Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of A Heterogeneously Catalyzed Chemical Process To Produce Biodiesel, Alok Kumar Singh

Theses and Dissertations

It is well known fact that energy is a big issue for this world and substantial amount of research is going on worldwide for alternative fuels that are environmentally friendly, especially because of the fact that crude petroleum reserves are dwindling. Also, research on alternative fuels is essential for increased energy security. Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic fuel. At present, when homogeneous catalysts are used, biodiesel is primarily produced in batch reactors in which the required energy is provided by heating accompanied by mechanical mixing. Alternatively, ultrasonic processing could be an effective way to attain required mixing while …

Discolorations In Southern Hardwood Logs: Biological And Non-Biological Staining Control Practices, Nathan Edward Irby

Theses and Dissertations

Discolorations in highly valued southern hardwood species have been a costly problem for the U.S. forest products industry since its beginning. Both microbial (fungi) and non-microbial (enzyme-mediated) sapstain problems are more prevalent in the southeast than in other regions, so preventive measure must be done to keep hardwood logs and lumber discolorationree. Six full-scale field trials were conducted along the Mississippi River from Yokena, MS to Ripley, TN between March to October 2007. The basis for the research was a belief that discolorations that affect southern hardwood logs can be controlled by various techniques such as log end coating, inventory …

Do Community Factors Influence Suicide?An Application Of Strucutral Pluralism Theory On Suicide Cases, Rosa Giovanna Nigro

Theses and Dissertations

Suicide and suicidal behavior affect individuals of all ages, genders, races and religious groups in all countries, representing an important social issue. The major risk factor associated with suicide is depression. However, in some instances, suicide is not preceded by warning signs of mental disorders. Variations in the sociopolitical structures in the communities in U.S. may hold the explanation of variations on suicide rates. The objective of this study is to understand how suicide relates with variations in the community structure. Some specific socio-structural elements of a community have the potential to protect against distress by protecting individuals’ socio-psychological health. …

Effects Of Body Mass, Physiographic Region, And Environmental Cues On Reproductive Timing In Deer, Michael Paul Dye

Theses and Dissertations

The reproductive timing and success of white-tailed deer are important to managers. I evaluated the reproductive variability of pen-raised deer and wild populations within Mississippi and investigated effects of age, body condition and moon phase on conception dates. I also examined the reproductive potential of doe fawns from 3 regions of Mississippi. Individual conception dates varied more than expected and were not related to moon phase. Age affected individual conception date, although the effect may have been confounded by estimated gestation length. Population level variation was less than reported and could not be explained by moon phase or late-winter body …

An Optical Fiber Sensor For The Determination Of Hydrogen Peroxide, Xueei Hu

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen peroxide is used in various fields, such as food preservative, bleaching, oxidizing, reducing, and chemical reaction reagents. However, inappropriate use may have harmful effects to human health or environment. A number of analytical methods have been developed for the determination of hydrogen peroxide. Herein is described the effort to develop an optical fiber chemical sensor based on the evanescence wave absorbance that can detect the presence of, and measure the concentration of, hydrogen peroxide. For the H2O2 optical fiber sensor, Nafion membrane was coated in the fiber optic. Titanium ions dispersed in a Nafion membrane can form a TiO-H2O2 …

Axial Pull-Out Strength Of 3.5 Cortical And 4.0 Cancellous Bone Screws Placed In Canine Proximal Tibias Using Manual And Power Tapping, Jennifer Lynn Demko

Theses and Dissertations

Many orthopedic conditions in dogs require the placement of bone screws in the proximal tibial metaphysis. Currently, both cortical and cancellous screws are used clinically depending on the surgeon’s preference; however, the ideal screw for use in the proximal tibia has not been determined. Currently, both the manual and power tapping techniques are used during surgical procedures of the proximal tibia in dogs. However, it is unknown if the use of power tapping when placing screws in the canine proximal tibial metaphysis affects screw purchase. Measurement of axial pull-out strength is traditionally used to evaluate and compare the holding power …

A Faunistic Survey Of Native Bees In The Mississippi Black Belt Prairie, Beverly A. Mcgee

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents the results of a bee survey (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in remnants of the Mississippi Black Belt Prairie, a unique physiographical region that is a threatened community covering 14,141 square kilometers in both Mississippi and Alabama. Sampling was performed with sweep nets and Malaise traps. A total of 151 visits were made to several prairie remnant areas during the years 1999 – 2001 with 92 Malaise trap samples. Historical bee collection data from these prairies were incorporated into this survey. A total of 6,140 specimens resulting in 107 species, 51 new state records and eight disjunct species were collected …

