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Russian Chemical And Biological Weapons: Limiting The Effects Of Russian Cbw Programs On Nato Security Through 2035, Jason Gregory Porter

MSU Graduate Theses

This thesis uses qualitative research methods to: (1) assess the extent and capabilities of Russia’s modern chemical and biological weapons programs, (2) assess Russian compliance with arms control agreements, (3) determine the threats Russian chemical and biological weapons pose to NATO security, (4) assess NATO’s existing strategy against the modern chemical and biological threat, and (5) provide recommendations for U.S. and NATO policies and programs to mitigate the threat of these programs in the short and medium term. This project demonstrates that Russian chemical and biological weapons programs have remained consistently in violation of international arms control agreements since the …

Quantum Dots' Toxicity: A Multi-Level Investigation On The Impact Of Quantum Dots On The Actin Cytoskeleton, Nhi Le

MSU Graduate Theses

Quantum dots (QDs) are fluorescence nanomaterials with unique optical and physical properties. As such, they are highly sought after for their potential use in several biomedical and industrial applications. Despite their vast potential, recent studies have suggested that quantum dots are toxic to cells. Yet, the mechanism of quantum dots’ toxicity remains unclear. As such, my thesis aims to comprehensively examine the mechanism of quantum dots’ toxicity, emphasizing how quantum dots disrupt the actin cytoskeleton. In this study, I used RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry to investigate the influence of CdSe/ZnS QDs on the transcriptomic proteomic level of Saccharomyces cerevisiae …

Tracing Global Experiences To Employer Favorability, Sarah E. Mccord

MSU Graduate Theses

Globalization has elevated society's workforce contributions, forcing employees to have global competence for career success. Global competence is a term used to describe the proficiencies an individual can gain from experienced-based learning opportunities, like study away. This form of experiential learning has proven to have many benefits for students in secondary and higher education. Existing evidence suggests cross-cultural and international experiences provide travelers with professional, intellectual, and integral traits, increasing their working social capital and aiding in experiential learning. However, research is lacking if employers desire study abroad experience in their new hires and/or if global competence is a skill …

Exploring Band Students' Motivations Regarding Instrument Selection, Aaron S. Morley

MSU Graduate Theses

When choosing a beginning band instrument, students are faced with a choice that may be influenced by a variety of factors. These factors also interest band directors, who want students to choose an instrument that will be a good fit for their strengths while also being engaging to them. To assist directors in guiding students through instrument selection it is helpful to know what factors could influence students when they are choosing an instrument. To identify the factors that students report as impactful, beginning band students in five northwest Missouri school districts were surveyed about the influence of selected factors. …

Scene Understanding And Spatial Analysis Using Scene Graph Enhanced By Hall's Proxemics Zones In Smart Homes, Debaleen Das Spandan

MSU Graduate Theses

Voice-controlled smart assistants have received widespread popularity. It plays a pivotal role in smart homes by providing a natural and convenient interface for interacting with smart devices. However, these assistants are unable to serve persons with physical disabilities and speech impairments. Therefore, non-verbal communication methods, such as eye tracking, gesture recognition, and context awareness can complement and overcome some of these limitations to enhance user experience in smart homes. To address this issue, I am investigating non-verbal communication methods to make smart home technology more accessible and intuitive. In this research, I focus on proxemics, i.e., the study of distance …

Characterization Of The Interaction Of Three Domains Of Nlrp2 (Pyd, Lrr, And Nacht) With Ebp1 Protein, Rakshya Bhatta

MSU Graduate Theses

NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are cytoplasmic proteins essential for various immune responses such as reactions to infectious diseases, metabolic and cellular damage, fetal development, and cancer. Among the 22 identified NLR proteins, research has highlighted the significant roles of NLRP2 in fetal development. NLRP2 is also classified as a maternal effect gene and the mutation to this gene can lead to DNA methylation imprinting defects, altered gene expression, and conditions such as recurrent miscarriages (RMs). The protein EBP1, which has been found to have roles in embryonic development has been implicated in the regulation of DNA methylation. Recent studies have also …

