bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buying blackness : Black audiences and sports advertising
Authors:   , Stacker Diamond
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Blackness has a long history of being used to sell products. Advertisers lean on stereotypical representations to relate to the Black consumer, but to also make their product seem trendy, acceptably rebellious, or socially conscious to a general White audience. This study reviews the historical representations of Blackness in advertising and specifically in sports media to uncover the harmful, yet subtle stereotypes in sports advertising. To analyze the impact of selling Blackness, the research used focus groups to examine how Black, college-young adult audiences engage with and identify racial constructions in Nike advertisements, and thus, how that influences their views on Nike as a brand. This thesis used audience decoding theory to demonstrate the process of how Black audiences understand media messages. Participants stated that media representations lack the multiplicity and diversity that exist in Blackness. Overall, these audiences perceived Nike's efforts to represent Black individuals in its advertising as positive; yet in their decoding processes they also critiqued the corporation's messages. They wrestled with the idea that their Blackness was being exploited for the monetary gain of a corporation, but simultaneously, they still wanted to see Black representations in media. Participants understood that they participated in the commodification of Blackness, but they were not able to envision an alternative.
Teacher conceptions of authentic science : exploring teachers' practical and formal epistemologies
Authors:   , Lipsitz Kelsey C.
Published: September 2024

Reform documents such as A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have placed an emphasis on students' understanding and ability to engage in scientific practices. Even with an understanding of the importance of engaging students in authentic science practices for informed citizenry, much of what goes on in classrooms differs from what scientists do. Elementary teachers in particular often feel underprepared and/or uncomfortable teaching science. NGSS-aligned curriculum materials offer one route to support implementation of scientific practices. However, teachers' beliefs about science influence their planning process and how those plans are enacted in the classroom. Thus, if teachers hold inaccurate views of science and do not understand the pedagogical rationale for the inclusion of the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), they may implement curricula that emphasize scientific practices in ways that are inauthentic to how science is practiced. Therefore, it is important to understand how teachers conceptualize scientific practices, and how these materialize in teachers' plans for the inclusion of scientific practices in the classroom. Findings from this study indicate that the SEPs are included in elementary teachers' plans for instruction, but focus on particular aspects of the practices and in ways that are more teacher-driven. Additionally, teachers primarily engage their students in the practices for the purpose of assessing student understanding of the content, as opposed to as opportunities for student sense-making. These findings have important implications for both research and practice.
Abscisic acid : interactions with auxin in the regulation of root growth under water deficit conditions
Authors:   , Smith Dante O.
Published: September 2024

Water stress has been shown to inhibit shoot growth more than root growth (Sharp et al., 1988). Abscisic acid (ABA) has been shown to be involved in this differential growth response in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings (Saab et al., 1990; Sharp et al., 1994). ABA accumulates in the elongation zone of the primary root at low water potentials, and this response is required for root growth maintenance under water deficit conditions (Saab et al., 1990; Sharp et al., 1994). Previous studies have shown that under severe water deficit in the ABA-deficient mutant viviparous 14 (vp14), plants produce high levels of endogenous ethylene (Spollen et al., 2000) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the root growth zone (Cho, 2006). Excess ethylene and ROS have been shown to have negative effects on plant growth and development. Therefore, it was hypothesized that these two factors were interconnected in this system. However, evidence presented in this study demonstrates that using a specific inhibitor of ethylene perception, 1-methylcyclopropane (1-MCP), neither ethylene nor ROS are the primary cause of root growth inhibition caused by ABA-deficiency, suggesting an alternate function of ABA in the regulation of root growth maintenance under water deficit conditions. The hypothesis was tested that an interaction of ABA with auxin could potentially play a key role in regulating maize root growth maintenance under water deficit conditions by using the ABA-deficient mutant vp14 to determine whether altered auxin levels are associated with primary root growth inhibition. The results show that auxin levels are decreased in the growth zone of ABA-deficient roots under water stress. To test whether the decrease in auxin is casually related to root growth inhibition, inhibitors of auxin transport and addition of auxin were administered during the growth of ABA-deficient roots at low water potentials. These treatments demonstrated that both inhibition of auxin transport and addition of auxin can completely restore endogenous auxin levels and root elongation in ABA-deficient water-stressed seedlings. These findings indicate that there is an important interaction between ABA and auxin in the regulation of maize primary root growth under water stress conditions. Further analysis with this system will lead to a greater understanding of the primary mechanisms involved in the regulation of root growth by ABA under water deficit conditions.
Into the forest: reading trees in nineteenth-century American literature
Authors:   , Regneri Erin C.
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Nineteenth-century American nature writing considers nature from the multiple perspectives of the antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction landscapes. The use of nature, and more specifically trees and woodlands, affords a clearer vision of the environment in which nineteenth century writers existed, and raises further questions about how these writers situated themselves in the natural world. An examination of the literature of industry begs the question: when did human's enchantment with the forests of the world give way to consumption and greed? Trees became the embodiment of conflict of the nineteenth century, being both generative and destructive, as well as objects of both violence and of healing. Despite the mass destruction of American woodlands and the appropriation of trees as objects of torture, a sense of awe and an underlying respect and reverence for the sylvan divine remained. While these poems and passages portray some of the differing interpretations of trees and woodlands in the nineteenth century, in Thoreau's work, they intersect. While so much attention has been given to Thoreau as a nature writer and arborist, much that is written about trees by other writers, some lesser known, has been overlooked. While I draw on many sources for background information and guidance, I found great insight in several specific scholars' works. Humans' perception of the natural world as more than a nineteenth-century commodity influenced many contemporary works of literary criticism. Immersion in these primary works helps to better situate ourselves in the world of nineteenth-century American nature writing, and to understand the myriad role that trees played in this genre.
Thickening fluids for pediatric patients with Dysphagia: the challenge of achieving safe viscosities
Authors:   , Bier Elizabeth Wellborn
Published: September 2024

