Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of Sensing Capabilities For Agricultural Robotics, Carter Noh

Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural robotics is a rapidly growing industry with the possibility to revolutionize food production. Agricultural robots often require custom sensing solutions to perform specific tasks. Developing the appropriate sensing capabilities for an application is therefore an important step in the automation process. In this thesis I present two case studies in developing sensing capabilities for agricultural robotics applications. First, I introduce a sensor that can provide simultaneous measurements of force and position. The sensor was developed to enable high-throughput measurement of maize stalk stiffness on a robot platform. It uses multiple sets of strain gauges on a cantilever beam to …

Using Genomics And Transcriptomics As A Tool To Understand Unique Phenotypes Of Hemipteran Insects That Are Relevant To Agriculture And Public Health, Hunter Kelly Walt

Theses and Dissertations

In the past couple of decades, advances in genomic sequencing technology have caused an unprecedented increase in biological data. Because of the quantity and size of these datasets, the need for biologists with computational expertise also increased, and using these large genomic datasets has revolutionized the way we can answer biological questions. In this dissertation, I apply genomic and transcriptomic data to answer questions about insects of the order Hemiptera that are relevant to agriculture and public health. My dissertation mainly focuses on stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), many of which are agricultural pests, and bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), which are …

Development Of Novel Nanocarriers With Multi Modal Action Against Lung Cancer, Gayathri K

Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer ranks among the top causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The deteriorating environment and unhealthy lifestyle in the modern era has further contributed to the exponential increase in lung cancer incidence across the globe. Lung cancers fall under two major types based on the location of the tumour in the lung namely, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) which is more aggressive, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which is more prevalent. Late diagnosis has been a major cause for poor prognosis as the cancer is detected only in an advanced stage.

Conventional therapies like chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy against lung cancer …

Biothermodynamics Of Metal And Dna Coordination To The Pneumococcal Transcription Factors Adcr, Scza, And Copr, Alexander James Cutright

Theses and Dissertations

ransition metals are micronutrients that play critical roles in all forms of life, acting as stabilizing ions, catalytic centers, and as signaling ions. Due to their importance, classes of biomolecules have been designed with the sole purpose of regulating their intracellular concentrations. One group of which are transcription factors, which regulate intracellular metal concentration by activating or repressing transcription, dependent on metal availability. The activation of transcription factors by metal availability can be attested to conformational changes that are governed by both dynamics and thermodynamics. Due to the influential nature of transcription factors, their activity and activation mode have become …

A Correlation Study Between Soil Selenium Levels And Diabetes Prevalence Across U.S. Regions: An Archival Data Analysis (2012-2018), Baoshan Wu

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the correlation between soil selenium levels and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence across U.S. regions between 2012 to 2018. Selenium, an essential trace element, plays an important role in antioxidant defense and metabolism. While appropriate selenium intake may protect against diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative stress, excessive intake can have adverse effects. This research analyzed the most recent data, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), for over 3,000 counties in the U.S. A correlation analysis model was used to determine the relationship between soil selenium …

Plastic Contaminants Detection And Classification In Seed Cotton Using Customed Design Feeder Separator Unit And Convolutional Neural Network, Jonathan Harjono

Theses and Dissertations

The thesis presents an application of a convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect and classify plastic contaminants in seed cotton in real-time, in a ginning environment. A multi-layered CNN was developed and used to detect plastic contaminants from images captured by a universal serial bus (USB) camera, in a flowing cotton stream, with an artificial lighting system. The CNN was trained using a collection of images captured in the dynamic setting that simulated real-time cotton flow using a custom design feeder system. The CNN was trained in Google Colaboratory (Colab) environment. After the training was completed, it was then converted …

Identification Of Bacterial Species Composition And Diversity Of Chicken Breast Meat During Processing., Lizzie Raquel Zaldivar

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the bacterial profile of chicken during processing is essential to identify spoilage-related bacteria. Using advanced methods like Oxford Nanopore sequencing, specific bacterial species on chicken meat can be identified. This study aimed to characterize bacterial composition and diversity on chicken breast during processing. Results showed a reduction in aerobic bacteria, E. coli, coliform, and lactic acid bacteria counts. However, three thermophilic bacteria, Anoxybacillus contaminants, Neobacillus thermocopriae, and Anoxybacillus flavithermus, dominated across processing steps. Notably, Pseudomonas species were undetected by conventional plating but identified via Nanopore sequencing, highlighting the need for molecular detection methods. Although antimicrobial interventions significantly reduced bacterial …

