Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Showcase College of Agricultural Human and Natural Resource Sciences

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: Jessica Ganak
Co-author(s): Olabisi Adesanya; Yi-Ning Tai
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Ting Chi

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource 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.

Factors that Affect the Economic Feasibility of Cider Apples in Washington State given Mechanical Harvest and Two Different Orchard Design Systems

Factors that Affect the Economic Feasibility of Cider Apples in Washington State given Mechanical Harvest and Two Different Orchard Design Systems

Primary author: Suzette Galinato
Co-author(s): Carol Miles; Travis Alexander; Jacqueline King

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

We utilize partial budget analysis to evaluate the profitability of a cider apple block given two orchard design systems – freestanding system, and tall spindle trellis system. The two systems have different tree spacing, thus they have different tree density and horticultural management that affect production costs and returns. We also evaluate the size of the cider apple orchard and/or volume of fruit production, and output price needed to make an investment in mechanical harvest economically feasible.
Given the study’s assumptions about production and estimates of costs and returns, results show that: (1) it is economically feasible to use a mechanical harvester in both systems; and (2) the tall spindle system is a more profitable investment than the freestanding system.
Economies of scale are obtained when the per-unit cost of output decreases with the scale of operation. Economies of scale often rely on fixed costs, which are costs that do not vary with output. In addition, the quantity of output produced is partly determined by the production area. The share of the purchase cost of a mechanical harvester in the total expenses for fixed capital is 37% in the freestanding system, and 44% in the tall spindle system. Also, the fixed costs are 68% and 65% of the total production costs during full production in freestanding and tall spindle systems, respectively. These are sizeable amounts and growers will realize more cost advantages by producing more output, which can be achieved by increasing the scale of their cider apple operation.

A Visual Content Analysis of the Color Black as a Means of Visual Communication in the 21st Century: A Look at Western Society Women’s Fashion from Vogue Magazine

A Visual Content Analysis of the Color Black as a Means of Visual Communication in the 21st Century: A Look at Western Society Women’s Fashion from Vogue Magazine

Primary author: Anastasia Frattali
Co-author(s): Rebecca Anderson
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Jihyeong Son

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Color is involved in every aspect of our daily lives, from clothing to food, as a way to visually communicate messages and meanings to others. The purpose of this research was to examine how western society women in the 21st century is using the color “black” to communicate meaning(s) in their fashion. Symbolic Interaction Theory explains that the meanings of clothing are visually perceived by not only the wearers, but others as well. Therefore, the research question was “What are the meaning(s) of the color “black” in the 21st century?”

To address the question, a visual content analysis was conducted with Vogue Magazine from the years 2000-2018 with the three most prominent fashion month issues: March, July, and September. The content analysis confirmed four meanings of “black” color in fashion found in the literature reviews: sophistication, sadness, chic, deviation, and fetish wear. During the content analysis the researchers found an additional two meanings that were not established in the literature review; active wear and work wear. The researchers believe these to be new meanings being established in 21st century fashion, that were unable to be examined in the literature. In conclusion, chic and sophistication are the predominant meanings that are being portrayed by women in mainstream fashion to visually communicate meaning in their dress, when wearing the color black.

The results of this study can help to identify how mainstream fashion is utilizing black as a means of visual communication for contemporary women.

College Student Boredom: A Prevention Science Intervention Target for Substance Use?

College Student Boredom: A Prevention Science Intervention Target for Substance Use?

Primary author: Erica Doering
Co-author(s): Elizabeth Weybright; Linda Caldwell; Sammy Perone
Faculty sponsor: Elizabeth Weybright

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Boredom is conceptualized as an unpleasant state of “wanting, but being unable, to engage in satisfying activity” (Eastwood et al., 2012, p. 482). Although boredom is a normative part of emerging adulthood, it is associated with substance use in college students – a group at risk for substance misuse. Despite researchers call for “development of methods to target and alleviate state boredom” (Vogel-Walcutt et al., 2012, p. 90), there are few behavioral interventions addressing boredom as a motive for engaging in substance use. The purpose of this study is to understand how college students experience boredom and its association with risk behavior to inform substance use prevention approaches.

A sample of undergraduate students (N=480, Mage=19.5, 85% female) completed an online survey of quantitative and qualitative measures related to boredom. Quantitative data was descriptively analyzed to identify the association between substance use and boredom measures.

Descriptive analyses resulted in significant, moderate correlations between boredom sensation seeking and substance use (tobacco, 0.22; alcohol, 0.26; marijuana, 0.27) for annual and monthly use but not daily use. Boredom proneness is positively correlated with annual marijuana use. Findings suggest daily users are not using for boredom sensation seeking (boredom susceptibility; disinhibition; experience, thrill, and adventure seeking) reasons compared to annual and monthly users. Therefore, motives differ for more intense substance use. Findings build on prior research and theory to inform associations between experiences of boredom and substance misuse. This may hold implications for future research on intervention components addressing boredom for substance use prevention.

