Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Permanent URI for this collection
The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.
Directions for final project and report submissionBrowse
Browsing Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences by Content Type "Master's project"
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Accuracy of Intermittent Fasting Guidance in Blogs Used by Personal Trainers from a Gym in South AfricaDisbergen, Shene (Virginia Tech, 2021-10-11)This project examined the accuracy of blog sources personal trainers in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa use to educate themselves on the topic of intermittent fasting. Through literature review, different types of intermittent fasting were researched such as time-restricted feeding, periodic fasting, and alternate day fasting as well as the role intermittent fasting plays in weight loss and modifying risk factors for health conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. A small convenience sample of five personal trainers were used to conduct one-on-one semi-structured interviews in a local gym to determine what sources of information they use to educate themselves on intermittent fasting and if they use any blog sources. The top three blog sources were determined based on frequency of mention and manual deductive qualitative coding was applied to blog articles from each blog source in order to determine accuracy of information in two key criteria: timing of feeding and fasting, and instructions on caloric intake. The third criteria, type of references used in each blog article, was recorded and combined with accuracy of the other two criteria to calculate an average reliability score. Accuracy in both timing of feeding and fasting, and instructions on caloric intake fell between 86 and 100%, for the three blog sites, and the average reliability scores fell between 85 and 95%. Another component of this project focused on a qualitative evaluation regarding statements of health benefits made in each blog article as well as the type of reference used to substantiate each health benefit claim based on a hierarchy of scientific evidence.1 There were sixty seven total unique health benefit claims made in the articles from all three blog sources. One hundred percent of those claims had cited references justifying each claim. Forty three percent of the cited references were either Meta analyses and systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials. The findings show that the blog sources these personal trainers use to educate themselves on intermittent fasting are accurate and use top tiers of the hierarchy of scientific evidence to substantiate health benefit claims that are made in the articles.
- Agricultural Grading Manual Training Tools: An EvaluationHall, Kierra (Virginia Tech, 2020-05)The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) implements federal regulations and guidelines to ensure that the food supply is safe for consumers. The job roles for inspectors who work for USDA include in-plant inspections, lot sampling, and conducting audits in plants, on farms, and at entry ports. In order to efficiently complete each task, all inspectors must be thoroughly trained. This work examined current USDA applesauce grading manuals in order to evaluate and offer recommendations to improve the quality of the training materials that are used to train USDA inspectors. Utilizing an implementation evaluation, participants were given a questionnaire pertaining to the applesauce grading manual. The participants in the study determined that the overall applesauce grading manual was easy to navigate. However, some participants found the manual difficult to understand and needed some modifications. It was recommended that adding supplemental documents like color charts, and more specific measurements would make the manual more efficient. These changes could produce more efficient and confident inspectors.
- Agricultural Practices Attitudes and Perceived Risk StudyHarrison, Lauren V.; Rideout, Steven L.; Strawn, Laura K.; Cox, Heather (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-11)Though the existing literature does not provide evidence to suggest that genetically modified foods are worse for humans and the environment than organically grown foods, a general tone exists from the public expressing primarily distrust and negativity towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, and growth hormones. This can result in fear/distrust around food, damage to the agriculture industry, and misinformed nutrition advice, leading to further negative outcomes. The purpose of this project was to formally understand the consumer’s attitudes and perceived risk in relation to their knowledge about common agricultural practices, specifically genetic engineering of food. Additionally, the project aimed to identify if there is a correlation between the occurrence of disordered eating/dieting and knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risk of genetically modified organisms. One hundred thirty participants volunteered to take a survey which gathered basic demographic information, prevalence of dieting/disordered eating and eating disorder diagnosis, general knowledge of GMOs and their attitudes and perceived risk in relation to human health, nutrition, and environmental impact. The results provide trends of high self-confidence in knowledge about GMOs, moderate-to-low actual knowledge, neutral-to-negative overall attitudes, and moderate-to-high overall perceived risk. The trends suggest that increasing levels of inaccurate knowledge on the topic of GMOs correlate with increasing negative attitudes towards GMOs. Those diagnosed with an eating disorder reported the highest prevalence of fear of GMOS, followed by those who engaged in dieting or disordered eating. The evidence gives way to the idea that individuals who have a higher involvement in following diets or engaging in disordered eating behaviors are more likely to feel fearful of agriculture- and food-related practices. Based on the findings of this study, a call for improved education dissemination strategies is indicated.