Evaluating The Maintenance Of Verbal Relational Operants Following Peak Programming, Jenna Huskey

MSU Graduate Theses

The Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge (PEAK) Relational Training System is an assessment and curriculum tool developed for basic and advanced language skills using behavior analytic approaches (Dixon, 2016). Maintenance describes the retention of performance following the progression of time. In the present study, the purpose was to determine if maintenance was achieved on previously mastered PEAK programs, both in terms of the content and the verbal relational operant (i.e., generalization to new, untrained content). De-identified data were analyzed for five autistic learners (six to fourteen years old) receiving ABA services at a Midwestern clinic. Programs were selected from …

Assessing Interatomic Potentials For Molecular Dynamics Simulation Of Soybean Oil Pyrolysis, Tanner Garrett Rust

MSU Graduate Theses

The world today relies on hydrocarbon combustion for many reasons, including its high energy density that provides ease of transportation. However, hydrocarbons sourced from fossil fuels are not expected to last forever. Biodiesel, a renewable alternative, has many attractive benefits but comes with other downsides. Biodiesel can gel in cold environments and may leave residue in an engine. Pyrolysis of biodiesel has shown promise in addressing these common detriments. Inducing pyrolysis on biodiesel feedstock (commonly soybean oil in the USA) would be an attractive option presuming it continues to produce fossil fuel analogs similar to biodiesel pyrolysis. Herein, Langevin molecular …

Geology Of The Bishop 7.5-Minute Quadrangle And Geophysical Modeling To Constrain Syndepositional Deformation Of The Black Warrior Foreland Basin, Joseph Edward Lane

MSU Graduate Theses

The Black Warrior basin is a foreland basin formed by the Ouachita–Appalachian orogeny during the late Paleozoic Era. Mississippian strata record the transition from the carbonate platform within the Tuscumbia Limestone to the clastic-rich units within the overlying Pride Mountain Formation and Hartselle Sandstone. The western and southern-most fringes of the Black Warrior basin are covered by thin, post orogenic Cretaceous sediments of the East Gulf Coastal Plain. Geological mapping of the Bishop 7.5-Minute quadrangle revealed subtle deformation in Mississippian strata in the form of gentle folds (

Development Of Functional Plasmonic Nanoceria For The Ultrasensitive Detection Of Ebola Glycoprotein, Carissa A. Sutton

MSU Graduate Theses

Infectious diseases have been increasing in both severity and prevalence, leading to increasing economic burdens and health concerns. Ebola hemorrhagic fever is an infectious disease that is both highly communicable and highly fatal. Current detection methods for the virus have high specificity and sensitivity but have long and/or complicated procedures that do not allow for early virus detection in highly affected areas. Compared to the lengthy procedure of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR is more time-efficient; however, specificity and sensitivity are reduced. Since early detection of the virus is the only way to increase survival rates, sensitive detection …

Invites Only: Exploring Social Dynamics And Self-Image Through Oil Paint, Mara Cressey

MSU Graduate Theses

My thesis work depicts the events of a fictional party. Using oil paint, I create multi-figure works that feature recurring characters, various narratives, complex relationships, and emotions associated with this fictitious evening. Within this painted realm, I portray a more confident, powerful version of myself; an alter ego, who exists alongside these various characters. Drawing inspiration from compositional strategies from Renaissance art history and Christian altarpieces, I paint on large-scale, shaped canvas and paper to suggest doors, windows, and other domestic, interior spaces. Additionally, these shapes allow me to juxtapose suggestions of prominence and divinity with satire, irreverence, and profanity. …

Strategic Implications Caused By Hypersonic Strike Weapons, Marc D. Johnson

MSU Graduate Theses

Emerging technology is having a substantial impact on strategic stability. This thesis will analyze the impact of developing hypersonic weapon systems globally on strategic stability. Hypersonic weapons are defined as weapons that travel at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5). Hypersonic Strike Weapons (HSW) are hypersonic weapons capable of maneuvering at hypersonic speeds that makes them much more difficult to engage when traveling at such high speeds. They are a relatively new technology that is currently being pursued by multiple nations throughout the world.

