Digital Commons Network^™

Exploration Of The Gap Between The Secure Web Application Development Competencies Needed By Industry And Those Competencies Provided By Graduates Of U.S. Undergraduate Software Engineering Programs, Gary Allen Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Literature demonstrates that threats and attacks on computer systems and networks have been around since the beginning of computing, and the number, severity, sophistication, and costs of attacks and data breaches are continuing to grow. Several studies suggest that one of the most common causes of data breaches is insecure web applications that contain vulnerable application code. These studies suggest that poor secure web application development practices are a prime cause of the susceptible web applications. Additionally, studies suggest that higher education is not meeting industry’s secure software/web application development needs. Employers have reported that they are not getting the …

My Beautiful Scars: Writing For Recovery, Amanda Vineyard

Theses and Dissertations

My Beautiful Scars is a memoir written by AL Vineyard. Ms. Vineyard is a recovering methamphetamine and opioid user. She has a painful past and following an injury, fell deep into the world of drugs. Her substance use disorder progressed quickly. After the injury, she was prescribed opioid painkillers. The euphoria provided by the opioids numbed the pain that Vineyard experienced in her life. It became her. Over the years, Vineyard graduated to snorting and then, to shooting up her painkillers. A series of events led Vineyard to quit opioids and start shooting methamphetamine, which took her into a world …

A Review Of Literature Regarding Use Of Bloom’S Taxonomy Of Educational Objectives In The Context Of Writing Education, James Herrod

Theses and Dissertations

Under theory of composition instruction or literacy instruction has Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives developed into a tool for lesson scaffolding? How are learning taxonomies, with a sharper focus on Bloom’s Taxonomy, being used? An adjacent question: How has Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives influenced the development of tools like “Marzano’s Higher-Order Thinking Questions” or “Webb’s Depth of Knowledge”? Here, the line of research questioning may be understood through a Fabergé egg analogy. This analogy can explain individual, relational, and macro structures that work toward literacy and synthesis. Like a Faberge egg, each level of writing and literacy instruction should …

“The Dead Cold Light Of Tomorrow”: Historical Grief In Literature In The Aftermath Of Influenza, Caitlin Liana Robertson

Theses and Dissertations

During the Influenza Pandemic of 1918, commonly referred to as The Spanish Flu, somewhere between 20 and 100 million lives were lost globally, but this tragedy has faded from history in many Western cultures. World War I, while far less deadly, has been memorialized far more frequently and has been overshadowing the devastation of the pandemic since its inception. The grief that survivors experienced–for loved ones and for themselves–was not given an external outlet and as a result there are few contemporary historical sources to turn to when looking for evidence of that grief. In the absence of more traditional …

Generative Ai And Professional Technical Writers: A Mixed-Method Study, Jarrett Schaefer

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates how professional technical writers use AI technology in their work today, which tools they are using, and which tasks they use them for. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study involved 21 participants completing a survey hosted in Qualtrics, and three participants interviewed over Zoom. Quantitative analysis was performed on the survey data, and the researcher used grounded theory to analyze the transcripts of the interview participants. The findings offer insight into how professional technical communicators use these tools and their attitudes toward including AI technologies in future pedagogies. While most participants had used AI technology in …

Navigating Displacement: Jewish-Brazilian Identity In Lasar Segall's Encontro, Kendall Evonne Da Silva

Theses and Dissertations

Jewish-Lithuanian artist Lasar Segall's 1924 painting Encontro has historically been interpreted as representing Segall's integration and assimilation into Brazilian society. This reading, however, generally overlooks Segall's experience as an Eastern European Jew living in Brazil during the early twentieth century. In this thesis, I examine the influence of Segall's ethnic background on his art and investigate how Segall appropriates pardo identity in Encontro, not unproblematically, in an effort to convey feelings of alienation and exclusion. Along with looking at his visual art, my analysis incorporates my translations of Segall's essays on Jewishness, which shed light on his relationship to Judaism …

Traveling Waves In Biological Population Models, Ahlam Alzahrani

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we examine the existence of traveling waves in population models. We begin by exploring conditions under which traveling waves exist, even when the migration probability lacks a density function or, if the density function exists, it may be discontinuous. To address this, we impose certain conditions that ensure the monotonicity of the evolution operator, enabling the application of the Monotone Iteration Method. Next, we explore the existence of monotone traveling waves in a general class of integral-difference population models that depend on both the previous state and long-term memory, allowing for the consideration of multiple past states. …

Integrative Single-Cell Genomics And Machine Learning Methods For Tumor Microenvironment Characterization And Survival Prediction, Wenjuan Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises diverse cell types and plays crucial roles in cancer development and therapeutic response. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data quantifies gene expression at the single-cell level, enabling the dissection of heterogeneous cell populations in various biological contexts and diseases. In this work, we developed integrative single-cell genomics and machine learning approaches to characterize the TME and enhance patient survival prediction. We introduced a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based method, cnnImpute, to address the high proportion of missing data in scRNA-seq datasets. cnnImpute effectively imputes missing values while preserving the integrity of cell clusters, achieving superior performance in …

