Sweet onions are valued for their unique flavor and praised for their health and dietary character. Onion sweetness is perceived as the degree of pungency decreases. Pungency can be quantitatively determined in onions by measuring enzymatically produced pyruvic acid. The onion industry quantifies a sweet onion as one having a...
Equine-facilitated mental health (EFMH) is a practice within equine-assisted therapy
(EAT) that has expanded greatly in the last 20 years, but scientific research is still
lacking. Thus far, no attempt has been made to characterize the horses and ponies
currently used in EFMH programs, or to define what characteristics EFMH...
The bovine blastocyst is composed of a one-celled layer of trophectoderm
surrounding a fluid filled sac called the blastocoel and a ball of cells called the inner cell
mass (ICM). On Day 8 (Day 0=fertilization) in bovine embryos, endodermal cells leave
the ICM, migrate over the extracellular matrix (ECM) on...
This internship project (Dr. Dawn Wright—Department of Geoscience) was a synthesis of several aspects of the research process. The documentation of methods consisted of: primary data collection of soil samples, geographical coordinates, georeferencing, basemap creation, laboratory machine operation, laboratory methods, laboratory quality control planning, statistical analysis, and geo-statistical analysis using...
During the past two decades, interest has grown in the role and welfare implications of different head and neck positions (HNPs) in equine biomechanics as well as dressage training and competition. To evaluate the influence of HNP on stride length, 17 horses of varying breeds and dressage levels were studied...
In August of 2011, Jenny Minten came across an old coffin, complete with a skeleton, in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Scio lodge. After it was determined that the skeleton did not represent a modern forensic case, the remains were donated to the Oregon State University Anthropology Department....
Sperm acrosome associated 3 protein (SPACA3) is a unique, intra-acrosomal, conventional-type lysozyme-like protein of mammalian spermatozoa. SPACA3 is present in all stages of ovarian follicles and is localized to granulosa cells and ooplasma in humans, mice, cows, dogs, and cats. The objective of this study was to determine if equine...
_____________________________________________________________________
Dawn Sherwood, Committee Member, representing Department of Animal and
Rangeland Sciences
Bone loss is common in astronauts during long-duration spaceflight missions with severe bone loss often occurring in the proximal femur, a region not typically investigated in animal models for microgravity. We recently evaluated bone microarchitecture in the femoral head in rapidly growing male Sprague Dawley rats subjected to a 4-day...
Goats were the first livestock species to be domesticated by humans and continue to function as a key source of protein and economic value for many communities. In the sixteenth century, Spanish colonists brought goats to the Americas. Unlike other nations, the United States did not maintain a significant market...
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Dawn Moyer, Committee Member, representing the Department of Agricultural
Education
In the years from 1954 to 1956 Agnes Eriksen filled three fashion sketchbooks that contained ⅛ scale patterns, fabric swatches, and styling notations for eighteen garments. I plan to recreate and sew together Agnes Eriksen’s fashion designs into a small snapshot of these three years. The 1950s is a particularly...
Skin condition assessment of wildlife can provide insight into individual and population health. Yet, logistics can limit skin condition assessment of large whales. We developed a standardized, quantitative protocol using photographs to assess skin condition of blue whales in New Zealand, and demonstrate the value gained by testing hypotheses, documenting...
Global interest in reducing carbon emissions by use of alternative energy sources makes nuclear energy production and the impacts of the nuclear energy cycle relevant. Studying the aqueous speciation of tetravalent metals commonly used for nuclear energy (uranium, thorium, plutonium) can inform us of general metal properties and their behavior...
Kabuki theatre, popular entertainment in Edo Period Japan, is a colorful and lively genre that has thrived in the island nation for the past four centuries. Influenced by Japan’s other theatre arts—noh, kyogen, and bunraku—kabuki grew up from simple (if not sordid) origins, and worked for decades to create for...
Optical trapping is a tool used throughout a wide variety of disciplines rang- ing from precisely probing and manipulating sub-micron organisms in biol- ogy to analyzing fundamental charge transfer in colloidal physics. This thesis presents research involving optical tweezer force measurements of polystyrene and silica microspheres. In addition, preliminary work...
The meaning of life is an enduring philosophical question. This paper seeks to explore the thought of Albert Camus and Robert Nozick on the meaning of life and critically examine their contributions to philosophy. Camus begins with contemplating whether life is worth ending or worth living and concludes that only...
