bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of Increased Levels of Receiver Apprehension and the Desire to Restrict Access to the Internet
Authors:   , Eck Amy
Published: February 2023

The surge of mass communication through technological advancement has raised the question of people’s apprehension to receiving the information they desire via electronic communication. Receiver Apprehension lessens a person’s ability to process certain types of information (Schumacher, B.K., & Wheeless, L.R., 1997). A representative sample at a mid-sized, mid-Western university was asked to complete a 27-item questionnaire using a Likert-type scale; 375 questionnaires were distributed. A model of the Receiver Apprehension Test (RAT), developed by L.R. Wheeless in 1975, was used for the measurement. However, seven added questions dealt with the Internet. The researcher was testing the hypothesis that people with high RA believe citizens, especially children, should be restricted while accessing the Internet and people with low RA believe access should be granted without governmental or filtering restrictions. It was found that the majority of sample participants were low in apprehension and preferred not to have governmental or filtering restrictions.
A Study of the Curriculum and Personnel of Physical Education for Boys in the Secondary Schools of Kansas with 500 or More Students for the Year 01/01/1958-01/01/1959
Authors:   , Hibbs Dorth
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to gather factual material pertaining to the curriculum and personnel in the field of physical education for those schools with an enrollment of 500 students or more. This study is by no means perfect or all-conclusive, however, it does represent a broad cross section of all Kansas schools in this category. The study deals with the following phases of the physical education program. First, the required program; second, the intramural program; third, the interscholastic program; fourth, financing of physical education; and fifth, the duties, experience and training of the instructors of physical education.
Changes in Hard and Soft News Content of Major Television Network Newscasts in the Middle 1980s
Authors:   , Kiser Rebecca
Published: February 2023

In the last decade, there has been a tendency for the three major television network newscasts to increase the amount of soft news. Soft news is defined as any story that focuses on a human interest topic, feature, or non-policy event. A content analysis of the Vanderbilt Television News Abstracts comparing 1973 through 1976 with 1983 through 1986 shows all three networks did slightly increase the amount of soft news in the middle 1980s. It was, however, a small increase.
Factors Associated with Attitude Toward Tobacco Use of Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade Students
Authors:   , Goodwin David
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the researcher was to investigate factors associated with attitudes toward the use of tobacco of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. The independent variables investigated were age, grade level, gender, community, perceived parental attitude toward tobacco, perceived peer attitude toward tobacco, knowledge of tobacco, tobacco use A (based upon scores from section 6 Tobacco Use of the Tobacco Attitude Questionnaire, 2 levels, high and low use, determined post hoc), and tobacco use B (4 levels, no use, parents, friends, and students use, determined post hoc). The dependent variable was Tobacco Attitude Questionnaire scores of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. The sample size of this study was comprised of 124 participants. Nine composite null hypotheses were tested at the .05 level of significance employing a three-way analysis of variance (general linear model). A total of 32 comparisons plus 30 recurring were made. Of the 32 comparisons, 9 were for main effects and 23 were for interactions. Of the 9 main effects, 4 were statistically significant at the .05 level. The following main effects were statistically significant: community, perceived parental attitude toward tobacco, perceived peer attitude toward tobacco, and tobacco use A. Of the 23 interactions, 6 were statistically significant at the .05 level. The following interactions were statistically significant: 1. Age and gender; 2. Grade level and community; 3. Grade level, gender, and community; 4. Perceived parental attitude toward tobacco and perceived peer attitude toward tobacco; 5. Knowledge of tobacco and tobacco use A; and 6. Perceived peer attitude toward tobacco, knowledge of tobacco, and tobacco use A. The results of the present study appeared to support the following generalizations: 1. The variable age should be examined concurrently with the variable gender because the two interact; 2. The variable grade level should be examined concurrently with the variables gender and community because the three interact; 3. The variable perceived parental attitude toward tobacco should be examined concurrently with the variable perceived peer attitude toward tobacco because the two interact; 4. The variable perceived peer attitude toward tobacco should be examined concurrently with the variables knowledge of tobacco and tobacco use A because the three interact; and 5. Tobacco use B and attitude of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students toward the use of tobacco are not significantly associated.
Private Versus Public Schools: A Comparison Of The Percentage Of Third- And Fifth-Grade Students Who Meet Kansas State Proficiency Standards In Reading And Mathematics
Authors:   , Carlin Kyle
Published: February 2023

