bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fast non-dominated sorting guided genetic algorithm for multi-objective power distribution system reconfiguration problem
Authors:   , Eldurssi Awad M.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Power distribution systems are designed and constructed as closed loops, but they are operated in a radial topology by choosing suitable open tie switches. Radial configurations are used because they satisfy various operational and protection requirements. Distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) determines the status of both sectionalizing switches (which are normally closed) and tie switches (which are normally open). DSR has great benefits in both normal and abnormal operations (outages). DSR is a multi-objective, non-linear problem. A new, fast, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (FNSGA) is introduced for solving the DSR problem in normal operation by satisfying all objectives simultaneously with a relatively small numbers of population size and generations and short computational time. The dissertation describes creative contributions to genetic algorithm science for the DSR problem and describes results of applying the FNSGA to a standard IEEE test system. The results show the efficiency of this algorithm as compared to other methods in terms of both achieving all the goals and minimizing the computational time with reasonable population and generation sizes. The objectives of the problem in normal operation are to optimize the system performance and efficiency in terms of maximizing the operating voltage and minimizing the branch loading. The operation cost will be reduced by minimizing the real power losses. This should be achieved with a small number of switching operations. The objectives of the problem in normal operation are to minimize real power losses and improve the voltage profile and load-balancing index with minimum switching operations. In this dissertation, a load shedding strategy based on priority customers, minimization of the number of affected buses, and minimization of the number of switching operations is introduced. To test the algorithm, it was applied to three widely studied test systems and a real one. The results show the efficiency of this algorithm as compared to other methods in terms of achieving all the objectives simultaneously with reasonable population and generation sizes and without using a mutation rate, which is usually problem-dependent.
Developing an integrated screening and progress monitoring tool for internalizing problems in middle school students
Authors:   , Rohrer David
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Screening adolescents for internalizing problems is an important public health endeavor. Often, individuals who have tested positive in a screening system are able to receive early interventions that can reduce the overall disease-burden associated with their internalizing problems. Furthermore, effective progress monitoring tools can often help increase the chances an individual responds to the early intervention. Unfortunately, many current screening and progress-monitoring tools for adolescent internalizing problems lack utility in many contexts because they are burdensome for individuals to complete. The present study developed a single-item scale for adolescent internalizing problems in a manner where the scale could be efficiently applied to screening and progress monitoring contexts. Although investigating the scale's progress monitoring utility was outside the present study's scope, 27 middle school teachers and 543 middle school students participated in the present study by completing several measurements to explore initial evidence of the single-item scale internalizing scale's construct validity and screening utility. Results showed evidence for construct validity through good estimates of concurrent, predictive, and discriminate validity. Results also supported using the scale as a screening tool for some manifestations of depressive symptoms. Limitations and implications for future research are also discussed.
Development of a novel immunoassay for simultaneous quantification of endocrine parameters
Authors:   , Benavides Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Since the advent of the radioimmunoassay in the 1950s, numerous immunologically-based methods have evolved for sample analysis. Although each immunological method possesses unique assets and liabilities, all share limited abilities in range of concentrations detectable and the number of analytes resolvable simultaneously; most procedures are limited to one analyte determined per replicate per sample. The objective of this study was to adapt technology evolving from the genomics "revolution" for multiplexed hormonal analysis in livestock. We sought to complete this objective using the following sequencing technologies and tools: Illumina BeadXpress, Luminex xMAP, and quantitative immuno-PCR. The Illumina BeadXpress and Luminex xMAP both share similar characteristics and each of these proprietary platforms consists of a laser spectrum analyzer and a bead-set. Each bead-set contains microscopic beads and each bead-set has unique identifying signatures. As a test of proof of concept, the surface of a bead set was conjugated to an LH antibody. Using these technologies, we were able to establish an assay for LH on the Luminex platform. We were unable to develop an analyte detection assay on the Illumina platform. The restrictive proprietary constraints of both the Luminex and Illumina platforms however, greatly limited assay flexibility. Therefore, we chose to establish an assay for LH using quantitative immuno-PCR (iPCR). Quantitative immuno-PCR exploits PCR signal amplification in combination with antibody capture and specificity. Briefly, a sandwich immunoassay format is performed with capture antibody immobilized to a PCR plate. A second detection antibody, which is conjugated to an oligonucleotide, is then added to the solution phase for binding. After a series of washes to remove the unbound oligo-antibody conjugate, the plate contents are subjected to quantitative PCR (qPCR). Detection of LH was achieved, but background binding contributed to significant interference. Subsequently, to simplify the design and demonstrate proof of concept, a biotinylated oligonucleotide was competed with unlabeled biotin in streptavidin coated polystyrene plates and then detected for oligonucleotide via qPCR. The results of this latter experiment demonstrated that the iPCR methodology could detect unlabeled biotin across three orders of magnitude.
Social organization of authenticity in Mexican restaurants
Authors:   , Christ Stephen R.
Published: April 2021