- Argumentative Writing “Egg Proj-chick”: A Chick Hatching Unit of Study for Teaching 7th grade Argumentative Writing SkillsMerrill, Suzanne (Virginia Tech, 2013-12)This project introduces lessons using animal-assisted education techniques as an approach to reengaging students in the classroom. An informal observation of children who were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) yielded preliminary evidence that the disengaged students began to gain self-control and be more cooperative with others. A more comprehensive examination of this phenomenon seemed to be a worthwhile endeavor, which was the impetus for this project. The animal-centered unit of study designed by the author is the first-known, formal attempt to utilize the beneficial, therapeutic effects of animals in a non-science, academic unit to maximize learning potential. This project is a compilation of lesson plans that can be used in a unit for 7th graders on argumentative writing using chick hatching as the topic. The persuasive writing unit uses a chick-hatching project as the axis around which its lessons revolve. The aim of the unit is to provide a framework around which data pertaining to children’s learning can be collected and analyzed. The Ewing Township District Language Arts Supervisor evaluated the lesson plans and determined that they met Standard W.6.1 in the 2010 Common Core Standards for English Language Arts. It is recommended that research be conducted to determine whether or not there are correlations between the use of animals for academic purposes and the cognitive development of youth.
- Assessing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Presence and Distribution in the Stormwater Systems of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Coastal CommunitiesBlackburn, Savanna; Harrison, Michael (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-01)This interdisciplinary study investigates the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities within two coastal municipalities in the Virginia Coastal Plain. Utilizing a field and laboratory approach, the research aims to assess the distribution and concentration of 30 PFAS compounds across multiple environmental receptors. Initial grab-sampling conducted across four distinct sites provided preliminary data on a wide range of PFAS, employing targeted analytical techniques to evaluate their presence. The significance of the study is underscored by the ecological and public health risks associated with PFAS contamination. Results from the analysis revealed variable concentrations of PFAS compounds across the sampled locations, suggesting a relationship between urban infrastructure, environmental justice areas, and PFAS distribution. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on PFAS environmental behavior, risks, and management, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and research. Additionally, the study demonstrates the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex environmental health issues, providing a foundation for future research and targeted sampling strategies to mitigate PFAS risks in urban coastal settings.
- Beef Quality Assurance - Adding Value with E. coli Food Safety FocusFlowers, Charles Webb (Virginia Tech, 2011-12)“Doing the right thing” as recommended by cumulative results of successive National Beef Quality Audits 1990–2010 is demonstrating positive end product quality, wholesomeness and food safety progress. As producers continued to utilize BQA practices over a 10-20 year period during the 1990s and 2000s, and included additional value added practices, they began to realize premiums for BQA practices. The focus of this publication is the importance of minimizing opportunities for foodborne illness pathogen to occur throughout the life of beef cattle for young calves through harvest.
- Biological watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) seed treatments for control of Acidovorax citrulliKlein, Rachel (Virginia Tech, 2020-06-03)Acidovorax citrulli is a seedborne pathogen responsible for bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), an economically important disease in melon and watermelon throughout the world. BFB is highly virulent and in affected fields can cause yield reduction of up to 95%, which has resulted in over $100,000 in losses to melon growers in some cases. The efficacy of green tea as an antimicrobial seed treatment against A. citrulli was tested. Watermelon seeds were treated with green tea after inoculation with transgenic A. citrulli expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Forty five percent of watermelon seedlings inoculated with a high level (OD600:1.0, ~8 x 108 cells/ml) of A. citrulli displayed GFP in their cotyledons. When these seeds were treated with green tea, only 11.2% displayed GFP in their cotyledons. None of the treated watermelon seedlings inoculated with a low level (OD600:0.001, ~8 x 105 cells/ml) of A. citrulli displayed GFP in their cotyledons. Green tea treatments effectively controlled the disease when administered as a liquid to infected watermelon seeds. Green tea has potential as an effective commercial treatment for pericarp infected seeds that could also be used by growers participating in the National Organic Program.
