Digital Commons Network^™

Energy Efficient Communications For Signal Detection Using Wireless Sensor Networks, Shailee Yagnik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We consider a wireless sensor network where several sensors receive observations to detect the presence or absence of a deterministic signal in Gaussian noise. In this context, we consider two problems. In the first problem, subject to power constraint across all sensors, we focus on optimizing individual sensor transmit power to enhance the probability of correct decision performance. In the second problem, we concentrate on achieving energy savings by an implementation of sequential transmission involving ordered transmission process from the sensors to a fusion center (FC). Both problems have a focus on energy savings, with ordered transmission requiring timing and …

English Language Teachers’ Perspective On The Applicability Of The Language Assessment Frameworks Used In Saudi Arabian Universities, Asmahan Ghazi Alqahtani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates English language assessment practices in Saudi Arabian universities from the perspectives of English language teachers. It explores how ESL teachers perceive the applicability of assessment frameworks provided by policymakers in higher education. Guided by concepts of Language Assessment Literacy, the study examines the roles and practices of various stakeholders in language assessment, the principles and concepts guiding these practices, and the awareness of the social contexts in which language assessment takes place. In Saudi Arabia, research on language assessment is needed due to the limited attention given to assessment and testing issues, and the minimal involvement of …

Impact Of Graphene Nanoplatelets On The Fresh, Static, And Dynamic Properties Of Cement Paste, Bassil Bataineh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The construction industry is constantly in pursuit of innovative materials and methods to boost the performance and sustainability of concrete. This thesis examines the impact of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the fresh, static, and dynamic properties of cement paste, positioning GNPs as a potential groundbreaking material. Systematic experiments were conducted to evaluate various concentrations of GNPs and their combinations with polycarboxylate ether (PCE SP) surfactant, analyzing their effects on workability, setting time, and mechanical strength. The research methodology was robust, integrating experimental design, comprehensive data analysis, and a thorough review of the relevant literature.

A Quantitative Study Of The Effectiveness Of The University Of Mississippi's Biology Bootcamp, Nicole Lewis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is a growing demand for a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) trained workforce in the United States. In order to remain globally competitive, the US needs to increase the STEM workforce not only in numbers but also diversity. Colleges and universities throughout the US need to not only gain STEM majors but retain them through graduation. Research has shown that the majority of STEM students struggle their first year in college for a variety of reasons. Many academics agree that incoming freshman need to integrate both socially and academically to prevent attrition. This has led to the creation …

A Machine Learning Approach To Managing 5g Network Slicing In The O-Ran Environment, Mohammad Omari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to assess the performance of a data-drivennetwork scheduler in optimizing network performance in a three-slice 5G wireless cellular network. Each slice represents a distinct 5G traffic category or use case. These slices operate on the same underlying physical core and radio network; how- ever, they appear as independent networks from the end-user perspective. This work models the resource scheduling problem as a Markov decision process. A dataset of key performance measurements of a 5G network is constructed using MATLAB to train a deep Q-network reinforcement learning agent. Simulation results show that the agent can …

Fabrication And Evaluation Of Polyetherimide Membranes Containing Pluronic® P 123 And Graphene For Separation Of Bovine Serum Albumin From Water: A Comparison Between Two Fabrication Methods, Mohammad Hosein Moghadasin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polyetherimide (PEI) ultrafiltration membranes were created and evaluated for their ability to separate bovine serum albumin (BSA) from water using two fabrication methods: nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) and vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS). In the NIPS method, membranes were made with varying amounts of Pluronic® P-123 and with or without graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The membrane with 1 wt.% Pluronic® P-123 exhibited the best performance, achieving a pure water flux (PWF) of 355 L m-2 h-1 (LMH) and a rejection rate of 90.9%. Adding 1 wt.% GNPs to this system further improved performance, resulting in a PWF of 747 LMH and …

