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Actionable Hydrologic Data To Information With National Water Model-Based Derived Dataset, Cutting-Edge Data Services, And Agentic Ai System, Sujan Chandra Mondol Aug 2026

Actionable Hydrologic Data To Information With National Water Model-Based Derived Dataset, Cutting-Edge Data Services, And Agentic Ai System, Sujan Chandra Mondol

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrologic data are the cornerstone of many complex hydrologic research and operational workflows that produce useful hydrologic information for water resources decision-making, flood risk communication, and water availability implications. The National Water Model (NWM) is a valuable source of hydrologic data, particularly for its extended coverage of unmonitored streams and the large-scale continuity of hydrologic processes. Precomputed secondary datasets derived from this simulated data, such as streamflow indices, can improve operational efficiency through thresholding. Disseminating the data through modern technologies, such as application programming interfaces, is required for ready integration into applications. However, if extraction requires an intermediate service, there …


"Tithing Is An Insurance Premium": A Framing Analysis Of Speaker Innovation And Diachronic Trends In Latter-Day Saint Religious Discourse, Reid Empey Aug 2026

"Tithing Is An Insurance Premium": A Framing Analysis Of Speaker Innovation And Diachronic Trends In Latter-Day Saint Religious Discourse, Reid Empey

Theses and Dissertations

Religious language relies on shared metaphor and frames that contextualize religious experience and practice. Current approaches to frame semantics (Fillmore 1982) and cognitive metaphor (Lakoff & Johnson 1980) lend important insight into religious language, particularly in describing the role that figurative language serves in a religious speech community. However, a vital component of many religious speech communities is the presence of and engagement with a scriptural canon, which often contains metaphorical and framing language that religious speakers can directly reference. Yet, past conceptualizations of speech communities have not accounted for this engagement with a shared canon. To illustrate the role …


Synthetic Strategies For Bioactive Peptides: From Aggregation Inhibitors To The Total Synthesis Of Tunicyclin C, Stephanie Graciela Garcia Morin Aug 2026

Synthetic Strategies For Bioactive Peptides: From Aggregation Inhibitors To The Total Synthesis Of Tunicyclin C, Stephanie Graciela Garcia Morin

Theses and Dissertations

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), a brain protein called "tau" abnormally clumps and forms neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), causing damage to brain cells. Ac-PHF6-NH2 is a hexapeptide segment of tau protein that plays a dominant role in tau aggregation and is used as a model to design tau protein aggregation inhibitors. In this research we synthesized four dehydroamino acid (□AA) containing PHF6 analogues with △Abu (derived from L-threonine) and △Val (derived from □-OH-Valine) at position 2 or 3 via dehydrations or azlactone ring-openings as key reactions. We evaluated their proteolytic resistance, ability to inhibit aggregation of PHF6, and impact on the morphology …


Measuring Proteostasis Changes In Apolipoprotein E Mouse Models Using Quantitative And Kinetic Proteomic Methods, Ariel E.A. Denos Aug 2026

Measuring Proteostasis Changes In Apolipoprotein E Mouse Models Using Quantitative And Kinetic Proteomic Methods, Ariel E.A. Denos

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurological disorder associated with brain mass loss and cognitive decline. It affects millions of elderly people and is currently uncurable. Since 1906, when the disease was first described, researchers have uncovered many components of AD pathology. However, it is now evident that curing Alzheimer's Disease will require intervention before the pathological onset of amyloid beta plaque deposition, tau neurofibrillary tangles, and associated neuronal loss. Studying AD from the perspective of early intervention requires special attention to small changes that may disrupt the normal processing of cells. Cells undergo a natural cycle of creation and destruction …


Multi-Band Extinction Modeling In Early-Type Galaxies With Circumnuclear Disks, Nonnie Bash Aug 2026

Multi-Band Extinction Modeling In Early-Type Galaxies With Circumnuclear Disks, Nonnie Bash

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we present a spatially resolved, multi-band dust-attenuation method for correcting the stellar luminosity models used in dynamical supermassive black hole (BH) mass measurements. If uncorrected, dust extinction effects may dominate over other systematic uncertainties when determining the BH mass ($M_\mathrm{BH}$). We expand on a simple dust-attenuation method that treats the circumnuclear disk as a thin dust layer embedded in the galaxy midplane. Using a Multi-Gaussian Expansion, we create a three-dimensional stellar luminosity model to calculate the fractions of stellar light originating in front of and behind the disk along each line of sight. We infer the pixel-by-pixel …