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at our hospital currently rely on their best clinical judgment to establish a nectar viscosity for bottle feedings because rheological equipment is not readily available. Therefore, clinicians use a 3:1 ratio of infant formula and/or breast milk to oat cereal to achieve a nectar viscosity. The main purpose of this study was to use a cone and plate rheometer to objectively quantify the viscosity of the five-thickened bottle-feeding conditions currently used at our hospital: infant formulas (19, 22, and 24 calorie) and breast milk (alone and a 50:50 mixture with 22-calorie formula) in a 3:1 ratio with oat cereal. A second goal was to determine the effects of time (over a 30-minute feeding duration) at body versus room temperature on viscosity outcomes for each thickened liquid condition. Results revealed that none of the thickened liquid bottle feeding conditions consistently remained in the nectar thick viscosity range. Specifically, several trials for each of the three thickened infant formula recipes rose above the nectar limit (i.e., into the honey thick range), whereas both thickened breast milk recipes (with and without 22-calorie formula) fell below the nectar limit (i.e., into the thin liquid range). Outcomes were significantly affected by temperature, but in an inverse manner for the three formulas (i.e., higher at body temperature) versus two breast milk (i.e., lower at body temperature) conditions. We are currently adjusting the 3:1 ratio for each of these conditions to achieve reliably stable low and high viscosity levels in the nectar thick range throughout a 30-minute feeding duration. Our ultimate goal is to standardize the viscosity of thickened liquid bottle feedings for infants across all levels of care for improved health care outcomes.
An assessment of medication pattern changes in prescription received by youth offenders in divison of youth services facilities through telepsychiatry
Authors:   , Rajendran Dhinakaran
Published: September 2024

The prevalence of mental health disorders is much higher in juvenile justice system than in youth in general population. Two-third of the youths under juvenile justice system suffer from one or more diagnosable mental health conditions. Board certified child psychiatry services are appropriate for treating mental health disorders among youths. However, these services are not available within the proximity of the rehabilitation facilities. Telehealth is an alternate solution to bridge the gap. Telehealth is a method for remote communication of information to facilitate clinical care. Clinical data of 773 youth offenders was collected from MUPC Cerner PowerChart in REDCap database. The data was separated into prior prescription use and prescribed medication. The data was then analyzed using R software and results were produced. On comparison of medication prescribed prior to the telehealth intervention to the prescribed medication through telehealth, there is a decrease in the prescription of Anti-psychotics, Mood Stabilizers and Alpha Agonists. Medication prescribed during the first visit when compared to the medication prescribed in the subsequent visits, we found out that there is a decrease in the prescription of Anxiolytics, Alpha agonists, Stimulants and Sleep medication. Tele-psychiatry achieves its goal of enhancing psychiatric service to youth in the rehabilitation facilities by increasing the level of care and decrease in prescription medications.
Temporal trends in the Holocene: exploring implications for conservation paleobiology through quantitative assessment of marine mollusks
Authors:   , Ruga Mikaela R.
Published: September 2024

