Digital Commons Network^™

An Approach To Expanding The Industrial Training And Assessment Center To The Residential Sector, Cailee Addison Bush

Theses and Dissertations

The Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC) conducts no-cost energy audits for small and medium sized industrial and commercial buildings across the United States, with a goal to train students in energy optimization and cost reduction, while helping companies to reduce inefficiencies and waste. Expanding this program to the residential sector can reduce energy usage across the United States, largely due to this sector contributing to 15% of America’s energy usage. This research examines the development of a procedure to transition the ITAC into including the residential sector. To ensure a seamless introduction of this sector, the procedure must contain …

The Effect Of Ultrasound Transducer Type On Diagnosing Medial Meniscal Injury In Dogs With Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury, Thomas Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Ultrasonography is reported to be accurate in diagnosing meniscus injuries in dogs but the effect of transducer type has not been studied. The aim was to determine the effect of ultrasound transducer type on utility of meniscal ultrasound. We hypothesized that ultrasonography will provide good diagnostic utility for meniscal injury and that linear transducers will perform best. In this prospective study, the ultrasonographic findings of the medial meniscus using three transducers were compared to arthrotomy findings. Thirty-nine stifles were included with an injury prevalence of 23/39 (59%). The standard linear transducer provided the highest negative predictive value (60%). The small …

Evaluating The Feeding Value Of Almond Hulls And The Supplementation Of Carbohydrases On Performance, Egg Quality, Nutrient Digestibility And Intestinal Health In Lsl-Lite Hens, Nelly Giovanna Cribillero Chuquihuaccha

Theses and Dissertations

Almond hulls (AH) are a by-product of the almond nut processing rich mainly in insoluble fiber. Addition of fiber in the diet has been shown positive results in performance in poultry. However, scientific literature on the use of AH in poultry is limited. The objective of this dissertation was to determine the effect of the supplementation of ground AH and cellulase-xylanase carbohydrase enzyme (E) inclusions on performance, egg quality, ileal nutrients digestibility, jejunum gene expression and ceca microbiota of Lohmann LSL-Lite pullets and laying hens from 0 to 70 weeks of age. Chapter I describe the knowledge on the composition …

The Effects Of Ataxin-1 Overexpression In The Central Nervous System On Specific Behavioral And Physiological Characteristics Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Sydney Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ataxin-1 gene, which results in an abnormally long polyglutamine tract. Similarly, overexpression of wildtype Ataxin-1 (wt-Atx-1) in Drosophila melanogaster leads to neurodegeneration, reduced lifespan, and impaired negative geotaxis. Observations include disruptions in sleep-wake cycles, increased oxidative stress biomarkers (like protein carbonyls), and dysregulation of developmental genes such as armadillo (arm) and nemo kinase (nmo). Additionally, elevated expression of SUMOylation-related genes (Aos-1, Uba2, and dSmt3 or dSumo) and increased SUMO protein levels indicate enhanced SUMOylation in the brain. Quantitative analysis of neuronal …

Assessment Of Water Quality And Remediation Of Heavy Metals In A Coastal System, Christiana Fumnanya Eziashi

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on a three-part study to assess water quality in a coastal system and evaluate the absorption capacity of modified biochar and algae to remediate cadmium (Cd). The first chapter introduces the hypothesis and objectives, and the second chapter provides a detailed literature review. The third chapter focuses on the first study, where surface water samples and water quality data collected from a manned boat and a novel autonomous surface vessel (ASV) in the Western Mississippi Sound (WMS) in the summer of 2021 and 2022 were analyzed and the interrelationship between the nutrient, trace metals, salinity, and chlorophyll-a …

Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion Of Radar And Lidar For Enhanced Navigation In Obstacle-Occluded Environments, Kyler Ashton Farrar

