Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 51241 - 51270 of 819728

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Evaluation Of Current Management Strategies For The Tarnished Plant Bug And Tobacco Thrips In Midsouthern Cotton, Hunter Lane Lipsey Dec 2024

Evaluation Of Current Management Strategies For The Tarnished Plant Bug And Tobacco Thrips In Midsouthern Cotton, Hunter Lane Lipsey

Theses and Dissertations

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is an important economic pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (L.), in the Midsouth region of the United States. An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of insecticide class loss on yield and Lygus populations in the recently commercialized ThryvOn cotton technology. Data indicated no significant yield loss when excluding any currently utilized insecticide class for tarnished plant bug management. An additional objective was to reevaluate the sampling interval necessary to scout ThryvOn cotton for Lygus. No significant differences were observed between a 3 or 7-day sample interval compared to plots …

Go to article

Evaluating The Emergent Wetland Plant Juncus Effusus As A Tool In Phytoremediation Of Nitrogen And Copper, Jacob Aaron Hockensmith Dec 2024

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. …

Go to article

Changing Attitudes And Increasing Fruit And Vegetable Intake Of Elementary-Aged Children Through School Gardens, Hayley Rae Meriwether Dec 2024

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 …

Go to article

The Plastics Crisis: Responsible Recycling In Civil Engineering And Infrastructure, Jason Howell Stewart Dec 2024

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 …

Go to article

Factors Influencing Quality Of Citizen Science-Collected Litter Data And The Retention Of Recruited Citizen Scientists, Jessi Alexandria James-Barry Dec 2024

Factors Influencing Quality Of Citizen Science-Collected Litter Data And The Retention Of Recruited Citizen Scientists, Jessi Alexandria James-Barry

Theses and Dissertations

There are many benefits to using citizen science in scientific research, however, there are several perceived limitations. One being that citizen science data are often viewed as inferior or unusable by the broader science community. A primary concern to the usability and accuracy of this data depends on the level of training a participant receives. Another limitation is the recruitment and retention of volunteers participating in the data collection process. To further understand how training level affects the accuracy of citizen science and how demographics may influence participation, this study evaluated 73 volunteers trained in two different marine debris data …

Go to article

Plastic Contaminants Detection And Classification In Seed Cotton Using Customed Design Feeder Separator Unit And Convolutional Neural Network, Jonathan Harjono Dec 2024

Plastic Contaminants Detection And Classification In Seed Cotton Using Customed Design Feeder Separator Unit And Convolutional Neural Network, Jonathan Harjono

Theses and Dissertations

The thesis presents an application of a convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect and classify plastic contaminants in seed cotton in real-time, in a ginning environment. A multi-layered CNN was developed and used to detect plastic contaminants from images captured by a universal serial bus (USB) camera, in a flowing cotton stream, with an artificial lighting system. The CNN was trained using a collection of images captured in the dynamic setting that simulated real-time cotton flow using a custom design feeder system. The CNN was trained in Google Colaboratory (Colab) environment. After the training was completed, it was then converted …

Go to article

Advances In Cluster Detection Via Order Statistics, Renewal Processes And Model Selection Methods With Applications To Financial Forensic Statistics, Kwabena Ansong Boateng Dec 2024

Advances In Cluster Detection Via Order Statistics, Renewal Processes And Model Selection Methods With Applications To Financial Forensic Statistics, Kwabena Ansong Boateng

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation develops a novel method to detect clusters that appear in financial transaction data that are linked to fraud. The methods utilize properties of order statistics, renewal processes, and model segmentation. We apply the Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle to select the best model. Our technique makes use of a genetic algorithm to determine the number and location of anomalous cluster(s) embedded in a set of financial transactions. We apply our novel cluster detection method to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a U.S. Government initiative launched in April 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic to aid small businesses affected by …

Go to article

Applied Behavior Analysis: Perspectives Of Mississippi Students Before They Enter The Educational Behavioral Consulting Field, Lauren Ashley Besong Dec 2024

