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Evaluating The Use Of Translucency Score As An Effective Parameter Of Eggshell Quality, Cassidy Autumn Morris May 2025

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).

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The Effect Of X-Ray Irradiation Technology On Salmonella Spp. And Quality Parameters Of Ready-To-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Kala Grace Morris May 2025

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 …

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Investing In Your Own: How University Leaders Should Aim To Invest To Retain Quality Staff In Undergraduate Recruitment Offices, Grant Alexander Nerren May 2025

Investing In Your Own: How University Leaders Should Aim To Invest To Retain Quality Staff In Undergraduate Recruitment Offices, Grant Alexander Nerren

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative narrative inquiry study examined the experiences of undergraduate recruitment professionals, and the impact institutional investment can influence staff retention of these professionals within higher education. Using Job Embeddedness Theory often applied within private industry and Bolman and Deal’s (2017) human resource theoretical framework, the research question was: To what extent are specific dimensions (support, compensation, professional advancement) of institutional investment related to the retention of undergraduate recruitment professionals within higher education? Data were collected using an anonymous online survey that was shared with potential participants via email. Responses were analyzed through SPSS software using item-level and composite score …

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The Role Of Enso Diversity In Modulating Tornadic Activity In The United States, Davis Boyd Newton May 2025

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 …

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Machine Learning Classification Of Drones, Birds, And Bird-Like Drones Using Radar Micro-Doppler, Camera Imagery, And Radar-Camera Fusion, Kester Magalong Nucum May 2025

Machine Learning Classification Of Drones, Birds, And Bird-Like Drones Using Radar Micro-Doppler, Camera Imagery, And Radar-Camera Fusion, Kester Magalong Nucum

Theses and Dissertations

Counter-drone systems employ sensors such as radars and cameras to detect, track, and identify drones. These systems can confuse birds with drones, and the advent of bird-like drones exacerbates this problem. This thesis explores radar micro-Doppler, camera imagery, and their fusion for drone and bird classification. First, micro-Doppler models of quadcopters, birds, and bird-like drones were developed to generate a dataset of synthetic spectrograms for training support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors, Naïve Bayes, and convolutional neural network (CNN) classifiers. Second, transfer learning was applied on YOLOv10, a recently developed You Only Look Once object detector model, to detect and classify …

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Atomistic Modeling Of Mg And Al Systems Using Rapid Artificial Neural Network Derived Interatomic Potential, Edward Omozusi Obasuyi May 2025

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 …

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Evaluation Of Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) Yield Potential Following Simulated Population Loss And Replant Strategies, William Paul O'Neal May 2025

Evaluation Of Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) Yield Potential Following Simulated Population Loss And Replant Strategies, William Paul O'Neal

Theses and Dissertations

Soybean producers are often faced with challenges regarding stand loss situations that can be caused by many different things. Often, in a replant situation, producers must decide if it is best to keep the failed stand without replanting, keep the failed stand and replant at a lower rate, or terminate the failed stand and replant at a full rate. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to evaluate soybean yield potential following differing levels of simulated stand loss as well as to evaluate soybean yield potential following simulated stand loss with different levels of replant. Experiments were conducted in 2023 …

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Earth Analogue Analysis Of Volcanic/Tectonic Interactions With Applications To Venusian Stresses, Michael Ortigoza May 2025

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 …

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Ai Enabled Autonomic, Safe, And Interactive Intrusion Response System, Damodar Panigrahi May 2025

Ai Enabled Autonomic, Safe, And Interactive Intrusion Response System, Damodar Panigrahi

Theses and Dissertations

The exponential rise in internet usage has precipitated a corresponding surge in cyber threats, underscoring the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity solutions. While traditional intrusion detection systems (IDS) can identify these threats, their inability to self-recover leaves systems vulnerable. Intrusion response systems (IRS) have been developed to address this, aiming to auto- matically restore systems to their desired state post-security breach. However, current IRSs often necessitate manual intervention and may not be su!ciently robust against sophisticated threats. To overcome these limitations, we propose an AI-powered Autonomic, Safe, and Interactive Intrusion Response System called ‘Intrusion Response System Digital Assistant (IRSDA)’. IRSDA …

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Utilizing Novel Application Methods To Mitigate Antagonism With Combinations Of Auxin And Grass Control Herbicides, Jake Patterson May 2025

