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Diamond Intracrystalline Stable Isotope Chemical Image Analysis By Time-Of-Flight Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometery, Tyler J. Sundell Dec 2018

Diamond Intracrystalline Stable Isotope Chemical Image Analysis By Time-Of-Flight Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometery, Tyler J. Sundell

MSU Graduate Theses

The chemical resistance of diamond allows in-situ study of the diamond source regions. For a majority of gem quality diamonds, this source region is the sublithospheric mantle keel of a cratonic nuclei. Through analysis of stable isotopes, radiogenic isotopes and trace elements, diamond geochemical analyses can define chemical fluxes in the mantle keel. However, such studies require multiple methodologies for each chemical suite, high spatial resolution and analytical precision. Here, I evaluate Time-of-Flight Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometer (ToF-SIMS) as an alternative method for diamond geochemical analyses. ToF-SIMS analysis can perform in cation and anion mode to measure the entire periodic …


Certified Child Life Specialists' Perceptions Of Effective Psychosocial Interventions For Adolescents In Japanese Hospital Settings, Yukari Stickley Dec 2018

Certified Child Life Specialists' Perceptions Of Effective Psychosocial Interventions For Adolescents In Japanese Hospital Settings, Yukari Stickley

MSU Graduate Theses

Adolescents and young adults need psychosocial support in the hospital because of their developing abstract thinking skills that occur during puberty. In addition, it is important to understand the cultural differences of effective psychosocial interventions for adolescents between the United States of America (USA) and Japan. The purpose of this study is to determine perceptions of effective psychosocial interventions for Japanese adolescents based on the experiences of Certified Child Life Specialists (n = 8), who trained in the USA and were presently working in Japan. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the CCLSs in Japan through a one-time online …


Effects Of Parafluvial Flows On Interstitial Ammonia And Freshwater Mussels In The Buffalo National River, David Alan Johnson Dec 2018

Effects Of Parafluvial Flows On Interstitial Ammonia And Freshwater Mussels In The Buffalo National River, David Alan Johnson

MSU Graduate Theses

Freshwater mussel populations and distributions have declined over the past several decades in the Buffalo River, Arkansas. Among many possible causes, this study tested the hypothesis that ammonia concentrations in parafluvial flows through gravel bars might be high enough to impair the survival and growth of juvenile mussels. Ammonia, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured in interstitial and water column samples from gravel bars to test for possible longitudinal gradients. Samples were taken along 3 large bars at locations within the Buffalo National River, at approximate bi-weekly intervals between June and September of 2010. Water sample ammonia concentrations were …


Critical Pedagogy And The Ethics Of Care: How Values Affect The Classroom Dynamic, Colby D. Reed Dec 2018

Critical Pedagogy And The Ethics Of Care: How Values Affect The Classroom Dynamic, Colby D. Reed

MSU Graduate Theses

This thesis centers on the benefits of Paulo Freire’s critical and liberatory pedagogy for introductory composition classes when used as an ethical and moral template as opposed to a sociological ideology. Using care ethics as a lens, chapter one begins by addressing current difficulties and criticisms present in the discussion of care ethics and the pedagogy as the models for composition classes and then applying the ethics of critical and liberatory pedagogy to these issues. Chapter two builds on that by exploring what ethical and moral elements are present in Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed and how they relate to …


Evaluation Of Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum L.) Cultivars And Air Root Pruning For Edible Greens Production In The Midwest, Jesse Lee Carroll Dec 2018

Evaluation Of Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum L.) Cultivars And Air Root Pruning For Edible Greens Production In The Midwest, Jesse Lee Carroll

MSU Graduate Theses

Goji berry plants (Lycium barbarum L.) are grown across the globe for their berries and the health benefits that come from eating those berries. However, in Ningxia, China, Goji berry plants are also grown as a source of edible greens. In order to harvest the young green shoots, the plants are subjected to intense pruning and kept as a small, low-growing shrub. There is little information on this method of Goji berry management and greens production in the United States. The purpose of this research is to determine if Goji berry cultivars grown for berry production in the United …


