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A Study of U.S. Consumer Perceived Value and Purchase Intention Toward Recycled Material Made Athleisure Apparel

A Study of U.S. Consumer Perceived Value and Purchase Intention Toward Recycled Material Made Athleisure Apparel

Primary Author: Olabisi Adesanya

Faculty Sponsor: Ting Chi

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Business, Communication, and Political Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Apparel and textile industries are known for their immense contribution to environmental pollution worldwide. In recent years, practitioners and researchers work collaboratively to mitigate the negative impact of the industry on the environment. Polyester is the mostly used (60% of all materials), and non-biogradable material in apparel. Athleisure apparel is a prominent everyday wear and primarily made of polyester. Due to its latent contribution to pollution, this study aimed to identify U.S. consumers’ sustainable behavior through their perception of athleisure apparel made from recycled polyester as opposed to virgin polyester and the influence of their perception on purchase intentions. The Perceived Green Value (PGV) framework by Sheth, Newman and Gross (1991) was used. The theoretical framework consists of five-dimensional values: functional, social, emotional, conditional and epistemic values. Qualitative research method was used to ensure a rich exploration of the topic. Semi-structured interview was conducted with 16 U.S. female millennials, which were recruited through a snowball sampling method. The interviews were transcribed, and content analyzed. All the above values were important to the consumers in shopping for sustainably produced athleisure apparel. Fit and comfort were the most important qualities to the participants, and they showed willingness to pay 10-15% price premium for athleisure apparel made from recycled polyester if quality is comparable to those made from virgin polyester. This study provides implication for apparel retailers and manufacturers to communicate their sustainable practices to consumers because they showed willingness to pay price premium for sustainably produced apparel products.

 

Boromycin as a potential anti-toxoplasma and anti-cryptosporidium drug

Boromycin as a potential anti-toxoplasma and anti-cryptosporidium drug

Primary Author: Jaypee Abenoja

Faculty Sponsor: Roberta O’Connor

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Veterinary Medicine

Category: Medical and Life Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum, members of the phylum Apicomplexa, are considered significant pathogens of both humans and animals worldwide. They are obligate intracellular parasites that cause serious conditions like neurological abnormalities, blindness and chronic diarrhea especially to immunocompromised individuals. Unfortunately, aside from significant toxicity on mammalian cells, current therapies against these parasites become ineffective through time because of drug resistance, making the discovery of new therapeutic drugs a priority. Here we described the activity of Boromycin (BM), a lipid-soluble antibiotic produced by Streptomyces antibioticus only known before as a drug for gram positive bacteria, against T. gondii and C. parvum.

BM’s in vitro activity against T. gondii and C. parvum was evaluated using various assays including proliferation inhibition, invasion assay and immunofluorescence to characterize the morphological changes of the parasites after being exposed to BM.

BM potently inhibits intracellular proliferation of T. gondii (EC50=2.13nM) and C. parvum (EC50=6.46nM) into their host cells. Irreversible inhibition on the ability of extracellular T. gondii to invade host cells was also observed after 2 hours of incubation with BM. Furthermore,

immunofluorescence of the parasites using anti-surface antigen glycoprotein-1 (SAG1) antibodies show detectable parasitophorous vacuoles (PV) but with randomly distributed surface antigens and complete loss of morphologically intact parasites within the vacuoles. We also determined after cytotoxicity assays that BM is very selective against parasites at the same time safe to mammalian host cells (Selectivity Index= of 3582.7). These promising results suggest BM as an exciting drug candidate for treating toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis.

Effects of Videocases on Teacher Learning and Classroom Practice: A Meta-Analysis

Effects of Videocases on Teacher Learning and Classroom Practice: A Meta-Analysis

Primary Author: Samuel Aina

Faculty Sponsor: Olusola Adesope

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Education

Category: Arts and Education Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Teachers need opportunity to learn and grow professionally to be effective and help students learn. Studies have shown that videocase analysis, the process of having teachers record, watch and analyze their own teaching, is a powerful approach to developing teacher quality This approach fosters teachers’ critical thinking, self-reflection, professional vision and practice, with the goal of improving learning opportunities for students. Many studies have reported positive research findings that support videocase analysis as an effective teacher development tool. However little is known about how contextual factors affect the effectiveness of videocases. Do teachers learn better when they watch their own video or a professionally shot video of other teachers? Should they watch their video alone or with other colleagues? How do these and other contextual factors help teachers learn better from videocases? This meta-analysis examined the aggregate effects of videocases on teachers’ learning and practice. Results from 27 studies included in the meta-analysis showed that videocases are more beneficial for teacher learning and practice than other comparison conditions (g = 0.65, p <.001). Findings show how the mean effect sizes were moderated by contextual variables such as video source, video recording type, participant characteristics, study setting and methodological features of the studies. The study concludes with the implications of the meta-analysis for scientific inquiry, classroom practice and education policy.

 

Safe by comparison: Unintended Consequences of the Effects of Comparison Between Alternative Tobacco Products.

Safe by comparison: Unintended Consequences of the Effects of Comparison Between Alternative Tobacco Products.

