, the 76% of respondents who identified themselves as Christians were asked a follow-up question: "Do you identify as a Born Again or Evangelical Christian?" Forty-five percent answered yes. This number obviously includes a fair number of folks within "mainline" denominations and within predominately African-American churches; more surprising, perhaps, 18.9% of American Catholics identified themselves as "born again" or "evangelical."

If one were to depend solely on the …

Reaction Between Polyol-Esters And Phosphate Esters In The Presence Of Metal Carbides, David W. Johnson, Carolyn Iacullo, John E. Hils

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The reaction of metal carbides with polyol esters found in aerospace lubricants and phosphate esters commonly used as additives was investigated. Carbides were of particular interest since modern materials under consideration at high temperature bearings have surfaces that are primarily metal carbides. Vanadium and chromium carbide were found to react with the ester and phosphate ester by a transesterification reaction, producing an alkyl phosphate which is less stable than the aromatic phosphate esters. In the process, the metal carbide is converted to the metal phosphate and metal polyphosphate, evidenced by the infrared and Raman spectra of the solid residue and …

Neurocognitive Performance In Youth With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, Lisa A. Mccrea Jones

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

No abstract provided.

Research Practitioner Gap: Treatments For Anorexia Nervosa, Michelle M. Block

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Anorexia Nervosa can be a detrimental and severe disorder, as it results in death for 5- 10% of the patients who are in treatment. Practitioners and researchers have spent much effort researching treatments for Anorexia Nervosa, but the results lack effective outcomes. A common complaint among practitioners is that research does not apply to their clients. Evidence Based Practice states that treatment options for psychologists should not only include the research, but also the intuition of the psychologist and the diversity of the client. This study investigates the difference between practitioners' and researchers' values in the three domains of Evidence …

Examining The Physical And Mental Health Effects Of An Obesity Prevention Program In High Risk Adolescent Females: A Pilot Study, Luann K. Foster

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Obesity is a growing concern in the United States as two-thirds of the population is clinically overweight or obese, a condition that carries with it a myriad of physical and mental health concerns. To address these concerns, many programs have been designed to incorporate evidence-based obesity prevention; however, few have addressed the needs of high risk middle school rural children. The current study examined the effectiveness of a specific obesity prevention program designed to decrease risk of obesity by helping female students increase daily physical activity to recommended levels. This program is designed to provide daily and weekly motivational incentives …

The Effect Of College Student Spirituality On Alcohol Use And Sexual Behaviors: A Comparison Of Faith-Based And Non Faith-Based Institutional Ncha Data, Kristen S. Miller

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

College-aged individuals have a significant impact on national health. People in this age group have the highest rates of engagement in many risky health behaviors, such as binge drinking, substance use, and engaging in unprotected sexual activity. The American College Health Association (ACHA) has been actively involved in the study of college health behavior and the initiation of information and services to college health care providers for the past decade. However, little research has been done in this area on sub-populations of the overall college population. This study aims to assess the sub-population of students who attend a faith-based institution. …

The Flawed U.S. Approach To Rule Of Law Development, Cynthia Alkon

Dickinson Law Review (1908-2003)

The key flaw to the United States' approach to rule of law development is routinely including the "standard menu" of rule of law development assistance as a part of the overall development effort without regard to whether the recipient country is at a developmental stage where it is able to absorb some or all of this type of aid. This article uses Afghanistan as a case study. Despite a decade of assistance, Afghanistan remains a fragile and conflict-affected country, thus raising concerns about the value of the aid given and whether rule of law development aid should continue to be …

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words: The Marketplace Of Ideas And The Constitutionality Of Graphic-Image Cigarette Warning Labels And Other Commercial Disclosure Requirements, Richard F. Lee

University of Colorado Law Review

American cigarette warning labels are lackluster compared to others around the world. To address this inadequacy, the FDA created nine graphic-image cigarette warning labels that were scheduled to appear on all cigarette packages sold in the US beginning in 2012. However, before they debuted, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals struck the labels down in R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. v. FDA, holding that they constituted compelled commercial speech in violation of the First Amendment. This Note argues that the R.J. Reynolds decision conflicts with the Supreme Court's commercial speech jurisprudence. Historically, the Supreme Court has applied limited First Amendment protection …

Nutrient Contents, Color, Texture, And Sensory Evaluation Of 12 Arkansas Grown Soybean Cultivars In Canned Products, Quyen Nguyen, Navam Hettiarachchy, Srinivas J. Rayaprolu

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Soybean was introduced in the U.S. in the 1800s, and it has been proven to have several health benefits. New cultivars of soybeans with varying hull colors have been developed using plantbreeding technology. Canning is one of the effective processing methods to extend the shelf life of products. However, very little information is available on canned soybeans. This research studied the composition of 12 soybean cultivars including two cultivars with brown seed coat (R08-4014 and R09-349), three cultivars with black seed coat (R07-1927, R07-10396, and R09-345), and seven regular cultivars with yellow seed coat (R05-1772, R05-4969, R07-2001, R08-4005, R08- 4006, …

Textural And Sensory Qualities Of Muffins Prepared With Fermented Rice Bran, Breeanna Williams, Navam Hettiarachchy, Srinivas J. Rayaprolu

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Rice is one of the most popular cereal grains in the world. Rice bran, a by-product of the rice milling process, contains an abundance of nutrients including protein, fiber, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, and other nutraceuticals. However, rice bran is underutilized in the food industry. In this project muffins were prepared with varying concentrations (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0%, 15.0%, 20.0%, and 25.0%) of 60 mesh (250 µm) fermented rice bran (60 mFRB) and 80 mesh (180 µm) fermented rice bran (80 mFRB). A cappuccino muffin formulation was used as flavor for all the samples. The control sample was prepared …

