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Influence of increased CO2 on mortality of Varroa destructor during the indoor storage of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies

Influence of increased CO2 on mortality of Varroa destructor during the indoor storage of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies

Primary Author: Stephen Onayemi

Faculty Sponsor: Brandon Hopkins

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Indoor storage of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies during winter months has been practiced in cold climates for decades. Evidence from a recent study showed that conditions during storage could lead to a decrease in the levels of pathogen prevalence in colonies. Varroa is considered one of the most significant threats to colony health and survival, and as such, it is a major contributor to winter mortality and virus transmission in honey bees. An investigation on the effects of increased CO2 on the mortality of Varroa destructor during indoor storage of honey bees was carried out. Eight-frame single deep colonies (n=16) were held in two environmental chambers (both at 4 C) with one set at 8.5% CO2 while the other at normal atmospheric CO2. Each week during the experiment dead/falling mites were collected from the bottom of each colony and counted. At the end of the 62-day experiment, the surviving colonies were treated with a miticide to collect any remaining mites. Mite mortality was calculated by dividing the number of mites collected weekly by the total number of mites collected for each colony. A significant difference in mite mortality was found in colonies held at 8.5% CO2 (73%) in comparison with colonies held at normal atmospheric CO2 (51%). This study demonstrates that increased CO2 during an indoor storage period could increase mite mortality and in turn, reduce virus transmission and improve honey bee health coming out of the winter months.

 

Differential expression of the rhoptry associated protein -1a in Theileria equi; Implications for host cell invasion

Differential expression of the rhoptry associated protein -1a in Theileria equi; Implications for host cell invasion

Primary Author: Cynthia Onzere

Faculty Sponsor: Carlos Suarez

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Veterinary Medicine

Category: Medical and Life Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic

Theileria equi (T. equi) is one of the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis, a severe tick-transmitted disease that affects all equid species. Presently, there is no vaccine for the control of the parasite. T. equi is an Apicomplexan organism characterized by the presence of secretory organelles, such as the rhoptries, on the anterior end that are essential for invasion and establishment of the parasite within the host cell. Rhoptry proteins have been shown to be important in the attachment of several apicomplexan parasites to the host cell during invasion. Despite their functional importance, the pattern of expression and potential of rhoptry proteins as vaccine targets in T. equi remain unexplored.

Method

We evaluated the expression of a putative T. equi rhoptry protein known as the rhoptry associated protein-1a (RAP-1a) in the parasite’s invasive stages in horses. RAP-1a was selected because it is widely conserved among the closely related Babesia and Theileria parasites.

Results/implications

Our findings indicate that RAP-1a is expressed in the merozoite stage of development that invades red blood cells (erythrocytes) but it’s not expressed in the sporozoite stage that invades peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This indicates that T. equi RAP-1a could be important for invasion of erythrocytes and could therefore be a marker for pathogenicity because the symptomatic stage of T. equi infection is associated with the intra-erythrocytic stage of the parasite’s development. Future work will be focused on defining the functional relevance of RAP-1a in T. equi and its role in eliciting protective immune responses.

 

Performance evaluation of high barrier metal-oxide coated polymeric films intended for in-package thermally sterilized food products

Performance evaluation of high barrier metal-oxide coated polymeric films intended for in-package thermally sterilized food products

Primary Author: Ashutos Parhi

Faculty Sponsor: Shyam Sablani

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic

Metal-oxide coated multilayered polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films are used for storing in-package thermally processed food products. However, these films can develop defects when exposed to retort and microwave assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) processes. This increases their oxygen and water vapor transmission rates (OTRs,WVTRs) reducing the shelf life of packaged food.

Method

In this work, we evaluated four film pouches: MOA, MOC, MOE, MOF having layers of metal-oxide coated PET, Nylon 6 and polypropylene. We filled them with water and processed in a retort at 121°C (F0=6–9 min) and MATS at 124°C (F0=10.9 min). The processing times were determined based on solid food products packaged in flexible pouches. Subsequently, the pouches were emptied, dried, filled with an oxygen-sensitive gel, resealed and stored at 23°C for 180-days. The gel changed color at locations with defects and we extracted samples from those locations for scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopies (SEM, CLSM).

Results

OTRs and WVTRs of the films increased significantly (P<0.05) after thermal processing with MOA showing the highest increase and MOF the least. Presence of additional layers of coating may have reduced the barrier deterioration in MOF pouches. MATS processed films showed a lower change compared to retort process. MOC, MOE and MOF pouches showed fewer defects than MOA, visualized through localized color change in the packaged gel as well as SEM and CLSM analysis. Overall, the MOF pouches showed least deterioration after thermal processing and will be ideal for shelf-stable food products with an extended shelf-life.

 

When the Sublime Backfires: Detrimental Effect of Threat-Based Awe for Devastating Nature on Sustainable Consumption

When the Sublime Backfires: Detrimental Effect of Threat-Based Awe for Devastating Nature on Sustainable Consumption

Primary Author: Eujin Park

Faculty Sponsor: Howlett

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

The influence of awe for nature has mostly been known to be positive and successful for sustainability campaigns. Nonetheless, not all awe for nature campaigns are likely to be successful since threat-based awe entails dissimilar emotional consequence in comparison with general positive awe. Hence, we conducted empirical studies to test for the detrimental effect of threat-based awe derived from experiencing devastating nature on sustainable consumption and related mechanism.

