Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Teacher Effectiveness, Keith D. Powell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This applied action research with a program evaluation aimed to determine if the Improving Effectiveness Three (IE3) program which is composed of professional development on the Professional Growth System (PGS), engagement in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and participation in the New Teacher Academy (NTA) improves teacher effectiveness at North Panama High School (NPHS) as measured by the Mississippi Professional Growth System.

For the past five years, the United States has struggled to fully staff public schools with highly effective teachers. This struggle is increasingly difficult in several southern states. North Panama High School, surrounded by more affluent school districts, experiences …

Creating A Mentorship Program For Assistant Principals To Improve Instructional Leadership, Shadonica Sharee Scruggs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effective instructional leadership is essential for strengthening teachers’ instructional capacity and improving student outcomes. However, many assistant principals often lack the mentorship and targeted professional development needed to thrive in this critical role. Providing them with the right support can bridge this gap, empowering them to become transformative leaders in their schools. In this study, I explored the development and implementation of a mentorship program designed to strengthen the instructional leadership skills of assistant principals with the ultimate goal of enhancing student learning outcomes. Using an applied research design, I collected data through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with assistant …

The Moderating Role Of Engagement On Mindfulness, Sarah Rose Wilson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined the moderating role of engagement in a technology-based mindfulness intervention among college students. Drawing on archival data from a prior randomized controlled trial, the analysis focused on whether self-reported engagement influenced changes in mindfulness as measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Seventy-five participants in the mindfulness intervention group received brief psychoeducational and practice-based text messages over a 21-day period. A moderation analysis using PROCESS macro tested whether engagement moderated the relationship between pre- and post-intervention mindfulness scores. Results indicated that engagement did not significantly moderate changes in total FFMQ scores, providing no support for …

Evaluating Dietary Consequences On Body Mass And Thermal Heat Flux Of North American Bison (Bison Bison) Yearling Heifers, Kendall Marie Wald

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Deciphering Genetic Contributions To Antibiotic Persistence: Insights From Multi-Gene Knockout Studies, Elise K. Schweer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Antibiotic resistance is a critical global health challenge, complicating efforts to treat bacterial infections effectively. Antibiotic persistence plays a significant role in driving resistance. Persisters are a subpopulation of non-dividing bacterial cells that often evade lethal antibiotic treatment. Once antibiotics are removed, these cells "resurrect," resuming growth and may lead to relapsing infections. Notably, the progeny of persister cells exhibit a heightened tendency to acquire mutations or incorporate antibiotic resistance genes, further compounding the challenge of antibiotic resistance. In our recent study, we knocked out seven hypothetical genes and observed a significant reduction in persister levels. Compared to the wild …

Testing The Effect Of Source And Environment On Native Seed Germination To Inform Seed-Based Restoration Of Grasslands, Brandon Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Grasslands are one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet, and they provide a variety of important ecosystem services that people rely on. Losses of grasslands can be mitigated through restoration. Seed-based restoration is a regularly used practice due to its practicality and cost-effectiveness. Planting non-local seed that may not be suitable for its destination environment can have consequences in plant establishment and subsequent restoration success. This experiment tested the response (final germination and germination rate) of seed from 11 perennial tallgrass species sourced from 3 different locations to different germination temperature conditions. Seeds from three sources of each …

Global Spectral Clustering Of Temporally Stable Pixels For Epics Identification, Validation, And Hyperspectral Assignment For Satellite Calibration, Juliana Maria Fajardo Rueda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Exploring Tpack To Foster Student Engagement: A Self-Study In A Rural School Secondary Mathematics Classroom, Sindhu Aravind

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, the integration of technology into education has transformed teaching practices, enhancing student engagement and providing new opportunities for differentiated learning. However, this shift presents a unique challenge in rural schools, where limited resources and infrastructure can hinder the effective implementation of technology. To investigate these challenges, I conducted a qualitative self-study to explore how technology integration, guided by the TPACK framework, impacts student engagement and learning in a secondary mathematics classroom. This study also examined the teacher’s experience in planning, implementing, and adapting technological tools to address the diverse needs of students, particularly in under-resourced environments. For …

In Defense Of Intellectual Autonomy, Paisley Agyare Boaitey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent attention in virtue and social epistemology has been devoted to analyzing intellectual virtues. However, intellectual autonomy is underappreciated and has been underexplored. The lack of specificity about the formal character of autonomy makes evaluating it as an intellectual character trait and virtue difficult. Here, I will examine extant accounts of intellectual autonomy and show why puzzles about them remain. I then offer intellectual autonomy under a compositional framework. Ultimately, I aim to show that intellectual autonomy—when adequately conceived—is a viable intellectual virtue that epistemic agents in an intellectual community [ought] to cultivate and maintain.

