Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Simplified Regional-National Dsge Models For U.S. State-Level Analysis, Michael Telkamp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops a series of simplified Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model variants to analyze macroeconomic dynamics at the U.S. state level. Using South Dakota as a case study, I extend the Smets and Wouters (2007) mediumscale framework by implementing state-specific output, labor, consumption, investment, and wages into a dual-economy structure, where the state is modeled as a closed economy influenced by national-level shocks. The models are estimated using Bayesian techniques on quarterly data from 2007 - 2020. Model performance is evaluated through impulse response functions and variance decompositions. A key result is that South Dakota exhibits firm habit …

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 …

Optimizing Heifer Development On Dormant Rangelands By Integrating Precision Livestock Technologies With The Range Supplementation Model And The Evaluation Of Short-Term Rotations Of Precision Technology On Plant Communities, Hadley Ann Dotts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heifer development on dormant rangelands offers a cost-effective alternative to feedlot or drylot systems. However, traditional bunk supplementation methods often result in uneven intake, inefficient feed use, and ecological degradation around static feeding sites. This thesis evaluated the integration of precision livestock technologies and a dynamic Range Supplementation Model to improve individual animal performance, weight uniformity, and rangeland sustainability in extensive heifer development systems in the Northern Great Plains. The first study involved a seven-month trial (November 2023–May 2024) with 50 yearling Angus heifers grazing dormant native rangelands at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station. Heifers were stratified into two treatments: …

Biotransformation Of Camelina Meal Via Pretreatment And Fermentation For Functional And Nutritional Upgrading, Ram Kumar Bhattarai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Camelina sativa, an oilseed crop of the Brassicaceae family, has seen increased cultivation in North America in response to the rising demand for biofuels over the past two decades. With this growth, camelina meal, a byproduct of oil extraction, has emerged as a promising yet underutilized resource, particularly for applications in animal nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of camelina meal as a substrate for submerged fungal fermentation and to examine how this bioconversion affects its physicochemical and nutritional properties. The influence of mild pretreatments (unwashed, washed only, and washed/dried and ground) on fermentation outcomes was also assessed. …

Functional Data Analysis And Spatial Analysis For On-Farm Strip Trials, Peter Claussen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collaborative on-farm trials of agronomic practices have been an established method of interaction between researchers and their target audience (the farmers). With the advent of precision agriculture practices, the on-farm strip trial has become a popular method of collaborative research. Precision agriculture practices allows farmers to precisely control the application of an agronomic product or practice to specific strips in a cropland, and to leave as standard practice strips, or check strips, intermingled with the test strips. In spite of their popularity, there has been little development in the methods of analyzing strip trials. In this thesis, two examples of …

Epidemiological And Diagnostic Approaches For Soybean Cyst Nematode In South Dakota, Nabina Karki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines (HG) Ichinohe, is an endoparasitic nematode and one of the major yield-limiting pathogens of soybean (Glycine max L.) in the United States. Soybean cyst nematode alone accounts for more than $1.5 billion economic loss annually in North America. First reported in the U.S.A. in 1954 in New Hanover County, North Carolina and later in 1995 in Union County, South Dakota. Prior to this study, SCN has spread in 34 counties in the state. As a soil pathogen, which can adapt to most soil conditions under soybean production and beside soybean, it is hosted on …

Target Cell-Associated Cd47 Suppresses Nadph Oxidase Activity In Macrophages During Antibody Dependent Cellular Phagocytosis, Seuly Akter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

CD47-SIRPα signaling is a well-known immune checkpoint that suppresses macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). In this study, we explored how CD47 influences reactive oxygen species (ROS) production driven by Fcγ receptor (FcγR) signaling. Our results show that macrophages produce significantly more ROS when encountering IgG coated target cells lacking CD47.Polarization with IFNγ further amplified this effect. ThusCD47-SIRPα interactions limit phagocytosis and suppress oxidative ROS production by macrophages. We found that CD47 blockade and IFNγ stimulation enhanced ADCP through distinct mechanisms. CD47 blockade removed the inhibitory "don't eat me" signal supporting ADCP and ADROS. Similarly, IFNγ enhances ADCP by upregulating FcγRI …