Theses and Dissertations

Multi-sensor fusion is a practical and well-researched methodology to combine a variety of incoming sensory data into an enhanced digital representation of a real-world environment. A typical use-case for multi-sensor fusion is the combination of LiDAR and RADAR data to obtain simultaneous 3D positioning and velocity measurements for a particular RoI (Region of Interest). This study investigates LiDAR/RADAR sensor fusion for enhanced navigation information when placed in obstacle-occluded environments such as highly vegetated areas. Specifically, a novel fusion-map approach is designed and evaluated for use with a LiDAR/RADAR sensor suite to produce a fused cost map to determine optimal and …

Assessment Of Pagp Gene Function In Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli Pathogenicity Using Different Challenge Models, Hailey Fugate

Theses and Dissertations

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in poultry, contributing an estimated $40 million in annual losses in the U.S. broiler industry alone, and contributing to growing concerns over antibiotic resistance. This study investigated the role of the pagP gene, which encodes a lipid A palmitoyl transferase involved in immune evasion, using both a broiler chick and embryo challenge model. Deletion of pagP significantly reduced mortality and lesion severity in broilers, indicating its role in APEC pathogenicity. However, in embryos, pagP deletion had minimal effects on survival and bacterial colonization, suggesting alternative virulence mechanisms …

Impact Of An Automated Brush System On Intensively Managed Lactating Dairy Cattle Behavior, Production, And Stress Physiology, Allison Lyn Griffin

Theses and Dissertations

The dairy industry has increasingly prioritized improving animal welfare for intensively housed cows. This study evaluated the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) using an automated brush system on stress physiology, behavior, and productivity of lactating dairy cows. Fifty-nine pregnant and lactating dairy cows were divided into two groups: CON (no brush) and TRT (automated brush system). Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol concentrations, and behaviors were monitored in the morning (07:00 h - 11:00 h) and evening (19:00 h - 23:00 h) using high-resolution cameras. The results indicated that cows with brush access had lower cortisol concentrations, suggesting reduced …

Atmospheric Turbulence Education Effects On Flight Anxiety, Megan A. Hanna

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the effect of turbulence education on flight anxiety. A pre-post methodology measured students’ anxiety levels before and after a study abroad flight, using an educational video during the pre-flight survey to change their feelings. The Flight Anxiety Situations (FAS) questionnaire assessed anxiety at three survey points: pre-video, post-video, and post-flight. Qualitative analysis using Friedman’s test and the Wilcoxon Signed-rank test, indicated that turbulence education effectively decreased generalized and anticipatory flight anxiety, particularly in non-phobic students. Text analysis of open-ended responses suggested increased scientific knowledge post-video helped students apply technical atmospheric processes to their feelings. Turbulence education was …

The Effects Of Biological Products On Soybean In Mississippi, Tucker Alan Hilyer

Theses and Dissertations

Biological products are an option being marketed towards Mississippi soybean producers that have many purported effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of biological products across the predominant soybean growing regions of Mississippi. Products were evaluated at seven site-years in Mississippi during the 2023 and 2024 growing season against an untreated and treated control in a randomized complete block design. Products were evaluated for agronomic, morphological, and pathological effects. Very few effects from biological products were observed. With a lack of effects, adoption of these biologicals in Mississippi may be seldom.

Exploring Sexual Dimorphism In A Drosophila Melanogaster Model Of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, Madelyn Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases affect over 36 million people and are characterized by loss of motor control, neuronal degradation, and behavioral changes. The most common of these diseases exhibit sexually dimorphic effects. In this study, Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) was modeled in the Drosophila central nervous system using the yeast hybrid UAS/GAL4 system. Locomotor activity and clock gene expression was monitored for male and female SCA1 and control flies. Clock genes such as per, tim, Clk, and cyc were monitored over a 24-hour period using qRT-PCR, and distinct sexual dimorphism was detected in locomotor activity and in gene expression for SCA1 …

A Cloud Of Witnesses: Captivity Among The Society People Of Colonial Pennsylvania, Jenifer L. Ishee

Theses and Dissertations

In 1760, Jean McCord Lowry published a journal detailing her three years of captivity among the Delawares of Pennsylvania and the French Catholic authorities in New France during the Seven Years’ War. Lowry was a member of a religious community known as the Society People that strictly adhered to the codes, rules, and ordinances of the Scottish National Covenant of 1638 and the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643. This sect emerged from a series of European imperial conflicts that led to internal divisions within the Covenanter community. The Society People in Scotland, Ireland, and colonial America believed themselves the …

