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Board Of Trustees Minutes, Dec. 13 2024, Indiana State University Board Of Trustees

Board of Trustees

No abstract provided.

Board Of Trustees Agenda, Dec. 13 2024, Indiana State University Board Of Trustees

Board of Trustees

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Customer Capital On Enhancing The Work Environment: An Analytical Study At Rafidain Bank, Anbar And Fallujah Branches, Saif Hamad Al-Ani, Amer Fadous Al-Lami

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Purpose: This research works to achieve several goals, perhaps the most prominent of which is diagnosing the extent of the bank under study’s interest in applying customer capital and the work environment within it and exploiting the relationship that brings together the variables. Theoretical Framework: Based on what the researchers (Zahedi and Lapierre) mentioned, this study addresses the lack of use of marketing intelligence tools, the lack of investment in information technology, the lack of continuous updating of data, and keeping pace with developments in the external environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study analyzed data in banks between the Anbar and Fallujah …

Identification Of Salt Tolerance And Stress Response In Us Department Of Agriculture Tomato Germplasm At The Seedling Stage, Ibtisam Alatawi, Haizheng Xiong, Kenani Chiwina, Hanan Mohammedsaeed Alkabkabi, Qun Luo, Neelendra K. Joshi, Xiaolun Sun, Xuan Zhuang, Kai-Shu Ling, Ainong Shi

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Abstract. Soil salinity is a significant abiotic factor that impedes sustainable crop pro- duction in key agricultural regions worldwide. Saline cultivation adversely affects soil quality, whereas the use of saline water for irrigation disrupts the physiological and biochemical processes of plants. Continuous irrigation with high salt concentrations leads to a gradual buildup of soil salinity, thus hindering optimal plant growth and development. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on breeding salinity-tolerant cultivars of various crops. In this study, 71 tomato accessions sourced from 20 coun- tries and provided by the US Department of Agriculture were evaluated under con- trolled greenhouse …

Transcriptomic Landscape Of Mammalian Ventral Pallidum At Single-Cell Resolution, Lite Yang, Lisa Z Fang, Michelle R Lynch, Chang S Xu, Hannah J Hahm, Yufen Zhang, Monique R Heitmeier, Vincent D Costa, Vijay K Samineni, Meaghan C Creed

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The ventral pallidum (VP) is critical for motivated behaviors. While contemporary work has begun to elucidate the functional diversity of VP neurons, the molecular heterogeneity underlying this functional diversity remains incompletely understood. We used single-nucleus RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization to define the transcriptional taxonomy of VP cell types in mice, macaques, and baboons. We found transcriptional conservation between all three species, within the broader neurochemical cell types. Unique dopaminoceptive and cholinergic subclusters were identified and conserved across both primate species but had no homolog in mice. This harmonized consensus VP cellular atlas will pave the way for understanding …

How Do Religious Women Cope With Marital Conflict And Hardship? Article 2, Elizabeth M. Lyman, Loren D. Marks, David C. Dollahite, Chelom E. Leavitt, Tamara M. Chamberlain, Christina N. Cooper

Faculty Publications

Frequent and unresolved conflict is a significant relationship risk factor for divorce, but it has also been shown that religion strengthens marriages, specifically in ways that give direction and motivation for couples in resolving marital conflict or other marital hardships. Thus, a study of how successful religious couples resolve conflict is pertinent in helping us better understand how to strengthen marriages and families. Our qualitative study of 113 highly religious women of diverse faiths and races found that women’s perceived relationship or connection with God reportedly impacted conflict resolution and coping with marital hardship. Results suggest greater reconciliation and unity …

Subcutaneous Electroencephalography Monitoring For People With Epilepsy And Intellectual Disability: Co-Production Workshops, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

Background Nearly 25% of people with intellectual disability (PwID) have epilepsy compared to 1% of the UK general population. PwID are commonly excluded from research, eventually affecting their care. Understanding seizures in PwID is particularly challenging because of reliance on subjective external observation and poor objective validation. Remote electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring could capture objective data, but particular challenges and implementation strategies for this population need to be understood. Aim This co-production aimed to explore the accessibility and potential impact of a remote, long-term EEG tool (UnEEG 24/7 SubQ) for PwID and epilepsy. Method We conducted six, 2-hour long workshops; three …

