AUETD (Auburn University)
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The Implementation of the Sport Education Curriculum Model in Saudi Arabian Male Middle School Physical Education
Full text linkAlthough the successful adoption and positive outcomes of the Sport Education model have been documented in various cultural contexts beyond English-speaking countries, no research to date has explored its impact on Saudi Arabian physical education (PE) teachers and students. This gap in the literature led to the development of this research. The dissertation comprises three studies: one focusing on teachers and the other two on students. The first study qualitatively examined six Saudi in-service male PE teachers’ experiences and practices when learning to incorporate the Sport Education model. Data were collected from critical incident reports and analyzed using both inductive and deductive approaches. Results indicated a range of successes, constraints, and possibilities associated with implementing Sport Education in Saudi Arabian schools. Most notably, the teachers indicated that the model had an advantageous effect on students despite it being their first time participating in a Sport Education season. The second study quantitatively examined the influence of Sport Education on students’ intrinsic motivation and achievement of the Saudi national objectives for PE. Sixty-three Saudi male middle school students from four classes (ages 11-15 years) participated in a quasi experimental design. Data were collected through three pre- and post-surveys. The results revealed significant differences between the Sport Education and Traditional Teaching conditions in changes to perceived autonomy, effort, and achievement of the Saudi national objectives for PE. No significant differences were found for perceived competence, relatedness, or enjoyment between the conditions. Overall, the significant improvement in motivation observed among the Sport Education students in the present study is consistent with findings from prior research. The study highlights the alignment between the Sport Education features iii and Saudi Vision 2030 goals, supporting its potential to promote Islamic sports-based values in PE. These findings suggest that Sport Education is more effective than Traditional Teaching in enhancing intrinsic motivation and achieving the Saudi national objectives for PE. The third study was conducted quantitively and aimed to compare middle school students’ attitudes toward meaningful-motivational experiences in two different PE contexts: traditional PE and Sport Education. Sixty-six Saudi male middle school students from four classes (ages 11-15 years) participated in a quasi-experimental design. Data were collected through a 16-item questionnaire. The study findings revealed that the Sport Education group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in learning relevant skills and having voice and choice compared to the Traditional Teaching group. No significant difference was found in interactions with peers between the two conditions. This study makes a significant contribution to the Meaningful Physical Education (Meaningful PE) literature by introducing the first valid and reliable Meaningful PE-based questionnaire. Its findings further support the positive impact of Sport Education on intrinsic motivation, reinforcing the value of Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985)-based frameworks in enhancing student engagement and meaningful learning in PE
The Relationship Between Race, Rural Living Status, and Access to AAC Services
No full textResearch suggests that rural Black families in the U.S. are less likely to receive equal access to speech-language pathology services. Additionally, Black children may receive less augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention than their otherwise similar white peers. However, limited empirical research has analyzed the effects of both racial and geographical disparities on accessing AAC devices and supports. To fill this gap, the current study consisted of a nationwide survey of caregivers of children 18 and under who use or would benefit from AAC, collecting relevant demographic information and information regarding AAC supports and services. The study addressed the following research questions: 1) How are race and rural living status associated with AAC access for children with disabilities and complex communication needs age 18 and under in the United States?; and (2) How are race and rural living status associated with caregivers’ perceptions of the cultural appropriateness and cultural responsiveness of AAC systems and services? Results of regression analyses did not reveal a statistically significant predictive effect of rural living status on either research question, potentially related to the small representation of rural participants in the sample. However, initial correlation analyses did suggest that rural living status may be associated with higher perceptions of culturally responsive services. When investigating the Deep South respondents specifically, Black caregivers reported that their children were significantly less likely to have access to aided AAC than white caregivers. Additional demographic factors were also significantly predictive of access to aided AAC (e.g., income, insurance, child diagnosis) and culturally responsive services (e.g., income, disability type, access to aided AAC). These results suggest that in at least the Deep South, race may be a unique predictor of access to aided AAC, though other demographic factors are also impactful
Screening Rhizobacteria for Control of Fall Armyworm in Turfgrass
No full textFall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is regarded as one of the most devastating noctuid pests in America. FAW larvae are especially detrimental to turfgrass, as foliar feeding results in an array of visually unappealing symptoms. Traditional pest control methods rely heavily on synthetic insecticides, raising concerns about environmental impact and resistance issues. The growing need to reduce synthetic chemical use in agriculture has driven the search for sustainable alternatives in both fertilizer and pest management. This study explored two approaches for the selective control of FAW larvae in turfgrass: (1) screening a library of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) for strains with insecticidal activity, and (2) engineering turfgrass-specific endophytes to express Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a soil dwelling bacterium known for its ability to produce toxins that target various insects.