The present study examined the relationship between school sector and academic achievement as measured by the mathematics and reading portions of the Kansas State Assessments. Archival data were used to obtain the percent of third-grade and fifth-grade students who were proficient in mathematics and reading for 919 schools (813 public, 106 private) across Kansas. The data were analyzed to identify extraneous variables that affect academic achievement and to determine if attending private or public schools resulted in higher academic achievement. Results indicate that, after extraneous variables are statistically controlled for, students who attend public schools achieve equal to or higher than students who attend private schools do. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed, as well as areas of further study.
The Effects of Various Physiological and Psychological Variables Upon the Exercising Adherence of Selected Female College Students
Authors:   , Crowder Todd
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of various psychological and physiological variables upon the adherence of female college students. Adherence to a program of habitual physical activity has significant implications form the standpoint of preventive medicine as well as rehabilitation following illness. A review of the literature indicated most researchers place the adherence figure at around 50 percent for all therapeutic regimens. Thus it was the intent of this researcher not only to categorize individuals according to their adherence patterns, but also evaluate several other psychological and physiological variables. Sixty six subjects, age 18-22, served as volunteers and were enrolled in several activity classes during the 1984 spring semester. All subjects were given four written tests and tested on four physiological factors. The explanatory variables involved in this study included, attitude, self-concept, lifestyle, 1.5 mile time, percent fat, flexibility, abdominal muscular endurance, and the dependent variable, adherence. Sample data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. To aid in the interpretation of data, the dependent variable was treated as both a continuous and dichotomous variable. The .05 level of significance was utilized for both testing procedures. The multiple regressions testing technique revealed no significance with the physiological variables. A significant result was found between the psychological factor, self-concept and the dependent variable, adherence. Based on the findings and within the limitations of this study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. abdominal endurance provided the best relationship physiologically with the female’s adherence. 2. Self-concept provided the best relationship psychologically with the female’s adherence. 3. Psychological variables provide the best relationship with the female’s adherence when compared to the physiological variables. 4. Self-concept and abdominal muscular endurance provided the best regression equation in categorizing the female as an adherer or non-adhere. 5. Classification of the female subjects’ revealed 39 adherers and 27 non-adheres as identified through Dishman’s Self-Motivation Assessment Scale.
Identification and Paleoecology of Mammoth Teeth from the Vertebrate Paleontology Collection at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Hays, Kansas
Authors:   , Deering Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Thirty-five mammoth teeth from the Vertebrate Paleontology Collection at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays, Kansas were examined to determine the species and paleoecological association. Quantitative and qualitative descriptions of tooth length, width, height, enamel thickness, lamellar frequency, condition, shape, and size, were determined. Thirty-four of the teeth were identified as Mammuthus columbi and one was identified as M. jeffersonii, indicating that M. columbi was the dominant mammoth cycles that resulted in cool, mesic, boreal coniferous forests and prairie (steppe) environments throughout the Pleistocene. M. columbi and M. jeffersonii would have thrived in these environments and would have been able to share these niches, as they had similar dietary preferences.
College Students' Attitudes Toward Alcohol
Authors:   , Broetzmann Lori
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the researcher was to investigate college students’ attitudes toward alcohol. The independent variables investigated were sex classification, age, choice of drink, consumption level, religious belief status, and drinking status. The dependent variables were feeling, belief, intention to act, and total score. The instrument, Torabi-Veenker Attitude Scale, was used to measure the college students’ attitudes toward alcohol. The instrument contains a Likert-type scale and uses a three component approach to measure the three subscales: feeling, belief, and intention to act. Five composite null hypotheses were tested employing a factorial design. Four of the null hypotheses were tested employing a three way analysis of variance. One of the null hypothesis was tested employing a two way analysis of variance. The sample consisted of 196 college students, all who were attending Fort Hays State University, a small university consisting of approximately 5,000 students. Out of the 196 students, 60 were males and 136 were females. The subjects were both undergraduate and graduate students. A total of 86 comparisons were made and 38 recurring comparisons. Of the 86 comparisons, 28 were for main effects with 19 being statistically significant at the .05 level. The results of this study appeared to support the following generalizations: 1. those students who were heavy consumers of alcohol had a reported greater pro attitude regarding feeling, belief, intention to act, and total score. 2. Male students had a reported greater pro attitude regarding intention to act and total score than females. 3. Those students ages 30 years and less had a greater pro attitude than those who were ages 31 and over. 4. Those students ages 22 to 24 years of age had a greater pro attitude regarding intention to act, those ages 20 to 21 and 25 to 30 years had the next pro intention, and those 31 and greater were next regarding pro intention to act. 5. Those students ages 30 or less had a reported greater pro attitude regarding feeling, intention to act, and total score than those students ages 31 and greater. 6. Those students who reported their choice of drink as beer or had liquor had a reported greater pro attitude regarding feeling and total score than those students who reported their choice of drink as wine. 7. Those students who reported themselves as begin highest on a religious scale had a more negative attitude toward alcohol than any other religious status. 8. Those students who reported themselves as having the next lowest religious status had a reported greater pro intention to act and total score than students with other religious status. 9. Those students who were non drinkers had a reported greater negative attitude toward alcohol than students who drink
The Evolution of Educational Opportunities In Ness County, Kansas
Authors:   , Wolfe Charles
Published: February 2023