How God Writes History: A Gramscian Analysis Of Religion And Nature In The Writings, Life, And Legacy Of John Muir, Daniel R. Jones Dec 2018

How God Writes History: A Gramscian Analysis Of Religion And Nature In The Writings, Life, And Legacy Of John Muir, Daniel R. Jones

MSU Graduate Theses

Representations of John Muir, America’s most famous environmentalist, and religion have been highly variegated. A mythological figure of American environmental politics, Muir and his legacy have been an ideological apparatus for presidents, environmentalists, and naturalists performing acts of identification for themselves and their country. Furthermore, religion and environmental scholars have often used Muir as a case study for what they call “nature religion.” Lost in this myth-making labor are the politics of sacred spaces and national discourse. Italian political theorist Antonio Gramsci developed the concept of common sense and the intellectual, which this thesis uses to analyze John Muir’s poetics …


Missouri Meat Goat Producers: A Focus Group Approach To Identify Opportunities And Challenges, Samantha N. Riley Dec 2018

Missouri Meat Goat Producers: A Focus Group Approach To Identify Opportunities And Challenges, Samantha N. Riley

MSU Graduate Theses

This study was conducted to better understand opportunities and challenges for Missouri meat goat producers. The meat goat industry is expanding and is one of the fastest growing segments of livestock production in the United States, both in inventory and markets for products produced from goats. This study used focus groups as a way to determine what a sampling of producers in Missouri see as opportunities and challenges based on themes and patterns found in the focus groups. The participants in the three focus groups did not always agree with the literature, but they did see the following as opportunities …


Effects Of Irrigation On Forage Growth Rates On Rotational Grazing Dairies, Zachary Davis Dec 2018

Effects Of Irrigation On Forage Growth Rates On Rotational Grazing Dairies, Zachary Davis

MSU Graduate Theses

The amount and timing of rainfall in Missouri can be very irregular. This causes issues for producers of agronomic products in the state who rely on forages for income. The most sensible approach to the problem is the use of irrigation. But there is little useful information to reference when implementing this management decision. By studying three different styles of irrigation (center pivot, spider, and k-line) on 4 species of forages native to Missouri (alfalfa, crabgrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue/clover), this study provides valuable insight as to the cost and benefit of irrigation. The main goal is to produce …


The Study Of Culturally Relevant Visual Imagery And Student Interest In Contemporary Secondary Art Classrooms, Carly Marie Anderson Dec 2018

The Study Of Culturally Relevant Visual Imagery And Student Interest In Contemporary Secondary Art Classrooms, Carly Marie Anderson

MSU Graduate Theses

Contemporary art pedagogy indicates some educators are using visual cultural exemplars that contain little cultural relevance to many students in their secondary art classrooms. The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ preferences and interests concerning visual imagery as the focus of curricular content in current secondary art classrooms in Southwest Missouri. This investigation began with a review of visual imagery within traditional fine art academies and what role this imagery plays in contemporary art rooms. The research question included: Were current secondary art students more interested in contemporary, culturally relevant imagery or traditional Eurocentric Western fine art imagery? …


Tree Song, Amie Elizabeth Case Dec 2018

Tree Song, Amie Elizabeth Case

MSU Graduate Theses

The Grace that flows through the three realms is fractured, and it’s Mauhiyn’s fault. She is a Daughter, the only living and direct descendant of the line of women who are vessels for the Grace that sustains the realms in a state of perfect balance. Because Mauhiyn is the first Daughter unable to carry the Grace, she is blamed for the turmoil and darkness in the realms. King Darbrend of the western realm claims Mauhiyn’s Grace is simply dormant, not absent. Mauhiyn is sent to King Darbrend with the hopes that his dark power will restore the Grace within her …