In the first approach, a total of 72 PGPR strains were screened for their effectiveness against FAW larvae. One strain, JM-362 (Serratia marcescens), was identified as a promising candidate, showing strong insecticidal activity and demonstrating potential for biocontrol of FAW. In the second approach, efforts to genetically engineer Blend 20, a group of turfgrass-specific PGPR strains, to express a custom vector encoding a Cry1Fa gene were unsuccessful despite multiple transformation attempts. Although the engineering approach did not achieve its intended goal, the identification of PGPR strain JM-362 as a biocontrol agent presents a viable alternative to chemical pesticides. This work provides a foundational screening platform for identifying PGPR with innate insecticidal activity against FAW and highlights important technical barriers to transformation in Bacillus species
The use of Corn fermented protein with yeast as a protein source complement with soybean meal in practical diets in pond and tank based production of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
No full textDespite low prices and higher input costs, shrimp production is forecasted to increase, driven largely by contributions from Ecuador, India and Vietnam. The feed industry has been supporting shrimp farmers by working to reduce or stabilize price increases through lower cost feed ingredients and improved formulations. The implementation of cost-effective ingredients that assure growth and health has demanded more attention in the past few decades. The ethanol industry has developed new corn co-products, such as corn fermented protein with yeast (CFPY) containing 50% crude protein and less fiber, which are attractive protein sources for feeds. The current study assesses the efficacy of CFPY in Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei feeds cultured under pond conditions and outdoor tanks. Four isonitrogenous (35%) and isolipidic (8%) extruded diets were formulated to partially reduce soybean meal as the inclusion of CFPY increased (0, 5, 10 and 20%). The pond trial was conducted in 16 ponds (0.1 ha) stocked with 0.032 g shrimp at 25 shrimp m-2, over an 82-day of culture period. Feed was delivered using passive acoustic feeders from AQ1. At the conclusion of the pond trial, whole body analysis revealed a significant increase in phosphorous retention at 20% of inclusion of CFPY, (P=0.009). There were no significant differences(P>0.05) in shrimp production endpoints among dietary treatments. For the outdoor tank trial juvenile shrimp (0.197 ± 0.006 g) were stocked at 35 shrimp m-2 in 16 tanks (800-L), over an experimental period of 8 weeks. At the conclusion of the trial, no significant difference was found in feed conversion ratio, growth or survival among dietary treatments. The outcomes from both these trials indicate that CFPY can be used up to 20% of the inclusion level in the diets of Pacific white shrimp without compromising growth
The Rise Above: Exploring LGBTQIA+ Students’ Journey Through a Challenging Campus Environment
Full text linkThis study explores the lived experiences of members of the LGBTQIA+ community who were not only able to successfully navigate an institution that had a chilly climate but overcome the barriers and obstacles to graduate. Utilizing the non-traditional qualitative inquiry methods of arts-based reflections and oral history interviews, this study learns how each participant was able to balance their mental health and build their resiliency to overcome the negative effects a chilly climate has on LGBTQIA+ student academic achievement. The eight oral history interviews provide the insight into macro and micro level themes the participants engaged with while earning their undergraduate degree. This research contributes to the field by highlighting the LGBTQIA+ community from an asset-based lens as well as the use of non-traditional qualitative inquiry method approaches. The findings highlight the importance of connections and contemplative practices as a support structure needed for academic success. Implications for the field and future research possibilities are also shared
Guidelines For Digital and Physical Interaction Design
No full textThis thesis proposes a structured guideline to assist designers in selecting appropriate control methods including physical, digital, and hybrid options. The method integrates AHP-based scoring, UX factor adjustments, and interaction analysis to support rational and user-centered interface decisions in product design
Effect of rhizobial 1-aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC) deaminase on soybean drought tolerance
