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2015

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A Subcontinental Reconstruction Of Invasion Patterns And Processes For The Past Two Centuries, Teresa Lynn Clark Jan 2015

A Subcontinental Reconstruction Of Invasion Patterns And Processes For The Past Two Centuries, Teresa Lynn Clark

Open Access Theses

Understanding large-scale invasion patterns and processes is essential for effective and proactive management of exotic species that have caused significant ecological and economic damages. While many studies have focused on specific habitats and species, my research is aimed at the broad-scale patterns of expansion during the course of the past two centuries. I use long-term herbarium specimens to recreate the spatiotemporal distributions of 29 invasive plant species within the eastern United States. The emerging spatial patterns reveal species’ expansion through a continuum of radial expansion, long distance jump dispersals, and range infilling. This study identifies a set of metrics that …

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Community Detection Using Efficient Modularity Optimization Method: Labelmod With Single And Multi-Layer Graphs, Seokhun Bang Jan 2015

Community Detection Using Efficient Modularity Optimization Method: Labelmod With Single And Multi-Layer Graphs, Seokhun Bang

Open Access Theses

Graph clustering is a field of study that helps reveal characteristics of communities. Systems can be viewed as networks and form communities in various areas such as biology, computer science, engineering, economics, and politics. A clustering algorithm is a tool that detects communities and it can be also considered as a pre-processing step to study the characteristics of detected communities. Many efforts were made to develop a well performing clustering algorithm in different types of networks. In recent literature, a concept of multi-layer graphs emerged, and clustering algorithms are being developed to detect communities in the multi-layer graphs. In this …

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A Threat Intelligence Framework For Access Control Security In The Oil Industry, Faisal Talal Alaskandrani Jan 2015

A Threat Intelligence Framework For Access Control Security In The Oil Industry, Faisal Talal Alaskandrani

Open Access Theses

The research investigates the problem raised by the rapid development in the technology industry giving security concerns in facilities built by the energy industry containing diverse platforms. The difficulty of continuous updates to network security architecture and assessment gave rise to the need to use threat intelligence frameworks to better asses and address networks security issues. Focusing on access control security to the ICS and SCADA systems that is being utilized to carry out mission critical and life threatening operations. The research evaluates different threat intelligence frameworks that can be implemented in the industry seeking the most suitable and applicable …

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Chlorfenapyr And Bifenthrin Susceptibility Monitoring Of Field Collected Bed Bug Populations From The United States, Aaron Richard Ashbrook Jan 2015

Chlorfenapyr And Bifenthrin Susceptibility Monitoring Of Field Collected Bed Bug Populations From The United States, Aaron Richard Ashbrook

Open Access Theses

Complete and effective elimination of common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) infestations continues to be a challenge for the pest management industry. However, effective bed bug control can be achieved through integrated pest management (IPM) programs that use a variety of control techniques. An integral component of an IPM program is the type of insecticide applied. However, insecticide products for bed bug control are somewhat limited as resistance to some pyrethroid insecticides, such as deltamethrin has developed. Currently, chlorfenapyr and bifenthrin are two insecticides approved for bed bug control. Chlorfenapyr is a pro-insecticide from the pyrrole class. Bifenthrin is a type-I …

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Estimating Phosphorus Removal By Steel Slag In A Flume Experiment: Effects Of Phosphorus Concentration And Subsurface Hydrological Condition, Isis Stacanelli Pires Chagas Jan 2015

Estimating Phosphorus Removal By Steel Slag In A Flume Experiment: Effects Of Phosphorus Concentration And Subsurface Hydrological Condition, Isis Stacanelli Pires Chagas

Open Access Theses

Excessive phosphorus (P) in water bodies is one of the most concerning water quality issues in the U.S., impacting public health, the environment and the economy. Managing excessive P is essential to reduce the incidence of environmental quality issues, such as eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. One potential strategy that is being developed for this purpose is the use of P sorption materials (PSMs) to sequester P from water systems, which is the objective of this study.

