Digital Commons Network^™

Design, Construction, Inverse Kinematics, And Visualization Of Continuum Robots, Srinivas Neppalli

Theses and Dissertations

Continuum robots are the biologically inspired robots that mimic the behaviors of mammalian tongues, elephant trunks, and octopus arms. These robots feature a backboneless structure similar to their biological counterparts, such as termed muscular hydrostats. The drawbacks of two existing designs are examined and a new mechanical design that uses a single latex rubber tube as the central member is proposed, providing a design that is both simple and robust. Next, a novel verification procedure is applied to examine the validity of the proposed model in two different domains of applicability. A two-level electrical control scheme enables rapid prototyping and …

Availability And Seasonal Use Of Diurnal Roosts By Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat And Southeastern Myotis In Bottomland Hardwoods Of Mississippi, Candice Leeann Stevenson

Theses and Dissertations

Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) and southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius) are listed as species of concern in Mississippi. They use bottomland hardwood forests for roosting habitat; however, much of these forests in Mississippi have been lost or degraded. I seek to characterize availability and evaluate use of diurnal tree roosts for these presumably rare bats. Approximately 1,250 ha of bottomland hardwood forest on Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge were surveyed. I measured characteristics of 622 cavity trees. Analyses revealed that these bats most often used cavities of large diameter trees (≥70 cm DBH). Rafinesque’s big-eared bat and southeastern myotis roosted commonly …

Development Of Overcurrent Relay Model And Power System Simulator Using National Instruments Devices In Real-Time, Sunil Kumar Palla

Theses and Dissertations

One of the major objectives at Mississippi State University’s Power and Energy Research Laboratory (PERL) is to develop an adaptive protective controller for Shipboard Power System (SPS) protection. This thesis work focuses on developing an overcurrent relay model in LabVIEW software and validating the developed model by conducting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests with Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and commercial Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)-351S directional over-current relay. Simulation results show that the developed relay model is quite flexible, efficient and can be used in real-time. Modeling efforts to establish a HIL platform using National Instruments devices have been presented here. This thesis …

Antimicrobial Effect Of Yogurt Lactic Acid Bacteria And Muscadine Products On Enterobacter Sakazakii, Weiien Weng

Theses and Dissertations

Enterobacter sakazakii has been associated with powdered infant formula outbreaks which caused high mortality rate illnesses in infants in recent years. Current research was mainly focused on searching for natural antimicrobial agents which may be incorporated into baby foods to control this emerging pathogen. Yogurt and muscadine products were used in this study. The antimicrobial effects of yogurt were evaluated on agar plates and in a simulated gastrointestinal model. In the agar spot tests, diluted yogurt sample containing lactic acid bacteria at 106 CFU/mL was antagonistic toward E. sakazakii. However, the antimicrobial effect of yogurt on E. sakazakii in the …

An Examination Of Adult Age Differences In Implicit And Explicit Memory For Prescription Drug Advertisements, L Ty Abernathy

Theses and Dissertations

Prescription drug advertisements are commonly seen in magazines and on television, and as a result, the public is familiar with them. Many drug ads are targeted toward older adults, who tend to use more medications, because they suffer from more chronic conditions than younger adults. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of drug advertising at persuading older adults to ask physicians for specific medications remains uncertain. Older adults’ explicit memory for drug ads is poor, but their implicit memory for drug ads may be better. Therefore, older adults may be implicitly persuaded by drug ads even when they cannot explicitly remember seeing them. …

Analysis Of Exhaust Waste Heat Recovery Techniques From Stationary Power Generation Engines Using Organic Rankine Cycles, Devin Krishna Sham

Theses and Dissertations

Strict emissions legislation and energy security debates have spurred extensive research in alternative fuels and renewable energies. Literature research has shown the need for improvements in internal combustion engines (ICE) due to their low efficiencies. Significant gains in efficiency can be accomplished with the use of waste heat recovery (WHR) techniques. Organic rankine cycles (ORC) with turbocompounding harness the waste heat from an ICE to improve efficiency and fuel economy while reducing brake-specific emissions. A mathematical model was developed to explore the potential gains in 1st and 2nd law efficiencies. The model approaches the evaluations of the ORC from a …

