Digital Commons Network^™

Foliar Corn Diseases In South Dakota: Visual Disease Surveys And The Genetic Studies Of Tar Spot And Bacterial Leaf Streak, Ciera Kotaska

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops in South Dakota and the United States. Each year, a variety of diseases impact the production of corn in South Dakota, though very little documentation about these diseases exists in the state. This survey documents the foliar diseases of corn and the distribution of each to create a baseline of knowledge. An additional genetic study was conducted to determine the organisms associated with tar spot of corn and bacterial leaf streak (BLS), two emerging diseases in South Dakota. A variety of studies have been conducted on tar spot, caused …

Investigating The Ruminal Metagenome Of Grass And Forage-Fed Bison To Uncover Metabolic Activities That Impact The Efficiency Of Plant Fiber Utilization, Anlly Fresno Rueda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the ruminal microbiome of American plains bison (Bison bison) to uncover the metabolic activities that enable efficient utilization of plant fiber, with a particular focus on bacterial composition and functional capabilities in response to forage quality. Using both 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic approaches, this research provides a comprehensive view of microbial diversity and metabolic potential in the rumen of bison, offering insights into their ecological resilience and efficiency in nutrient extraction. Chapter 2 focuses on the metabolic potential of bacterial communities in the rumen of bison fed a grass-based diet. Using high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic …

Identification Of Gut Bacterial Symbionts From Atlantic Salmon That Are Involved In Metabolizing Feed Ingredients Derived From Soybean Meal, Emily Fowler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the aquaculture industry, plant-based protein sources have emerged as an economically and environmentally sustainable replacement for traditional animal protein sources. Yet, due to reduced digestibility, the presence of anti-nutritional factors, as well as an increased risk of inflammation of the digestive system, the inclusion of plant-based protein ingredients must be limited, especially in the diets of carnivorous fishes. To gain further insight on how to adapt the fish digestive tract to more effectively utilize or tolerate plant-based protein ingredients, slurry from cultured Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) was used as a proxy in an in vitro model system to identify …

White Coats And Scrubs: Bridging The Gaps In Accommodation, Tristan Stauffacher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effective communication between nurses and physicians is critical for patient safety, yet these interactions often occur within hierarchical structures that can hinder open dialogue and collaboration. This study explores nurse-physician communication through the lens of Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), specifically focusing on how nurses accommodate their communication using the framework’s strategies. Drawing on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with registered nurses, this study identifies key themes including convergence, organizational silence, and maintenance as strategies that nurses engage in. The findings of this study reveal that accommodation choices are not solely motivated by intrinsic goals but can be motivated by external …

Modern Feminist Social Movements In Rural America: A Three- Part Study, Susan Kroger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Modern feminist social movement can be characterized by several distinctive features. The use of social media, the incorporation of intersectionality, and the injection of policy into modern social movements requires a broad approach to these movements that allows for examination from multiple angles. The proposed project allows for a nuanced and thorough look into an existing social movement in rural America as it unfolds and examines that movement through several lenses. Additionally, the project incorporates current social movement and feminist theory and notes the importance of examining these theoretical perspectives through an applied lens: in order for change to occur, …

Shifting Waters: A 41-Year Time-Series Analysis Of Surface Water Change In The Prairie Pothole Region, Madison Dejarlais

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Prairie Pothole Region (PRR) is a landscape defined by a dynamic surface water system, with wetlands, lakes, and rivers playing critical roles in supporting biodiversity, regulating floods, and maintaining hydrological balance. This study conducts a time-series analysis of surface water change in the PPR from 1984 to 2024, using remote sensing tools including Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS Pro, and ENVI. 41 annual surface water presence rasters were compiled into a cumulative dataset, allowing for both year-to-year comparisons and broader trend analysis. Results indicate that the presence of surface water in the PPR has not followed a simple linear trend. …

One Rung At A Time: Climbing The Ladder Toward Aquatic Connectivity In Eastern South Dakota, Evan Spencer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Roads and streams are synonymous with their connection to movement, the acquisition of resources, and as pathways to new opportunities. However, the factors that define good roads and ecologically connected streams are rarely without conflict. Road infrastructure at stream-road crossings has the potential to fragment stream networks. Tube culverts, where streams pass under the road through metal pipes, are particularly concerning for stream connectivity. Undersized, aging, or inappropriately installed culverts can develop vertical drops at the outflow due to high velocities and stream bed scouring. The outlet drop can function as a barrier, preventing the upstream movement of fish. Due …

