Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Soil Moisture Stress At Different Phases Of Corn Growth And Development, Ranadheer Reddy Vennam

Theses and Dissertations

Suboptimal soil moisture during the growing season often limits growth and yield potential of corn. This study aimed to assess the impact of varying soil moisture regimes on corn growth at different growth phases involving vegetative, flowering, and grain-filling stages. Exposure to moisture stress (80% of the control) during the vegetative stage resulted in a 65% reduction in stomatal conductance and increased the canopy temperature by 5 ^oC, which led to a substantial decrease in total dry matter (56%). Moisture stress-induced reductions in silk length (19%) and fresh weight (34%), negatively affected kernel number (53%), and weight (54%). Unlike …

Evaluation Of The Virulence Potential Of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli Isolated From Broiler Breeders With Colibacillosis In Mississippi, Jiddu Joseph

Theses and Dissertations

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a bacterium that is responsible for colibacillosis in birds. However, information about broiler breeder APEC isolates is limited, but the data is critical due to the transfer of this bacteria down the production pyramid to progenies resulting in high mortality. Therefore, we evaluated the phenotypic virulence characteristics of 28 isolates using embryo lethality and day-old chick challenge assays. Also, the in vitro adhesion and invasion potential of selected nine isolates were identified. Results showed more than 1/3^rd of the isolates were highly virulent and the virulence increased as the number of virulence-associated genes …

Examining Shifting Factors Predictive Of Health Center Utilization On College Campuses Using The Abm Theoretical Model, Kimberly Loren Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

There is extensive research over the decades around health care services utilization trends, however, limited data and research exists around student utilization of campus health centers. Furthermore, there is very minimal data on student utilization trends of campus health services since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since a crucial component to fostering healthy and safe college campuses is through campus health services, it clearly indicates a need for further research on the trends and perceptions of students’ campus health services utilization. This study examines utilization rates of students through exploring key demographic characteristics of students, including their perceptions toward …

Loaded Lipid Emulsified Volatile Anesthetics In Canine Primary Hepatocytes, Patricia De Carvalho Ibrahim Obeid

Theses and Dissertations

In the 19th century, halothane hepatitis became a sensitive and well-known subject in human anesthesiology due to the production of a noxious metabolite further discovered, trifluoroacetic acid. Subsequently, isoflurane, enflurane, and desflurane were also investigated for potentially causing hepatitis through the same metabolite. Sevoflurane, however, does not generate trifluoroacetic acid and is quickly conjugated and excreted.

For more than four decades these anesthetics have been experimentally developed for intravenous injection by having added either a lipid or fluorocarbon-based carrier to produce general anesthesia with less drug and faster onset of action. The use of intravenous emulsified halogenated anesthetics as an …

Impact Of A Feeding Strategy And Management Practices On The Health And Welfare Of Pullets And Laying Hens, Gerald Rodney Self

Theses and Dissertations

The overall purpose of this thesis is to understand the impact of management on commercial egg layers, whether that be environmental-related, health-related, or other possible stressors within the pullet and post-peak phases. Furthermore, the study seeks to examine what effects to performance and production these impacts may induce within a commercial layer in differing phases, specifically the pullet and post-peak phases. Chapter two explores into coccidiosis within the pullet phase, which induced by a commercial vaccine, can provide stress to a pullet, lowering protection against infection, and seriously compromising its growth and development into peak lay. Chapter three explores into …

Evaluation Of Heat Abatement Use, Vaginal Temperature, And Activity Of Pregnant, Lactating Holstein Cows Housed On Pasture With Or Without The Choice Between Shade And Sprinklers For Heat Abatement., Kevin M. Braman

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to determine how pregnant, lactating Holstein cows on pasture interact with shade and sprinklers when offered a choice or no-choice between methods. Authors hypothesized that cows would use shade more then sprinklers, but sprinklers would be more effective at cooling cows. Additionally, authors predicted cows using shade more would have decreased lying bouts and steps and an increase in time lying, compared to cows choosing sprinkler. Results indicate cows will use both methods when offered alone or together. However, cows will choose to be exposed or in shade at lower temperature humidity index values, …

Mortality, Survivorship, And Institutionalization: Demographic Analysis Of The Mississippi State Asylum In Context, Taylor A. Emery

