UARK (University of Arkansas )
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Consumer Preferences for Delayed Ripening in Apples: A Comparative Study of Gene-Editing and All-Natural Fruit Coating
No full textThis study investigates consumer preferences for food waste reduction technologies using a discrete choice experiment and Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Willingness to pay (WTP) results reveal a higher WTP for gene-edited (3.05/lb) relative to untreated apples ($1.80/lb). LCA identifies three consumer segments with distinct preferences and behavioral traits. Segment differences in WTP, food waste concern (F = 12.13, p \u3c 0.001), and consumption habits (F = 20.40, p \u3c 0.001) were statistically significant. Findings highlight the need for tailored marketing and policy strategies to promote the adoption of sustainable technologies and reduce food waste
Electrochemically Precipitated Struvite Effects on Extractable Soil Nutrients
Get PDFStruvite recovery from wastewater streams may provide an alternative to traditional fertilizer-phosphorus (P) sources, while also providing the benefit of reducing nitrogen and P loads in wastewater effluent and reducing effects of eutrophication in surface waters. Limited research has been conducted to assess the effects of struvite fertilization on concentrations of soil micronutrients and potassium (K) compared to other traditional fertilizer-P sources in historically agricultural soils. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of fertilizer-P source (i.e., synthetically produced electrochemically precipitated struvite [ECST], chemically precipitated struvite [CPST], monoammonium phosphate [MAP], diammonium phosphate [DAP], triple superphosphate [TSP], rock phosphate [RP], and an unamended control [UC]) on water-soluble (WS) and Mehlich-3 (M3)-extractable soil nutrients (i.e., K, S, Na, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B) periodically over a 9-month period (i.e., 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months) in multiple soil textures (i.e., loam, silty clay loam, and silt loam). All WS and M3 nutrients were affected by a combination of soil, fertilizer treatment and/or sampling time. The increase in M3-Na concentrations from the initial in the silty clay loam and both silt loams were similar and less than in the loam, which increased the most from the initial (8.15 mg kg-1). Both WS- and M3-S concentrations increased from the initial for all fertilizer treatments, but the increase was greatest with DAP (26.3 mg kg-1 and 23.4 mg kg-1, respectively), which differed from MAP and TSP that had increases that were intermediate and were greater than for ECST, CPST, and the UC. Mehlich-3-Na concentrations increased from the initial after 0.5 months before decreasing from the initial after 1 month and steadily increasing until 9 months, at which point M3-Na concentrations had increased the most from the initial (12.26 mg kg-1). Changes in WS and M3 4 nutrients were often similar among ECST, CPST, MAP, DAP, TSP, and RP, supporting the potential for struvite to be an effective alternative fertilizer-P source
Developing Adaptive Clothing for Patients with Advanced ALS Disease
Get PDFIn 2017, over 30,000 people were battling with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells within the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord (ALS Association, 2023). The individual’s brain loses connection with muscles, slowly taking away one’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. The currently is no cure for this disease or even treatment to halt the progression, however the treatment available can help ease the symptoms. Despite the physical challenges associated with ALS, there is a significant lack of adaptive clothing options that provide comfort, functionality, and affordability (Kabel, 2017). This study seeks to address this gap by identifying the clothing needs of ALS patients and developing garment designs that accommodate their challenges while preserving dignity and independence.
Through background research, patient input, and material analysis, two adaptive garments were designed: a sweatshirt with a feeding tube access port and drop-seat sweatpants for ease of dressing and restroom use. The design considerations included fabric selection for warmth and breathability, adaptive closures such as Velcro and magnetic snaps, and alterations for improved accessibility. Prototypes were created using computer-aided design software and were enhanced refined through a continuous refinement process.
