Digital Commons Network^™

Simulating The Impact Of Emissions Control On Economic Productivity Using Particle Systems And Puff Dispersion Model, Najam Khan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A simulation platform is developed for quantifying the change in productivity of an economy under passive and active emission control mechanisms. The program uses object-oriented programming to code a collection of objects resembling typical stakeholders in an economy. These objects include firms, markets, transportation hubs, and boids which are distributed over a 2D surface. Firms are connected using a modified Prim’s Minimum spanning tree algorithm, followed by implementation of an all-pair shortest path Floyd Warshall algorithm for navigation purposes. Firms use a non-linear production function for transformation of land, labor, and capital inputs to finished product. A GA-Vehicle Routing Problem …

Identification Of Genes Expressed In The Anterior Pituitary Associated With Water Restriction In Beef Cattle, Himali Chathurika Wickramasinghe Vithana Arachchilage

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Water is an essential nutrient and is required for growth, metabolism, lactation, and reproduction. Without water, livestock production would not be possible. Despite its importance, water requirements in livestock have not received much attention from the research community since the 1950s. The most recent edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (8th edition) relies on literature from the 1950s or earlier for defining water requirements in beef cattle. Since the time these requirements were estimated, much has changed with regards to body size, genetics, and productivity of our livestock herds, including beef cattle. Global surface temperatures have increased in …

The Impact Of Cluster Strength On Wages: An Empirical Analysis, Devan Schaefer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, I examine the relationship between clusters (i.e., the grouping of competitive, interconnected industries within a geographical area) and wages, building upon the work of Marshall (1890) and Porter (2003) on the importance of clusters for regional economic development. I seek to answer two research questions. First, after accounting for robustness tests, do clusters continue to affect wages positively? Second, is labor force productivity the only channel through which this relationship occurs? In my analysis, I employ ordinary least squares, two-stage least squares, and fixed effects regression analyses using panel data from 2009 to 2014 for every U.S. …

Response Of Bed Shear Stress In Open-Channel Flow To A Sudden Change In Bed Roughness, Muhammad Farrukh Jamil

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The estimation of bed shear stress plays a pivotal role in understanding the complexities of flow dynamics in both natural and engineered channels. The commonly employed log law formula offers a mechanism to compute the bed shear stress in open channel flows. However, its applicability in flow transition remains relatively unexplored. In this thesis, an in-depth investigation into the behavior of the velocity profiles and bed shear stress during the transition from Rough to Smooth (RTS) and Smooth to Rough (STR) beds is undertaken. Experiments were conducted on smooth-to-rough (STR) and rough-to-smooth (RTS) transitions in an open channel flume under …

Fusarium Head Blight Resistance Assessment In Barley, Tasneem Fathima

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fusarium head blight (FHB), commonly called scab is the most devastating disease of wheat and barley caused by the ascomycete fungus, Fusarium graminearum. FHB affects both the quality and quantity of cereal grains affecting the supply chain of the food and feed industry and the marketability of the produce. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is among the several crop species most vulnerable to FHB infection. An estimated 25% of Spring barley grain production in the United States is used to make malted beverages such as beer. Malting barley is a relatively high-value crop with high demands regarding grain quality. FHB directly …

The Effects Of Residue Amounts And Variety Selection On The Development Of Wheat Fungal Pathogens In South Dakota, Abrielle Tembreull

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Roughly 50% of South Dakota cropland is under the practice of no-till, with large increases in acres of no-till in the last 20 or so years. No-till is beneficial for Great Plains states, such as South Dakota, as soil residues are withheld. Residues are shown to increase soil health through retention of moisture and increase of microorganisms, but residues can serve as a source of inoculum for fungal pathogens that can overwinter on them. As wheat is one of the most important food crops in the world, it is important to protect this vital crop from diseases. Diseases of wheat …

The Role Of Cadherins And Ryk On Metastasis And Invasion In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Model: Hs578t/Hs578ts(I)8, Ibis Iser

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is a major cause of death among women in European and North American countries, even with improved methods for diagnosis and therapy. The mortality of breast cancer is mainly due to the migration of the primary tumor to distinct sites in the body and is very common in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). This type of breast cancer affects younger woman and has a high recurrence rate. Unfortunately, TNBC is extremely difficult to control because of the absence of specific targets for treatment. Therefore, our research aim is to discover new therapeutic targets and identify novel approaches for …

Effect Of Foliar And Preplant Sulfur Application On Soybean Nutrient Uptake, Yield, And Seed Protein And Oil Content, Gena Ram Mahato