Development And Validation Of The Global Impact Of Chronic Illness Scale – Universal, Abigail Kukay Aug 2026

Development And Validation Of The Global Impact Of Chronic Illness Scale – Universal, Abigail Kukay

Theses and Dissertations

The current manuscript presents the development and validation of the Global Impact of Chronic Illness Scale – Universal (GICIS-U), a novel measure of chronic illness impact through three separate studies. The pilot study aimed at measure development, which included item selection and two rounds of item refinement using feedback gained through four focus groups. Study 1 consisted of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine factor structure of the measure. Participants were 183 individuals recruited from an online participant pool and social media outlets who completed the refined GICIS-U online. Results of the EFA suggested a six-factor structure, of which …


Engineering Education Beyond The Engineering Classroom: Three Studies On Behavioral Nudges, General Education Completion, And Honors Program Participation, Andrew Harrison Volk Aug 2026

Engineering Education Beyond The Engineering Classroom: Three Studies On Behavioral Nudges, General Education Completion, And Honors Program Participation, Andrew Harrison Volk

Theses and Dissertations

Engineering education extends well beyond the engineering classroom. Engineering undergraduates progress through general education courses, institutional support structures, and enrichment opportunities operating outside their major. The administrative offices that shape these non-engineering experiences typically operate independently of engineering departments, and the structural decisions they make can shape the engineering student's experience without engineering's input. This dissertation examines three settings in which decisions outside engineering matter for engineering students. Study 1 reports a PRISMA-format systematic review of nudge interventions in higher education, developing a four-category typology of nudge types (informational, environmental, process-oriented, and in-name-only) and a six-category typology of application domains. …


Thermomechanical Characterization And Modeling Of An Smp-Epoxy Composite For Deployable Space Structures, Ap Anshuman Behera Aug 2026

Thermomechanical Characterization And Modeling Of An Smp-Epoxy Composite For Deployable Space Structures, Ap Anshuman Behera

Theses and Dissertations

Deployable space structures can be stowed in a compact form and later allowed to their operational shape. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have been utilized as a material candidate due to their increased strength-to-weight ratio and tailored performance. Current challenges associated with CFRP composites are driven by the viscoelastic nature of the polymer matrix causing long-term stowage effects and deployment issues such as shape deformation and incomplete recovery. In this study, a shape memory polymer (SMP) is presented as a potential option in mitigating these issues. An epoxy SMP is synthesized and experimentally characterized and its performance in the …


Scan Statistics For Nonhomogeneous Poisson Processes: A Method For Cnv Detection, Asanka Rathnayaka Duwage Aug 2026

Scan Statistics For Nonhomogeneous Poisson Processes: A Method For Cnv Detection, Asanka Rathnayaka Duwage

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation studies scan statistics for detecting localized changes in non-homogeneous Poisson processes. The motivating problem arises from genomic sequencing data, where tumor and normal read locations may differ over short regions due to copy number variation, while the underlying event intensity varies across the domain. In this setting, methods based on homogeneous Poisson process assumptions are not appropriate. The dissertation develops and studies scan-based methods for detecting local differences while accounting for non-homogeneous structure. Three related approaches are considered. The first develops a scan statistic for a nonhomogeneous Poisson process and uses extreme value calibration after transformation under the …


Simulating Wind-Induced Temporal Variability In Gnss Transmissometry Via Coherent Bistatic Scattering, Brantley Allen Forrest Aug 2026

Simulating Wind-Induced Temporal Variability In Gnss Transmissometry Via Coherent Bistatic Scattering, Brantley Allen Forrest

Theses and Dissertations

Global Navigation Satellite System Transmissometry is a technique for forest remote sensing. Interpreting these measurements requires physically based models to relate observed signal behavior to underlying biophysical parameters. A limitation of current electromagnetic modeling approaches is the assumption that vegetation optical depth is static. In practice, forest canopies, and therefore vegetation optical depth, are dynamic systems continuously influenced by wind. These geometric changes alter the scattering environment and introduce temporal variability in the received signal, particularly through phase-sensitive multipath interactions. This thesis presents a methodology for simulating wind dynamics for first-order scattering. The approach integrates a procedural, stochastic aeroelastic wind …


Ocean Salinity Effects On Lightning Frequency And Distribution In The Inner Core Of Tropical Cyclones In The Atlantic Basin, Desiree Knight Aug 2026

