Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis Of Breast Lesions Using A Simplified Rubber Band Straightening Transform And The Onion Transform, Matthew Allen Lee

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis compares different methods that could be used to construct a computer aided diagnosis (CAD) system that analyzes mammograms. Such systems have many steps, but this thesis focuses on feature extraction, feature selection, and classification. The main comparison is between the simplified Rubber Band Straightening Transform (SRBST) and the Onion Transform, which are used to extract texture features. Another comparison is between 2D and 3D co-occurrence matrices. Next, features are selected using a greedy algorithm. This section mainly compares the effectiveness of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and Class Overlap Rating (COR). Also evaluated are the effectiveness of Linear Discriminate …

Determination Of Enantiomeric Composition Of Pharmaceutical Compounds Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (Esi-Ms), Beibei Wang

Theses and Dissertations

The work in this thesis has demonstrated the chiral recognition through the adaptation of chromatographically derived chiral recognition systems by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Mass-labeled, pseudoenantiomeric chiral selectors (where each pseudoenantiomer had the opposite stereochemistry, but was slightly different in mass due to labeling of one enantiomer) were prepared as soluble analogues of Pirkle type chiral stationary phases. When mixed with a chiral analyte, solutions containing these pseudoenantiomeric selectors afforded selector-analyte complexes in the ESI-MS, and the relative peak intensities of the complexes could be related back to the enantiomeric composition of the analyte. In each case of this …

Consumer Attitudes And Acceptability Of Catfish Prepared In A Lowat Manner, Amanda Emad Al-Turk

Theses and Dissertations

Consumption of farm-raised catfish in the United States has increased over the last few decades. However, consumers usually prefer it as a deepried product, especially in the southern United States. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the acceptability of lowat baked catfish using a Central Location Test. Subjects (n=137) tasted, compared, and evaluated samples of lowat baked catfish and deepried catfish. Results indicated that the fried product was favored (p <0.05) over the baked product. The majority of subjects (93.4%) identified the baked product as the healthier choice. Most subjects (85.7%) indicated that catfish was an overall healthy food choice. Reasons for consuming catfish included taste (75.6%), convenience (15.1%), health reasons (7.6%), and cost (1.7%). The majority of subjects (63.8%) indicated that they normally consumed catfish as a deepried product, but 91.9% indicated that they would be willing to consume catfish prepared in a lowat manner.

Directed Movement Of Subterranean Termites To Electromagnetic Frequencies, Kevin W. Ragon

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation defines electromagnetic properties that are responsible for directing subterranean termite foraging behavior. Research identified specific frequencies and intensities that can attract Coptotermes formosanus Shiraiki and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) to the site where the electrical fields are generated and defined on repellant freuency and intensity for C. formosanus. US Patent Docket Number 2343-215 PCT and MSU disclosure 05-0606-163 were filed based on the results. Data showed that frequencies and intensities were different for attracting the two species. Future work will address new alternatives for addressing termite infestations that will reduce and change the amounts and use of current termiticides.

Attachment Style, Self-Esteem, And Perceived Peer Norms As Predictors Of Sexually Risky Behavior Among 17-24 Year Old College Students, Susan Harris Eaves

Theses and Dissertations

Unhealthy sexual behavior continues to increase among the college student population despite education regarding its risks and consequences. Counselors are continually being faced with consumers reeling from such consequences. Because prior research has indicated statistically significant relationships between attachment style and sexual behavior, self-worth and sexual behavior, and peer norms and sexual behavior, this study examined the explanatory and predictive value of each of these variables when analyzed simultaneously. Specifically, the age at first intercourse, number of sexual intercourse partners, number of oral sex partners, frequency of cheating behaviors, and number of one-night stands were assessed across 855 students attending …

A Cross-Cultural, Multilevel Study Of Inquiry-Based Instruction Effects On Conceptual Understanding And Motivation In Physics, Meiko Negishi

