Digital Commons Network^™

Multi-Domain Machine Learning For Biological Classification: Mallard Classification And Protein Function Prediction, Tolulope Samuel Adeyina

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Multi-domain machine learning applications have revolutionized how we understand and predict complex biological phenomena. This dissertation presents novel computational methodologies addressing two critical problems: mallard classification using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and protein function prediction via interpretable topic-aware peptide embeddings. The research focuses on distinguishing mallard populations through SNP data, which are inherently characterized by ultra-high dimensionality. The research uses advanced feature-selection and dimensionality-reduction strategies alongside machine learning classification algorithms to identify minimal, yet highly predictive SNP sets crucial for accurate breed differentiation. This framework demonstrates robust performance with optimal computational efficiency, significantly aiding conservation and breed management efforts. Furthermore, the …

Psychological Interventions For Addressing Suicidal Behaviours Among Lgbtq+ Adolescents Who Experienced Cyberbullying: A Systematic Review, Catherine Galvan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and cyberbullying is often a major reason behind it. Understanding how these two are connected is important for finding ways to help. This chapter will look at how cyberbullying leads to suicide, who is most at risk, and what can be done to prevent it. Objective: The main objective of this research is to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of intervention programs for reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents, especially LGBTQ+ adolescents, who have experienced cyberbullying. Method: In this systematic review, we plan to extract information …

The Benefits Of Experiential Outdoor Learning For Elementary School Students, Jillian R. Witt

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research project aims to delve deeper into the benefits of experiential outdoor learning that contributes to the growing body of knowledge and practical applications of this dynamic educational approach of elementary school students. Through the use of literature review, interviews with program workers and school administrators and survey with educators and past students, the result findings indicated that experiential outdoor learning benefits elementary school students despite some cost challenges, but provided them with more opportunities to learn from outdoor activities to increase their academic achievement, improve their cognition, and enhance their social skills with a deeper sense …

Environmental Racism In Our Backyards, Elizabeth Sanchez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper aims to investigate the connection between environmental racism and marginalized groups in Monterey County, California.

Unsupervised Machine Learning Techniques To Categorize Genomic Islands, Lijie Zhou

All Theses

Unsupervised Machine Learning (ML) techniques are powerful tools for identifying similarity patterns and can be utilized to categorize the data into related groups. This study showcased the applications of unsupervised methods, namely hierarchical clustering to carefully determine related groups of newly identified genomic islands (GIs). Genomic islands are mobile genetic elements integrated into bacterial chromosomes. Gis can impact the evolution of bacteria for example by carrying virulence or metabolic genes. Precisely identifying Gis calls for a sophisticated process which we recently implemented as an already-published tool called TIGER which stands for Target/Integrative Genetic Element Retriever (TIGER). TIGER identifies mobile DNAs …

Movement Ecology Of Sandhills Chub, A Carolina Endemic, Zachary Adam Ramsey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fish movement studies have traditionally focused on species that support commercial and recreational fisheries, but recently more focus has been given to non-game, stream fishes because of their recognized importance in maintaining biodiversity within these ecosystems. Stream fish movement is described as being “restricted” and following a leptokurtic distribution via diffusive spread related to environmental and biological factors. Many studies of stream fish movement ecology in North America have occurred in high-gradient streams with coarse substrate in mountains or in streams of the interior plains. Sandhills streams of the southeastern USA are characterized as warm-water, low gradient, and dominated by …

Maggot Mass Effect On The Development And Survival Of Forensic Blow Flies, Akomavo Fabrice Gbenonsi

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Forensic entomology scientists use blow flies' developing patterns to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). However, larval aggregations produce metabolic heat, resulting in complex microclimates that may change growth timetables. This study investigates how larval density and associated temperature changes affect the development and survival of two forensically essential blow fly species, Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina.