Ocean Salinity Effects On Lightning Frequency And Distribution In The Inner Core Of Tropical Cyclones In The Atlantic Basin, Desiree Knight

Theses and Dissertations

Different oceanic salinity profiles seen in the Atlantic have been found to influence tropical cyclone (TC) intensity. With the freshwater plume from the Amazon-Orinoco reaching into a TC development region during peak hurricane season, the stable ocean feature it creates has effects on SST, ocean mixing, enthalpy fluxes, and convection. This study investigates the relationship between sea surface salinity (SSS) and inner-core lightning of north Atlantic TCs and further explores the spatial variations of this relationship with TC intensity. SSS values are collocated with lightning flashes, which are split between “fresher” and “saltier” waters. Further investigations found that TCs have …


How Family Functioning Impacts Adolescent Outcomes: The Roles Of Cohesion, Flexibility, Communication, Satisfaction, And The Family Environment On Well-Being Across Levels Of Family Complexity, Emily E. Shaw Aug 2026

How Family Functioning Impacts Adolescent Outcomes: The Roles Of Cohesion, Flexibility, Communication, Satisfaction, And The Family Environment On Well-Being Across Levels Of Family Complexity, Emily E. Shaw

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation research is a combination of two studies. The overarching and guiding focus for this study involved how family functioning and environments influence adolescent psychological well-being, and do these associations vary based on levels of family complexity. Study 1 examined family complexity and family environments as potential predictors of family functioning, while Study 2 examined family functioning and family complexity as potential predictors of adolescent negative (i.e., anxiety and depression) and positive (i.e., engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, and happiness) well-being. In Study 1, family complexity was not predictive of family functioning, but the family environment was a strong predictor. …


Exploring Rural Ap Stem Motivation, Interests, And Aspirations: A Self-Determination Theory Lens, Erin Seger Mcguire Aug 2026

Exploring Rural Ap Stem Motivation, Interests, And Aspirations: A Self-Determination Theory Lens, Erin Seger Mcguire

Theses and Dissertations

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have become the focal point of many countries around the world, with the intention of strengthening national renown by being the first to make advancements in STEM domains. The United States has recognized the importance of STEM and STEM education, though these efforts are lacking in rural areas, like Mississippi. These schools often serve underrepresented populations and may be unable to financially support learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, the national teacher shortage disproportionately affects science and mathematics classes; in rural schools, teachers in these areas may be underqualified, as the schools …


Enhancing Levee Resilience With Biopolymers To Reduce Erosion And Improve Overtopping Performance, Ethan Tyler Vroman Aug 2026

Enhancing Levee Resilience With Biopolymers To Reduce Erosion And Improve Overtopping Performance, Ethan Tyler Vroman

Theses and Dissertations

Levee breaches from overtopping erosion present a significant flood risk across the US. Biopolymers have been proposed as a soil-stabilization method for embankments to improve slope stability and mitigate erosion. This study evaluates the technical and economic efficacy of two biopolymers, Rhizobium tropici (RT) and Xanthan gum (XG). Silt treated with 1% biopolymer was subjected to five wetting-drying cycles to assess erosion performance and durability. Laboratory testing revealed significant, temporary improvements to mechanical properties. Compared to untreated soil, RT and XG treatments increased critical shear stress by nearly one order of magnitude and more than an order of magnitude, respectively, …


Development Of Genomic Tools To Improve Science-Based Management Of American Black Bears (Ursus Americanus), Fabian A. Jimenez Aug 2026

Development Of Genomic Tools To Improve Science-Based Management Of American Black Bears (Ursus Americanus), Fabian A. Jimenez

Theses and Dissertations

American black bear (Ursus americanus) monitoring programs often use minimally invasive genetic monitoring techniques (hair snares) to estimate abundance and density. Historically, microsatellites have been used to identify individuals from hair samples and create mark-recapture histories to estimate population size. However, microsatellite-based genotyping requires multiple replicates and visual confirmation of consensus genotypes. Advances in genetic sequencing technology have led to methods like Genotyping-in-Thousands by sequencing (GT-seq), which allow automated genotyping using bioinformatic pipelines, thereby reducing the number of replicate samples required to confirm genotypes and increasing data portability. We developed a GT-seq panel for individual identification of black bears using …


Informing Pre-K Expansion In The Walthall County School District: Examining Relationships Among Pre-K Participation Type, Kindergarten Readiness, And Third-Grade Literacy Outcomes, Florence Michelle Stinson Aug 2026