No full textAlthough soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) obtains nitrogen through symbiotic nitrogen fixation, its grain yield is constrained by drought stress. The production of the plant hormone ethylene tends to increase under stress conditions. Some rhizobia produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, an enzyme that breaks down ACC, the precursor of ethylene, potentially reducing its inhibitory effects and enhancing plant growth during stress. Due to soybean's greater sensitivity to drought stress than other legumes, rhizobia with high ACC deaminase activity may provide a significant advantage under drought conditions. However, not all rhizobia effectively nodulate soybean and support efficient N2 fixation, making strain selection crucial for improving plant tolerance in water-limited environments. This study aimed to (1) assess the cross-nodulation capability of rhizobia isolated from peanut nodules and (2) determine whether high ACC deaminase activity in rhizobia enhances soybean drought tolerance. A nodulation assay revealed that while peanut rhizobia led to nodulation of soybean roots, they failed to support healthy soybean growth, indicating ineffective nitrogen fixation. Further selection showed that ACC deaminase activities for 49 rhizobial isolates obtained from soybean nodules ranged from 0.38 to 3.45 μmol α-ketobutyrate/mg protein/h. The top five isolates with the highest ACC deaminase activities and the isolate with the lowest activity were evaluated for their nodulation and nitrogen fixation potential in a nodulation assay. Based on the assay results, the isolate with the highest ACC deaminase activity (Bradyrhizobium sp. strain 10) and the strain with the lowest activity (Bradyrhizobium sp. strain 14) were selected for a greenhouse experiment to assess their role in soybean drought tolerance. The experiment consisted of a split-plot design with a randomized complete block design within, the main factors being water regime (irrigated vs. drought) and rhizobial inoculation. Drought stress was applied 70 days after planting and lasted 27 days. The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced plant performance by decreasing biomass, photosynthesis, nodule formation, and nitrogen fixation of soybean plants. However, the rhizobial strain with the highest ACC deaminase activity (strain 10) alleviated drought stress by preserving greater chlorophyll levels, enhancing root and nodule dry weights, and promoting higher carotenoid and proline accumulation (p < 0.001) compared with the strain with the lowest ACC deaminase activity (strain 14). This study emphasizes the importance of selecting host-compatible rhizobial strains to ensure effective nodulation and enhance nitrogen fixation efficiency. Furthermore, the results highlight the potential of rhizobia with high ACC deaminase activity to enhance soybean drought tolerance by alleviating stress effects and supporting plant growth under water-limited conditions
Viromes of Agriculturally Important Insects in Alabama
No full textInsect vectors play a critical role in the transmission of viruses, posing significant threats to both agriculture and public health. The studies in this thesis, utilize RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to characterize the viromes of two key insect species—Soybean thrips (Neohydatothrips variabilis Beach), and Tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds)—collected from different regions of Alabama. Analysis of N. variabilis specimens from Auburn (2023) identified 15 viruses spanning seven viral orders, including ten potential insect-infecting viruses, one plant-insect virus, one strictly plant-infecting virus, and three novel mycoviruses. In F. fusca collected from peanut and clover in Headland (2022–2023), 25 distinct viruses were detected, with greater viral diversity observed in thrips associated with clover. Bunyavirales was the most prevalent viral order, and Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae was consistently present across samples. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of viral diversity in key insect vectors at the state level, offering critical insights into virus-host interactions, viral evolution, and potential emerging threats to crops
Understanding the Fate and Flow of Nitrogen in Commercial Row Crop Production Systems
No full textNitrogen (N) fertilizers have significantly advanced modern agricultural productivity, ensuring global food security. Despite these benefits, approximately 48% of the applied N globally is recovered by crops, with the remainder lost through leaching, volatilization, denitrification, and surface runoff, raising critical environmental concerns such as groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. This research aimed to systematically quantify N dynamics and losses across distinct yield-based management zones (MZ1 – stable high yield; MZ2 – stable low yield; MZ3 – unstable yield) within a 190-hectare commercial row crop farm in northern Alabama over four cropping seasons (2021–2024). Utilizing a partial N mass balance approach, inputs (fertilizers, manure, biological fixation, residues, irrigation, and atmospheric deposition) and outputs (crop uptake, residual soil N, and runoff losses) were assessed to estimate unaccounted-for N. The corn system received the highest input yet exhibited considerable inefficiencies, particularly in lower-yielding zones (MZ2 and MZ3), while the wheat system demonstrated substantial unaccounted N due to poor N synchrony and biomass production. Soybean displayed a negative N balance, suggesting soil N depletion. Field runoff monitoring emphasized that MZ3 had significantly higher runoff and cumulative N losses, especially during fallow and wheat cultivation periods, highlighting the necessity for improved N management strategies.