Theses and Dissertations

Student achievement and motivation to learn physics is highly valued in many industrialized countries including the United States and Japan. Science education curricula in these countries emphasize the importance and encourage classroom teachers to use an inquiry approach. This dissertation investigated high school students? motivational orientations and their understanding of physics concepts in a context of inquiry-based instruction. The goals were to explore the patterns of instructional effects on motivation and learning in each country and to examine cultural differences and similarities. Participants consisted of 108 students (55 females, 53 males) and 9 physics teachers in the United States and …

Evaluation And Development Of Methods For Prediction Of Reaeration In Estuaries, Zhiyong Duan

Theses and Dissertations

The transfer of sparingly soluble gases across the air-water interface has significant effects on the distribution of the constituents in aquatic ecosystems. Gas-liquid transfer rate determines the flux of the sparingly soluble gases driven by the concentration difference. Considerable stream-driven gas-liquid transfer rate formulae have been developed. They have reasonable predictions in one-dimensional uniform flows. However, their applications in more complex cases such as three-dimensional flows are problematic. Furthermore, the wind effects are not incorporated into these formulae. New models need to be developed for gas-liquid transfer rate in three-dimensional flows that incorporate the effects of both wind and streamflow. …

The Long Term Effect Of Time-Memory On Forager Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera) Recruitment., Matthew Walter Otto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Experiments were performed to determine the influence of the honey bee time-memory on a forager bee's sensitivity to recruitment. Two groups of foragers from one colony were trained to separate food stations at the same restricted time of day for several consecutive days. Feeding then was canceled at one station but continued for four more days at the other. Bees with more days of training at a non-productive source were significantly less likely than foragers with less training to be recruited to an alternative food source presented at the same time of day. Furthermore, the ability of a forager to …

Acceptability Of A Fruit Slush Product By Individuals That Participate In A Wellness Center, Keri Dyann Connelly

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the consumer acceptability of fruit slushes prepared with either sucralose or sugar. Subjects (n=105) were given samples of fruit slushes and asked to complete an acceptability test and survey. The sensory characteristics measured included the overall liking of the product, flavor, texture, and color using a scale of 1=dislike extremely to 5=like extremely. Subjects? daily fruit consumption patterns and knowledge of nutrition were also solicited and analyzed. On average, there were no differences (P>0.05) in sensory characteristics between the two products. Overall, participants moderately liked both products. Flavor scores of the …

Reversed-Phase Hplc Determination Of Cholesterol In Food Items., David Christian Essaka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cholesterol is a fat-like molecule found among lipids in animal (including human) tissues. It is needed for maintaining good health. However, health issues have been raised because of the strong correlation between high levels of cholesterol in the body and cardiovascular disease. An HPLC method for quantitative determination of cholesterol in foods is presented. This involves a C-18 stationary phase using a 70:30 methanol: 2-propanol mobile phase with an UV detector set at 212 nm. The method showed linearity in the range 5.0 to 100.0 μg/mL and also good reproducibility with relative standard deviation of 4.22%, 2.71%, 4.8%, and 3.7% …

Teaching Probability And Statistics To English Language Learners In Grade Five., Mary Jo Johnson Neal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An increasing number of English Language Learners enrolling in the Washington County Virginia Public School System during the past several years prompted the idea of this thesis. These students are currently mainstreamed in the regular academic classroom. Adapting to their needs is a new challenge in education for teachers in Southwest Virginia. This thesis offers an opportunity for teachers to prepare for a multicultural classroom setting providing English Language Learners with learning strategies necessary to gain confidence in their mathematical ability and academic success in the areas of probability and statistics. Lesson plans have been specifically designed emphasizing teaching strategies, …