Informing Pre-K Expansion In The Walthall County School District: Examining Relationships Among Pre-K Participation Type, Kindergarten Readiness, And Third-Grade Literacy Outcomes, Florence Michelle Stinson

Theses and Dissertations

Limited access to high-quality pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) programs continues to present challenges for improving kindergarten readiness and literacy outcomes in many rural school districts. Within the Walthall County School District (WCSD), students consistently enter kindergarten below state readiness averages and perform below state averages on the 3rd-grade literacy assessment. The purpose of this empirical quantitative study, supported by a structured literature review, is to examine the relationships among Pre-K participation type, kindergarten readiness, and 3rd-grade literacy outcomes in order to inform district-level decisions regarding Pre-K expansion. School Readiness Theory and Emergent Literacy Theory provide the foundational groundwork for the study. School …


Sustainable Approaches For Water Remediation And Soil Amendment, Hashani Abeysinghe Herath Mudiyanselage Aug 2026

Sustainable Approaches For Water Remediation And Soil Amendment, Hashani Abeysinghe Herath Mudiyanselage

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrosphere decontamination and sustainable agriculture are economic, health, and environmental concerns. Conventional non-destructive and destructive water treatment methods, and fertilizer formulations, can be expensive or ineffective. Biochar-nutrient composites have gained global acceptance as adsorbents or soil additives due to biochar’s modifiable surfaces, enabling enhanced performance and environmental benefits. This dissertation studied sustainable methods for removal of aqueous arsenic(V) by adsorption and destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in liquid ammonia by defluorination and fertilizing phosphorus-deficient soil. Chapter II focuses on the surface morphological and physicochemical changes in alkali-exposed microparticulate magnetite-deposited rice husk (RH) biochar (Fe3O4@RHBC) relative to its pristine …


Analyzing The Relationship Between Financial And Real Estate Investment And Agricultural Land Values., Hudu Abukari Aug 2026

Analyzing The Relationship Between Financial And Real Estate Investment And Agricultural Land Values., Hudu Abukari

Theses and Dissertations

Using agricultural transaction data from 2019 to the first quarter of 2023 provided by a major financial lender in Mississippi, I assess the relationship between financial and real estate buyers and agricultural land prices. Grantor and grantee information in the data allowed me to classify buyers into individuals, non-individual agribusinesses, and financial and real estate buyers. A hedonic pricing model is used to explore the relationship. The study concluded that the buyer type of agricultural land matters. More specifically, financial and real estate buyers pay a premium more than individuals and agribusiness buyers.


Optimization Of Punicalagin-Releasing In Situ Forming Microparticles (Prism) For Treatment Of Osteoarthritis, J. Alejandra Amaya Aug 2026

Optimization Of Punicalagin-Releasing In Situ Forming Microparticles (Prism) For Treatment Of Osteoarthritis, J. Alejandra Amaya

Theses and Dissertations

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by inflammation and degradation of articular cartilage, of which disease-modifying therapies are limited. Punicalagin (PUN), a polyphenol with cartilage-protective and anti-inflammatory properties, has inhibitory effects on matrix metalloproteinase-13 and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aims to optimize formulation of punicalagin-releasing in situ forming microparticles (PRISM) by varying polymer concentration, polymer ratio, solvent ratio, and oil-to-polymer ratio. Design of Experiment (DoE) software was used to generate 25 formulations. PRISM was created by emulsifying the polymer/drug solutions in sesame oil. Drug release data was measured via optical absorption readings and particle size determined by both scanning electron microscope (SEM) …


Comparative Analysis Of Spray Pattern Deposition In Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (Cots) U.S.-Manufactured Uncrewed Aerial Application System (Uaas), James Mackey Ikerd Ii Aug 2026

Comparative Analysis Of Spray Pattern Deposition In Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (Cots) U.S.-Manufactured Uncrewed Aerial Application System (Uaas), James Mackey Ikerd Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Uncrewed aerial application systems (UAAS) are increasingly used for agricultural spraying, but spray deposition uniformity and effective swath width can vary between platforms. This study evaluated spray-pattern deposition and effective swath width for two commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) UAAS platforms during manual and autonomous flight operations. Manual, single-pass testing was used to assess preliminary performance and spray characteristics for both UAAS. Further autonomous multi-pass and single-pass evaluations were conducted to assess deposition uniformity and in-swath variability for both UAAS utilizing two methods of evaluation: Operation Self-regulating Application & Flight Efficiency (S.A.F.E.) pattern testing for manual flight evaluation and the Swath Gobbler …