Teacher Perceptions And Student Self-Reports: Examining Aggression, Delinquency, And Contextual Correlates In Education And Non-Educational Settings, Abigail Claire Boozer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between teacher-perceived delinquency and student self-reported delinquency, utilizing data from the LONGSCAN data set. The research also examines whether the correlates of these behaviors differ across classroom and non-classroom settings, offering insights into the contextual dynamics of delinquency. Grounded in labeling theory, this study explores the influence of teacher perceptions on student behavior, highlighting how labeling may reinforce or mitigate patterns of aggression and delinquency. By leveraging the rich longitudinal data from LONGSCAN, the research identifies key demographic, familial, and environmental factors that contribute to these behaviors. The findings aim to inform educational interventions and …

Educating Students Suffering From Social Emotional Trauma, Terry Peeples

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this applied research was to prepare teachers with proper professional development so that teachers can be equipped with the skills and strategies to educate students who suffer from social-emotional trauma. Students are faced with many challenges outside of school. Sometimes these challenges come from the neighborhoods in which they live, their household and living conditions, the amount of violence that students have witnessed, and many more emotionally scarring situations. I have witnessed students miss out on the opportunity of student learning because of the emotional state they were in at that moment. Many times, students do not …

The History Of The Delta State University Music Department, Steven Gregory Hugley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the history of Delta State University's music department from its inception in 1925 as Delta Teachers College to the closure of the department in May 2024, just shy of the University’s centennial. The study examines the ensembles offered, student and faculty participation, and degree programs throughout the years. It also considers the department's development and the factors leading to its closure, with insights into future plans. The research provides a comprehensive overview of the music department’s evolution and impact over nearly a century.

The Relationship Between College Entrance Exam Scores And First-Year Undergraduate Grade Point Averages At A Regional Public University: An Exploratory Analysis, Kaitlyn Sanson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the relationship between college entrance exam scores and first-year college grade point averages for first-year students enrolled at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Using a three-manuscript approach, the dissertation in practice explores the predictive validity of college entrance exam scores in higher education admissions, evaluates the effectiveness of these exams in forecasting academic success, and connects leadership philosophy to data-driven decision-making in admissions policies.

Manuscript One introduces the problem of practice by situating college entrance exams within the broader context of college admissions. While entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT have traditionally been …

Evaluating And Mapping Habitat Suitability And Effects Of Woodland Treatment On Breeding Pinyon Jays In Colorado, Emily Diane Macklin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) is a highly social, colonially nesting corvid endemic to the interior western United States whose populations have declined by ~72% since 1966, prompting the species’ current review for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Pinyon jays inhabit pinyon pine (Pinus subsect. Cembroides) and juniper (Juniperus spp.) woodlands and other dry conifer woodlands, portions of which are treated through tree thinning and removal for fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and habitat improvement for wildlife. As a result there is pressing need to better understand how woodland treatment and other potential drivers impact pinyon jay habitat suitability and …

Effect Of Vibration Isolation During Transportation On Beef Sirloin Subprimal And Steak Quality, Kylie Nevada Krueger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of vibration during transportation on beef sirloin water holding capacity, color, and tenderness. USDA Choice center-cut sirloin top butts (n = 45 cases) were collected at a commercial processing facility and randomly allocated to one of three treatments 1) regular pallet driven 241 km (Reg241), 2) regular pallet driven 644 km (Reg644), and 3) vibration isolation pallet driven 644 km (Iso644). All subprimals were transported at -2.2 °C (d0) and stored for 10 days to mimic industry practices for product aging. Following storage (d11), one subprimal per case was evaluated …

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 …

Barriers Principals Face Integrating Blended Learning In Secondary Schools, Lacey Tremaine Ajibola

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the barriers secondary principals encounter integrating instructional technology as a part of a blended learning model. Existing research investigating the barriers principals face is limited and fractured and is mostly examined from the perspective of teachers. Therefore, this study provided data on the perspective and experiences of principals as technology leaders and their perceived barriers to implementing blended learning models. The researcher aligned the research questions to the International Society for Technology in Education Standard for Educational Leaders as a conceptual framework. Interviews with 11 secondary principals from the same …

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 …

Improving Reduced Tillage Vegetable Systems For The Northern Great Plains: How Does Early Season Soil Tarping (Solarization And Occultation) Reduce Weeds, Affect Soil Health, And Protect Yield?, Hannah Voye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soil tarping (solarization and occultation) is a no-till weed management practice gaining popularity in the United States for small scale vegetable growers. While many studies have been conducted using variations of this tool in the Northeast United States, minimal research has been done in the windier, sunnier, Midwest climate. Our research explored the effectiveness of early spring solarization and occultation to manage weeds and produce viable onion yield in Eastern South Dakota. Occultation tarps placed in early spring included double sided black and white silage tarps with tarps placed black side up or white side up, each placed 6-, 4-, …

