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Covariant Density Functional Theory: From Basic Features To Exotic Nuclei, Ahmad Taninah

Theses and Dissertations

Covariant density functional theory (CDFT) is one of the modern theoretical tools for the description of finite nuclei and neutron stars. Its performance is defined by underlying covariant energy density functionals (CEDFs) which depend on a number of parameters. Several investigations within the CDFT framework using the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) approach are discussed in this dissertation.

Statistical errors in ground state observables and single-particle properties of spherical even-even nuclei and their propagation to the limits of nuclear landscape have been investigated in the covariant energy density functionals with nonlinear density dependency. The parametric correlations are studied in different classes of …

Impact Of Climate Oscillations/Indices On Hydrological Variables In The Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer., Meena Raju

Theses and Dissertations

The Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer (MRVAA) is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States. The main objectives of this research are to identify long term trends and change points in hydrological variables (streamflow and rainfall), to assess the relationship between hydrological variables, and to evaluate the influence of global climate indices on hydrological variables. Non-parametric tests, MMK and Pettitt’s tests were used to analyze trend and change points. PCC and Streamflow elasticity analysis were used to analyze the relationship between streamflow and rainfall and the sensitivity of streamflow to rainfall changes. PCC and MLR analysis …

Wavelet Methods For Solving Fractional-Order Dynamical Systems, Kobra Rabiei

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation we focus on fractional-order dynamical systems and classify these problems as optimal control of system described by fractional derivative, fractional-order nonlinear differential equations, optimal control of systems described by variable-order differential equations and delay fractional optimal control problems. These problems are solved by using the spectral method and reducing the problem to a system of algebraic equations. In fact for the optimal control problems described by fractional and variable-order equations, the variables are approximated by chosen wavelets with unknown coefficients in the constraint equations, performance index and conditions. Thus, a fractional optimal control problem is converted to …

Physical Activity In Individuals With Down Syndrome: A Qualitative Examination Of The Perspectives Of Guardians And Health Professionals, Emma Schultz

Theses and Dissertations

Identifying factors that influence physical activity (PA) among individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is essential for PA promotion. Insight can be gained from guardians and health professionals. The purpose was to compare guardians and health professional perspectives on facilitators and barriers of PA in individuals with DS. Interviews were conducted with 11 guardians (5 mothers, 4 fathers, 2 legal guardians) and 11 professionals (4 PA specialists, 3 physical therapists, 4 occupational therapists). Grounded Theory was applied to data analysis. Barriers and facilitators fit the levels of the Ecological Model of Health Behavior: (a) Intrapersonal (perceived rewards); (b) Interpersonal (interaction); (c) …

Step-Growth Polymerization Of Perfluoro-Vinyl Ether, -Cycloalkenes, And -Acyclic Alkenes With Bisphenols Containing Variable Polycyclic Aromatic Cores, Karl Mpumbwa Mukeba

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation reports the synthesis and characterization of semi-fluorinated polymers derived from the polymerization of bisphenols with fluoroalkenes. A series of diverse bisphenols were chosen from popular commercial bisphenols and new polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derived bisphenols requiring synthesis. Step-growth condensation polymerization of bisphenols with three different fluoroalkene types was performed while probing polymerization conditions and the structure/properties relationship of the resulting fluoropolymers. The fluoroalkene monomers were chosen from bis(trifluorovinyloxy)biphenyl (TFVE), perfluorocyclohexene (PFCH), and perfluoro acyclic monomers, namely, perfluoro(4-methyl-2-pentene) and 1-perfluoroheptene to undergo this chemistry.

This work is divided into four parts based on the polymerization methodology.