Conservation paleobiology is a relatively new field which applies the theories and analytical tools of paleontology to problems concerning the conservation of biodiversity. The use of data from stratigraphy, sediment or ice cores, fossil collections, and/or other specimens that provide temporal, ecological, or environmental information from both the recent Holocene and deep-time fossil records can be used to understand the ecological and evolutionary responses of species to changes in their environment. In one study, we analyzed changes in shell morphology from Pre-Columbus through present time for a heavily exploited, large marine gastropod, Strombus gigas (the queen conch), on San Salvador Island, the Bahamas. Overall, we observed an increase in harvested juveniles and an initial increase in shell size with a decrease in more recent time. Increased proportions of harvested juveniles and increasing size followed by a decrease in size in more recent time is consistent with increased stress on fisheries due to overfishing in the late 20th century. In a second study, we examined trace element concentrations preserved in the shells of two Holocene marine bivalve taxa, Potamocorbula amurensis and Cyrenodonax formosana from the Pearl River delta, China. We explored the use of trace elements as potential proxies for environmental change within the context of the sedimentological and faunal history of a previously described drill core from the Pearl River delta, China. Although the observed trace element signals are variable across bivalve species, they can be a useful tool in paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
Experiencing meaning in the misfortune of others : schadenfreude, just world beliefs, and meaning in life
Authors:   , Womick Jake
Published: September 2024

Four studies tested the effects of the experience of schadenfreude on meaning in life, and the role of just world beliefs in this relationship. Study 1 (N = 967) was a correlational study that showed just world beliefs are positively related to meaning in life, laying the groundwork for this program of research. Study 2a (N = 208) was an experiment that tested the effects of schadenfreude on meaning in life, compared to the effects of a typical positive affect induction, a typical schadenfreude comparison condition (an undeserving target of misfortune), and a control condition. Study 2a showed that schadenfreude and a positive affect induction both led to higher meaning in life than comparison groups. Additionally, Study 2a showed that just world beliefs moderated the effects of schadenfreude on meaning in life. Specifically, after experiencing schadenfreude, those that did not endorse the idea of a just world showed similar meaning in life as those that did. These results suggested that the experience of schadenfreude may convey information about the extent to which the world is just, and thus enhance perceptions that life is coherent and meaningful. Study 2b (N = 274) was designed to replicate Study 2a in a different sample. We again showed a similar pattern of moderation of condition effects on meaning in life by just world beliefs, but results were marginally significant. Study 3 (N = 1,264) replicated and extended Study 2 findings by manipulating both just world beliefs, and schadenfreude. Study 3 showed, for individuals that were lower on just world beliefs after experiencing a just world threat, schadenfreude bolstered meaning in life in a manner consistent with the pattern uncovered in Study 2. Ultimately, this research demonstrated that just world beliefs help individuals make sense of the world, and thereby facilitate a sense that life is meaningful. When such beliefs are lacking, momentary experiences, such as schadenfreude, can foster a sense of meaning. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Automatic four-limb IMU gait analysis in the canine DMD model
Authors:   , Jenkins Gregory Jacob
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Gait analysis is valuable for studying neuromuscular and skeletal diseases. Wearable motion sensors or inertial measurement units (IMUs) possess advantages that have made them common for human gait analysis. Canines, an important large animal model for translational research of human diseases, have limited information on use of IMUs. Our objective is to develop a method for accurate and reliable gait analysis in dogs using a wearable IMU. In a preliminary study, we built a wireless IMU sensor using off-the-shelf components and developed a MATLAB algorithm for data acquisition and stride timing determination. Stride parameters from 1,259 steps of three adult mixed breed dogs were determined across a range of six height-normalized speeds using the IMU system. The IMU results were validated with frame-by-frame manual counting of high-speed video recordings. Comparing IMU derived results with video revealed that the mean error [plus or minus] standard deviation for stride, stance, and swing duration was 0.001 [plus or minus] 0.025, -0.001 [plus or minus] 0.030, and 0.001 [plus or minus] 0.019 s respectively. A mean error [plus or minus] standard deviation of 0.000 [plus or minus] 0.020 and -0.008 [plus or minus] 0.027 s was obtained for determining toe-off and toe-touch events respectively. Only one step was missed by the algorithm in the video dataset of 1,259 steps. In a subsequent study, we developed a four-limb, four-device, gait analysis system. The new system incorporated a specialized railway procedure, a convenient and reliable sensor mounting bracket, and multiple-limb orientation tracking in the form of Euler angles. A data analysis technique was developed using linear-length normalization of gait cycles and bivariate phase portraits. Preliminary findings in dystrophic canines at 1 and 2 years of age indicate unique and previously unquantified characteristics of the dystrophic gait. A more in-depth analysis of our dataset is warranted to evolve the gait analysis method. In summary, we have developed an IMU-based, four-limb, four-device gait analysis methodology for automatic canine gait analysis. The method can be used for studying neuromuscular diseases in veterinary clinics and in translational research.
Sun will rise in black
Authors:   , Stewart Henry Breneman
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] SUN WILL RISE IN BLACK is a single-movement, 16-minute piano concerto written for Natalia Bolshakova and the Columbia Civic Orchestra. The instrumentation is piccolo, 3 flutes (flute 1, 2 = picc), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons (bassoon 2 = contrabassoon), 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 tenor trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, 3 percussion, solo piano and strings. It will be premiered on February 26, 2017 as part of the CCO concert and performed again on March 10 as part of the Missouri Composers Project concert.
Assessing soft tissue preservation in a variety of saline Environments through actualistic decay experiments and an isotopic assessment of pyritized plant fossils from the Mazon Creek, IL
Authors:   , Rosbach Stephanie
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Most taphonomic pathways for soft-tissue preservation require minerals either forming on the surface of or replacing tissues. Among various other factors, the rates at which these reactions occur impact the quality of fossil preservation. Generally, rapid mineral precipitation has the potential to retain finer morphological features, whereas slower reactions allow for significant information loss through decay. In aqueous settings, such reaction rates can be affected by the abundance of dissolved ions (ionic strength). To determine the influence of salinity within preservation pathways, two research projects were conducted. ... The second project focused on Mazon Creek deposits which are well known for containing fossils from two distinct environments: the Essex fauna from a marine setting, and the Braidwood flora and fauna from brackish water. As a result, the collection of Mazon Creek deposits show a transition from lower salinities to a fully marine environment. Before the effect of differing salinity on the overall quality of Mazon Creek fossils can be determined, a solid understanding of the nodule formation needs to be obtained. To investigate the concretion formation, the pyrite in three woody plant Mazon Creek fossils where analyzed for the 34S isotopic ratios through Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). Vertical and horizontal transects (relative to the fossil surface) were collected on each pyrite section. Area images were also collected on sample 102B and isotopic data was collected on the areas with high 34S counts. In addition, the species distribution of an undescribed Mazon Creek deposit, the Sun Spot Mine, is shown and determined to be similar to the Essex fauna.
New slip and stress distributions hold implications for the next great earthquake in Cascadia
Authors:   , Benz Nicholas James
Published: September 2024