Electric Vehicles Historical Sales, Minerals Demand Risks, And Supply Chain Dynamics, Md Saidur Rahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming the automotive industry as governments, businesses, and consumers seek sustainable transportation options. This thesis examines the Electric Vehicles Historical Sales, future demand, key minerals demand risks, focusing on critical supply chain dynamics and sustainability challenges that influence EV production scalability. Specifically, the research explores demand forecasts and resource needs under policy scenarios from the International Energy Agency (IEA): the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), Announced Policies Scenario (APS), and Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZES). Key materials analyzed include lithium, cobalt, and nickel, assessing potential bottlenecks in sourcing, refining, and logistics. …

Prospective Use Of Detection Dogs As A Screening Tool For Mycoplasma Ovipneumoniae In Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis), Michele C. Lovara

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is a bacterium that can spill over from domestic sheep (Ovis aries) to bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), with effects in bighorn sheep ranging from low to no lamb recruitment to whole-herd all-age die-offs from resulting pneumonia. Fast and reliable pathogen or disease detection is essential for managing outbreaks in bighorn sheep and emergences in affected populations. Detection dogs are increasingly being enlisted to close gaps and further complement various disease, pathogen and virus research and response efforts. This thesis explores the use of conservation detection dogs as a potential tool for M. ovipneumoniae surveillance in bighorn sheep through …

Development Of Food Preservative Hydrogel Using Bioactive Compounds Extracted From Canola Meal, Kayla Christopherson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With an ever-growing population comes the need for a greater food supply. Yet land and other agricultural resources put a limit on the availability of food production. As farmers strive to optimize higher produce yields, society must turn to greener, more sustainable food preservation techniques to reduce food spoilage. The inclusion of extracted bioactive compounds found in canola meal into a food preservative hydrogel is such a solution for food spoilage reduction. In this thesis, extraction parameters of glucosinolates were examined along with their inhibition of E. coli DH5αZ1 when incorporated into 2 developed hydrogels: gelatin A Schiff-base and agar-agar. …

Remote Sensing - Based Mapping And Analysis Of Winter Cover Crop Adoption For Sustainable Agriculture, Minnehaha County, Belinda Buechler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Winter cover crops planted by farmers such as cereal rye, crimson clover, radishes, hairy vetch, and winter wheat are used to conserve and protect the soil during winter. These crops offer numerous benefits such as improving soil health, reducing erosion, fixing nitrogen, increasing carbon sequestration, and weed suppression. Over time, winter cover cropping has been recognized as a sustainable agricultural practice and has gained attention from Federal and State conservation programs, farmers, and non-governmental organizations. Due to their vital benefits, agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conversation Services (NRCS) have partnered with cost-share programs …

Understanding Relationships Among Fish And Environmental Conditions To Guide Adaptive Fisheries Management, Madalyn K. Siller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Phytogenic Feed Additives Pre- And Post-Calving And Effects Of Substituting Ddgs With Soybean Meal On Protein Metabolism In Beef Cattle, Grace H. Jardon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of these studies was to evaluate nutritional strategies to improve beef cattle productivity through targeted supplementation and protein source manipulation. The first study investigated the effects of a phytogenic supplement (PHYT; a blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresin) on colostrum yield and composition, calf passive immunity, and cow–calf performance. Twenty-three Angus-based cows were assigned to either a control group or received 250 or 500 mg/head/day of PHYT from 30 days pre-calving to 60 days post-calving. Supplementation with PHYT linearly increased colostrum fat and calf serum IgA concentrations. Milk fat, calf serum IgG, and colostrum IgM tended …

Evaluation Of Strip-Tillage And Banded Phosphorus And Potassium Fertilizer For Corn Production In Eastern South Dakota, Charles N. Tesch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In South Dakota, the adoption of no-till and other conservation tillage practices has grown in recent years. However, conventional tillage is still a common practice in the eastern third of the state, negatively affecting soil health and the environment. Strip-tillage has gained interest in this region as a way to transition to conservation tillage while retaining some benefits of conventional tillage. Strip-tillage also provides the ability to subsurface band nutrients, particularly phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers within the tillage strip, potentially improving nutrient accessibility and recovery while reducing environmental risks. This study aimed to investigate (i) the effects of …

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 …

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 …

Synchronization Protocols Utilizing Progesterone Implants Associated With Estrus Expression, Vaginal Microbiome, And Immune Response In Beef Cattle, Riley James Puck

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis aims to provide a deep understanding of presynchronization strategies and the varying factors affecting their efficacy. Beginning with a literature review of the estrous cycle and the endocrinology driving it. Building on this foundation, the physiological basis for estrous synchronization is described, followed by the advancement of pre-synchronization protocols designed to increase estrus and conception. Further, we will focus on the influence of estrus expression on insemination time and conception rates. Finally, how the immune system interacts with the conception process. In addition, the review goes beyond exogenous endocrine manipulation and dives into the emerging role of the …

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 …