This study examined how larval density and associated thermal profiles affect the development of both blow fly species. Using a split-plot design, we tested four larval densities at 25°C and 30°C, with temperature gradients measured via thermocouple at four mass positions three times …

“They’Ll Be Needing Us”: A Mixed Methods Study Of The Lived Experience Of Secondary English Teachers, Sarah Hahn Campbell

Dissertations

The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to explore the lived experience of secondary English teachers and the complex interactions between those teachers’ working conditions and the other dimensions of the school ecology. In particular, the researcher was interested to discover how the consideration of teacher working conditions as part of the school ecology can help education leaders reform schools. The teachers in this study worked in a large urban school district in the Rocky Mountain West of the United States. The study was iterative, which ensured credibility and validity in the results. From a quantitative survey …

A Review Of Praziquantel Resistance In Schistosomes And The Future Of Schistosomiasis Control, Gabriela G. Eastham

Senior Honors Theses

Schistosomiasis is a group of both acute and chronic parasitic trematode infections of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice to treat schistosomiasis for decades. Though it is effective against all three clinically relevant species, heavy reliance on PZQ has led to concerns of schistosome resistance, especially in areas that have implemented this drug in mass drug administration (MDA) programs. Although there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that schistosomes are becoming resistant to PZQ on a large scale, other control methods are a necessity to best treat and eliminate schistosomiasis. This article summarizes the …

Ecological Consequences Of Variable Glacial Melting On Arctic Biodiversity: Trophic Shifts And Community Dynamics, Aislyn Malone, Audrey Swart

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Our project investigated the profound impacts of increasing glacial melting on various trophic levels, habitats, and other ecological processes.

Assessing The Relationship Between The Incidence Of Campylobacteriosis And Ecological Risk Factors In Tennessee, Emmanuel Angmorteh Mensah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Campylobacteriosis although is the leading causes of bacterial diarrheal illnesses, have not gained prominent awareness and there are gaps in the understanding of transmission routes for sporadic, non-outbreak cases and their risk factors at the communal level to humans. This study, therefore, aimed to identify the campylobacteriosis risk factors and risk perception from the existing literature in the United States, determine the incidence and ecological risk factors for campylobacteriosis zip code level in Tennessee, and to perform spatiotemporal analysis of campylobacteriosis incidence cases in Tennessee.

Method: To achieve the first aim, a scoping review was conducted to synthesize …

Environmental Influences Of Zero-Sum Thinking And Its Outcome, Edison Sora Tan

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Zero-sum thinking refers to a generalized mentality or a belief that one person’s gain can only come at the expense of another person’s loss. In this research, I argue that people’s zero-sum thinking is, at least in part, influenced by the interacting characteristics of the environment, namely, resource scarcity and population density. This is because resource scarcity highlights people’s resource insecurity, particularly when population density accentuates potential competition for finite resources. Consequently, zero-sum thinking reduces trust and cooperation as people reduce their commitment to potentially risky social investments. Analysis with data from a large-scale field study and ecological data provided …

Advancing Marine Animal Movement Studies Using An Open Innovation Framework, Jacob Levenson

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the application of open innovation to migratory marine animal movement studies, addressing critical challenges in understanding, managing and ultimately conserving highly mobile and migratory species (HMMS). The species examined herein, including manta rays, sea turtles, and marine mammals, face threats including habitat disruption and behavioral changes to adapt to anthropogenic stressors. Traditional monitoring techniques, while valuable, are often costly, limited in scale, and protected by proprietary intellectual property, all of which decrease accessibility. Ambitious conservation goals, such as protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, require more data that are indubitably sharable and thus will need to …

Potamogeton Crispus Invasion: Impacts On Native Aquatic Plants And Associated Faunal Habitat, Meghan-Grace Slocombe