Evaluation Of Chitosan And Collagen As Scaffolding For A Tissue Engineered Aortic Heart Valve, Steven Christopher Waller

Theses and Dissertations

Children born with congenital heart valve defects require open-heart surgery to implant an artificial replacement valve. These valves are unable to grow with the developing child and need replacing every 5 years. Tissue engineered heart valves, capable of growing with the patient, would alleviate the need for repeat surgery. I hypothesize chitosan and collagen possess advantageous qualities as scaffolding for a tissue engineered heart valve. This study evaluated chitosan and collagen hydrogels as potential scaffold materials. Chitosan scaffolds had suitable pore size/distribution and scaffold strength; however, they were unable to sustain cell attachment or viability. Collagen gels were assessed for …

Factors Determining Per Acre Market Value Of Hunting Leases On Sixteenth Section Lands In Mississippi, Jacob Daniel Rhyne

Theses and Dissertations

Valuation of leases based on the contingent valuation may be biased because hypothetical data has limitations. This study used the hedonic method to evaluate factors affecting the value of hunting leases on Sixteenth Section Lands in Mississippi that are auctioned to the public. Due to the competitive nature of the issuance of these leases, this study provides a comprehensive and unbiased estimate of the impact that cover type, game quality, distance to urban areas, and location have on hunting lease prices. The implicit prices of these characteristics indicate that land managers should adopt shorter lease lengths, smaller lease sizes and …

Model Development Of A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell To Predict Steady And Unsteady Behavior, Bikash Mishra

Theses and Dissertations

Fuel cells are promising technology to meet the energy need of the future. This alternative energy source is clean and efficient, and with the continuous decrease in fossil fuel resources, one of the best bets towards sustaining our power needs. Fuel cells are being used in automobiles as well as to fulfill portable power needs. In this work a computational model has been developed for fuel cells which can be used to simulate traditional as well as passive proton exchange membrane fuel cell behavior. The model is unsteady, two phase, nonisothermal in nature, and also capable of handling natural convection …

Morphological And Physiological Changes In Laying Hens In Various Stages Of Non-Feed Withdrawal Molt, Ann Laster Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

Molting is a natural occurrence in the Avian species that can include a period of fasting. Animal rights groups view the longepted standard industry practice as inhumane. Based on influences from these groups and the recommendation of its scientific committee, United Egg Producers (UEP) requires members of its Animal Care Certified Program use a noneed withdrawal molting program, even though the morphological and physiological effects of this method have not been studied in depth and the existing literature provides contradictory results. Research regarding how to induce a noneed withdrawal molt has been performed using feed that is nutrient deficient or …

Nutrient Digestibility And Utilization By Cattle Consuming Cotton Gin Mote As A Replacement For Forage, Cassie Marie Welch

Theses and Dissertations

Two studies were conducted to evaluate cotton gin mote as a forage replacement by determining nutrient digestibility and nitrogen and energy retention. Three diets were used: 0%, 50%, and 100% mote. Dry matter intake was greatest for steers consuming 100% mote. Digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and energy was least for steers consuming 50% mote and greatest for those consuming 0% mote. Digestibility of NDF and ADF was greatest for steers consuming 0% mote. Fat digestibility was greatest by steers consuming 0% mote and least by steers consuming 100% mote, with those consuming 50% mote being intermediate. Steers consuming 0 …

On A Slow Boat To Democracy: The Democratization Of Hong Kong And The Factors Hindering It, James Clapper

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes political, cultural, and social factors that influence democratization using Hong Kong as a case study. Hong Kong is a transitional society which provides a unique set of political and social characteristics for which to study democratic transition. Additionally, reports of political repression from the 2004 Legislative Council election have possibly created a crisis for the democratization process. Drawing from existing literature in theories of democratization, political repression and Hong Kong politics several hypotheses were developed. It was hypothesized that unchecked hegemonic deterrence, antidemocratic elites, and a weak political culture have contributed to a lack of democratization. Furthermore, …