- Body Project Implementation in Virginia Tech Athletics: Effect on Body Image Satisfaction and Thin IdealizationLabiaga, Janelle S. C. (Virginia Tech, 2020-05-21)Eating disorders and disordered eating have a prevalence of 6% to 45% in collegiate female athletes (Knapp, Aerni, & Anderson, 2014). Thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction are risk factors for the development of disordered eating and eating disorders. Dissonance-based prevention programs have been shown to be effective in reducing thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction, as well as lessening risk of developing disordered eating and eating disorders. Currently, Virginia Tech Athletics does not utilize a group-based eating disorder prevention program for its female athletes. The purpose of this pilot project was to administer the Body Project, a dissonance-based prevention program aimed at reducing thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction, to female swimmers at Virginia Tech and evaluate the program’s effect on thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction. Thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction were evaluated via the Body Parts Satisfaction Survey-Revised (BPSS-R) and the Ideal Body Stereotype Survey-Revised (IBSS-R), respectively, before and after completion of the Body Project. Ten female swimmers, without current eating disorders, volunteered to participate, and nine swimmers (19.44 ± 1.42 years old; 5 freshmen, 2 juniors, and 2 seniors) completed the full project. Sixty-seven percent of participants (6 out of 9) experienced a reduction in their subscription to thin-ideal internalization (IBSS-R 2.96 ± 0.92 pre, 1.85 ± 0.88 post, p<0.05), while 78% of participants (7 out of 9) experienced an increase in body satisfaction (BPSS-R 4.42 ± 1.35 pre, 5.08 ± 0.90 post, p<0.05, p< 0.05). The findings of this pilot project suggest that the Body Project is an effective tool to influence subscription to thin-ideal internalization and body satisfaction in female college athletes. Continued effort to refine and implement the Body Project as group-based eating disorder prevention program for female college athletes is needed.
- Bridging the CGMP Gap Between the U.S. Government, Academia, and the Food IndustryWest, Joey (Virginia Tech, 2012-12)In communication theory, one of the most important aspects is to always remember who the audience is at all times. In this case, the audience are members of the food industry who are expected to translate the knowledge of the CGMPs into practice. The goal of this research is twofold; to effectively communicate the need and nature of the CGMPs and to simply reconnect the regulations to the audience they were developed to assist. Further, a definition of perception is an individual’s capacity for comprehension. We find that in the real world, an individual’s comprehension does not always neatly fit inside the perimeters that the CGMPs provide. In some cases compliance with regulations does not allow for continuation of traditional processing methods, short-cuts, and individual bias when it comes to how firms may prepare, process, hold, and ship food products. That leaves it up to the government to find a means to bridge the gaps that exist between comprehension, perception, and reality. The main focus is to present information so that the ordinary person can understand and act upon the regulation on a consistent basis. The answer may lay not in the regulation itself, but Food Industry members’ ability to relate to and understand the need for compliance.
- “Campus Cuisine: Reservations Anyone?”: Development of a Curriculum on Food Safety Best Practices for a University Dining Services WorkforceSoutherland, Anita M. (Virginia Tech, 2022-11-28)Food for thought, every year in the United States, foodborne illness accounts for notable losses of healthy life years. Given that food and water supplies are the basis for human survival, it seems likely that institutions of higher learning would be a logical place for a robust educational platform to be interjected. College students may not thrive securely as healthy, productive adults without foundational food safety skills and knowledge. Therefore, a short, interactive, engaging food safety curriculum was developed for college students working in Dining Services at Pensacola Christian College. The emphasis on collegiate dining services may exponentially mitigate the toll of foodborne illness as college campuses being one of the latter points of preparatory insertion of knowledge for building life skills and seeking advancement in education. The ultimate goal of this training is to provide a basis for food safety practices through strategic and cohesive training within the collegiate arena (in this case one university dining service team of 600-800 students).
- Canine Nosework as an Intervention for Behavior Change in Shelter DogsSemione, Nisa (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-08)Millions of dogs enter the shelter annually in the United States. Dogs living in shelters experience a variety of stressors that can contribute to impaired welfare. Shelter enrichment programs are one way to mitigate these stressors and improve the welfare of kenneled dogs. This study compared the effects of nosework activities and positive human social contact via petting on the behavior of kenneled shelter dogs in response to an unknown person approaching the kennel. The present study found that dogs exhibited three behaviors most often in response to an unknown person approaching the kennel, 1) barking, 2) standing, and 3) jumping on the kennel. There were no effects found in either intervention on the proportion of time spent jumping on the kennel. Dogs exhibited increased standing behavior in their kennels after both interventions. There were no significant effects of the petting intervention on the proportion of time spent barking. The nosework intervention demonstrated an increase in the proportion of time spent barking the day-after the intervention, indicating a possible frustration response.