This study was conducted to determine if bacterial DNA present streams could be used to predict upstream watershed characteristics. Previous studies have found that bacterial composition in soil is influenced by land use. It was hypothesized that if the bacteria present in a stream is known that it can be...
Research paper for GEOG323 (Climatology) class describing the effects of physiographic setting, climate elements related to energy, moisture, and pressure and corresponding results on New Zealand's North Island Climate. The paper analyzes major circulation modes, weather patterns and extremes, climate change, and the overall climate type of the region.
The nucleocapsid protein (N protein) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is known to play an essential part of the virus’ functions. The N protein can protect and package the large 29,903 nucleotide genomic RNA whilst also interacting with structural membrane protein M and the spike protein S....
Because global warming is predicted to increase the severity of El Niño events in the future, understanding how warmer temperatures affect seaweed growth and the animals associated with seaweeds is important for predicting how marine ecosystems will change. The Galapagos Islands of Ecuador are considered a living laboratory for studying...
When analyzing foreign policy, a significant question arises. How do nations make decisions about foreign engagement and neutrality? Understanding what factors and influences shape foreign policy decisions is often a difficult task as the motivation for action is never clear or absolute. This work will analyze whether or not the...
Thomas Stearns Eliot’s 1922 modernist poem The Waste Land presents itself as an alternative to the decaying society Eliot found himself inhabiting. It begins as a personal means of pulling together one’s fragmented consciousness, but in doing so Eliot manages to present a solution to a world of selfishness—looking beyond...
A short (approximately 8 minute) video was created to explain key concepts in estuarine flow and numerical modeling of estuaries for high school students. Animation, real picture videography, and numerical model outputs were used to illustrate how scientists use physics and physics models to understand how flow in an estuary...
This thesis begins with an overview of the history of rock climbing that presents the opportunity to evaluate rock climbing as a religion/religious act in Section 2. Then, Section 2 delves into alternative spaces where religion exists beyond mainstream institutions, in order to build upon some themes of religious experience...
Being human is often portrayed as desirable in fiction. Many fictional beings, particularly robots and androids, seek out being human as a goal. Although current robotics is not advanced enough for robots and androids to be deemed sentient, the world of fiction is quickly becoming reality. With the integration of...
Post-menopausal women are at an increased risk for osteoporosis due to increased
bone resorption associated with estrogen deficiency. Subcutaneous administration of leptin, a
hormone produced primarily by adipocytes, attenuates bone loss in the ovariectomized (ovx)
rat, an animal model for post-menopausal bone loss. Leptin has both direct peripheral and
indirect...
Modifications of histone tail amino acid residues are necessary for many reactions involving chromatin. These processes can produce transcriptionally active, euchromatic, or inactive, heterochromatic, segments of DNA. The formation and maintenance of facultative heterochromatin is critical for the proper growth and development of many eukaryotes. Euchromatin can be changed into...
Farmers rely almost exclusively on the imported European honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) for fruit and vegetable crop pollination services. The recent decline in honeybee health has underscored he danger of relying on a single species to provide vital services. Increasing pollinator biodiversity with native bees may provide biological insurance against...
Global warming and on-going depletion of fossil fuels have stimulated research to develop renewable sources of energy. Current renewable energy use comprises only 10% of the energy consumed in the US and is focused mostly on generating electricity. The majority of the energy consumed by the US transportation sector is...
The current American free-roaming horse (Equus caballus) population far exceeds the appropriate population limit set by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to preserve resources on public lands. Several techniques have been tested to assist in decreasing repopulation rates. The purpose of the present study was to analyze two contraceptive...
Heavy alcohol consumption reduces peak bone mass in growing rodents and can lead to bone loss in both adult rats and humans. In contrast, moderate alcohol consumption appears to have a bone sparing effect in post-menopausal women. Alcohol has been reported to increase aromatase activity and influence estrogen receptor (ER)...
Drone strikes have become a defining strategy in the US War on Terror. Since the first combat drone strike in 2001, the executive branch has intentionally increased the deployment of drones for counterterrorism operations throughout the Middle East and North Africa. This thesis explores the moral and legal justifications for...
Before discussing the American press of the day,
with its freedom and power, a brief historical review
of the development of journalism in its several functions
seems in place.
Background: The use of a lower extremity injury prevention program (IPP) by female athletes before the completion of puberty may mitigate movement changes that develop during puberty and contribute to greater injury risk. It is unknown whether player age influences coaches’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding IPPs. Methods: Fifty-four female...