Exploring the formation of molecular bonds between starch and fiber during production of cereal-based puffed snacks using infrared spectroscopy

Exploring the formation of molecular bonds between starch and fiber during production of cereal-based puffed snacks using infrared spectroscopy

Primary author: Debomitra Dey
Co-author: Bon-Jae Gu
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Girish Ganjyal

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Puffed snacks are manufactured using “Extrusion processing” which is a high-temperature-high-shear-short-time processing system. Most puffed snacks are rich in starch. There is an increase in the demand for high-fiber snacks. However, most high-fiber snacks currently available have poor taste and texture. Fiber is known to be inert in the expanded starch matrix during extrusion. However, our preliminary studies indicated, addition of small amounts of fiber can improve the texture of puffed products. Thus, it is critical to understand the starch-fiber interactions to develop products with high fiber without compromising the texture and taste.

We hypothesize, that the application of FT-IR (Fourier Transform-Infrared) spectroscopy can be employed for identification intermolecular changes between starch-fiber during extrusion. The mixture of starch and insoluble fiber were preconditioned water and extruded. The extrudates were characterized using FTIR and the expansion ratio (ER) were measured.

The ER was highest for low fiber extrudates. The FTIR spectra showed significant changes in the regions of 1045-950 cm-1 and 3500-3000 cm-1 providing an estimate of the degree of starch gelatinization and O-H bond formation during extrusion processing. The increase in insoluble fiber led to a decrease in the degree of starch cooking, which can be the result of the competition from fiber for absorption of water. This study presents the application of FTIR for qualitatively identifying the bonds formed between starch and fiber. We believe the information on molecular bond formation can be a valuable tool for the industry to develop direct-expanded products with high-fiber content.

Youth Develop Life Skills Through Forestry Program

Youth Develop Life Skills Through Forestry Program

Primary author: Missy Cummins
Co-author(s): Hannah Brause; Somer Meade

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Skamania County Extension

Abstract:

With 90% of the County forested, generations of Skamania County families have developed deep connections to the land, the timber, and the conservation efforts that protect them. Over the last several decades cultural, social, and economic changes have created a disconnect between the youth in the community and the natural resources. Many teens are unaware of the role the forest plays in the region. Recent changes in the community make obtaining the job experience and real-world skills teens need challenging. Also, local agencies require assistance completing projects benefitting the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and other county assets.
To help address these needs, WSU Extension has partnered with the Stevenson-Carson School District, Mt. Adams Institute, and the U.S. Forest Service to create the Forest Youth Success program for youth development and employment.
Youth are given a survey measuring skill set and knowledge before then after participating. In the 2019 season, twelve youth participated in the program. Evaluation results indicated the following (N=12): Before FYS, 33 % (n=4) planned to use financial resources. After FYS, 83% (n=10) plan to use financial resources. Before FYS, 41% (n=5) indicated they follow directions and contribute to getting a job done. After FYS, 91% (n=11) Before FYS, 33% (n=4) understood what future job opportunities there are in natural resources. After FYS, 83% (n=10) understand what future job opportunities there are for natural resources.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, approximately 725 youth have participated in the program developing life skills and bettering the community.

Repeated cross-sectional evaluation of Washington State’s Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative for adolescent substance use prevention

Repeated cross-sectional evaluation of Washington State’s Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative for adolescent substance use prevention

Primary author: Brittany Cooper
Co-author(s): Gitanjali Shrestha; Laura Hill; Clara Hill

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:
Introduction: The Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) is a strategic, data-informed community coalition model aimed at bringing together key stakeholders to reduce underage substance use and related risk factors among adolescents using evidence-based prevention programming. In this repeated measures cross-sectional study, we followed linked grade-cohorts of students over time to assess whether developmentally normative patterns of changes in substance use and related risk factors differed in CPWI communities compared to non-CPWI communities.

Method: We used a quasi-experimental design and conducted propensity score weighted multilevel modeling to examine change over time. Our sample consisted of students who participated in the biennial Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) from 18 CPWI and 174 non-CPWI communities. As HYS is anonymous at the student level, linking grade-cohorts of students enabled us to study changes in outcomes as adolescents grew older.

Results: Results suggest that CPWI has a positive impact on developmental trends in reducing adolescent substance use and risk factors. Consistent with developmentally normative expectations, alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use increased significantly with age in both CPWI and non-CPWI communities. However, the use of these substances increased more slowly in CPWI communities compared to non-CPWI communities. Six risk factors across peer-individual, family, and community domains increased significantly with age in both CPWI and non-CPWI communities, but these risks increased more slowly in CPWI communities.

Conclusion: Positive findings are similar to those found in experimental trials; these suggest that the coalition model is effective and can be scaled up to the state level.