Over the past decade, advances in detection of seismic tremor and slow slip have revealed a new spectrum of fault behavior in subduction zones around the world. These phenomena live between the mechanisms of brittle failure and aseismic creep, and reduce stress on the deep portion of the subduction interface. Cascadia is recognized for having a uniquely strong correlation of tremor and slow slip known as episodic tremor and slip (ETS) that occurs roughly every 14 - 16 months and propagates along strike at kilometers per day. While ETS reduces shear stress in the deeper unlocked regions of the subduction interface, stress increase at the base of the shallower locked zone has the potential to initiate the next major earthquake. Prior assessments of the probability of such an event have used a fault failure model which depends on shear stress rate, but found that the probability increase during ETS was negligible. This study generates new estimates of stress rates on the Cascadia subduction interface based on slow slip distributions determined from simultaneously inverting Earth Scope's Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) GPS and borehole strainmeter (BSM) observations during ETS events with the Network Inversion Filter (NIF). While GPS directly measures total displacement and cumulative moment from ETS, BSMs directly measure spatial derivatives of displacement with high precision and thus stress. Forward models presented here illustrate this enhanced sensitivity to stress and stressing rate during ETS. Stress rates for the 2011 and 2012 ETS events are higher than the rates used in previous estimations of time-dependent megathrust probabilities (Mazzotti and Adams, 2004; Beeler et al., 2013) by an order of magnitude, suggesting that the most recent estimates of probability increase during ETS are too low, and probability calculations with these new stress rates con rm that ETS events influence megathrust likelihood by an order of magnitude greater than previously estimated.
Anisotropic shock response of 1,3,5-Triamino-2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene (TATB)
Authors:   , Zhao Puhan
Published: September 2024

