Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Selected Pesticides On Calico Scale And Its Natural Enemies, Carlos Roberto Quesada Machigua

Open Access Theses

Calico scale (Eulecanium cerasorum) is an exotic pest of shade and ornamental trees. It feeds on phloem sap, reduces tree vigor and can ultimately kill trees. We observed effects of four foliar applied (bifenthrin, pyriproxyfen, chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole) and two soil applied pesticides (dinotefuran, imidacloprid) on calico scales and their natural enemies on infested thornless honeylocust trees (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis) over three years. Bifenthrin, dinotefuran and cyantraniliprole provided the largest reductions in scale populations when they were applied to egg laying females on branches early in the season. In contrast, bifenthrin and pyriproxyfen provided the most …

Nutrient Recovery From Anaerobically-Digested Dairy Manure By Struvite Formation And Its Effect On Gas Releases, Zhong Qiao

Open Access Theses

Manure management practices such as anaerobic digestion and lagoon storage have become important issues for large dairy farms partially due to water quality and air quality concerns caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus. Prior research efforts have proven that struvite formation is an effective method for nutrients recovery from both municipal and agricultural wastewaters. However, little is known about nutrient recovery through struvite formation from anaerobically-digested dairy manure effluents.The effects of struvite precipitation on the releases of gases such as NH3, H2S, and CO2 are also unclear.

In this thesis, both bench-scale tests and pilot-scale storage tests were conducted to …

Analysis Of An Actuated Two Segment Leg Model Of Locomotion, Nikhil Vinayak Rao

Open Access Theses

Research studies on dynamic models of legged locomotion have generally focused on telescoping-type leg models. Such telescoping spring loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) models have been able to accurately predict observed center of mass (CoM) trajectories. There have been comparatively fewer studies on dynamics of locomotion

with segmented legs. Some earlier studies on the dynamics due to leg segmentation appear straightforward. For example, a simple model with the only joint moment being due to a passive springy knee has been shown to behave similarly to a telescoping spring-mass model. However, in real-life animal locomotion, there are multiple joint-moments acting at the …

A Mechanism Design Approach To Bandwidth Allocation In Tactical Data Networks, Ankur Mour

Open Access Theses

The defense sector is undergoing a phase of rapid technological advancement, in the pursuit of its goal of information superiority. This goal depends on a large network of complex interconnected systems - sensors, weapons, soldiers - linked through a maze of heterogeneous networks. The sheer scale and size of these networks prompt behaviors that go beyond conglomerations of systems or `system-of-systems'. The lack of a central locus and disjointed, competing interests among large clusters of systems makes this characteristic of an Ultra Large Scale (ULS) system. These traits of ULS systems challenge and undermine the fundamental assumptions of today's software …

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation In The Management Of Chronic Lower Airway Inflammatory Conditions In Horses, Nora Nogradi

Open Access Theses

Chronic lower airway inflammatory diseases, such as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD) are common in horses. RAO and IAD present many similarities with asthma in people. Based on studies in human asthma, omega - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has been proposed to improve clinical signs in horses with chronic lower airway inflammatory disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an omega-3 PUFA containing equine feed supplement (Aleira^TM) in horses with chronic lower airway disease. The study consisted of two separate experiments. First, a pilot study was …

Psychological Essentialism And Opposition To Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Kerry L. Macintosh

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Searches And Seizures – Fourth Amendment And Reasonableness: The Maryland Dna Collection Act Allows Pre-Conviction Securing Of Dna Samples For Identification Maryland V. King, 133 S. Ct. 1958, Krista Thompson

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Complete Issue, Gla Glq

Georgia Library Quarterly

No abstract provided.

Rural Women's Role In The Socio-Economic Growth And Well-Being Of Ghana: A Case Study Of Women Operating Within The Informal Sector, Raphael Avornyo

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This paper examines women’s contributions to Ghana’s economic growth and well-being. Data for the study were collected using interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with women operating in the informal sector of the Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira District. The main findings of the study showed that even though women con-tribute to socio-economic growth and well-being, most of them do not have adequate ac-cess to the resources needed to expand their impact. The paper recommends policies aimed at addressing women’s issues regarding the socio-economic system, so that they can create wealth and improve well-being for themselves, their children, and society at large.