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed demographic differences and differential mortality between the Mississippi State Asylum (MSA) and the state of Mississippi. Using census records, Biennial Reports, death certificates, and vital statistics from the Mississippi State Board of Health, statistical methods including Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard analysis were employed to explore significant differences in population demographics, hazard of death, and survivorship in general and with tuberculosis. Key results include proportionally more females in the MSA, increased hazard of death/decreased survivorship within the MSA compared to the State, and increased hazard of death/decreased survivorship for Black/AA individuals compared to their White/EA …

The Interaction Between Predation And Sound Pollution On The Internal And External Microbiome Of The Grasshoppers Melanopus Sanguinipes, Alanna Bond

Theses and Dissertations

Anthropogenic activities such as construction and agriculture directly affect its surrounding environments. Many studies have focused on how megafauna and flora are impacted by human activities, however, relatively little is known how new occupation of land affects smaller organisms such as insects and microbes. Additionally, other stressors such as predation can impact host physiology. The grasshopper species Melanopussanguinipes was chosen to be used in a study to measure how stress caused by artificial sound and predation can alter exoskeleton and gut microbiomes once exposed to these stressors.

Comparison Of Aging Techniques In Wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) Of Unknown Age From The Mississippi Sound., Christa Elizabeth Barrett

Theses and Dissertations

Age determination of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) is a critical tool in understanding their health. There are many methods of aging dolphins including morphometrics, counting growth layer groups (GLGs) of teeth, comparing dentin to pulp cavity ratio on dental radiographs, analysis of the pectoral flipper radiographs, and epigenetic testing. The most common method for aging toothed cetaceans is the counting of GLGs in the teeth. Since there are many challenges associated with aging dolphins based on the counting of GLGs, a processing technique that results in better resolution of GLGs is needed. This is a two-part study that …

A Survey Analysis Of Southeastern U.S. Dairy Producers’ Emotional States And Their Subjective Pain Perception Of Dairy Cows, Michelle M. Schuh

Theses and Dissertations

Dairy producers play a central role in evaluating and seeking treatment or care for animal pain. The primary aim of this study is to examine dairy producers’ emotional states and professional quality of life and analyze the relationship between these variables and their perception of pain in dairy cattle. Dairy farm owners and managers of 65 southeastern U.S. herds participated in a survey that included demographic information, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, a modified Professional Quality of Life Scale, and 23 items requiring participants to evaluate various painful conditions in cattle.

Upland Cotton And Nematodes: An Analysis Of Historical Resistance, Upcoming Threats, And Co-Inoculation Effects, Amanda Gaudin

Theses and Dissertations

Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum ) is an important fiber crop grown throughout the southern United States. Plant-pathogenic nematodes are worm-like animals that feed on the roots of most agronomic crops, including cotton. The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita, RKN) and the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis, RN) cause significant yield losses in cotton every year. Current sources of resistance are effective but limited, therefore historical screenings of cotton accessions were revisited in search for novel resistance sources. None were identified but many of the screened accessions possessed markers of known root-knot nematode and reniform nematode resistance. …

Response Of Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) To Salt Stress, Bikash Adhikari

Theses and Dissertations

Lettuce is a highly nutritional crop that is sensitive to multiple stresses, including salt stress. The decreasing availability of salt-free water is posing a major challenge to growing nutritious lettuce in hydroponic systems. Despite evidence that salt stress affects yield and nutrition, its impacts on economically important growth stages are overlooked. This study addressed the knowledge gaps regarding the salt stress impact on romaine lettuce. Four independent experiments were conducted in controlled environment conditions using 2-38 lettuce genotypes, to assess the effects of salt stress at rosette or head formation. An increase in sodium chloride (NaCl) levels (0 to 150 …

Survival, Persistence, Regrowth And Morphotype Variation Of Listeria Monocytogenes Strains After Exposure To First Generation And Second Generation Quaternary Ammonium Compounds In Water, Stephen Schade

Theses and Dissertations

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the toughest challenges the food industry is facing today. While quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are typically applied at very high concentrations to kill L. monocytogenes, there are some factors that can cause its reduced efficacy in the food processing environment. Sublethal concentrations of stagnated QAC have been found both in processing plants and in waste waters released to the environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of two L. monocytogenes strains, Bug600 (serotype 1/2a) and ScottA (serotype 4b) to persist in lethal and sublethal concentrations of first generation QAC (benzalkonium …