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 …

Go to article

Identification Of Bacterial Species Composition And Diversity Of Chicken Breast Meat During Processing., Lizzie Raquel Zaldivar Dec 2024

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 …

Go to article

"We Don't Say That, Margaret!" : Narratives Of White Women Admissions Officers And Their Exploration Of Whiteness And White Racial Identity, Kelsey Aline Walker Dec 2024

"We Don't Say That, Margaret!" : Narratives Of White Women Admissions Officers And Their Exploration Of Whiteness And White Racial Identity, Kelsey Aline Walker

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative narrative inquiry study examined the narratives and experiences of White women admissions officers at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and explored how they engaged with the development of their white racial identity throughout their professional careers. Using Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS) and Helms’ (1990) white racial identity development model, the research questions were: What are White women admissions officers’ narratives of their experiences with whiteness at predominately white institutions? How do White women's admission officers make meaning of their racial identity? Data was collected from seven White women admissions officers through a demographic survey and two 45-60-minute interviews. The …

Go to article

Description And Influence Of Diseases On The East Mississippi Catfish Industry, And The Role Of Clay Minerals, Iron, And Aluminum Salts In The Susceptibility Of Channel Catfish To Aeromonas Hydrophila And Edwardsiella Ictaluri, Mark Alan Peterman Dec 2024

Description And Influence Of Diseases On The East Mississippi Catfish Industry, And The Role Of Clay Minerals, Iron, And Aluminum Salts In The Susceptibility Of Channel Catfish To Aeromonas Hydrophila And Edwardsiella Ictaluri, Mark Alan Peterman

Theses and Dissertations

In 2014, a virulent clonal group of Aeromonas hydrophila (VAH) was the predominant disease impacting the east Mississippi (EMS) commercial catfish industry. The EMS aquatic ambulatory service observed an area not prone to VAH outbreaks. In addition, frequent underestimations of the scope and economic impact of the EMS catfish industry and its diseases warranted a descriptive effort. Therefore, the EMS catfish industry, its economic impact, the diseases of this region and their economic impact were described. Further, differences in water and geological chemistry of the area not prone to VAH outbreaks, and the sensitivity of VAH and Edwardsiella ictaluri to …

Go to article

Invasive Bigheaded Carp Distribution Patterns In Oxbow Lakes Of The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Michaela Ann Palmieri Dec 2024

Invasive Bigheaded Carp Distribution Patterns In Oxbow Lakes Of The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Michaela Ann Palmieri

Theses and Dissertations

Large populations of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Bighead Carp (H. nobilis), collectively called bigheaded carps, may have significant impacts where they are invasive. In the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), bigheaded carps have been documented in major rivers; however, knowledge of their distribution in oxbow lakes is lacking. Species distribution models are tools that can be used to estimate species distribution with presence data and environmental variables. As a cost-effective alternative to onsite sampling, I administered a questionnaire to biologists to inventory bigheaded carp presence and obtained environmental data from existing datasets. I used Maximum Entropy (Maxent) to illustrate …

Go to article

Physics-Based And Data-Driven Constitutive Modeling Of Unsaturated Soils Under Multi-Physics Loading Conditions, Mohsen Ajdari Dec 2024

Physics-Based And Data-Driven Constitutive Modeling Of Unsaturated Soils Under Multi-Physics Loading Conditions, Mohsen Ajdari

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the behavior of unsaturated soils under multi-physics loading is crucial for addressing several challenges related to emerging geo-energy technologies, climate change, and geohazard mitigation. The main objective of this research is to enhance the state of the art for modeling unsaturated soils under multi-physics loading conditions through physics-based and data-driven approaches. Toward this objective, this dissertation is divided into two distinct yet interrelated parts. In the first part (Chapters 2, 3, and 4), thermodynamic principles are employed to develop new constitutive functions to describe soil suction and stress-dilatancy of unsaturated soils under temperature-dependent conditions. Building upon the insights gained …

Go to article

Evaluation Of Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Seed Inoculation With Bradyrhizobium Japonicum And Bacillus Subtilis On Yield And Root System Architecture: A Herbicide Carryover Perspective, Ncomiwe Andile Maphalala Dec 2024