The United States is currently the only country that has officially declared all …

The Effect Of Email Communication On Professor-Student Rapport, Academic Self-Efficacy, Resiliency, Motivation, And Spirituality, David J. Heim

MSU Graduate Theses

Student retention and success rates are an increasing concern among collegiate administrators and educators. This study examined the influence of a college instructor’s email communications on professor-student rapport, student academic self-efficacy, resilience, motivation, and success. Researchers hypothesized that the student participants who received the encouraging email communications from their professor would demonstrate higher levels of professor-student rapport, higher levels of academic self-efficacy, resiliency, and success compared to the students who receive standard email communications from their professor. Five scales were utilized in this study including Professor-Student Rapport Scale, Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30), Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES), …

Inorganic Chemical Reasoning Skills: An Exploratory Study Into Understanding Students’ Choices And Thought Processes, Hannah P. Thompson

MSU Graduate Theses

Predicting the products of reactions is a fundamental skill for practicing inorganic chemists. However, the current knowledge of the strategies that students use to solve them is limited. Presumably, instructors of inorganic chemistry courses give complete-the-reaction assessment items hoping that students will use their knowledge of inorganic concepts to solve them; but it is conceivable that a successful student could use heuristics or domain general problem-solving methods. I proposed this study to determine which strategies were used by students when solving complete-the-reaction tasks in inorganic chemistry, and also to make qualitative connections between strategy and accuracy. This was done in …

Experience Of Parents Attending A Perinatal Lullaby Program, Emily J. Skeers

MSU Graduate Theses

Previous research performed with mother–infant dyads has demonstrated that infant–directed singing may make significant contributions to mother–infant attachment, may reduce infant stress, reduce maternal stress, assist mothers and babies with emotional regulation, improve mother–infant interactions, prevent colic, and improve infant sleep. Despite these benefit potentials, parents of today are much less likely to sing to their infants than parents of previous generations. Attendance of postnatal lullaby education programs has been associated with increased maternal singing at home and confidence in their parenting role. Perinatal lullaby programs are not represented in the literature. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of …

Carbaryl-Induced Leaf Necrosis In Vitis Rupestris B-38, Courtney Nicole Duncan

MSU Graduate Theses

Agricultural insecticides are formulated to target insects while minimizing harm to the intended crop. In rare instances, however, insecticides induce harmful physiological reactions in certain plant genomes, inflicting severe tissue damage. This project investigated the genetic basis of such a reaction observed in the grape genotype Vitis rupestris B38 following exposure to the insecticide carbaryl, which manifests as interveinal leaf necrosis. Through analysis of an F1 hybrid progeny of this grapevine, I mapped this phenotype to a QTL on chromosome 16. The carbaryl-sensitive trait was repeatedly mapped to the same locus using phenotype data from two different field locations and …

Recollection, Shelby Ann Theis-Lukenbill

MSU Graduate Theses

My work is inspired by life's transient nature and objects' enduring capacity to house memories. The delicate sculptures I create combine second-hand objects with paper to capture the essence of moments and possessions that define personal histories. The objects I use represent more than their form or chemistry; they are imbued with fragments of history and memory that I am driven to preserve. In this work, the sentimental nature and purpose of my belongings hold an equal or greater value than the physical nature and purpose of those belongings. I illuminate an object’s sentimentality by combining its form with painted …

Bank Erosion Dynamics In Response To Anthropogenic Disturbances In The Cuivre River Watershed Of Missouri, Usa, Nathan Douglas Sines

MSU Graduate Theses

Riverbank erosion is increasingly recognized as a pressing issue exacerbated by human activities. The Cuivre River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, located in northeast Missouri, has limited documentation on bank erosion, with the most recent study conducted in the early 1990s. This research aims to fill this gap by exploring the stream bank erosion dynamics from 1816 to 2015. The objectives are to: (i) understand the channel width dynamics for 1816 to 1994 ii) determine the sediment erosion and deposition volume along the riverbank in the period of 1994 to 2015. iii) identify the anthropogenic disturbances particularly land use …