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 …

Cover Cropping Strategies For Improving Weed Suppression, Yashar Askarzadeh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cover crops (CCs) play an essential role in sustainable agriculture by providing multiple ecosystem services. However, adoption remains low due to concerns about economic returns, management complexity, and potential yield reductions in cash crops. Applying CCs uniformly across fields without accounting for spatial variability can result in inconsistent outcomes. A precision cover cropping system (PCCS), which incorporates site-specific management zones (MZs), offers a more targeted approach to improving performance while minimizing costs and uncertainties. This study explores the interaction between CCs and field variability through complementary field and greenhouse experiments. The field experiment demonstrates that field heterogeneity significantly influences CC …

Exploring The Viability Of Late-Season Split N Application In Corn Production In Eastern South Dakota, Cody Gilliland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Corn [Zea mays L.], yield has increased consistently since the green revolution due in part to a better understanding of crop nutrient demands throughout the growing season. The goal of this research was to investigate the efficacy of late (V10 and V14 growth stages) split N applications in corn compared to pre-plant only N applications. The study was conducted at two locations in eastern South Dakota (Brookings, SD and South Shore, SD) over three years (2018, 2019, and 2020). Pre-plant only N treatments received 135, 180 or 224 kg N ha-1 at planting, as broadcast urea (46-0-0). Split N treatments …

The Effects Of Flaxseed Oil-Based Supplementation On Feeding Behavior, Performance, Follicular Dynamics, And Embryo Production In Beef Cattle, Kendal Lynn Green

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This review seeks to provide an overview of fatty acid supplementation in cattle, opening with their structural and functional properties. Nutritional supplementation helps to regulate the precursors and substrates crucial to reproduction. This review aims to examine nutritional supplementation strategies, the role of fatty acids on follicular dynamics, and their impact on embryo production. The base of literature regarding lipid supplementation is vast, with varying results found across studies. Comparing results from prior studies remains difficult as there is a vast range of lipid sources used in beef and dairy animals. The emphasis of this review was placed on evaluating …

Lunar Payload Logistics: Advancing Autonomous Control For Lunar Surface Transporter Vehicles, Liam Murray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Many-Objective Optimization Framework: Demonstrating Capabilities Through Suspension Design, Dylan Stephens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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.

Refinement Of Trend-To-Trend Cross Calibration Total Uncertainties Utilizing Extended Pseudo Invariant Calibration Sites (Epics) Global Temporally Stable Target, Minura Samaranayake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cross-calibration is an essential technique for calibrating Earth Observation satellite sensors, which involves taking nearly simultaneous images of a ground target to compare uncalibrated sensor to a well-calibrated reference sensor. This study introduces the hyperspectral Trend-to-Trend (T2T) cross-calibration technique utilizing EPICS Cluster 13 Global Temporally Stable (Cluster 13-GTS) as the calibration target, offering better temporal stability than previous targets used in T2T cross-calibration by an absolute difference of 0.4%, between coefficients of variation across all bands excluding CA band. A multispectral sensor-specific normalized hyperspectral profile was developed using the EO-1 Hyperion hyperspectral profile over Cluster 13-GTS to improve Spectral Band …

Voltage-Dependent Anion-Selective Channels 1 And 2 Wild Type And Mutant Bh3-Like Domain Peptides: Analysis Of Secondary Structure And Binding Stoichiometry To Recombinant Bax, Geanell C. Adams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite national efforts to increase female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), women remain significantly underrepresented in collegiate STEM programs. This pilot study sought to identify pre-collegiate factors that influence female students’ decisions to enroll and persist in STEM collegiate programs at the University of Mississippi, a predominantly white R1 research institution using qualitative methods. Grounded in Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, the research examined the environmental, behavioral, and personal determinants that shape academic pathways for women in STEM.