The Effect Of Dexmedetomidine On The Frequency Of Ureteral Jets Detected In Dogs Using Standard Brightness Mode Ultrasonography, Leonard E. Jordan Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Ultrasonography can be used in dogs to visualize urine entering the urinary bladder (ureteral jets) to determine whether urine enters the bladder normally. Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for chemical restraint and has diuretic properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the number of jets detected using B-mode ultrasonography. We hypothesized: that intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine would cause increased numbers of jets; that jets would increase with increasing doses of dexmedetomidine and length of sedation. Compared to baseline, increases in observed jets occurred at 30- and 40-minutes post 3 mcg/kg (p=0.042 …

Research Advancement Of Guayule Resin As A Natural Wood Preservative, Abigael Nasimiyu Laisa

Theses and Dissertations

Increasing concerns about human health and the environment have led to raised demand for eco-friendly wood preservatives. Guayule resin, extracted from Parthenium argentatum plant contains insecticidal and antifungal compounds making it a promising natural wood preservative. This study evaluated suitable carrier system for guayule resin, as well as leaching rate and termite resistance of treated yellow poplar and southern pine specimens. Wood specimens were treated with different concentrations of guayule in acetone, toluene, and ethyl acetate using vacuum impregnation. The leaching behavior and termite resistance of the treated specimens were assessed according to the AWPA Standard E11-16 and AWPA Standard …

Just Do Something: Framing A Movement To Fight Fascism, Heather-Ann Layth

Theses and Dissertations

This study seeks to better understand antifascist activism, in part to add sociological perspectives to the antifascist movement and better understand a group publicly maligned by negative portrayals by politicians and the media. This study is important because fascism is already doing real damage to marginalized Americans and represents a real threat of further identitarian and authoritarian oppression. Yet, the movement against growing fascism has been painted as a boogeyman in the public eye. Efforts to stop neo-Nazis and white supremacists from gathering are not discussed in terms of fighting fascism but rather in terms which criminalize and demonize antifascists. …

The Effects Of Alfaxalone, Alone Or With Butorphanol, On The Ultrasonographic Appearance Of The Feline Spleen, Grace Mcbride

Theses and Dissertations

The sonographic effects of alfaxalone and butorphanol alone and in combination on feline splenic size, shape, margins, echogenicity, echotexture, and blood flow were investigated. In this randomized, prospective crossover study, 8 healthy adult cats were injected with alfaxalone 2.0 mg/kg IM, butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg IM, and each drug in combination. Splenic ultrasounds were performed before drug administration, then every 15 minutes for 1 hour. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and feline multiparametric sedation scores (FMSS) were recorded. Following at least a 7-day washout period, cats switched groups and the study was repeated. An increase in splenic size and no significant changes …

Evaluating The Use Of Translucency Score As An Effective Parameter Of Eggshell Quality, Cassidy Autumn Morris

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to determine if an egg’s translucency score (TS) could be used as an effective predicting parameter to determine eggshell quality in both broiler breeders and commercial laying hens. In broiler breeders, it was determined that TS could be used as an effective predicting parameter for eggshell thickness (P< 0.001) and L* scores (P< 0.001). It was also found that the supplementation of organically sourced trace minerals could significantly decrease the TS of eggs, resulting in a better-quality eggshell (P< 0.001). In two different aged commercial laying hen experiments, there was no conclusive evidence for TS to be a predictive parameter of eggshell quality throughout the storage period. It was found, however, that the storage period did significantly increase the TS throughout storage in both experiments (P< 0.001).

