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A Geant4 Based Simulation Toolkit For Detector Response Evaluations In Operational Health Physics And Nuclear Safety Applications, Ronald James Unz

Theses and Dissertations

This work describes the development of a Monte Carlo simulation toolkit built on the Geant4 framework for applied health physics applications. The toolkit is designed to construct complex radiation fields and measure how radiation detectors respond to those fields, specifically radiation fields expected to be encountered in environmental and safety applications. The toolkit, along with its development and validation, is described. The use of the toolkit for performing minimum detectable concentration evaluations is outlined, following methods described in the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) and Nuclear Regulatory Guidance Manual 1507, which detail Minimum Detectable Concentrations for Typical …

Steric Tuning Of Hexadentate Chelates And Their Effects On The Stability And Redox Properties Of First-Row Transition Metals, Ryan Benjamin Gaynor

Theses and Dissertations

Chelation of first-row transition metals has many useful properties in the biomedical and industrial fields due to the stabilizing and/or property-altering effects that certain chelates can induce in these metals. One such useful design principle for these chelates is the addition of bulky steric groups which can have an added effect on these properties. Chapter I will explore the origins of these effects and show examples of how these effects are leveraged to produce useful complexes in a variety of applications. In Chapter II, we will discuss our choice of ligand design and the development of related synthetic procedures for …

Using Phenological And Physiological Data To Improve Bioenergy Feedstock Production Of Populus In The Southeastern United States, Jiaxin Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change poses a significant threat to bioenergy production, impacting plant’s phenology and physiological performance. Investigating the adaptation of bioenergy crops like Populus is crucial for sustaining production. Populus, known for its genetic variation and ease of study, offers insights into tree responses to climate change. My research, part of the Advancing Populus Pathways in the Southeast (APPS) project, focuses on various Populus genotypes across multiple growing seasons, exploring phenology under different management strategies. Planting Populus across two sites, namely Monroe and Pontotoc, allows for the examination of genotype responses to climate change factors, particularly in terms of phenology and …

Nest Box Use By Common Goldeneye (Bucephala Clangula) In The Chena River System, Interior Alaska, Riley D. Porter

Theses and Dissertations

Various environmental and demographic factors can influence nest site selection in cavity-nesting birds. Nest site choices may involve females’ familiarity with local habitats or resources, or information gained about the quality of a potential nest site. Common Goldeneyes (Bucephela clangula) are philopatric, yet some proportions of available nest boxes commonly remain vacant during breeding seasons throughout the birds’ range. As part of a long-term (1997-2022) study of Common Goldeneyes, I monitored 150 nest boxes in 2021 and 2022 in the Chena River State Recreation Area, Fairbanks, Alaska. I studied use of nest boxes based on box- and landscape specific habitat …

Factors Associated With Undergraduate Students Pursuing Health And Dietetic Careers, Claire Bolen Hardin

Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated factors that influenced undergraduate students’ career paths within health care and the dietetics field. A 34-item Qualtrics survey was emailed to undergraduate students. Most of the participants (N=355) were females (72.2%), 72.9% were white students and 21.6% were black or African Americans. Results indicated the main reason students chose their major was personal interest. Other reasons included lifestyle, family, potential financial success, and friends. More than 50% of students indicated they personally knew someone who has the job they desire after college. Diversity within majors and health-related professions could be influenced by gender and ethnicity. …

Simulated Residual Nitrogen Scavenging And Recovery Among Cover Crop Systems Using Nitrogen-15 In A Corn Production Setting, Curtis Champ Knight

Theses and Dissertations

Nitrogen recovery and contribution to production agricultural systems are critical services provided by cover crops investigated in this study. Research was conducted to evaluate the effect of simulated residual N (SRN) on N recovery in various winter cover crop systems (CCS) and subsequent effects on corn N uptake. Biomass, C and N measurements, 15N recovery, and sources of N acquisition were quantified among CCS. Subsequently, CCS and SRN effects on corn productivity and N status were quantified. Grass-included CCS had the greatest N scavenging ability by CCS termination, though they had negative or neutral effects on corn N acquisition. Brassicas-included …

Time After Time: Deciphering Structural Violence And Vulnerability Using Postmortem Recovery Time Data And Demographics Throughout The Southeast Region Of The United States, Elise J. Adams