Findings revealed that ALS patients prioritize loose-fitting clothing, easy-access closures, and soft, stretchable fabrics. The study highlights the importance of adaptive apparel in maintaining self-expression, comfort, and practicality for those with severe physical impairments. Patients suffering from other neurodegenerative illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and other traumatic brain injuries would greatly benefit from an adaptive garment as such. While the produced garments address many of these concerns, future research and patient trials are necessary to refine designs further. The project ultimately contributes to increasing awareness of the need for inclusive fashion and aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with ALS. Kadence Trosper’s Research was funded by a Bumpers Honors Undergraduate Research and Creative Grant
Calming Music as an Emotion Regulation Technique in Response to a Traumatic Sexual Assault Narrative
Get PDFExperiencing a sexual assault often results in lasting psychological trauma that inhibits the person’s ability to function, so coping strategies are needed to reduce those symptoms. This study was done to understand the effect of listening to calming music (vs silence) on both anxiety levels and memory recall following the description of a sexual assault. It was hypothesized that listening to calming music would decrease both anxiety and memory levels in a manner that the association between music and memory would be at least partially mediated by anxiety levels. Participants (N=99; 68% female; 84% White; 87% heterosexual) came into the lab, took a baseline state anxiety measure, listened to a sexual assault script, and completed the state anxiety measure again. Next, participants experienced either the calming music condition or silence condition, after which they took the state anxiety measure a third time. Participants then took a memory test based on the script, watched a mood-uplifting video, took the state anxiety measure a final time, and provided sociodemographic information. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and memory recall was assessed based on the number of correct answers in the memory test. Independent-samples t-tests, paired-samples t-tests, and correlations were used to analyze the data. This study found that listening to calming music significantly decreased anxiety levels when compared to silence. There was no correlation found between listening to calming music vs. silence and memory recall. These findings provide support for the use of calming music as a coping mechanism following a traumatic event
A Year in the Making: Evaluating SEC Cybersecurity Disclosure Rule Compliance Through Public Company Case Studies
Get PDFThis thesis evaluates public company compliance with the SEC’s 2023 cybersecurity disclosure rule, which mandates that material cybersecurity incidents be reported within four business days via Form 8-K, Item 1.05. Through case studies of UnitedHealth Group, AT&T, and Krispy Kreme, the research assesses firms’ performance across three key areas: materiality determination, timeliness, and the scope and depth of disclosures. Using a structured benchmarking framework based on SEC guidance, the findings reveal inconsistent compliance, with patterns of vague reporting, selective disclosure, and procedural adherence that falls short of regulatory intent. While Krispy Kreme aligned most closely with SEC expectations, UnitedHealth and AT&T demonstrated gaps that raise concerns about transparency and accountability. The analysis suggests that the effectiveness of the new rule relies not only on its structure but also on consistent enforcement and clearer expectations for follow-up reporting
Growth of Methanogens Using Pyrite as an Energy Source: Implications for Life on Mars
Get PDFThe search for life beyond Earth has been the motivating factor for many scientist’s research in the past and currently. Specifically, the efforts have largely been focused on Mars. Mars exhibits qualities that are similar to the life-harboring characteristics of Earth, creating the possibility for life to exist on Mars. Mars’ subsurface conditions may be ideal for specific microorganisms to thrive, providing a haven away from the harsh surface conditions (Mancinelli, 2000). It is known that one of the most important elements to support life, H2O is found in the subsurface of Mars, along with an atmosphere lacking oxygen, and an atmosphere with a trace of methane (Wray, 2021). Microorganisms belonging to the domain Archaea are ideal candidates for an extreme environment like Mars, specifically methanogens. These organisms are anaerobic, typically using hydrogen to fuel growth through methanogenesis, releasing methane as a byproduct of metabolism. Methanogens offer a solution for the methane found on Mars. The survivability of methanogens in Martian conditions has been studied in Dr. Kral’s laboratory demonstrating their ability to survive using limited nutrients (Kral, et al., 2004).
This research project observed the growth of Methanothermobacter wolfeii, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanobacterium formicicum, and Methanococcus maripaludis using pyrite as an energy source to fuel metabolism. Methane is a product of methanogenesis, allowing for growth to be monitored through methane output. The four species were each prepared in the most basic media, MM, and incubated in their ideal growth conditions. Two of the four methanogens showed growth using pyrite as an energy source, M. formicicum and M. barkeri. The two that showed zero growth were M. maripaludis and M. wolfeii. Further experimentation was done regarding the sterilization of pyrite and its effects on growth
Simulation of Photochemical Effects on Air Quality
Get PDFNitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) are both EPA criteria air pollutants in the troposphere, largely generated by combustion and therefore present in significant concentrations in urban areas. Sunlight facilitates chemical reactions between pollutants and ambient air. Aerosols modulate the amount of available energy required to drive such photochemical reactions, ultimately impacting air quality. Simulating photolysis rates with FastJX software is a resource-efficient strategy to study how these aerosols can affect air quality
Bridging the Gap: Management vs. Leadership and the Path to Mastering Both
Get PDFManagement and leadership, though often conflated, represent distinct but complementary skills that are critical for organizational success. This thesis aims to explore the fundamental differences between management and leadership, highlighting how these roles interact and the necessity for individuals to master both to excel in today’s dynamic business environment. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from psychology, organizational behavior, and case studies, this research synthesizes academic literature to address key questions: What core competencies distinguish leaders from managers? How do these competencies align or conflict with one another in real-world settings? And what practical steps can individuals take to develop proficiency in both domains? A comprehensive review of literature explores contemporary views, including traits such as vision, influence, and innovation in leadership versus operational control, planning, and efficiency in management. The analysis further explores the interplay between emotional intelligence and decision-making, focusing on how leaders inspire, while managers implement.