It is the problem of this thesis, insofar as possible, to set forth the data necessary in giving one a composite history of the evolution of educational opportunities in Ness County, Kansas. To accomplish this it was necessary to trace the story of the schools, as well as the community, from their very inception in Ness County until the present time. The period to be covered in this study dates back to 1878 when the first schools were established, to the present time.
An imaginative interplay of abstract and literal images related to landscapes and rural themes
Authors:   , Deges Virgil
Published: February 2023

Art begins when a man wishes to immortalize the most visual moments in which he has Iived find art as a means of self- expression in which I assert my personality above the level of others. establishing a relationship equal to or But how or why does the artist depict his past Iife into his work? The answer can probably be found by examining in depth the history and feelings of the artist. For example, I was born on a farm along the Saline River in Northwestern Kansas. · Being the second generation removed of ancestry from Germany, Russia, and Luxembourg my background is diversified. As a child, I was faced with numerous problems in regard to verbal communications. This led me to rely on the visual arts as a form of communication. I believe that the pursuit of new ideas is a search for self. This can direct an artist in many directions. Using the watercolor media and being introduced to the collage and Elmer's Glue-Ink media, I have found a working media to record my impressions of society and to interpret feelings of inner self. While working in this newly found mixed media, I have found myself reliving my past in my work. As the colors begin to move on the glue covered painting surface, new motivations develop to pursue what is happening to its fullest point of departure. As fragments of past experiences are relived, so does the adding or removal of co l I age material help heighten the image. 2 True, my work may have more than one meaning, but I still have communicated myself into each image. It is my conclusion that the image before me is complete when my past experiences are fulfilled within the image and I have communicated to my best ability the past life and feelings of which only I have experienced.
Effects of Required Physical Activity on College Students' Attitudes
Authors:   , Bakker Keri
Published: February 2023

It was the intent of this researcher to investigate the effects including a physical activity component in a university-required personal wellness course had on attitudes toward physical activity and exercises. The study included two groups: 1) an experimental group of students enrolled in a personal wellness course in which there was a physical activity requirement; and 2) a control group of students enrolled in a personal wellness course in which there was no physical activity requirement. The Corbin Attitude Test served as the dependent variable (Appendix B). All subjects were pretested and posttested using the Corbin Attitude Test. The students in the experimental group were exposed to an additional physical activity requirement to their university-required personal wellness course. The physical activity component required the students to exercise at least twice per week at a perceived exertion level of four or above on the modified one to ten scale (Appendix C). Students in the control group were only required to complete the university-required personal wellness course which did not require a physical activity component. The effects of the physical activity component on students’ attitudes and the comparison of genders were analyzed using eight independent T-tests with the physical activity component serving as the independent variable. The analysis of the data showed no significant gain or decline in six of the eight independent T-tests. However, the control group which did not receive the physical activity component showed significant improvement from pretest to posttest. The data also showed a significant difference in males’ attitudes pretest compared to posttest toward physical activity and exercise.
A Dialectic of Social Contexts in Communication
Authors:   , Hedge William
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present The Communication Thesis as the dialectical method which reconciles the methods of The Exploratory Thesis and The Descriptive Thesis. Only through the method of communication and participation is one capable of operating within the creation of the social context. Both explanation and description must view this process from outside.
Differential Effects of Vocal and Instrumental Music on Analogical Language Task Performance
Authors:   , Ward Eric
Published: February 2023

Music has been seen as having significant effects on many areas of human activity. Very recent research into the effects of music on cognitive and spatial -temporal abilities prompted an attempted duplication of a study that claimed significant effects of music on spatial-temporal ability (Rauscher, Shaw, & Ky, 1993). During the attempted duplication, a near significant effect of music on analogical task performance was noted (Ward & Salo, 1995). As a result of the near significant effect, this study was designed to test the hypotheses that subjects exposed to vocal music would show a significantly greater increase in ability to perform language analogical tasks than would subjects exposed to instrumental music, silence, or a mathematics task, and that gender differences would emerge in changes in ability to perform the language analogical task. Subjects were exposed to either instrumental or vocal selections of the same pieces of music, with control groups exposed to silence, or asked to perform a mathematics task. The present study found no differences in ability to perform language analogical tasks due to exposure to music, nor did any difference between genders exist in reaction to music exposure.
Osteology and Phylogenetic Relationships of a New Small Maniraptoran from the Upper Jurassic of Wyoming
Authors:   , Wahl William
Published: February 2023