Evaluation Of Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Seed Inoculation With Bradyrhizobium Japonicum And Bacillus Subtilis On Yield And Root System Architecture: A Herbicide Carryover Perspective, Ncomiwe Andile Maphalala

Theses and Dissertations

Reducing herbicide carryover in soybean production is imperative to sustain future soybean cropping systems in Mississippi and the rest of the world. This research was conducted to determine the response of inoculated soybean to corn (Zea mays L.) residual herbicides. The herbicide treatments included aatrex (atrazine), callisto (mesotrione), lexar (atrazine+mesotrione+s-metolachlor), and steadfast (nicosulfuron+rimsulfuron) at 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the total label rate. Inoculant treatments were Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bacillus subtilis, and no inoculant. Bacterial inoculants positively impacted most shoot and root growth parameters, significantly increasing depending on the herbicide x inoculant treatment combination and its rate. B.japonicum alone and …

Go to article

Impact Of Cascading Optical Processes On Spectroscopic Quantification Of Absorption And Scattering Properties Of Samples, Pathum Dilshan De Silva Wathudura Dec 2024

Impact Of Cascading Optical Processes On Spectroscopic Quantification Of Absorption And Scattering Properties Of Samples, Pathum Dilshan De Silva Wathudura

Theses and Dissertations

Light absorption and scattering are fundamental properties of matter, particularly significant in nanoscale materials. This study explores how cascading optical processes affect the experimental measurement of absorption and scattering intensities, along with scattering depolarization, in samples containing absorbers and scatterers. The experimental UV–vis spectrum results from the combination of absorption and scattering extinction spectra. However, the maximum measurable extinction may be limited by forward scattered light. Light absorption decreases the intensity of scattered light and influences scattering depolarization. While scattering can reduce absorption along the optical path to the detector, sufficient absorption of the scattered light may counterbalance this effect, …

Go to article

Evaluation Of The Physical And Mechanical Properties Of Hardwoods And Softwood Cross Laminated Timber, Richard Olakunle Omotayo Dec 2024

Evaluation Of The Physical And Mechanical Properties Of Hardwoods And Softwood Cross Laminated Timber, Richard Olakunle Omotayo

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is focused on the evaluation of cross laminated timber made from southern pine lumber and low-grade hardwood species (which included red oak, sweetgum, and yellow poplar) growing in the southeastern part of the United States. The properties of interest were density, modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and dynamic modulus of elasticity (dMOE). Mechanical testing using static bending technique was used to determine MOE and MOR and non-destructive technique (NDT) was used to predict dMOE. The results from mechanical testing showed that over 98% of low-grade hardwood CLT samples exceeded 8300 MPa. This proved the suitability …

Go to article

Investigations Of Guayule Resin As A Wood Protectant, Queen Aguma Dec 2024

Investigations Of Guayule Resin As A Wood Protectant, Queen Aguma

Theses and Dissertations

Wood products are subject to deterioration by numerous processes, as a biological material. Today, a significant area of preservative development is the utilization of existing plant residues that have water-repelling, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties as components of wood protectants. Parthenium argentatum, known as guayule (wy-oo-lee), is a promising wood protectant due to its resin. However, the resin's complicated chemical, physical, and solvent-resistant properties make it difficult to use. The primary goal of this study was to eliminate the use of any solvent and rely on thermal modification only to fractionate usable compounds from guayule resin. Utilizing heated dialysis and …

Go to article

Innovative Methyl Bromide Alternatives: Efficacy Of Acetic Acid Coated Ham Nets And Carboxymethyl Cellulose Films In Inhibiting Mite Infestations On Dry-Cured Ham, Sawyer Wyatt Smith Dec 2024