The first …

“Infantry Would Not Do:” Appalachia, The Environment, And The Evolution Of Mountain Warfare During The American Civil War, Lucas Michael Wilder

Theses and Dissertations

Union General Ambrose E. Burnside launched his invasion of East Tennessee in the summer of 1863. The corps he used consisted of half-infantry and half-mounted units to utilize their speed to overcome mountain obstacles. The successful campaign and the capture of the agriculturally rich region of East Tennessee and its vital East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad deprived the Confederacy of resources, ultimately contributing to Confederate defeat. The American Civil War saw commanders plunge into the mountains of Appalachia and encounter a terrain and a people with which many were unacquainted. This dissertation argues that their tactics and strategies for dealing …

Do Opposites Attract…Or Aggravate? The Impact Of Intergenerational Solidarity On Well-Being, Rachel K. Scott

Theses and Dissertations

Family Systems Theory provides a framework for examining how values are transmitted between family members, and the overall impact transmission has on familial well-being. While familial emotional closeness has been linked to older-adult well-being, there is still a lack of research investigating the influence of ideological agreement between family members. This study examined grandparent-child and grandparent-grandchild dyads to assess the extent to which level of agreement on religious and political ideological beliefs moderates the relation between perceived intergenerational emotional closeness and well-being in grandparents. Affectual solidarity ratings among the generations, as well as religious ideological differences between grandparents and grandchildren, …

Phase-Field Simulations Of The Precipitation Kinetics And Microstructure Development In Nickel-Based Superalloys, Caleb O. Yenusah

Theses and Dissertations

The continual research and development of nickel-based superalloys is driven by the global demand to improve efficiency and reduce emissions in the aerospace and power generation industries. Integrated Computational Material Engineering (ICME) is a valuable tool for reducing the cost, time, and resources necessary for the development and optimization of the mechanical properties of materials. In this work, an ICME approach for understanding the microstructure development and optimizing the mechanical properties in nickel-based superalloys is employed. Most nickel-based superalloys are precipitate strengthened by either the γ’ phase, γ” phase, or both. Therefore, understanding the precipitation kinetics and morphological evolution of …

Ultrastructure Of Cimex Lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Salivary Glands After A Blood Meal Infected With Bartonella Henselae (Hyphomicrobiales: Bartonellaceae), Afsoon Sabet

Theses and Dissertations

Bed bugs (Hemiptera:Cimicidae) are a common, hematophagous ectoparasite of humans and other animals, and are experiencing an international resurgence. Cimicids have been implicated in the transmission many disease agents, including various Bartonella species, however disease transmission has not yet been confirmed. Bartonella spp. are transmitted by a variety of arthropods, including fleas, lice and sand flies, and it is speculated that bed bugs may also serve as a potential vector. In this study, we used an artificial membrane to feed two groups of adult Cimex lectularius rabbit blood, either infected or uninfected with Bartonella henselae. After two weeks, the …

Evaluating Soil Health Changes Following Cover Crop And No-Till Integration Into A Soybean (Glycine Max) Cropping System In The Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Alexandra Gwin Firth

Theses and Dissertations

The transition of natural landscapes to intensive agricultural uses has resulted in severe loss of soil organic carbon (SOC), increased CO₂ emissions, river depletion, and groundwater overdraft. Despite negative documented effects of agricultural land use (i.e., soil erosion, nutrient runoff) on critical natural resources (i.e., water, soil), food production must increase to meet the demands of a rising human population. Given the environmental and agricultural productivity concerns of intensely managed soils, it is critical to implement conservation practices that mitigate the negative effects of crop production and enhance environmental integrity. In the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) region of Mississippi, USA, …

A Harmonic Radar System For Honey Bee Tracking To Better Understand Colony Collapse Disorder, William B. Woo

Theses and Dissertations

Honey bees are some of the most important pollinators for agriculture in the world and are pivotal to the health of worldwide ecosystems. Like all insects, bees struggle with exposure to parasites, diseases, and other environmental factors that can negatively affect the overall health of the colony. Recently, a new unexplainable phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has been wreaking havoc on bee populations worldwide. As a result, a system capable of tracking bees is required to understand the different contributions of chemicals, parasites, etc. to CCD. This research seeks to show data supporting the development of systems for an …

Economic Aspects Of U.S. Catfish Farming: Technological Progress, Cost Of Regulations, And Economic Contribution, Shraddha Gurupad Hegde