They Not For Us: Reimagining Social-Emotional Learning For Black Youth, Jennifer Chinecherem Ani Aug 2026

They Not For Us: Reimagining Social-Emotional Learning For Black Youth, Jennifer Chinecherem Ani

Theses and Dissertations

Social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions are often implemented within a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports framework and have been found to be effective in improving students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes. However, SEL interventions are typically implemented as a Tier I intervention and there is limited research on SEL interventions implemented in Tier II. Additionally, SEL interventions have received criticism for not being culturally relevant for minoritized populations, especially Black students. This study aims to seeks to extend the current literature on making cultural adaptations of an SEL intervention, specifically for Black elementary students using the Ecological Validity Model (EVM). …


Development Of A Gis-Based Research Data Preservation Platform For Historically Significant Wood Preservative Research Field Sites, Lorali Gene Pace Aug 2026

Development Of A Gis-Based Research Data Preservation Platform For Historically Significant Wood Preservative Research Field Sites, Lorali Gene Pace

Theses and Dissertations

Wood protection research plots have played a critical role in the development and evaluation of preservative treatments used throughout North America, including decades of research associated with Mississippi State University’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts. However, without spatial documentation, much of this research history and institutional knowledge is at risk of being lost. This study develops a GIS-based research preservation platform to document, organize, and preserve historic wood protection testing data. Using ArcGIS Pro, field-collected spatial data, historical records, aerial imagery, and ArcGIS Online technologies, a digital geodatabase and interactive web application were created to organize research locations and connect them …


Investigating Biomass Production Of Eastern Cottonwood (Populus Deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh.) And Black Willow (Salix Nigra Marsh.) In The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Luke Ferguson Aug 2026

Investigating Biomass Production Of Eastern Cottonwood (Populus Deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh.) And Black Willow (Salix Nigra Marsh.) In The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Luke Ferguson

Theses and Dissertations

Alternative and sustainable sources of energy have become critical in the 21st century due to strains on energy supply because of rising global populations and increasing global temperatures driven by fossil fuel extraction and use. One promising source is woody biomass, which has the advantage of being both abundantly available and readily accessible. Short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) have been widely researched for their ability to produce biomass in shorter periods compared to other traditional woody biomass crops and providing a constant supply to meet demands. However, currently there is a lack of standards for optimally establishing and growing SRWC …


An Evaluation Of Three Remote-Sensing Technologies Applied To French Colonial Fort St. Pierre, Mariah Gonzales Aug 2026

An Evaluation Of Three Remote-Sensing Technologies Applied To French Colonial Fort St. Pierre, Mariah Gonzales

Theses and Dissertations

This research is focused on the eighteenth century French Colonial Fort St. Pierre located in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Fort St. Pierre stood from 1719 to 1729 before being destroyed as a result of the Natchez revolt. With such a short existence, this fort has not been the subject of much research. With no archaeological features on the surface, the site was chosen to employ three remote-sensing methods to build the first digital rendering of the site and to measure the efficacy of each method in archaeological investigations. This study used LiDAR, Ground Penetrating Radar, and Magnetic Gradiometry to identify …


Examining Bark Water Storage As A Function Of Morphology And Subsequent Impacts On Stemflow Yield In A Mixed Hardwood Stand, Max Arnold Aug 2026

Examining Bark Water Storage As A Function Of Morphology And Subsequent Impacts On Stemflow Yield In A Mixed Hardwood Stand, Max Arnold

Theses and Dissertations

Forest canopy partitioning influences the movement and redistribution of precipitation, with bark serving as a critical interface regulating water storage and stemflow yield. This study quantified bark morphological and hydrological traits across six common southeastern United States tree species and evaluated their influence on stemflow yield. Significant interspecific differences were observed in bark thickness, bulk density, total porosity, bark water storage capacity (BWSC), and absolute hygroscopicity. Bulk density was positively related to BWSC and absolute hygroscopicity, whereas total porosity was negatively related to both traits. Despite substantial variation in bark properties, none of the measured bark traits consistently predicted stemflow …


A Comparative Study Of Synthetic Aperture Radar Focus Algorithms For Maritime Surveillance Applications, Madison M. Forrest Aug 2026