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, Sulfur (S) deficiency has been observed in soybean producing regions in the US and different parts of the world. The major factors behind the frequent occurrence of S deficiency are reduced atmospheric S deposition due to strict regulations on emissions from fossil fuels, large S removal from high yielding crops, less use of fertilizers containing S, and intensive cultivation practices. To test S limitations, I conducted two independent studies from 2019 to 2021 at two locations in Eastern South Dakota to determine the effect of foliar and preplant S application on soybean. The objectives of this research …

Regional Assessment Of Live Cattle And Carcass Characteristics In The Northern Plains, Harlee A. Brauckmuller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this project was to perform a regional assessment of live cattle and carcass characteristics in the northern plains. The assessment audited three packing plants to assess fed cattle, cow, and bull production. The live animal factors evaluated were transportation, mobility of cattle, identification, brands, and mud/manure present. Data collected during the slaughter process was bruising, dentition, and offal condemnations. In fed cattle yield grade, quality grade, and hot carcass weight were assessed. In cows and bulls muscle score and fat color score were assessed. To assess differences between cattle in the Northern Plains and cattle in the …

Soil Profile Properties And Greenhouse Gas Emissions As Influenced By Long-Term Cattle Manure And Inorganic Fertilizer Applications Under Corn-Soybean-Spring Wheat Rotation In Eastern South Dakota, Anuoluwa Ojonoka Sangotayo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The application of manure and inorganic fertilizer in row crops may significantly influence soil and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Understanding the long-term influence of these management practices on soil pore characteristics, hydro-physical properties and greenhouse gas emission is essential in developing proper conservation practices. However, there is limited information on the impact of cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer application on soil hydro-physical properties, soil pore characteristics at lower depths and surface GHGs emissions. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to; (i) utilize X-ray computed tomography (XCT) technique to quantify the impact of manure and fertilizer amendments under a corn …

The Live Bait Trade As A Pathway Of Inland Invasive Fish Species Introductions, Hannah Mulligan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Freshwater systems are susceptible to numerous anthropogenic pathways of invasive species introductions and subsequent establishment. Once establishment occurs, invasive species not only impact biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human health, but also cost the global economy billions of dollars every year. Recreational fishing is one of the most prevalent pathways for invasive species introductions in freshwater systems due to increased propagule pressure from boating and angling activity. Within recreational fishing, the live bait trade represents a secondary pathway whereby anglers illegally release baitfish (and water) that may contain invasive species. Preventative actions, including regulations, education, and inspections have been implemented to …

Surface Reflectance Product Generated From Mss Using Smacaa And Validation With Respect To Ledaps, Rahul Kumar Shah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Landsat MSS 1-5 sensors were the only sensors that provided systematic global multispectral space-based observation of the Earth’s surface from early 1970s, but they lack Level-2 Collection 2 surface reflectance (L2C2 SR) products. This research proposes a method of generating L2C2 SR products for the MSS 1-5 sensors going back to the 1970s. The primary motivation behind this project was to validate the SMACAA model ability to operate on MSS sensors. SMACAA is based on the inversion of MODTRAN and the automated application of SDSU meteorological database, and does not require a SWIR band. First, the performance of SMACAA model …

Understanding The Role Of Hba/Hbd Variations On Deep Eutectic Solvent Properties And Activity Using Acetylsalicylic Acid As A Model Drug, Michael Frimpong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are emerging as a versatile class of solvents, attracting considerable attention for their unique solvent properties and potential applications. This study examines the effects of variations in combinations as well as molar ratios of hydrogen-bond acceptor (HBA) and hydrogen-bond donor (HBD) on the structure of DES. It further explores the structure-activity relationship, measured using the rate of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) degradation in the solvent. The project is based on the model that variations in HBA/HBD combinations and their relative molar ratios impact the solvent structure (hydrogen bonding), observable in physicochemical measurements, infrared (IR), and nuclear magnetic …

Modulatory Effects Of Deacetylated Sialic Acids On Breast Cancer Resistance Protein-Mediated Multidrug Resistance And Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Targeted Therapy, Isaac Tuffour

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major challenge in cancer treatment, accounting for over 90% of chemotherapeutic failures. Cancers utilize sugar residues to engage in multidrug resistance. The underlying mechanism of action involving glycans, specifically the glycan sialic acid (Sia) and its various functional group alterations, has not been explored. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins, key proteins utilized by cancers to engage in MDR pathways, contain Sias in their extracellular domains. Modulating the expression of acetylated-Sias on Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP), a significant ABC transporter implicated in MDR, in lung and colon cancer cells directly impacted the ability of cancer …