Utilizing Novel Application Methods To Mitigate Antagonism With Combinations Of Auxin And Grass Control Herbicides, Jake Patterson

Theses and Dissertations

Auxin and grass control herbicides are often applied in tank mixtures to provide multiple modes of action and to achieve broad-spectrum weed control. Literature indicates that auxin herbicides, when mixed in solution, may antagonize grass control herbicides, resulting in decreased grass weed control compared to the grass herbicide applied alone. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted in 2022, 2023, and 2024 at multiple locations in Mississippi. These experiments had three objectives: 1) evaluate grass weed control with glyphosate and clethodim in response to the simultaneous application with either dicamba or 2,4-D, using a commercially available direct-injection system compared to tank-mix …

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Enhancing Chemical Synthesis For Sustainability And Process Monitoring Utilizing Group Ten Metal Catalysis, Amanda M. Perkins May 2025

Enhancing Chemical Synthesis For Sustainability And Process Monitoring Utilizing Group Ten Metal Catalysis, Amanda M. Perkins

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores two sustainable methodologies by modifying established catalytic processes using group ten metal complexes from nickel and palladium. Efforts were made to provide alternatives for processes that often do not follow the principles of green chemistry. In the first project, a nickel(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complex was used to perform catalytic hydrogenation of 2-acetylpyridine under mild conditions. The complex was synthesized and characterized with techniques including mass spectrometry and 1H-NMR. Following this, the reactions were carried out to optimize conditions and yield moderate conversions. For the second project, the Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling of 7-chlorotryptophan occurred utilizing a palladium complex …

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Large-Scale Reserve Constrained Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow Methods, Yehong Peng May 2025

Large-Scale Reserve Constrained Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow Methods, Yehong Peng

Theses and Dissertations

The Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow (ACOPF) problem seeks optimal operational planning for power systems with the lowest cost within the operational and physical constraints, ensuring higher efficiency and reliability for the power system. Meanwhile, the power reserve scheduling, which ensures an adequate backup capacity to compensate for demand and supply fluctuations, contingencies, and various unforeseen disruptions, plays a crucial role in power system reliability. As power systems become more stochastic and dynamic, the co optimization of energy and reserve becomes a significant trend among independent system operators (ISOs) and regional transmission organizations (RTOs), as it yields substantial benefit improvement …

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Establishing A Baseline For Detecting Lotl Attacks In Windows Operating Systems, Ashlyn Martin Phillips May 2025

Establishing A Baseline For Detecting Lotl Attacks In Windows Operating Systems, Ashlyn Martin Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

There has been an increasing realization of the rise in living off the land (LOTL) attacks where adversaries misuse legitimate system tools, particularly with state-sponsored actors targeting critical infrastructure in the United States. These attacks are difficult to detect because they allow attackers to remain present in a system without the user’s knowledge for an extended period. This thesis establishes an initial baseline specifically for Windows operating systems to measure normal system activity, focusing on CPU usage, memory utilization, and process activity. It particularly examines the use of PowerShell alongside other applications. The findings from this baseline are used to …

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Evaluation Of Broiler Performance And Processing Metrics Through Sodium Bisulfate Application To Litter And Varying Inclusions In Feed, Samantha Suzanne Plocher May 2025

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 …

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Stakeholder Opinions On Design And Management Strategies At The Pharr Mounds Site, Lauryn Elizabeth Polito May 2025

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, …

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Faculty Perceptions And Use Of Open Educational Resources In Postsecondary Stem Classrooms, Gabriel Posadas May 2025

Faculty Perceptions And Use Of Open Educational Resources In Postsecondary Stem Classrooms, Gabriel Posadas

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined how faculty in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or STEM-related fields perceive and utilize open educational resources (OER) in their classrooms and how faculty characteristics (e.g., age, teaching experience, OER experience) influence their adoption. A quantitative survey was administered to 48 STEM faculty across 8 colleges at a large, southeastern university. Findings revealed that faculty generally acknowledged OER’s benefits, particularly its cost-saving potential, and all faculty without prior OER experience and 86.5% of faculty with OER experience expressed neutral to positive perceptions regarding OER’s ability to reduce financial burdens. Faculty with OER experience also recognized its …

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Design And Evaluation Of Hollow Cross-Laminated Timber With Corrugated Cores: A Structural Perspective, Suman Pradhan May 2025