First-Principles Studies On The Electronic And Optical Properties Of Corundum Samples From The Tanga Region, Esther J. Tarimo Tarimo, Pulapa V Kanaka Rao, F.M. Stanley

Tanzania Journal of Science

The characteristics of corundum are significant as they provide accurate identification supporting its diverse applications, facilitating the development of advanced materials, and ensuring its optimal use across various fields. Corundum alumina (α-Al2O3) samples collected from the Tanga mining region were characterized for crystallographic information using XRD analysis. This crystallographic information was used to build the crystal system of the sample in Biovia Materials Studio modelling and simulation software. The electrical and optical properties of this sample were examined by applying first-principles density functional theory and Generalized Gradient Approximations. For the calculations, a sampling mesh of 6×6×2 k-points, with an energy …

A Supervised Machine Learning Statistical Design Of Experiment Approach To Modeling The Barriers To Effective Snakebite Treatment In Ghana, Eric Nyarko, Edmund F. Agyemang, Ebenezer Kwesi Ameho, Louis Agyekum, José María Gutiérrez, Eduardo Alberto Fernandez

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Snakebite envenoming is a serious condition that affects 2.5 million people and causes 81,000–138,000 deaths every year, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The World Health Organization has set a goal to halve the deaths and disabilities related to snakebite envenoming by 2030. However, significant challenges in achieving this goal include a lack of robust research evidence related to snakebite incidence and treatment, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to combine established methodologies with the latest tools in Artificial Intelligence to assess the barriers to effective snakebite treatment in Ghana.

Method

We used a MaxDiff statistical experiment design …

Identifying Fecal Contamination Sources In The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Amanda M. Free

Theses and Dissertations

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR) has a history of elevated fecal coliform counts. However, the source of the contamination is not well understood. According to past sanitary surveys, there has been a history of malfunctioning residential septic systems and inadequate wastewater treatment in the upper watershed. Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) and birds are also abundant in the estuary and could be potential contributors to elevated fecal coliform levels. To better understand the temporal and spatial variation of fecal coliforms in the GNDNERR and inform oyster reef management, eight sites within the GNDNERR watershed were sampled monthly for …

Multi-Temporal Uav Remote Sensing Combined With Machine Learning For Estimating Cotton Yield, Amrit Shrestha

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate crop yield estimation early in season can help in identifying specific areas within a field that may require different management practices, thus enhancing overall efficiency and productivity. However, early estimation has been a challenging task mainly due to integrated complex association between genetic × environment × management factors. Over the decades, machine learning techniques, especially artificial neural network, has been widely adopted in conjunction with uncrewed aerial system (UAS) for high-throughput plant phenotyping and crop yield estimation. This study introduces the plus neural network (pNN) to incorporate temporal dynamics across different crop growth stages. Cotton field data from 2020-2023 …

Synergistic Adsorption Of Pb (Ii) From Aqueous Solution Using Calcined Biochar-Bentonite Clay Hybrid, Azeezat Faderera Abdul-Raheem

Theses and Dissertations

The biochar-bentonite clay hybrid was prepared by coprecipitation with the goal of producing a material that can remove Pb (II) from aqueous solutions effectively. Incorporating bentonite clay onto the Douglas fir biochar (DFB-BTC) surface significantly improved the adsorption capacity by introducing more active sites, strengthening the structural properties, and promoting strong adsorbate interactions. The point of zero charge of the adsorbent was slightly higher than that of the pristine DFBC. All sorption experiments were performed at pH 5, and the system obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The highest Langmuir adsorption capacities observed at 298, 308, and 318 K were 48, …

A Correlation Study Between Soil Selenium Levels And Diabetes Prevalence Across U.S. Regions: An Archival Data Analysis (2012-2018), Baoshan Wu