Physics-Based And Data-Driven Constitutive Modeling Of Unsaturated Soils Under Multi-Physics Loading Conditions, Mohsen Ajdari

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the behavior of unsaturated soils under multi-physics loading is crucial for addressing several challenges related to emerging geo-energy technologies, climate change, and geohazard mitigation. The main objective of this research is to enhance the state of the art for modeling unsaturated soils under multi-physics loading conditions through physics-based and data-driven approaches. Toward this objective, this dissertation is divided into two distinct yet interrelated parts. In the first part (Chapters 2, 3, and 4), thermodynamic principles are employed to develop new constitutive functions to describe soil suction and stress-dilatancy of unsaturated soils under temperature-dependent conditions. Building upon the insights gained …

Impact Of Cascading Optical Processes On Spectroscopic Quantification Of Absorption And Scattering Properties Of Samples, Pathum Dilshan De Silva Wathudura

Theses and Dissertations

Light absorption and scattering are fundamental properties of matter, particularly significant in nanoscale materials. This study explores how cascading optical processes affect the experimental measurement of absorption and scattering intensities, along with scattering depolarization, in samples containing absorbers and scatterers. The experimental UV–vis spectrum results from the combination of absorption and scattering extinction spectra. However, the maximum measurable extinction may be limited by forward scattered light. Light absorption decreases the intensity of scattered light and influences scattering depolarization. While scattering can reduce absorption along the optical path to the detector, sufficient absorption of the scattered light may counterbalance this effect, …

Projecting Land Cover Changes And Impacts On Bird Conservation Using Geographic Information System, Remote Sensing And A Cellular Automata – Artificial Neural Network Model In Nairobi National Park, Kenya., Frank Juma Ong'ondo

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines land cover changes and their projected future impacts on bird species conservation in and around Nairobi National Park, Kenya. 2016 and 2023 Satellite imagery, analyzed through Google Earth Engine and the MOLUSCE plugin were used to assess changes in five land cover types: grassland, shrubland, forest, urban, and water. Bird population data from the Kenya Bird Map were used to evaluate birds' responses to land cover changes. Birds were categorized into five habitat guilds—grassland-dependent, shrubland-dependent, forest-dependent, water-dependent, and urban-dependent bird species. Between 2016 and 2023, grassland and shrubland decreased by 14.21% and 5.54%, respectively, and urban increased …

Exploring Single Particles Through Optical Trapping And Advanced Laser Spectroscopy Techniques, Haifa Hassan Alali

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the innovative integration of optical trapping (OT) with advanced laser spectroscopy techniques to investigate the physicochemical properties of single particles from a variety of atmospheric aerosols, such as bioaerosols, terrestrial dust, and extraterrestrial dust. Each technique offers unique insights, significantly enhancing our understanding of these critical atmospheric components. The first work focuses on employing OT in conjunction with cavity ringdown spectroscopy (OT-CRDS) to measure the single-particle extinction of interplanetary dust particles at ultraviolet wavelengths (~308 nm). This method allows for the stable trapping of individual dust particles in air, facilitating precise characterization with minimal external interference. Our …

Advances In Cluster Detection Via Order Statistics, Renewal Processes And Model Selection Methods With Applications To Financial Forensic Statistics, Kwabena Ansong Boateng

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation develops a novel method to detect clusters that appear in financial transaction data that are linked to fraud. The methods utilize properties of order statistics, renewal processes, and model segmentation. We apply the Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle to select the best model. Our technique makes use of a genetic algorithm to determine the number and location of anomalous cluster(s) embedded in a set of financial transactions. We apply our novel cluster detection method to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a U.S. Government initiative launched in April 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic to aid small businesses affected by …

"We Don't Say That, Margaret!" : Narratives Of White Women Admissions Officers And Their Exploration Of Whiteness And White Racial Identity, Kelsey Aline Walker