The Effect Of X-Ray Irradiation Technology On Salmonella Spp. And Quality Parameters Of Ready-To-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Kala Grace Morris

Theses and Dissertations

Salmonella contamination in cookie dough poses a threat to consumers. This study investigated the effect of X-ray irradiation on Salmonella-inoculated ready-to-bake chocolate chip cookie dough and its impact on dough quality. A Salmonella cocktail (~10 log CFU/g) was prepared and inoculated into cookie dough samples (~6.5 log CFU/g) and then treated with X?ray irradiation (0.25, 0.5, and 1 kGy). Salmonella decreased by 1.15, 1.79, and 2.49 log CFU/g, at an exposure of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 kGy, respectively. Quality parameters (pH, aw, and colorimetry) were evaluated for two brands. No statistical difference (P>0.05) in pH was observed for Brand …

Evaluation Of Broiler Performance And Processing Metrics Through Sodium Bisulfate Application To Litter And Varying Inclusions In Feed, Samantha Suzanne Plocher

Theses and Dissertations

Poultry producers must continuously evaluate current practices and determine new ones to further optimize broiler production. Sodium bisulfate (SB) is used as a poultry litter amendment (SBL), but also in human food to control pH; thus, initiating interest for SB in feed (SBF) for performance and gut health benefits. This thesis utilized common diets varying in SBF (Chapters II and III) and SBL (Chapter II; SBL1- d 0 and SBL2 – d 0 and 18) to optimize 40 d broiler performance, litter quality, and d 41 processing metrics. For Chapter II, d 0 SBL1 dramatically lowered litter pH, while minimally …

Stakeholder Opinions On Design And Management Strategies At The Pharr Mounds Site, Lauryn Elizabeth Polito

Theses and Dissertations

The Pharr Mounds site along the Natchez Trace Parkway is a culturally significant burial location that is visited by thousands each year. This site is home to the remains of an ancient group of individuals that the current Chickasaw Nation are descended. To provide culturally sensitive management strategies, enhance visitor experience, and to analyze the perspectives of others on design solutions, a mixed-method approach including individual interviews and online surveys were used for three main stakeholder groups including members from the Chickasaw Nation, employees from the National Park service, and public site visitors. Questions addressed mound significance, site accessibility, interpretation, …

Removal Of Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin, Microcystin-Lr Via Graphene Coated Polymers, Justin Douglas Puhnaty

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates a novel 3D-printed graphene-coated polymer (GCP) for the removal of Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a harmful cyanotoxin produced during harmful algal blooms (HABs). While graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) exhibit high adsorption capacity, their powdered form limits practical application. To address this, GnPs were coated onto 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) substrates, enabling enhanced handling for field deployment. Surface characterization using laser confocal microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed GnP distribution and coating uniformity. Batch adsorption experiments revealed pseudo-second-order kinetics, a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 596 μg/g, and adsorption behavior best described by the Langmuir isotherm. Statistical analysis and comparison …

Evaluating The Efficiency And Effectiveness Of Drones For Monitoring Animals, Emma Ann Schultz

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate animal population estimates inform effective conservation and management strategies. Drones have become a common tool for animal monitoring. Typical drone flight planning involves image overlap to create an orthomosaic; however, this may lead to animal population estimate errors. To quantify this sampling error, I simulated a range of real-world monitoring scenarios for robust application in assessment of animal counts from drones using agent-based modeling. Scenarios investigated effects of 1) animal densities, 2) animal distributions, 3) animal movements, and 4) drone flight patterns. First, I investigated five animal densities (n = 4, 9, 25, 49, 100 animals/survey area) and three …

Projected Future Reservoir Impairment In The Conterminous United States Following Three Climate Change Scenarios, Darren James Shoemaker

Theses and Dissertations

Anthropogenic climate change has been associated with reservoir aging and reduced ecosystem function. Communities throughout the world depend on reservoirs for services such as hydropower, drinking water, flood mitigation, and recreational opportunities. Though reservoirs were typically constructed to meet human needs, they are now also acknowledged as supporting biodiverse aquatic communities. Reservoir managers are expected to maintain services and biodiversity demanded by diverse users despite high uncertainty surrounding how climate will influence reservoirs through time. Additionally, data describing reservoir function at broad spatial extents are often either unavailable, incompatible between agencies, or prohibitively resource-intensive to obtain. Expert opinion surveys are …