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the correlation between soil selenium levels and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence across U.S. regions between 2012 to 2018. Selenium, an essential trace element, plays an important role in antioxidant defense and metabolism. While appropriate selenium intake may protect against diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative stress, excessive intake can have adverse effects. This research analyzed the most recent data, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), for over 3,000 counties in the U.S. A correlation analysis model was used to determine the relationship between soil selenium …

Understanding The Correlation Between Socioeconomic Status And Student Achievement Amongst High School Students In Rural Mississippi, Aiesha L. Brooks-Hodges

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and student achievement among high school students in rural Mississippi. By using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data from the Mississippi Department of Education’s Accountability Report Card with qualitative data from student surveys and teacher interviews, this paper explores how SES factors such as parental income and education affect academic outcomes in rural settings. The study highlights the significant disparities between low-SES and high-SES students in terms of standardized test scores, graduation rates, and access to educational resources. The findings suggest that addressing these disparities will require targeted interventions at …

Engineering Functionalized Nanomaterials For Targeting And Ablating Biofilms On Surfaces, Dhanush Lakmal Yapa Amarasekara

Theses and Dissertations

Biofilms on both the surface and interior of medical devices pose major challenges, including hindering device performance and serving as infection sources. These biofilms form a protective layer around bacteria, shielding them from the body’s immune system and antibiotics. This makes infections difficult to treat, as the bacteria within the biofilm are resistant to both antibiotics and immune defenses. Additionally, biofilms can induce inflammation and irritation in nearby tissues, leading to further health complications. Antibiotic resistance raises concerns about the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. MDR infections are difficult to treat, leading to prolonged hospital stays and the need …

Effects Of A Snap-Ed Social Marketing Campaign On Behavior Change, Andrew Beall Cole

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: This research studied the use of a social marketing campaign to address chronic diseases in the U.S., such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases by assessing audience self-reported actions and evaluating message framing effects on participant intentions to change nutrition behavior and daily physical activity. Approach: Evaluate a social marketing campaign for effects on SNAP-Ed eligible clients and research message framing effects on audience’s intention to change health behaviors. Discussion: The HappyHealthy social marketing campaign launched in 2018 by Mississippi State University Extension. Outcome evaluation data (collected 2023) reported multiple correlations between core messages recalled and increased …

Enhanced Intellectual Property Protection Mechanisms Towards Collaborative Data Sharing In Metal-Based Additive Manufacturing, Durant Hayes Fullington

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aims to develop effective methodologies towards enhanced intellectual property protections for data sharing frameworks in metal-based additive manufacturing (AM). Currently, many small-to-medium sized manufacturers face data availability challenges due to the prohibitive high cost to collect, process, and analyze large amounts of process-related data for AM. Because these manufactures rely heavily on small-scale data, it can be difficult for them to effectively train complex machine learning (ML) algorithms, which are commonly used for AM process monitoring. One popular solution is to develop collaborative data sharing frameworks, where multiple independent AM users can share their data to increase the …

Understanding Stream Litter Loading Through Watershed Characteristics, Elinor Reed Mallon

Theses and Dissertations

Litter, whether river-based, marine, or terrestrial, is an ever-increasing environmental and economic issue. However, litter in freshwater environments is studied less than in marine environments. To better understand factors impacting stream-transported floating litter, seven watershed characteristics were assessed across a network of thirty litter collection devices. The research objective for this study was to quantify litter loading and assess watershed characteristics relative to litter loading. Of the various watershed characteristics in this study, land cover classification had the greatest impact on the amount of litter collected from the Litter Gitters followed by median household income. Results from this study can …

Algal Community Investigations: Present Day To Year-2100 For Mississippi Lakes And The Western Mississippi Sound, Emma Madison Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