A recently discovered small maniraptoran from the Morrison Formation of Wyoming provides new evidence for the placement or small Jurassic maniraptorans in theropod phylogeny. The specimen, WDC DML-01, is one of the oldest known taxa to be referred to the Troodontidae, estimated to be about 70% complete, and is assignable to the Order Maniraptora based on the presence of elongate forelimbs and manus almost as long as the pes. Previously, the earliest non-avian maniraptorans were Early Cretaceous in age with a gap of more than 20 million years between them and the Late Jurassic avian Archaeopteryx. WDC DML-01 provides a bridge in this stratigraphic gap in knowledge of maniraptoran evolution. WDC DML-01 also sheds light on the pattern of maniraptoran evolution, the adaptive grade of Jurassic deinonychosaurs, and possibly provides our earliest glimpse of an ecologic niche likely filled by small Jurassic maniraptorans.
The Effect of Experimenter Status and the Presence or Absence of Normative Group Comparisons as Influencing Pursuit-Rotor Task Performance
Authors:   , Foxx Charles
Published: February 2023

Man, from the moment he is mature enough to perform higher order intellectual tasks, begins to form opinions, attitudes and concepts about the different occurrences within his environment. An attitude will be defined here as an organized and consistent manner of thinking, feeling and reacting with regard to people, groups, social issues or more generally any event in one's environment. The essential components of an attitude are the basic thoughts, values, beliefs, feelings or emotions attached to it and the tendency to make some response or behavior based on the attitude. In our culture, people readily form opinions and attitudes about different professional persons (such as physicians, lawyers, or psychologists). These attitudes then influence the interpersonal relationship between the professional and the layman. There can be a positive or negative association formed with these different experiences.
Natural History and Taxonomy of the Plains Pocket Mouse
Authors:   , Reed Kent
Published: February 2023

The plains pocket mouse (Perognathus flavescens) is one of the most abundant species of mammal in agriculturally disturbed areas of the Sandsage Prairie of southwestern Kansas. Plains pocket mice are active above ground from early spring until late autumn. Breeding occurs from late spring through early summer, and litters consist of as many as seven young. Foods consist primarily of seeds, and large seeds are stored for consumption in winter. Two types of burrows constructed are shallow tunnels (used primarily for escape) and deep tunnels (in which the mice live).
Survey of Reading Audio-Visual Media in Western Kansas Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools
Authors:   , Ochs Alice
Published: February 2023

The purposes of this study were: 1. To determine what audio-visual reading media are owned or are available to the schools participating in this survey. 2. To determine the use reading instructors were making of these machines. 3. To learn the preferences for specific mechanical audio-visual reading media by western Kansas teachers of secondary or post-secondary reading classes. 4. To determine what class records have been kept in western Kansas schools to show the student reading gains, by use of mechanical audio-visual media. 5. To determine what preparation western Kansas reading improvement teachers in secondary and post-secondary schools have had for use of mechanical audio-visual media in classroom work.
Study of the Applicability of the Zincke Method of Nitration of Idocresols
Authors:   , Landes Adolf
Published: February 2023

An investigation of the replacement of iodine atoms of diiodocresols by a nitro group was made utilizing the Zincke method of nitration. The purpose of the investigation was to test the applicability of the Zincke reaction to verification of structure of the diiodocresols. Silver nitrite in glacial acetic acid solution was used as a modification of the Zincke procedure, which commonly used sodium nitrite in glacial acetic acid. The silver iodide which was postulated to be formed could be weighed for quantitative indication of replacement. Results from silver nitrite as a nitrating agent were not conclusive. When sodium nitrite was used, evidence was obtained by melting points that both iodine atoms of diiodo-m-cresol were displaced. Presence of the nitro group on the resulting compound was indicated from infrared spectra. Both diiodo-p-cresol and diiodo-o-cresol gave evidence of replacement but the resulting products probably were mixtures of mononitro and dinitro compounds.
A Comparison of Scholarship Ratings of High School Graduates Who Participate and Those Who Do Not Participate In Extra-Curricular Activities
Authors:   , Breugel Ehrenfried
Published: February 2023

The specific problem of this thesis is, “A comparison of scholarship ratings of high school graduates who participate and those who do not participate in extra-curricular activities.” The scope of extra-curricular activities varies with the size of the school and its equipment. It is therefore necessary in this study to limit extra-curricular activities to these particulars: athletics, music, clubs, debate, and dramatics, in order to have a definite basis for comparison.
A Consumer Oriented Study of the Fort Hays State University School Psychology Training Program
Authors:   , Post Jan
Published: February 2023