Nitrogen transformations within soil systems, particularly mineralization, significantly influence plant-available N. This research further explored spatial variability in potential N mineralization within commercial row crop systems in Alabama, focusing on farms with contrasting cover crop management histories. Results indicated substantial variability in mineralization potential within and between farms, clearly demonstrating higher mineralization rates in farms adopting cover crops and residue retention. These findings validate cover cropping and residue management as pivotal strategies for enhancing soil health and optimizing N cycling, underscoring their critical role in sustainable agriculture.
Further, recognizing the logistical complexity of quantifying N losses at a large scale, this study employed the DSSAT Cropping System Model (CSM) model to simulate crop-soil-weather interactions and associated N dynamics of Maize across management zones under varying climatic scenarios (wet, normal, drought). Model calibration and evaluation using field data confirmed CSM’s reliability in predicting crop growth, yield, and N uptake. Simulations identified distinct N loss pathways influenced by zone-specific soil properties and water availability. High-yield zones exhibited greater crop uptake yet higher volatilization and leaching losses, whereas low-yield zones retained more nitrate-N, indicating reduced N efficiency and higher denitrification potential. Weather variability substantially impacted N loss dynamics, underscoring the critical interplay between irrigation management and N dynamics.
Additionally, the research further utilized long-term DSSAT CSM-CERES-Maize model simulations to evaluate optimal N rates and timing under diverse irrigation regimes (50% and 30% deficit, rainfed conditions) across two management zones characterized by contrasting yield stability. The findings revealed substantial yield differences influenced by water availability, with denitrification notably higher for the low-yielding zones. A strategic reduction in N application rates significantly decreased environmental losses without compromising yields. Suggesting the effectiveness of integrated N and irrigation strategies tailored to specific zone conditions. The optimal N management scenario included moderate irrigation deficits paired with reduced N rates, effectively balancing productivity and sustainability.
Collectively, these comprehensive studies underscore the critical importance of precision agriculture, highlighting the need for site-specific N and irrigation management strategies to enhance nitrogen use efficiency, sustain high productivity, and minimize the environmental impacts of agricultural systems
Empowering Designers in a Circular Approach to Organic Waste Management: Sustainability for Food Retail Sectors
Full text linkIn the United States, approximately 120 billion pounds of food are wasted per year, which equates to about 40% of all total food produced (Recycle Track Systems, 2023). When considering the impacts of the current business model, negative and harmful effects can be seen throughout communities and the environment. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the implications of the U.S. food system post-industrialization to first understand how that system’s conditions came to be and how it not only impacts other countries but the planet as well. Then the paper analyzes societal pressures towards improving economic, environmental, and social responsibility through a global and national case study. This aids in validating current methods used and identifying opportunities for circularity within the food system . Finally, it presents a comprehensive framework for addressing organic waste management in food retail sectors through a circular and systematic approach. This provides actionable steps for designers to improve the sectors’ environmental responsibility in an adaptable and scalable manner that encourages systemic collaboration between key stakeholders in the U.S. food system