Effects Of Calcium Fertilization On Growth, Yield, And Nutrient Content Of Hydroponically Grown Radish Microgreens, Cady C. Goble Dec 2018

Effects Of Calcium Fertilization On Growth, Yield, And Nutrient Content Of Hydroponically Grown Radish Microgreens, Cady C. Goble

MSU Graduate Theses

Radish microgreens were grown in a hydroponic wicking system and subjected to a range of calcium chloride (Ca) solutions to evaluate growth, yield, and mineral content. A solution range of 0 to 160 mM Ca was applied to determine upper limits of Ca fertilization. Solutions above 20 mM Ca showed toxic effects to germination and growth, while 5 and 10 mM Ca resulted in the greatest percent of shoots that grew to a desired size for harvest (%H), as well as greater average hypocotyl length per plant (HL) and cotyledon surface area per plant (CSA). For subsequent experiments, Ca solution …


Did Hollywood Take Theatre "By Hook Or By Crook?", Catherine S. Wright Dec 2018

Did Hollywood Take Theatre "By Hook Or By Crook?", Catherine S. Wright

MSU Graduate Theses

Hollywood and Theatre have been partners in producing entertainment for over 100 years. The relationship was fruitful for both parties, but Hollywood moguls and playwrights battled over ownership of the work and crafting of its creative nucleus, story and character. Theatre was the dominant entertainment right before the rise of motion pictures. Once Hollywood’s talkies closed the curtain on silent films, playwrights had a high creative worth to movie makers. In the cinema, story and dialogue were essential for its survival and growth. Playwrights were courted by the Hollywood studio heads but were not offered equal partnership as they were …


An Adaptive Memory-Based Reinforcement Learning Controller, Keith August Cissell Dec 2018

An Adaptive Memory-Based Reinforcement Learning Controller, Keith August Cissell

MSU Graduate Theses

Recently, the use of autonomous robots for exploration has drastically expanded--largely due to innovations in both hardware technology and the development of new artificial intelligence methods. The wide variety of robotic agents and operating environments has led to the creation of many unique control strategies that cater to each specific agent and their goal within an environment. Most control strategies are single purpose, meaning they are built from the ground up for each given operation. Here we present a single, reinforcement learning control solution for autonomous exploration intended to work across multiple agent types, goals, and environments. The solution presented …


Exploring The Role Of Social Media In The Identity Development Of Trans Individuals, B. Doss Dec 2018

Exploring The Role Of Social Media In The Identity Development Of Trans Individuals, B. Doss

MSU Graduate Theses

This study explores the role of social media in the identity development of trans individuals and whether it can be viewed as a means to gain social support and thus enhance positive identity development. Traditional models of identity development, as well as those for trans individuals, count social support as a key factor in psychosocial well-being, and adaptive coping. However, many trans people may face difficulty in finding or accessing direct social support. This study consisted of five semi-structured interviews with trans individuals exploring their experiences using social media and their perceptions of its influence on their identity development. Using, …


Vocabulary Depth And Language Use Of Heritage Learners, Elsy B. Shuford Dec 2018

Vocabulary Depth And Language Use Of Heritage Learners, Elsy B. Shuford

MSU Graduate Theses

Persons whose home environment features a non-majority language are known as heritage speakers. The nature and conditions of Spanish heritage speakers’ interaction with their heritage language significantly affects their command of it. The aim of this study is to explore vocabulary depth among 10-year-old heritage language speakers in Springfield, Missouri, and its relationship to language use at home. This study adds to the body of knowledge related to heritage language development by exploring language use at home and church activities, as well as vocabulary depth in Spanish heritage speakers in the Springfield metropolitan area by investigating social and linguistic aspects …


Modeling The Response Of Black Walnut -Dominant Mixed Hardwoods To Seasonal Climate Effects With Uav-Based Hyperspectral Sensor And Aerial Photogrammetry, Tyler G. Bradford Dec 2018