Evaluating The Role Of The Bovine Vaginal Microbiome In Neonatal And Maternal Health Outcomes, Riley D. Messman

Theses and Dissertations

The dam vaginal microbiota is the first major microbial inoculating community within the neonate. The composition of the dam vaginal microbiota has implications in calf commensal microbiota development. Alterations of the dam microbial community prior to parturition could alter inoculating communities and immune responses in both the dam and calf. Thus, authors aimed to elucidate the microbial community composition of the bovine dam vaginal and calf nasal microbiota post-partum after utilizing betadine lavages (BL). The dam vaginal and calf nasal microbial communities and immune responses were evaluated at 0-, 15-, 30- and 60-day post-partum. Microbiota composition of the dam haircoat, …

Non-Destructive Evaluation Of White Striping And Microbial Spoilage Of Broiler Breast Meat Using Structured-Illumination Reflectance Imaging, Ebenezer O. Olaniyi

Theses and Dissertations

Manual inspection is a prevailing practice for quality assessment of poultry meat, but it is labor-intensive, tedious, and subjective. This thesis aims to assess the efficacy of an emerging structured illumination reflectance imaging (SIRI) technique with machine learning approaches for assessing WS and microbial spoilage in broiler breast meat. Broiler breast meat samples were imaged by an in house-assembled SIRI platform under sinusoidal illumination. In first experiment, handcrafted texture features were extracted from direct component (DC, corresponding to conventional uniform illumination) and amplitude component (AC, unique to the use of sinusoidal illumination) images retrieved from raw SIRI pattern images build …

Determining The Best Indicators For Targeted Selective Treatment Development Against Gastrointestinal Nematodes In Sheep And Goats In Mississippi, Lindsey N. Dearborn

Theses and Dissertations

An understanding of characteristics of sheep and goat producers across the Southeast United States is crucial for the development and vitality of the small ruminant industry. The state of Mississippi (MS) is rich in animal agriculture, and sheep and goats display the potential to become an integral part of the state’s agricultural livelihood. However, sheep and goat producers are constantly combatting the negative effects gastrointestinal nematodes inflict upon their animals. With the anthelmintic resistance status rising across the globe, sustainable methods to control parasites in small ruminants are crucial. Therefore, small ruminant producers must develop an accurate targeted selective treatment …

Screening And Selection For Resistance To Gray Leaf Spot (Pyricularia Oryzae) In Early Planted Annual Ryegrass, Calyn M. Adams

Theses and Dissertations

Cattlemen in the southeastern United States widely plant annual ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. spp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] (ARG). It is often planted earlier than the recommended window. This exposes juvenile stands to increased pressure from gray leaf spot (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara) (GLS), causing stand loss. This study was designed to screen for resistance to P. oryzae in two ARG genotypes, Vertyl and a heat-tolerant germplasm (HTARG5) with the objective of developing a crossbred population to be improved using restricted, recurrent phenotypic selection. Experiments were conducted from 2021 – 2022. Disease severity (DS) was assessed 3wk after inoculation with …

Isolation And Culture Of Epichloё For Reinfection Of Endophyte-Free Southeastern Wildrye (Elymus Glabriflorus), Bryna Joann Haile

Theses and Dissertations

Mutualistic relationships between endophytic fungi and grasses have shown to improve the hardiness of the host. This relationship is common in grasses, including North American native grasses that are important in both forage and grassland ecosystems. Elymus species, such as Canada wildrye (CWR), commonly host the endophytic fungi, Epichloё, while southeastern wildrye (SEWR) may not. In this study, seed of CWR and seed and leaves from local SEWR were assessed for endophyte infection. Infection status was confirmed via histological analysis of seed squashes and leaf peels. Presence/absence of endophyte was determined by scanning for mycelia within seed and between leaf …

Adherence To A Gluten-Free Diet And Depression, And Nutrient Distribution In Participants With Celiac Disease, Mohammad K. Shushari

