Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating Evaluator Bias When Assessing Potential Performance Horses With Respect To Horse Coat Colour, Anna Fisker Hansen

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Colour bias in judging has been suggested in a variety of subjectively judged sports, but has not previously been examined in equine performance evaluations. Potential performance evaluations, such as the British Breeding Futurity (BBF), can increase the momentary value of a horse, as status is given to horses with a premium evaluation record. The existence of bias in scoring could have economic implications particularly because the numbers of low value equids have increased in Britain, leading to worrying numbers of equine welfare cases. The potential occurrence of horse coat colour bias was investigated by 1) comparison of differences in BBF …

Investigating The Role Of Larval Dispersal Models In The Development Of An 'Ecologically Coherent' Network Of Deep Sea Marine Protected Areas, Rebecca E. Ross

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

There is currently worldwide pressure to establish Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks which are self-sustaining and will persistently protect habitats and species. In order for MPA networks to be effective, the species targeted for conservation must be able to disperse between protected areas and maintain a gene-flow necessary for population sustainability and persistence. This warrants new research on how to quantify and map faunal dispersal to ensure that protection will be effective and sustainable. Population genetic methods have merit, with the ability to track parentage and gene flow between areas directly. However the costs, quantity of samples, and time required …

Foraging Ecology Of The Campbell Albatross: Individual Specialisation And Fishery Interactions, Lisa Ann Sztukowski

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Most albatrosses are critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable due to the deleterious impact of fisheries, pollution, introduced species, habitat alteration, and climate change. Foraging behaviour influences many aspects of seabird biology, and a detailed understanding of foraging ecology is required to better predict the impacts of significant changes to the marine environment. Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche impavida) is a threatened endemic, confined to a small number of locations on Campbell Island, New Zealand and was recently split from the closely related Black-browed Albatross (T. melanophrys). We currently lack much basic information on the foraging behaviour of this species, hindering our ability …

Remission Of Psychosis In Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia Following A Seizure: A Case Report, Hena Jawaid, Sana Younus, Hanif Mesiya

Department of Psychiatry

The authors report a case of treatment-resistant schizophrenia in a 22-year-old woman, who, despite multiple trials of antipsychotics, did not respond to treatment. Clozapine treatment was initiated, but the patient's symptoms did not remit until after she had a clozapine-induced seizure. The authors discuss the importance in considering that electroconvulsive therapy may be effective in reducing positive and negative symptoms in patients suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Development And Validation Of Gas Chromatographic Methods For Free Fatty Acid Determination In Dairy Products, David Mannion

Theses

Quantification of free fatty acids (FFA) in dairy products by gas chromatography flame ion'^ation detection is an important requirement for qua'ity, research, nutritional, authenticity and legislative purposes. Common procedures are typically variants of either the fatty acid methyl esterification (FAME) or direct on-column injection methods developed more than two decades ago. This study involved the development of an alternative novel derivatization method using butylation, incorporating automation, reducing solvent usage that is applicable for a wide range of dairy products. The accuracy, precision, linearity, limits of detection and limits of quantification of all three methods were assessed for the quantification of …

The Effects Of Mortality Salience And Team Identification On Sports Fans' Willingness To Consider Anonymous Acts Of Aggression, Sagan L. Ladd

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The current study sought to understand if mortality salience and identification with the University of Kentucky men’s varsity basketball team (UK) would interact in such a way as to influence participants’ willingness to engage in anonymous acts of aggression toward fans, coaches and players of rival sport teams. A research question was also evaluated which asked if mortality salience might be a potential mediator between participants’ identification and their likelihood to engage in anonymous acts of aggression. Results indicated that mortality salience was not a significant predictor and there was no significant interaction between identification and mortality salience. As a …

Evaluating The Impact Of Natural And Agricultural Ecosystems On Soil Properties In Western Kentucky., Cody Masterson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The importance and capabilities of soil are often overlooked. It has an exceedingly complex ecosystem that is still not fully understood, but looking into soil properties can provide a clearer picture of what goes on below the surface. Understanding the influence of land covers and soil management allow for better understanding of how the soil ecosystem works which in return provides insight into how to create a more sustainable form of agriculture. Different ecosystems greatly impact soil properties. Soil physical properties are considered sensitive indicators of perturbation due to soil management practices and land covers. The four ecosystems that were …

A Comparison Of Four Methods To Estimate Groundwater Recharge For Northeastern South Dakota, Badr Qablawi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The rate of groundwater recharge is one of the most important elements in the analysis and management of groundwater resources. In addition, it is also the most difficult quantity to determine. This thesis, which is the result of a study made in northeastern South Dakota, presents an overview of four methods for estimating groundwater recharge, including an evaluation of the accuracy and suitability of each. These methods are the soil water balance, Chaturvedi formula, seasonal recession method (Meyboom method), and the well level data. Furthermore, this study seeks to find a selection of methods best suited based on climate classification. …

Determining The Relationship Among Change Fatigue, Resilience, And Job Satisfaction Of Hospital Staff Nurses, Robin Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine if there is a relationship among change fatigue, resilience, and job satisfaction of hospital staff nurses and if differences exist between novice and experienced staff nurses.

