Digital Commons Network^™

Adjuvants To Improve Pre- And Postemergence Weed Control In Soybean, Sydney Baker

Theses and Dissertations

Cover crops provide soybean producers with multiple benefits; however, cover crop residue can impose a physical barrier for herbicide spray droplets and hinder the deposition and performance of soil-applied residual herbicides. Adjuvants are routinely mixed with herbicides to improve weed control performance and may provide a way to help the spray droplets overcome the barrier that the cover crops impose. This research evaluated the effectiveness of several soil applied herbicide-adjuvant combinations to control Amaranthus spp. L., Sida spinosa L., and [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.] in soybean and the effectiveness of two surfactants for improving preemergence herbicide efficacy in a …

Wildfire Hydrologic Impacts, Kathleen E. Inman

Theses and Dissertations

Wildfires are essential processes for certain ecosystems but are increasing in severity and occurrence. These increases are negatively changing hydrology. Anticipating the hydrologic changes is necessary for management of effected watersheds, infrastructure, and downstream users. This study hypothesized land cover changes post-fire would increase water temperature and discharge in burned watersheds located in the Willamette Basin. This study (1) evaluated the change in estimated curve numbers (CN) from land cover pre-fire and post-fire to assess expected runoff impacts in watersheds, and (2) identified the significance of actual water temperature and discharge changes using non-parametric statistical analysis. An unburned watershed and …

Apatite Entrapment Of Iodine For Nuclear Waste Disposal Applications, William E. Laird

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to provide baseline knowledge of iodine incorporation into calcium phosphate minerals, specifically apatite. Iodine-129 is a fission product in Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) that can administer significant amounts of radiation in small quantities. Apatite (Ca10(PO4)6 (OH, F, Cl)) has been studied for the use of radionuclide confinement. Experimental design was set up to mimic temperatures expected in geologic repositories from 40 to 250℃. Experiments are broken into 2 groups based on iodine species being examined. The first group focuses on iodate (IO3-) which is prevalent under oxidized conditions, and the second handles iodide (I-) …

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 …

The Role Of Enso Diversity In Modulating Tornadic Activity In The United States, Davis Boyd Newton

Theses and Dissertations

Tornado activity in the United States is influenced by large-scale climate patterns, especially by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). While prior research has explored ENSO’s impact on severe weather, the influence of ENSO flavors, Central Pacific (CP) and Eastern Pacific (EP), on tornadic activity remains understudied. Using tornado records, reanalysis data, and sea surface temperature anomalies, we assess how convective available potential energy (CAPE), wind shear, and jet stream dynamics influence tornado frequency and distribution. Results indicate that CP La Niña years had significant increases in tornado frequency, particularly across the Midwest, Central Plains, and Southeast. EP ENSO years had …

Atomistic Modeling Of Mg And Al Systems Using Rapid Artificial Neural Network Derived Interatomic Potential, Edward Omozusi Obasuyi

Theses and Dissertations

Machine learning derived interatomic potentials have proven to be effective tools in simulation that mimic the accuracy of ab-initio calculations to the sub meV/atom level. They offer the advantage of computational speed operating at linear scaling with respect to the system’s size making them more efficient than classical potentials like MEAM (modified embedded atom methods). In this work, interatomic potentials are created based on the rapid artificial neural network (RANN) formalism for magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al) and their alloys. From previous works, the RANN formalism produces high-fidelity atomic models with accurate force fields for several metals, offering new insights into …

Earth Analogue Analysis Of Volcanic/Tectonic Interactions With Applications To Venusian Stresses, Michael Ortigoza

Theses and Dissertations

Venus shares many geological similarities with Earth, yet its tectonic processes and magma injection mechanisms remain poorly understood. A key question in planetary geology is how effusive volcanism persists despite the intense horizontal compression terrestrial bodies experience over time. To explore these issues, we examine the Spanish Peaks dike swarm in Colorado which serves as an ideal site for investigating magma intrusion under compressive stress conditions. Through field mapping, orientation measurements, and structural analysis, we identify a strong relationship between pre-existing joints and dike orientations, suggesting that these fractures serve as critical magma pathways in compressive regimes. Additionally, evidence of …

Design And Evaluation Of Hollow Cross-Laminated Timber With Corrugated Cores: A Structural Perspective, Suman Pradhan