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six sophomore female STEM majors. Thematic analysis revealed that early exposure to structured …

Underrepresented Medical Students: Perceptions Of Academic Persistence And Successful Completion Of Medical School, Nicholas Dakota Bibbs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Less than one percent of the United States population’s workforce are physicians. The road to becoming a medical doctor is long, complex, and taxing. Individuals desiring to become physicians must have large amounts of grit, persistence, patience, and a hard work ethic just to get to medical school. The students who are accepted into medical school come from various backgrounds with differing degrees of access to resources and opportunities to prepare them before and during their medical education. Studies show that students who are categorized as underrepresented in medicine often face the most challenges to achieving academic success. Understanding what …

Non-Standard Interaction Effects On Neutrino Oscillations In Dune, Ehsan Farooq

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this work, we aim to investigate the effects of matter-induced neutrino oscillations and non-standard interactions (NSIs) in long-baseline neutrino experiments, with a focus on long base line neutrino oscillation experiments, the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) and the Neutrino at Main Injector( NuMI) Off-Axis electron-neutrino Appearance (NOvA) Experiment. Neutrino propagation through matter can be significantly modified by both the standard Mikheyev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein (MSW) effect and possible NSIs, which introduce additional flavor-dependent interactions beyond the Standard Model. We will systematically vary the NSI parameters to study how they enhance or suppress the neutrino oscillation probabilities, particularly for appearance and disappearance channels. …

Working With Parents/Guardians To Provide Support And Knowledge For Structured Literacy Spelling Instruction At Home, Claire Rearick Fearn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation in practice explores the role of spelling instruction within the framework of the Science of Reading (SOR) and Structured Literacy (SL). This research examines how spelling, a vital yet acquired literacy skill, is foundational to reading and writing development and should be taught explicitly and systematically through SL principles. Drawing on research in cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and educational research the study highlights how the brain learns to read and spell, reinforcing the need for evidence-based instruction that integrates both encoding and decoding practices. Despite research starting the importance of teaching spelling utilizing SL methods, spelling instruction and …

Crisis Of The Closed Society: The Southern Historian's Battle Against The Lost Cause, 1900-1963, Julian Flesch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the Lost Cause of the Confederacy pervaded every aspect of white Southern social, political, cultural, and intellectual life, it did not go unchallenged, even among white Southerners. While many white Southern intellectuals, especially historians, promoted the Lost Cause and white supremacy as objective fact, there were always historians who opposed it. This thesis will trace several professional historians, and other intellectuals who went against Lost Cause orthodoxy from the turn of the century until the 1960s. The main historians to be discussed here are William Dodd, John Spencer Bassett, Enoch Banks, and James Silver. Often, Confederate heritage organizations, newspaper …

The Collaborative Effect Of Ceo-Cfo Power Differentials: What Is The Impact On Performance?, Derek Wayne Henrichs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Survey evidence shows that in the 21st century the CFO’s power has been increasing more than any other executive position. Yet, an understanding of how this increasingly powerful executive interacts with CEO power is not fully understood. This study examines the collaborative effect of power dynamics in the CEO-CFO relationship and how that influences firm performance. I capture executive power by combining two data sets to examine three dimensions of an executive’s power: structural, individual, and social. I predict and find that certain aspects of executive power impact firm performance differently and measure this by changes in profitability. Furthermore, I …

A Study On The Geometric Design And Operations Of Restricted Crossing U-Turns, Troy Hill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increasing traffic volumes and intersection-related crashes on rural highways have prompted the adoption of Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) designs as a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional intersections. RCUTs redirect minor road traffic to make right turns and U-turns, eliminating direct left turns and crossings, thereby reducing conflict points and enhancing safety. This study provides updated guidance on unsignalized RCUTs, focusing on geometric design, operational efficiency, safety performance, and cost-effectiveness. Key findings include the superior performance of shorter U-turn offsets (600–900 ft) with acceleration lanes, and the cost-effectiveness of temporary RCUTs, which offer immediate safety benefits at lower construction …

An Advanced Machine Learning Framework And Multi-Label Heart Disease Classification With Unet-Based Nucleus Segmentation, Md Rahat Kader Khan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The growing demand for accurate, rapid, and interpretable diagnostic tools in the medical field has spurred the integration of artificial intelligence into various healthcare applications. Acute Myocardial Infarction, which remains one of the primary causes of mortality in both developed and developing nations, requires timely and precise identification to prevent life-threatening complications. In response to the lack of interpretable AI models tailored to diagnosing AMI using hemogram parameters, this study presents a robust machine learning-based framework that explores the diagnostic potential of these parameters. By evaluating several machine learning techniques, the research establishes the superiority of boosting algorithms, particularly the …

The Influence Of Pressure, Intensity, And Amount Of Muscle Mass Exercised On Changes In Muscle Size, Strength, And Endurance: A Methodological Investigation, Ryo Kataoka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To 1) examine the effects of low-load submaximal resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle size, strength, cross-education, and local muscular endurance while accounting for proximity to failure under restriction, and 2) determine whether changes in muscle size and strength differ based on the amount of muscle recruited during the exercise bout.