Background: Healthcare is typified by change. Organizational changes have a negative impact on nurses and the effects of organizational change are being overlooked and under researched. Change fatigue is a result of constant organizational change and has not been researched with nurses.

Methods: The study utilized a descriptive correlational design. Participants completed an online survey, using three tools: Change Fatigue Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), …

Temporal And Spatial Influences On South Dakota Farm Economies Of Size, Henry Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Census of Agriculture data are evaluated to test for economies of size of South Dakota farms. Economies of size occur when per-unit costs decrease as the size of a firm increases. This research measures technical economies of size, which assume that all firms pay identical input prices and receive identical output prices. The dependent variable of the model is expenses per dollar of sales. This is a typical measure of efficiency in agricultural statistics. The data come from the four prior Census of Agriculture years, 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012. A state-wide model and a county-wide model were developed to …

Proteomics Study Of Pre-Harvest Sprouting In Wheat, Pramod Khadka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a condition characterized by the early germination of spikes during moist environmental conditions. PHS lowers yield, degrades the quality of grain and thus limits the profits of wheat producers groups. During this investigation, proteomics studies of PHS-resistant and PHS-susceptible wheat embryos were conducted at different imbibition time periods via a cutting-edge technology called iTRAQ. Proteomic analysis revealed that 190 differentially expressed proteins might be involved in various cellular functions, such as carbohydrate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, stress response, redox regulation, ATP synthesis, and protein translation, during this untimely germination of the wheat …

Icook 4-H: Report Of Accelerometer Derived Physical Activity In 9-10 Year Old Children From Baseline, Post, And Follow-Up, Chase Merfeld

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To examine the relationship between baseline, post, and follow-up accelerometer derived physical activity (PA) in 9-10 year old children participating in iCook 4-H, a 16-week, 5- state, randomized control family centered childhood obesity prevention program. This family focus intervention was designed to promote PA through lifestyle modifications. Between group differences in minutes-per-day and intensity of PA were determined on accelerometer compliant participants. All subjects wore an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+) for 7 days at baseline, post, and follow-up intervention assessment. Mean daily minutes of accelerometer derived sedentary time (ST) and PA including light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA) and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) …

Queering The Spheres: Non-Normative Gender, Sexuality, And Family In Three Victorian Texts, Randi Mihajlovic

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In my thesis, I use a queer theoretical lens to consider three Victorian texts, Hesba Stretton’s “The Ghost in the Clock Room,” Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market,” and J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla. I apply queer theory to locate these authors’ attempts to destabilize heteronormativity by depicting non-normative gender roles, sexualities, and families in texts that emphasize the Victorian ideology of separate spheres. Many scholars imagine the separation of spheres as simply relegating women to a domestic sphere that reinforced traditional values and restricted their power. However, these works demonstrate that opportunities for power and queer possibility exist within the home …

Novel Cellular Targets Of Aspirin In Chemoprevention Studies On P53, G6pd And C-Myc, Guoqiang Ai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background

Aspirin has generated a significant interest in recent years as a potential chemopreventive agent supported by strong evidence from epidemiological data; however, the mechanisms are not well understood. The objective of this dissertation is to identify novel cyclooxygenase (COX)-independent pathways by which aspirin exerts its anticancer effects in epithelial cancer cell lines. We investigated the effect of aspirin on p53, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and c-Myc, all of which are known to play a major role in cancer development. p53 is a tumor suppressor protein, often mutated in cancers causing its inactivation. Expression of G6PD is elevated in many …

Evaluation Of Bobcat (Lynx Rufus) Survival, Harvest, And Population Size In The West-Central Region Of South Dakota, Brandon M. Tycz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent concern regarding bobcat (Lynx rufus) population status has prompted researchers and managers to gather additional information about bobcats in South Dakota. From 2012–2015, we assessed population dynamics of bobcats occupying the west-central region of South Dakota. Our objectives were to: 1) estimate annual survival rates; 2) determine cause-specific mortality; 3) estimate a population size for the western prairie region of South Dakota; 4) estimate home range size of individually marked bobcats; 5) evaluate reproductive status; and 6) build a population model. We captured and radio-collared 51 (24 male, 27 female) bobcats with VHF collars. Annual survival was 65.1% (95% …

Case Commentaries

Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law

No abstract provided.