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the integration of small-diameter trees (SDT) into cross-laminated timber by developing cellular cross-laminated timber (CCLT) with corrugated panels in the transverse mid-layer. This innovation addresses sustainable building material demands while mitigating forest fire risks associated with SDT. The research progressed through three phases. First, parametric linear finite element modelling (FEM) examined corrugated geometry's influence on CCLT flexural stiffness. Based on these findings and manufacturing constraints, an optimal geometry was designed and fabricated. Experimental testing validated the FEM predictions and demonstrated CCLT's superior normalized modulus of elasticity by density compared to conventional cross-laminated timber (CLT). Second, using modified …

Investigations Into Fluorescence Of Fluorene Dimers: Linker Impacts And Tuning Potential Through Substituent Addition, Abigail R. Ressler

Theses and Dissertations

Fluorene-based fluorescing conjugated polymers are being used to develop sensors that show great sensitivity and selectivity, however, important questions about the photophysics of these systems remain unanswered. For example, a fluorescence intensity difference was observed between fluorene dimers linked with either an acetylene (diFA) or phenyl (diFP). The polymers diFA and diFP have similar structures and extinction coefficients, yet diFA yielded a five times higher fluorescence intensity than diFP. In project one, Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent DFT (TD-DFT) were used to calculate the ground and excited states of diFA and diFP. A python code was developed to solve …

Zeroizing Trust In A Naïve Federated Zero Trust Environment, Keith E. Strandell

Theses and Dissertations

The position of the United States on the global stage is predicated on information dominance and the ability to project power through cooperative engagements with mission partners in both wartime and peacetime. Recent cyber-attacks highlighted the need for a more robust cybersecurity posture. As the United States progresses toward the adoption of Zero Trust, it is incumbent on the Department of Defense to assess the impact to the ability to share data across strategic partnerships while securing the data of both the United States and its partners. This paper proposes research into ensuring an environment rooted in Zero Trust and …

Estimation Of Soybean Root Traits Using Computer Vision And Deep Learning, Muhammad Usman

Theses and Dissertations

Root phenotyping provides insights into root structure, function, and response to environmental stimuli, aiding researchers in improving crop yields, developing new plant varieties, and enhancing plant health. Traditionally, measuring root traits, such as length and area, is manual, time-consuming, and resource intensive. This study introduces a deep learning-based computer vision method for soybean root segmentation and traits estimation using RGB (red, green, blue) images captured under controlled illumination. A separate web-based application was also developed that can extract the root length and area using RGB images. A diverse set of 3,363 soybean root images was collected using an in-house root …

Combined Effect Of Chitosan And Lemon Essential Oil-Infused Slush Ice On The Shelf Life Of Channel Catfish, Dianna Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research was to investigate the biopreservative effects of chitosan and lemon essential oil in slush ice treatments on the microbial shelf life of refrigerated catfish fillets. Catfish fillets were stored in slush ice treatments containing chitosan (CH), lemon essential oil (LO), a combination (CH+LO), water (CTRL), and no slush (NS) for three d at 4 C, then stored at 4C for twelve d post-slush. The growth of background microflora in catfish fillets treated with CH and CH+LO was reduced (P<0.05), maintaining total aerobic counts below 4.5 log CFU/g, while the control reached spoilage levels (>7 log CFU/g) by Day 6. Chitosan effectively extended the microbial shelf life but lowered pH, …

Work-Life Balance And The Impact Of Covid-19 On Faculty At Historically Black Community Colleges (Hbccs), Taneshia Turner Winston

Theses and Dissertations

This research study was conducted to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the work-life balance of faculty at HBCCs based on their race, gender, age, marital status, and tenure status. The study employed a quantitative research design utilizing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to conduct time-based activities separately and group perception-based response variables into meaningful categories to uncover patterns. To analyze the differences in race, gender, age, marital status, and tenure status, Regression and Chi-square test analyses were used to evaluate the collected data. Regression analysis explored relationships between time spent on activities and perceptions of stress, productivity, and satisfaction. Chi-square …

A Framework For Modular Knowledge Composition In Network Intrusion Detection Systems, Patrick L. Day

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomic Intrusion Detection Systems (AIDS) are sophisticated software systems designed to autonomously and adaptively identify and respond to security threats and intrusions in computer networks or systems. One of the fundamental challenges in intrusion detection research lies in the limited availability and scope of publicly available datasets. The proposed research aims to address data-related gaps with autonomic and traditional intrusion detection systems by describing a comprehensive approach to investigate the impact and potential of data augmentation. The goal is to explore various data augmentation techniques, assess their effectiveness in introducing variability, and evaluate their impact on the performance of neural-based …