 

METHOD

Experimental studies were conducted to manipulate ‘awe for nature’ for one group and ‘threat-based awe for devastating nature’ for the other through audiovisual stimuli adopted from existing literature respectively. Analysis of variance and conditional PROCESS analysis were utilized to test for the effect of threat-based awe for devastating nature on sustainable consumption and related mechanism.

 

RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS

We demonstrate that threat-based awe for devastating nature leads to diminished willingness-to-pay for sustainable consumption (study 1). Threat-based awe for devastating nature also reduces accepting promotional offer related to sustainable consumption (study 2). Threat-based awe for devastating nature even lessens the actual amount of money spent for sustainable consumption (study 3). Threat-based awe for devastating nature diminishes individual’s perceived sense of control over his/her life and hence reduces sustainable consumption (study 3). Yet, imbuing public accountability ameliorates the detrimental effect of threat-based awe for devastating nature on sustainable consumption (study 3). Hence, the empirical findings discuss the significance of the effect of threat-based awe for devastating nature on sustainable consumption and a practical solution to resolve for the detrimental effect.

 

I work for my own: The effect of psychological ownership on emotional labor

I work for my own: The effect of psychological ownership on emotional labor

Primary Author: Lu Yuan

Faculty Sponsor: Jenny Kim

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

Service workers experience stress not only from frivolous behavioral tasks but emotional display rules required during customer contacts. Stress grows even larger when authentic emotions differ from required expressions during work. Psychological ownership in the organization induces affective attachment, makes employees consider the organization as their extended self and feel responsible for customers to benefit the firm. Consequently, personal goals keep consistent with organizational goals and this enables employees to display genuine, positive emotions and service behavior. This influence of psychological ownership on employees’ customer-oriented behavior and emotional acting, which refers to emotional labor, have drawn little attention up to now.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of employees’ psychological ownership on their emotional labor directly and indirectly through customer orientation. Additionally, this paper explores how job autonomy interacts with customer orientation and affects employees’ deep and surface acting behavior.

METHOD

Survey data were collected from 251 employees in 4 Chinese 5-star hotels. All the variables were measured by reliable scales developed and validated by existing studies. SEM was employed for the paths analysis.

RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS

Results demonstrate psychological ownership has a positive, direct influence on deep acting and an indirect influence on deep acting through customer orientation. Conversely, psychological ownership shows a direct, negative association with surface acting, and an indirect association with surface acting through customer orientation. Further, the positive influence of customer orientation on deep acting is stronger in a high-autonomy condition. This moderation effect does not show for surface acting.

 

To Highlight or Summarize? The Benefits of Constructive Learning in Geology.

To Highlight or Summarize? The Benefits of Constructive Learning in Geology.

Primary Author: Rachel Wong

Faculty Sponsor: Olusola Adesope

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Education

Category: Arts and Education Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Learning strategies that college students frequently utilize include highlighting or summarizing. However, based on Chi and Wylie’s ICAP framework (2014), these strategies are not equally effective. The framework identifies four modes of cognitive engagement in learning – passive, active, constructive, and interactive, defined by the overt learning activities that learners participate in. As learners’ engagement increase from passive towards interactive, they are likely to develop a deeper understanding of the material. Based on the framework, highlighting is classified as active and summarizing as constructive, implying that summarizing should result in greater learning.

 

This study was conducted with undergraduate geology students. Students were randomly assigned to either the highlighting or summarizing condition. All students completed a 5-item pre-test. The learning material consisting of six paragraphs, presented individually, aligned with students’ curriculum. In the highlighting condition, students highlighted key words for each paragraph while students in the summarizing condition summarized each paragraph after reading. All students completed immediate and delayed retention and transfer questions, with the delayed questions administered a week later.

 

Results indicated that the summarizing condition outperformed the highlighting condition on both immediate retention (d = 0.52) and delayed transfer (d = 0.54). The findings from this study provide empirical support for the ICAP framework, indicating that a constructive mode of engagement is more beneficial than an active mode of engagement. Since this study was conducted in an authentic learning environment, the findings are even more impactful for educators and students who are interested in identifying strategies to improve learning.

 

A Feasibility Study On 3D Printed Biopsy Needles: Pronged Tips And INternal Features Affect On Tissue Yield

A Feasibility Study On 3D Printed Biopsy Needles: Pronged Tips And INternal Features Affect On Tissue Yield

Primary Author: Anika VanDeen

Faculty Sponsor: Roland Chen

 

Primary College/Unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture

Category: Engineering and Environmental Science

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic

Cancer is an ever-prevalent disease accounting for a large portion of medical services. With an aging world population, it is imperative to have efficient and non-invasive diagnostics. Biopsy methods such as core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine needle aspiration (FNA) are some of the most common practices used to garner an accurate diagnosis.