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A Subcontinental Reconstruction Of Invasion Patterns And Processes For The Past Two Centuries, Teresa Lynn Clark Jan 2015

A Subcontinental Reconstruction Of Invasion Patterns And Processes For The Past Two Centuries, Teresa Lynn Clark

Open Access Theses

Understanding large-scale invasion patterns and processes is essential for effective and proactive management of exotic species that have caused significant ecological and economic damages. While many studies have focused on specific habitats and species, my research is aimed at the broad-scale patterns of expansion during the course of the past two centuries. I use long-term herbarium specimens to recreate the spatiotemporal distributions of 29 invasive plant species within the eastern United States. The emerging spatial patterns reveal species’ expansion through a continuum of radial expansion, long distance jump dispersals, and range infilling. This study identifies a set of metrics that …

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Evaluation Of Nitrogen Use Efficiency (Nue) In Maize Genotypes Using In-Season Soil Applications Of Isotopic Nitrogen In Field Plots, Amanda De Oliveira Silva Jan 2015

Evaluation Of Nitrogen Use Efficiency (Nue) In Maize Genotypes Using In-Season Soil Applications Of Isotopic Nitrogen In Field Plots, Amanda De Oliveira Silva

Open Access Theses

The ability of modern maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids to accumulate more biomass and nitrogen (N) after the flowering period with extended photosynthesis capacity has been associated with improvements in grain yield (GY) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The overall objectives of this research are to improve knowledge on N dynamics and physiological traits that are correlated with NUE using the “pulse-labeled” 15N application as a novel phenotyping strategy to characterize maize hybrids varying in yield stability and responsiveness to N under limited N environments. Three field experiments were established at Purdue University’s research farms during the 2013 and 2014 …

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Cover Crop Impacts On Soil Health Properties In Indiana, Holland Hauenstein Jan 2015

Cover Crop Impacts On Soil Health Properties In Indiana, Holland Hauenstein

Open Access Theses

Across the Midwestern United States, an increasing number of agricultural producers are recognizing the importance of a healthy soil to profitable, sustainable cropping systems. In contrast to conventional tillage, no-tillage management has been shown to increase soil organic matter and build soil structure over time. Cover crops have shown promise as favorable additions to no-tillage systems. The use of cover crops can benefit soil health by enhancing soil organic matter, scavenging nutrients, building soil structure, and reducing the potential for soil erosion. Common concerns regarding the use of cover crops include N immobilization, prohibitive establishment costs, and lack of knowledge …

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Understanding Yield Effects Of Controlled Drainage Through Soil Moisture Excess And Deficit Metrics, Caroline Elizabeth Hughes Jan 2015

Understanding Yield Effects Of Controlled Drainage Through Soil Moisture Excess And Deficit Metrics, Caroline Elizabeth Hughes

Open Access Theses

Understanding the risks or benefits to crop yields is an important factor in implementing a water management practice such as controlled drainage. Soil moisture from monitoring sites in Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio were used to compare deficit and excess moisture conditions in free-draining and controlled drainage sites and understand those inconsistent impacts. Time and magnitude of soil moisture deficit and excess stress were determined using metrics based on thresholds, depths in the soil profile, and corn growth stages. Seventeen metrics were found to show statistically significant correlation with yields as well as a difference in the quantity of stress …

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Communal Division And Constitutional Changes In Colonial Fiji, 1959-1970, Donald D. Johnson Jan 2015

Communal Division And Constitutional Changes In Colonial Fiji, 1959-1970, Donald D. Johnson

Open Access Theses

This essay examines the role of communal division in changes to Fiji’s constitution during the decade prior to Fiji becoming an independent state. Amicable relations between indigenous Fijians and Indians who migrated under indentured servitude began to crack in 1959 and broke open during political negotiations and the constitutional conference of the 1965. The subsequent election in 1966 solidified the political gains of fledgling parties and entrenched communal divides between the pro-Indian National Federation Party and the Alliance Party, theoretically race neutral, representing the interests of Fijians. By 1969 the political calculus of both the National Federation Party and the …

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Water Quality And Production Potential Effects Of Cellulosic Biofuel Crops Grown On Marginal Land, Amanda Katherine Montgomery Jan 2015

Water Quality And Production Potential Effects Of Cellulosic Biofuel Crops Grown On Marginal Land, Amanda Katherine Montgomery

Open Access Theses

With an increasing global demand for fossil fuels, there is a growing amount of concern about greenhouse gas releases. Concurrently, interest in alternative sources of energy, including bioenergy has expanded considerably in the recent years. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates that 136.3 billion liters of biofuels must be produced, with 60.5 billion liters coming from cellulosic biofuel crops by 2022. Potential sources of cellulosic biomass are: maize residue, sorghum, switchgrass, Miscanthus, and woody crops. The increase in biofuel crop production required to meet the mandate raises questions regarding the additional amount of agricultural land area needed, …