All-atom molecular dynamics simulations were used to study shock wave loading in both oriented single crystals and two orientations with the presence of a grain boundary of the highly anisotropic triclinic molecular crystal 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB). The crystal structure consists of planar hydrogen-bonded sheets of individually planar TATB molecules that stack into graphitic-like layers. In the oriented single crystal case, shocks were studied for seven systematically prepared crystal orientations with limiting cases that correspond to shock propagation exactly perpendicular and exactly parallel to the graphitic-like layers. The simulations were performed for initially defect-free crystals using a reverse-ballistic configuration that yields explicit, supported shocks. In the grain boundary case, shocks with opposite directions were studies for two crystal orientations joined by a grain boundary. Results from both studies indicate that TATB shock response is highly sensitive to crystal orientation, with significant qualitative differences for the time evolution of stress and temperature, elastic/inelastic compression response, and defect formation and growth.
Use of multimodal stimuli to facilitate associative memory in older adults
Authors:   , Decker Reed Allen
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Research suggests that sensory loss common to older adults is strongly correlated with cognitive decline (Lindenberger & Baltes, 1994; Baltes and Lindenberger, 1997). One potential explanation for this decline is the cognitive permeation hypothesis, which suggests that as increased cognitive resources are devoted to deciphering stimuli, fewer are leftover for cognitive tasks (Lindenberger, Marsiske & Baltes, 2000). Naveh-Benjamin and Kilb (2014) suggested that this may be one cause of the associative memory deficit in older adults (Naveh-Benjamin, 2000), demonstrating that the associative deficit could be simulated with sensory degradation in younger adults. The present studies attempted to extend these results by using multimodal stimuli to improve perception in older adults in order to reduce their associative deficit. In Experiment 1 older and younger adults were presented with unrelated word pairs in visual, audio, and audiovisual modalities, with mixed sensory degradation levels within a given block, and then given item and associative memory tests. Experiment 2 used the same methods but with blocked sensory degradation presentation. The results were mixed with Experiment 1 providing evidence of an audiovisual benefit in the associative test under degradation across age groups. Experiment 2 failed to replicate these results, though there is some evidence that the prolonged stimuli degradation in the study phase, resulting from the blocked conditions, affected performance.
Relating the bicycle frame's geometry to the handling performances considering different riders' physical parameters
Authors:   , Ding Fangrui
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Conventional bicycle frame is composed of 4 parts: rear frame, front frame (handlebar and fork), front wheel & rear wheel. The scientific design methodology of bicycle's geometry has always been overlooked and thus most bicycles' handling (indicating the pedaling and the steering) performances are similar to each other. This paper focuses on 5 aspects in scientific frame geometry design procedures: 1. Deriving the equation of bicycle steady-turn's curvature; 2. Analyze bicycle self-stability through linearized equation of motion; 3. Create systematic error control management for Biomechanical Bicycle Fitting(BBF) research or practice; 4. Cluster riders into different groups for Active Biomechanical Bicycle Fitting(ABBF) in order to study how to optimize geometry for individual rider based on his/her special physiological qualities; 5. Monitor riders' rehabilitation progress for Active Biomechanical Bicycle Fitting (ABBF) using depth camera to restore the best frame geometry design step by step through data-driven decision-making method.
Textual analysis of online magazine framing of screen time use in young children
Authors:   , Munhofen Austin S.
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] In the United States alone, children's access to portable digital technology, like smartphones and tablets, has risen from 52 percent in 2011 to 98 percent in 2017, and usage of these devices by children has climbed from 28 percent in 2011 to 84 percent in 2017 (Miller, Paciga, Danby, Beaudoin- Ryan & Kaldor, 2017). With digital technology becoming ubiquitous, its role, access, and use have transformed the role of media in the daily lives of young children (Kabali et al., 2015). Alongside this, many parents are also looking more toward digital sources, like the Internet, for parenting information (Horrigan, 2017; Walker, 2012; Duggan et al., 2015). The purpose of this study is to better understand how online magazines, an outlet for parents to collect parenting practice information, frame the discussion of screen time use among young children. Through a textual analysis of 170 articles (n = 170), the researcher looked at how a top online parenting magazine, Parents, presents the benefits and risks of screen time for young children over a span of nearly two decades (from 2002 to 2018). Child developmental categories for benefits and risks included cognitive and learning, social-emotional, and physical development.
Nach padagogischen uberlegungen texte fur den daf-unterricht chronologisch neu strukturieren
Authors:   , Weber Detlev M. G.
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The following thesis will present a new method of teaching German literature for a beginning-level German language course. It follows six main ideas and molds these into a teaching approach named Patch. First, the novella by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Der Sandmann, is used as an example of a highly advanced German text that is optimal for demonstrating that even difficult and lengthy literary texts can be applied in the classroom. Second, the course presented here has to be placed into the context of the second language acquisition field, to give an insight into how literature is already being taught. Third, the specific intercultural approach, as presented by Reviere, is used to emphasize a connection between German and American culture in order to show its relevance to the American student. Fourth, the texts had to be cut into fifteen smaller pieces so as to undermine the overwhelming effect of such a text, and for this purpose widely diverse teaching methods were included to create a productively focused language course, teaching the students to formulate their own language. Furthermore, these text-bits were rearranged to underline a pedagogically meaningful content-based course. For this reason, the fifth point elaborates on the structural oddities surrounding the work Rayuela by Julio Cortazar and Lebens- Ansichten des Katers Murr by E.T.A. Hoffmann. These literary masterpieces demonstrate how a complicatedly structured work may motivate to read texts with more excitement and focus -- and also to reread them. In this light, the final point behind the conception of this thesis is the hermeneutical philosophy of Hans-Georg Gadamer, which helps explain the necessity of reading literature with the goal to better understand the texts as well as to deal with the prospect of not understanding them.
Shock tube experimentation utilizing advance diagnostics for the study of an impulsively accelerated multiphase cylinder
Authors:   , Middlebrooks John Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Shock driven multiphase instabilities (SDMI) are unique physical phenomena that have far-reaching practical applications in engineering and science. The instability is present in high-energy explosions, scramjet combustors, and supernovae events. The SDMI arises when a multiphase interface is impulsively accelerated by the passage of a shockwave. Complex particle-gas interactions are the driving mechanism of the SDMI. Particle effects such as lag, aerodynamic breakup, and mass, momentum and energy exchanges with the gas all contribute to the development of the instability. An experiment has been developed for studying the SDMI at the University of Missouri's shock tube facility. A multiphase interface is created and flowed into the shock tube test section where it is accelerated by the passage of a planar shock wave. Dynamic imaging of the interface was used to analyze the flow morphology. The effects of Atwood number (particle seeding), particle size, and a secondary acceleration of the interface were examined providing a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the flow. Non-intrusive flow visualization techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence were used to obtain quantitative measures of multiphase effects. New imaging techniques were designed for the simultaneous imaging of droplet and vapor fields. Measurements of particle lag distance, carrier and dispersed phase velocity, and vorticity were made. The experimental set up and findings will be discussed in detail.
African American female aspiring journalists and the lack of African African American female television news directors and producers
Authors:   , Mobley Brittany Renee
Published: September 2024

