Digital Commons Network^™

Efficient Design Of Neural Network Hardware Accelerator For Enhanced Performance In Deep Learning Systems, Tamador Nadem Mohaidat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Artificial intelligence (AI) hardware accelerator is an emerging research for several applications and domains. The hardware accelerator aims to provide high computational speed while retaining low cost and high learning performance. The main challenge is to design complex machine learning models on hardware with high performance. In this thesis, the aim is to develop the hardware implementation of perceptron within a neural network. Innovative hardware-based approaches are explored to optimize perceptron networks, enhancing accuracy, reliability, and fault tolerance while minimizing resource requirements and power consumption.

A thorough investigation into machine learning accelerators and associated challenges was initially conducted. The hardware …

Mindfulness And Mathematics: The Relationship Between A Mindful Teacher And Mathematics Intervention, Ave Mayeux

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adolescents in American classrooms are currently required to fulfill multiple roles, making them particularly vulnerable to stress due to intense academic demands and social pressures. This stress can be particularly challenging for adolescents who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, and/or self-regulation. Previous research indicates a positive correlation between mindfulness practices and reduced anxiety, improved social skills and interactions, enhanced academic performance, and better self-perception. This self-study explored the implementation of mindfulness exercises in a mathematics intervention classroom by adapting and creating appropriate resources, and facilitating mindfulness exercises suitable for adolescent students. Data in this self-inquiry study was generated through meticulous …

Pharmacy Matters - May 2023, University Of Mississippi. School Of Pharmacy

Pharmacy Matters Newsletters

Featured stories: "Natural Products Center Hosts 21st International Botanicals Conference," "Distinguished Teaching Scholars Announced," "Alumni Honored at Annual Banquet," "Hayes, Khan Represent Ph.D. Graduates as Class Marshals," "Journey to Commencement: Passion for Politics, Policy and Professional Advocacy," "Pharmacy School Pioneers Receive Recognition," "Minority Association Sponsors Gordon Mental Health Research Talk"

Effects Of Cannabichromene On Pain And Neuroinflammation In Hiv-1 Tat Transgenic Mice, Sydney Wheeler

Honors Theses

HIV-1 TransActivator of Transcription (Tat) is a vital regulatory protein involved in HIV replication and implicated in development of HIV-associated pain and neurocognitive deficits. Tat is thought to contribute to these pathologies through proinflammatory pathways. Developing mechanisms to curb Tat-mediated inflammation is a key step in improving the quality of life of those living with HIV. Both recreational and medicinal cannabis use is prevalent among many people living with HIV; given this prevalence and the perceived anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis use, it is important to investigate how chemical constituents of cannabis may impact HIV. In the present study, the effects …

Remembering New Deal Archaeology In The Southeast: A Legacy In Museum Collections, Lynne P. Sullivan, Bobby R. Braly, Michaelyn S. Harle, Shannon D. Koerner

Proceedings of the annual meeting of the Southern Anthropological Society

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Astrocytic Derived Insulin-Like Growth Factor (Igf-1) On Cognition And Astrocytes, Destiny Wilson

Honors Theses

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a neuroendocrine signaling hormone that plays a vital role in growth and development, as well as learning and memory. Inhibition of this hormone results in cognitive impairments like those seen with age-related decline. While a majority of research has focused on the role of IGF-1 on neurons, the role of astrocytes still needs to be explored. Our research investigates how astrocytes and cognition are affected as a result of direct regulation of localized IGF-1 production in early development and after puberty. Preliminary studies in our laboratory established a connection between IGF-1 and glial fibrillary …

Under-Oil Autonomously Regulated Oxygen Microenvironments: A Goldilocks Principle-Based Approach For Microscale Cell Culture, Chao Li, Mouhita Humayun, Glenn M. Walker, Keon Young Park, Bryce Connors, Jun Feng, Molly C. Pellitteri Hahn, Cameron O. Scarlett, Jiayi Li, Yanbo Feng, Ryan L. Clark, Hunter Hefti, Jonathan Schrope, Ophelia S. Venturelli, David J. Beebe

Faculty and Student Publications

Oxygen levels in vivo are autonomously regulated by a supply–demand balance, which can be altered in disease states. However, the oxygen levels of in vitro cell culture systems, particularly microscale cell culture, are typically dominated by either supply or demand. Further, the oxygen microenvironment in these systems is rarely monitored or reported. Here, a method to establish and dynamically monitor autonomously regulated oxygen microenvironments (AROM) using an oil overlay in an open microscale cell culture system is presented. Using this method, the oxygen microenvironment is dynamically regulated via the supply–demand balance of the system. Numerical simulation and experimental validation of …

Designing A Clinical Study With Dietary Supplements: It's All In The Details, Z. Elizabeth Floyd, David M. Ribnicky, Ilya Raskin, Daniel S. Hsia