Exploratory Study Of The Caregivers' Perceived Barriers To Healthy Eating In The Mississippi Delta, Caroline Ruth Mccracken

Theses and Dissertations

The Mississippi Delta has been recognized for its poverty level and high rate of obesity. As an effort to combat the obesity issue while also considering the poverty issue of the population, a descriptive analysis was developed to understand what intervention might be beneficial. Focus groups were conducted to determine barriers to healthy eating behaviors for children, grades K-2. Focus groups (n=6) with parents or guardians of children from the six elementary schools in the Mississippi Delta were conducted in the Spring of 2007. The emergent themes included, perceived healthy foods, where diet information had been retrieved, and the efforts …

Exploring The Reliability And Validity Of The Human Spirituality Scale Scores With Older Adults In Independent Living Facilities, Charles Joseph Landrum

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to extend the findings of previous research about the construct of spirituality–as measured by the Human Spirituality Scale (HSS) developed by Wheat. To expand the research across the entire adult life span, the researcher pooled preexisting data (Wheat) from middle-aged adults with data he obtained from 236 older adults living in independent living facilities. He analyzed the pooled data from 502 adults, with an age range of 25 to 98. Using the pooled data set, the researcher divided the data into five age groupings. He conducted confirmatory factor analysis, of the model of spirituality developed by Wheat, …

Integrated Optical Fiber Laser Raman Sensor For Cryogenic Application, Appolinaire Tifang Luanje

Theses and Dissertations

An integrated fiber optical Raman sensor was designed for real-time, non –intrusive detection of liquid and gaseous mixtures at high pressure and high flow rates. The integrated sensor employs a high-power solid-state pumped Nd:YAG frequency doubled (532nm) laser (3W), a modified In Photonics Raman probe which has built-in Raman signal filter optics, and two high-resolution spectrometers and photomultiplier tubes (PMT) with selected bandpass filters to collect both N2 and O2 Raman signals. The detection unit was also integrated with Lab View software interfaced PMT modules for fast data acquisition.

Nmr Structure Calculation Of The Halophilic Binary Hvdhfr1:Folate Complex, Arezue Fatemeh Bekrai Boroujerdi

Theses and Dissertations

Dihydrofolate reductase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Haloferax volcanii is a “salt-loving” microorganism found in the Dead Sea. Such microorganisms have adapted to their extreme environments and now require extremely high salt concentrations to survive. The study of dihydrofolate reductase from Haloferax volcanii with the substrate folate bound, which is the focus of the work presented in this dissertation, offers further understanding of this adaptation. The effect that high salt concentration has on this enzyme is not fully understood; however, this dissertation includes the investigation of the structure of …

Snp Characterizaiton And Genetic And Molecular Analysis Of Mutants Affecting Fiber Development In Cotton, Chuanfu An

Theses and Dissertations

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the world’s leading textile fiber crop, and an important source of oil and protein. Insufficient candidate gene derived-markers suitable for genetic mapping and limited information on genes that control economically important traits are the major impediments to the genetic improvement of Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.). The objectives of this study were to develop a SNP marker discovery strategy in tetraploid cotton species, SNP characterization and marker development from fiber initiation and elongation related genes, chromosomal assignment of these genes by SNP marker-based deletion analysis or linkage mapping, and genetic and molecular analysis of mutants affecting …

Survivin And P53 Expression In Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Correlation With Prognosis, Heidi Huffman Rose

Theses and Dissertations

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most common oral neoplasm of cats, demonstrates aggressive local invasion and has a poor prognosis. In humans, mutation of the p53 gene, crucial in cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in damaged cells, is common in neoplasms. Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis, is frequently overexpressed in many types of human cancer. Studies suggest that wild-type p53 inhibits survivin expression, while mutated p53 does not. The purposes of this study included immunohistochemical examination of survivin and p53 expression in feline oral SCC and determination of a correlation between p53 mutation and survivin overexpression, as well …

Salmonella Enterica Serovar Enteritidis Requires The Type Three Secretion System-1/2 To Invade/Survive In Chicken Oviduct Epithelial Cells And To Modulate Innate Immune Responses, Shuhui Li

Theses and Dissertations

Contaminated poultry and egg products are major sources of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. enteritidis, SE) infections in humans. Colonization of SE in chicken reproductive tract results in the production of contaminated commercial shell-eggs and fertilized hatchery eggs. The complex pathogen-host interactions during SE colonization of chicken reproductive tract are largely unknown. This study was aimed at determining the pathogenic roles of the type three secretion systems (TTSS-1 and TTSS-2) in SE infection of chicken oviduct epithelial cells (COEC). A series of SE strains carrying mutations in the genes encoding structure or effector proteins of TTSS-1 and TTSS-2 were constructed. …