Analytical Performance Evaluation Of Denm Loss In V2v Sidechannel Communications, Avijit Sarker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation is to quantify the loss of Decentralized Environmental Notification Messages (DENMs) in a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) scenario in which DENMs are transmitted over subchannels of the sidelink (SL) specifically allocated for DENM transmission, with vehicular user equipments (VUE) autonomously selecting and managing the radio resources for transmitting DENMs. A slot-based discrete parameter, discrete-valued Markov Chain (DVMC) model that reflects DENM generation requirements for an ensemble of VUEs is developed. This model simultaneously acknowledges the potentially bursty nature and correlations within the DENM generation process and is used to assess DENM loss. DENM loss is determined according …

Combatting Suicidality In The Military: Harnessing Forgiveness And Self-Regulation Against The Harrowing Effects Of Moral Injury And Suicidality, Mikaela J. Raley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with military backgrounds are significantly more likely to experience mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation. Moral injury, which is associated with suicidality, is the feeling of shame, grief, and guilt associated with perpetrating, failing to prevent, or witnessing morally transgressive acts. According to the Moral Injury Model, when one acts or witnesses an act that transgresses their moral beliefs, they experience dissonance and internal conflict. A topic that has not yet been studied in terms of moral injury is the positive psychology construct of character strengths, including forgiveness and self-regulation. This study hypothesized ratings of suicide would be positively …

Dunc13 Isoforms, Rim, And Rab3 Differentially Modulate Ethanol Sedation Sensitivity In Drosophila Melanogaster., Gaurav Shrestha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dunc13 is a Drosophila active zone protein homologous to the mammalian Munc13that interacts with RIM and Rab3 as a heterotrimer. Alcohol binds to the C1 domain of Dunc13/Munc13 and inhibits its ability to bind to Diacylglycerol, inhibiting neuronal signaling. The genetic reduction of Dunc13 activity in the Dunc13P84200/+ heterozygotes induces a state in flies that mimics alcohol tolerance, evidenced by increased self-administration, and behavioral, physiological, and molecular resistance. This includes changes in the expression of key synaptic proteins, such as decreased expression of Dunc13 and Syb mRNA, and increased expression of Rim and Rab3 4hrs after ethanol exposure. Dunc13 has …

3d-Printed Clay Composites For Lunar Habitats: Graphene And Simulant Integration, Omar Algharibeh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Developing sustainable construction materials for lunar habitats is critical for advancing extraterrestrial exploration, supporting a long-term human presence on the Moon, and advancing earth-based, resilient, locally available resources. Our primary goal is to utilize indigenous resource-based construction materials and 3D printing technology to reduce payloads and streamline the materials processing procedures. Additionally, enhancing the performance of native binding materials, such as those formed from local rocks and sand, may require the integration of low-cost nano-additives. These nano-additives can significantly improve the fresh and hardened properties of 3D-printed construction materials. This research focused on optimizing the mechanical performance of a clay …

Linguistic Gender Differences In English Among Saudi Medical Students In Online Courses, Ala Mohammed Alshahrani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research explores gender differences in language use among Saudi medical students in online courses. Employing purposive sampling, the study, aims to comprehend the influence of gender on language patterns and communication styles in online education. Data collection involves online interviews with five teachers and survey questionnaires administered to twenty actively enrolled Saudi medical students. The interviews provide insights into language use patterns in the online learning environment, while surveys offer a broader perspective on student language use. Thematic analysis unveils recurring themes: “courses developed,” “reasons for online courses,” “interaction among male and female students in online courses,” “comfort …

Applied Research For Improving The Behavior Intervention Process With The Help Of School Counselors, Teachers, And Administrators, Amberly T. Chapman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explored how improvements to a district’s multi-tiered system of supports can improve the behavior interventions implemented for students needing behavioral support. Districts with poorly functioning intervention systems fail to provide students with the proper academic and behavioral support they need. School counselors are integral to the success of schools and districts and their participation in the MTSS process. This study examined the creation and implementation of behavior intervention and the additional support school counselors provide to students receiving the interventions. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this study and the program was evaluated at the conclusion.