Determining The Susceptibility Status Of Red Sunflower Seed Weevil, Smicronyx Fulvus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) To Pyrethroid Insecticides, Aaron Lee Hargens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although sunflowers are native to North America, the early breeding efforts to improve sunflowers occurred outside of the continent. These hybrids were reintroduced to North America around 1875. In the early 1900’s, efforts to increase oil content were achieved by selective breeding of the reintroduced hybrids. Although this resulted in the development of improved sunflowers, many of the traits that conferred resistance to native insect pests were lost. One insect pest, the red sunflower seed weevil was noted as having caused sunflower production to rapidly decline and eventually end in Illinois and Missouri. Unfortunately, red sunflower seed weevils are still …

Generative Ai In The Workplace: Adoption Patterns, Innovation Attributes, And Equity Implications At Bhssc, Andrew Ley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This case study explores generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) adoption patterns, innovation attributes, and equity implications within a diverse educational cooperative in western South Dakota. A mixed methods approach was employed to analyze adoption trends, perceived productivity differentials, and the significance of key innovation characteristics to 40 employees representing a range of divisions, roles, and levels of digital competence. Employees with lower self-reported digital competence and higher average age reported disproportionately higher perceived productivity gains from GenAI tools. This may suggest GenAI may level the playing field for aging individuals who have previously felt marginalized by rapid technological change in the …

Evaluation Of Soil Microbiome And Edaphic Factors In Response To Nitrogen Fertilizer Application In Western South Dakota Croplands, Riya Jain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Distributed Energy Resources (Der) Capacity Estimation With Spatiotemporal Downscaling For Transmission And Distribution Coordination, Abhilasha Suvedi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this thesis is to accurately estimate the capacity of distributed energy resources (DERs) using the spatiotemporally downscaled local solar irradiance for their efficient integration into transmission-level grid operations. Accurate estimation of DER capacity is crucial for their enhanced integration into real-time electricity markets. Different methods of spatiotemporally downscaling the solar irradiance are presented in this thesis, followed by their integration into the 12 house distribution network – a low voltage residential distribution system. Grid support functions (GSFs) like Volt-Watt Control, Volt-VAR control, and Frequency-Watt Control are applied to effectively regulate the frequency and maintain the voltage …

Extended Days On Feed: Influences On Growth Performance, Efficiency, And Carcass Characteristics Of Steers And Heifers Of Different Proportions Of Angus And Limousin Genetics, Grace Henley Olinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recently, cattle feeders have extended days on feed (DOF) resulting in hot carcass weights (HCW) exceeding the limits of existing serial slaughter datasets. This study's goal was to determine the impact extended DOF exerts on growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics of steers and heifers with varying proportions of Angus (AN) and Limousin (LM) genetics. In 2022, commercial AN cows from two MT ranches were artificially inseminated to 9 sires from 3 breeds (AN, LM, and Limflex (LF)) with parentage confirmed by DNA. In 2023, 216 calves (sired by 72 AN, 73 LF, and 71 LM; 105 steers and …

Modelling The Hydrologic Impact Of Land Cover On Stormwater Detention Basins In Harris County, Tx, Kabita Sapkota

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Harris County on the upper Gulf Coast in Southeast Texas is susceptible to both riverine and coastal flooding due to intense, short-duration thunderstorms, slow-moving frontal systems, and tropical hurricanes. Low-lying terrain, clay soils with poor drainage, high annual rainfall, and a widespread network of bayous and streams all contribute to frequent flooding. To reduce the impacts of urbanization and the loss of surface storage, the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) built detention basins throughout the county to temporarily store stormwater runoff and release it slowly, lowering peak flows and preventing downstream flooding and erosion. These basins vary in land …