Theses and Dissertations

This research provides a comprehensive picture of the economic status of the U.S. catfish industry through investigating several critical economic aspects such as technological progress, functional production relationships in intensive systems, regulatory costs, and economic contribution of the industry. The use of primary data is a unique aspect of this work reflecting the economic realities of catfish farms. Primary data collected through extensive in-person farm surveys covered over two-thirds of the catfish production areas in the U.S. The results of the study provided evidence of intensification in the U.S. catfish industry through increased adoption of two relatively new alternative production …

Insights Into Molecular Recognition And Reactivity From Molecular Simulations Of Protein-Ligand Interactions Using Md And Qm/Mm, Jerrano L. Bowleg

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we have employed two computational methods, molecular dynamics (MD) and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) MD simulations with umbrella sampling (US), to gain insights into the molecular mechanism governing the molecular recognition and reactivity in several protein-ligand complexes. Three systems involving protein-ligand interactions are examined in this dissertation utilizing well-established computational methodologies and mathematical modeling. The three proteins studied here are acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1). These enzymes are known to interact with a variety of ligands. AChE dysfunction caused by organophosphorus (OP) chemicals is a severe hazard since AChE is …

Challenges And Signal Processing Of High Strain Rate Mechanical Testing, Barae Lamdini

Theses and Dissertations

Dynamic testing provides valuable insight into the behavior of materials undergoing fast deformation. During Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar testing, stress waves are measured using strain gauges as voltage variations that are usually very small. Therefore, an amplifier is required to amplify the data and analyze it. One of the few available amplifiers designed for this purpose is provided by Vishay Micro-Measurements which limits the user’s options when it comes to research or industry. Among the challenges of implementing the Hopkinson technology in the industry are the size and cost of the amplifier. In this work, we propose a novel design of …

Impact Of Row Spacing/Planting Pattern And Seed Size On Plant Development And Yield On Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.)., Steven Dale Hall

Theses and Dissertations

There is renewed interest in cotton performance grown using various row spacings and plantings patterns in the Midsouth. Cotton seed size has been reduced compared to sixty years ago. Planting smaller seeds is concerning due to having less energy for emergence as well as complicating the ginning process. Two row spacings, two planting patterns, and two cotton varieties were evaluated over eight site years from 2019-2020. The solid planting pattern produced a higher yield on a land area basis. In addition, two varieties, each with three seed counts, were planted at three seeding rates and evaluated over six site years …

Determination Of Flexural Strength Of Structural Red And White Oak And Hardwood Composite Lumber, Alan Sherrington

Theses and Dissertations

In this research, flexural properties of mill-run, in-grade white oak and red oak lumber from a single mill and commercially available laminated hardwood composite were evaluated. Structurally graded green (wet) freshly sawn red oak and white oak 5 by 10-cm (2 by 4-in.) nominal lumber as well as glue-laminated hardwood composite billets were tested in bending and their modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) properties were developed. It is well documented that MOR and MOE are two major indicators to evaluate flexural strength of wood lumbers. From these data, summary statistics, design values, and mean separations were …

Development And Evaluation Of Seasonal, Continental-Scale Streamflow Forecasts, Elissa Marie Yeates

Theses and Dissertations

Methods of forecasting streamflow using atmospheric ensembles and hydrologic routing have greatly improved over the past decades. These forecasts anticipate the timing and magnitude of streamflow peaks, enabling early warning of floods. Recent advances in atmospheric modeling have enabled production of forecasts months ahead, which are less precise but give a useful sense of trends.

The purpose of this study is to produce and evaluate a seasonal streamflow forecast model using a Muskingum routing hydrologic model coupled with runoff from a land surface model, and atmospheric input from a medium-term atmospheric and precipitation model. To evaluate the skill of the …

Supplier Performance Scorecard Utilization In The Medical Device Manufacturing Healthcare Supply Chain, Justin Cardisco

Theses and Dissertations

The medical device manufacturing industry has a deficiency in determining how to improve supplier performance for the components and systems they purchase. Many complex medical devices require components from superb suppliers. But how does a medical device manufacturer (MDM) impartially assess supplier performance to know which suppliers to continuing with (or even boost purchase volumes) and which suppliers they should exit? This study describes which supplier-specific metrics are most important to medical device manufacturers (MDMs) so they can utilize this supplier performance scorecard backed by real-world inputs. This research will focus on five categories to measure MDM supplier performance (Quality, …