Sulfur Isotope Study Of Vent Chimneys From Upper Cretaceous Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits Of The Eastern Pontide Metallogenic Belt, Ne Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Revan, Valeri̇y V. Maslennikov, Yurdal Genç, Okan Deli̇baş, Svetlana P. Maslennikova, Sergey A. Sadykov

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

We obtained sulfur isotope analysis results of sulfide samples from hydrothermal vent chimneys of the eastern Pontide volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. The total range of δ34S values for vent chimneys in the eastern Pontide VMS deposits is -2.7 to 6.5 per mil. Sulfide Δ34S values show narrow variation in the Lahanos, Killik, and Kutlular deposits, but wider variation in the Kızılkaya and Çayeli deposits. The δ34S values of sulfides in Çayeli chimney samples gave a slightly higher range than the other Pontide chimney samples. In some samples, a rough isotopic zonation pattern was observed throughout chimney zones. Variations in …

Comparative Study On Geochemical Characterization Of The Carboniferousaluminous Argillites From The Huainan Coal Basin, China, Bingyu Chen, Guijian Liu, Dun Wu, Ruoyu Sun

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

Aluminous argillites were widely deposited in the Taiyuan Formation at the Huainan Coalfield at the southeast margin of the North China Plate. However, knowledge about their formation conditions and geochemical characterizations is not presently known. We recovered underground aluminous argillites at depths of 485-610 m from a borehole in the Zhangji Coal Mine and characterized their geochemical parameters, including major and trace elements, by X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The provenance, climatic conditions during the weathering process of parent rocks, weathering extent, and depositional environments of Huainan aluminous argillites were investigated. …

Influencers And Barriers To Consumption Of Healthful Diets In Rural Youth In Context Of The Bioecological Model, Megan Bren

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine influencers and barriers to healthful dietary intake in rural youth in context of the bioecological model. Four focus groups as part of Ignite, a tri-state, five-year, community based partipatory research (CBPR) intervention were conducted with 6th to 8th grade adolescents from an economically disadvantaged community of rural South Dakota. Results were categorized into the context of the bioecological model. Within the model, the process, person, context and time (PPCT) design with the three types of personal characteristics were used to describe the framework in which the systems are embedded. Focus group content …

Effects Of Seed Applied Fungicide On Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization Of South Dakota Cultivars Of Oat, Soybean, And Corn, Jesse Cameron

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts that form a mutualistic relationship with approximately 80% of terrestrial plant species. These obligate symbionts have a generally beneficial effect on their host such as increased nutrient acquisition, better tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and the improvement of soil qualities. Due to the recent, widespread use of seed applied fungicides on row crops in the U.S. Midwest, there are concerns that the fungicides will inhibit these beneficial mycorrhizae. This study was conducted to evaluate what effect different commonly used seed applied fungicides have on AMF in the presence of different varieties of …

Long-Term Impacts Of Annual Cattle Manure And Fertilizer On Soil Quality Under Corn-Soybean Rotation In Eastern South Dakota, Ekrem Ozlu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dairy and beef manure have been used to enhance soil quality; however, their impacts under long-term application in corn-soybean rotation need to be evaluated. Nutrient based recommended rates of manure applications on soils are important and also need to be monitored. This study, therefore, was conducted at two long-term sites to assess the impacts of manure and inorganic fertilizer application rates on some of the soil quality indicators and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in a corn (Zea mays L.) - soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation system located at Beresford and Brookings in Eastern South Dakota. Study treatments included: …

The Efficacy Of Allopurinol In Suppressing Hypersensitive-Like Symptoms In Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) And In Suppressing Sunflower Rust (Puccinia Helianthi) Symptoms, Thumbiko Walker Gambler Mkandawire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A mutant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotype can constitutively produce hypersensitive-like flecks in the absence of any pathogen. The lesions of the mutant are thought to be the result of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are similarly implicated in hypersensitive reactions to fungal pathogens. Allopurinol can suppress ROS. Consequently, allopurinol was applied to a wheat lesion mutant to test the hypothesis that the same ROS are involved, regardless of the presence of the pathogen. ‘Ning7840’, a lesion mutant and ‘Alsen’, a related genotype that does not express the mutant phenotype were treated with different concentrations of allopurinol under controlled …

The Endophytes Of Pediomelum Esculentum: A Unique Case In Legume Evolution, Tyrel Ryan Deutscher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pediomelum esculentum (commonly prairie turnip) is a perennial legume of the Great Plains, consisting of a deep taproot and large edible tuber, and has served as a nutritious staple in Native American diets. The tuber is capable of storing up to 20 percent protein by weight. P. esculentum is a legume, but not a prominent nodule former; instead, it grows in nitrogen-limited soils and produces large amounts of protein. This suggests the involvement of biological nitrogen fixation. We have investigated the presence of diazotrophic endophytes in P. esculentum. Bacteria were isolated from wild plants on nitrogen free media, identified …