C3 And C4 Grass Dominated Plant Communities Differ In Response To Future Larger And Less Frequent Rainfall, Zigeng Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Climate change is leading to larger and less frequent rainfall in the Northern Great Plains (NGP). We ask if this change in rainfall would influence carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in the NGP. First, we collected soils from C3 and C4 grass dominated plant communities from western South Dakota and conducted an incubation experiment to explore the effects of soil water content (SWC) and temperature on soil respiration (Rs) and N mineralization rate (ΔIN). Second, we conducted a three-year rainfallmanipulation (RaMP) experiment with two distinct rainfall regimes (frequent/small and infrequent/large events with constant total monthly precipitation) and two grasses …

Ecological Impacts Of Anthropogenic Chemicals On Non-Target Species And The Role Of Plant Diversity In Ecosystem Restoration And Resilience, Shiva Torabian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Understanding ecosystem processes in rangelands is of paramount importance for ensuring global food security, given their pivotal role in sustaining forage and livestock production. Central to this understanding are fundamental processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, and plant biomass dynamics. However, the use of anthropogenic chemicals in agricultural practices has the potential to exert significant influence on these critical ecosystem functions. A pivotal factor in this context is the plant diversity inherent to these rangeland ecosystems. Plant diversity not only provides essential ecosystem functions but also enhances them with the capacity to withstand and recover from perturbations. Ecosystems characterized by …

Effects Of Agricultural Chemicals On Native Plants Of The Northern Great Plains, Gabrielle Bolwerk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural chemicals are ubiquitous on the Northern Great Plains landscape and have negative impacts on non-target plant communities, even at small doses. Northern Great Plains grassland plant communities may experience herbicide drift from agricultural fields or be subject to livestock pharmaceuticals in grazing lands. My research objective was to evaluate if and how native plants are affected by agricultural chemical presence at different concentrations. In Chapter 2, I studied the effect of different concentrations of three common agricultural herbicides (2,4-D, atrazine, and trifluralin) on the germination, emergence, and growth of native plant species of the Northern Great Plains. I performed …

Biological Control Of Bacterial Leaf Streak Of Wheat Using Antagonistic Rhizobacteria, Ashley Frederickson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world’s most valuable crops, and the primary food grain produced in the United States. A major disease in wheat production is Bacterial Leaf Streak (BLS) caused by the gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa (Xtu). Very few management strategies are available to growers to manage this disease, as common chemicals do not provide adequate control. A number of studies have been conducted on biological control using Rhizospheric bacteria for the control of various plant diseases, but limited data is available on the efficacy of biological control using Rhizospheric bacteria for controlling Bacterial …

Unveiling Race Diversity And Fungicide Sensitivity Profiles Of Pyrenophora Tritici Repentis Populations In South Dakota Collected From 2021-2023, Jaswinder Kaur

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Tan spot, a foliar disease of wheat caused by the ascomycetes fungus Pyrenophora tritici repentis (Ptr), poses a significant threat to wheat crops globally. The disease gained economic importance in the late 1970s due to shifts in farming practices, such as minimal tillage and planting on crop residues, providing favorable conditions for the pathogen to overwinter and cause infections. Ptr is classified into eight races based on the production of necrotrophic effectors—Ptr ToxA (necrosis-inducing), Ptr ToxB, and Ptr ToxC (chlorosis-inducing on respective susceptible and sensitive cultivars)—resulting in distinct symptoms on susceptible wheat differentials. The inverse gene-for-gene hypothesis of Ptr suggests …

Writing Young Adult Fiction: Reflections On Narration And Theme In Young Adult Literature, Kimberly Davidson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to Young Adult Library Services, “Young Adult Literature is a genre that is separate from Children's Literature. It emerged in the twentieth century when teenagers became a powerful force of the economy in the 1930s and gained prominence in the sixties.” Various sources list common elements that make YA literature a distinct category. 1) YA books appeal to the interests of readers from ages twelve to eighteen. 2) YA books typically explore a teenage character’s entry into an unfamiliar “world.” 3) YA books usually feature a protagonist’s self-reflection on events that influence their forays into the adult world. 4) …

Characterizing Vaginal Gene Expression In Prepubertal Gilts, Shannon Lee Dierking

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The best-known predictor of reproductive success in gilts is the age at puberty. Early puberty (i.e., d170 – d180 of age) is associated with improved long-term reproductive performance and more full value offspring for market. The ability to predict, in the prepubertal stage, the age that a replacement gilt would be expected to achieve puberty has great reproductive and economic advantages. This work focuses on identifying biological markers that are potentially predictive of age at puberty. Study 1 identified changes in the vaginal epithelium during gilt reproductive development. Pre-pubertal gilts (n =13) were followed from d70 of age until first …