Product Formulation And Sensory Acceptance Of Three Soy Concept Foods Utilizing Three Different Soy Derivatives, Aditya Samala

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to develop soy concept foods with potential marketability in the food industry for health conscious consumers. Fourteen commercial soy protein isolate samples were obtained from various processors. The flavor profiles of the soy protein isolates were evaluated by five expert panelists. The three soy protein isolate samples with the most acceptable flavor profiles were utilized for further analysis and the development of soy concept foods including cranberry nut soy pudding, two bean soy dip and a soy based meal replacer. Based on consumer acceptability studies, it appears that two bean soy dip may have …

Molecular Reprogramming In Bovine Embryos After Serial Somatic Cell Chromatin Transfer, Nelida Rodriguez-Osorio

Theses and Dissertations

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT), commonly known as cloning, is the transfer of a somatic nucleus into an enucleated oocyte to produce a clone. The chromatin structure of somatic cells permits the expression of certain genes, while silencing the rest of the genome. The cytoplasm of oocytes can reprogram a somatic nucleus by reactivating the genes necessary for embryonic development and silencing the somatic genes. However, the low efficiency of SCNT indicates that successful nuclear reprogramming is a rare event. The objectives of this study were determine the extent of transcriptional reprogramming in bovine blastocysts produced by serial rounds of …

The Impact Of Teacher Characteristics On A Secondary Career And Technical Education Program In Mississippi, Robin Ann Parker

Theses and Dissertations

This research was conducted to determine if characteristics of teachers impact student learning in the secondary career and technical education Allied Health program area. This research was conducted for the following reasons: (a) to determine if teacher participation in professional learning opportunities impact student learning, (b) to determine if the use of curriculum and instruction resources impact student learning, (c) to determine if the implementation of researched-based teaching strategies impact student learning, and (d) to determine if other characteristics impact student learning. The data collected include responses from the fall 2007 MS-CPAS2 Allied Health student scores and survey responses from …

The Investigation Of Innate Immune System Memory In Rag1-/- Mutant Zebrafish, Claudia M. Hohn

Theses and Dissertations

The innate immune system in vertebrates is considered to lack specific memory. To investigate innate immune system based immunological protection mediated by cells that are not part of the acquired immune system the Tübingen recombination activation gene1 (rag1)t26683 mutant (MT) zebrafish was chosen. Molecular analysis demonstrated MT zebrafish kidney cells expressed Non-specific Cytotoxic cell receptor protein-1 (NCCRP-1) and Natural Killer cell (NK) lysin but lacked T cell receptor (TCR) and immunoglobulin (Ig) VH1, VH2, VH3 and VH4 expression. Differential counts of peripheral blood leukocytes indicated that MT fish had decreased lymphocyte populations (34.7%) compared to rag1+/+ wild-type (WT) fish (70.5%), …

The Selection For Sedentary Settlement Patterns In East-Central Mississippi, Weston Everett Baconchulte

Theses and Dissertations

The evolution of sedentariness in east-central Mississippi seems to follow specific patterns when both time and space are accounted for. Prehistoric pottery counts and frequencies from sites located throughout east-central Mississippi were examined in order to better understand settlement patterns. This study combines data from both newly recorded and previously recorded sites. These data are analyzed using frequency seriation and correspondence analysis, thus allowing the investigation of settlement patterns through both space and time. The results are used to address competing hypotheses concerning a gradual spread of sedentary settlement versus a very rapid adoption of sedentariness. The main factors organizing …

The Study Of The Life Cycle Of Bolbophorus Damnificus And Its Pathology In The Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus), Marlena Catherine Yost

Theses and Dissertations

In channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), the digenetic trematode B. damnificus, causes morality and reduced growth. Previous research has documented the hosts for B. damnificus are: the American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), the snail (Planorbella trivolvis) and the channel catfish. The goals of this research were to confirm the life cycle of B. damnificus in a single life cycle study fulfilling Koch’s postulates; determine if the snail, Biomphalaria havanensis-obstructa, could serve a host for B. damnificus, and examine the pathology of B. damnificus in channel catfish. American white pelicans (AWP) were artificially infected with B. damnificus metacercariae which matured to the …

Circadian Disruptions In Night Nurses, Leah Swenson

Theses and Dissertations

A lack of knowledge exists in the physical and psychological impact shift work, particularly working during the night shift, causes in nurses. Inadequate rest derived from night shift work seriously affects the frontal cortex's ability to control speech, access memory, and solve problems. It has been well documented that night shift workers sleep less, perform less effectively on psychomotor and cognitive tests, make more errors during night shifts, and are at higher risk for motor vehicle accidents because of post-night shift drowsiness. Planned naps in the workplace may be an effective intervention to some of these adverse circumstances

A comprehensive …

Parental Satisfiers With Children's Care, Michael Kropp

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Although it is easy to determine dissatisfiers with healthcare, satisfiers may be difficult to discern and may depend on the uniqueness of each person receiving care. Determining common satisfiers for parents of hospitalized children would aid in alerting healthcare professionals of parent expectations in quality patient-centered care. To achieve the goal of parent satisfaction, it is imperative to understand healthcare provider behaviors that contribute to holistic care and lead to parents feeling empowered.