A Comparative Study Of Synthetic Aperture Radar Focus Algorithms For Maritime Surveillance Applications, Madison M. Forrest

Theses and Dissertations

Maritime Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery is frequently degraded by vessel motion and ocean-induced dynamics that violate the stationary scene assumptions of conventional SAR image formation, resulting in azimuth defocus and reduced image interpretability. Autofocus techniques are commonly employed to mitigate these effects; however, their relative performance in maritime environments and the tradeoffs between image quality and computational complexity remain areas of ongoing investigation. This work presents a comparative evaluation of three established SAR autofocus algorithms—Phase Gradient Autofocus (PGA), Minimum Entropy (ME), and the Doppler Parameter Estimation Algorithm (DPEA)—applied to real-world maritime SAR imagery. The study utilizes X-band SAR data …


A Study On The Welfare And Crop-Residue Ameliorating Potential Of Acheta Domesticus In The Context Of Insect Sequestration, Metabolism, And Excretion Of Three Mycotoxins: Aflatoxin B1, Deoxynivalenol, And Zearalenone, Ryan Thomas Paulk Aug 2026

A Study On The Welfare And Crop-Residue Ameliorating Potential Of Acheta Domesticus In The Context Of Insect Sequestration, Metabolism, And Excretion Of Three Mycotoxins: Aflatoxin B1, Deoxynivalenol, And Zearalenone, Ryan Thomas Paulk

Theses and Dissertations

Mycotoxins are a food security issue that affects all crops globally, but to varying degrees, due to the ubiquity of fungi that produce them. Developing new agricultural practices that can ameliorate lost nutrients post-contamination by removing mycotoxins for the next levels in the food chain can remedy an inevitable effluent in the circular economy. Farmed insects, such as the house cricket, Acheta domesticus, can potentially consume moldy, mycotoxin contaminated grains safely without transferring them to other trophic levels. The experiments herein test the biology of A. domesticus to consume three individual mycotoxins: aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone. In addition to …


Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Use Of Representations To Compare Fractions In Area, Length, And Set Contexts, Sarah Salisbury Aug 2026

Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Use Of Representations To Compare Fractions In Area, Length, And Set Contexts, Sarah Salisbury

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics teachers’ knowledge of rational numbers is very important due to the prominence of fraction concepts across the K-12 curriculum. Preservice teachers (PSTs) typically only have a procedural understanding of fractions and lack conceptual understanding (Newton, 2008). PSTs struggle to construct pedagogical representations that correctly show the size of parts and wholes (Lee & Lee, 2019). The purpose of this study was to investigate PSTs’ ability to compare fractions by examining their selection and creation of appropriate and accurate fraction representations in context, including the use of area, length, and set representations. The purpose was also to determine the extent …


Improving The Hemp Fiber Supply Chain: Barriers, Innovations, And Regulatory Impacts, Sneha Chapagain Aug 2026

Improving The Hemp Fiber Supply Chain: Barriers, Innovations, And Regulatory Impacts, Sneha Chapagain

Theses and Dissertations

The hemp fiber sector in the United States has seen significant growth challenges, including a lack of processing infrastructure, inconsistent regulations, and limited research. The Theory of Constraints and Systems Engineering frameworks are used in this study to carefully analyze these difficulties. The study identifies important bottlenecks, investigates system-wide inefficiencies, and examines the impact of regulatory complexity using a survey of key supply chain stakeholders. The findings emphasize the need for more processing capacity, better coordination among supply chain actors, and more policy harmonization. The report also identifies stakeholder-driven improvements in technology, transportation, and market integration that could boost efficiency …


Development And Comparison Of Retained Ownership Decision Methodologies For Feeder Cattle Owners, William John Simmons Aug 2026

Development And Comparison Of Retained Ownership Decision Methodologies For Feeder Cattle Owners, William John Simmons

Theses and Dissertations

Cattle producers retain ownership through the feeding phase in the hopes of increasing profits. Because not all cattle generate positive profits, retention decisions on an individual basis substantially affect overall profitability. This study develops, simulates, and evaluates among others a new prediction methodology intended to help improve profitability. The method is an integrated framework combining a novel multilevel (hierarchical) growth model, futures basis-adjusted price forecasting, and production cost estimation to predict which animals are expected to be profitable. Individual performance data were collected for 12,066 in-sample (2003 to 2011) to predict growth and profits for 12,496 out-of-sample cattle (2011 to …