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last few decades, forensic anthropological research has made significant strides in developing better methods for decedent identification and increasing the accuracy of time since death/postmortem interval (PMI) estimations within medicolegal contexts. Until recently however, there has been little emphasis placed on how socioeconomic considerations might be connected, especially regarding recovery times for individuals from various demographic backgrounds. Using intersectional and biocultural frameworks and data collected from forensic anthropologists and medicolegal labs throughout the Southeastern US, this research aims to decipher the role that inequality, through instances of social vulnerability and structural violence, plays in recovery time data throughout …

Forest Management In Changing Landscapes: Evaluating Hurricane Damage And Salvage Market Dynamics, Ian Pereira Sartorio

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation comprises three interrelated studies exploring the effects of hurricanes on forestlands and the optimization of salvage logging practices. The first study examines land cover changes and salvage logging patterns following Hurricane Michael. It utilizes predictive models to identify key drivers of these changes, exploring the relative influence of storm intensity, forest vulnerability, and economic/operational factors. The second study builds upon these findings, focusing on the agent attribution for land cover change observations leveraging advanced remote sensing tools and relevant spatial data. By distinguishing between wind damage and salvage logging activities, it advances the understanding of post-hurricane land cover …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Lithium Tris (2-(Dimethyl Amino)Phenyl)Tert-Butyl Gallate [Li(Me2nph)3gatbu] Complex For The Catalytic Hydroboration Of Benzophenone, Mohammad Raziul Hasan

Theses and Dissertations

The development of non-noble metal catalysts has become a prominent topic in the field of Organometallic Chemistry research. Aldehydes and ketones have been catalytically reduced through hydroboration employing unsupported bimetallic Li-M complexes, where M is a group 13 metal (Al, Ga or, In). Herein, we disclose our studies on the supported Li-M complex [Li{(tert-Bu)M(o-C6H4(NMe2))3}],where M=Ga, which catalyzes the hydroboration of benzophenone at room temperature using HBpin. A tris-chelate of Gallium complex [Ga(o-C6H4(NMe2))3] was synthesized as precursors to produce the Li-Ga complex [Li{(tert-Bu)Ga(o-C6H4(NMe2))3}] in excellent yield by reacting it with tert-Butyl lithium in diethyl ether [yield (93%)].The precursor and complexes were …

Here I Am, Like I Am: Disability In Twentieth-Century Southern Literature, Rachel M. Bell

Theses and Dissertations

The depiction of people with disabilities in American literature has varied considerably throughout the twentieth century. In the south in particular, disabled individuals have been portrayed as violent, licentious, and deceitful. This thesis examines three hallmarks of American southern literature—Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, William Faulkner’s Sanctuary, and the short stories of Flannery O’Connor—to demonstrate the anxiety of that era surrounding disability, as well as how disability works in tandem with race and class. The fixation of these works on the sexual immorality of disabled men reflects the fascination with eugenics in the mid-twentieth century, as do their animalistic …

Distribution And Abundance Of Breeding Tidal Marsh Birds Across The Mississippi Gulf Coast, Rachel V. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

Tidal marsh and its bird community across the northern Gulf of Mexico are subject to numerous disturbances such as oil spills, hurricanes, habitat loss from land use change, and high relative sea level rise rates looming in the future. Baseline population data and landscape associations are greatly needed to assess the current distribution and the future impact of perturbations on marsh birds across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Using a standardized sampling design and point count survey protocol, we determined the abundance and population size of Clapper Rails, Common/Purple Gallinules, Least Bitterns, Marsh Wrens, Seaside Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Common Yellowthroats …

Exploring The Plant Orphan Gene Qqs: Unveiling Its Molecular Mechanism, Functional Network, And Agricultural Implications, Rezwan Tanvir

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, understanding the emergence and integration of novel genes into genomes has garnered significant interest within the scientific community. Species-specific orphan genes have become particularly intriguing due to their recent appearance and distinct structural characteristics. Despite their prevalence and potential evolutionary significance, studying orphan genes poses challenges due to their lack of similarity to other genes, resulting in limited functional annotations. This study aims to delve into the mechanisms, functions, networks, and agricultural implications of orphan genes. QQS (Qua-Quine Starch), exclusively identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, stands as the first functionally characterized orphan gene in plants. It regulates carbon …

Effects Of Cascading Optical Processes On Quantification Of Sample Scattering Extinction, Intensity, And Depolarization, Samadhi Nisansala Nawalage