The findings suggest that mastering both management and leadership is critical to organizational performance. Key pathways for developing these skills include adaptive learning, mentorship programs, and experiential training that promote situational flexibility. The thesis concludes with a roadmap for aspiring leaders and managers, proposing a holistic development strategy that integrates the art of leading with the science of managing, ensuring individuals are equipped to meet the complex demands of modern organizations
SAVING GRACE NWA & IMMERSE ARKANSAS INTERNSHIPS: AN ANALYSIS OF ARKANSAS NONPROFITS SERVING YOUTH IN CRISIS SITUATIONS
Get PDFIn the United States, there are 23,000 youth each year who age out of foster care (Morris, 2021). Aging out occurs when the youth turn 18 and are no longer under the provision of child welfare, as they are considered legal adults. Most of these youth, however, do not have stable support systems to fall back on, due to not being adopted during their time in the system. Because of the lack of financial and emotional support, 20% will immediately encounter homelessness, 60% will engage in criminal activity, and 50% will have no steady income within four years removed from the system (Morris, 2021).
There are many nonprofits in the state of Arkansas that are working to address this issue, bringing about real solutions, and aid for these youth in crisis situations. Two of them that I interned with are Saving Grace NWA and Immerse Arkansas. Saving Grace NWA is a nonprofit that provides safe housing for women ages 18-25 who are facing homelessness or have aged out of the system. They provide career programming, educational assistance, counseling, and coaching programs that establish an avenue for these women to find a better future. Their farm in Centerton, AR will have the potential to house 50 young women upon the completion of their project, with six phases of the program, including The Pink Shirt, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, and Senior Seminar phases. These phases introduce the participants into the program and prepare them for their journey into independence. Immerse Arkansas is in central Arkansas with locations in Little Rock and Conway. Immerse works with youth from crisis who have aged out of foster care, face homelessness, runaways, and victims of trafficking. They assist them with past trauma, educational programming, transitional housing, and more. They also have a six-step plan in place for transforming youth including Assessment, Create a Plan, Build a Circle of Support, Equip with Tools, Work the Plan, and Overcome.
Both nonprofits have different ways of achieving the same goal: to assist youth who are facing a variety of crisis situations. Through this project, I recognized the similarities and differences in their programming, how they measure successful impact, as well as the marketing strategies they employ. I have analyzed their marketing campaigns and how they attract donors, volunteers, as well as the youth who need their assistance. I have also compiled the best practices from both organizations on their marketing tactics and impact measurement.
This project matters because it will give these nonprofits ways to continue to make a positive impact in the life of youth in crisis situations and to learn and grow in ways that they may not have recognized before. By looking to other nonprofits with similar programming, and analyzing their program success, they can improve their own programs to better serve youth in the state of Arkansas as a whole. It will also assist the marketing world in recognizing the best marketing strategies for nonprofits to employ and how marketing tactics are utilized to fund and achieve the successful impact of each organization. Ultimately, this project shows how the youth in the state of Arkansas are better off because of the existence of both organizations
The Association of Fear of Being Single and Willingness to Tolerate Relationship Baggage in Single People
Get PDFWhen evaluating their romantic relationships, people may choose to remain in their relationships or leave their relationships for a variety of reasons. One major factor in relationship evaluation is learning about the costs (i.e. negative characteristics or attachments) a partner brings to the relationship. Although research has examined relationship costs and how they may affect relationship evaluation, little research has explored what individual differences may predispose a person to remain in a relationship where a partner may bring costs. This study examined how people’s fear of being single may be associated with their willingness to tolerate relationship “baggage” (i.e. enduring costs in relationships). The study also looked at gender differences in these factors. A sample of 242 single individuals from the University of Arkansas completed surveys assessing their fear of being single and willingness to tolerate relationship baggage. Results revealed a significant, positive association between fear of being single and willingness to tolerate relationship baggage. This indicates that individuals with higher fear of being single were more likely to tolerate relationship baggage. Additionally, men demonstrated a significantly higher willingness to tolerate relationship baggage than women. These findings suggest that fear of being single may lower individuals’ thresholds for relationship costs, potentially leading to less selective mate choices