How French-Produced And North American-Produced French Textbooks Differ In The Teaching Of French And Francophone Culture, Elizabeth Clauss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The teaching of culture is important in any foreign language classroom. This thesis will analyze what and how different aspects of French and Francophone culture are taught in elementary-level French textbooks: one French-produced and one North American-produced. The definition of culture is provided by several sources however one definition discusses the definition of culture in its entirety. A brief history, over the course of 60 years, of the teaching of French culture is discussed and analyzed in the first part of this thesis. The development of teaching French culture in the foreign language classroom is seen. Then, the teaching of …

Elucidating The Mechanisms Of Myosin Ii Force Feedback And Coordination In Actomyosin Ensembles, Omayma Alazzam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation delves into the dynamics of myosin II motors within actomyosin networks, emphasizing their crucial role in muscle functionality and the broader implications for cardiovascular health. Given the critical involvement of myosin II in conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure, this research presented here is important for understanding such diseases at the molecular level. Through the use of fluorescence microscopy and optical tweezers, the study reveals novel insights into how myosin II generates force and coordinates within myosin ensembles—a key to grasping the mechanics of muscle contraction. Specifically, this work aimed to unravel the mechanisms of …

Perceptions Of First-Year Bipoc Students About The Impact Of Institutional Recruitment Practices On Their Decision To Enroll In The University Of Mississippi’S Integrated Marketing Communications, Jennifer A. Simmons

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The University of Mississippi has a history and continued stigma of not being a welcoming place for people of color. While the university has made strides to distance itself from its past, negative stereotypes and perceptions still exist among some students and parents. These stereotypes and perceptions can make recruiting students more difficult. This study explores the perceptions of first-year students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) about the impact of institutional recruitment practices on their decision to enroll in the University of Mississippi’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) program. This study will help provide perspectives from …

Fostering Inclusive Excellence For Black Women In Undergraduate Computing Sciences At A Predominantly White Institution, Toni Avant

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Employment projections indicate that the computing sciences field is expected to increase by more than 600,000 jobs from 2020-2030. As society becomes increasingly reliant on technological innovations, the demand continues to rise for qualified graduates in this field. It is essential that employers build a diverse and inclusive workforce in order to accommodate the markets they serve. Yet, the lack of representation of Black women in the computing sciences field is of great concern.

Water Insecurity In K-12 Schools In The U.S.: Understanding State Laws, Drinking Water Violations, And Lived Experiences, Shannon O'Donnell Fitzgerald

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Access to safe, reliable drinking water is essential for children's health, development, and academic success. This study examines water insecurity in U.S. K-12 schools, focusing on state policies, county-level violations, associated outcomes, and school staff experiences.

Methods: This mixed-methods study utilized secondary data analysis, mapping, regression analyses, and primary data collection. Secondary data from state sources were used to examine the presence of state legislation and Department of Education and Department of Health policies on school drinking water across the United States, examine associations between state legislation and policies with county drinking water violations, and investigate relationships between water …

Glycopolymeric Nanoparticles Enrich Less Immunogenic Protein Corona And Improve Tumor Delivery Compared To Pegylated Nanoparticles, Kenneth Ryan Hulugalla

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nanoparticles (NPs) offer significant promise as drug delivery vehicles; however, their in vivo efficacy is often hindered by the formation of a protein corona (PC), which influences key physiological responses such as blood circulation time, biodistribution, cellular uptake, and intracellular localization. Understanding NP-PC interactions is crucial for optimizing NP design for biomedical applications. Traditional approaches have utilized hydrophilic polymer coatings like polyethylene glycol (PEG) to resist protein adsorption, but glycopolymer-coated nanoparticles have emerged as superior alternatives due to their biocompatibility and ability to reduce the adsorption of highly immunogenic proteins. In this study, we synthesized and characterized glycopolymer-based poly[2(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate-b-poly(methacrylamidoglucopyranose) …