Temperament And Early Communication In Premature Children., Nina King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Premature children are at greater risk for developing communication delays than full-term children, although it is not inevitable. Recent research links specific temperament characteristics to early language development. Thus, temperament may provide a way to identify premature children who are at increased risk. The first purpose of this study was to determine if temperament characteristics of premature children are the same as full-term children when measured by the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. The second purpose was to determine if temperament and language acquisition, as measured by the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Words and Gestures, are linked in premature infants …

Epidemic Of Lung Cancer Or Artifact Of Classification In The State Of Kentucky?, Beatrice Simo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States despite public health campaigns aimed at reducing its rate of mortality. Kentucky is the state with the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality. This study aims to assess the impact of misclassification of cause of death from Lung Cancer in Kentucky for the period 1979 to 2002. We will examine the potential competing classification of death for two other smoking-related diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Emphysema. Age-adjusted mortality rates for these diseases for white males were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. There …

A Media Analysis Of Racism And Ethnocentrism Issues Framed In Us And European Mass Media Within The Setting Of The 2006 Fifa World Cup Competition., Monica Nastase

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present exploratory study, framed in agenda-setting theory, analyzes the way European and US newspapers frame racism and ethnocentrism issues, on the background of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, 2 research hypotheses and 9 research questions were explored. The results showed the distribution of articles that used a positive frame and the ones that used a negative frame was relatively equal across geographical regions.

The US media have shown as the most ethnocentric nationality the Spanish, while the European media, the Scottish. There is an agreement across different geographical regions that the French and …

Examination Of Microsporidia Spore Adherence And Host Cell Infection In Vitro., Timothy Robert Southern

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that cause severe disease in immunocompromised humans. While albendazole is the treatment of choice, no therapy exists that effectively treats all forms or causes of human microsporidiosis. Recent studies show that the microsporidian Encephalitozoon intestinalis binds glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) associated with the host cell surface, and that the divalent cations manganese (Mn²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) augment spore adherence to host cells by activating a constituent on the spore surface. These studies also illustrate a direct relationship between spore adherence and host cell infection; inhibition of spore adherence leads to reduced host cell …

Studies On A 50s Ribosomal Precursor Particle As A Substrate For Erm E Methyltransferase Enzyme In Staphylococcus Aureus ., Indira Pokkunuri

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits not only mRNA translation but also 50S ribosomal subunit assembly in bacterial cells. An important mechanism of erythromycin resistance is the methylation of 23S rRNA by erm methyl transferase enzymes. We are interested in investigating the true substrate for methylation because it is known from our work and the work of others that fully assembled 50S subunits are not substrates for methylation. We have published a model for 50S ribosomal subunit formation where, the precursor particle that accumulates in erythromycin treated cells is a target for methyl transferase activity. Current studies are aimed …

Faculty Newsnotes 2007 No. 396, Office Of The Provost

Faculty Newsnotes (1972-2010)

No abstract provided.

Enantiomer Analysis Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry, Cheng-Li Zu

Theses and Dissertations

The design, synthesis and evaluation of chiral selectors that allow the determination of enantiomeric composition using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry are detailed herein. The enantiomers of the chiral selector were mass labeled at a distant site from the chiral recognition sites of the molecules. The mass-labeled enantiomers were mixed in a one-to-one ratio to form a quasi-racemate. Chiral recognition can be observed by comparing relative abundances of the pseudo-diastereomeric selector-analyte complexes in the mass spectrum. The observed sense of chiral recognition with mass spectrometry was consistent with that observed chromatographically using a corresponding chiral stationary phase in every case. The …

Factors Influencing Avian Community Structure In Bottomland Hardwood Forests Of The Southeastern United States, Michael Scott Husak

Theses and Dissertations

Bottomland hardwood forests (BHF) are a disappearing habitat of importance to numerous migratory and non-migratory birds of conservation concern. Thus, understanding variables of bottomland hardwood forests that affect avian assemblage patterns are of great interest. I examined factors influencing avian assemblage and guild patterns in BHF of Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in east-central Mississippi by conducting winter and spring fixed-radius avian point counts and vegetation surveys from 2002 ? 2004. The goals of this project were to 1) determine effects of greentree reservoir (GTR) management on breeding and wintering non-game bird community structure, 2) test hypotheses regarding plant structural complexity …