Purpose: This project investigated the literature for behaviors of healthcare professionals that reportedly lead to parental satisfaction with the care of their children, in …

An Introduction To The Identification And Care Of Individuals With Down Syndrome Complicated By Alzheimer's Disease, Jody Enerson-Sharp

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Vitamin D Supplementation And Breastfed Infants, Jana Zwilling

Theses and Dissertations

Exclusive breastfeeding has been proven to be the best sole source of nutrition for infants until six months of age when supplemental foods may be added. Controversies have arisen regarding the necessity for vitamin D supplementation prior to six months of age in exclusively breastfed infants. There are inconsistent practices and information provided to parents regarding the need to provide vitamin D supplementation to their infants. Therefore, the puqJose of this project was to determine the cmTent evidence for vitamin D supplementation in exclusively breastfed infants in the first six months of life. Current evidence supports supplementing exclusively breastfed infants …

Depression In The Elderly, Jan R. Lynch

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Childless Women In The Plays Of William Inge, Tennessee Williams, And Edward Albee, Suzanne Macdonald Winkel

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an examination of three major twentieth-century American playwrights—William Inge, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee—and their dramatic use of childless women characters in Come Back, Little Sheba (1950), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955), and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962) respectively. Although the plays of Inge, Williams, and Albee have been analyzed individually by numerous scholars, they have not been studied together as works about procreation and childlessness. The study's historical focus is the post World War II era during which time the three plays proposed for analysis were written and produced. Commonly called the baby boom …

An Investigation Of The Ecology Of Nesting Golden Eagles In North Dakota, Anne Marguerite Coyle

Theses and Dissertations

Few studies have focused on golden eagles nesting in North Dakota. This project investigates the ecology of, and the potential effects from energy development on, nesting golden eagles in North Dakota, by collecting historical data, conducting nest checks and surveys (2002-2006).

Historical information was not sufficient for population estimates. Nest checks/surveys indicated that nest densities, occupied nest sites and territories was greatest near the riparian river bottoms. There were 176 potential extant territories. The average minimum distance between occupied nest sites was 6.32km (7.20km to 3.85km). The mean territory area was 8.95 km2 (SD = 4.25 km2, min = 3.09 …

Machine Learning For Host-Based Anomaly Detection, Gaurav Tandon

Theses and Dissertations

Anomaly detection techniques complement signature based methods for intrusion detection. Machine learning approaches are applied to anomaly detection for automated learning and detection. Traditional host-based anomaly detectors model system call sequences to detect novel attacks. This dissertation makes four key contributions to detect host anomalies. First, we present an unsupervised approach to clean training data using novel representations for system call sequences. Second, supervised learning with system call arguments and other attributes is proposed for enriched modeling. Third, techniques to increase model coverage for improved accuracy are presented. Fourth, we propose spatio-temporal modeling to detect suspicious behavior for mobile hosts. …

Healing, Learning And Play, Kangana Bhatnagar

Theses and Dissertations

Research suggests that the first five years of life are critical for building the foundation for children’s success throughout their schooling and life. Throughout these first years of life there are a number of essential windows of opportunity during which certain kinds of stimuli are needed to help the brain develop and maintain critical connections necessary for learning. This project is a unification of a Child Development Center and a therapeutic center. This center includes children who suffer from bereavement; a broken home, death of a parent or child abuse. These children are provided with therapy by a specialist, and …

Expert Witness Testimony In Jury Verdicts When Battered Women Kill, Asma Sheikh

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this investigation were to (a) explore the relationship between jury verdicts when traumatic brain injury expert testimony is provided and (b) examine the relationship between the verdicts when battered women syndrome expert witness testimony is provided, in Rowan University undergraduate students (N = 100). Students were provided with experimental packets, read a mock legal case, answered four questionnaires, and conducted a mock jury deliberation. Students indicated their verdicts were of lesser severity when there was traumatic brain injury expert witness testimony when compared to battered women syndrome expert witness testimony. Analysis of variance statistics indicated that expert …