Primary Author: Kamal Ahmmad

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth Howlett

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Principle topic: Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) on cigarette packages are used to discourage smoking. However, the use of GHWs on cigarette packages may have unintended negative consequences. We examined how GHWs on cigarette packages can bias consumers’ evaluation of e-cigarettes. Negative emotions such as fear, guilt, and disgust generated by warnings and disclosures on cigarette packages lead to changes in cognitions, judgments, and behaviors (Andrews et al 2014, Netemeyer et al 2016). Similarity and preference judgment literature also posit that consumers’ engage in comparison processes when they asses product similarity (Simonson & Tversky 1992. Hagius & Mason 1993). Since cigarettes and e-cigarettes are two similar product and most smokers switch to e-cigarettes as a means to quit smoking, counter-marketing of cigarettes with GHWs would influence the evaluation of e-cigarettes.

Method: We conducted two online studies and one lab study to examine the mechanism through which GHWs influence e-cigarette-related consumer responses. In addition to testing behavioral intention related to e-cigarettes, we also tested consumers’ information seeking behavior in response to GHWs on cigarette pack.

Results and Implications: Results from three studies show that GHWs on cigarette packages increase cigarette related fear and decrease e-cigarette related fear. The elicited fear influences attitudes and health hazard beliefs related to e-cigarettes. We also find that GHWs on cigarettes increase the information seeking behavior related to e-cigarettes. The results have significant policy implications which show that counter-marketing efforts of one harmful products have unintended negative consequences by increasing the preference for another potentially harmful product.

 

Enhancing Mass Transfer of Nutraceuticals to Inflamed Cartilage Cells through Perfusion

Enhancing Mass Transfer of Nutraceuticals to Inflamed Cartilage Cells through Perfusion

Primary Author: Haneen Abusharkh

Faculty Sponsor: Bernard Van Wie

 

Primary College/Unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture

Category: Engineering and Environmental Science

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Articular cartilage is a connective tissue that lacks blood vessels or sensory neurons. The lack of vascularity presents cartilage with diffusion-limited nutrient and oxygen supply and minimal intrinsic ability to regenerate after injury, leading to Osteoarthritis (OA). The aneural nature of cartilage makes injury difficult to diagnose due to lack of pain and therefore OA intervention has a tendency to be delayed. OA is the most common joint disease in the U.S. and was traditionally defined solely as the degradation of cartilage and was not considered an inflammatory disease. However, several recent studies have proven the presence of inflammatory markers, including interleukins, in the serum of OA joints. These findings have transformed how researches define and develop treatments for OA.

Nutraceuticals are food components that have medicinal benefits in addition to their nutritional value. They reduce inflammation by blocking the expression of interleukin-1 and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals by their anti-oxidative characteristics.

In this study, inflammation was induced in bovine cartilage cells by the addition of interleukin-1β. Then, cells were cultured in two groups, a static micromass, and a perfusion bioreactor group. Both groups were supplied with a nutraceutical containing growth medium. We hypothesized that perfusion enhances the mass transfer of nutraceuticals to the grown cartilage tissue and reverses the inflammatory symptoms. Our results suggest that inflammation was reduced in the bioreactor samples, reflected by higher production of proteins indicative of healthy cartilage, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan, by more than 16-fold in comparison to static micromass cultures.

 

COVID Showcase

Showcase events postponed, canceled, redirected

Dear WSU Community:

Out of concern about risks posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, we have made the difficult decision to postpone or cancel many of this year’s events at Showcase, the University’s annual weeklong celebration of academic excellence.

The COVID-19 Town Hall (State of the University Address) has been rescheduled to Friday, March 27 at 11 a.m. President Schulz will deliver it exclusively to an online audience.  Join the Town Hall here.

The following events have been postponed until fall, with dates to be determined soon:

  • Distinguished Faculty Address
  • Celebrating Excellence Banquet
  • Emeritus Society Legacy of Excellence Lecture

Canceled are the following events:

  • Academic Showcase
  • Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) Research Exposition
  • Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA)
  • Crimson Reads

The Three-Minute Thesis competition will be conducted online. Awardees will be announced in late March. Videos of contestants will be released publicly at that time.

We recognize that many members of our community have put in hard work to prepare presentations for Showcase poster sessions. Event organizers are exploring alternate formats for sharing scholars’ discoveries and innovations. They will provide updates as plans develop.

Faculty and staff members named to receive University awards and newly promoted and tenured faculty will be recognized at the rescheduled fall banquet.

For more than a dozen years, Showcase has been a central part of WSU’s academic culture. The decision to cancel is unprecedented, made in response to an extraordinary situation. As developments unfold, we will continue to seek new ways to share scholarly work across the University community and to honor those whose contributions surpass expectations.

Sincerely,

Laura Griner Hill
Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Affairs
Cochair, Showcase Steering Committee
509-335-8746

Rebecca Van de Vord
Assistant Vice President, Academic Outreach and Innovation
Cochair, Showcase Steering Committee
509-335-8915