Instructional Leadership: Perceptions Of Mississippi Career And Technical Education Administrators And Teachers, Leanne Freeman (Cheryl Leanne Freeman) Long

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of instructional leadership behaviors from Mississippi secondary career and technical education administrators and teachers in order to assist career and technical education administrators in becoming better instructional leaders. This research was conducted for the following purposes: (a) to determine which perceived instructional leadership behavior teachers consider most important, (b) to determine which perceived instructional leadership behavior administrators consider most important, (c) to determine if a difference exists in perceived instructional leadership behaviors between administrators and teachers, (d) to determine if a difference exists in perceived instructional leadership behaviors between career and …

Conservatism & The Cost Of Equity Capital: An Information Perspective, Charles R. Pryor

Theses and Dissertations

The bias implied by conservatism in accounting and its impact on information risk in equity markets is the subject of considerable debate. On one hand, opponents of conservatism believe that any kind of biased information is actually misinformation and thus increases uncertainty. Perhaps most prominent among opponents of conservatism is the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The FASB contends that accounting information should be neutral—free from bias; a bias in favor of reporting either good or bad news is inconsistent with representational faithfulness and neutrality. On the other hand, proponents of conservatism point to incentives of management to manipulate financial …

Counselors' Affective Responses To Childhood Sexual Abuse Disclosure, Yun Hui Gardner

Theses and Dissertations

Extant research has revealed that the counselor’s response to the clients’ disclosure of child sexual abuse experiences have a significant impact on their wellbeing, continuation in therapy, and progress in treatment. Despite the growing body of literature on the need for more sensitive and professional responses to child sexual abuse disclosure, clients continue to report negative responses and experiences with counseling professionals. To date, few studies have investigated the counselor’s affective responses to a client who discloses a child sexual abuse history. The purpose of this study was to investigate the range of counselor’s affective responses when confronted with the …

Use Of Empirically-Based Reading Interventions To Address The Academic Skills Deficits And Escape-Maintained Target Behaviors Exhibited By Elementary School Students, Melissa S. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The participants in this study were referred by the teacher or the teacher support team for a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and development of a positive behavior support plan to address disruptive behavior and academic skills deficits. Therefore, the purpose of Experiment I was to examine the ability of FBA procedures to identify students with reading difficulty who demonstrated problem behavior potentially maintained by escape from academic demands. Each environmental variable introduced during the brief functional analysis was manipulated via a multiple element design (Cooper, Wacker, Sasso, Reimers, & Donn, 1990; Derby et al., 1992; Northup et al., 1991). Experiment …

The Effects Of Low Atmosphere Stunning And Deboning Time On Broiler Breast Meat Quality, Vamsidhar Battula

Theses and Dissertations

A randomized complete block design with three replications (n=432, 72 broilers per treatment) was utilized to evaluate the effects of electrical (ES) and low atmosphere pressure stunning (LAPS) on the quality of broiler breast meat deboned at 0.75, 2, and 4h postmortem. The L* values were lower (P<0.05) for LAPS than ES at 4 h and 2 h deboning times. Shear force did not differ (P>0.05) between stun methods but decreased (P<0.05) as deboning time increased. Consumers were clustered into 8 groups based on preference and liking of samples. Sixtyive percent of consumers (3 clusters) liked all broiler breast treatments. Within these three clusters, some consumers preferred (P<0.05) 4 h deboned samples over those deboned at 2 h (Cluster 7), and other consumers preferred (P<0.05) those deboned at 2 h over 4 h samples (Cluster 6). Data reveals that both stunning methods provide high quality breast meat with minimal product differences.