Algae play a key role in the aquatic environment as primary producers; however, they can form harmful algal blooms that are detrimental to the aquatic environment, people, and even the economy. It is generally believed that climate change will influence future algal blooms. The first study estimated algae community in three freshwater locations in Mississippi, Desoto Lake, White’s Creek Lake, and Columbus Lake, and one saline location, Western Mississippi Sound, using modern and new tools of the autonomous surface vessel, FlowCam, and EcoTaxa. From those results and leading into the second study was the application of four climate scenarios on …

Identification And Characterization Of The Antimicrobial Activities Of Pseudomonas Sp. Strain Wp18, Emma Suzanne Willis

Theses and Dissertations

Strain WP18 was isolated from disease suppressive soil of a soybean rhizosphere in the Mississippi Delta. Phylogenetic analysis supported that strain WP18 could represent a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas. This conclusion is supported by genome-wide bioinformatic analyses such as average nucleotide identity and genome to genome distance calculations. Further studies are needed to claim a novel bacterial species, which include cell fatty profiles, fingerprinting analysis, and polar lipid analysis based on the International Code for Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Strain WP18 showed a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi that are economically important in agriculture, …

Projecting Land Cover Changes And Impacts On Bird Conservation Using Geographic Information System, Remote Sensing And A Cellular Automata – Artificial Neural Network Model In Nairobi National Park, Kenya., Frank Juma Ong'ondo

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines land cover changes and their projected future impacts on bird species conservation in and around Nairobi National Park, Kenya. 2016 and 2023 Satellite imagery, analyzed through Google Earth Engine and the MOLUSCE plugin were used to assess changes in five land cover types: grassland, shrubland, forest, urban, and water. Bird population data from the Kenya Bird Map were used to evaluate birds' responses to land cover changes. Birds were categorized into five habitat guilds—grassland-dependent, shrubland-dependent, forest-dependent, water-dependent, and urban-dependent bird species. Between 2016 and 2023, grassland and shrubland decreased by 14.21% and 5.54%, respectively, and urban increased …

Exploring Single Particles Through Optical Trapping And Advanced Laser Spectroscopy Techniques, Haifa Hassan Alali

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the innovative integration of optical trapping (OT) with advanced laser spectroscopy techniques to investigate the physicochemical properties of single particles from a variety of atmospheric aerosols, such as bioaerosols, terrestrial dust, and extraterrestrial dust. Each technique offers unique insights, significantly enhancing our understanding of these critical atmospheric components. The first work focuses on employing OT in conjunction with cavity ringdown spectroscopy (OT-CRDS) to measure the single-particle extinction of interplanetary dust particles at ultraviolet wavelengths (~308 nm). This method allows for the stable trapping of individual dust particles in air, facilitating precise characterization with minimal external interference. Our …

Changing Attitudes And Increasing Fruit And Vegetable Intake Of Elementary-Aged Children Through School Gardens, Hayley Rae Meriwether

Theses and Dissertations

Fruit and vegetable consumption is critical for children’s health, yet many fail to meet recommended intake levels. School gardens have the potential to increase consumption and improve attitudes toward fruits and vegetables. This study examined the impact of a school gardening program on children’s attitudes and consumption of fruits and vegetables using a pre- and post-test design. While most children reported enjoying gardening and trying new produce, no significant changes were observed in overall attitudes or consumption patterns after the intervention. However, increased consumption of apples and green beans was noted. The findings suggest that while school gardens can spark …

Mass Timber Utilization In Architecture: Carbon Sequestration, Building Materials And Construction Practices, Jacob Alan Gines

Theses and Dissertations

The built environment must innovate and adopt new materials and construction practices in order to meet current and forecasted environmental challenges, economic uncertainties and construction pressures. The specification of mass timber materials and building assemblies will play a major role in addressing these issues. The objectives of this research are fourfold: 1) Develop a deeper understanding among construction professionals of the role mass timber buildings can have in greatly reducing CO2 emissions through the use of renewable forest products and the storage of carbon in buildings; 2) Provide insights into the utilization of mass timber products for architectural application that …

Evaluating The Emergent Wetland Plant Juncus Effusus As A Tool In Phytoremediation Of Nitrogen And Copper, Jacob Aaron Hockensmith