From Pixels To Strings: Efficient String Art Creation Leveraging Greedy Algorithm, Ashraya Joshi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis optimizes String Art generation using advanced algorithms. String art is a technique that creates visual artworks composed of straight lines of strings tensioned between pins distributed on a canvas. Initially employing the Hough Transform, issues such as computational complexity and edge detection inaccuracies led to adopting a Greedy Algorithm. This algorithm iteratively enhances visual similarity between the string art and the original image by reducing the difference between pixel intensities between them, significantly improving quality and efficiency. Integrating non-photorealistic rendering techniques, the study ensures smoother and more coherent lines. The study demonstrates the improvements with different quantitative metrics. …

An Amplitude Analysis Of Ξ0c Decays To Λ0k−Π+, Saroj Pokharel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Belle experiment has been integral in conducting spectroscopic measurements using the decay of various baryons

Structural And Binding Studies Of Marine Glycans With Potential Therapeutic Use, Hoda Alsayed Mohamed Ahmed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a comprehensive analysis of various marine-derived polysaccharides, focusing on their structures and binding properties. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), distinct marine polysaccharides were structurally characterized, and their interactions with various biological targets were evaluated. The initial study explores a glucan isolated from Marcia hiantina, a bivalve mollusk, and its biological activity. Detailed structural analysis via NMR and chromatography techniques revealed a branched glucose-based polysaccharide with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies on the red alga Botryocladia occidentalis identified three sulfated galactans in its cell wall. Through NMR, we characterized the least …

Applying Dynamics And Geophysical Methods To Hawaiian Volcanic Terrains And Lava Flows, Brody K. Conner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Presented here is the culmination of research spurred by a month-long field expedition to the windward side of the Big Island of Hawai’i during July and August 2023. During this expedition, two ground-penetrating radar units, a Mala GX 160 MHz antenna and a Crossover 1760 dual frequency antenna, were used to survey the basaltic, volcanic landscapes of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Post-eruptive digital elevation models of the Ahu’ailā’au (2018 Lower Puna) Eruption and Quantum Geographic Information Systems were used in tandem with GPR Insights software to provide a thorough picture of the surface and subsurface lava flows from Ahu’ailā’au. Using …

Research News, Publications, 2024, Volume 4, Joshua Sharp

Publications (2015-)

Publications that appeared during the period of October 1 - December 31, 2024.

Research News, Grants, 2024, Volume 3, Soumyajit Majumdar

Grants (2015-)

Grants and contracts awarded during July - September 2024 - Revised 10/22/24

Laurie Babin Completes Journey From Military To Academia, Samantha Hendrix

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Laurie Babin's career is marked by service, and the University of Mississippi instructional associate professor of business administration is sharing that passion with her students.

University Receives Funding To Promote Equity In Stem, Erin Garrett

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The National Science Foundation has awarded the University of Mississippi a grant to support research related to faculty gender equity and representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields at the institution.

12.04.2023 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Week of December 4, 2023

Final Session. The Impact Of Storytelling: The Pass It On Project, Gloria Burgess, Karen Davidson-Smith, Cade Smith, Elizabeth Mitchell Prewitt

School Library Symposium

Learn about this exciting act of kindness campaign through a guided conversation with author Dr. Gloria Burgess. Her book, Pass It On, has been used to support Mississippi Studies in 4th and 8th grades. Discover how this partnership between the UM Center for Community Engagement, UM School of Education, the University Museum, and the Lafayette County School District, led to the creation of an activity trunk participants can use at their schools. Participants will also hear from speakers Dr. Karen V. Davidson Smith, UM School of Education Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Clinical Associate Professor, and Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell Prewitt, …

Artificial Intelligence (Concurrent Session, Block A), Alex Watson

School Library Symposium

UM Research & Instruction Librarian and Associate Professor Alex Watson, will lead a conversation about issues regarding generative AI, like ChatGPT, for school library discussions.

12.11.2023 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

December 11, 2023 Newsletter