Effects Of Environmental Stress And Antimicrobials On The Health, Microbiome, And Product Shelf-Life Of Channel And Hybrid Catfish, Guyue Tang

Theses and Dissertations

Two studies investigated various aspects of channel and hybrid catfish production and processing. The first study examined the effects of ammonia stress (15 mg/L vs. 1 mg/L control) on growth performance and fillet quality. While channel catfish demonstrated superior growth, ammonia stress minimally impacted the sensory profiles of both species. Gut microbiota analysis revealed species-specific differences, with Lactococcus lactis dominating hybrid catfish communities. The second study evaluated buffered vinegar treatment (1.5%) on fillet shelf life during refrigerated storage. Vinegar-treated fillets maintained better microbiological quality, with aerobic plate counts remaining below 7 log cfu/g through day 6, while untreated fillets exceeded …

The Confluence, Volume 4, Issue 1, Full Issue

The Confluence

No abstract provided.

You Are Not The Hero: Women’S Role In “Rapunzel”, Amber L. Budd

The Confluence

This paper uses the Feminist literary theory to examine the roles and presentation of characters in the fairy tale “Rapunzel” and how the women reinforce patriarchal ideals by conforming to either angelic or monstrous behaviors.

The Endurance Of West African Textiles Through The Ages, Sarah Isak-Goode

The Confluence

West Africans have a long history of creating distinctive textiles. Yet, they are frequently misunderstood. Though often bold, the patterns and colors used in textiles have a subtle meaning. Separately and together, many of these patterns and symbols represent an unspoken language among natives. Research from the pre-colonial era to the contemporary era has shown that these textiles have persisted because of the reverence West Africans hold for both their heritage and personal expression. Further research is recommended to gain understanding of these textiles, from both the past and the present, as well as the West Africans who have intently …

Revisiting Bennett’S Hypothesis: The Unintended Effects Of Student Financial Aid On The Cost Of College, Mark Jayson Farol

Spectra Undergraduate Research Journal

As higher education strives to be more inclusive, escalating tuition costs pose a significant barrier to accessibility. Government efforts to increase federal financial aid aim to mitigate this issue, but according to William Bennett’s hypothesis, such interventions may inadvertently increase college costs. This study investigates Bennett’s Hypothesis with the latest cross-sectional data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Focusing on 2-year and 4-year U.S. public and private nonprofit colleges, the study examines the effects of government and institutional financial aid on the cost of attendance. The analysis is structured around financial aid packaging institutional, charging variances, and financial aid …

Obstetric Violence Awareness And Advocacy: Identifying Gender Based Violence In Maternity, Lillian E. Shaw

Spectra Undergraduate Research Journal

Recent trends of the excess of medical intervention during childbirth, particularly in uncomplicated births, along with an alarming spread of coercive and abusive practices towards women during childbirth requires immediate attention. This paper serves to address and bring awareness to the existence and extent of a form of gender-based violence, referred to as obstetric violence. The following in-depth literature review of 25 publications explores obstetric violence from various perspectives. In the discussion, I define the concept of obstetric violence and its forms of occurrence in care, examine conceptions and institutions which aid in the maintenance of the issue, suggest strategies …

Climate Change Anxiety And Hope Both Predict Action: A Moderation Analysis, Yuhan Bi, Grace Hyde, Orei Z. Odents, Kai Okagawa, Cassandra Hoffman, Kimberly A. Barchard

Spectra Undergraduate Research Journal

Climate change is associated with extreme weather events that have devastating effects on communities worldwide. These events disrupt ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and influence physical and mental well-being. Urgent action is needed. Prior studies demonstrate that people are more likely to take action if they feel anxious about climate change and if they feel hopeful they can make a difference. However, we hypothesized that anxiety and hope would interact: that anxiety would only predict action when people felt hopeful. Therefore, we used path analysis to determine if hope moderates the relation between anxiety and action.

In a cross-sectional design, 500 United …