Ethnic Group Affiliation And Perceptions Of Ethnic Russians In Lithuania, Morgan Lindsay Hassell

Theses and Dissertations

There are many factors that influence language acquisition and use, particularly in multilingual environments. The ethnic group affiliation (EGA) of speakers, or the degree to which a speaker identifies with their native language or culture, has been shown to have a significant impact on language use (Gatbonton, Trofimovich & Segalowitz 2009, Zabrodskaja 2015). EGA can also impact the judgments of and attitudes toward these speakers by others (e.g., Trofimovich & Turuševa 2020). Lithuania is a multilingual state with a complex political and linguistic history, particularly in relation to the Russian language and people. In this study, 150 native Lithuanians and …

Performance Prediction For Hub-Based Swarms, Puneet Jain

Theses and Dissertations

Optimization problems lie at the core of improving performance in various tasks, ranging from day-to-day work scheduling to coordinating robots in a warehouse fulfillment center. Distributed swarm systems provide a robust and adaptive solution approach to many optimization problems. Instead of using one really sophisticated agent, multiple smaller less sophisticated agents can provide the flexibility to evaluate more options and still provide a "good" answer. This dissertation uses graphs to model, analyze, and simulate swarm behavior, primarily to predict the time-to-converge (TTC) and success probability. First, we use a bipartite model for the distributed best-of-N problem, and show how the …

Design & Development Of Fr1 Band Antenna For V2x Communication, Sujanth Narayan Kg

Theses and Dissertations

The developing trends in the automotive industry are evolving towards connected and autonomous vehicles that provide various advantages namely enhanced safety & security, congestion less traffic, smart mobility, and environmental sustainability at a lower cost with greater cause to the society. Vehicle to Everything (shortly V2X) Communication plays a significant role in autonomous driving. Salient features of V2X provide improved better driving experience and traffic efficiency even during fast moving scenarios.

V2X technologies are being carried out in sub 6 GHz range mainly at the 5.9 GHz band called the Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) based on IEEE 802.11p providing support …

Site Amplification In The Salt Lake Valley, Utah, During The 2020 Magna Earthquake, Blair A. Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

Site amplification in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah, has been a focus for both geologists and engineers due to its complex geology and seismic vulnerability. This study utilizes data from the 2020 Magna Earthquake to analyze site amplification from previously unavailable strong ground motion data. Ground motion data from the University of Utah Regional Seismic Network and the National Strong Motion Project, combined with extensive soil profiles, was analyzed using the program DEEPSOIL. The study compares computed motions with measured motions, revealing differences in site amplification across the Salt Lake Valley. Notably, the highest amplification was observed at longer periods …

Discharge-To-Water Level Conversion Using Monthly Duration Curves (Dwl-Mdc): Enhancing The Utility Of The Geoglows Ecmwf Hydrological Model, Darlly Judith Rojas Lesmes

Theses and Dissertations

Flood early warning systems are crucial for disaster risk reduction strategies, enabling communities to take timely action against threats. However, the effectiveness of these systems depends on accurate and timely hydrological data, particularly river discharge and water level measurements. Unfortunately, many regions, face significant challenges in obtaining hydrological data, especially discharge data due to outdated rating curves, high equipment costs, and logistical constraints. Water level measurements, by contrast, offer reduced uncertainty and are often more accessible, providing an alternative for hydrological modeling in data-scarce regions. To address these limitations, we developed and validated the Discharge-to-Water Level Conversion Using Monthly Duration …

The Impact Of Positive-To-Negative Teacher Interaction Ratio On Student Performance, Naomi L. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Challenging behavior is a growing problem for teachers. Praise has been promoted as a positive strategy for addressing problem behavior. The ratio of praise-to-correction (positive-to-negative) may be important to the effectiveness of praise. A 4:1 ratio has been recommended as optimal to improve student performance. This ratio has never been experimentally tested. There is little known of the feasibility and social validity for maintaining a high positive-to-negative ratio. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 4:1 positive-to-negative ratio (PNR) on problem behavior and academic performance of junior high students with an intellectual disability classification in …

Extracting Speech Content From High-Amplitude Background Machine Noise, Curtis L. Garner

Theses and Dissertations

The research presented in this dissertation aims to address the need for improved communication between heavy machinery operators and external personnel, aiming to improve safety and efficiency by overcoming the communication barriers posed by equipment noise and cab insulation. The primary purpose of this research was to develop a hands-free communication system that allows the operator to hear speech from outside the cab without requiring any personal communication devices like radios or headsets. Key objectives included effective speech extraction from ambient noise and accurate estimation of the location of the speaker. Operating without active user control, the system emphasizes clarity …