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Effects Of Organic And Inorganic Selenium Supplementation During Late Gestation And Early Lactation On Beef Cow-Calf Performance, Christopher Robert Muegge Jan 2015

Effects Of Organic And Inorganic Selenium Supplementation During Late Gestation And Early Lactation On Beef Cow-Calf Performance, Christopher Robert Muegge

Open Access Theses

Angus x Simmental cows (n = 48, BW = 594 kg, BCS = 5.26, Age = 2.7), pregnant with male fetuses, were used to determine the effect selenium (Se) source during the last 80 d of gestation and first 108 d of lactation on progeny feedlot performance. At 203 d in gestation, cows were blocked by body weight, age, breed composition, and calf sire, and allotted to 1 of 3 treatments: no Se, inorganic Se, or organic Se. Maternal diets were formulated to contain 10.4% CP and 0.90 Mcal/kg NEg during gestation and 12.1% CP and 1.01 Mcal/kg NEg during …

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Friendships And Networks In Chinese Adolescents: Academic Achievement And Academic Engagement, Siyu Xu Jan 2015

Friendships And Networks In Chinese Adolescents: Academic Achievement And Academic Engagement, Siyu Xu

Open Access Theses

This longitudinal study examined the associations between Chinese adolescents’ academic adjustment (i.e., academic achievement and academic engagement) and network affiliates and friends’ academic adjustment. Seven hundred and twenty seventh grade students (Mean age= 13.24, 382 boys and 338 girls) participated in the study. They were followed into the eighth grade (Mean Age = 14.26, 343 boys and 312 girls). Adolescents’ academic achievement was highly correlated with that of their friends and network affiliates at both grades. Adolescents’ academic engagement was not, however, correlated with their friends and network affiliates’ academic engagement. First year friends’ academic achievement significantly predicted second year …

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An Overview Of The Physical And Non-Physical Health Effects Of Marathon Running, Joshua David Beck Jan 2015

An Overview Of The Physical And Non-Physical Health Effects Of Marathon Running, Joshua David Beck

Open Access Theses

The purpose of this study is to summarize the current scientific literature and knowledge on the physical and non-physical health effects of marathon running. Five databases were queried, using the keywords marathon, endurance, training, wellness, injury, distance, runner, running, health, benefit, respiratory, infection, immunity, and/or risk in various combinations. Articles eligible for inclusion analyzed the effects of long-distance running (13.1 miles or greater), and were published in peer-reviewed English language journals after 1976. Of the 71 articles which meet the inclusion criteria, several discussed more than one aspect of marathon running; 26 discussed physical benefits, 11 discussed non-physical benefits, 40 …

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Assessing Public Attitudes Toward Endangered Freshwater Mussels, Belyna Marie Bentlage Jan 2015

Assessing Public Attitudes Toward Endangered Freshwater Mussels, Belyna Marie Bentlage

Open Access Theses

The Tippecanoe River, situated in northcentral Indiana, supports five federally endangered and one federally threatened species of freshwater mussels. Past overharvesting and present water quality degradation threaten the survivorship of these mussels. To increase awareness about the imperilment of the mussels, we are designing an outreach and education campaign. The first step of the campaign is to collect baseline data about riparian landowner attitudes toward the federally listed mussels. We surveyed 1804 landowners who own property along the Tippecanoe River. We found significant differences in attitudes among landowners based on their awareness of a conflict that occurred as a result …

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Benefits And Costs Of Cover Crops: A Framework For Data Collection And Analysis, Myriam Bounaffaa Jan 2015

Benefits And Costs Of Cover Crops: A Framework For Data Collection And Analysis, Myriam Bounaffaa

Open Access Theses

Soil erosion and soil compaction can cause a decline in crop productivity and have harmful impacts on the environment. These concerns have raised awareness around the concept of sustainable production. Cover crops are crops that are grown in between cash crop growing seasons for their agronomic and environmental benefits. Researchers have proven the ability of cover crops to reduce soil erosion, reduce soil compaction, increase soil fertility, control weeds and possibly increase cash crop yields. Albeit their numerous benefits, incorporating cover crops into farming systems carry additional costs in terms of time and labor management. In the Midwest, the number …