Modeling The Response Of Black Walnut -Dominant Mixed Hardwoods To Seasonal Climate Effects With Uav-Based Hyperspectral Sensor And Aerial Photogrammetry, Tyler G. Bradford

MSU Graduate Theses

The development of compact sensors in recent years has inspired the use of UAS-based hyperspectral and aerial imaging techniques for small-scale remote sensing applications. With increasing concerns about climate change, spectrally-derived vegetation indices (VIs) have proven useful for quantifying stress-induced vegetation response. The goal of this study was to develop predictive models and assess methodology for modeling the biological response of a black walnut -dominant mixed hardwood stand to seasonal climate events using UAV-based hyperspectral remote-sensing. The derived VIs were evaluated against the means of four seasonal measures of climate calculated for a two-week period prior to the flight date. …


The Impact Of Black Lives Matter Movement Publicity On Juror Decision Making, Emily R. Nerness Dec 2018

The Impact Of Black Lives Matter Movement Publicity On Juror Decision Making, Emily R. Nerness

MSU Graduate Theses

Others have investigated separately whether general pretrial publicity (PTP) or racial salience have an impact on juror decision making, but no one has explored a potential connection between the two. With information about the Black lives matter (BLM) movement recurring in the media, the question arises of whether news about the BLM movement can increase racial salience, thereby influencing juror decision making. The present research addressed whether 1) exposing participants to pro-BLM or negative-BLM news articles would influence verdicts and guilt ratings when compared to a control group, 2) whether this PTP effect would be different for Black versus White …


Impacts Of Cover Crop Mixtures On Productivity Of Cropping Systems, Brionna Lee West Dec 2018

Impacts Of Cover Crop Mixtures On Productivity Of Cropping Systems, Brionna Lee West

MSU Graduate Theses

A field study and a meta-analysis were conducted to compare the impact of cover crops on carbon and nitrogen dynamics and cash crop yield. The field study included six treatments: winter cereal rye, winter cereal rye-Austrian winter pea at two seeding rates, cereal rye-Austrian winter pea-radish at two seeding rates, and a no cover control. Meta-analysis data sets were compiled from studies published between 1994 and 2017. Treatments were grouped into the following classifications: monoculture, binary mix, polyculture, or control. In both the field study and meta-analysis, cover crops did not affect cash crop yield. However, plant biomass and plant …


Evaluating The Correlations Between Teacher–Student Relationships, Friendship, And Reading And Writing Achievement, Jessica Ridder Dec 2018

Evaluating The Correlations Between Teacher–Student Relationships, Friendship, And Reading And Writing Achievement, Jessica Ridder

MSU Graduate Theses

The purpose of this correlational study is to assess the extent to which teacher–student relationships, children’s friendship, writing scores and reading scores are related to one another among young children. Understanding the correlations between these variables could further assist teachers and students when working towards successful school experiences. Measures used with kindergarten and first grade teachers and students (n=83) include the validated short form of the Student–Teacher Relationship Scale, a whole group oral survey adapted from the Friendship Features Interview for Young Children, and reading and writing scores. Relationship areas studied include teacher–student closeness and conflict, as well as friendship …


The Lingering Menace, Logan M. Burke Dec 2018

The Lingering Menace, Logan M. Burke

MSU Graduate Theses

This thesis applies modern approaches to better examine a largely neglected nativist publication, The Menace. This thesis also challenges the importance scholars have placed on formal associations, including prominent nativist groups such as the Klan. Instead, this thesis will focus on The Menace, a print publication that was mainstream with respect to its popularity as well as in the way it was produced. At the same time, The Menace was also similar to other nativist groups in the way it viewed race, gender, and religion.