Faculty and Student Publications

A successful randomized clinical trial of the effect of dietary supplements on a chosen endpoint begins with developing supporting data in preclinical studies while paying attention to easily overlooked details when planning the related clinical trial. In this perspective, we draw on our experience studying the effect of an ethanolic extract from Artemisia dracunculus L. (termed PMI-5011) on glucose homeostasis as a potential therapeutic option in providing resilience to metabolic syndrome (MetS). Decisions on experimental design related to issues ranging from choice of mouse model to dosing levels and route of administration in the preclinical studies will be discussed in …

The Effect Of Hydration Status On Jump Height In Track And Field Athletes, Joshua Hogg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The maintenance of hydration levels are often a key focus when trying to sustain athletic performance in sport. The amount of fluid intake needed to reach appropriate hydration levels varies widely from a multitude of factors. This ideal hydration level (euhydration) is characterized by an optimal total intracellular and extracellular body water content, which is the ultimate goal of fluid intake protocols within athletics. The aim of this research was to investigate if a specific fluid recommendations for track and field (TAF) athletes, based upon urine specific gravity (USG) classification cutoffs, helps to improve athletic performance. This study also analyzed …

Coronary Artery Disease: An Analysis Of Its Biochemical, Physiological, And Sociological Causes And Effects, Alexander Velazquez

Honors Theses

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a serious condition caused by a buildup of plaque in your coronary arteries, the blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to your heart. It disproportionately affects millions of Americans and thousands of Mississippians. This study presents the results of an evaluation of causation factors of CAD, the physiological impact on the body, and the contributing determinants of CAD on Mississippi populations. Data on Mississippi populations were collected using the Center for Population Studies at the University of Mississippi. A multitude of individuals were evaluated when examining the causes and effects of CAD including men, women, …

Congenital Heart Defects And The Expression Of Ccdc141, Savanna Tillman

Honors Theses

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the most prevalent types of birth defects in the United States. Both environmental and genetic components are known to contribute to the development of CHDs. One of the ways toxins present in the environment cause CHDs is by disrupting the expression of genes known to be vital in normal cardiac morphogenesis. Thus, the identification of both toxins that cause birth defects in cardiac development and genes expressed during heart development is crucial in order to fully understand the relationship between environment and genetics as they relate to CHD. Due to their external development, …

Researchers Publish New Blood Flow Restriction Research Findings, Meaghan Flores

University of Mississippi News

Health and kinesiology doctoral students contribute to improving lives with novel technique

Effects Of Nutrition, Hydration, Exertion, And Sleep On Injury And Illness In Female Collegiate Soccer Players, Ronald Corbit Franks Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT Injury and illness rates in collegiate athletics continue to rise. Women’s soccer tends to have high numbers of injuries because it is a contact sport. Research has shown that there are several contributing factors to injury and illness rate in collegiate athletics. This study will provide an in depth look at female athletes, more specifically female collegiate soccer players and several factors – including dietary intake, hydration status, exertion and sleep that may attribute to injury and illness in this population. Researchers utilized weekly 3-day diet records, daily urine specific gravity, training load and self-reported sleep quantity to establish …

Exploration Of Thiol-Michael Addition Bioconjugation To Extend Polymers Of A Protein-Based Hydrogel, Elaine Wallin Smith

Honors Theses

Hydrogels have been explored for many biomedical applications, including targeted, in situ drug delivery to avoid the negative side effects associated with systemic delivery. In our work, we are exploiting the high affinity, calcium-dependent binding between calmodulin and its target peptides to create a biomaterial for in situ, extracellular drug delivery. Genes were engineered to make two protomers, Calmodulin Collagen-Like Protein (CCLP) and Peptide Collagen-Like Protein (PCLP), that will spontaneously self-assemble in situ due to the high Ca2+ concentration in the extracellular space and provide tunable, targeted drug delivery in a biocompatible hydrogel. One important factor that would dictate the …

Inhibition Of Blood Coagulation Factor Xii: Evaluation Of Flavonoids As A Drug Candidate, Betsy Crosswhite

Honors Theses

This study investigated natural product inhibitors of blood coagulation Factor XII (FXII). FXII initiates the Kallikrein Kinin-System (KKS) within the intrinsic coagulation pathway. Increased expression of this system leads to proinflammatory and procoagulant activities. Inflammation occurs through downstream activation in the KKS. Following the activation of FXII-dependent pathway, bradykinin (BK) binds to the BK receptor 2 (B2) and produces inflammatory signaling. Abnormally increased BK can result in life threatening Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), characterized by severe reoccurring swelling. FXII is critical for pathogenic thrombosis, but is dispensable for hemostasis. This unique property of FXII makes it an attractive drug target. We …