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative narrative inquiry study examined the narratives and experiences of White women admissions officers at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and explored how they engaged with the development of their white racial identity throughout their professional careers. Using Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS) and Helms’ (1990) white racial identity development model, the research questions were: What are White women admissions officers’ narratives of their experiences with whiteness at predominately white institutions? How do White women's admission officers make meaning of their racial identity? Data was collected from seven White women admissions officers through a demographic survey and two 45-60-minute interviews. The …

Habitat Suitability Modeling For Optimizing Stand Initiation And Restoration Efforts Of Economically And Ecologically Important Hardwoods, Segun Michael Adeyemo

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses critical challenges in forest management and restoration in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) through a series of interconnected studies focused on improving habitat suitability modeling and growth prediction for oak species. The research employs advanced modeling techniques to enhance our understanding of species-habitat relationships and forest dynamics in the context of climate change. Initial studies focused on developing ensemble habitat suitability models for American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and butternut (Juglans cinerea), two historically important but currently threatened tree species. These models predict suitable habitats and potential range shifts under various climate change scenarios, highlighting the species' …

The Impact Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Trainings And Study/Work Abroad Experiences On The Ability Of Staff And Faculty To Build Systems Of Support For International Students, Alina Fasirovna Nigmatullina

Theses and Dissertations

The issue of effective communication with the international students and their comfortable adaptation play an important role in developing the U.S. higher educational system in the field of competition of educational services. The international student population benefits from higher education just as much as higher education benefits from them. If universities are willing to recruit and retain more international students, they must be sensitive to the perceptions, needs, and concerns of prospective and enrolled international students. In order to sustain this, staff and faculty have to be exposed to certain trainings and experiences that will allow them to gain basic …

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 …

Synergistic Adsorption Of Pb (Ii) From Aqueous Solution Using Calcined Biochar-Bentonite Clay Hybrid, Azeezat Faderera Abdul-Raheem

Theses and Dissertations

The biochar-bentonite clay hybrid was prepared by coprecipitation with the goal of producing a material that can remove Pb (II) from aqueous solutions effectively. Incorporating bentonite clay onto the Douglas fir biochar (DFB-BTC) surface significantly improved the adsorption capacity by introducing more active sites, strengthening the structural properties, and promoting strong adsorbate interactions. The point of zero charge of the adsorbent was slightly higher than that of the pristine DFBC. All sorption experiments were performed at pH 5, and the system obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The highest Langmuir adsorption capacities observed at 298, 308, and 318 K were 48, …

Assembly And Analysis Of A Mobile Reactor System For The Continuous Conversion Of Landfill Gas To Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Benjamin Eston Gibens

Theses and Dissertations

Recent policy changes have shifted research and development to pursue technology that promotes a circular economy and net zero emissions by 2050. Current research is actively developing “drop-in” sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) that reduce emissions and are compatible with modern-day jet engines, mimicking conventional jet fuel's physical and chemical properties. While ensuring sustainable engine performance and operability using drop-in SAF is critical, several challenges remain in the economic outlook of SAF production. Biogas reforming and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) can be used in series to convert landfill gas to SAF; however, novel design approaches must be considered to alleviate capital and …

Engineering Functionalized Nanomaterials For Targeting And Ablating Biofilms On Surfaces, Dhanush Lakmal Yapa Amarasekara

Theses and Dissertations

Biofilms on both the surface and interior of medical devices pose major challenges, including hindering device performance and serving as infection sources. These biofilms form a protective layer around bacteria, shielding them from the body’s immune system and antibiotics. This makes infections difficult to treat, as the bacteria within the biofilm are resistant to both antibiotics and immune defenses. Additionally, biofilms can induce inflammation and irritation in nearby tissues, leading to further health complications. Antibiotic resistance raises concerns about the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. MDR infections are difficult to treat, leading to prolonged hospital stays and the need …

Effects Of A Snap-Ed Social Marketing Campaign On Behavior Change, Andrew Beall Cole

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: This research studied the use of a social marketing campaign to address chronic diseases in the U.S., such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases by assessing audience self-reported actions and evaluating message framing effects on participant intentions to change nutrition behavior and daily physical activity. Approach: Evaluate a social marketing campaign for effects on SNAP-Ed eligible clients and research message framing effects on audience’s intention to change health behaviors. Discussion: The HappyHealthy social marketing campaign launched in 2018 by Mississippi State University Extension. Outcome evaluation data (collected 2023) reported multiple correlations between core messages recalled and increased …