"The literature that has been produced in the
South springs from the depth and fullness of the southern nature; it is all picturesque, in one manner or an
other. Creative art is everywhere evident, especially
in the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The works of George
Washington Cable receive vitality...
This paper was written for GEOG 323 Climatology in the Spring of 2021, and was awarded the Writing in Culture Award within the College of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
Developmental research has suggested that parenting practices may impact the
development of risk behaviors later in life. However, little evidence exists regarding
how parenting may impact actual decision processes that precede poor choices. This
study examined how parenting practices in early childhood influence the development
of decision-making competence (DMC), a...
The phosphoprotein (P protein) in viruses of the Mononegavirales order is known to play an essential role in the completion of viral replication mechanisms. The P protein is involved in stabilizing the viral polymerase and nucleoprotein during RNA transcription and replication, regulating nascent RNA encapsidation by the nucleoprotein, and mediation...
Gamma ray bursts are some of the brightest events in the entire observable universe. Since the late 1960’s, thousands of gamma ray bursts have been observed and they have been researched extensively. However, there are still many mysteries which remain unsolved. One such mystery is whether or not the viewing...
Heavy chronic alcohol consumption has been linked to a myriad of
detrimental skeletal effects. Many studies have been conducted to examine
the effects of alcohol abuse upon cancellous bone. However, little is known
about its effect upon cortical bone. The skeleton is comprised of
approximately 80% cortical bone and thus...
Suicide has become a national health crisis over the last twenty years in the U.S as rates have increased 35%. Rates of suicide among rural and youth (10-24 age range) populations have been shown to disproportionately contribute the most to upwards trends though, and this is especially true in Klamath...
Water is one of the world’s most valued commodities, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria are one of the emerging pollutants of concern. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants such as bacteria as it runs over impervious surfaces and into waterbodies. This project tested the use of biochar columns as an effective and inexpensive...
The purpose of this collection is to piece together a series of events in Argentina's history that resulted in the present day workers movements. Upon completion of an internship in Rosario, Argentina, an interest was sparked in learning more about the movements of unemployed workers through social autonomy. The economic...
This work introduces the design and fabrication of a green-sourced and mostly biodegradable microbial fuel cell for use in soft robotic applications from environmental sensing to wastewater remediation. Theorized from other biodegradable fuel cells, this prototype achieved maximum power densities of 4.0 x 10−4 W/m2 in the single-chambered design and...
A study was conducted to evaluate the developmental toxicity of three commonly detected mycotoxins in food (deoxynivalenol, patulin, and zearalenone) using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Mycotoxin exposures were carried out at five concentrations (0.0064, 0.064, 0.64, 6.4, and 64 μM). Morphological and photomotor screenings were conducted at 24 hours...
Ornithology is an exciting field with novel research emerging everyday. Researchers in bioacoustics often spend hours within the wilderness recording bird calls to analyze later in their lab. The burden of sifting through hours of audio recordings from the field continues to remain a time-consuming and manual task, despite the...
One of the distinctive features of mitochondria is that they have their own DNA. When compared to nuclear DNA, it is known that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) not only has a much higher rate of spontaneous mutation, but also arises from metabolically distinct precursor pools. Others from our laboratory have demonstrated...
North American bird populations have declined throughout the past half century. The majority of studies quantifying these declines have focused on spring and summer breeding birds; not the season of scarcity, winter. We re-surveyed 7 large study plots in Douglas fir forests initially surveyed in winter during the late 1960s...
The action of pendant, polyethylene oxide (PEO) brush layers as nonfouling coatings for
biomedical materials is well understood. However progress toward clinical application of stable, high density PEO coatings has historically been impeded by the lack of cost effective, noninvasive methods for their preparation. Triblock polymers featuring a hydrophobic, polypropylene...
The relationship between dose of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) used to superovulate cattle embryo donors and embryo viability as measured by in vitro development and plasminogen activator (PA) production was determined. Late morulae to blastocysts were collected non-surgically from 12 superovulated crossbred beef cows. Embryos were cultured for 8 d...
The purpose of this project is to write a children’s book that promotes breastfeeding to
acculturating Latin@s. María’s Mamá’s Milk or La leche de la mamá de María is about a little
girl named María whose mother is about to give birth. María wonders what the new baby will
eat,...