The Impact Of Catfish Imports On U.S. Wholesale And Farm Sectors, Sammy Jermaine Neal

Theses and Dissertations

The importing of tra, basa, and channel catfish at relatively lower prices has resulted in less catfish purchased from U.S. farmers and processors. Claims have been filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) accusing Vietnamese exporters of selling catfish to the U.S. at less than fair market value. Consequently, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled against Vietnam in 2003 and recommended tariffs from 37% to 64%. The primary objective of this research is to assess the impact of the tariffs on imported Vietnamese catfish on the U.S. catfish industry. In this study, we develop a supply and demand model …

The Wood Supply System Of The Eastern United States: An Analysis Of The Socioeconomic Impacts On Local And Regional Value Chains, Clayton Bruce Altizer

Theses and Dissertations

The wood supply system is a dynamic and complex structure. Traditionally, key components of the system have been treated as stand-alone entities with very little regard to the performance of the overall system. The central component, the logging contractor, is usually viewed as a service provider and largely ignored. A value chain approach is an excellent tool to examine the primary stakeholders’ contributions to the wood supply system. The value chain for forestry usually extends completely across the physical and political landscape, reaching into the most geographically and economically remote locations. A conceptual model was developed depicting the wood supply …

Social Capital Determinants Of Environmentalism In Spatial Context, Kim Marie Steil

Theses and Dissertations

Sociological studies of society-environment interactions are based on a premise that population well-being is dependent on the environment. Here, I argue that not only are people innately connected to the environment, but the environment also bonds people to one another. That is, people have a mutual obligation to one another to care for the environment. An often ignored factor is that individual participation toward protecting and improving the quality of the environment rests upon the local social and spatial context in which the individual is situated. The ability of individuals in a local environment to come together to identify issues, …

Student And Faculty Perceptions Of Accelerated Nursing Programs On The Nursing Shortage In The Mississippi Delta, Sheba Jennings

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine students’ and faculty members’perceptions of the accelerated nursing programs at two colleges in the Mississippi Delta, Coahoma and Mississippi Delta Community College. The study centered on whether the age, race or gender of the students affected their perceptions of program support, key issues and challenges, and program limitations. The study explored differences in faculty and students’ perceptions of the accelerated nursing program in regards to local support, nursing faculty, most complicated areas of the program (which were clinical and exams), and barriers. A quantitative research design was used for this study. The …

The Perceptions Of Teachers And School Administrators Of School Effectiveness In 11 Schools In A Southern Mississippi School District, Bradford Lee Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions of teachers and school administrators in a southern Mississippi school district that could predict the overall effectiveness of a school district. The 7 correlates of effective schools were used in the study and represented the dependent variables while teacher and school administrator demographic variables represented the predictor variables. The study addressed three research questions: (a) what are the descriptive perceptions of teachers and school administrators of school effectiveness of 11 schools in a south Mississippi school district as measured by the School Effectiveness Characteristics and Indicators Questionnaire (SECIQ) (b) which correlates …

Product Formulation And Consumer Acceptability Of Processed Cheese Made With Different Types Of Cocoas And Chocolates & Product Formulation And Quantitative Descriptive Analysis Of Aged Cheddar Cheese With Different Types Of Chocolate Inclusions, Vishal Kumar Royyala

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this research were to compare different types of cocoa and chocolates in the formulation of processed chocolate cheese and aged Cheddar cheese, and to evaluate sensory, physical, chemical and quality parameters of each. Four different varieties of chocolates were utilized along with other ingredients to prepare processed chocolate cheeses and were tested for consumer acceptability for their basic and critical attributes. Chocolate chips of four different types and proportions were incorporated into Cheddar cheese curd, ripened for 105 days, and a trained panel evaluated the sensory parameters. Results indicated that processed chocolate cheese made with Bordeaux chocolate …

Professional School Counselor Perception Of Preparedness In Stabilizing A Student In Specific Crisis Situations: A Random Sample Of American School Counselor Association Members, Thomas Allen Fonseca

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an examination of the predictor variables, as measured by a Demographics Questionnaire (DQ) and the Professional School Counselor Perception of Preparedness/Frequency of Specific Crisis Situations Survey (PSCPPFSCSS). The researcher determined the combination of predictor variables that accounted for the greatest amount of variance in professional school counselors’ overall perceptions of preparedness in stabilizing a student in specific crisis situations. Members of the American School Counseling Association were contacted through e-mail and encouraged to access a Web site to complete the DQ and PSCPPFSCSS. A total of 210 participants responded (response rate 23.5%). A stepwise regression analysis was …