Algal Community Investigations: Present Day To Year-2100 For Mississippi Lakes And The Western Mississippi Sound, Emma Madison Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

Algae play a key role in the aquatic environment as primary producers; however, they can form harmful algal blooms that are detrimental to the aquatic environment, people, and even the economy. It is generally believed that climate change will influence future algal blooms. The first study estimated algae community in three freshwater locations in Mississippi, Desoto Lake, White’s Creek Lake, and Columbus Lake, and one saline location, Western Mississippi Sound, using modern and new tools of the autonomous surface vessel, FlowCam, and EcoTaxa. From those results and leading into the second study was the application of four climate scenarios on …

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, …

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 …

Fisheries Management In Mississippi State-Operated Fishing Lakes: A Review And Look To The Future, Hayden Gregory Funk

Theses and Dissertations

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks currently manages 18 State Lakes and 17 State Park Lakes to provide public fishing opportunities. My goal was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of monitoring and management activities in State Lakes to enhance understanding of lake dynamics, further develop existing management initiatives, and identify alternative avenues for effective management. To achieve this objective, I have undertaken a comprehensive examination and synthesis of the historical background pertaining to State Lakes and conducted an analysis of pertinent data regarding lake characteristics such as the physical and chemical attributes of the lakes, the features of …

Evaluation Of Current Management Strategies For The Tarnished Plant Bug And Tobacco Thrips In Midsouthern Cotton, Hunter Lane Lipsey

Theses and Dissertations

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is an important economic pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (L.), in the Midsouth region of the United States. An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of insecticide class loss on yield and Lygus populations in the recently commercialized ThryvOn cotton technology. Data indicated no significant yield loss when excluding any currently utilized insecticide class for tarnished plant bug management. An additional objective was to reevaluate the sampling interval necessary to scout ThryvOn cotton for Lygus. No significant differences were observed between a 3 or 7-day sample interval compared to plots …

Evaluating The Emergent Wetland Plant Juncus Effusus As A Tool In Phytoremediation Of Nitrogen And Copper, Jacob Aaron Hockensmith

Theses and Dissertations

Eutrophication is an increasing issue around the globe, including the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley where excess nitrogen runs into the Mississippi River and subsequently the Gulf of Mexico. The restoration of wetlands is one method that has been developed to help reduce nitrogen runoff, however, species selection should be done carefully as species selected must not only remove nitrogen but be able to compete with established species. Chapter II of this thesis investigates whether J. effusus is a viable candidate for use in this role. Additionally, copper contamination around the globe is increasing due to a variety of anthropogenic sources. …

The Plastics Crisis: Responsible Recycling In Civil Engineering And Infrastructure, Jason Howell Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

A global plastics crisis exists with around 400 million metric tons (MMT) of plastics production and 350 MMT of plastics waste generated annually around the globe. Plastics are durable and essentially non-biodegradable, so they accumulate in both terrestrial and marine environments as pollution and within landfills without breaking down over time. Plastics are ubiquitous in 21st-century society and culture, comprising essential elements in most industries including packaging, transportation, electrical/electronics, and building/construction. The role of civil engineering and infrastructure in addressing the plastics crisis was specifically explored. Responsible plastics recycling yields products with improved engineering properties, performance characteristics, marketability, and/or manufacturing …

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 …

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 …

Description And Influence Of Diseases On The East Mississippi Catfish Industry, And The Role Of Clay Minerals, Iron, And Aluminum Salts In The Susceptibility Of Channel Catfish To Aeromonas Hydrophila And Edwardsiella Ictaluri, Mark Alan Peterman

Theses and Dissertations

In 2014, a virulent clonal group of Aeromonas hydrophila (VAH) was the predominant disease impacting the east Mississippi (EMS) commercial catfish industry. The EMS aquatic ambulatory service observed an area not prone to VAH outbreaks. In addition, frequent underestimations of the scope and economic impact of the EMS catfish industry and its diseases warranted a descriptive effort. Therefore, the EMS catfish industry, its economic impact, the diseases of this region and their economic impact were described. Further, differences in water and geological chemistry of the area not prone to VAH outbreaks, and the sensitivity of VAH and Edwardsiella ictaluri to …