Business Commons^™

Towards Structured Planning And Learning At The State Fisheries Agency Scale, Caleb A. Aldridge

Theses and Dissertations

Inland recreational fisheries has grown philosophically and scientifically to consider economic and sociopolitical aspects (non-biological) in addition to the biological. However, integrating biological and non-biological aspects of inland fisheries has been challenging. Thus, an opportunity exists to develop approaches and tools which operationalize planning and decision-making processes which include biological and non-biological aspects of a fishery. This dissertation expands the idea that a core set of goals and objectives is shared among and within inland fisheries agencies; that many routine operations of inland fisheries managers can be regimented or standardized; and the novel concept that current information and operations can …

Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) Project-Based Learning (Pbl) Education: A New Mexico Case Study For Equity And Inclusion, Kimberly A. Scheerer

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This research addresses how student participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project-based learning (PBL) education activities encourages underrepresented minority student achievement in STEM career field trajectories. Seven New Mexico high school counselors and 12 STEM organization personnel were interviewed during this study. Their responses represent the nuanced professional voices where New Mexico public education intersects with STEM student interest and cultural influence.

For students, STEM PBL can foster deep integration across educational disciplines and enhance STEM career trajectory interest and readiness. STEM education converged with PBL methodologies has the ability to leverage community support while broadening student networks. …

Impact Of Rma’S Projected Price On Prevent Planting Claims, Nicolas Enrique Alvarez Mena

LSU Master's Theses

This research studies the presence of ex-post moral hazard in the prevent planting provision from the crop insurance program in cotton, corn, and soybeans for the Plains Region and Southeast Regions of the U.S. Three fixed effect models are developed using the proportion of prevent plant acres as the dependent variable, as well as weather, input price, expected harvest price and a break-even point for the independent variables. In addition, a fourth fixed effect (FE) model is introduced using the logit transformation and the same variables as in previous models. The results show the number of PP claims has been …

Zoned Leasing Impact On Shellfish Aquaculture Industry Development, Rebekah Woodburn

All Theses And Dissertations

Shellfish aquaculture is a growing industry in the United States that supports many individuals and communities. An important step in establishing or growing a shellfish aquaculture operation is obtaining a lease in which to cultivate shellfish. While many states allow aquaculturists to find their own lease location, the often time-intensive and expensive process to have the lease approved and permitted can be a great barrier for new entrants to the industry. Zoned leasing is a way for state agencies to establish large areas and pre-approve them for shellfish aquaculture, then divide the areas into smaller parcels of leases to be …

Quantifying Spatial Heterogeneity Of Wild Blueberries And Crop Water Stress Monitoring Using Remote Sensing Technologies, Kallol Barai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The wild blueberry is one of the major crops of Maine, with significant economic value and potential health benefits. Due to global climate change, drought impacts have been increasing significantly in recent years in the northeast region of the USA, causing significant economic losses in the agricultural sectors. It has been predicted to increase further in the future. Changing patterns of the elevated atmospheric temperatures, increased rainfall variabilities, and more frequent drought events have made the wild blueberry industry of Maine vulnerable, suggesting the adoption of novel approaches to mitigate the negative impacts of global climate changes. Also, wild blueberry …

Societal Sustainability: Projects To Address The Three Dimensions Of A Sustainable Future, Braden K. Bateman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sustainability is an important, commonly discussed societal goal regarding assurance of resources for the world to be able to enjoy a prosperous future. Three primary dimensions of sustainability include environmental, economic, and social sustainability, and objectives for various projects can be aimed at any of the three dimensions to pursue societal sustainability. Solar installations, which can be used to pursue environmental and economic sustainability, convert abundant sunlight to electricity, displacing fossil fuel use that contributes harmful greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The regulatory environment at the state level has a significant impact on the feasibility of solar projects. At present, …

Optimal Stocker Production Strategies For Spring And Fall Calving Cow Herds, Cora Beth Key

Masters Theses

This thesis consists of two chapters discussing the economics of raising stocker beef cattle in the southeast United States. The objective of the first chapter is to estimate supplemental feed cost for spring-calving cows, spring-born stockers, cows calving in the fall, and fall-born stockers, while considering the seasonality of forage production and nutritional needs. The chapter explores ways producers can lower their feed costs and demonstrates the importance of managing hay expenses for cattle producers to control cost. The objective of chapter two is to determine the profit-maximizing stocker period in an integrated cow-calf and stocker operation with both fall- …

A Circular Economy Approach To Improve E-Waste Recycling In California: Economic Potential And Policy Options, Kripa Shah