Fate And Transport Of Agricultural Chemicals In The Yazoo River Basin, Richard Henry Coupe Jr

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this research were to examine some representative surface waters in the Yazoo River Basin (YRB) during the growing season for a few selected herbicides; to compare the type and abundance of pesticides in the atmosphere at a agricultural and an urban site; to determine the load of nitrogen and phosphorus being discharged from the YRB to the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico; to determine how the adsorptive properties of a common Delta soil differ under no-tillage (NT) versus conventional tillage (CT) for two commonly used herbicides; and to validate the Soil and Water Assessment …

Feral Hogs In Central Mississippi:Home Range, Habitat Use, And Survival, Robert Clay Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

I examined home range, habitat use, and survival of 29 feral hogs in central Mississippi using radio telemetry. During the dry season (1 April - 31 October 2005), densely-vegetated habitats were very important in home range placement (2nd-order selection) with selection favoring seasonallylooded old fields, followed by old fields and managed openings. During the wet season (1 November 2005 - 31 March 2006), old fields were still preferred followed by agricultural fields, but flooded old fields were not preferred. For habitat selection within the home range (3rd-order selection), hogs preferred old fields and managed openings during the dry season. All …

Habitat Characteristics And Fish Assemblage Structure Of Deep Pools In The Upper Tombigbee River, Mississippi, Amy B. Spencer

Theses and Dissertations

Fish assemblage structure in lotic environments is a product of interactions between the habitat and the biota, but little is known about how deep pool habitat conditions affect distributional patterns of fish occupying them in larger warmwater streams. This study describes relationships between the habitat and the fish assemblages in deep pools of the Upper Tombigbee River, Mississippi. Pools exhibited an increase in size from headwaters to mouth. The change in the structure of fish assemblages was related significantly to increases in pool size while independent of time or other environmental conditions. A small amount of the variation in structure …

Habitat Alteration By Hydrilla And Its Effect On Macroinvertebrate Community Structure And Bluegill Foraging Efficiency, Heather J. Theel

Theses and Dissertations

Exotic invasive plant species can alter aquatic habitats potentially influencing the macroinvertebrate community and foraging fishes. Therefore, I investigated the hypothesis that Hydrilla verticillata will alter habitat important to macroinvertebrate community structure and bluegill foraging efficiency. Studies were conducted in ponds and aquaria. At the pond level, macroinvertebrate abundance, richness, and biomass in a hydrilla-dominated habitat did not differ significantly from a diverse plant habitat. Indicator taxa did differ significantly between respective treatments. The data suggest hydrilla beds may not provide increased macroinvertebrate abundance and richness compared to diverse plant beds as previously thought. In aquaria, habitat complexity (Ihv) and …

Herpetofauna Communities And Habitat Conditions In Temporary Wetlands Of Upland And Floodplain Forests On Public Lands In North-Central Mississippi, Katherine E. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

Temporary wetlands are important breeding sites for herpetofauna, including species of concern, but are often overlooked in conservation planning and management decisions. I conducted surveys of herpetofauna communities and quantified habitat variables surrounding isolated, upland and stream-connected ephemeral pools on Tombigbee National Forest and Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in north-central Mississippi from March 2004 ? March 2006 to compare herpetile species assemblages between different classes of temporary wetlands, determine use of pools as reproductive sites for amphibians, and determine faunal-habitat relationships for herpetofauna. Species richness and abundance of terrestrial herpetiles differed significantly between upland and floodplain pools. Upland pools contributed …

Hydrogeologic Assessment Of A Proposed Reservoir Site, Smith County, Mississippi, Jason Andrew Mcilwain