Fort Hays State University has never conducted a consumer-oriented self-study of its graduate program in school psychology, but such a study was completed that assessed the clinical program. This study closely followed the method Joseph Guydish used to assess the clinical program in 1982. The following study attempted to contact all graduates receiving an Ed.S. degree in school psychology since the degree was reinstated in the late 1980s. The graduates' initial employers were also contacted, as it was believed these two populations could provide the best consumer-oriented information. These two populations were asked to complete questionnaires that addressed the three following hypotheses: (a) Adequate Training: Is Fort Hays State University adequately preparing its graduates? (b) Rural Employment: Are the majority of Fort Hays State University graduates seeking jobs in a rural setting? (c) Professional Development: Do program graduates continue to develop professionally by seeking advanced degrees, certification, publication, and membership in professional organizations? Of the three primary hypotheses, the graduates confirmed hypotheses Band C, but did not confirm hypothesis A. Only hypothesis A related to employer input, and they confirmed the hypothesis.
An Evolutionary Based Examination Of Sexting Behavior Among College Students
Authors:   , Ploharz Scott
Published: February 2023

Previous research has viewed the sending and receiving of sexually natured text and picture messages as risky and dangerous behavior. It is through this lens that previous research has examined the reason individuals choose to engage in sexting, and the possible effects of the behavior. The current study is the first to examine the possible adaptive reasons that individuals may choose to engage in sexting. A total of 218 participants from Fort Hays State University completed measures of their sexting behaviors, attitudes towards sexual activity, and risk tolerance. It was hypothesized that an individual participants’ endorsement of a sex consistent mating strategy would be positively related to engagement in sexting behavior. Additionally it was thought that men with greater risk tolerance in the domain of mate attraction would engage in sexting more, and that women with greater risk tolerance in the domain of mate retention would engage in sexting more. It was also thought that participant expectancies regarding the outcome of sexting would interact with risk tolerance and mating strategy so that those with higher expectancies would sext more. Results indicate that both men and women who endorse a short term mating strategy sext more. Also, results suggested that individual risk tolerance in the domain of mate attraction were significant in the decision to engage in sexting. Additionally results showed that participants expectancies regarding the effects of sexting were significant in the decision to engage in sexting. The implications for these findings, the limitations of the current study and the need for further research in these areas are discussed.
Characterizing Basement Structures to Evaluate Their Influence on Overlaying Sedimentary Layers: Case Study of Three Fields in the Central Kansas Uplift
Authors:   , Karim Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Potential field and well log data were used to investigate basement features and the overlaying sedimentary layers across four counties in the Central Kansas Uplift. The objective of this study was to (1) investigate and determine the orientation of basement structures/features, (2) estimate the depth to basement, and (3) examine the influence (if any) and relationship between the basement features and the overlaying sedimentary deposits of three oil fields in the study area. Aeromagnetic data was used to interpret and map basement features by applying derivative filters. Well log data was used to pick formation top values and create contour maps of sedimentary strata. Two major types of structural features were identified in the basement of the study location: (i) lineaments representing faults that mostly trend NE-SW and NW-SE, and (ii) basement highs that highlight two well known basement features: the Russell and Rush ribs. The estimated depths to basement using the Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) technique for aeromagnetic data vary between -112 m (-368 ft.) and -1287 m (- 4222 ft.) subsea. The inaccuracy of estimated SPI depths from the aeromagnetic data vary between -22% and 10% of the actual depths obtained from well log data. Contour maps of formation tops of the Arbuckle Group the three fields show antiforms with gentle slopes (~ < 15 m/ km), channel-like, and karst features. Structures mapped in the Arbuckle appeared to be influenced by basement topography and basement lineaments (mostly faults). Contour maps of the sedimentary layers (e.g., Lansing-Kansas City Group), overlaying the Arbuckle in most of the study location show broad and flat-topped deposits with no significant structural influence from the basement. Our results show considerable structural influence of basement structures on sedimentary layers directly overlaying it.
A Survey of Preparation and Needs of Public School Administrators In Western Kansas
Authors:   , Settles Orpheus
Published: February 2023

This thesis is being written in an attempt to determine the practical value of college preparatory courses in educational administration. By practical value is meant the degree that administrators are able to use the training they receive in colleges and universities pertaining to educational administration. The title of this thesis is, “A Survey of Preparation and Needs of Public School Administrators in Western Kansas” The study is of vital importance to the writer, school administrators, and departments of education in Kansas colleges and universities.
Vegetational and Edaphic Traits of Patch-Grazed Rangeland in West-Central Kansas
Authors:   , Ring Charles
Published: February 2023