African-American women have unique experiences in the workforce due to the intersectionality of their gender and race. Being a double minority has created challenges for them in various career paths, including U.S. television newsrooms. One of the challenges include diversifying executive positions and decision-making positions in the workforce. This is a familiar challenge in television newsrooms across the U.S. While television newsrooms have seen a sluggish increase in diversification, African American women are far from proportionately filling positions of producer, director and general manager. This study looks at African-American female aspiring journalists at four different universities to see if there are any factors that influence the lack of African American females in decision making roles in U.S. newsrooms. With the use of semi-structured interviews, this study analyzes the motivations, career goals and perception of challenges they expect to face in efforts to reach their set goals.
External communication displays for connected truck platoons in mixed traffic : a federated simulator study
Authors:   , Schoelz Michael
Published: September 2024

Truck platooning is anticipated to be the first widespread deployment of connected or automated vehicles (CAV). In addition to familiarizing the public with the function of CAV, a truck platoon has proven benefits to fuel consumption by minimizing drag. These are the primary motivations that have caused companies to develop and deploy these systems, but there are still obstacles opposing their implementation. One obstacle is the issue of communication between CAVs and the surrounding traffic. For example, research has shown that communication between CAV and pedestrians and cyclists is facilitated by using external status displays on the CAVs. In order to investigate the communication between truck platoons and surrounding traffic, a similar model is proposed in this study. The scenario examined in this study involves trucks forming a truck platoon. Two different external displays in addition to a control display were evaluated for how surrounding traffic behaves while the trucks form their platoon. The three displays are the control (no signal), the word "PLATOON," and a graphic of two trucks with a link. Each of the displays were tested using a federated truck simulator and passenger vehicle simulator. The approaching truck was driven by the same human driver up until the completion of platooning while the passenger vehicle was driven by the research participants. The simulation scenario involved a passenger vehicle following a semi-truck while an approaching truck comes up from behind the passenger vehicle to form the platoon. The actions taken by the passenger vehicle to clear the way for the approaching truck were observed and recorded. After the participants were exposed to the signs once, they were provided with an explanation of truck platoons and were able to ask questions before experiencing three displays scenarios again. Overall, the primary performance result was that the text display after being provided with information on truck platoons significantly changed the behavior of the passenger vehicle. Furthermore, as in the AV-Pedestrian studies, participants indicated that the external displays were useful. In conclusion, though the behavior was not drastically affected, the results indicate that the displays provide the passenger vehicle drivers with important information that they want to have and that drivers tend to move out of the way when they learn that a truck platoon is forming around them.
Ethical dilemmas on social networking sites : focus group discussions with journalists and news consumers
Authors:   , Severson Gordon Douglas
Published: September 2024