Master's Projects and Capstones

The higher consumption rates of electronic devices along with their short life cycles and few repair options poses a huge challenge for E-waste industries to manage them effectively. E-waste comprises of hazardous materials and toxic constituents that can affect the environment and public health through improper disposal. However, they also contain few valuable materials that, if recovered, can reduce the dependence on virgin raw materials. Circular economy has the potential to utilize these valuable materials and gain environment and socio-economic benefits. The research explains how the adoption of a circular economy approach can help improve the E-waste recycling in California …

The Significance Of Sonic Branding To Strategically Stimulate Consumer Behavior: Content Analysis Of Four Interviews From Jeanna Isham’S “Sound In Marketing” Podcast, Ina Beilina

Student Theses and Dissertations

Purpose:
Sonic branding is not just about composing jingles like McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It.” Sonic branding is an industry that strategically designs a cohesive auditory component of a brand’s corporate identity. This paper examines the psychological impact of music and sound on consumer behavior reviewing studies from the past 40 years and investigates the significance of stimulating auditory perception by infusing sound in consumer experience in the modern 2020s.

Design/methodology/approach:
Qualitative content analysis of audio media was used to test two hypotheses. Four archival oral interview recordings from Jeanna Isham’s podcast “Sound in Marketing” featuring the sonic branding experts …

A Mixed-Method Study Comparing Staff Nurse And Nurse Manager Perceptions Of Fairness Related To Scheduling, Self-Scheduling, And Scheduling Incentives As Motivators, Alicia B. Workman

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Understanding and addressing the perception of fairness in scheduling and incentives lets the healthcare system administration tailor scheduling needs to the staff nurses, thereby creating an environment that improves job satisfaction, work-life balance, and increased retention. This study was a mixed-method research project using questionnaires to compare what motivated registered nurses to work according to the nurse’s perception and the nurse manager’s perception of fairness in scheduling, self-scheduling, and incentives. The findings from this study indicated staff registered nurses and nurse managers had similar responses, however, comments highlighted the importance of fairness as it relates to job satisfaction. Healthcare systems …

The Impact Of Virtual Learning Modalities On The Academic Success Of Students In One Arkansas School District, Diane F. Richards

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way Arkansas public schools’ offered students an education. While moving through this pandemic, many Arkansas schools implemented optional methods of delivery for their students. Some schools tried to maintain face-to-face classes, while others offered completely online classes. Still, others offered a hybrid format where students attended some face-to-face classes and online classes. One Arkansas school district offered all three options. School districts need guidance as to which teaching methods worked well. The long-term effects of the educational impact of COVID-19 are not known at this time. Schools could benefit from a guide with useful strategies …

Teacher Preference In Professional Development, Cheri L. Keyes

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Teacher Preference in Professional Development

Teacher professional development (PD) is seen as best ways to ensure teacher quality and guarantee positive student achievement outcomes; however, there is a lack of appropriate and effective PD. This quantitative study examined teachers’ preferences in PD content and delivery. Teachers from a K-12 public school district in Northwest Arkansas were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey, and 292 teachers responded. The measured variables were the professional development preferences of the teachers, the teachers' years of experience, the grade level at which teachers teach, gender, the content of preferred PD, and the delivery or …

Dialysis Patient Education On The Prevention Of Kidney Disease Prior To Patients Receiving Dialysis: A Retrospective Descriptive Study, Jamie D. Jones

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Fifty-two adult patients at an outpatient dialysis center in central Arkansas were surveyed regarding the education that was provided by medical professionals related to kidney disease and dialysis during treatment of hypertension and diabetes. The twenty-question survey inquired about demographic information, medical history, and the timing and perceived comprehension of education received. The researcher discovered that the majority of patients did not receive education that identified hypertension and diabetes as contributing factors of kidney disease until after diagnosis of kidney disease. The vast majority of participants reported that education regarding the life implications of dialysis, including fluid and dietary restrictions, …

Exploring The Implementation Of Dike Building And The National Endowment For The Oceans Act To Support Coastal Restoration In Louisiana, Taylor Perrodin

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Are Some Analysts Superior At Forecasting World Grain Supplies?, Emmie M. Noyes

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

Whether agriculture is how you make your living or simply a means of putting food on your table, the prices of agricultural commodities and products affect us all. When buying and selling agricultural commodities, both farmers and firms use futures markets. Futures markets help minimize price risk, which is important to both sides of the transaction.