Evaluation Of Bison (Bison Bison) Ecology At The Olson’S Bison Conservation Ranches, Pine River Ranch, Manitoba, Canada, Joshua L. Leonard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bison (Bison bison), the largest mammalian species in North America, historically numbering in the tens of millions (Roe 1970, McHugh 1972, Dary 1989, Shaw 1995), was nearly extirpated at the turn of the 19th century (Knapp et al. 1999; Gates et al. 2010). At the time, estimates of less than 1,000 bison remaining in North America are widely accepted (Hornaday 1889; Seton 1927; Gates et al. 2010). The decline of bison includes factors such as disease (Flores 1991; Isenberg 2000), sport hunting (Danz 1997; Dary 1989; Hewitt 1919; Isenberg 2000; McHugh 1972), and unofficially funded commercial hunting by the U.S. …

Synthetic Biology For Autotrophic And Heterotrophic Production Of Ethanol, Nathanael Braselton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Growing energy demand and rising levels of greenhouse gases has put massive strain on the global environment. Alternatives to fossil fuels are being developed in an attempt to curb climate change. Biotechnology has made large strides in order to create a completely renewable energy source by genetically modifying microbes to produce biofuels and other “green” high value compounds. In this thesis project, (1) E. coli ATCC9637 (E. coli W) was genetically modified to produce bioethanol from beet juice which contains mainly sucrose. The ethanol productivity by engineered E. coli W was 18.8 mg/L/H/OD₆₀₀.
(2) Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC7120 …

A Molecular Genetic And Physiological Comparison Of The Hybrid Necrosis Response In Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) To Biotic And Abiotic Stress Responses, Devi R. Kandel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Expression of hybrid necrosis in plants can lead to a significant reduction in productivity, or even lethality. Epistatic interactions between divergent loci that have evolved through evolution are proposed as being responsible for the genetic incompatability that is expressed as hybrid necrosis. Hybrid necrosis can also represent an obstacle to the transfer of desirable traits from wild, related species to domesticated bread wheat. In wheat, expression of dominant complementary genes Ne1 and Ne2, located to chromosomes 5B and 2B in a hybrid results the production of necrotic leaf tissue, stunted plant growth, and reduced grain yield, which are similar plant …

Functional Effects Of Calcium Regulation Of Thin Filaments At Single Particle Resolution, Christopher Solis-Ocampo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Understanding heart function at the molecular level is critical for developing of more effective treatments. In the cardiac muscle, the thin filament is composed by troponin (Tn), tropomyosin (Tm), and F-actin. It provides Ca2+-dependent regulation of contraction by modulating myosin attachment and force generation in a cooperative scheme. However, this mechanism remains unclear. To understand thin filament activation, we studied the binding and functional properties of Tn and Tm to F-actin at single particle resolution by employing fluorescence image colocalization, in vitro motility assays, and Förster resonance energy …

Effect Of Oil And Natural Gas Development On Survival And Health Of White-Tailed Deer In The Western Dakotas, Katherine L. Moratz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oil and gas development in North Dakota has resulted in the need for information regarding how increased activity has affected white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. We evaluated white-tailed deer ecology in response to energy development and hypothesized that oil and gas development would negatively affect adult and neonate white-tailed deer due to increased vehicle traffic and human-related effects. We captured and radio-collared adult female and neonate white-tailed deer across three study areas: Dunn County, North Dakota, an area influenced by energy development, and Grant County, North Dakota, and Perkins County, South Dakota, areas not impacted by energy development at this …

Demonstrating Short-Term Impacts Of Grazing Cover Crops On Soil Health In South Dakota, Colin Tobin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Grasslands have been rapidly converted to croplands over the last decade in the northern Great Plains. This conversion can reduce soil health and increase the region’s ability to pollute the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Therefore, the need for integrated crop livestock (ICL) practices that can protect the region’s native prairies are strongly encouraged. Introducing livestock into arable cropping systems can improve nutrient cycling, soil health, and provide economic benefits. However, the detailed information about the impacts of ICL system on soil health is still lacking in the Northern Great Plains region. Therefore, the present study was conducted under a corn …

Breast Cancer Classification Of Mammographic Masses Using Circularity Max Metric, A New Method, Tae Keun Heo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer classification can be divided into two categories. The first category is a benign tumor, and the other is a malignant tumor. The main purpose of breast cancer classification is to classify abnormalities into benign or malignant classes and thus help physicians with further analysis by minimizing potential errors that can be made by fatigued or inexperienced physicians. This paper proposes a new shape metric based on the area ratio of a circle to classify mammographic images into benign and malignant class. Support Vector Machine is used as a machine learning tool for training and classification purposes. The improved …