- A Case Study Exploring Lunchtimes: Implications for Equitable Access to the National School Lunch ProgramSmith, Jeanell (Virginia Tech, 2023-09-25)It is recommended that 20 minutes be provided for students to eat lunch at school. Research has shown that adequate seated lunchtime can ensure that children consume enough food, which may help address child food insecurity concerns. It may also improve dietary quality. The school that is the focus of this case study is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, in a community with relatively high rates of food insecurity. The school participates in CEP, with all students eligible for free school meals. The goal of this study was to assess the current school lunch environment in the cafeteria, using the Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results (SOAR) framework, to help inform strategies to increase seated lunch time and ultimately address food insecurity and dietary quality. The study involved 12 one-on-one interviews with cafeteria stakeholders, including cafeteria monitors, cafeteria staff, teachers, and administration. The interview results answered the four research questions and utilizing the asset-based SOAR framework, revealed what is going well in the cafeteria, what opportunities are available for improvement, the collective goals of the stakeholders, and how the stakeholders would define success. The strengths included mandatory quiet time at the start of each lunch period to focus on eating and verbal cues during lunch to provide structure and time management for the students. The opportunities included cafeteria staff providing quality images, detailed descriptions, and tastings of menu items for students and staff. The aspirations of the stakeholders include a deep passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment in the cafeteria. The goals are to increase the amount of time students have to eat lunch and build on the current strengths to continue to improve the cafeteria environment. Recommendations to achieve these goals are offered in a tiered approach and include uniform cafeteria monitor training, expanding nutrition education, and increasing time allotments for lunch.
- Chemical Monitoring of a Primary Water Supply: Lake Pelham in Culpeper, VirginiaMorgan, John (Virginia Tech, 2011-12)Over the last decade there has been an increase in public and government concern over water quality in the United States, especially water bodies that are sources of drinking water. A study conducted by the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) and the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAQWA), has indicated that nutrient concentrations in streams and groundwater in basins with significant agricultural or urban development are substantially greater than naturally occurring or “background” levels (Dubrovsky, 2010). Various academic studies throughout the United States have demonstrated that many water sources are in danger of being severely polluted, with accelerated eutrophication occurring in many lakes. Specifically, the EPA, who has the task of monitoring these water bodies along with the USGS, has tightened the regulations about point and non-point sources of pollution, in an attempt to reduce the amount of eutrophication in sensitive water bodies. Lake Pelham, located in Culpeper, Virginia has experienced an increase in water quality problems; specifically an increase in nutrients in the lake, causing significant algae blooms. Increasing concern over the amount of nutrients found in lakes, rivers, streams and other water ways (i.e. the Chesapeake Bay) have yielded an increase in the amount of money spent on studies, both at the Federal (EPA) and state level (DEQ). Furthermore, several counties and towns have taken it upon themselves to conduct monitoring programs on their local water sources, to ensure the health of potable water as well as the health of their constituents. The objectives of this research program for Lake Pelham were to: 1.) conduct a literature review of similar surface water systems to highlight current trends in nutrient concentrations 2.) measure and monitor the total phosphorus and nitrogen levels in the lake and examine relationships between nutrient concentrations, water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, and pH and 3.) outline future actions for monitoring Lake Pelham and possible preventive actions for nutrient control. In 2010, the interaction between pH, temperature, nitrogen and phosphorous was investigated. The total nitrogen concentration of Lake Pelham is highly dependent on the leachate entering the lake. Large increases in nitrogen occur during even the smallest rainfall events, suggesting nitrogen is entering the lake from the surrounding environment. The current study indicates that the mean annual average total nitrogen concentration of the lake is approximately 10 mg/l. This value provides a baseline which can be used while the total nitrogen is being monitored over the next several years. In previous years, an increase in pH values (< 1.0 between test dates) was associated with algal blooms in the lake and necessitated the treatment with copper sulfate. Between 1992 and 2010, the nitrogen concentration doubled and the phosphorus concentration increased 7 fold. Algae concentrations and pH fluctuation decrease as the water temperature decreases. Similar to nitrogen, phosphorus concentrations in the lake increase with rainfall events suggesting a relationship to runoff and/or leeching entering from the surrounding watershed. Even during lower water levels, similar to what occurred in August of 2010, when the lake was 15 inches below peak level, a small rainstorm had a large impact on the amount of phosphorus entering the lake requiring the addition of copper sulfate. The trophic state for Lake Pelham was calculated from the average values of the total phosphorus measured in the lake over 2010 and the Secchi disk readings from the same time period. The Tropic State Index (TSI) was calculated to be 59.75 when using the total concentration of phosphorus in Lake Pelham. The TSI calculated from the Sechhi Disk values was 54.5. This gives a average TSI value of 57.1, which indicates that the lake is in a eutrophic state. This was the first attempt at determining the trophic state of Lake Pelham. The study is an important first step for understanding nutrient loading in Lake Pelham and applying protective measures to preserve water quality. Similar to a study conducted in King County, Washington, long term data (decade or more) and in depth statistical analysis will be needed to explain the seasonal variability of Lake Pelham.