Large Scale Crop Damage Mapping Using Optical And Sar Satellite Data Fusion And Deep Learning, Santosh Subedi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Role Of Clinical And Social Factors In Predicting All-Cause Mortality In End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients: A Machine Learning Framework, Addy Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Discovery Of Photosynthetic Oxic N2-Fixation In Cyanobacteria Using Wet Lab And Machine Learning Approaches, James A. Young Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Natural Feed Additives And Monensin Sodium On Growth Performance In Feedlot Cattle, Thiago Lauro Maia Ribeiro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation was to investigate how phytogenic feed additives and a pulse feeding monensin sodium strategy would affect growth performance in the receiving and finishing feedlot phases. Three randomized complete block design feedlot experiments and one pooled analysis were conducted to determine the effects of the feed additives and management strategies used in newly weaned and finishing beef cattle. The objective of these experiments were 1) determine if a blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG) influences cattle performance, sera metabolites or health outcomes during the feedlot receiving phase; 2) determine if …

In The Footsteps Of Moose: Using Non-Invasive Techniques To Identify Cause-Specific Calf Mortalities And Evaluate Moose (Alces Alces) Movements Pertaining To Mineral Lick Locations On Ancestral Lands Of The Grand Portage Ojibwe, Anna B. Weesies

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Following a sharp moose (Alces alces; mooz, Anishinaabemowin, Ojibwe language) population decline in northeastern Minnesota during the early 2000s, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa initiated a long-term moose collaring effort to assess survival and mortality causes. Moose are a culturally important species to the Band, with annual subsistence hunts held on the Reservation and adjacent 1854 Ceded Territory. Continued research guides culturally appropriate management decisions aimed at bolstering calf and adult survival, helping to preserve this moose in Minnesota today and for subsequent generations. Chapter 1 identifies cause-specific calf mortality rates in this multi-predator system using minimally …

Slum Area Detection In Dhaka City, Bangladesh, Using Satellite Remote Sensing And Deep Learning, Soubhoon Sadeq Shinjini

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dhaka City, a rapidly growing megacity and high-density developing area in Bangladesh, faces numerous urbanization challenges. Among these, informal settlements or slum areas pose serious concerns for authorities and policymakers striving to improve living conditions for slum dwellers. Dhaka City’s slums are characterized by high-density, one- or two-story structures made of low-cost materials, often located adjacent to natural water bodies and lacking basic public infrastructure (Ahmed 2014; Iqbal 2014; Jahan 2012). The need for accurate and up-to-date data on these settlements is crucial for researchers and policymakers, particularly for implementing slum upgradation and resettlement programs. However, traditional field surveys for …

Characterizing A Free-Roaming Cat Population To Predict Predation Of Threatened Species In An Island Ecosystem, Sarah Gheida

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Integrated Wetland Condition Index And Environmental Metric Framework For The Prairie Pothole Region, Mercedes L. Batalla

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The USDA-NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) assists landowners with protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetlands. Evaluating wetland conservation efforts is crucial for informing future management decisions. However, assessment frameworks vary across regions and among stakeholders. The Prairie Pothole Region is an ecologically unique landscape characterized by its abundance of wetlands that provide important ecosystem services. To evaluate wetlands enrolled in ACEP, I sampled forty-five semi-permanent wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region from July – August 2023 and 2024. I selected and sampled twenty-six wetlands enrolled in ACEP. Nineteen additional wetlands not enrolled in ACEP were also sampled; these included nine …

Persistent Reading Deficiencies In Early Education, William Steven Reed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study investigated early reading teachers’ perceptions of the instructional practices they use to identify early elementary student reading proficiency, including unique challenges they face when addressing the development of early reading skills. The researcher investigated eight first and second grade teacher classrooms during the 2023–2024 school year through collective interviews, observations, and related school data. The researcher performed a qualitative analysis of the collected data to reveal varying themes that support recommendations to reduce persistent reading problems among early elementary students. Using purposeful sampling to select licensed, experienced participants, the insights of eight early elementary reading teachers …

Exploring The Perceptions Of School Leaders And Teachers Towards The Role And Value Of School Librarians, Amanda Galliton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the perceptions of school leaders and teachers toward the role and value of school librarians in a North Central Texas Education Service Center area. The study investigated how superintendents, principals, and teachers view the contributions of certified school librarians to student achievement and school culture, particularly in light of budget cuts and the elimination of librarian positions. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research gathered information from superintendents, principals, and teachers, using quantitative and qualitative data and then quantitizing that data. The results reveal a significant variance in perceptions among superintendents, principals, and teachers, as well as a …