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Aquatic invasive plants are non-native plants that invade a water body and displace native aquatic plants. Invasion depletes the native plant community's ability to provide ecosystem services, including improved water quality, decreased problematic algae, and increased animal habitat. The loss of these ecosystem services reduces the value of fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities in aquatic ecosystems. The potential changes in plant communities and services are particularly important at sites targeted for restoration because project goals typically include increasing ecosystem services, including wildlife habitat. Curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus L.) is a problematic invasive species in North America. To better manage …

Exploring Variations In High-Resolution Downstream Hydraulic Geometry Of The Logan River, Gabriel V. Benitez

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Rivers are dynamic systems that change shape due to natural events like floods, landslides, and wildfires, as well as human-made structures like bridges. These changes create unique and complex river patterns. However, measuring these changes accurately is challenging because traditional field surveys are time-consuming and often focus on easily accessible areas, which may not represent the whole river. Thanks to new high-resolution mapping technology and detailed river flow records, we can now see these changes in greater detail than ever before.

In this study, we focused on the Logan River, which flows through a canyon with a mix of rocky …

Exploring Community Change Of North American Stream Fish Communities Due To Species Introductions, William K. Annis Jr

All Dissertations

The introduction of nonnative species has facilitated global changes in beta diversity, and these changes have been coined biotic homogenization (loss in beta diversity) and differentiation (gain in beta diversity). Homogenization represents a key conservation threat. Therefore it is imperative to understand the processes that allow nonnative species to establish and how these species contribute to beta diversity change. In this dissertation, I assess three key challenges exist in our ability to address these goals. One challenge is that we have inconsistent support among hypotheses of invasion drivers due to context dependency. Context dependency can arise due to differences in …

Where The Prairie Speaks: Connecting Ecology And Community By Integrating Floristic Quality Assessment At The Ndsu Prairie Center, Fargo, Nd, Jannatul Ferdous Mou

Landscape Architecture Theses

This study assesses prairie restoration success at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, using Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) to compare remnant and restored prairie areas. Emphasizing the use of locally sourced native seeds, the research highlights the importance of genetic diversity and ecological resilience for sustainable restoration. A mixed-methods approach combines ecological surveys across 20 acres with interviews involving landscape architects, ecologists, volunteers and cultivators. Species-specific conservatism values (C values) were used to evaluate habitat quality and ecological integrity. The study advocates adaptive management and ongoing monitoring to support resilient ecosystems. Findings inform a design proposal for …

Ecological Specialisation Of Reef Fishes Peaks In Global Biodiversity Hotspots, Zoé Delecambre, Renato A. Morais, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Emma Paul Costesec, Caroline E. Dubé, Sergio R. Floeter, Alan M. Friedlander, Fabien Leprieur, Yves Letourneur, Lucas T. Nunes, Jordan M. Casey, Valeriano Parravicini

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The role of ecological specialisation in shaping biogeographic and evolutionary patterns remains unresolved. To date, few studies have quantitatively examined consumer niche breadth at a global scale. We describe global biogeographic and diversification patterns of specialisation, measured using trophic and thermal niches, for a highly diverse assemblage of consumers: reef fishes. First, we investigated the confluence of specialisation with global biogeographic patterns in species richness and reef area. Then, we tested whether these patterns could be explained by differences in diversification rates and geographic ranges. Location: Tropical reefs across the globe. Time Period: Present. Major Taxa Studied: Reef fishes. …

A New Mitochondrial Genome For The Illinois Spring Cavefish, Forbesichthys Agassizii, Richa Patel

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The Spring Cavefish is a species of conservation concern in Illinois due to habitat degradation and limited survey data. Traditional methods for detecting this species are often hindered by the difficulty in accessing its habitat, leading to a limited understanding of its distribution and ecology. Advances in environmental DNA techniques offer a promising way to more precisely determine F. agassizii’s distribution, but the lack of a reference mitochondrial genome for F. agassizii impedes the development of effective detection assays. In this study, we assembled a complete mitochondrial genome for F. agassizii using existing SRA data.