Methods: A total of 177 (18–35 years) participants were randomly assigned to one of five groups: unilateral low-load submaximal elbow flexion exercise 1) with BFR (LL+BFR, n=35), 2) without BFR (i.e., matched for a % of repetition-to-failure under restriction) (LL, n=37), 3) to failure (LL-Failure, …

Navigating Cultural Transitions: The Adaptation Experiences Of Bangladeshi International Students In The Usa, Khadiza Tul Kubra

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how Bangladeshi international students adapt to life and study in the United States. I conducted in-depth interviews with students at the University of Mississippi to understand their everyday experiences. My focus was on how they manage cultural, academic, and social challenges. I used segmented assimilation theory, Berry’s acculturation model, and Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital to guide my analysis. The findings are shared in three main parts. First, I discuss how students use community support and religious networks to feel at home. Second, I look at how they deal with language barriers, classroom culture, and identity shifts. …

Positive Behavior Supports To Minimize The Placement Of Students Into Disciplinary Alternative Classrooms, Valarie Buford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of four manuscripts to explore implementations of positive behavior supports to minimize the placement of students into disciplinary alternative classrooms. Manuscript 1, sheds light on the ideas of teaching practices which reflect that teachers are often unprepared for student behaviors in their classroom which leads to traditional forms of discipline. These disciplines negatively impact African American male students disproportionately higher than their peers.

Manuscript 2, the Literature Review indicates that disproportionate discipline occurs due to exclusionary practices, implicit bias, lack of cultural knowledge, and lack of implementations to provide positive behavior support. The researcher found it relevant …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Agmatine Based Carbon Dots, Suyasha Sharad Chaudhari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study, carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized from agmatine sulfate, a bioactive molecule with nitrogen-rich moiety guanidine, and citric acid, a commonly used carbon source with oxygen-rich functional groups, at controlled temperatures of 180, 200, and 220°C, as well as CDs of agmatine only at 220°C using a hydrothermal method. The synthesized CDs were characterized for its optical properties, using UV–Vis, Fluorescence, chemical properties using, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometry, structural properties using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and for surface charge evaluation ζ-potential was measured. UV-Visible spectra confirmed CD formation through characteristic sp² hybridization bands. The synthesized CDs exhibited …

Development Of Patient-Centric And Various Drug Delivery Systems Utilizing Hot-Melt Extrusion And 3d Printing Techniques., Sooyeon Chung

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Assuring the quality of medicines is essential and required by pharmaceutical industry. Thus, transition from batch processing of pharmaceuticals to continuous processing is highly encouraged by regulatory bodies nowadays. The hot-melt extrusion technology is very promising technology tool for continuous production and possesses several distinct advantages compared to the conventional practices; it can provide solvent-free process for manufacturing films and granulations, which decreases the risks of compendial issue and health concerns relevant to residual solvents. Also, it has been widely used for acquiring amorphous solid dispersion state, which is an essential technique for enhancing the solubility of poorly-soluble drugs. Furthermore, …

Framed By Education: Labeling, Stigma, And The Behavioral Pathways Of Alternative School Students, Abigail Dempsey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Alternative education has emerged as a critical part of the education system, addressing the needs of students who face academic, behavioral, or personal challenges. However, concerns persist about their long-term effectiveness and the stigma associated with alternative school placements. This study examines how stigma tied to alternative school placements impacts delinquency outcomes among adolescents, utilizing labeling theory as a conceptual framework. Drawing on longitudinal data from the Pathways to Desistance dataset, this research explores the relationships between school placement, self-perception of success, and delinquent behaviors. It also serves to investigate whether labeling of an alternative school placement creates a self-fulfilling …