Conditional Cash Transfers And Child Health: The Case Of Malawi, Ryan F. Boone

CMC Senior Theses

This paper analyzes the impacts of the Malawi Social Cash Transfer Scheme. The goal of this paper is to help improve the design of cash transfers. First of all, I analyze whether the cash transfer positively affects child health variables despite occurring in a region with poor supply side health institutions. I find significant results for many child level variables, such as frequency of illnesses, but insignificant improvements in anthropometric measurements. Secondly, I examine whether female-headed households invest more in child health than male-headed households. The results show that the impacts of the cash transfer did not depend on the …

An International Approach To Challenging Violence Against Women In India, Pyper Scharer

CMC Senior Theses

The objective of this thesis is to identify ways that international actors can be most effective in influencing policy change pertaining to women’s safety and security in India. Since the 1970s, domestic groups within India and international organizations have focused on promoting gender equality and combatting problematic social norms that beget discrimination and violence against women. This thesis examines some of the programs and campaigns that Indian governments and civil society actors – domestic and international – have implemented to promote the rights and protections of women. This thesis considers examples of finance, social networking, training, education, and information propagation, …

India: Subsidy State Or Developmental State?, Annie Jalota

CMC Senior Theses

India does not fit easily into existing models of thought on the nature of a state and defies ease of understanding. Though India is most often considered to be a subsidy state, I show in this thesis the notion of the subsidy state does not capture the true nature of the Indian state. Chapter two of the paper looks at various models of understanding the nature of the Indian state and draw out three essential features: competing interest groups, how economic liberalization facilitates corruption and works against India’s aim of equalizing the capabilities and freedoms of all its citizens, and …

Una Propuesta De Planificación Para Afrontar Los Efectos Del Cambio Climático En El Sector Agrícola De Jalisco, México, Isabelle A. Heilman

CMC Senior Theses

Jalisco es un estado altamente vulnerable a los efectos del cambio climático. El estado es vulnerable a sequías en el norte e inundaciones en las costas. Jalisco también es un estado con un sector agrícola de alta producción. Los efectos del cambio climático ponen en riesgo esta producción agrícola, que en turno tendría efectos negativos en las familias agrícolas y la economía del estado. A través de varias estrategias de adaptación al nivel del agricultor y del gobierno, se puede crear un sector agrícola con posibilidades para afrontar los efectos del cambio climático con éxito. Para crear estas estrategias de …

Why Don't I Look Like Her? The Impact Of Social Media On Female Body Image, Kendyl M. Klein

CMC Senior Theses

The purpose of this paper is to understand and criticize the role of social media in the development and/or encouragement of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body dissatisfaction in college-aged women. College women are exceptionally vulnerable to the impact that social media can have on their body image as they develop an outlook on their bodies and accept the developmental changes that occurred during puberty. This paper provides evidence that there is a relationship between the recent surge in disordered eating and high consumption of social media. I examine the ways in which traditional advertising has portrayed women throughout history, …

Explaining The “Explained”: An Examination Of The Gender-Based Education Gap In India And Its Impact On The Wage Gap, Kanupriya Rungta

CMC Senior Theses

Analysis of the National Sample Survey Data from 2011-2012 shows that a gender-based education gap exists. Women are more likely than men to be illiterate. Some parents continue to view household duties as more important than education in the case of girls, causing some to drop out in primary and middle school, which leads to lower experience accumulation. However, females are almost equally as likely as males to be enrolled in school, and an equal proportion of males and females earn higher education degrees. More importantly, the difference in resource allocation seems to be minimal. Although education has a strong, …

The Declining Natural Fish Stock: A Proposed Solution To Public Fear And Perceptions Of Genetically Modified Fish, Morgan Beltz

CMC Senior Theses

The global fish population is declining. Aquaculture production is saturated and the global fish stock is operating at an unsustainable level. Genetically modified (GM) fish is a potential solution to relieve the natural fish stock, if the FDA grants the approval. The global fish population is harmed by environmental conditions and the inability for fish to adapt to changing conditions and human interactions. Genetic modification is a growing technology that has the ability to alleviate the fishing industry by modifying fish to grow faster, be disease tolerant, eat plant-based food, and be more nutritious. However, the approval process has been …

The Sustainability Of Italian Debt, Moshe Ash

Theses & ETDs

This thesis seeks to analyze the sustainability of fiscal policy in the Italian Republic, where the debt to GDP ratio is among some of the world's highest. A test for Italy's debt sustainability is run as a regression, using a modified form of an equation developed by Bohn (1998). The test reveals that the government's fiscal policy is ultimately sustainable, notwithstanding the fact that there exist various complications with the nation's economy, which are herein detailed. The thesis explores the foundations of debt sustainability literature, and provides an overview of the Italian economy and the difficulties it currently faces. Research …

Infant Mortality In American Indians And Alaska Natives 1995–1999 And 2000–2004, Patrik Johansson, Weston Williams, Ayman El-Mohandes

Publications and Research

Objectives. (1) To determine the infant mortality rate (IMR) in American Indians/ Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and Whites between 1995–1999 and 2000–2004. (2) To compare the leading causes of infant mortality in AI/AN and Whites. (3) To examine differences in neonatal vs. postneonatal causes of death in Whites and AI/AN.

Methods. Using the 1995–99 and 2000–04 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics national linked birth/infant death data, we examined neonatal and postneonatal IMR among AI/AN and Whites.

Results. AI/AN experienced significantly greater overall IMR in 1995–1999 and 2000–2004 than Whites. While the reduction in …