Recently, private analysis firms have started to forecast the information contained in the USDA’s WASDE report. This is relevant because future prices react to new information contained in WASDE reports. These firms will release their information a few days before the WASDE comes out …

A Descriptive Pilot Study On Travel Nurses' Risk Of Burnout During The Covid- 19 Pandemic, Lashanda Head

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that results from long-term involvement in work situations that are difficult (Schaufeli & Greenglass, 2001). Burnout leads to a significant occupational problem in various professions that involve people who work with others, including nurses who work with COVID- 19 patients. This pilot study aims to determine if travel nurses who have worked or are currently working during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute care hospitals are at increased risk for nurse burnout. A convenience sample (N=9) of travel nurses working at CHRISTUS St Michael Health System were asked to …

Public School Nurse To Student Ratios: Does It Affect Absenteeism?, Laura Beth Hobbs

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The demands for adequate nursing workloads in public schools have increased with special needs children in Arkansas. School nurses are a necessary component of student academic achievement and physical well-being. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects that nurse-to-student ratios have on absenteeism by providing a convenience sample questionnaire to Arkansas K-12 public school superintendents. The questionnaire has examined the relationship between school nurse ratios and school absentee numbers. A four-question survey was sent out to 233 Arkansas K-12 public schools using a QuestionPro survey. Superintendents were asked about their school district numbers for the 2020-2021 school …

Variability In Rice Returns Using A Representative Farm Approach, Adriana Dimas

LSU Master's Theses

Agriculture is a major contributor to the U.S. economy and vital to the continued availability of a safe and inexpensive food supply. Representative farms are virtual farms that represent the production practices of a specific crop and region. Annually, growers face critical management decisions on what crop enterprise selection and combinations will maximize the net returns. Risk for growers comes from the variation in different factors such as yield, market price, production input costs, among others that are required to produce each enterprise. Nine representative farms were established within Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas to evaluate net return variability among different …

Finding The Best Predictors For Foot Traffic In Us Seafood Restaurants, Isabel Paige Beaulieu

Honors Theses and Capstones

COVID-19 caused state and nation-wide lockdowns, which altered human foot traffic, especially in restaurants. The seafood sector in particular suffered greatly as there was an increase in illegal fishing, it is made up of perishable goods, it is seasonal in some places, and imports and exports were slowed. Foot traffic data is useful for business owners to have to know how much to order, how many employees to schedule, etc. One issue is that the data is very expensive, hard to get, and not available until months after it is recorded. Our goal is to not only find covariates that …

Evaluating The Impact Of Off-Farm Decisions On Federal Government Program Utilization And Financial Success For Missouri's Beginning Farmers, Lyndsey Ann Parker

MSU Graduate Theses

Farmers and ranchers will have to increase production by approximately 70% by the year 2050 according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (2017). People in the agriculture industry face several challenges from start-up costs to limited land availability (Ahearn, 2011). There are federal and state government programs available to assist with some of these challenges but bring their own hardships as well. This study measures off-farm decisions that affect financial performance and utilization of government programs for Missouri’s farmers and ranchers. Three types of financial performance of Missouri farms are prioritized in this study, liquidity (current ratio), solvency (debt-to-asset ratio), …

Estado Actual De Los Proyectos Tecnológicos De Agricultura En El Departamento De Vichada (2014-2021), Juan Camilo Rodríguez Rodríguez

Negocios y Relaciones Internacionales

El Departamento del Vichada cuenta con más de 10 millones de hectáreas, cifra que le posiciona como el segundo departamento más grande del país; pero que a pesar de contar con 3,6 millones de hectáreas aptas para la producción agrícola, ganadera y forestal, solo cuenta actualmente con 1,4 millones con la capacidad de ser cultivables, debido a las condiciones especiales de sus suelos, como el alto contenido de aluminio que obligan al aumento de la inversión económica, aplicada ante otros aspectos, al mejoramiento de la tecnología, fortaleciendo así el proceso de producción de sus cadenas productivas. El presente trabajo desglosa …

The Relationship Between Food Retailers And Distributors, Madison Seigler, Julia Anderson, Aidan Morton, Cassandra Williams, Victoria Bloomgren, Jacob Tutty

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Our understanding of the science of anthropogenic climate change and its immediate and indirect impacts has grown within the last decade.Alongside anincrease in concern for the inequities within the industrialized food system, climate change is impacting agriculture and the communities that depend on it in myriad ways. These challenges have catalyzed investment in sustainable agriculture, “eat local” food movements, and rethinking of all aspects of food systems, including consumers, producers, retailers, and distributors. The body of literature on food systems primarily focuses on the connection between consumers and retailers; however, there is a notable absence of literature on the relationships …