Methods

This study explores the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate biopsy needles with advanced designs that cannot be manufactured using traditional methods. We focus on enhancing the needle tip geometry as well as the addition of an internal feature to help improve tissue yield amounts. Four needle designs were tested, two with a bevel shaped tip, and two with a five-pronged tip, both with and without the internal feature.

 

Results/Implications

Average total yield for the beveled needle with no feature (n=10), was 3.217 mg (s=0.9104), and for the beveled needle with feature, five-pronged needle without feature, and the five-pronged needle with feature (n=22), measured 8.31 mg (s=3.07 mg), 16.16 mg (s=12.21), and 26.34 mg (s=12.94), respectively. There is a statistical difference in yield tissue amounts between the five-prong needle with and without feature (p=0.01). The pronged-tip design with the internal feature is shown to have a significant effect on tissue sampling efficiency. The 3D printed needles do create higher insertion force than that of the stainless-steel needles. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate biopsy needles with enhanced tissue sampling efficiency.

 

Assessing Organic Tomato Production In Palouse Soils With Biochar Amendment

Assessing Organic Tomato Production In Palouse Soils With Biochar Amendment

Primary Author: Elvir Tenic

Faculty Sponsor: Amit Dhingra

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal topic

Current large scale agricultural methods can be seen as a double edged sword: industrial crop production systems provide plentiful food production but led to detrimental impacts to already fragile ecosystems. For all the positive aspects of organic agriculture, there is strong evidence that organic systems overall produce lower crop yields.  Overcoming yield decreases with an emerging technology being implemented globally is the organic soil amendment biochar (BC).  Experimental evidence of BC amended soil showed improved carbon storage, water holding capacity, nutrient delivery, and has led to increased crop yields although detrimental impacts to crop productivity have also been reported.

Method

Hypotheses: BC amended soils would increase water retention, microbial activity and nutrient cycling leading to increased tomato yields.  Eggert Organic Farm soil was supplemented with either no BC, 1 ton/ha or 2 ton/ha of BC and tomato plants were grown during summer of 2019.  Plant biomass, tomato fruit, and soil samples were collected for analysis.

Results/implications

Plant dry biomass demonstrated a reduction in weight with increased BC application but tomato yields indicated an early increase in crop productivity in BC amended soils with final yields comparable to controls soils.  Fruit ˚BRIX in BC amended plants were similar to controls.  No detrimental impacts were found in our study indicating a positive role of BC amendment in Palouse soils. Future analysis of microbial activity from collected soils will shed light on plant/microbe interactions in BC amended soils.

 

An Exploratory Study of Dress within the LGBTQ+ Community.

An Exploratory Study of Dress within the LGBTQ+ Community.

Primary Author: Lauren Summers

Faculty Sponsor: Jihyeong Son

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Dress is the lens for identity classification of gender/sexual orientation, religion, tribe, profession etc. A study on dress identification scheme used by the LGBTQ+ group is scant, and the complexity within the community regarding gender identity speculation needs to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to understand how LGBTQ+ people use dress as a symbol to communicate their identity within the community. The symbolic interaction theory introduced by Cooley (1902) and Mead (1934)explains the formation of communicative symbols and the interactivity of social members of society. The qualitative research method was used in order to gather a holistic understanding of the community’s use of dress as a symbol and appearance management. Five participants were interviewed face to face or via phone call. The interview data were transcribed and thematic analysis revealed that members of the LGBTQ+ use certain dress techniques such as belt loops, piercings, hairstyles/cuts, and rainbow pins as symbols of their gender identity and identifying others who are a part of their LGBTQ+ community. The study also revealed that members are influenced by the symbols used in their interaction with each other and depending on what symbol is being used it can either positively or negatively affect how those in the community interact with each other. However, the participants expressed that the symbolic use of dress by the community is non-discriminatory and felt no pressure to conform within the community.

 

Mental Health First Aid: Increasing student pharmacist preparedness to respond through simulation

Mental Health First Aid: Increasing student pharmacist preparedness to respond through simulation

Primary Author: Easton Stoner

Faculty Sponsor: Jennifer Robinson

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Category: Medical and Life Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety are common mental health conditions that are present in our communities and classrooms.  Student pharmacists have historically reported feeling under prepared to support those in need during a mental health crisis. Research teams from Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) collaborated with The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy to establish a meaningful educational intervention focused on training student pharmacists with the skills and confidence needed to respond to a mental health crisis.

In the of fall 2019, a Mental Health Human Patient Simulation activity was integrated into an already established Mental Health First Aid elective course with an enrollment of 60 doctor of pharmacy students. For the simulation, students were placed into groups of 5-6 and each group participated in three patient simulations: depression with suicidal ideation, depression with no suicidal ideation, and a manic episode. To measure the effectiveness of the course overall, students completed a pre-course and post-course survey to rate confidence in providing mental health first aid.

Results show that students leave the course feeling more confident and rated their preparedness to provide mental health first aid much higher post- course when compared to pre-course ratings. With the rates of suicidal ideation and deaths by suicide being so high, the implications and applicability of this research can be applied to students in all fields in the hope of decreasing the incidence of death by suicide in our communities.