Theses and Dissertations

Complex samples containing nanoscale or larger materials exhibit light scattering, a universal property of matter. However, the influence of scattering-induced cascading optical processes on quantifying sample scattering intensity and depolarization has not been thoroughly evaluated. This study uses polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) as a model analyte for systematic experimental and computational investigation. It aims to elucidate the effects of cascading optical processes on scattering cross-section, molar coefficients, depolarization, and intensities. A theoretical model is introduced to show how the Beer-Lambert law is complicated by forward-scattered light interference in UV-Vis measurements. The dependence of scattering intensity on concentration and particle size is …

Evaluation Of Maternal Behavior At Calving On Beef Cattle Traits, William Cobie Rutherford

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of the study were to create a scoring system to assess maternal behavior within 24-h of calving in crossbred beef cows; determine the impact of maternal scores on cow productive responses and evaluate how maternal score varies over animal lifetime; and assess the effect of maternal aggression and perceived mothering ability on calf survivability and growth performance. Calving observations (n = 1,832) were conducted across 12 calf crops from 2017 to 2022 from 680 unique crossbred cows at the Prairie Research Unit, Prairie, MS. Along with routine data collection, dams were subjectively scored for the traits maternal aggression …

Association Between High Health Literacy, Doctor's Recommendation, And Prostate Cancer Screening Among Men In The United States, Felicia Njideka Akunna

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To efficiently identify and prevent the advancement of prostate cancer and decrease mortality rates, it is crucial to examine the impact of health literacy. Despite potential advantages associated with enhanced health literacy and early detection, the United States continues to witness a significant rise in both new prostate cancer cases and mortality rates, emphasizing the severity of the condition. However, it is unclear if those with high health literacy are discouraged from participating in prostate cancer screening due to the risks associated with screening. Based on the stimulus organism response model, 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were analyzed …

The Biology And Function Of Extracellular Vesicles In Immune Response And Immunity, Raghu Kalluri

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as ectosomes and exosomes, contain DNA, RNA, proteins and are encased in a phospholipid bilayer. EVs provide intralumenal cargo for delivery into the cytoplasm of recipient cells with an impact on the function of immune cells, in part because their biogenesis can also intersect with antigen processing and presentation. Motile EVs from activated immune cells may increase the frequency of immune synapses on recipient cells in a proximity-independent manner for local and long-distance modulation of systemic immunity in inflammation, autoimmunity, organ fibrosis, cancer, and infections. Natural and engineered EVs exhibit the ability to impact innate and …

Prostate Cancer-Induced Endothelial-Cell-To-Osteoblast Transition Drives Immunosuppression In The Bone-Tumor Microenvironment Through Wnt Pathway-Induced M2 Macrophage Polarization, Guoyu Yu, Paul G Corn, Celia Sze Ling Mak, Xin Liang, Miao Zhang, Patricia Troncoso, Jian H Song, Song-Chang Lin, Xingzhi Song, Jingjing Liu, Jianhua Zhang, Christopher J Logothetis, Marites P Melancon, Theocharis Panaretakis, Guocan Wang, Sue-Hwa Lin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Immune checkpoint therapy has limited efficacy for patients with bone-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (bmCRPC). To improve immunotherapy for bmCRPC, we aimed to identify the mechanism of bmCRPC-induced changes in the immune microenvironment. Among bmCRPC patients, higher levels of a 32-gene M2-like macrophage signature in bone metastasis samples correlated with shorter overall survival. Immunohistochemistry showed that CD206-positive (CD206+) macrophages were enriched in bmCRPC bone biopsy specimens compared with primary tumors or lymph node metastases. In preclinical osteogenic prostate cancer (Pca) xenograft models, CD206+ macrophages were recruited to areas with tumor-induced bone. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis showed higher expression of an M2-like …

Metal(Loid) Uptake And Physiological Response Of Coix Lacryma-Jobi L To Soil Potentially Toxic Elements In A Polluted Metal-Mining Area, Qun Zhao, Hongyan Liu, Longhua Wu, Peter Christie, Xuewen Wang, Ghulam Rasool, Guilan Peng