Electrochemical Innovations: Advancements In Lithium Metal Batteries & Supercapacitor For Energy Storage, Jyotshna Pokharel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Constructing an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on lithium metal electrode is a promising approach to address the rampant growth of dangerous lithium morphologies (dendritic and dead Li0) and low Coulombic efficiency that plague development of lithium metal batteries. But it is not known how the Li+ transfer behavior in the SEI is coupled with mechanical properties. We demonstrate here a facile and scalable solution-processed approach to form a Li3N-rich SEI with a phase-pure crystalline structure that minimizes the diffusion energy barrier of Li+ across the SEI. Compared with a polycrystalline Li3N SEI obtained from conventional approaches, our phase-pure/single crystalline …

A Qualitative Study Of Library Staff’S Understanding Of Disability And Attitudinal Barriers In Libraries, Lisa A. Ferrara

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to examine how library staff understand disability and attitudinal barriers, and to learn how they use this information when planning and implementing library programs and services. Individuals with disabilities are an underserved population in libraries. Although they could benefit from the programs and services that libraries have to offer, individuals with disabilities often experience barriers to participation that prevent them from using libraries. One area that has been understudied is that of the attitudinal barriers experienced by individuals with disabilities.

Participants were recruited through professional library associations throughout the United States using a screening questionnaire. …

Concluding Remarks By Conference Co-Organizer, Richard H. Weisberg

Articles

This Article represents the concluding remarks made by Professor Richard H. Weisberg at "Disarmed, Distracted, Disconnected & Distressed," a conference on Modern Legal Education and the Unmaking of American Lawyers, hosted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and the Law & Humanities Institute, April 20-April 23, 2023.

Paging Through Palimsests: Used Picture Books And Their Connection To Place, Danielle Ridolfi

Neureuther Book Collection Essay Competition

Graduate winner: 1st place, 2023, 36th Annual Carl Neureuther Student Book Collection Competition

Exploring The Land Of Fire And Ice: Iceland Through The Eyes Of A Newman Explorer, Ganesh Chelluboyina

Newman Exploration Travel Fund (NEXT) Awards

Ganesh Chelluboyina, PhD candidate in the Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering Department at the McKelvey School of Engineering, explored the glaciers, wildlife, and fjords of Iceland, to see how they are changing amidst climate change.

The Conflict Among African American Penal Interests: Rethinking Racial Equity In Criminal Procedure, Trevor George Gardner

Scholarship@WashULaw

This Article argues that neither the criminal justice reform platform nor the penal abolition platform shows the ambition necessary to advance each of the primary African American interests in penal administration. It contends, first, that abolitionists have rightly called for a more robust conceptualization of racial equity in criminal procedure. Racial equity in criminal procedure should be considered in terms of both process at the level of the individual, and the number of criminal procedures at the level of the racial group—in terms of both the quality and “quantity” of stops, arrests, convictions, and the criminal sentencings that result in …

Lessons Learned In Prison, Daniel Keating

Scholarship@WashULaw

One way that I have tried to stay fresh as a teacher through the decades is to periodically force myself outside of my teaching comfort zone by trying something completely different. Sometimes these initiatives will end up being a one-time experiment. That was the case a little over ten years ago when I decided to teach a new course (Contracts) in a new format (online, but well before Zoom had become commonplace). Other times, my teaching experiment will prove to be more than just a frolic and detour, as was true eight years ago when I began offering a free …

Industry Groups In International Governance: A Framework For Reform, Melissa (M.J.) Durkee

Scholarship@WashULaw

The Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights encourage engaging with businesses as partners in important global governance agendas. Indeed, many international organizations are now partnering with business groups to secure funding and private sector engagement. At the same time, reforms at the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization and others seek to restrain the dangers of mission distortion and capture by business groups. Shareholders at major multinational oil and gas companies also recognize these dangers and seek to rein in lobbying that is at odds with the goals of the Paris Climate …

After The Criminal Justice System, Benjamin Levin

Scholarship@WashULaw

Since the 1960s, the “criminal justice system” has operated as the common label for a vast web of actors and institutions. But, as critiques of mass incarceration have entered the mainstream, academics, activists, and advocates increasingly have stopped referring to the “criminal justice system.” Instead, they have opted for critical labels—the criminal legal system, the criminal punishment system, the prison industrial complex, etc. What does this re-labeling accomplish? Does this change in language matter to broader efforts at criminal justice reform or abolition? Or, does an emphasis on labels and language distract from substantive engagement with the injustices of contemporary …