Theses and Dissertations

Celiac disease (CD), an autoimmune disorder affecting millions of Americans, poses significant obstacles leading to a normal life. With no known cure, adherence to a strict glutenfree diet (GFD) is essential. However, the cost and limited availability of gluten-free alternatives can burden individuals with CD. Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status, nutrient deficiencies, and the nature of the disease may contribute to mental health issues. This study aimed to investigate the influence of adherence to a GFD on depression in CD patients. The prevalence of depression among individuals with CD from diverse backgrounds was examined, along with the analysis of …

Metabolic Adaptation Of Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenesis And Therapeutic Approach In Diabetic Foot Ulcers., Carol L. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

37.3 million Americans (11.2% of the US population) currently have Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with over 1.5 million new cases being diagnosed each year. The multifactorial etiology of the patient having neuropathy, overweight/obesity, foot deformities, ischemia, and infection leads to a condition called diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). One in six patients with a DFU will require amputation with infected DFUs have a 155-fold increased risk of amputation. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacteria isolated from severe DFU infections that require amputation. Interestingly, diabetics are more heavily colonized with S. aureus compared to non-diabetics suggesting a unique advantageous adaptation …

Investigating Specialty Crop Farmers’ Preferences For Contract Design And Attitudes Towards Blockchain-Based Smart Contracts, Esther Mmenaa Agyemang-Duah

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines small and medium scale specialty crop growers’ preferences for marketing contract attributes and willingness to adopt blockchain-based smart contracts. The data used were collected using an online survey and discrete choice experiment. Findings indicate that farmers prefer higher average prices, cash, check or electronic bank payment over cryptocurrency, and immediate payment upon product delivery over delayed payment. When choosing a contract, farmers viewed traditional text-based contracts and digital platforms with automated smart contracts equivalently, on average. On average, farmers showed no preference for providing and not providing traceability lot codes to buyers, and between choosing a contract …

Nutritional Strategies To Reduce Salmonella Enteritidis Infections In Laying Hens: Prebiotic, Probiotic, And Precision Biotics, Ishab Poudel

Theses and Dissertations

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections in laying hens is a significant cause of foodborne illness linked to the consumption of contaminated eggs. This dissertation encompasses novel strategies aimed to explore appropriate in-vitro and in-vivo models to evaluate the effects of these novel strategies to reduce SE in laying hens. Firstly, we investigated the potential probiotics, prebiotics, and essential oil combinations to reduce SE in-vitro. The results showed that probiotics and prebiotics are equally effective to reduce SE. In subsequent studies, we evaluated the role of vaccination history on cecal microbiota and SE infections with various doses of oral SE challenge. …

Effectiveness Of Intervention Studies Based On Diet And/Or Physical Activity In Treatment, Prevention, And Management Of Diabetes Among South Asians: A Systematic Review, Ishaan Arora

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe diet and/or physical activity-based interventions and their control in cardiometabolic risk factors of diabetes for the South Asian (SA) population. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Seventeen randomized control trials meeting the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Interventions with type-2 diabetic SA showed significant improvements in HbA1c% (4/5 studies), fasting blood glucose (3/4 studies), and postprandial glucose (2/2 studies). Interventions with at-risk/prediabetic and non-diabetic SA showed a modest change in overall outcomes, with significant change reported for post-prandial insulin (3/4 studies), BMI and weight (2/4 studies), …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Agricultural Extension Advice On Household Food Consumption And Food Security Outcomes In Malawi, Mphatso Chinsinga

Theses and Dissertations

My study examined the influence of agricultural extension advice on household food consumption and food security outcomes in Malawi. I utilized a pooled cross-sectional dataset from the Malawi Integrated Household Survey (IHS) and Integrated Household Panel Survey (IHPS) conducted in 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. To identify the effects, multivariate linear and logistic regression models were employed, considering various factors and incorporating fixed effects for survey wave, district, and data collection month. My findings revealed heterogeneity in the impacts of agricultural extension advice on food consumption and food security outcomes. Specifically, the results showed a positive correlation between agricultural extension …

Advancing Poultry Nutrition Through Statistical Strategies To Reduce Experimental Variation And Novel Protease Enzyme Research, Caleb Morgan Marshall