Purification Protocol Development And Analysis Of Binding Properties Of Calmodulin Collagen-Like Protein, Patrick P. Boddie

Honors Theses

Calmodulin is an intensely studied, intracellular, calcium-binding protein that is involved in diverse physiological processes. When bound to calcium, calmodulin undergoes a conformational change that allows it to bind specific target peptides with high affinity, one being the calmodulin binding region of myosin light chain kinase, herein called M13. This high affinity, calcium dependent association has made it a desirable choice for use in a biomaterial for drug delivery for non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Two artificial genes have been designed by our lab for use in the proposed biomaterial: calmodulin collagen-like protein (CCLP), a construct composed of two calmodulin …

Connecting The Mind And Body In Ancient Greek Medicine, Taylor Ferris

Honors Theses

I investigated Greek medicine and healing shrines in antiquity and focused on the issue of the mind-body connection and how this phenomenon was understood in antiquity. I researched the Athenian plague of 430-425 B.C., sleep and dreams, particularly in the Rites of Incubation, and Hippocratic medicine as well as religious medicine in order to understand more deeply the origins of Greek medicine and how the healing phenomena were practiced and understood. I have come to a greater understanding of this connection between the mind and the body and have come to redefine the placebo effect and argue that the mind …

Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands, Mariah Leigh Cole

Honors Theses

The cannabinoid receptors, members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, have been implicated in numerous human physiological functions and diseases. These receptors, cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid type 2 (CB2), are most concentrated in the central nervous system and immune cells, respectively, and have each become a target of therapeutic interest. Dual CB1/CB2 agonists such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of nausea, pain, and glaucoma, but suffer from psychotropic effects mediated by CB1, motivating the search for CB2 selective therapeutic agents. Selective modulation of the CB2 receptor has therapeutic potential in human health disorders …

Feasibility Of Incorporating Electrogastrography Into An Undergraduate Physiology Laboratory Curriculum, Lauren A. Foropoulos

Honors Theses

This study aimed to detect the effects of mental stress on gastric motility in college students through the use of cutaneous electrogastrography (EGG). Additionally, the study aimed to determine the feasibility of creating a laboratory curriculum for a cutaneous electrogastrography experiment that an undergraduate could perform, analyze, and interpret during a three hour physiology lab. Through this study and the laboratory procedures designed from the experiment, undergraduates will be able to interpret the physiological aspects of gastrointestinal function within the human body, including how it is effected by mental stress. According to previous studies by Yin et al. (2004) and …

Oxygen Saturation During A Simulation Dive Response: Development Of An Experimental Protocol For An Undergraduate Physiology Laboratory, Michael S. Pergola

Honors Theses

There are issues concerning the amount of learning that actually takes place in the laboratory environment, and whether or not it is worth the investment of money, resources, and time. A laboratory protocol was designed to examine the human dive response, with the goals of generating multiple robust variables, creating a truly integrative laboratory experiment and improving lab education. The objectives of this exercise were to promote critical thinking, maximize collaboration, minimize social loafing and student engagement, promote critical thinking, and meet as many of the National Science Foundation's core competencies and assess effectiveness in achieving these objectives. The dive …

A Translational Study Of The Correlation Between Low Birth Weight, Hypertension, And Kidney Function Using A Rat Model, Marcus Daniels

Honors Theses

We studied the correlation between low birth weight, hypertension, and kidney function using a rat model. There is a strong correlation between these three phenomena especially in the Southeastern United States and in non-White populations. We hypothesized that the anti-hypertensive drugs Reserpine and Hydralazine would prevent hypertension and improve renal function in low birth weight rats. We used a rat model created by Dr. Barbara Alexander in this study. Pregnant rats were subjected to Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure surgery. Silver clips were placed on the abdominal aorta and uterine arteries approximately two weeks after fertilization in order to restrict blood …

Determinants Of Bite Force In Four Species Of Sharks From The Gulf Of Mexico With An Emphasis On The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, Rhizoprionodon Terraenovae, Kyle Walter Rice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bite force can provide valuable information regarding the physiological ecology of an organism. However, there have been few studies wherein bite force in sharks has been considered. Herein I report on a study of the bite force of four species of sharks with particular emphasis on that of the atlantic sharpnose shark, rhizoprionodon terraenovae. Among the four species examined, blacktip shark, carcharhinus limbatus bite force was significantly higher than that of sharpnose, rhizoprionodon terraenovae. There was no significant difference between the bite force of those species compared with the same for finetooth shark, c. Isodon and spinner shark, c. Brevipinna. …

Parent Satisfaction With Diabetes Technology In Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Laura Brooke Carter