- The Choice of Football Helmets: Relationships between College Football Athlete’s Problem Solving and Preference for Helmet SafetyCoggsdale, Peyton; Friedel, Curtis R.; Kaufman, Eric K.; Walz, Jerald H. (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-08)This study investigated the intricate interplay between football players' choice of helmets and their problem-solving styles. In light of the paramount importance of player safety in football, understanding the multifaceted factors influencing helmet selection is of utmost significance. The research specifically sought to uncover if there is a relationship between a player’s preferred problem-solving style and helmet choices, which may offer valuable insights into the decision-making process of football players. The study endeavored to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics of helmet selection in football, ultimately aiming to inform better decisions and enhance both player safety and satisfaction on the field.
- Clipping Heifer Hair Coats Can Briefly Reduce Fescue Toxicosis SymptomsBeard, Christopher T.; Pent, Gabriel J.; Swecker, Terry; Abaye, Azenegashe Ozzie (Virginia Tech, 2022-11-10)A substantial challenge for many beef cattle producers is developing beef heifers into mature, productive cows in a timely and profitable manner. At the Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SVAREC), fall-born replacement heifer candidates are artificially inseminated (AI) in December at 14-15 months of age with a target weight of 350-380 kg. Achieving this level of weight gain through the summer months has been difficult due to heat stress and the utilization of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. Tall fescue is the predominant species of forage found at SVAREC. The purpose of this project was to determine if clipping the hair coats of beef heifers would reduce the heat stress that the heifers experience during the summer months. Heifer hair coats were scored in the spring when they were approximately 9 months old and had an average weight of 200 kg in year one and 256 kg in year two. Heifers were scored on a five-point ranked scale, with a score of 1 indicating complete shedding of hair and a score of 5 indicating that no shedding has occurred. Heifers with a hair coat score of 4 or 5 were utilized for this project. The selected group of heifers scoring a hair coat score of 4 or 5 (32 in year one and 23 in year two) were randomly assigned to a control cohort and a clipped cohort. The heifers in the clipped treatment group were sheared with variable speed clippers along the body of the heifer, but not from under the belly or along the legs. Heifer hair coats were scored again at the end of the study on day 113. Vaginal temperature loggers were used to record core body temperatures every ten minutes during several sampling periods. At the conclusion of these 16-week trials, most of the control heifers retained their hair coats while the heifers that had been clipped regrew their hair coats. There was significant period by treatment interaction for the response of heifer average daily gains to clipping (P=0.0002). Average daily gains of the clipped heifers (0.4 kg/day) exceeded the average daily gains of the control heifers (0.1 kg/day) only in the first four-week period of each year (P<0.0001), but there were no differences in total seasonal average daily gain (0.3 kg/day; P=0.1631). There was significant treatment by hour interaction in the analysis of heifer vaginal temperatures (P<0.0001), with clipped heifers cooler than control heifers through most of the night and morning hours, but not in the afternoon. In conclusion, clipping heifers resulted in only short-term benefits to weight gains for heifers stocked on toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures, but clipping did result in reduced core body temperatures throughout the summer months. Additional work could explore the effects of clipping heifers at regular intervals during periods of high temperatures and humidity, such as at monthly intervals.
- Cold Chain Management at Farmers’ MarketsAcosta, Ernesto L. (Virginia Tech, 2023-01-16)Small farms are exempt from the Food Safety Modernization Act. Thus, educational materials are necessary to remind small farmers about safe food handling practices. The cold chain (refrigeration) is an important part of the farm to fork process. A guide about cold chain management is a useful reminder that can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
- College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS) Faculty Professional Development Resource: Best Practices for Teaching at a DistanceLouvet, Matthew F. Sr. (Virginia Tech, 2021-05-11)Professional development is a necessary component of most jobs and professions. University faculty members who teach in online or hybrid environments need professional development to improve their teaching, stay current with new technologies, and to interact with students in online environments. Universities are responsible to provide professional development for their faculty. This includes materials and information to assist them in being prepared to teach in an online environment. Professional development can be focused to a departmental or college level providing examples and training for faculty members to use and adopt. Communities of practice will form and grow from the sharing of examples and ideas. Having a single location for faculty to receive professional development, look up basic pedagogical knowledge, adopt templates and share ideas while staying abreast of technological best practices is an ideal situation. A resource was developed and structured to house the knowledge and information which supports the faculty, the administration and ultimately the students. This work examined the components of adult learning theory and instructional design theory together to create a single source location which if utilized supports the faculty with the knowledge and skills to set up and maintain a distance learning course. Interviewed instructors and administrators stated the resource would do what it was intended. Recommendations include additional text and video support for accessibility and further information chunking.