The Impact Of The Perceptions Of Fathering On Adult Children's Emotional Well-Being And Satisfaction With Life, Abraham John Bilyeu

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to examine how perceptions of one's father figure impacted reported levels of depression, anxiety, stress, alexithymia, and satisfaction with life. Participants reported that as negative perceptions of their father figure increased so did reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Further, negative perceptions of one's father figure were negatively correlated with life satisfaction, such that as negative perceptions of father increased ones reported satisfaction with life decreased. Participant age was also positively correlated with perceptions of their father, whereas age increased, so did a positive view of one's father figure. When the Attitude …

Microwave Tomography Using Stochastic Optimization And High Performance Computing, Michael William Holman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis discusses the application of parallel computing in microwave tomography for detection and imaging of dielectric objects. The main focus is on microwave tomography with the use of a parallelized Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) forward solver in conjunction with non-linear stochastic optimization based inverse solvers. Because such solvers require very heavy computation, their investigation has been limited in favour of deterministic inverse solvers that make use of assumptions and approximations of the imaging target. Without the use of linearization assumptions, a non-linear stochastic microwave tomography system is able to resolve targets of arbitrary permittivity contrast profiles while avoiding …

Inhibition Of The Ysc Type Iii Secretion System Of Yersinia Pestis By Compound D And Interaction Of Type Iii Secretion System Needle Proteins With Host Receptors, Danielle L. Jessen

Theses and Dissertations

The type III secretion system of gram-negative bacterial pathogens is a major virulence factor and functions to modulate host immune responses. Immune modulation occurs in many ways, including direct injection of effector proteins or indirect methods such as the detection of bacterial components by host immune receptors. Knowledge of these immune modulations allows for development of treatment options in an ever-increasing antibiotic-resistance climate. The studies presented here explore both areas of immune modulation. We identify Compound D as a potent inhibitor of the type III secretion system of Yersinia pestis. Through evaluation of effector secretion by bacteria grown in the …

The Effect Of Health Expenditure And Other Determinants On Health Outcomes, Yi Liu

Theses and Dissertations

A major question in determining health policy is to what extent the additional health care expenditure yields benefits in the form of improved health outcomes. However, establishing relationships between them is very complex, because there are numerous factors besides health expenditure that could contribute to health outcomes, and some data especially individual level nutrition and exercise data, are nearly impossible to gather. Another difficulty involves which indicator we should choose to measure health outcomes.

This study examines life expectancy, all-cause age adjusted mortality rates and infant mortality as the "output" of the health care system, and health expenditure, various life-style, …

Exploring The Impact Of Zebra Mussels (Dreissena Polymorpha) On Residental Lakeshore Property Values In Otter Tail And Becker Counties, Minnesota, Spencer Crowley Mcgrew

Theses and Dissertations

Aquatic invasive species are a major problem in Minnesota. Aquatic invasive species disrupt ecosystems, limit lake recreation, and reduce lakeshore property values. They are expensive to manage, and often impossible to eradicate once established. In this study, I am asking this question: What is the economic impact, in terms of residential shoreline property values, of the introduction of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) into large and popular freshwater lakes in west central Minnesota?

Past studies comparing lakeshore property values based on environmental factors such as water quality, clarity, lake size, and depth have shown that these environmental amenities are …

Ticks And Tick-Borne Pathogens In North Dakota, Nathan Russart

Theses and Dissertations

In 2010 a statewide survey of ticks and tick-borne pathogens was conducted in North Dakota. Ticks were collected from the four eco-regions in the state by flagging for questing adults and by collecting feeding immature ticks from trapped small mammals. I collected 1762 individual ticks representing five species: Dermacentor variabilis (1449), Ixodes scapularis (307), Ixodes woodi (3), Ixodes angustus (2), and Amblyomma americanum (1). Dermacentor variabilis were collected in all areas of the state while I. scapularis were restricted to the northeast portion of the state. This provided sufficient evidence that I. scapularis have established populations within the state. Ixodes …

A Case Study Of Elementary Teachers' Conceptions Of Environmental Literacy In Relationship To A Tall Grass Prairie Restoration Project, Teresa Jayne Shume

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe seven elementary teachers' conceptions of environmental literacy in relationship to a tall grass prairie restoration project and to explore ways in which the tall grass prairie restoration project for third grade contributed to enhancing educational learning experiences. The research questions were: 1. What are teachers' conceptions of environmental literacy for third grade students? 2. How does the prairie restoration trip contribute to teachers' capacity to teach for environmental literacy of third grade students? 3. What is the pedagogical value of the prairie restoration project? The theoretical frameworks underpinning this study …