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, …

Re: Comment Letter For Draft Final Bpsou Unreclaimed Site Anderson Shaft Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp) (Dated June 14, 2024), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Myofascial Release Compared To Manual Lymphatic Drainage In Reducing Post-Treatment Shoulder Pain And Stiffness Among Patients Who Underwent Breast Cancer Surgery And Adjuvant Radiotherapy: Randomised Controlled Trial, Chellappa Vijayakumar, Ankit Jain, M. Kalaranjani, Uday S. Kumbhar, Agarwal N. Kumar, G. S. Sreenath

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to adapt the myofascial release technique (MRT) in the form of massage, which will reduce pain and functional restriction of the shoulder joint compared to manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).
Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India from September 2021 to September 2023. The study population included 98 patients older than 18 years who underwent surgery/adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer and developed complications. Patients with tendon/muscle injuries in neck/skin conditions, which made MRT difficult, were excluded. A trained physiotherapist delivered the interventions. Patient pain, range of movements at shoulder …

Nurturing The Future: Understanding Maternal Knowledge Of Child Development In Oman, Watfa Al-Mamari, Ahmed B. Idris, Saquib Jalees, Muna Al-Jabri, Mohammed A. Mirghani, Dina Al Khalili, Asila Al Yarubi, Jamana Al Zadjali, Zahra Al Lawati, Ayat Al Lawati, Ahmed Al Saidi, Kamila Al Alawi, Sathiya Murthi, Wafa S. Al-Maamari

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the knowledge of Omani women of childbearing age concerning infant developmental care. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,006 Omani women of childbearing age, recruited from outpatient clinics at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (response rate = 71%). Their knowledge was evaluated using the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory (KIDI), a validated self-report questionnaire. The KIDI scores were analysed to identify associations with demographic variables such as women’s age, education level, employment status and number of children. Data were collected from June 2023 to October 2023. Results: The mean age of the participating women was 31.6 …

The Algorithm Of Inclusion: Homonationalism, Queer Advocacy, And Digital Marketing Of Un Ecosoc Ingos And Indian Ngos, Dewansh Chauhan

Master's Theses

Advocacy organizations have increasingly turned to social media as digital platforms become integral to contemporary activism, shaping public discourse and securing institutional legitimacy. This thesis examines the organizational communication of organizations that support marginalized sexualities within a neoliberal and homonationalist context. Employing Critical Content Analysis (CCA), the study analyzes a representative sample of 200 Instagram posts from 2024, comparing two international NGOs with ECOSOC status at the UN (Outright International and ILGA) and two national NGOs in India (Humsafar Trust and Naz Foundation). The findings reveal how homonationalist tendencies may manifest at the intersection of engagement metrics, identity-centric rhetoric, brand …

Building Community As A Christian Value: Exploring How A Private Catholic High School Fosters A Sense Of Belonging, Ruth M. Gomez

Master's Theses

This qualitative study explores the experiences of students of color at a private, predominantly White, Catholic high school. It analyzes how race influences how students feel a sense of belonging. The study focused on the sense of belonging at St. Rose Preparatory, a pseudonym for a Catholic, coeducational, and prestigious school in an affluent city in the Bay Area. The research is guided by three questions: (a) How do the institutional practices in a Private Catholic school impact how students of color (Black, Indigenous, LatinX, Asian, Pacific Islander) experience a sense of belonging that sustains students of color culture? To …

#Strongertogether, Can Symbols Of Nationalism Be Transformed? A Case Study Of The Springboks: South Africa’S National Rugby Team, Selorm Djameh

Master's Theses

This study examines whether symbols, particularly those associated with nationalism, can undergo transformation in meaning and be co-opted to represent ideas or values contrary to their original intent. To explore this question, the study employs the case of the Springbok emblem, a symbol historically linked to the South African national rugby team. Originally, the Springbok was closely associated with the apartheid regime, embodying Afrikaner nationalism, exceptionalism, and, by extension, White supremacy. However, in the post-apartheid era, there have been growing efforts to reimagine the Springbok symbol by promoting greater inclusivity within the national rugby team. These efforts aim to transform …

Negotiating Migration In The Mediterranean: A Comparative Study Of Morocco And Italy’S Border Policies And Their Humanitarian Impact On Irregular Migrants, Shennel Ep Henries

Master's Theses

Serving as both a barrier and a bridge that connects Africa and Europe, the Mediterranean is today the focal point of global controversies around migration, where humanitarian interests balance against border policing and meet securitization policies. This thesis examines the questions: How do irregular migrants adapt, interpret, and maneuver around securitized Moroccan and Italian migration policies, and what do their strategies tell us about the relationship between humanitarianism and securitization in Mediterranean bordering processes? Drawing on qualitative evidence, including expert interviews with organization employees and volunteers in Morocco and Italy (Fondazione Solidarietà Caritas, Nosotras Onlus, and Caritas Maroc), field observation, …

Volume Cxliv, Number 22, May 16, 2025, Lawrence University

The Lawrentian

No abstract provided.