Relative Contribution Of Physical Interference And Allelopathy To Weed Suppression By Winter Annual Cover Crop Mixtures, Alyssa D. Travlos Dec 2018

Relative Contribution Of Physical Interference And Allelopathy To Weed Suppression By Winter Annual Cover Crop Mixtures, Alyssa D. Travlos

MSU Graduate Theses

Cover cropping systems are widely used in crop production systems to prevent erosion, improve soil health, and suppress weeds. Common cover cropping systems include combinations of cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), Brassica species, legumes, and other winter annual species. Three cover crop mixtures (cereal rye alone, cereal rye plus winter pea, and cereal rye plus winter pea plus radish) were applied using three methods (fresh residue, dried leached residue, and leachate) to common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus var. rudis) and large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.]. The experiment was conducted once in a greenhouse and once in a …


Floral Consumer Experience Study, Wenonah Marie Marlin Dec 2018

Floral Consumer Experience Study, Wenonah Marie Marlin

MSU Graduate Theses

The main objectives of this research is to identify the retailer controlled variable that are significant to increase floral purchases. Surveys were sent to MSU alumni and dispersed through social media. Respondents answered questions regarding floral purchasing patterns, floral product selection and quality, consumer attitude and socio-demographics. Responses were separated and compared by generation. Results show that Baby Boomers and older are more likely to purchase flowers more often, floral purchases are seasonal and flower type and a stylish shop are important to consumers.


Investigating The Attitudes Of Adolescent Male Singers In Gender Choirs, Heidi Joy Williamson Dec 2018

Investigating The Attitudes Of Adolescent Male Singers In Gender Choirs, Heidi Joy Williamson

MSU Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of gender choirs within a middle school choral classroom to investigate (a) attitudes about singing, (b) confidence and self-efficacy of their own voices, and (c) peer perceptions of adolescent males’ participation in choir. Data were obtained from 40 students, in Grades 7 or 8, who were enrolled in a male gender choir at one of the five participating middle schools. Most participants enrolled in choir because they thought choir was fun, and they were good singers. Most participants did not think that choir was “better” when the genders were separated. …


Nesting Success And Habitat Preference Of The Barn Owl (Tyto Alba) In Southwest Missouri, Samantha Ann Meilink Dec 2018

Nesting Success And Habitat Preference Of The Barn Owl (Tyto Alba) In Southwest Missouri, Samantha Ann Meilink

MSU Graduate Theses

The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is a cavity-dwelling species and has been known to inhabit both natural and artificial cavities, such as nest boxes. The Barn Owl has a global distribution and can be found as far north as British Columbia and as far south as South America. They have a stable population in the United States; however, although generally stable in the United States, Missouri populations have experienced recent declines, prompting their listing as a species of special concern. In order to assist conservation efforts, land cover needs to be assessed to determine where it is best to place …


Comparative Study Of U.S. And E.U. Experiences With Policies On Immigration Controls, Daniel Brady Dec 2018

Comparative Study Of U.S. And E.U. Experiences With Policies On Immigration Controls, Daniel Brady

MSU Graduate Theses

The year 2015 marked a colossal change in how the world views immigration. The migration crisis of Europe and the emergence of President Donald Trump continue to have lasting impacts. Major political, demographic, and social conflicts are playing out in the U.S. and Europe over migration. In the U.S., President Trump has been able to enact anti-immigration sentiment into policy. Contrary to that, in Europe, the 28 member states of the European Union have failed to come up with a clear, unifying plan to deal with the migration crisis. The consequences of migration will be harsher and less manageable in …


Territorial Behavior In Southern Red-Backed And Ozark Zigzag Salamanders: Effects Of Sex, Species, And Ownership, Colton Savage Lynn Aug 2018

Territorial Behavior In Southern Red-Backed And Ozark Zigzag Salamanders: Effects Of Sex, Species, And Ownership, Colton Savage Lynn

MSU Graduate Theses

Territorial disputes are common among terrestrial woodland salamanders (genus Plethodon). Males and females of both Ozark zigzag (P. angusticlavius) and southern red-backed (P. serratus) salamanders are territorial, but differing costs and benefits between sexes may influence the expression of territorial behavior. I compared the competitive and exploratory behavior of males and females of both species in laboratory experiments. Competitive behavior was assessed through staged contests between same-sex, same-sized conspecifics. There were no differences between males and females for territory owners (residents). Female intruders were more aggressive than male intruders, spending more time in and performing higher grades …