The Impact Of Continuous Prenatal And Early Postpartum Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation On The Vitamin D Status Of Exclusively Breastfed Infants, Doria K. Thiele

Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, at least 50% of breastfeeding mothers are vitamin D deficient, increasing risk for vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants. A gap in knowledge exists regarding best practices in maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation that will yield adequate infant vitamin D levels. The objective of this study was to identify the combined effect of maternal prenatal and postnatal vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D transfer to exclusively breastfed infants. Additionally, due to the immune modulating effects of vitamin D, maternal pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured across pregnancy and the postpartum. A double-blind, …

Online Self-Injury Forums, Social Support, And Psychological Distress, Kirsten Louise Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a behavior being seen with increasing frequency among clinicians and the general population. Internet forums where people who engage in the behavior may discuss topics related to NSSI have become widespread. The effects of those websites on people who engage in the behavior have not been researched. This study used structural equation modeling to better understand the relationship between identification with these groups, time online, comfort discussing NSSI, social support, and psychological distress. The final model suggests a complicated relationship between Internet use and offline effects. Identification with such an online group appears to lead to …

Historical Genetic Analysis Of Horned Lark (Eremophila Alpestris) Specimens From The Prairie Pothole Region, Gregory Omar Cain

Theses and Dissertations

The Horned Lark (Eremphila alpestris) is a generalist bird species with a global distribution. A previous phylogeographic study of this species from western North America has been completed and identified three distinct mitochondrial DNA clades. This study aims to genetically characterize Horned Larks from the North Dakota region using the mtDNA NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Horned Larks were sampled from museum collections, with ages ranging from 13 - 120 years old. 5mm x 1mm feather cuttings were removed using a non-invasive feather sampling method from each specimen for genetic analysis.

This sampling method was verified on 15 total …

Targeted Overexpression Of Metallothionein In Endothelial Cells Mitigates Pulmonary Alveolar Basement Membrane Thickening In Transgenic Diabetic Ove Mice: An Unbiased Tem Morphometric Analysis, Holly M. Hewitt

Theses and Dissertations

Damage to small blood vessels in diabetes mellitus (DM) is largely the result of hyperglycemia-driven oxidative stress. This is manifested morphologically by capillary basement membrane (BM) thickening, the hallmark feature of chronic complications of DM. In an effort to demonstrate pulmonary alveolar BM (PABM) thickness increase in DM and to demonstrate for the first time, mitigation of the increase utilizing antioxidant therapy, we crossed the severely diabetic transgenic mouse (OVE) with Jtmt, our recently developed transgenic animal model that overexpresses the antioxidant metallothionein (MT) in endothelial cells. Unbiased TEM morphometry demonstrated that PABM widths in diabetic (OVE) mice were significantly …

Should Girls Play Hockey With Boys? Perspectives From The Usa Women's Olympic Hockey Team, Jocelyne Nicole Lamoureux

Theses and Dissertations

An exploratory descriptive analysis on USA Women's Olympic hockey team player's perspectives on playing with boys during their developmental years was conducted. Fifteen elite women American hockey players completed a questionnaire about their experiences playing on boys' teams, making the transition to girls' hockey, and how they thought playing with boys effected their physical and psychological development. Data analysis included both qualitative and quantitative data. Results showed that all participants had played with both boys and girls. They all started playing on boys' teams and transitioned to girls' teams mainly for safety reasons. Participants reported positive effects from playing with …

Simulating Land Use Land Cover Change Using Data Mining And Machine Learning Algorithms, Amin Tayyebi

Open Access Dissertations

The objectives of this dissertation are to: (1) review the breadth and depth of land use land cover (LUCC) issues that are being addressed by the land change science community by discussing how an existing model, Purdue's Land Transformation Model (LTM), has been used to better understand these very important issues; (2) summarize the current state-of-the-art in LUCC modeling in an attempt to provide a context for the advances in LUCC modeling presented here; (3) use a variety of statistical, data mining and machine learning algorithms to model single LUCC transitions in diverse regions of the world (e.g. United States …

The Role Of Rumination, Negative Affect, And Fitness On Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Outcomes Following A Discrete Cardiac Event, Nathaniel Jay Deyoung