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Food Safety Research For Fresh Produce, Jun Won Chang Jan 2015

Food Safety Research For Fresh Produce, Jun Won Chang

Open Access Theses

Recent outbreaks and recalls associated with cantaloupe contaminated with Salmonella s.v. Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes have led to an increasing need for methods consumers can use at home to clean and sanitize cantaloupe before consumption. Hot water (82°C) and household chemicals, such as bleach, vinegar, iodine, salt and hydrogen peroxide, were tested to determine their efficacy for the reduction of S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes inoculated on cantaloupe surfaces. The hot water treatment was the most effective at reducing S. Typhimurium (3.8 log reduction) and L. monocytogenes (2.5 log reduction) on the cantaloupe surface.

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Characterization Of Orfy In The Purl Gene Cluster Of Acetobacter Aceti, Aurelie Chuong Jan 2015

Characterization Of Orfy In The Purl Gene Cluster Of Acetobacter Aceti, Aurelie Chuong

Open Access Theses

FGAM synthetase, or PurL, catalyzes the fourth step of the de novo purine

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Cereal Rye And Oilseed Radish Cover Crop Effects On Soil Properties And Nitrogen Cycling In Indiana, Trevor John Frank Jan 2015

Cereal Rye And Oilseed Radish Cover Crop Effects On Soil Properties And Nitrogen Cycling In Indiana, Trevor John Frank

Open Access Theses

Recently there has been great interest amongst producers to plant cover crops into corn-soybean (Zea mays L. – Glycine max L. Merr.) rotations. Oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L.) (OSR) and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) are two cover crops receiving attention due to nitrogen (N) scavenging abilities. This thesis is comprised of two projects, one focusing on OSR and the other on cereal rye. The objectives of the one-year OSR study were to repeat a study conducted in 2011-2012 to determine effects of OSR and OSR bicultures on inorganic soil-N concentrations with time, depth and distance from the OSR drilled …

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Impact Of Processing On Potato Phytochemicals, Amber Nicole Furrer Jan 2015

Impact Of Processing On Potato Phytochemicals, Amber Nicole Furrer

Open Access Theses

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are an important staple crop in both developed and developing countries around the world. These tubers offer an important source of nutrients, micronutrients, and health-promoting phytochemicals to the diet. However, reported content and process stability of phytochemicals in commercial potatoes and potato products is inconsistent. The objectives of this research were to compare phytochemical content in white/yellow and pigmented commercially relevant varieties, determine changes in phytochemical content of select potato varieties through commercial processing, and assess differences in phytochemical content between freshly “home” prepared and reconstituted, commercially processed white and sweet potato products. To carry out the …

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Chemical Synthesis Of Bacterial Siderophores And Applications In Pathogen Detection, Gregory Gene Jarvis Jan 2015

Chemical Synthesis Of Bacterial Siderophores And Applications In Pathogen Detection, Gregory Gene Jarvis

Open Access Theses

Bacterial siderophores are a class of small organic compounds that are produced endogenously by bacteria to chelate essential ferric iron from their surroundings. Because the bioavailability of ferric iron is extremely low is physiological pH, the host of a parasitic infection can be a poor source of soluble Fe3+. Consequently, bacteria rely upon siderophore transport systems to efficiently scavenge the nutrient. Nearly every bacterial

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High Pressure Lifesense Hydraulic Hose, Grant M. Knies Jan 2015

High Pressure Lifesense Hydraulic Hose, Grant M. Knies

Open Access Theses

Knies, Grant M. M.S.A.B.E., Purdue University, May, 2015. High Pressure LifeSense Hydraulic Hose. Major Professor: Dr. Gary W. Krutz

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Novel Electricity Supply Techniques For Sustainable Ultraviolet Water Purification, Zachary Koch Jan 2015

Novel Electricity Supply Techniques For Sustainable Ultraviolet Water Purification, Zachary Koch

Open Access Theses

Millions of people have gained access to clean and safe drinking water in the last 15 years. However, millions of individuals continue to experience poor water qualities on a regular basis. The purpose of this research is to design an ultraviolet water purification system that utilizes new ultraviolet LED technologies in order to provide potable drinking water. The intended purpose of this device is to be a long-lasting solution for areas in need. This is accomplished through the use of promising technologies such as solar photovoltaic modules and electrochemical double layered capacitors. A village size of 40 people was selected …