Application Of Nano-Plasmonics For Sers Bio-Detection And Photocatalysis In The Same Platform, Muhammad R. Shattique Aug 2018

Application Of Nano-Plasmonics For Sers Bio-Detection And Photocatalysis In The Same Platform, Muhammad R. Shattique

MSU Graduate Theses

Nano-biological systems interfacing nano-structured solid surfaces with biological compounds such as oligonucleotides or proteins are highly regarded as enabling materials for biosensing and biocatalysis applications. In particular, nanostructures of noble metals such as gold or silver, when exposed to light, exhibit a phenomenon known as surface plasmon resonance. When a proper metal nanostructure (plasmonic substrate) is exposed to light, very efficient absorption of incoming photons is possible, resulting in a buildup of localized high-energy regions, or “hot-spots”, where energetic carriers or “hot carriers” can be created. These hot-carriers can be used to catalyze desired chemical transformations in materials located nearby. …


Development Of Rapid, Homogeneous Assay For Investigating Isopeptide Bond Formation Using Fluorescence Polarization/Depolarization Measurements, Samuel Patricc Kasson Aug 2018

Development Of Rapid, Homogeneous Assay For Investigating Isopeptide Bond Formation Using Fluorescence Polarization/Depolarization Measurements, Samuel Patricc Kasson

MSU Graduate Theses

Autocatalytic intramolecular isopeptide bonds have been found in nature in certain gram-positive bacterial pilus structures. Recently, splitting of these domains that are capable of autocatalytic intramolecular isopeptide bond formation have been applied to create stable, selective, bio-orthogonal Catcher/Tag systems. The CnaB2 domain found in the FbaB pilus structure of Streptococcus pyogenes, has yielded the Catcher/Tag, Protein/Peptide systems termed SpyCatchter and SpyTag. Recent study has focused on tag optimization, stability and bio-orthogonality evaluation, along with applications in bioconjugation. I have recombinantly expressed SpyCatcher and SpyTag-fused proteins in E.coli, and conjugated them to fluorescent probes in order for use in fluorescence polarization/depolarization …


Macrophytes And Atrazine In Ponds Of Southwest Missouri, Christine Michelle Cornish Aug 2018

Macrophytes And Atrazine In Ponds Of Southwest Missouri, Christine Michelle Cornish

MSU Graduate Theses

Wetlands are often the ultimate destination of agrochemicals. The increased use of these pollutants has resulted in their increased transport, via runoff and spray drift, into wetlands. Atrazine, a commonly used herbicide, has been detected in surface water, groundwater, soil, and sediment, and has shown to have adverse impacts on aquatic biota, such as fish and amphibians. Few studies have reported on the relationships between atrazine and macrophytes. I measured atrazine concentrations in surface sediments in agricultural, conservation, and golf course ponds of southwest Missouri, and investigated how those concentrations might be related to macrophyte communities, and pond environmental characteristics. …


Effects Of Neem On Plasmatocyte Counts In Galleria Mellonella Larvae, Michael Anthony Fenske Aug 2018

Effects Of Neem On Plasmatocyte Counts In Galleria Mellonella Larvae, Michael Anthony Fenske

MSU Graduate Theses

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) has been called the tree of the 21st century, due to its many beneficial properties. This research studies the effects of neem products on plasmatocytes of Galleria mellonella larvae challenged by injections of Sumi ink. Counts of circulating plasmatocytes increased in response to the ink within 4 hours. Concurrent injections of neem essential oil reversed this process in a dose-dependent manner. Methanolic extracts of neem essential oil had similar effects on counts of circulating plasmatocytes mobilized by ink injections. Aqueous extracts from neem bark did not have effects on plasmatocyte counts. Comparative …