It has been demonstrated that dogs form attachment bonds to their owners and that these attachments can be classified and described in ways that are analogous to attachments found between human infants and their mothers. While a secure attachment to a parent has been shown to improve problem-solving abilities in...
Recent interest in nano aerial vehicles (NAVs) has sparked an increase in research on the mechanics of biological flapping flight. The ability of NAVs to fly in confined spaces and perform tight maneuvers make them a valuable technological asset. Researching the mechanisms behind small-scale flapping flight promises progress toward the...
Large equine facilities are comprised of many different departments (areas) that are necessary for the proper care and maintenance of horses. The placement of departments is often inefficient due to the slow growth of equine facilities. As a result, facility layout becomes a crucial aspect requiring explicit consideration because mandatory...
The severe global neglect of mental health care is believed to be the cause of a "worldwide epidemic of mental illness" (Tucci & Moukaddam, 2017). Within the United States, it is estimated that one in five children have a mental health disorder, with anxiety being one of the most commonly...
This paper introduces an approach to text classification for semi-structured label systems that have poor performance with standard methods. With the perspective that perfect classification for such a system is unattainable, we demonstrate an automated procedure to isolate the learnable elements of the problem. Through analysis of an example dataset,...
Through comparison and analysis of selected holidays in countries with significantly different features (Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and the United States), this study aims to gauge the impact of holiday celebrations in influencing cultural values in those countries studied. K. Zygulski’s classification system for holidays was applied to divide the holidays of...
The increased severity of unseasonal drought conditions in the American Southwest have resulted in herbivorous species, like the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), receiving lower quality forage in their diet at less reliable frequency. The Mojave Desert and the Peninsular Mountain ranges also contain large variations in elevation, which...
The intention of this honors thesis was to define the boundaries of the basins responsible for feeding sedimentary materials to the core sites taken for the 2007 OSU Sumatra Cruise. These boundaries were defined with the specific use in mind of tracking potential sources of material that would likely be...
This thesis examines whether and how interest groups concerned with capital punishment change how they frame the issue when advocating before the Supreme Court via amicus curiae briefs over time. I measured the frequency of frames used throughout amicus briefs submitted in cases pertaining to how the death penalty could...
In this paper we investigate how hospitals can create a more inclusive climate in their organizations that can foster an environment where all employees and, in turn, patients feel welcome. We ask the question of whether it is leaders or employees that have the agency to create this climate that...
This study looks at whether two physical characteristics, physical attractiveness and perceived competence, have an impact on student analysts finding large discrepancies between current price and target price. Equity reports published online by undergraduate and MBA students involved in student investment clubs and portfolio management classes are combined with pictures...
Each community of scientists brings with it a set of values. Many of the urgent problems facing our planet require interdisciplinary science teams, but these teams often hold values that conflict. The Toolbox Dialogue Initiative (TDI) offers templates and guidance designed to help interdisciplinary teams of scientists recognize and address...
Transgenic biotechnology holds enormous potential as a tool to address global food insecurity. Transgenic food crops have been shown to increase food availability and food system security by incorporating disease, pesticide and drought resistance. Production costs of transgenic crops are lower due to the reduced need for costly pesticides and...
Advancements in the field of medical and computer technology promise a new age of human enhancement technology (HET). These technologies may be aptly applied to existing Assistive Technology (AT), which was created to ameliorate disability, moving one up the spectrum of ability. This study aimed to determine how these technologies...
Many public opinion surveys indicate that patients desire an open dialogue on spirituality/religion with their physicians. What role does spirituality play in the physician/patient relationship and in what contexts do these conversations arise? What do physicians think about the appropriateness of such discussions? Because the role of spirituality in clinical...
This thesis is mainly a collection of historic data regarding the Union Pacific Railroad together with the opinions of various persons regarding the Union Pacific; also opinions on corporations in general and railway corporations in particular.
Rhizome is an information-centric model that uses different interaction methods than traditional desktop systems. I built Rhizome with the specific use case of sharing a photo to observe people using the Rhizome operating system (OS) shell and modern OS shells. The purpose of this is to measure the cognitive load...
Previous research on WWII veterans in their 70’s and 80’s has shown that positive and negative appraisals of military service mediate between combat exposure and PTSD symptoms in late life. This thesis extends this research in two ways, first by determining how these variables relate to functional health in later...