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 …

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Removal Of Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin, Microcystin-Lr Via Graphene Coated Polymers, Justin Douglas Puhnaty May 2025

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 …

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An Overview Of Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry In Coastal Wetlands, Luke Andrew Redwine May 2025

An Overview Of Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry In Coastal Wetlands, Luke Andrew Redwine

Theses and Dissertations

With rising global temperatures, increasing sea levels, and the accelerated erosion of coastal wetlands, efficient methods for monitoring this vulnerable ecosystem are crucial. Traditional approaches, such as manual surveys, are labor-intensive, hazardous, and invasive to the environment they are attempting to protect, while current remote sensing methods are cost prohibitive and rely on irregular data collection techniques. To address these challenges, a scalable solution is needed for reliable and frequent data collection. This study explores the use of GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R) combined with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor the shifting topology in wetlands with minimal human invasion. By leveraging …

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The Importance Of Community: An Investigation Of Stress, Coping, And The Value Of Social Support For First Responders, Brian Reid May 2025

The Importance Of Community: An Investigation Of Stress, Coping, And The Value Of Social Support For First Responders, Brian Reid

Theses and Dissertations

People are designed to be in community with others, to work together and share the load and weight of life. First responders are a community that has not emphasized the importance of social support to mitigate and buffer against the stress inherent in their jobs. This study investigates the sources of stress, coping methods, and social support of first responders. Results from the first study show the impact of workplace and family stress on the first responder is impactful from the beginning. The secondary study finds that adaptive coping methods are the preferred method to cope with stress and that …

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The Relationship Between Internal Coherence And Student Learning In High Achieving Middle Schools: A Mississippi Study, Christina Coleman Reynolds May 2025

The Relationship Between Internal Coherence And Student Learning In High Achieving Middle Schools: A Mississippi Study, Christina Coleman Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

In order to determine ways in which Mississippi is improving in education, a quantitative research study was designed and conducted to examine ten high achieving middle schools in the state. The 10 schools had to obtain an A ranking or B ranking for the 2021-2022 school year and/or 2022 – 2023 school year from the MDE. The purpose of the study was to determine if relationships existed between the student achievement scores (Reading Proficiency, Reading Growth, Math Proficiency, and Math Growth) assigned by the state to each school and levels of Internal Coherence of the administrators and staff employed in …

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Investigations Into Fluorescence Of Fluorene Dimers: Linker Impacts And Tuning Potential Through Substituent Addition, Abigail R. Ressler May 2025

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 …

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Movement, Microhabitat, And Metapopulations: Improving Our Understanding Of Gopher Frog (Rana [Lithobates] Capito) Ecology In Alabama, Krista Michelle Ruppert May 2025

Movement, Microhabitat, And Metapopulations: Improving Our Understanding Of Gopher Frog (Rana [Lithobates] Capito) Ecology In Alabama, Krista Michelle Ruppert

Theses and Dissertations

Gopher frogs (Rana [Lithobates] capito) are a species in decline in the southeastern United States. In Alabama, gopher frogs are a species of greatest conservation need, only known to consistently breed in two ponds in the south of the state; however, efforts to restore breeding ponds and to reintroduce metamorphs throughout their historic range are ongoing. The objectives of this dissertation were to assess trends in gopher frog ecology in Alabama to inform conservation plans. In chapter 2, I used radiotelemetry to assess the post-breeding movements of gopher frogs in 2021 and 2022. I found that frogs in Alabama moved …

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Raad-Llm: Adaptive Anomaly Detection Using Llms And Rag Integration, Alicia Russell-Gilbert May 2025

Raad-Llm: Adaptive Anomaly Detection Using Llms And Rag Integration, Alicia Russell-Gilbert

Theses and Dissertations

Anomaly detection in complex industrial environments poses unique challenges, particularly in contexts characterized by data sparsity and evolving operational conditions. Predictive maintenance (PdM) in such settings demands methodologies that are adaptive, transferable, and capable of integrating domain-specific knowledge. This work presents RAAD-LLM, a novel framework for adaptive anomaly detection, leveraging large language models (LLMs) integrated with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). This approach addresses the aforementioned PdM challenges. By effectively utilizing domain-specific knowledge, RAAD-LLM enhances the detection of anomalies in time-series data without requiring fine-tuning on specific datasets. The framework's adaptability mechanism enables it to adjust its understanding of normal operating conditions …