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Coix lacryma-jobi L. is a traditional medicinal plant in east Asia and is an important crop in Guizhou province, southwest China, where there are elevated levels of soil mercury and arsenic (As). Exposure to multiple potentially toxic elements (PTEs) may affect plant accumulation of metal(loid)s and food safety in regions with high geological metal concentrations. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of PTEs on metal(loid) accumulation and physiological response of C. lacryma in different plant parts at three pollution levels. Total root length, number of root tips, number of branches, and number of root crosses increased with increasing …

The Conservation Genetics Of Elassoma Alabamae And Phylogeography Of Elassoma Evergladei, David Lee Pounders

Theses and Dissertations

The southeastern U.S. is a hotspot of aquatic biodiversity and endemism in the upland and Coastal Plain regions. One component of this biodiversity is the Pygmy Sunfishes of the genus Elassoma. I used next-generation sequencing to aid in the understanding and conservation of these enigmatic fish. My first chapter focused on one of the most restricted species in the U.S. the Spring Pygmy Sunfish Elassoma alabamae. In this study I found four distinct genetic populations, evidence of founder effects, and that a newly discovered population is native. My second chapter focused on the Everglades Pygmy Sunfish Elassoma evergladei a more …

Attrition Rates In The Engineering Industry By Gender And Time, Josiane Kander

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated attrition rates of engineers in the industry. It used historical data to examine trends of attrition based on gender and time. It found that both gender and time were statistically significant in predicting whether an engineer would be working in the industry or not. Males with an engineering degree were 5.2 times more likely to work in the engineering industry than females with an engineering degree. Additionally, as engineers progress through the profession, they tend to leave it altogether more often than staying in the profession for their entire careers. Pivotal points where engineers leave the industry …

Estimation Of Cyanobacterial Concentrations From Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Imagery Over The Western Mississippi Sound, Gulf Of Mexico, John Preston Liles

Theses and Dissertations

The Western Mississippi Sound (WMS) is home to the largest natural oyster reef in the Gulf of Mexico and contributes substantially to Mississippi's economy. In 2019, the WMS experienced an unprecedented cyanobacterial bloom that killed fish and birds and led to shut down of beaches and oyster fishery. This thesis aims to quantify cyanobacteria from uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) imagery and investigate the relative influence of river discharge into the WMS on cyanobacterial concentrations. Several field campaigns were undertaken to collect field data and UAS imagery from WMS. A remote sensing algorithm was developed to quantify the unique cyanobacterial pigment …

Investigation Of Photoperiodic Control Of Hypocotyl 1’S Role In Promoting Phytochrome B-Photobody Phase Separation, Sarah Anne Pardi

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Light is arguably the most important environmental stimuli for all of plant growth and survival. Not only does light serve as an energy source via photosynthesis, it also serves as a signal for developmental programming. Plants perceive light through light-responsive proteins termed photoreceptors. Phytochromes are conserved red/far-red light photoreceptors. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress), phytochrome B (phyB) is the primary red light photoreceptor. PhyB is involved in regulating almost all developmental processes throughout the plant’s life cycle, from seedling germination to flowering. In response to red light, phytochromes photoconvert to a biologically active form, transport from the …

Gnotobiotic Mouse Models For Characterizing The Role Of The Microbiota On Undernutrition And Early Postnatal Brain Development, Alexandra Elizabeth Byrne

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Undernutrition is a serious global health challenge; it accounts for nearly half of all mortality for children under the age of 5. Worse, undernutrition is compounded by intergenerational inheritance and can be transmitted from mother to offspring. The burden of undernutrition is unequally distributed around the world, with South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for almost 60% of the global childhood stunting. Undernutrition is detrimental to many aspects of development, including long-term deficits in neurodevelopment, and current interventions rarely ameliorate long-term cognitive and motor deficits. Therefore, other causes of undernutrition need to be elucidated in order to treat this epidemic …