Theses and Dissertations

The Oakohay Creek watershed in Smith County, Mississippi, had been proposed as a site for the development of a reservoir. The site has been assessed for hydrogeologic suitability. There were three components to the site assessment. The first component involved examining the hydrologic characteristics of the drainage basin. Discharge and stage were monitored at eight sites, providing data for the development of hydrographs. The second component of the study was based on studying the site?s geology. The geology was studied through field reconnaissance, surface mapping, interpretation of geophysical well log data, and development of cross sections. The third component of …

Plant And Herpetofaunal Responses To Wetland Restoration On Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Beaufort County, South Carolina, Sabrina Diane Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Habitat destruction and modification are major causes cited for the decline of amphibians worldwide (Wake and Morowitz 1991). Depressional wetlands on Pinckney Island NWR in Beaufort County, South Carolina were ditched and drained during the 1950?s for agricultural development. Wetlands were restored by filling ditches with existing spoil. I surveyed herpetofaunal and vegetation communities to determine responses to wetland restoration on Pinckney Island from 2004-2005. I selected ten wetlands each in pine and maritime habitats, sampling prior to and after restoration. I recorded 14 reptile and 9 amphibian species using time-constrained searches and funnel trap arrays. I documented (first record …

The Development Of Southern Association For College Student Affairs: Setting A New Course For Success, Bobbie Jean Wescovich-Mann

Theses and Dissertations

There have been numerous studies conducted concerning how various businesses, management groups and library science organizations address the preservation of their history, the development of goals, the evaluation of those goals and how these lead to the positive development of their organization. However, to date, the researcher has been unable to locate research that has been conducted to assess how Student Affairs associations preserve their history and how they evaluate the effectiveness of their goals or even if they do evaluate their goals. Based on research conducted through in-depth interviews, review of the data raises questions regarding the way SACSA …

The Effect Of Hand Catching And Machine Catching Methods On Broiler Breast Meat Quality, Vijayakumar Radhakrishnan

Theses and Dissertations

Mechanical and hand catching of broilers were performed to determine if differences existed in breast meat quality among catching methods. Meat quality results were summarized using a two-prong approach to investigate if average differences existed in meat quality through the determination of ultimate pH, rapid pH decline, color, water holding capacity, and tenderness within each treatment and by pinpointing individual quality problems within treatments. Two trials were conducted and revealed greater variation in meat quality during summer in comparison to winter within treatments in both catching methods. In winter, there was a lower incidence (p<0.05) of paleness in birds that were crated for 2h prior to euthanasia in comparison to birds immediately euthanized after catching within both hand and machine catching methods. Mechanical catching and crating for 2 hours was conducive to slightly better quality meat than hand catching in respect to averages and individual quality problems.

The Effect Of Selected Student Profile Variables In The 2005 American College Test (Act) On Academic Performance Of Mississippi High School Graduates As Measured By The Sub-Scales In The Act, Gregory Demond Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of selected student profile variables in the 2005 American College Test (ACT) on academic performance of Mississippi high school graduates as measured by the subscales in the ACT. The sample consisted of 16,779 high school graduates that completed the ACT in Mississippi in 2005. The variables that were studied were the ACT subscores: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning subscales; race/ethnicity, size of graduating high school class, high school curriculum, and gender, which were completed on the student profile section when the student registered for the ACT. Analysis of variance …

Molecular Processing Of Replication Intermediates In Escherichia Coli After Dna Damage, Jerilyn Jalana Belle

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate replication of the genome is essential for reproduction in all cells. However, even under normal conditions, the replication machinery may face a variety of impediments that can prevent it from completing its task. The mechanism by which cells overcome these hurdles is likely to vary depending upon the nature of the obstacle. Both UV irradiation and inactivation of replicative proteins in DnaB can inhibit the progression of the DNA replication machinery. However, the mechanism by which replication recovers following UV irradiation is different from the mechanism of recovery following the inactivation of the replicative proteins. Previous results show that …