No longer are journalists the exclusive gatekeepers of information, nor are they the sole agenda setters in the public sphere. Social networking sites (SNSs), like Twitter and Facebook, have brought professional journalists and news consumers closer than ever before, both in terms of the closeness of their online interactions and the defined roles they play in the process of gathering and disseminating information (Broersma & Graham, 2013). By understanding both groups' expectations of privacy regarding information posted on these two SNSs, we can begin to create a unified understanding that will prevent emotional harm and will promote more positive online interactions. This research study utilized focus groups with professional journalists and members of the public to better understand how these two groups interact online, as well as the potential ethical dilemmas that concern both groups.
Novel syntheses and behavior of precious metal nanoparticles
Authors:   , Thon Jason Anthony
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI--COLUMBIA AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] In this work, I report the detailed syntheses of both gold-doped iron oxide (Au@Fe2O3) and silver nanocrystals (AgNCs). The Au@Fe2O3 was produced through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP), a novel technique utilizing in-line ultrasonic humidifier, tube furnace, and collection vessel (construction of this apparatus is also explained for reproduction of the design). This Au@Fe2O3 demonstrated good catalytic activity in the model reduction of 4-nitrophenol and responded weakly to an external magnetic field, resulting in our proposed application as a reusable catalyst. Additionally, I present a visually-appealing nanochemistry demonstration suitable for an undergraduate or advanced high school chemistry curriculum. A solution of AgNCs is prepared in a 4:96 H2O:EtOH mixture, resulting in a vivid yellow colloid which slowly transitions to orange, red, violet, and finally blue as the AgNCs grow and aggregate before precipitating out of solution. The transition occurs over approximately 3 minutes, allowing ample time for the discussion of AgNC synthesis, growth, and surface chemistry. This pedagogical study of nanochemistry is ideal for establishing these topics in the minds of aspiring chemists.
The survival and growth of shortleaf pine systems in the Missouri Ozarks : effects of competition, genetics, and site preparation
Authors:   , Lyczak Stephen John
Published: September 2024

Establishing shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) across portions of its historical range has proven challenging due to shade intolerance, slow early growth, and poor competitive ability. The objectives of this study were to determine the expected survival and growth rates of planted shortleaf pine relative to artificial and natural hardwoods, identify barriers to regeneration success, and develop tools for individual tree assessment. Data from three long-term studies in southeastern Missouri were used to examine the survival and growth of over 5500, 1-0 seedlings as a function of understory competition, overstory density, genetic selection, and site preparation in artificially and naturally regenerated stands. Growth of planted 1-0 shortleaf pine exceeded that of planted 1-0 white oak (Quercus alba) and northern red oak (Q. rubra) when grown in the open during a 22-year monitoring period. However, during the first 10 years, planted shortleaf pine had lower survival and height growth where competing with natural oaks and other hardwood regeneration originating from advance reproduction rather than planted seedlings. Regression analysis indicated that height and diameter growth in natural stands was further reduced by retaining a hardwood overstory, while survival was not. Planted shortleaf pine grows faster than planted oaks in open stands with few other hardwood competitors. However, most regeneration occurs in mixed hardwood stands where large advance reproduction outcompetes planted shortleaf pine after harvesting. Due to the variation encountered in shortleaf pine growth, height-growth percentiles present an opportunity to assess and classify individual trees, while allowing for predictions to be made about future growth potential.
Reporting serendipity in biomedical research literature : a mixed-methods analysis
Authors:   , Allen Carla McCaghren
Published: September 2024