Gastrointestinal Parasite Prevalence Of Missouri Dogs Against Various Risk Factors, Mattie Cobban

MSU Graduate Theses

Gastrointestinal parasites infect various mammalian species, including dogs, causing symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, anemia, and possible death. Some gastrointestinal parasites possess zoonotic potential posing risk to dog owners, shelter workers, trainers, veterinary staff, groomers, and the public since dogs have access to public areas such as parks and stores. This study aims to understand the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in southwest Missouri under different environmental conditions. Fecal samples were collected from the Polk County Humane Society, local dog trials, and dog owners. The Mini-FLOTAC fecal flotation method was employed to quantify the type and number of parasite ova …

Navigating The Future Of Global Challenges: Analyzing U.S. Foreign Policy In The 21st Century, Chance Lee Hepola

MSU Graduate Theses

In recent years, traditional American foreign policy norms have been rocked by dissent and challenges to the status quo. The rise of American populism, the 2016 election, and the admiration of ‘America First’ policies have contributed to the shift of modern American internationalism and statecraft to a retreat towards isolationism and a wariness to theinternational order. More so, questions regarding the United States’ role in NATO, approach to Ukrainian aid, and the ever-evolving Israel-Hamas War have all but exacerbated the issue of the American approach to foreign policy. Members of Congress, both from the left and the right, are deeply …

Evaluating The Normative Development And Efficacy Of The Life Functional Module, Kaitlyn A. Hui

MSU Graduate Theses

The Life Functional Module (Dixon, 2020) is an all-encompassing assessment and curriculum designed to promote learner’s independence and well-being by teaching daily living, social, leisure, and other functional or meaningful skills. There is a wide variety of curricula that is currently used in applied-behavior analysis services and programming, including the Essentials for Living, Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS), and the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). However, there is a lack of research in empirical evidence in regards to the efficacy of these curricula (Ackley et. al, 2019; Padilla et. al, 2023). The first manuscript of this …

Evaluating The Interdependency Of The Peak Comprehensive Assessment As It Relates To Performance Estimation And Curricular Programming For Autistic Learners, Julia A. Busam

MSU Graduate Theses

Assessments are widely used by behavior analysts throughout the field of Applied Behavior Analysis when determining curriculum and intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This thesis combines and discusses two collaborative manuscripts that revolve around the subject of one commonly used ABA assessment and curriculum. The PEAK Relational Training System (PEAK, Dixon 2014-2016) provides a wide-ranging assessment and training program that incorporates Skinnerian verbal operant learning and derived relational responding expressed in contemporary Relational Frame Theories (Hayes et al., 2001). The PEAK Comprehensive Assessment (PEAK-CA; Dixon, 2018) was developed to standardize and streamline assessments from all four PEAK …

Nobody's Perfect: Examining The Relationship Between Parenting Traits And Perfectionism And The Impact Of Maladaptive Versus Adaptive Perfectionism On Cortisol Regulation After Receiving Criticism, Olivia G. Baron

MSU Graduate Theses

The trait of perfectionism has been related to both internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Parenting traits, and attachment tendencies affect how children develop relationships and impact them into their adult lives. Parents have a large impact on their child’s personality traits, coping styles, and modeling reactions to outward criticism. Criticism, especially criticism delivered by parents, has been linked to perfectionism. Perfectionism often involves a self-critical component, though perfectionists have not been studied to examine stress responses (e.g. cortisol change) when receiving criticism. This study examined the relationships between parenting traits (positive and negative) and perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive). Cortisol change scores …

Beach Erosion And Recovery Since Hurricane Ivan In 2004 Along A Headland-Bay Coast In Treasure Beach, Jamaica, Elandé Engelbrecht