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Cotton Development, Yield, And Boll Distribution Response To Row Pattern And Plant Density, William Joseph Rutland May 2025

Cotton Development, Yield, And Boll Distribution Response To Row Pattern And Plant Density, William Joseph Rutland

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of row pattern and plant density on the ability of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to compensate and sustain profitable yields has been evaluated by many studies. However, new varieties exhibiting more vigorous growth and more exaggerated row patterns have yet to be evaluated. Therefore, experiments were conducted in Starkville, MS and Stoneville, MS in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the influence of 1x1 skip row patterns and plant density on cotton growth, development, yield, boll distribution, and profitability. In 2021 there was no yield response due to plant population. However, in 2022, yields increased as plant density increased. …

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Integrating Case Studies With Meteorologists’ Insight: Assessing Meteorologists’ Perception And Utilization Of Composite Indices, Brianna Marie Salazar May 2025

Integrating Case Studies With Meteorologists’ Insight: Assessing Meteorologists’ Perception And Utilization Of Composite Indices, Brianna Marie Salazar

Theses and Dissertations

Meteorologists from sectors, including broadcast, academia, and operations, use derived composite indices such as 0-1km and 0-3km energy helicity index (EHI), effective-layer supercell composite parameter (SCP), fixed-layer and effective layer significant tornado parameter (STP), in addition to other resources, when developing severe local storm forecasts. This study utilizes the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to create simulations of composite indices for two tornado-producing events: 31 March 2023 and 3 May 1999. With modifications to geographical location, these simulated scenarios are then utilized in the survey to gauge how meteorologists assess where tornado potential is highest. Additionally, a combination of …

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Application Of Pu Learning In Detection Of Ddos Attacks, Gagana Sathya Narayana Prasad May 2025

Application Of Pu Learning In Detection Of Ddos Attacks, Gagana Sathya Narayana Prasad

Theses and Dissertations

The gcore radar 2024 says, the number of DDoS attacks has been increased by 46% in 12 months. Supervised and unsupervised techniques struggle detecting DDoS attacks due to the scarcity of labeled attack samples and an overwhelming presence of benign traffic. In contrast PU- Learning offers a promising solutions by dividing the data into positive and unlabeled data. This study explores the effectiveness of PU-learning in detecting DDoS attacks by comparing it with unsupervised methods. This method employs PU Bagging, Two Step method and auto-encoder based models to extract meaningful patters from network traffic data, utilizing CICDDoS2017 dataset for evaluation. …

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Ecology And Management Of Alligatorweed (Alternanthera Philoxeroides) And An Associated Thrips Biological Control Agent (Amynothrips Andersoni), Samuel Alec Schmid May 2025

Ecology And Management Of Alligatorweed (Alternanthera Philoxeroides) And An Associated Thrips Biological Control Agent (Amynothrips Andersoni), Samuel Alec Schmid

Theses and Dissertations

Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), native to South America, is a highly invasive aquatic macrophyte that is globally distributed and particularly problematic in the southeastern United States. In the United States, alligatorweed management has a long history, particularly of chemical and biological control. Alligatorweed management saw early success with a South American flea beetle (Agasicles hygrophila), but this agent’s utility has waned. Despite the long history of alligatorweed invasion, several important research questions remain, and the research in this dissertation seeks to answer some of these questions. This research focuses on multiple and diverse aspects of alligatorweed biology, ecology, and management: (1) …

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Evaluating The Efficiency And Effectiveness Of Drones For Monitoring Animals, Emma Ann Schultz May 2025

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 …

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Measuring What Matters: A Policy Analysis Of Statewide Accountability Systems Through The Lens Of College And Career Readiness, Steven Deandre Shadwick May 2025

Measuring What Matters: A Policy Analysis Of Statewide Accountability Systems Through The Lens Of College And Career Readiness, Steven Deandre Shadwick

Theses and Dissertations

A disconnect exists between statewide accountability systems and college and career readiness (CCR) outcomes measured by the ACT and SAT. The goal of a statewide accountability system is to enable, implement, and support success for all students in areas that demonstrate high academic achievement through federal- and state-mandated metrics. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (2015), states have been granted flexibility in how to measure CCR via a number of School Quality and Student Success (SQSS) indicators. Through a quantitative correlational design, data were collected from 44 states with ACT and SAT participation rates ≥ 90%, ≤ 10% or closest …

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