As serendipity is an unexpected, anomalous, or inconsistent observation that culminates in a valuable, positive outcome (McCay-Peet & Toms, 2018, pp. 4-6), it can be inferred that effectively supporting serendipity will result in a greater incidence of the desired positive outcomes (McCay-Peet & Toms, 2018, p. 22). In order to effectively support serendipity, however, we must first understand the overall process or experience of serendipity and the factors influencing its attainment. Currently, our understanding and models of the serendipitous experience are based almost exclusively on example collections, compilations of examples of serendipity that authors and researchers have collected as they encounter them (Gries, 2009, p. 9). Unfortunately, reliance on such collections can lead to an over-representation of more vivid and dramatic examples and possible underrepresentation of more common, but less noticeable, exemplars. By applying the principles of corpus research, which involves electronic compilation of examples in existing documents, we can alleviate this problem and obtain a more balanced and representative understanding of serendipitous experiences (Gries, 2009). This three-article dissertation describes the phenomenon of serendipity, as it is recorded in biomedical research articles indexed in the PubMed Central database, in a way that might inform the development of machine compilation systems for the support of serendipity. Within this study, serendipity is generally defined as a process or experience that begins with encountering some type of information. That information is subsequently analyzed and further pursued by an individual with related knowledge, skills, and understanding, and, finally, allows them to realize a valuable outcome. The information encounter that initiates the serendipity experience exhibits qualities of unexpectedness as well as value for the user. In this mixed method study, qualitative content analysis, supported by natural language processing, and concurrent with statistical analysis, is applied to gain a robust understanding of the phenomenon of serendipity that may reveal features of serendipitous experience useful to the development of recommender system algorithms.
Exploring the relationship between professionalism and perceived organizational performance in small to medium restaurants
Authors:   , Lee Hyewon
Published: September 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The key to success in the hospitality industry depends on the professionalism of the workforce (Lee, 2014). In the restaurant sector, the characteristics of employment, such as high turnover, low pay, and absence of long-term challenging careers, led to the industry's low status and prevented it from becoming more professional (Pizam, 1982). In particular, small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that comprise a major portion of the restaurant industry face many obstacles to professionalism, such as inept management skills and low level of training and education (Dale & Robinson, 2007). Moreover, a multitude of environmental factors, such as globalization, technological evolution, and higher customer expectations, are changing how business is conducted. To succeed in this turbulent environment and attract a steady flow of customers, restaurant firms will need to engage in professionalism to ensure quality service, increase the satisfaction levels of customers and employees (Gottlieb & Sanzgiri, 1996), and eventually enhance organizational performance. Professionalism traditionally is aimed at classic professionals. As society diversified and entered a consumer-oriented era, many occupations were created, and the value of services to customers has become highly diversified. Many fields of employment are pursuing professional status, and professionalism has become an important factor of the service sector (Rawel, 2003). However, the term professionalism is freely used, and there is no consensus about what attributes comprise professionalism in hospitality industry (Sheldon, 1989). The primary purposes of the study therefore are to (1) identify key dimensions of professionalism in SME restaurants, (2) compare the level of professionalism in restaurants by its features and (2) examine the relationship between professionalism and perceived organizational performance. The study found that, first, the two-time Delphi technique-based surveys conducted in this study found five professional dimensions: "knowledge pursuance," "code of ethics," "customer orientation," "competence & skills," and "service standards." Second, there is a level difference of professionalism between a franchise restaurant and an independently owned restaurant. That is, a franchise restaurant requires a higher level of professionalism in all dimensions than independently owned restaurants. Last, restaurant professionalism dimensions were examined for their influence on organizational performance measured by growth and profitability. Of the five dimensions, "code of ethics," "customer orientation," and "service standard" all influenced growth and profitability performance, while "knowledge pursuance" influenced only growth performance.
Integrating cover crops into crop rotations in upstate Missouri
Authors:   , Adler Renee Lauren
Published: September 2024

"There is an increasing emphasis on management strategies such as reduced tillage, use of cover crops, and implementation of conservation practices (i.e. terraces, no-till, and cropping systems) in Missouri cropping systems. By combining best management practices for conservation, soil health could be improved, and farmers could obtain higher yields and economic returns. Soil health is the capacity of a soil to function for plant, animal, and microbial sustainability evaluated by set parameters and evaluated over time. A "best management practice" refers to economically-viable practices that prevent or reduce pollution generated by non-point sources (Centner et al., 1996). Field research is needed to devise optimal combinations of these management practices for farmers, while balancing them with the economic realities of crop production." -- Introduction
Children's evaluation of everyday social encounters questionnaire -- short form validation
Authors:   , Berry Jasmine RaNeisha
Published: September 2024

The main goal of the current study was to validate a short form of the Children's Evaluation of Everyday Social Encounters Questionnaire (ChEESE-Q). In order to do this, we administered a two-vignette version of the ChEESE-Q (i.e., ChEESE-Q SF) to an independent sample of grade-school children (N=241), along with measures of various adjustment indicators, affect, and emotion regulation. Results indicated that the ChEESE-Q SF fit the same 3-factor structure as the original ChEESE-Q, with each factor-based subscale being invariant across grade and gender. Results also indicated that the ChEESE-Q could not only be shortened at the vignette level, but it could be shortened at the item level as well, and maintain excellent model fit with the same three factor structure. The ChEESE-Q SF also demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. In terms of validity, the ChEESE-Q SF subscales correlated with related constructs in expected directions. Specifically, negative information processing was associated with higher anxious and depressive symptomology, as well as higher negative affect. Positive information processing was associated with lower depressive symptomology, and higher positive affect. This study also demonstrated that negative information processing is associated with more aggressive and delinquent behavior and with maladaptive emotion regulation (i.e., inhibition and dysregulation strategies). Positive information processing is associated with more adaptive emotion regulation (i.e., coping strategies. Implications for future research and interventions utilizing the ChEESE-Q SF are discussed.