Distinct Socio-Ecological Drivers Shape The Diversity Of Plants, Birds, And Lepidopterans In Chicago Community Gardens, Amber Domanus, Alexis Smith, Michael Roberts, Rebecca Schnorenberg, Molly A. Doane, Emily Minor

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Community gardens are vital urban green spaces that facilitate learning, connect community members to nature and each other, and provide increased food security. They also have the potential to provide wildlife habitat and support urban biodiversity, although the extent to which they do this may vary between gardens. The goal of this study was to measure diversity of multiple taxonomic groups within urban community gardens, examine ecological differences between community gardens in the same city, and identify the socio-ecological factors that drive those differences. We used fieldwork to assess the diversity of plants, birds, bees, and lepidopterans in 24 community …

The Future Of Citizen Science For Marine Litter Research: What Are The Benefits To Be Realised And The Challenges To Be Overcome?., Matthew Peacock, N. P. Ghilardi-Lopes, A. Turra, Thais Rech, L. A. Kawabe, Birgitta Gatersleben, Kayleigh Wyles

School of Psychology

Public engagement in marine litter research is increasing. Further advancing this approach requires a critical examination of the benefits of citizen science and the primary challenges that we must overcome. A thematic analysis of survey responses from 56 professionals (scientists and project organisers) who use citizen science to investigate marine litter revealed nine significant benefits alongside ten key challenges. Benefits were identified for the citizen scientists (e.g., learning something new), science (e.g., reducing data collection costs), and the environment (e.g., less plastic waste in the environment). Challenges identified fell within three categories related to: 1) involving citizens in science (e.g., …

Nature-Based Solutions For Sustainable Cities: A Review Of The State Of The Art Of Green Roof Research, Agustina Gutierrez, Vanesa Y. Bohn, Pablo Marinangeli

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The study of green roofs is an interdisciplinary field recognized for its eco-friendly roofing solutions. Green roofs offer ecological, economic, and societal benefits, making them an ef- fective way to address urbanization's negative impacts. This review explores the evolution of green roofs from ancient prototypes to modern innovations. Using the Google Scholar da- tabase, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 50 articles to assess publication rates in the "green roof " area. Descriptive statistics were used to identify key contributors, ecosystem ser- vices, research methodologies, and spatial scales in green roof studies. Our analysis showed a rise in research on …

Green Building Future: Algal Application Technology, Abuzer Çelekli, İrem Yeşildağ, Özgür Eren Zariç

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

In the context of rising global energy demands driven by population growth and urbanization, the construction industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions during the construction phase and subsequent energy consumption. Fossil fuel dependency for heating and energy needs exacerbates climate change, necessitating urgent solutions. Algal technology emerges as a promising strategy for green building practices, addressing energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Algae's unique ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis is harnessed by deploying photobioreactors on building exteriors. Studies indicate that each kilogram of dry algae consumes 1.83 kg of CO2 while offering applications as organic fertilizer, oil, …

Incidence And Risk Factors Of Surgical Site Infection After Lower Transverse Incision In Cesarean Section, Ahmed M. Salman, Suzan Z Mohammed, Fatma M. Sayed, Soha A. Fawaz, Ahmed A. Kassab, Sherif Abd El-Mordy, Mohammed I. Elazab, Heba M. Khattab

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Cesarean sections are frequently performed every day, and the rate of cesarean deliveries in Egypt is rapidly escalating. Surgical site infection is a complication of cesarean sections associated with numerous risk factors, elevating maternal morbidity and potentially resulting in maternal mortality. Several strategies are followed to minimize SSI risk after CS, which can improve both the mother's and the newborn's health. Patient and methods This prospective case-control study was carried out throughout 12-month from November 2023 to November 2024, at the obstetrics and gynecology department of the EL-Sahel Teaching Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. In the study 947 CS were …

L'Utilisation Des Technologies Numériques Dans Les Musées Contemporains Au Maroc : Les Défis De La Préservation Culturelle, De L'Accès Et De La Justice Dans L'Utilisation De La Réalité Virtuelle Et Augmentée, Fadma Fangach