Use Of Consumer Grade Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (Suas) For Mapping Storm Damage In Forested Environments, James Dewey Cox

Theses and Dissertations

Storm damages to forested environments pose significant challenges to landowners, land managers, and conservationists alike. Damage scope and scale assessments can be difficult, costly, and time consuming with conventional pedestrian survey techniques. Consumer grade sUAS technology offers an efficient, cost-effective way to accurately assess storm damage in small to moderate sized survey areas (less than 10 km²). Data were collected over a 0.195 km² area of damaged timber within the Kisatchie National Forest in Central Louisiana using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone. Collected imagery was processed into an orthomosaic using Agisoft Metashape Professional with a resulting ground sampling distance …

Borderline Personality Disorder And Suicide Risk: The Role Of Emotional Vulnerability, Parental Invalidation, And Adverse Childhood Experiences, Chandler Jayne Mcdaniel

Theses and Dissertations

Childhood adversity is linked with a variety of negative outcomes including suicide attempts and personality disorders, most commonly Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). A core feature of BPD, emotion dysregulation is often reported following early childhood adversity and contributes to both suicidal ideation and attempts. One explanation for the development of emotion dysregulation within BPD, is the biosocial model, which states that there must be an interaction between childhood emotional vulnerability and parental invalidation. Recent literature suggests that this interaction may not be necessary. Thus, the current study extended previous literature by examining childhood risk factors (i.e., ACES, parental invalidation, and …

Determining The Effectfs Of Introducing Pseudomonas Putida 3p To Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Gainesville Diet, Rebecca Waters

Theses and Dissertations

With a growing global population, food security and waste management strategies are needed (FAO, 2002b); insects have been promoted for these goals. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are endorsed for their ability in decomposition and use as feed (Bava et al., 2019; Swett Walker, 2018). Studies show the life cycle of BSFL is impacted by bacterial supplementation (Franks et al., 2021; Kooienga et al., 2020). We seek to determine the effects of supplementing BSFL diet with Pseudomonas putida 3P. We conducted two forms of a 10-day bench-top study observing larval mass, frass conversion, C:N content, and ammonia production with supplementation …

Assessment Of Retention Trends In The College Of Agriculture And Life Sciences To Determine Possible Internal Recruitment Efforts For Poultry Science Departments And Enhance University Retention, Peyton Alyssa Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

With only six poultry degree granting universities, producing a slim number of graduates each year, poses a challenge for the industry. There may be potential areas for internal recruitment within Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). In study 1, an evaluation of Mississippi State University’s CALS retention trends determined that Biochemistry (BCH) and Animal Science (AS) have the lowest retention rates. Study 2 compared all six poultry degree granting universities’ CALS retention rates, with AS continuously having one of the lowest retention rates. Lastly, Study 3 surveyed undergraduates, advisors, and faculty showing students having an interest in poultry while …

Assessment Of Current Hatch-Out Program Curriculum Implemented In K-12 For Mississippi, Marissa Kaytlyn Beasley

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, most Americans are 2 to 4 generations removed from the farm, as only 2% are involved with agriculture. Thus, verifying the importance of agriculture education implementation to promote the agriculture industry. MSU has a novel Hatch-out Program in attempt to bridge the gap in agriculture awareness. Research for this thesis first evaluates previous participants of the Hatch-out Program to assess satisfaction to determine if modifications are needed. This thesis will conclude with the implementation and validation of the modified curriculum, lesson plans, as well as activities and materials into the classroom. A post-implementation survey was also given to the …

Cyclosporine Populational Pharmacodynamic Studies In Dogs, Henrique Ellrich De Almeida Lupiano

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent used to treat immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases in dogs. We have developed a pharmacodynamic (PD) assay that measures interleukin-2 (IL-2) produced by activated T cells to measure the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine. Hypothesis/objectives: Our retrospective study extracted data from samples submitted to our laboratory to obtain descriptive statistics, to determine whether assay results predicted treatment effectiveness, and to determine whether cyclosporine formulation or breed affected PD responses. Animals: 1,110 samples were analyzed over 4 years. Methods: Extracted data was analyzed to determine whether there was a relationship between assay results and clinical control, and …