Theses and Dissertations

Eutrophication is an increasing issue around the globe, including the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley where excess nitrogen runs into the Mississippi River and subsequently the Gulf of Mexico. The restoration of wetlands is one method that has been developed to help reduce nitrogen runoff, however, species selection should be done carefully as species selected must not only remove nitrogen but be able to compete with established species. Chapter II of this thesis investigates whether J. effusus is a viable candidate for use in this role. Additionally, copper contamination around the globe is increasing due to a variety of anthropogenic sources. …

The Plastics Crisis: Responsible Recycling In Civil Engineering And Infrastructure, Jason Howell Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

A global plastics crisis exists with around 400 million metric tons (MMT) of plastics production and 350 MMT of plastics waste generated annually around the globe. Plastics are durable and essentially non-biodegradable, so they accumulate in both terrestrial and marine environments as pollution and within landfills without breaking down over time. Plastics are ubiquitous in 21st-century society and culture, comprising essential elements in most industries including packaging, transportation, electrical/electronics, and building/construction. The role of civil engineering and infrastructure in addressing the plastics crisis was specifically explored. Responsible plastics recycling yields products with improved engineering properties, performance characteristics, marketability, and/or manufacturing …

An Analysis Of Suspension Days Among Students In Special Education And General Education In A Rural School District, Lakesia Falanda Bryant

Theses and Dissertations

An Analysis of Suspension Days Among Students in Special Education and General Education in A Rural School District, is designed to look at those disciplinary trends that directly affect our most vulnerable population of students, with an emphasis on suspension, expulsions and the rates at which special education students are suspended and/or expelled as compared to their non-disabled peers in a rural district in Mississippi. As the Mississippi State Department of Education cited this district for its high rate of suspension and/or expulsions of students with Individualized Educational Plans, this study is of significant importance in identifying those factors that …

Applied Behavior Analysis: Perspectives Of Mississippi Students Before They Enter The Educational Behavioral Consulting Field, Lauren Ashley Besong

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes how prospective Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals are enculturated through their educational pathways at one public university in Mississippi. I surveyed 24 current and prior students of the ABA program, as well as interviewed 1 prior and 10 current ABA students. Findings captured their perceptions of the field they are entering, through their experiences within the program. Results found that the ABA field appears to be split in a dual identity, existing in both educational and clinical spaces. Results showed that external perceptions of the institution viewed the ABA program as more clinical, while the students were …

Effects Of Eugenol And Carvacrol In Combination Against Salmonella In Hummus, Lauryn Ashley Heidelberg

Theses and Dissertations

Hummus consumption has risen but multiple foodborne outbreaks due to Salmonella contamination have been reported. Essential oils (EOs) eugenol and carvacrol have been found to inhibit the growth and survival of Salmonella in food products. The objective was to evaluate antibacterial properties of various concentrations of eugenol (EU) and carvacrol (CA), alone or in combination (EUCA) against Salmonella in vitro and in hummus. Eugenol demonstrated a MIC of 0.125 mg/mL and an MBC of 0.25 mg/mL, while carvacrol showed a MIC of 0.0625 mg/mL and an MBC of 0.125 mg/mL. In the hummus study, 2% EUCA was the most effective …

Identification Of Bacterial Species Composition And Diversity Of Chicken Breast Meat During Processing., Lizzie Raquel Zaldivar

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the bacterial profile of chicken during processing is essential to identify spoilage-related bacteria. Using advanced methods like Oxford Nanopore sequencing, specific bacterial species on chicken meat can be identified. This study aimed to characterize bacterial composition and diversity on chicken breast during processing. Results showed a reduction in aerobic bacteria, E. coli, coliform, and lactic acid bacteria counts. However, three thermophilic bacteria, Anoxybacillus contaminants, Neobacillus thermocopriae, and Anoxybacillus flavithermus, dominated across processing steps. Notably, Pseudomonas species were undetected by conventional plating but identified via Nanopore sequencing, highlighting the need for molecular detection methods. Although antimicrobial interventions significantly reduced bacterial …