Educators’ Perceptions Of World Language Curriculum Models, Curriculum Coherence, And Student Learning In New Jersey High School Spanish Programs, Thomas David Pratz

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods explanatory sequential study aimed to identify the most commonly used World Language curriculum models in New Jersey high schools, assess the level of curriculum coherence in Spanish programs, and examine their impact on student learning. Surveys and interviews with high school Spanish teachers revealed that, while theoretical curriculum coherence exists in most programs, it is not significantly associated with teacher or district characteristics such as experience, tenure, region, or type. A disconnect was also observed between the World Language curriculum models, perceived curriculum coherence levels, and their effects on student learning. Several themes that emerged from the qualitative …

Identifying Fecal Contamination Sources In The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Amanda M. Free

Theses and Dissertations

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR) has a history of elevated fecal coliform counts. However, the source of the contamination is not well understood. According to past sanitary surveys, there has been a history of malfunctioning residential septic systems and inadequate wastewater treatment in the upper watershed. Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) and birds are also abundant in the estuary and could be potential contributors to elevated fecal coliform levels. To better understand the temporal and spatial variation of fecal coliforms in the GNDNERR and inform oyster reef management, eight sites within the GNDNERR watershed were sampled monthly for …

Multi-Temporal Uav Remote Sensing Combined With Machine Learning For Estimating Cotton Yield, Amrit Shrestha

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate crop yield estimation early in season can help in identifying specific areas within a field that may require different management practices, thus enhancing overall efficiency and productivity. However, early estimation has been a challenging task mainly due to integrated complex association between genetic × environment × management factors. Over the decades, machine learning techniques, especially artificial neural network, has been widely adopted in conjunction with uncrewed aerial system (UAS) for high-throughput plant phenotyping and crop yield estimation. This study introduces the plus neural network (pNN) to incorporate temporal dynamics across different crop growth stages. Cotton field data from 2020-2023 …

Changing Attitudes And Increasing Fruit And Vegetable Intake Of Elementary-Aged Children Through School Gardens, Hayley Rae Meriwether

Theses and Dissertations

Fruit and vegetable consumption is critical for children’s health, yet many fail to meet recommended intake levels. School gardens have the potential to increase consumption and improve attitudes toward fruits and vegetables. This study examined the impact of a school gardening program on children’s attitudes and consumption of fruits and vegetables using a pre- and post-test design. While most children reported enjoying gardening and trying new produce, no significant changes were observed in overall attitudes or consumption patterns after the intervention. However, increased consumption of apples and green beans was noted. The findings suggest that while school gardens can spark …

An Analysis Of Suspension Days Among Students In Special Education And General Education In A Rural School District, Lakesia Falanda Bryant

Theses and Dissertations

An Analysis of Suspension Days Among Students in Special Education and General Education in A Rural School District, is designed to look at those disciplinary trends that directly affect our most vulnerable population of students, with an emphasis on suspension, expulsions and the rates at which special education students are suspended and/or expelled as compared to their non-disabled peers in a rural district in Mississippi. As the Mississippi State Department of Education cited this district for its high rate of suspension and/or expulsions of students with Individualized Educational Plans, this study is of significant importance in identifying those factors that …

Applied Behavior Analysis: Perspectives Of Mississippi Students Before They Enter The Educational Behavioral Consulting Field, Lauren Ashley Besong

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes how prospective Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals are enculturated through their educational pathways at one public university in Mississippi. I surveyed 24 current and prior students of the ABA program, as well as interviewed 1 prior and 10 current ABA students. Findings captured their perceptions of the field they are entering, through their experiences within the program. Results found that the ABA field appears to be split in a dual identity, existing in both educational and clinical spaces. Results showed that external perceptions of the institution viewed the ABA program as more clinical, while the students were …

Greener On The Other Side: Latinx Migrants’ Perspectives On The Importance Of Climate Change On Their Decisions To Relocate To Mississippi, Maria Claire Regalado Schrupp

Theses and Dissertations

As climate change continues to progress and impact people around the world, its impact on human migration has become a topic of increasing study and discussion. Debates over climate migration terminology and the extent to which it is a useful area of study have emerged in recent years. Yet, the opinions of migrants themselves are often missing from these conversations. Using mixed methods, this study uncovers the extent to which migrants from Latin America view climate change as relevant to their own migrations and, which factors, if not climate change, are most prevalent in inducing international migration to the United …

Identification And Characterization Of The Antimicrobial Activities Of Pseudomonas Sp. Strain Wp18, Emma Suzanne Willis