Dirassat

This study investigates the impact of immersive technologies, particularly Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), on visitor experiences at two distinct museums: the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Mohamed the Sixth and the Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization. Employing a qualitative approach and a comparative case study methodology, the research examines the employment of VR and AR within each museum, focusing on their respective modes of projection and exhibition. While the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Mohamed the Sixth uses VR to establish a virtual space online, the Exhibition and Museum of …

Flora, Life-Forms And Biological Spectrum Of Muscat Governorate, Neelam Sherwani

Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science

The present study evaluated the floristic diversity and biological spectrum of Muscat Governorate, Sultanate of Oman. Heterogeneity of geology, topography and climatic conditions create a diverse array of habitats across the 3,500 km2 study area, supporting a range of vegetation types. Floristic studies were conducted across 42 sites spread across various habitats such as sand dunes, alluvial plains, gravel plains, wadis, saline dunes, coastal areas, farms and plantations. A total of 264 species belonging to 183 genera and 54 families of angiosperm were documented during sampling the vegetation from different wilayats of the Governorate. Maximum number of species belonged to …

Environmental Aspects Of The Accelerated Urbanization In Sana’A, Yemen, Ahmed M. Alderwish, Fayad A. Alderwish

Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science

From an environmental viewpoint, the prevailing health problems must be a “first priority” in all major development projects. Public water supply provides only 36% of domestic water. Disinfection of public water supply from the south well field is essential to avoid health problems. About 60% of the drinking water sold by ‘hygienic’ stations is of questionable quality. Expansion and upgrading in hospitals, pharmacies and industries (waste producers) will have an immediate impact on the amount of hazardous waste that will have to be disposed of. To achieve a sustainable urban development and to avoid environment/resources degradation, care should be taken …

A Population Study Of The Freshwater Turtles Of The Recently Expanded Lake Hydaway In Campbell County, Virginia, Joshua Sorenson

Senior Honors Theses

Freshwater turtles are an important part of the ecological systems in central Virginia. At the recently expanded Lake Hydaway, there are several turtle species for which their population characteristics were unknown, especially the prolific Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta) and Red-bellied Cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris). For five weeks, the lake was surveyed for turtles using hoop nets, and the turtles were marked and measured. Population characteristics such as carapace length and sex ratio for the Eastern Painted Turtle and Red-bellied Cooter were calculated, as well as population estimates for those two species. The Red-eared Slider ( …

Finding Patterns In Disturbance: Modeling Ecosystem Recovery Using A Machine Learning Approach, Paden D. Allsup

Theses and Dissertations

Some of the most visible effects of Anthropogenic climate change are shifts in resource (water) availability, and disturbance regimes across the world. Ecosystems across the world are now being forced to adapt to amplified disturbances, or in some cases, completely new disturbance types. These shifts have major implications for ecosystem stability and functioning, and more broadly for nutrient cycling across the world. In the western USA, wildfire is playing a larger and more dramatic role than before, altering vegetation communities, landscape stability, and soil and stream chemistry. While fire has always played an important role in semi-arid ecosystems, the scale …

Investigating Behavioural Responses Of Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo Cuvier) To Novel Stimuli By Means Of Benthic Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems, India Brawermann, Alexander Horne, Grant Smith, Alexander Wilson

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Inspection behaviour in sharks, involving their approach and assessment of potential prey or threats, is vital for their predatory efficiency and defensive strategies, heavily influencing ecological dynamics and predator-prey interactions. This study investigates object inspection behaviour in tiger sharks (Galeocerdo Cuvier) using Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVs) deployed within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (IWP) Marine Protected Area, in South Africa. Data collection and analysis focused on quantifying the frequency, duration, and characteristics of tiger shark interactions with BRUVs, and on assessing behavioural trends across demographic groups to facilitate the development of a behavioural ethogram. Key findings revealed adult females …