Identification of a novel pathway to produce valuable industrial oil in Lesquerella

Identification of a novel pathway to produce valuable industrial oil in Lesquerella

Primary author: Sajina Bhandari
Faculty sponsor: Philip Bates

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Plant oils containing hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) are valuable alternative to petroleum for making cosmetics, lubricants, polymers and biofuels. The major source of HFAs is Castor but U.S. cultivation is banned due to seed toxins. Lesquerella is native to southwest U.S., non-toxic and produces HFA, but it needs to be further bred or engineered to be a high yielding alternative crop. The main goal of this project is to determine the pathway for oil/triacylglycerol (TAG) assembly in Lesquerella to aid in breeding/engineering approaches of crop development. Castor uses a linear pathway to make HFA-TAG directly, whereas other oilseed crops produce non-HFA-TAG from the membrane lipid phosphatidycholine (PC). But, most plants keep unusual fatty acids like HFA away from membrane lipids, making it unlikely that PC is a precursor to HFA-TAG. However, transcriptomics in Lesquerella indicated lipid gene expression was similar to plants utilizing the PC pathway, making the oil biosynthetic pathway unclear. Therefore, a biochemical isotopic labeling approach and protein-protein interaction studies were used to identify the oil biosynthetic pathway. Metabolic tracing of Lesquerella oil biosynthesis indicated a PC pathway producing TAG with 0-1-HFA but the HFA did not traverse the membrane. Over time 0-1HFA-TAG was converted to 2HFA-TAG. Thus, Lesquerella uses a novel TAG remodeling pathway that changes the oil composition after initial synthesis. Our protein-protein interaction studies have identified gene candidates that may be key to engineering unusual fatty acid accumulation in crop plants as an alternative to petroleum.

Effects of soil rhizobia in inducing anti-herbivore defense and altering host plant quality in peas in response to S. lineatus feeding

Effects of soil rhizobia in inducing anti-herbivore defense and altering host plant quality in peas in response to S. lineatus feeding

Primary author: Saumik Basu
Co-author(s): Benjamin Lee; Robert Clark; Clare Casteel; David Crowder
Faculty sponsor: David Crowder

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Soil bacterial mutualists (e.g. soil rhizobia) contribute significantly to improve the performance of legumes against herbivores and pathogens. The additional nitrogen supplied by soil rhizobia during legume-rhizobia symbiosis not only boost host nutritional status, but also induce various defense responses. The performance of various aboveground herbivores has been investigated during legume rhizobia symbiosis. We for the first time investigates the mechanism of various rhizobia-mediated defense induction and nutritional status in peas against S.lineatus, a non-vector chewing herbivore. Our study showed that, soil rhizobia, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Viciae confer resistance in peas by reducing defoliation (leaf notches) produced by S. lineatus. Conversely, S. lineatus interfere with legume-rhizobia symbiosis by reducing nodule numbers and biomass in peas. Soil rhizobia induced anti-herbivory in pea is achieved through induction of various defense genes and alteration of host plant quality. Soil rhizobia enhance expression of both jasmonic acid and abscisic acid responses and keep expression of the salicylic acid responsive gene low in peas. Besides phytohormone defense, soil rhizobia also enhance levels of genes associated with physical defense and antioxidant defense pathways in peas and improve host plant quality. Taken together, our results show both mutually-antagonistic interactions between soil rhizobia and S. lineatus herbivorey and in-depth mechanism of soil rhizobia mediated anti-herbivore response in legume.

A Social Network Analysis of Consumer Perceptions Receiving Tattoos and the Current General Meaning of Tattoos: A Study of Connecting Hashtags Used on Instagram

A Social Network Analysis of Consumer Perceptions Receiving Tattoos and the Current General Meaning of Tattoos: A Study of Connecting Hashtags Used on Instagram

Primary Author: April Alley
Co-Author(s): Tzu Yu Wang; Chih Han Wang
Faculty Sponsor: Jihyeong Son

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Overall, throughout history, tattoos have evolved to be used in all different types of human membership or groups type settings (Park, 2016). It was previously understood, tattoos were used as a tool to signal to groups; where the individual has come from geographically and what group the individual belongs to. However, with the growth of social media, the meanings of tattoos have been changed and it is used for the ways to reveal individuality. Therefore, this study examined how tattoos are presented and communicate a person’s identity, values, and experiences on social media. 6237 useable online posts including hashtags related to tattoos on Instagram were collected using InstaCrawlR software and Social network analysis of hashtags were conducted using R and Gephi. Finally, 54 hashtags are shown in Gephi and are connected using the highest rate of words associated with #tattoo. . Hashtag themes were categorized based on 5 themes chosen to categorize the research: (1) tattoo (i.e., #tattooink, #tattooist), (2) lifestyle (i.e., #photooftheday, #fitness), (3) art (i.e., #artwork, #illustration), (4) self-identification (i.e., #artist, #tattooartist), and (5) emotion (i.e., #love, #happy). In social media, tattoos as a positive symbolic present lifestyle, art, and identification. Tattoo as a significant element to delivering self-information. For the emotional aspect, it connects with positive meanings such as happy, or love. In the past, tattoos were sometimes regarded and used for identifying criminal activities and associations. However, tattoos have become a positive and individualized symbol on Instagram.