MSU Graduate Theses

Anthropogenic climate change is causing sea-level rise and shoreline changes that threaten the environment and economy of coastal communities in Caribbean Island nations. To assess this risk, this study quantifies shoreline changes at Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth Parish on the south coast of Jamaica from 2001 to 2023. The effects of storm events on erosion were also assessed. Over 10 km of shoreline are assessed with about half being sandy pocket beaches ranging from 300 to 900 m in length, separated by rocky headlands and beach rock outcrops. Sand beach erosion trends since 2001 are assessed for seven sandy …

Determining Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid Adsorption On Nanoparticles Using Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry, Iqra Shakoor

MSU Graduate Theses

The contamination of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS, C₈F₁₇SO₃H) in water is considered a threat to humans and the environment. The strength of carbon and fluorine bond is responsible for its high stability in the environment. Therefore, it can be transferred from the environment to food sources and eventually humans. This study assessed the ability of nanoparticles to adsorb PFOS from water. The experiment was performed by preparing suspensions of PFOS (10 ppm) and different concentrations (1000 ppm, 500 ppm, 250 ppm) of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂-NPs) or magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs). The suspensions …

Aromatherapies And Stress: An Examination Of Saliva Sclarea In Acute Stress Conditions, Emily J. Van Gundy

MSU Graduate Theses

The use of essential oils as an alternative medicine in the United States is becoming increasingly popular as more accreditation is given to its therapeutic values. With this increase in use, we must continue to examine the uses of essential oils, including associated risks. One unavoidable aspect of life is stress, both acute and chronic. This study aims to better our understanding of the stress-reducing properties of the essential oil clary sage (salvia sclarea) after an experimentally induced acute stress experience. The Trier Social Stress Test was used to elicit an acute stress response. Participants were given the scent of …

Body. Freedom. Choice: Creating Artwork In Post-Roe America, Erin Sedra

MSU Graduate Theses

I knew from a young age that I never wanted children. Whenever I expressed my disinterest in motherhood, I was often met with bewilderment, disapproval, and hostility. The church I was raised in taught me that my value and worth as a woman directly correlated with the power of my birthing hips. This fundamentalist upbringing has significantly shaped my relationship with my femininity, my body, and my artwork. When I feel powerless, turning to my art gives me a sense of control and self-expression. This body of work began as a reaction to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and …

Assessing The Effects Of Experimentally Contrived Negative Emotional Contexts On Affect, Willingness, And Impulsivity, Amanda Nicole Middleton

MSU Graduate Theses

Emotions are a naturally occurring and unavoidable part of life. To investigate the role that negative emotional experiencing plays in transfer of stimulus function, relational behavior, and intervention effectiveness, this thesis combines and explores the implications of two manuscripts that examine the effects of negative emotional contexts. Specifically, the first chapter presents research demonstrating the ability of operant schedules of reinforcement and respondent relational training to result in acquired affective and willingness stimulus functions. A between groups design demonstrated that when paired with a frustration-inducing task, negatively valenced functions can be established for arbitrary stimuli, and when observational pairing was …

Women In Religious Leadership Roles, Amanda Wadkins

MSU Graduate Theses

The experiences of women in leadership have been well studied in academia, but there remains a gap in the literature regarding and understanding of the experiences of women who are in religious leadership roles. I examined what challenges these women experience in their roles, and how they make sense of those challenges, using the constant comparative method of data analysis to analyze interviews with 12 women who have leadership roles within their protestant church or nonprofit organization. The results indicate that these individuals experience challenges that are consistent with past research on women in leadership. However, the results also illustrate …

Lack Of Protocol Standardization For Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials, Kendall J. Werhane

MSU Graduate Theses

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) are used in the field of Audiology to allow us to evaluate otolith and vestibular nerve function, which provides us with information that prior testing could not exclusively identify. While the collection of data from VEMPs is useful for many audiologic and vestibular diagnoses, achieving accurate recordings can be challenging due to the complex nature of testing. The article below will take a deep dive into different VEMP devices and the protocol they used to record VEMPs on their participants. The purpose of developing state-of-the-art (SOTA) equipment for VEMP testing is to ensure that the …