Innovative Methyl Bromide Alternatives: Efficacy Of Acetic Acid Coated Ham Nets And Carboxymethyl Cellulose Films In Inhibiting Mite Infestations On Dry-Cured Ham, Sawyer Wyatt Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Dry-cured hams may become infested with Tyrophagus putrescentiae (ham mites) during the aging process. Traditionally, methyl bromide (MB) fumigation has been used to control these infestations, but its phase-out due to environmental concerns has prompted the need for alternative methods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of acetic acid-coated ham nets and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based edible films with propylene glycol (PG) in mitigating mite infestations. Laboratory trials assessed the impact of these treatments on mite orientation, reproduction, infestation rates, and sensory quality. Results indicate that CMC films were effective at controlling mite growth and reproduction with minimal sensory impact. In contrast, …

Go to article

Habitat Suitability Modeling For Optimizing Stand Initiation And Restoration Efforts Of Economically And Ecologically Important Hardwoods, Segun Michael Adeyemo Dec 2024

Habitat Suitability Modeling For Optimizing Stand Initiation And Restoration Efforts Of Economically And Ecologically Important Hardwoods, Segun Michael Adeyemo

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses critical challenges in forest management and restoration in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) through a series of interconnected studies focused on improving habitat suitability modeling and growth prediction for oak species. The research employs advanced modeling techniques to enhance our understanding of species-habitat relationships and forest dynamics in the context of climate change. Initial studies focused on developing ensemble habitat suitability models for American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and butternut (Juglans cinerea), two historically important but currently threatened tree species. These models predict suitable habitats and potential range shifts under various climate change scenarios, highlighting the species' …

Go to article

Evaluation And Characterization Of Two Capacitive Sensors For Cotton Moisture Measurement In Static And Dynamic Modes For Real-Time Use In Cotton Gin, Sushma Perati Dec 2024

Evaluation And Characterization Of Two Capacitive Sensors For Cotton Moisture Measurement In Static And Dynamic Modes For Real-Time Use In Cotton Gin, Sushma Perati

Theses and Dissertations

Two capacitive sensors, a commercial FP-32C and a custom design capacitor plate were evaluated for real-time cotton moisture content (MC%) measurement in ginning environment. The sensors were able to measure MC ranges of 3.56%–19.7% and 4.56%–21.04% MC for FP-32C and custom capacitor pate, respectively. In dynamic mode, the ranges were 4.9%–14.5% and 4.9%–14.7% respectively. Results showed that measurements of both sensors had strong correlations with results obtained from oven method. A comparison of moisture content measurement methods using a moisture balance (M5 Thermo 163M,) and oven method was conducted with the result showing that Lint-Only samples were the most closely …

Go to article

Ecological Niches Applied To Socioeconomic Phenomena: The Case Of The Colombian Internal Conflict, Alexander Alegría, Laura Jiménez, Jhon Jairo Alvarado-Quintero Dec 2024

Ecological Niches Applied To Socioeconomic Phenomena: The Case Of The Colombian Internal Conflict, Alexander Alegría, Laura Jiménez, Jhon Jairo Alvarado-Quintero

Peace and Conflict Studies

Recent studies of the Colombian conflict have shown that struggle for resource accumulation and territorial control, in a very competitive and violent environment in which the illegal armed groups are involved, is crucial to their survival and development. Here, we applied a highly successful methodology from ecology (Ecological Niche Modelling) to the problem of identifying the ideal socioeconomic conditions for the presence of a Colombian illegal armed group, named the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). We analyzed some determining factors of FARC´s presence and permanence within the Colombian territory that reflect aspects of the socioeconomic dynamics and productive capacity …

Go to article

“The Invulnerable Tide”: Water, Nation, And Nature In Yeats, Nels C. Pearson Dec 2024

“The Invulnerable Tide”: Water, Nation, And Nature In Yeats, Nels C. Pearson

International Yeats Studies

No abstract provided.

Go to article

Subsyndromal Delirium And Postoperative Pain In Older Adults, Dawn Lujean Denny Dec 2024

Subsyndromal Delirium And Postoperative Pain In Older Adults, Dawn Lujean Denny

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between subsyndromal delirium and pain in older adults following major elective orthopedic surgery. The design of this correlational study was based on Inouye and Charpentier's (1996) multifactorial model of delirium.