Theses and Dissertations

Increasingly, nutritionists are challenged to optimize broiler genetic capacity, while considering varying ingredient qualities and pricing, to meet production goals and profitability. Due to scale and cost, university and private research is often used by nutritionists to help make these decisions; thus, requiring these facilities to detect small, incremental improvements. In Chapters 1 and 2, processing data from several nutrition research trials were utilized to evaluate the impact of processing personnel, sample size, and unit of analysis on the detection of dietary differences. By accounting for potential variability between personnel (as a covariant) and selecting an adequate sample size for …

Integrating Weed-Suppressive Cotton Chromosome Substitution Lines And Cover Crops For Sustainable Weed Management In Cotton Production Systems., Alyssa Lea Miller

Theses and Dissertations

Weeds pose a challenge to cotton production, and herbicides have been the primary means of control. However, there is growing concern over weed resistance to herbicides. To address this issue, we evaluated three cover crop species and six cotton accessions for weed suppression. The study found that hairy vetch, wheat, and B16 cotton CS line effectively suppressed Amaranthus species, while MNTN 4-15, B16, hairy vetch, and wheat were correlated with the highest cotton yield. Cover crops were also analyzed for chlorogenic acid content, with wheat, MNTN 4-15, and hairy vetch producing the highest amounts. The greenhouse tray study showed that …

Using Motivation To Assess Affective States Of Captive Red Kangaroos (Macropus Rufus) In Response To Visitor Presence And Crowd Size In A Walk-Through Zoo Exhibit, Julia King

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates how visitor presence influences affective states of captive red kangaroos housed in a walk-through zoo exhibit by using motivation to consume a food reward in desired vs undesired locations and with/without an additional challenge feeder as a proxy for affective state, while considering individual variation and personality.

The Effect Of An Elephant Conservation Education Program On The Knowledge Base Of Children In Thailand, Angela Larios

Theses and Dissertations

Habitat fragmentation and human-elephant conflict (HEC) are two factors that have caused harm to both Asian elephants and humans in Thailand. Think Elephants International (TEI) is a non-profit organization whose goal is to educate children on these issues to encourage more interest in and knowledge about elephant conservation in the youth of Thailand. TEI has developed a systematic education initiative and established a method for assessing the program’s efficacy using a pre- and post-survey. The current study analyzes student responses from one open-ended question from this survey collected both before and after the students participated in the TEI program. This …

The Rise Of Mercury: The Economic And Health Impacts Of Artisanal Gold Mining In Colombia, Jilmar D. Robledo Caicedo

Theses and Dissertations

Gold prices triggered mining booms in Colombia, leading to wealth and mercury pollution. These effects on human health remain unknown. This research investigates the effect of gold mining finding a significant effect on fetal deaths reduction, suggesting gender and gestational age are fundamental to understanding the interplay of gold mining.

The Effects Of Low Volume High-Intensity Interval Training Vs. Moderate-Intensity Interval Training With Blood Flow Restriction On Body Composition, Hormone Concentration, And Arterial Elasticity In Overweight And Obese Male Adults, Alexis Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of HIIT and MIIT+BFR on the adaptations in body composition, salivary hormone concentration, peak oxygen uptake, anaerobic parameters, and arterial elasticity in young overweight and obese male adults.

RESULTS: There was a significant increase in total BMC (p<0.01), leg BMC (p<0.05), and trunk BMC (p<0.05) from baseline in response to HIIT. MIIT+BFR significantly increased LFM/TFM Ratio from baseline (p<0.01). HIIT significantly decreased AIx@75 (p<0.05) and CI (p<0.05). There was a significant increase in ISO 180o Away (p<0.05), Thor Begin. (p<0.01), and Thor Mid. (p<0.05) in response to HIIT. MIIT+BFR had a superior increase in Thor Mid. (p<0.05) and significantly increased ISO 180o Toward (p<0.01), VO2peak (p<0.05), and VO2peak:Time (p<0.05). In the last training session, HIIT significantly increased salivary leptin (p<0.05), but MIIT+BFR had a superior increase in salivary leptin (p<0.01) from pre- to post exercise.

CONCLUSION: HIIT significantly improved total BMC, leg BMC, trunk BMC, and AIx@75 but decreased CI from baseline. HIIT increased quad muscle strength, whereas MIIT+BFR increased hamstring muscle strength. HIIT and MIIT+BFR significantly increased peak torque in Thor Mid and salivary leptin. Only MIIT+BFR significantly improved VO2peak.