- Common Pumpkin Diseases in Virginia: A Diagnostic GuideTaylor L Sermersheim; Keri C. Fulp; Steven L. Rideout; David B. Langston; Laura K. Strawn (Virginia Tech, 2023-12-11)
- A Comparison of Social Media Engagement Tactics Utilized by the Washington Nationals Twitter AccountCaskey, Taylor C. (Virginia Tech, 2021-08-14)The increase in social media usage over the years by people all over has impacted businesses today. Sports teams specifically have a huge platform and do their best to stay engaged with fans in order to increase fanship and game attendance. The Washington Nationals, who have been on Twitter since its start in March 2006, have adapted different styles and linguistics of tweets to engage with their audience (Swani et al., 2014). The paper outlines motivators for social use, twitter background, and social media marketing plans. This research focused on determining if there was a relationship between the type of tweet the Washington Nationals posted and the type of interaction they received. A regression analysis was run on the types of tweets and engagement numbers. These types of tweets include photos, videos, final score updates, and other forms of media. SME guided the research as the researcher attempted to answer what media is most likely to increase engagement. However, the regression analysis determined that there was no significant correlation. Final scores received the most overall engagement and likes while the video category received the most retweets and comments.
- Complicated Composting: Persistent Pyridine Carboxylic Acid HerbicidesReimer, Julie (Virginia Tech, 2013-05)This paper reviews pyridine carboxylic acid herbicide impacts on compost. Pyridine carboxylic acid herbicides are not completely broken down during grass growth, harvest and drying of hay, in the digestive tract of livestock, or during composting. These herbicides are a popular choice for broadleaf weed control because of this persistence: they remain effective for months or years. Pyridine carboxylic acids are also more effective than the common herbicide 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and can be applied to pastures with grazing livestock because they have low mammalian toxicity. The growth-inhibitory action of naturally occurring pyridine compounds has been researched since the discovery of α-picoline-γ-carboxylic acid in the early 1900’s. These pyridine carboxylic acid compounds mimic plant growth hormones called auxins, causing plants to grow abnormally and then die. Plants injured by auxinic herbicides have poor seed germination, twisted growth, cupped or enlongated leaves, misshapen fruit, reduced yields, and ultimately die. Picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropyridine-2-carboxylic acid) was developed by Dow Chemical Company as a systemic herbicide for herbaceous weeds and woody plants in rights-of-way, forestry, rangelands, pastures, and small grain crops. Clopyralid (3,6-dichloropicolinic acid) was also developed by Dow Chemical Company to control annual and perennial broadleaf weeds in crops and turf. Another Dow herbicide, aminopyralid (4-amino-3,6-dichloro-2-pyridine carboxylic acid), is used for broad leaf weed control in pastures. Aminocyclopyrachlor (6-amino-5-chloro-2-cyclopropylpyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid) is the first pyrimidine carboxylic acid herbicide and was developed by DuPont for weed and brush control on uncultivated non-agricultural areas, uncultivated agricultural areas, industrial sites, and natural areas. Clopyralid compost contamination was reported in 2000 at four different facilities including Washington State University. In Vermont, compost samples were tested and found to contain aminopyralid, clopyralid, and picloram in 2012. Across the U.S. since 2000, there have been many reports of apparent plant injury from compost contaminated with auxinic herbicides. Because of the limited testing facilities and expense of chemical testing, the majority of these reports remain anecdotal. If the history of a compost feedstock is unknown, bioassays are recommended to test compost for the presence of auxinic herbicides. Even though pyridine carboxylic acid herbicides are sold with proper labeling and restrictions, compost contamination is continuing. Adjustments should be made for the registered uses of these herbicides, and herbicide applicators need improved education about the implications of contaminating compost feedstock.