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The Effects Of Ozone Gas On The Common Bed Bug (Cimex Lectularius L.), James C. Feston Jan 2015

The Effects Of Ozone Gas On The Common Bed Bug (Cimex Lectularius L.), James C. Feston

Open Access Theses

Ozone gas is a strong oxidizing agent that is a naturally occurring component

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Advanced Methods For Validating Combustion Instability Predictions Using Pressure Measurements, Yu Huang Jan 2015

Advanced Methods For Validating Combustion Instability Predictions Using Pressure Measurements, Yu Huang

Open Access Theses

The utility of high fidelity (HF) pressure measurements from Continuous Variable

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A Tread/Limb/Serpentine Hybrid Robot: Toward Hypermobility In Deconstructed Environments, Joshua Lane Jan 2015

A Tread/Limb/Serpentine Hybrid Robot: Toward Hypermobility In Deconstructed Environments, Joshua Lane

Open Access Theses

According to the Red Cross, an average of over 600 disasters and 100,000 associated deaths occur annually throughout the world. This frequency of disasters strains an already overburdened disaster response effort. In the first 48 hours of a rescue operation, it is estimated that a responder will get less than three hours of continuous sleep as they need to work at full force to set up the operation and begin work in the field. This leads to sleep deprivation during the most critical time for search and rescue of victims. Therefore, robots are greatly needed as a force multiplier in …

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Using Topography To Aid Cell Phone Geolocation, Jaeyoung Kim Jan 2015

Using Topography To Aid Cell Phone Geolocation, Jaeyoung Kim

Open Access Theses

In daily life, people demand accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The current problem of GPS on mobile phones is that it is not available in areas such as urban, natural canyons, forests, and indoor environments. Several methods have been developed to obtain more accurate position estimation over the past years. The received signal strength (RSS) and time difference of arrival (TDOA) are the main approaches to use available mobile signals and errors around 4 ~ 12 dB and 10 ~ 60 meters, respectively. Another approach to make a better performance of the sensor is to use radio …

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Stirlocharger Powered By Exhaust Heat For High Efficiency Combustion And Electric Generation, Adhiraj B. Mathur Jan 2015

Stirlocharger Powered By Exhaust Heat For High Efficiency Combustion And Electric Generation, Adhiraj B. Mathur

Open Access Theses

Stirling engines have been in existence since the early 1900s, and have been of little study in the recent years. Stirling engines are low power, heat engines which work on the principle of a temperature differential between the hot and cold sides. This thesis will look into the integration of a Stirling engine onto a turbocompressor for automotive applications calling the device a Stirlocharger.

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Evaluating Management Options: Simulating Wetland Processes And Performance Of Nutrient Reduction By Use Of A Water Quality Algorithm, Stuart David Smith Jan 2015

Evaluating Management Options: Simulating Wetland Processes And Performance Of Nutrient Reduction By Use Of A Water Quality Algorithm, Stuart David Smith

Open Access Theses

The effects of nutrient overloading have been well identified in areas such as the Gulf of Mexico, where agricultural drainage from the Midwest is considered a main contributor to the hypoxic zone. Amongst the suite of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs), managed wetlands may present a more cost effective approach to assimilate pollutants and improve water quality at the scale of small watersheds. However, previous research has yielded varying results. Mathematical models have become a tool used to characterize components and predict behaviors of a given process. Model results can then be used to analyze multiple management options, improve decision …

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Evaluating Engineering Learning And Gender Neutrality For The Product Design Of A Modular Robotic Kit, Ansh Verma Jan 2015

Evaluating Engineering Learning And Gender Neutrality For The Product Design Of A Modular Robotic Kit, Ansh Verma

Open Access Theses

The development of a system is informed from design factors in order to success- fully support the intended usability from the perceived affordances [1]. The theory of ‘Human Centered Design’ champions that these factors be derived from the user itself. It is based on exploiting these affordances that the boundary of technology is pushed to sometimes invent new methods or sometimes approach a problem from newer perspectives. This thesis is an example where we inform our design rationales from children in order to develop a gender neutral modular robotic toy kit.

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