The purpose of this study was to validate the use and interpretation of scores derived from the Stigma of Loneliness Scale (SLS) with a sample of college students from a large, Midwestern university. A two-factor oblique solution with 10 items was selected through exploratory factor analysis and cross-validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Correlational evidence was demonstrated through positive correlations with loneliness and shame scores, and a negative correlation with social connectedness scores. Construct evidence was demonstrated through positive correlations with self-concealment and depression scores, and a negative association with distress disclosure scores. For incremental validity, items on the SLS accounted for additional variance in predicting contingent self-worth based on approval from others, shame, self-esteem, and social self-efficacy above and beyond scores on a measure of loneliness. The internal structure of the SLS was invariant across gender groups and across Time 1 and Time 2 assessments.

In this work, the drying kinetics of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) was studied considering the shrinkage effect. The experimental data were obtained using three different temperatures (40, 60, and 80 °C). For the determination of shrinkage, two cutting orientations were employed. The volumetric and thickness shrinkage was evaluated by direct measurement. The shrinkage showed two periods during drying and had a considerable effect on the drying rate. An equation that relates the changes in the drying area as a function of the moisture content was determined. During drying, ginger showed only a falling rate period and exhibited a characteristic drying curve.

I would like to thank my committee, Drs. Meifen Wei, Karen Scheel, Nathanial Wade and Rosemary Perez. I appreciate your support both in this process but throughout my experiences with each of you in graduate school.I am also grateful for the loving support from my family who make their presence known, even a 1000-miles away. Thank you to my cohort for being my support as we survived the ups and downs of this program and thank you to my fellow lab members that have supported me through the research process.

No abstract

No abstract