Theses and Dissertations

Strain WP18 was isolated from disease suppressive soil of a soybean rhizosphere in the Mississippi Delta. Phylogenetic analysis supported that strain WP18 could represent a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas. This conclusion is supported by genome-wide bioinformatic analyses such as average nucleotide identity and genome to genome distance calculations. Further studies are needed to claim a novel bacterial species, which include cell fatty profiles, fingerprinting analysis, and polar lipid analysis based on the International Code for Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Strain WP18 showed a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi that are economically important in agriculture, …

Factors Influencing Quality Of Citizen Science-Collected Litter Data And The Retention Of Recruited Citizen Scientists, Jessi Alexandria James-Barry

Theses and Dissertations

There are many benefits to using citizen science in scientific research, however, there are several perceived limitations. One being that citizen science data are often viewed as inferior or unusable by the broader science community. A primary concern to the usability and accuracy of this data depends on the level of training a participant receives. Another limitation is the recruitment and retention of volunteers participating in the data collection process. To further understand how training level affects the accuracy of citizen science and how demographics may influence participation, this study evaluated 73 volunteers trained in two different marine debris data …

An Open-Source, Student-Centric Approach To The Cyber Kill Chain, Justin Lane Wooten

Theses and Dissertations

The cybersecurity landscape demands professionals with practical skills and a deep understanding of attack methodologies. However, many institutions face significant challenges in providing comprehensive cybersecurity education due to the high costs associated with commercial tools and platforms. This thesis presents a student-centric, open-source curriculum for teaching the Cyber Kill Chain, designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application while addressing the financial constraints faced by many educational institutions. Our approach leverages freely available tools and hands-on exercises to cover each phase of the Cyber Kill Chain, emphasizing ethical considerations and collaborative learning. We detail the curriculum development …

The Effect Of Teacher Efficacy On Career Technical Education Program Participation In Select Mississippi Schools, Lori Parkman Nail

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to determine to what degree school staff understood the benefits and outcomes of Career Technical Education programs and how this level of understanding impacted Career Technical Education program enrollment in five selected schools in Mississippi. The levels of understanding keyed in on three pivotal factors. First, perceptions of the availability and accessibility of Career Technical Education programs to students in the participating schools were measured. Second, the perceptions of the benefits students reap from being involved in Career Technical Education programs were examined. Next, the perceptions of the benefits Career Technical Education programs …

Multi-Cloud Identity Security Utilizing Self-Sovereign Identity, Morgan Lee Reece

Theses and Dissertations

With the increasing use of multi-cloud environments, security professionals face challenges in configuration, management, and integration due to uneven security capabilities and features among providers. As a result, a fragmented approach toward security has been observed, leading to new attack vectors and potential vulnerabilities. Other research has focused on single-cloud platforms or specific applications of multi-cloud environments. Therefore, there is a need for a holistic security and vulnerability assessment and defense strategy that applies to multi-cloud platforms. This dissertation explores risk and vulnerability analysis to identify attack vectors from software, hardware, and the network, as well as interoperability security issues …

Examining Special Education Programming Through The Lens Of Upper Elementary And High School General Education Teachers In Select Black Rural Schools In Mississippi - Do They Feel Prepared To Serve?, Natasha Michelle Porter

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the perceptions of upper elementary and high school general education teachers towards special education programming and whether they felt prepared to meet the needs of students with Individualized Education Plans. The literature review provided a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on the topic researched, offering an in-depth exploration of key themes, trends, and findings in the relevant academic literature. It critically examined assorted studies, theories, and methodologies researchers employ, identifying gaps and areas of consensus. The purpose of this study was to build from the foundation set by existing bodies of related literature, to gain formal …

Beyond The Classroom: Leveraging P-12 Education Brand Equity To Cultivate Community Capitals And Drive Economic Growth In Rural Mississippi, Patrick Braden Miller

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the relationship between education brand equity and community-economic development in rural Mississippi as a result of a consumer-oriented approach to education and manifested through the modern school choice movement. A survey of public school superintendents (n=28) found a statistically positive correlation, suggesting that a strong school brand leads to increased community-economic development. The Community Capitals Framework suggests this connection is due to interconnected capitals like human and social capital but helps other capitals rise as well. Additionally, superintendents overwhelmingly agreed collaboration between education and community-economic development is essential. The research also examined perceptions of school choice. Superintendents’responses …

Serving Students With Specific Learning Disabilities: Identifying Prevalent Eligibility Practices In Mississippi, Phyllis Marie Yucatonis

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the determination eligibility practices for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) within Mississippi school districts, framed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA) and Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) guidelines. A survey of 139 educational professionals in Mississippi offered insights into the methods preferred for determining SLD eligibility and the decision-making factors at the district level. The study examined commonly used methods for determining SLD, the challenges faced during the process, the need for professional development, the impact of educator demographics on SLD determination eligibility and general satisfaction with the SLD eligibility determination process. It also explored …