Open Access Dissertations

Individuals with cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk for anxiety, depression, stress, and other negative cognitive processes. Following a cardiovascular event such as a myocardial infarction or open heart surgery, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can have large physical and psychological benefits. This study investigates the role of depression, anxiety, and rumination on CR outcomes including program completion and fitness improvements. Fifty-one patients with cardiovascular disease who were enrolled in CR were tracked over the course of their treatment. Objective fitness testing was completed prior to and after CR program completion. Self-reported psychological, health, and fitness data were gathered at weeks …

Interactional Analysis Of Emergent Risks In Institutionally Diverse Construction Projects, Nader Naderpajouh

Open Access Dissertations

Naderpajouh, Nader Ph.D., Purdue University, December 2013. Interactional Analysis of Emergent Risks in Institutionally Diverse Construction Projects. Major Professor: Makarand Hastak.

Construction projects, as complex systems of systems (SOS), increasingly involve institutionally diverse actors that escalate complexity of the projects. Examples of these actors include the export credit agencies, international organizations such as the World Bank, non-governmental organizations (NGO), regulatory actors, transnational organizations, as well as public and community groups. The observed surge in complexity of the projects aim to enhance their robustness in: i) sustaining the increasing demand for service of these projects, and ii) sustaining the contextual fluctuation …

Fate Of 17Α-Estradiol, 17Β-Estradiol, And Estrone In Agricultural Soils And Sediments, Michael L. Mashtare Jr

Open Access Dissertations

The shift to concentrated animal production facilities and increasing rural-urban migration has increased the localized land application of nearly 1 billion tons of manure and biosolids annually. Although these applications provide nutrients and contribute to soil tilth, they also serve as a source for an estimated 49 tons of the natural manure-borne estrogens, 17α-estradiol (17α-E2), 17β-estradiol (17β-E2), and estrone (E1). While these estrogens are critical to endocrine systems, the low concentrations observed in the environment can disrupt endocrine function in non-target organisms, e.g., altering secondary sex characteristics which can lead to changes in wildlife communities.

Research presented here focuses on …

Understanding Osmoregulation And Immunity In Heteromyid Rodents Through Insights Gained From Rna-Seq, Nicholas John Marra

Open Access Dissertations

Understanding the genetic basis of adaptation is one of the central questions of evolutionary genetics. In the face of selective pressure, individuals with adaptive phenotypes survive and pass on their beneficial alleles that conferred this fitness advantage. Over sufficient time scales and under strong selection, differences accumulate between taxa in the form of physical and/or behavioral traits that have been shaped differently. By looking at the transcriptomes of related taxa we can identify sequence and regulatory differences that represent molecular signatures of these different selection regimes. When we study these differences between taxa that have evolved under opposing selective forces …

Neuroprotection By Chitosan And Chitosan Nanoparticles, Bojun Chen

Open Access Dissertations

In the U.S., about 200,000 people are currently living with spinal cord injury (SCI). An estimated of 50%-70% of all SCI cases occurs in the range of ages between 15-35 years old. The destructive neurotrauma results in the majority of adult disability, even after patients suffering with SCI survived from the acute death. There are two stages involved in the progression of SCI, the primary stage and the secondary stage. The primary stage is mainly the mechanical damage to the central nervous system. The rapid collapse of the integrity of cell membrane and tissue is often one of the initial …

Cristina's World: Lessons From El Salvador's Ban On Abortion, Michelle Oberman

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Reviews And Responses: Brown And Spitzer’S Public Folklore, Kristin G. Congdon

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

Book review for Public Folklore, Robert Baron and N. R. Spitzer (Editors), Smithsonian Institution, Washington, 1992.

Evaluating Food Safety Systems Development And Implementation By Quantifying Haccp Training Durability, Marienne A. Anandappa

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

HACCP-based food safety programs have been widely acclaimed, accepted and implemented as an effective means of managing food safety risks. While HACCP training is a cornerstone of managing HACCP programs, there is little information about the effectiveness of HACCP training and the durability of HACCP knowledge. Findings reveal a link between involvement level in HACCP activities and the accuracy of HACCP knowledge over time. Opportunities for peer training in HACCP, irrespective of overall experience in the food industry provide favorable circumstances for maintaining accuracy of HACCP knowledge. The optimal window for engaging employees in HACCP is directly following the completion …