Unequal utilization of vegetation was exhibited by yearling steers under two different grazing treatments, season- long stocked (SLS) and intensive early stocked (IES). At the beginning of the grazing season, some areas were lightly to moderately grazed, whereas the remainder of the range was ignored. These areas were grazed repeatedly, resulting in overgrazed patches. As the season progressed, the proportion of the range consisting of overgrazed patches increased, whereas the rest of the range became selectively grazed to a lesser extent. By the end of the grazing season, more than 70% of both pastures was grazed to some extent, with only a portion of this percentage being overgrazed. The IES pasture had 56% of its area consisting of overgrazed patches, whereas the SLS pasture varied from 23 to 40% depending on the year. The patches tended to be in the same locations from year to year under the SLS treatment but not under the IES treatment. Overgrazed patches contained more buffalo grass and less western wheatgrass than under-grazed patches, and no significant differences in properties of the soil were found between patches. Although livestock avoided grazing near feces and unpalatable plants, this was not responsible for the majority of the patch-grazing. The areas of the range that were grazed initially were more important in determining which areas became overgrazed patches by the end of the grazing season.
Nitrification and Denitrification Response to Varying Periods of Desiccation and Inundation in a Western Kansas Stream
Authors:   , Austin Bradley
Published: February 2023

Changing environmental conditions and increased water consumption has transformed many historically perennial stream systems into intermittent systems. Multiple drying and wetting events throughout the year might impact many stream processes. Two such processes, nitrification and denitrification, are also key components of the nitrogen (N) cycle. They function to first, through nitrification convert ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3-). Then second, through denitrification convert NO3- to dinitrogen gas (N2) thus effectively removing N from the system. During the summer 2007, an experimental stream constructed adjacent to the Saline River in Western Kansas was used to determine the effects of desiccation and rewetting of stream sediment on nitrification and denitrification potentials. Mean nitrification and denitrification rates in sediment not dried (controls) were 0.431 ± 0.017 ¼g NO3- -N cm-2 h-1 and 0.926 ± 0.106 ¼g N2O-N cm-2 h-1, respectively. As sediment samples dried, nitrifications rates decreased. Sediments dried less than seven days recovered within one day of being rewetted, and sediments dried 21 days recovered by the third day of inundation. Denitrification rates were not affected by one day of drying, but sample dried greater than one day experienced reduced rates of denitrification. Denitrification in sediments dried seven days or less and 21 days recovered by day seven of being rewetted. Rates in sediments dried 14 and 28 days did not fully recover, for either process, even after 28 days of being rewetted. These results demonstrate that alternations in stream’s hydrology can significantly affect nitrogen cycle processes.
Small Mammals at Interchanges of an Interstate Highway
Authors:   , Haner Thomas
Published: February 2023

I trapped small mammals at five interchanges along Interstate 70 highway in Kansas to estimate the community properties and to test the insularity of the interchanges. Physical and vegetative properties of the interchanges were similar. I captured ten species of small mammals, Microtus ochrogaster being the most common variation in community properties of the interchanges apparently results from micro-factors (micro-climate and micro-habitat). The insular nature of the interchanges likely is influenced by habitat within and adjacent to interchanges as well as by factors that affect community properties of small mammals within and adjacent to interchanges.
Interpretations of Nature
Authors:   , Dernovich Don
Published: February 2023

The works in this exhibition are representative of my feelings and thoughts about nature. The subject is unlimited as a source of inspiration for painting. The media of oil, watercolor, and acrylic were used in the traditional manner and investigated innovatively as well. Each painting is a reflection of a personal experience but is not unfamiliar to most people. I’ve attempted, however, to make each statement in a slightly different, or unusual way, so as to stimulate the viewer into seeing that which he so often takes for granted.
Stable Isotope Analysis Of Two Mephitidae Species Reflects Population Trends And Landscape Structure
Authors:   , Cheeseman Amanda
Published: February 2023

The eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) is a small omnivorous Carnivora similar in much of its natural history to the commonly found striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Spilogale putorius has experienced drastic population declines over a large portion of its geographic range. Many hypotheses for the decline of S. putorius have been proposed. δ13C and δ15N isotope analysis provides a unique opportunity to examine diet over an expanded time span. Thus was used on hair sampled from natural history collections, teaching collections, and road kills to examine dietary change for both S. putorius and M. mephitis from 1852 to 2012. Because stable isotope values of hair reflect the diet at the time the hair was grown, knowledge of molting patters is necessary when using hair in stable isotope studies. I determined molting patterns in S. putorius were similar to M. mephitis. When compared to M. mephitis molting patterns in S. putorius were delayed by approximately a month. Long-term farm and crop trends have not been examined in Kansas. I examined trends in average farm size, percent of land in farms, number of farms, number of irrigated farms, hectares of woodland, and hectares of17 different crops across Kansas from 1880 to 2007. Trends were observed in most crop types and provided support for a slow transition from small diversely planted farms to large scale monoculture in Kansas. I analyzed Kansas fur harvest trends for M. mephitis and S. putorius and detected corresponding declines in Kansas for both species. These declines were correlated with a reduction of maize in the landscape and agricultural intensification. Studies indicate the presence of melanin in colored feathers affects the δ13C and δ15N values of feather samples. I examined the effect of melanin on δ13C and δ15N values of hair from 8 mammal species but detected no effect. The effects of preservation techniques on δ13C and δ15N values of mammalian samples are also not well understood. I examined the effect of tanning as a preparation technique on δ13C and δ15N values of M. mephitis. Tanned hides were depleted in both stable isotopes compared to non-tanned hides. Diet of S. putorius and M. mephitis was related to landscape structure. Maize composed the highest proportion of the diet for both S. putorius and M. mephitis and has experienced change in the diet of S. putorius over time. In addition, increased δ15N variability was observed over time in these species, potentially suggesting decline of or exclusion from historical diet sources. This research provided useful insights into the effects of landscape structure on a declining mesocarnivore, and provided additional support for dietary change as a contributing factor to the decline of S. putorius. When combined, these data potentially provide evidence for a decline in S. putorius based in part on a reduction in the amount of maize in the landscape and agricultural intensification.
School Violence: Its Effect on Secondary Teachers in Rural Kansas Settings
Authors:   , Ullom Kent
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate school violence and its effects on secondary teachers in rural Kansas settings. The subjects were chosen from 8 rural Kansas school districts. Demographic information was included on all surveys; this information consisted of gender, ethnic identification, years of teaching, population of school, and type of school where respondent was teaching. The survey instrument consisted of 12 statements; a likert scale was used so teachers could reflect degree of feeling toward each statement. A comment section was attached to the survey so teachers could reflect personal experiences and emotions about violence in the schools. Information provided by respondents surveys and comments indicated that teachers felt violence in the rural schools is a growing dilemma that is not being handled effectively. Respondents acknowledged that violent students are causing stress and a decrease in job satisfaction for teachers. The research reflected attitudes that teachers are not properly trained to handle violent students, and violent/hostile students do not receive effective punishment for their behavior.
Occupancy Modeling Of Herpetofauna And Grassland Nesting Birds At Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
Authors:   , Brown Kasandra
Published: February 2023

Only about 11% of native grasslands remain in the United States (North America Bird Conservation Initiative, 2011). Grasslands are a considerable source of biodiversity and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling (Suttie et al. 2005; Holechek et al. 2011). Stewards, such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, are essential to grassland conservation, especially in Kansas, where less than one percent of land is under federal stewardship or public trust (Holechek et al. 2011). Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, an 8,900 hectare refuge located in Stafford County, has traditionally been managed as a stopover for migratory birds, but is now expanding management practices to include all flora and fauna. To better understand grassland bird and herpetofaunal populations on the refuge, repeatable monitoring protocols for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge were developed to provide baseline data. In this study, single-season occupancy models were generated for target species to test if presence was influenced by habitat type. Herpetofauna and grassland birds were sampled concurrently from April 24 to July 4, 2015. For the sampling season, nine bird species and 1,748 individuals were observed. Seventeen species of herpetofauna and 212 individuals were observed. Occupancy models were constructed for organisms that had > 25 observations. Bird species with adequate sample sizes include Northern Bobwhite, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Western Meadowlark. Herpetofaunal species with > 25 observations include: North American Racer, Plains Garter snake, and Ornate Box Turtle. The Northern Bobwhite, Dickcissel, Eastern Meadowlark, North iii American Racer, and Ornate Box Turtle models showed that the species had high rates of occupancy and detectability and were not modeled with covariates.
Structural Geology of a Portion of the Big Bend Draw Quadrangle, Emery County, Utah
Authors:   , McGuire Emmet
Published: February 2023