Strategies For Success: Developing The Hero Within To Increase Persistence Of Community College Students Returning From Academic Dismissal, Angela Cavazos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students are enrolling in college at a higher rate than ever before, yet retention rates continue to be problematic for higher education institutions across the United States. Many students fail to persist beyond their first year and are often forced out due to academic difficulties. Students who return from academic dismissal are likely to be dismissed again. This quasi-experimental quantitative action research study aimed to evaluate the impact that a student success intervention course designed through an asset-based positive self-leadership framework and focused on the development of psychological capital constructs of hope, efficacy, resilience, and self-efficacy (HERO) had on the …

A Higher Calling: How Christian Student Affairs Administrators Integrate Their Faith While Working At Public Community Colleges, Danielle J. Ward

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The cornerstone of the student affairs field was the intentional focus on holistic student development, their mind and spirit. The problem addressed was that many student affairs professionals felt ill-equipped and uncomfortable discussing and expressing their personal faith at some institutions of higher education. As a result, some were hesitant about integrating faith at work, personally and professionally. The study sought to identify faith's role in Christian student affairs administrators who worked at public open-admission community colleges and the administrators’ perceptions of how their personal faith integration at work impacted their relationships with students and colleagues. The paradigm for …

The Lived Experiences Of African American Women In Predominantly White Higher Education Institutions In Texas And Their Journey To Advancement To Tenure, Wanda Yvonne Carter-Dyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

African American women are underrepresented in predominantly White higher education institutions in Texas. Inconsistent treatment and policies have contributed to the disparate numbers of African American women in predominately White institutions. African American women are subjected to discrimination based on race, sex, and color. The problem investigated in this study was the barriers to African American tenure-seeking women in predominately White institutions. Barriers discussed in those interviews were discrimination, equity, inclusion, lack of support systems, organizational culture and relationships, and mentors. Six African American women in PWIs in Texas were interviewed to give a voice to the barriers experienced …

“But The Trauma Did Not Fade Away” Childhood Sexual Abuse, Adolescent Pregnancy, And Rurality, Cynthia H. Mcniss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adolescent pregnancy are critical public health issues that intersect in complex ways, particularly in rural areas. Adolescents who have experienced CSA are at a significantly higher risk of becoming pregnant before the age of 19 compared to their peers without such a history (Madigan et al., 2014). Rurality is also associated with elevated rates of adolescent pregnancy due to various socio-economic and healthcare access challenges ("Rural Health Information Hub," 2024). This study employed a grounded theory approach to develop a comprehensive understanding of the social and psychosocial processes influencing the choices, actions, and decisions of …

Perceptions Of Communication And Collaboration Between Special Education And Career And Technical Education Teachers, Alexander Novickoff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the communication and collaboration between Local Education Agency’s (LEA) special education staff and Career and Technical Center (CTC) staff in supporting students with disabilities (SWD). Given the critical role of effective interagency communication in providing comprehensive support to SWD, this study seeks to identify the perceptions, methods, and frequencies of communication between these entities. The research is set within the context of non-comprehensive CTCs in Pennsylvania, where students split their time between their home schools and regional CTCs. Through a quantitative approach, consisting of a detailed survey distributed to both LEA and CTC staff, this study examines …

Gatekeeper, Keep Thyself: How Impairment Impacts The Integration Of Counselor Wellness Competencies, Curtis Lee Taylor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined counselor educators’ beliefs regarding the importance of Counselor Wellness Competencies (CWCs) and how effectively they teach them to their counselors-in-training (CIT). This study focused on significant relationships between the importance and effective teaching, self-care, and burnout. Counselor educators who place higher importance on the CWCs reported having higher self-efficacy in teaching them. The findings suggest that counselor educators with more self-care behaviors experienced less burnout and were better able to show congruence between the importance and effective teaching of the CWCs. The conclusion of this report explores limitations and directions for future research.

Evaluating The Implementation Of Community Schools’ Strategies To Address Post-Pandemic Student Mental Health, Dawn Gordon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the systemic and structural barriers affecting the effectiveness of community schools, particularly in providing mental health services and support, with a specific focus on how principals have responded to these needs in the post-COVID-19 era. Employing qualitative methods, including focus groups with principals from schools implementing the community schools’ model, the study identifies three major themes: difficulties with lead agency collaboration and coordination with host schools, systemic and structural barriers to effective functioning, and holistic approaches to enhancing student support and well-being with mental health.

Difficulties with lead agency collaboration and coordination reveal how inadequate communication and …