Reconfiguration Of Distribution System Using Survivability Index, Bidur Raj Gautam

Theses and Dissertations

Electrical power systems are vulnerable to contingencies due to the possibility of fault or damage. When a serious fault (which cannot be removed immediately) occurs in the power system, the fault needs to be isolated, and the remaining system should be reconfigured to make efficient use of available energy. Reconfiguring the system by making an island can be one of the strategies to continue the energy supply using the remaining generation capacity. By analyzing the effect of contingencies on power systems in terms of voltage support, reliability and stability, survivability of the system can be predicted. A survivability index of …

Studies Of Surfactants Effect On Riboflavin Fluorescence And Its Determination In Commercial Food Products And Vitamin Tablets., William Emmanuel Ghann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A simple and economical fluorometer using blue LEDs excitation sources and simple PMT detection had been built, assembled, optimized, and employed for measurement of fluorescence from riboflavin (vitamin B₂). Surfactants have been known to enhance the intensity of fluorescence of fluorescent compounds. Fluorescence analysis of riboflavin in the presence of various anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants was also conducted to determine if they could improve analysis. However, the surfactants employed did not seem to have any meaningful enhancement; in fact, some actually diminished the fluorescence intensity of riboflavin. The procedure was linear for riboflavin from 0.01 to 2.5 …

Restrained And Other Domination Parameters In Complementary Prisms., Wyatt Jules Desormeaux

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we will study several domination parameters of a family of graphs known as complementary prisms. We will first present the basic terminology and definitions necessary to understand the topic. Then, we will examine the known results addressing the domination number and the total domination number of complementary prisms. After this, we will present our main results, namely, results on the restrained domination number of complementary prisms. Subsequently results on the distance - k domination number, 2-step domination number and stratification of complementary prisms will be presented. Then, we will characterize when a complementary prism is Eulerian or …

Characterization Of The Genes Involved In Biosynthesis And Transport Of Schizokinen, A Siderophore Produced By Rhizobium Leguminosarum Iari 917., David Jack Hammond

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Iron is the 4th most abundant metal on the earth's crust and is required by most organisms as a cofactor for many enzymes; however, at physiological pH and aerobic conditions iron forms insoluble ferric oxyhydroxide polymers. Siderophores are low molecular weight compounds that scavenge ferric ions, bind with high affinity, and transport it into the cell via multicomponent transport systems. Rhizobia are soil dwelling organisms that form symbiotic relationships with host plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen, while the bacteria receive nutrients. R. leguminosarum IARI 917 produces a siderophore characterized as 'schizokinen'. In the present study, we have characterized the binding …

Urinary Excretion Of (1-3)-Beta-D-Glucans., Debra K. Head

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

(1→3)-β-D-Glucans are carbohydrate polymers that are present in the cell wall of various fungi and bacteria; they are pathogen associated molecular patterns that circulate during infection and modulate immunity. Our laboratory has previously established the pharmacokinetics of intravenously and orally administered glucans; the present studies investigated the renal excretion of (1→3)-β-D-glucans following intravenous and oral administration. Three fluorescently-labeled glucans were administered to adult male rats in the presence or absence of toxic challenge. Urine specimens were collected and analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography and GPC/MALLS. 71 ± 3% of fluorescence remained in the >5K MWCO fraction; this fraction showed …

The Characteristics Of School Culture That Influence College-Going Rate For High School Graduates In Northeast Tennessee., Annie Mbaire Kariuki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of school culture that influenced college-going rates for high school graduates in northeast Tennessee. The study involved one-toone interviews with selected high school teachers and principals. Six high schools in northeast Tennessee were used in the study.

The significance of this study was to generate a grounded theory that could be used to explain the characteristics of school cultures that were effective in supporting students' college-going rates. This knowledge could be used to inform high school principals, school boards, state legislatures and other government bodies, and colleges and universities.

Findings …