Honors Theses

Purpose: To increase glucose control, advanced technologies are being integrated into diabetes self-management in children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Two technologies being adopted is Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII), more commonly known as insulin pumps (pumps) and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). The purpose of the study was to better understand the experiences of parents whose T1DM child is using insulin pumps and CGM devices in diabetes self-management. Methods: This study was approved by the University of Mississippi IRB. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample of parents in the Mid-South region of the U.S. The local chapters …

Cardiovascular Protective Agents And Their Biochemical Role In Endothelial Cell Senescence, Nicholas Boullard

Honors Theses

Cellular senescence is a slow, biological process of aging that involves the accumulation of various changes to the internal environment of a cell, most notably the buildup of acidic B-galactosidase. These changes, both structural and molecular in nature, disable metabolism of many cellular processes and eventually induce apoptosis. As cells divide, the ends of chromosomes, telomeres, slowly shorten. Once telomere shortening reaches critical levels, those chromosomes may no longer replicate properly, leading to cellular process complication and apoptosis. Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase that adds nucleotides to telomeres, elongating them and successfully delaying endothelial cell senescence. Endothelial cells serve an …

Simulated Diabetes Testing Experiment Using Artificially Manipulated Livestock Blood, Hollie E. Ables

Honors Theses

Due to the prevalence of diabetes and lack of simple endocrine experiments, a laboratory protocol was developed in order to increase student knowledge of the disease and the diabetic testing process. In this paper, we present the protocol for manipulating the glucose concentration of commercially available bovine blood. The bovine blood was manipulated using Ringer's solution to which glucose was added, and six samples were prepared (pre-prandial and postprandial, normal; pre-prandial and postprandial, pre-diabetic; pre-prandial and postprandial, diabetic). This laboratory exercise provides a physical, hands-on student activity that highlights pancreatic endocrinology and the results of pancreatic malfunction. The laboratory exercise …

The Cooling Effect Of Cryotherapy On Power And Accuracy In The Pitching Arms Of Baseball Players, David Kimble Wilbanks

Honors Theses

As the human body does work, energy is released in the form of heat. The ability to perform the same action repeatedly and at the same intensity requires energy to be maintained. By preserving energy in sports, a reduction of injuries and an increase in performance duration would most likely be observed. More specifically in sports, for 200 years of baseball history, the pitcher has attempted to keep their arm warm during resting intervals of a game, in belief this would help sustain their level of performance. This study attempted to overturn this view. I hypothesized that by cooling their …

Spectroscopic Study Of Charge Transfer Induced Blue Shifting Of Pyrimidine/Water Mixtures On Silver Substrate, Annie Katherine Mcclellan

Honors Theses

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a chemical method gaining much popularity in recent years. With the use of a roughened metal surface or metal nanoparticles, surface plasmon resonances enhance the electromagnetic field allowing for increased Raman signal. Pyrimidine, having two lone pairs of electrons, is capable of charge transfer interactions contributing to a SERS chemical enhancement factor as well. It has recently been reported that hydrogen bonding with water results in the blue-shifting of certain normal modes of pyrimidine. By comparing experimental polarized Raman spectra with the results of electronic structure calculations, the origin of this blue-shifting was found …

Acetylcholine Muscarinic Receptor-Mediated Contractility Of Ovine Pulmonary Arteries: Changes With Maturation And Chronic Hypoxia, Dangtue Hu Nguyen

Honors Theses

Pulmonary vasculature tone is mediated by Acetylcholine Muscarinic Receptors (mAChR) located on the vascular smooth muscle wall which are responsible for vasoconstriction through the activation of Ca^'*’ dependant intracellular signaling pathways and by the endothelium which is responsible for vasodilation through the generation of Nitric Oxide (NO). The dismption and subsequent loss of the endothelium results in vasoconstriction of pulmonary arteries (PA). This effect is observed in several studies utilizing different animal models. Chronic Hypoxia (CH) has been shown to dismpt the endothelium which in turn alleviates the vasodilatory response associated with acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation. The interplay between smooth muscle …

The Extra-Territorial Reach Of U.S. Patent Law On Space-Related Activities: Does The "International Shoe" Fit As We Reach For The Stars?, Kurt G. Hammerle, Theodore U. Ro

Journal of Space Law

No abstract provided.

Antinociceptive Action Of Mitragynine And Its Synthetic Analogs In Mice, La Donna Evette Franklin

Honors Theses

Mitragynine is a major alkaloid extracted from the leaves of the Thai traditional herb, Mitrcigymi speciosa Korth (Rubiaceae). The extracts of this plant have been used as substitutes for opium and recent studies have reported that mitragynine possesses antinociceptive actions mediated via the mu opioid receptors. Nonetheless, structural features of mitragynine do not fit the classical opiate ligands. Thus the primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of mitragynine and its synthetic analogs to determine the molecular basis of mitragynine binding to opioid receptors in order to provide better understanding of the potential therapeutic roles of …