Cultivating The Identity Development Of Multiracial Clients: A Group Psychotherapy Manual For Young Adults, Chesnea Shea German

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Within the United States, the multiracial community is the fastest growing demographic group (Yoo et al., 2016). Multiracial people defy how American society understands race, leading to a variety of concerns, such as racial identity invalidation and other acts of racism and discrimination, which negatively impact the identity development of young multiracial people. Inadequate identity development can lead to a variety of mental health concerns. Therefore, it has become increasingly more pressing for mental health providers to be knowledgeable about the unique mental health needs of the multiracial community as well as how to provide adequate care. The following literature …

Administrators’ And Teachers’ Perceived Importance Of The Holistic Framework For Professional Development Elements: Survey Research, Adrianna Cate

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study researched the six elements of the Holistic Framework for Professional Development (HFPD) to understand administrators’ and teachers’ perceived importance and how demographic variables impacted those perceptions. This was done to contribute to the current gap in the literature regarding how to design and carry out effective professional development. The quantitative survey research utilized exponential, non-discriminative snowball sampling to recruit participants. Fifteen administrators, 64 teachers, and six participants working in ‘other’ roles in their school participated. These participants were citizens of fifteen different countries and worked across eleven countries worldwide. Even given this diverse sample, the results of this …

Depression And Anger In Male Adolescents: A Cognitive Behavioral Group Manual, Ellen Nichole Lindquist

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Depression is a common mental health disorder experienced by children and adolescents. Depression in male adolescents often does not follow the DSM criteria as it does in girls. This literature review and manual will explore gender differences in the manifestation of depression symptoms, as well as the link between depression and anger in adolescent males. Additionally, effective treatments for depression and anger will also be explored. Treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and pharmacological treatments. This group manual provides evidence-based CBT interventions that are effective in managing and treating symptoms of major depressive disorder, especially …

Addressing Poor Attendance: A Counseling Group Manual For Upper Elementary Students, Haley Wollschlager

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Children and adolescents chronically absent from school are impacted by a range of individual, community, and economic factors. In addition, children and adolescents dealing with chronic absenteeism are often diagnosed or dealing with a mental health illness such as anxiety or depression. Perhaps, chronic absenteeism is pervasive and the rates of mental health disorders in children and adolescents are concerning. Thus, mental health professionals should understand what the previous and current literature is saying. This literature review examines three evidence-based interventions suggested for schools to improve attendance. The treatment with the most evidence in relation to school counselors working with …

Phenomenological Study Of Disabled Student Experiences Related To Inclusive Learning Environments In Public Higher Education, Kristin Burgess

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Students with disabilities represent the largest and most diverse minority group in higher education, facing numerous barriers to accessing their learning environments. Historically, societal views have marginalized individuals with disabilities, perpetuating exclusion and discrimination. This study explores the experiences of disabled students in higher education, examining various models of disability, including the moral, charity, medical, social, and human rights models. These models influence how students experience their learning environments.

Higher education has traditionally been exclusive, primarily serving privileged groups. However, as societal narratives evolve, disciplines like disability studies have emerged, challenging these dominant narratives. The researcher, a community faculty member …

Alexithymia: A Review Of Existing Literature And A Prospective Route For Future Training, Jessica C. Friedman

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Alexithymia, a trans-diagnostic construct characterized by a disability to identify and articulate emotions, has received increasing attention within the medical and psychiatric communities due to its profound, negative impact on treatment outcomes. This paper provides insight into its complex and pervasive nature, its conceptualization and assessment, underlying neurobiological mechanisms and acquisition, extensive comorbidities, treatment implications, clinical manifestations, clinical considerations, and analysis of the existing body of research. While previous research assumed Alexithymia to be largely untreatable, recent publications have indicated its ability to be affected by emotional-awareness skill building and relationally based interventions, though no specific treatments for Alexithymia currently …