Re: Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling Plans (Fsps) And Responses To Agency Comments, Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Vigorous Exercise In Patients With Congenital Long Qt Syndrome: Results Of The Prospective, Observational, Multinational Live-Lqts Study, Rachel Lampert, Sharlene Day, Barbara Ainsworth, Matthew Burg, Bradley S Marino, Lisa Salberg, Maria Teresa Tome Esteban, Dominic J Abrams, Peter F Aziz, Cheryl Barth, Elijah R Behr, Cheyanne Bell, Charles I Berul, Johan M Bos, David Bradley, David S Cannom, Bryan C Cannon, Maryann Anandi Concannon, Marina Cerrone, Richard J Czosek, Anne M Dubin, James Dziura, Christopher C Erickson, N A Mark Estes, Susan P Etheridge, Ilan Goldenberg, Belinda Gray, Carla Haglund-Turnquist, Kimberly Harmon, Cynthia A James, Christopher Johnsrude, Prince Kannankeril, Alice Lara, Ian H Law, Fangyong Li, Mark S Link, Silvana M Molossi, Brian Olshansky, Peter A Noseworthy, Elizabeth V Saarel, Shubhayan Sanatani, Maully Shah, Laura Simone, Jonathan Skinner, Gordon F Tomaselli, James Simon Ware, Gregory Webster, Wojciech Zareba, Douglas P Zipes, Michael J Ackerman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Whether vigorous exercise increases risk of ventricular arrhythmias for individuals diagnosed and treated for congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) remains unknown.

Methods: The National Institutes of Health-funded LIVE-LQTS study (Lifestyle and Exercise in the Long QT Syndrome) prospectively enrolled individuals 8 to 60 years of age with phenotypic and/or genotypic LQTS from 37 sites in 5 countries from May 2015 to February 2019. Participants (or parents) answered physical activity and clinical events surveys every 6 months for 3 years with follow-up completed in February 2022. Vigorous exercise was defined as ≥6 metabolic equivalents for >60 hours per year. A …

Durability Of 34-Year-Old Preservative Treated Test Structures In Mississippi, Brianna A. Duquette

Theses and Dissertations

Boron treated test houses at Mississippi State University’s Dorman Lake test site in Starkville, MS were built in 1989 to investigate the effectiveness of boron treatments with exposure to natural weathering. After being undisturbed for more than 20 years, samples were taken to evaluate the remaining levels of original treatments in the test houses. Visual evaluation of the test structures, curcumin test, and ICP-MS analysis of the borate content shows borates are a capable and effective long-term treatment for wood used in construction. No appreciable damage due to termite feeding was observed. Boron was still detectable by curcumin staining and …

Re: Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling Plans (Fsps) And Responses To Agency Comments, Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

A Multivariate Analysis Of Coliform Microbial Dynamics And Intervention Efficacy In A Complex Ready-To-Eat (Rte) Beef Value Stream, Benjamin Adam Miles

Theses and Dissertations

A complex multi-vector processed beef value stream was biomapped and work-in-process (WIP) was sampled at various processing points that affected the product microbiome. Coliform Petrifilm™ was used to analyze samples qualitatively and quantitatively across the meat and glaze vectors. There was an impact (p≤0.05) of the glaze distribution system on coliforms. The pumps of the glaze system were fully disassembled and additional microbial data were obtained through swabbing. WIP and sponge samples were subjected to 16S V1/V2 gene amplification with primers designed for taxonomic identification. Sequencing was conducted on the Illumina MiSeq platform and bioinformatics were developed in QIIME 2 …

Optimal Navigation, Control And Simulation Of Electrified And Unmanned Ground Vehicles With Bio-Inspired And Optimization Approaches, Amine Taoudi

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, significant progress has been made in autonomous robotics and the electrification of transportation, highlighting the growing importance of automation in daily life. Ensuring the safety and sustainability of automated systems necessitates the integration of intelligent algorithms capable of making astute decisions in uncertain circumstances. Autonomous robots possess considerable potential for efficiently performing intricate tasks, but this potential can only be unlocked through intelligent algorithms. Moreover, enhancing the energy efficiency of transportation systems yields extensive benefits for the environment, economy, and society at large. Addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and resource depletion necessitates prioritizing energy efficiency …

Expanding The Emotional Cascade Model Of Borderline Personality Disorder With Negative Thoughts, Thought Control Strategies, Suicide Attempts, And Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Courtney K. Mason

Theses and Dissertations

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an impairing mental illness and has a core component of emotional dysregulation. Evidence suggests the emotional cascade model describes how this emotional dysregulation leads to engaging in risky and life-threatening behaviors, such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Specifically, this model describes rumination as a cognitive component that links the emotional and behavioral dysregulation. The current study aimed to expand the model by investigating how individuals with heightened BPD traits engage in NSSI and in cognitive strategies to cope with their negative affect. Specifically, it was investigated whether behaviors like suicide attempts and cognitions differentiated between those …