Evaluation Of Control Of A Simulated Failed Stand Of Corn (Zea Mays L.) And Soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merr.], Gregory Alexander Mangialardi

Theses and Dissertations

A study was conducted in Stoneville and Verona, MS, to evaluate control of failed stands of corn and soybean with different herbicide treatments and application timings, as well as control of failed stand of corn with soybean planted 1 and 7 DAT (days after treatment). Clethodim plus glyphosate proved most effective across all growth stages of corn with > 90% control 7, 14, and 21 DAT. Paraquat plus metribuzin provided the greatest control of a simulated failed corn stand 3 DAT compared with all other treatments. Pooled across all herbicide treatments, 49% control was achieved when replant occurred 7 DAT compared …

Nutrients Associated With Stunting Among Children In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review, Abby Mae Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify specific nutrients or nutritional biomarkers of dietary intake that are associated with stunting among children ages 2 and older in sub-Saharan Africa. This is a systematic review conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Twelve studies from sub-Saharan Africa met the eligibility criteria, including 11 observational studies and one randomized control trial. Nine of the 12 studies assessed dietary intake of macronutrients. Four studies found a significant association between proteins and stunting. Four found that children with stunting had lower dietary fat intakes or lower …

Studies On The Impact Of An Insect Growth Regulator And Host Plant On Reproductive Physiology Of Lygus Lineolaris, James Houston Chance Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, is an economically important polyphagous pest with a broad host range. With occurrence of insecticide resistance, strategies to limit its ability to reproduce, which would curb population growth, are becoming increasingly more valuable. Strategies toward this goal include the application of insect growth regulators (IGRs) and utilization of resistant cotton lines. This thesis summarizes experiments that elucidate the physiological underpinnings of the mode of action of novaluron, an IGR, and a cotton chromosome substitution (CS) line on the reproductive physiology of L. lineolaris. Investigations reported herein indicate that novaluron inhibits oviposition by …

Individual Differences In Structure Learning, Philip Newlin

Theses and Dissertations

Humans have a tendency to impute structure spontaneously even in simple learning tasks, however the way they approach structure learning can vary drastically. The present study sought to determine why individuals learn structure differently. One hypothesized explanation for differences in structure learning is individual differences in cognitive control. Cognitive control allows individuals to maintain representations of a task and may interact with reinforcement learning systems. It was expected that individual differences in propensity to apply cognitive control, which shares component processes with hierarchical reinforcement learning, may explain how individuals learn structure differently in a simple structure learning task. Results showed …

The Guatemala Rabbit Project: A Household Agricultural Intervention Program Evaluation Using The Re-Aim Framework, Jessica Martin Graves

Theses and Dissertations

Amongst the breathtaking and mountainous landscapes of the Western Highlands is a highly indigenous Mayan population stricken with challenges of food insecurity and extreme poverty. Despite efforts by governmental and non-governmental organizations alike to combat these challenges, the results of chronic malnutrition have led to some of the highest child stunting rates in all of Guatemala, particularly in the department of Totonicapán, where this study took place. To date, information is limited regarding agricultural programs that utilize the rabbit as a model to reduce food insecurity in Guatemala. Thus, a novel agricultural education program, Guatemala Rabbit Project (GRP), was developed …

Lattice Boltzmann-Based Sharp-Interface Schemes For Conjugate Heat And Mass Transfer And Diffuse-Interface Schemes For Dendritic Growth Modeling, Nanqiao Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Analyses of heat and mass transfer between different materials and phases are essential in numerous fundamental scientific problems and practical engineering applications, such as thermal and chemical transport in porous media, design of heat exchangers, dendritic growth during solidification, and thermal/mechanical analysis of additive manufacturing processes. In the numerical simulation, interface treatment can be further divided into sharp interface schemes and diffuse interface schemes according to the morphological features of the interface. This work focuses on the following subjects through computational studies: (1) critical evaluation of the various sharp interface schemes in the literature for conjugate heat and mass transfer …