Go to article

Circadian Body Temperature And Activation Rhythms And The Well-Being Of Independent Older Women, Diana J. Mason Dec 2024

Circadian Body Temperature And Activation Rhythms And The Well-Being Of Independent Older Women, Diana J. Mason

Dissertations

This study examined changes in the circadian parameters of body temperature and activation and their relationship to the well-being of the older woman.

Go to article

Nurse Educators' Perceptions Regarding Faculty Participation In University Governance, Janet J. Gross Dec 2024

Nurse Educators' Perceptions Regarding Faculty Participation In University Governance, Janet J. Gross

Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify nurse educators' perceptions of faculty participation in university governance

Go to article

Nurse Delegation Decision Making: Impact On Nurse Job Satisfaction, Lynn Carol Parsons Dec 2024

Nurse Delegation Decision Making: Impact On Nurse Job Satisfaction, Lynn Carol Parsons

Dissertations

The purpose of this experimental study was to ascertain if a structured educational intervention (versus a mimic intervention) was followed by a statistically significant increase in nurse delegation decision making knowledge and nurse job satisfaction.

Go to article

Reducing The Use Of Multiple Restraints In The Psychiatric Emergency Department, Juliet Nneka Udo Dec 2024

Reducing The Use Of Multiple Restraints In The Psychiatric Emergency Department, Juliet Nneka Udo

Dissertations

The purpose of the quantitative quality-improvement project was to implement the interprofessional collaborative practice model (ICPM) education program for providers, as an evidence-based intervention in reducing the use of multiple restraints in the psychiatric emergency department.

Go to article

Jovial Family Farm Facilitates Intergenerational Learning Opportunities Through Urban Farming, Maera Williams Dec 2024

Jovial Family Farm Facilitates Intergenerational Learning Opportunities Through Urban Farming, Maera Williams

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Maera Williams is a sophomore in Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. She joined the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Urban Farming team as a freshman and now serves as project manager of ten undergraduate students collaborating with Jovial Family Farm to design and develop three indoor hydroponics systems for a laboratory space on their property in Broad Ripple, IN. Jovial Family Farm is a nonprofit organization founded by Drs. Bobbie and Brian Jellison with the mission to provide senior citizens, their families, and their communities with meaningful engagement opportunities on an intergenerational scale through urban agricultural activities. …

Go to article

Wolf Park, Pawsing For Impactful Beginnings: The Role Of Community Engagement And Education In Service-Learning, John W. Robbins, Deniz Eksioglu, Kaushal Patel Dec 2024

Wolf Park, Pawsing For Impactful Beginnings: The Role Of Community Engagement And Education In Service-Learning, John W. Robbins, Deniz Eksioglu, Kaushal Patel

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Our team’s endeavor, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Kristen Bellisario, encapsulates a service-learning journey with Wolf Park, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and research of wolves and wildlife. Through immersive experiences, community outreach, and collaborative partnerships, our team sought to amplify public understanding of wildlife conservation and inspire a sense of responsibility among participants. This essay examines the impact of our initiatives on both the community and ourselves, emphasizing the transformative potential of education, engagement, and community partnerships in effecting positive societal change. Our team advocates for sustained support for wildlife conservation efforts and underscore the necessity of …

Go to article

Beyond The Bench: Redefining Research Impact In Society, Nouran Amin Dec 2024

Beyond The Bench: Redefining Research Impact In Society, Nouran Amin

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

The following essay reports on the reflective experiences of the author’s time completing a certificate program “Advancing Graduate Research Impact in Society” offered by Purdue University’s Office of Community Engagement in Fall 2023. It begins by narrating the author's journey as a Muslim woman in STEM spaces, highlighting the lack of relatable role models and the ensuing dissonance between aspirations and prevailing narratives. Through introspection, the essay progresses to examine the paradox of publicly funded but inaccessible science, which often fails to engage with community needs and priorities. The essay underscores the importance of inclusivity and diverse representation in scientific …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last