Data acquired from mapping a portion of the 7.5' Big Bend Draw quadrangle. Emery County, Utah reveals structures that differ in orientation and character. Descriptive, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of these structures suggests three classes of deformation that developed from successive events after Middle Jurassic time. The earliest class of deformation is attributed to Sevier-type tectonics. This compressional event produced a low-angle thrust and associated bedding-plane slip along an east-west oriented greatest principle stress axis that resulted in a minimum of 20m (65 ft) of separation between the Carmel Formation and Entrada Sandstone. Sense-of-shear indicators suggesting eastward movement of hanging-wall rocks include asymmetrical folds, sigmoidal gypsum fibers, and axial-plane cleavage. Laramide-style tectonics that formed the San Rafael Anticline produced the second class of deformation. Cognate structures include macroscopic folds and normal faults with the principle stress directions responsible for formation oriented northwest-southeast, at right angles to the axis of the San Rafael Anticline. The third class of deformation is attributed to Basin and Range tectonics. Extension from this event resulted in a strike-slip fault that has a northeast-southwest oriented greatest principle stress axis.
Forage Yield and Carbohydrate Content of Underground Parts of Grasses As Affected By Clipping
Authors:   , Kinsinger Floyd
Published: February 2023

The experimental sites were located on the Fort Hays Kansas State College farm about 2.5 miles west of Hays. Three plots were staked out in May, 1951, in relatively6 pure stands of each of the grasses to be studies. Two plots consisted of 9 square meter quadrats each and one contained 5 quadrats. The short grass area had not been grazed for about 10 years and the western wheat grass and big bluestem relict areas had never been grazed by domestic livestock. The control quadrats were clipped about 0.5 inch above the soil in the late all of each year in order to obtain yield.
Factors Associated with Attitude Toward Alcohol Use of Sixth and Eighth Grade Students
Authors:   , Strecker Glen
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the researcher was to investigate factors affecting attitude toward use of alcohol of 6th and 8th grade students. There were 68 students in the sixth grade (41 males and 27 females) and 60 students in the eighth grade (31 males and 29 females) surveyed. The following independent variables were investigated: grade placement, gender, community, perceived peer attitude, perceived parental attitude, and knowledge of alcohol. The dependent variable was the individual's attitude toward use of alcohol score from the Alcohol Attitude Questionnaire. Five composite null hypotheses were tested at the .05 level of significance. A three-way analysis of variance was employed for all composite null hypotheses. Twenty comparisons plus 15 recurring comparisons were made. Six of the comparisons were for main effect and 14 were for interactions. Of the six main effects two were statistically significant. The significant main effects were perceived parental attitude and perceived peer attitude. The results of the present study indicated the perceived attitudes toward use of alcohol of peers and parents were significant factors associated with attitudes of 6th and 8th grade students toward alcohol. The results of the present study appeared to support the following generalizations: 1. Perceived peer attitude was positively associated with the individual's attitude toward alcohol use. 2. Perceived parental attitude was positively associated with the individual's attitude toward alcohol use. 3. Gender and grade in school were not associated with the individual's attitude toward alcohol use. 4. No association was found between community and the individual's attitude toward alcohol use. 5. Knowledge about alcohol was not associated with the individual's attitude toward alcohol use.
Loneliness Among Senior Citizens of Rural Kansas
Authors:   , Stumps S.
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the researcher was to investigate loneliness in senior citizens in a very small rural town. The independent variables were age, gender, marital status, income, living situation, and the irrational beliefs of dependency, anxious over-concern, frustration reactivity, high self-expectations, problem avoidance, and helplessness. The dependent variable was scores from the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Subjects were 129 retirees over the age of 60 living in a small rural town located in the center of the state of Kansas. A status survey factorial design with pre-grouping and post hoc grouping was employed. Eleven composite null hypotheses were tested. A total of 43 comparisons plus 34 recurring comparisons were made. Of the 43 comparisons, 12 were main effects and 31 were interactions. Of the 12 main effects, 8 were statistically significant at the .05 level. Of the 31 interactions, 9 were statistically significant at the .05 level. The results of the present study appeared to support the following generalizations: 1. Individuals with greatest irrational beliefs reported greater loneliness than those with least irrational beliefs. 2. Individuals with highest anxious over-concern reported greater loneliness than those with lowest anxious over concern. 3. Individuals with highest frustration reactivity reported greater loneliness than those with lowest frustration reactivity. 4. Individuals with highest self-expectation reported greater loneliness than individuals with lowest self-expectation. 5. An association between age and loneliness. 6. An association between gender and loneliness. 7. An association between marital status and loneliness. 8. An association between income and loneliness. 9. An association between living situation and loneliness. 10. An association between anxious over-concern and loneliness. 11. An association between frustration reactivity and loneliness, and 12. Interactions for marital status and age; income and age; age, income and irrational beliefs; living situation and dependency; gender and living situation; gender and frustration reactivity; gender, living situation, and high self-expectation; gender, living situation, and problem avoidance; and gender and irrational beliefs.