Sea turtles are endangered species that can be censused with aerial surveys, but the number of turtles in an area must be extrapolated to include animals that are submerged. Twenty-one satellite tags were attached to juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in North Carolina. I analyzed surfacing and dive behavior...
Sea turtles are endangered species that can be censused with aerial surveys, but the number of turtles in an area must be extrapolated to include animals that are submerged. Twenty-one satellite tags were attached to juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in North Carolina. I analyzed surfacing and dive behavior...
Oregon State laboratories are responsible for a significant portion of the university’s overall resource and energy consumption, and therefore minimizing waste in a sustainable way should be a top priority for the university while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2025. This study addresses major factors that should be considered when...
As young as American Literature is, it has been found necessary to divide it into five periods, namely: First Colonial Period (1620-1689); Second Colonial Period (1689-1763); Revolutionary (1763 -1815); First National Period (1815 -1863). Though by courtesy called Literature, the first attempts at writing by our forefathers cannot properly be...
An understanding of creativity’s emergence is critical as our society faces new challenges. Despite a growing body of research emphasizing nature’s influence on the creative process, we now spend record amounts of time indoors, disconnected from nature. Biophilic design has been afforded as a panacea, with research supporting the incorporation...
Asians are a minority group that are scarcely represented throughout Hollywood and the film industry. Even when there is some type of inclusion, they are often subjected to stereotypes that have been perpetuated for decades. This contributes to shaping how Asian and Asian Americans are perceived, as well as the...
The proliferation of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are increasing human light exposure, yet the long-term effects of such exposure remains unknown. The current study aims to address this by measuring the longevity of Drosophila melanogaster kept in several light conditions. Initial longevity testing determined that flies kept in daily light-dark...
A unique, permanent root-growth arrest phenotype was observed in UV-B irradiated Arabidopsis thaliana roots lacking the DNA damage response kinase ATR. Segregation analysis suggests the dependence of this phenotype on another, unidentified gene, termed ursu. High-throughput sequencing technologies were used to map and identify the causal ursu mutation. Illumina HiSeq...
Oxylipins are a class of bioactive lipid metabolites derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) via enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways. In order to elucidate their overall biological effects, the knowledge of the entire oxylipin profile is needed as oxylipins can have similar or opposing effects in regard to inflammatory events. Their...
The extensive adoption of social media has provoked widespread debate about how
online communication impacts social relationships. An apparent paradox of Facebook
is that people simultaneously express feeling more and less connected than ever
before. Through perspectives from psychology and communication studies, this thesis
addresses a question of public concern:...
The Arabidopsis thaliana developmental promoters of WUSCHEL (WUS) and COLD SHOCK DOMAIN PROTEIN 3 (CSP3) were tested for their suitability as potential control elements for the Cre-Lox recombination system in poplar cells. To remove the integrated transgene after CRISPR machinery has modified the genome, timely control of Cre is required....
Prior to World War One, plastic surgery, as in its present form, was yet unfounded and not recognized as a genuine medical specialty. The carnage of the war prompted Britain to establish a specialized treatment center for plastic surgery, first at Aldershot and then at Sidcup, under the leadership of...
OSU Extension provides important educational services to members of the agricultural community. Programming options can be guided by needs assessment surveys, which are used to determine gaps in knowledge and understanding for communities. The objective of this study was to develop and execute a survey to gather information on: 1)...
This thesis focuses on Latin Crusader unity, or the lack thereof, during the First Crusade. Letters written during the First Crusade show that crusaders used rhetoric of unity to affirm superiority over their enemy, to dissolve differences between one another, and to justify the warfare. The reality of the First...
The value of the student experience beyond just the academic classroom setting has been well established by a number of scholars in the higher education field. In more recent years the literature has intentionally expanded beyond the “typical” student demographics in order to examine the unique aspects, challenges, and needs...
Sometimes there are movies that do more than just tell a story; sometimes they make a character come to life in such a way that the audience is profoundly moved. In this thesis I have compared and explored two movies that truly impacted my view on life. Il Postino and...
Students participating in international engineering internships are still relatively rare. It is commonly held that more engineering students would choose to intern abroad if there were role models available, as there are in other disciplines. Profiles of past students, participants, and Alumni serve as role models to perspective students allows...
Each year thousands of college graduates enter the business world armed with skills accumulated as student leaders, but how applicable are these skills to the business world? While there are many studies on learnable behaviors associated with effective student leadership and many studies on behaviors associated with effective business leadership,...