This dissertation analyzes the social worlds of the Mexican restaurant industry. First, the topic of organizational constructions and presentations of authenticity is investigated. In examining the relation between discourses of business (profit) and aesthetics (authenticity) in Mexican restaurant contexts in which authenticity is a major theme, this study demonstrates the processes of negotiation and policing which form the "authentic" experience for patrons of restaurants. The second major theme explored in this dissertation is the subjective dimension of authenticity among Mexican immigrant men working in the Mexican restaurant industry. Traditionally marked as women's work, restaurant food preparation and serving is almost exclusively a male dominated niche of the labor force. Based on data gathered in the field, this project introduces the concept of gender posturing and homosocial behaviors as a means of developing a pragmatic understanding of the many ways male restaurant workers define, perform, negotiate, and police the boundaries of acceptable forms of masculinity. The third major theme of this project blends discussions of organizational and subjective dimensions of authenticity as it explores the basis and negative impacts of stereotypes on ethnic restaurant profitability. An examination of the institutional bias ethnic restaurant owners and workers perceive and experience during regular county health inspections demonstrates the influence of public discourse on the marking of ethnic restaurants.
Preservice teacher learning for supporting English language learners to make sense of mathematics
Authors:   , I Ji Yeong
Published: April 2021

This study examines how future mathematics teachers support English language learners (ELLs) when making sense of mathematical problems with complicated language use. In this study, three middle school mathematics prospective teachers, who enrolled in a university-based teacher preparation program, worked with ELLs in one-on-one settings while learning various ELL teaching strategies. The strategies they implemented when working with ELLs were analyzed through various sources such as written lesson plans, videotaped teaching practices, and written reflections. As time evolved, all of the teachers began to apply life-connection strategies and to integrate various visuals closely connected to mathematical situations into their lessons, which they learned during the interventions. They showed a positive influence from the interventions although their use of strategies were limited. This study suggest that mathematics teachers need to have significant preparation infused with practical experiences and examples in order to design a linguistically and conceptually rich lesson while making meaningful connections between mathematics and ELLs' experiences.
Examination of mu-Opioid Receptor Activation in the Nucleus Accumbens on Baseline Diet Preferences in Rats Selectively Bred to Run Long or Short Distances
Authors:   , Johns Howard W.
Published: April 2021

The obesity epidemic and associated diseases are a direct result of both diet choice and inactivity, as overconsumption of palatable foods and a sedentary lifestyle invariably precede the onset of weight gain. Our laboratory uses opioid activation of the nucleus accumbens to model hedonically-driven feeding of energydense palatable food in the sated condition, a behavior that typically precedes the onset of obesity. However, it is not clear how dietary choice and physical inactivity interact, and to what extent. The current study used two novel rat phenotypes, developed by selectively breeding for either high- or lowlevels of voluntary running (HVR and LVR, respectively). As of the 10th generation, HVRs run approximately 10-fold greater daily distances compared to the LVR rats, thus providing a unique model to examine cross-generational influence of inactivity on diet preference and overall feeding behavior. The current study sought to investigate the influence of voluntary exercise or forced sedentary conditions in HVR and LVR rats using an opioid feeding model choice task between either a low-fat/high-carb or highfat/low carb diet. LVRs demonstrated a strong preference for the low-fat/high carb diet at baseline; this preference became further pronounced in a dose-dependent fashion following intra-Acb infusions of the mu opioid agonist DAMGO. HVR rats did not demonstrate a clear preference for either diet at baseline; however, their consumption of the high-fat/low carb diet increased dose-dependently following DAMGO infusions. Analysis of low-fat/high-carb consumption revealed interactions between phenotype and baseline preference, as well as between phenotype, exercise condition, and DAMGO dose, suggesting differential opioid signaling across phenotype-by-exercise conditions.
Cyclical behavior of prices and inflation
Authors:   , Li Xue
Published: April 2021

One of the most important theme of macroeconomics is to describe and explain the behavior of key macroeconomic series, such as output, the price level, and inflation. This paper describes the way in which the price level and inflation interact with output over time for the post-World War II United States. The price level is found to be negatively related to output and inflation is found to be positively related to output. In addition, movements in prices forecast movements in output about six months later, and movements in inflation is predicted by movements in output about nine months earlier. To explain the above facts, this paper uses two macroeconomic models including a business cycle model and a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model in which prices may respond either sluggishly or immediately to changes in outside factors. The former model only explains the negative relationship between prices and output but not the positive relationship between inflation and output. The latter model explains all the observed facts if prices respond sluggishly to outside changes. In contrast, if prices adjust immediately to outside changes, the latter model fails to explain the positive relationship between inflation and output. Better performance of the sluggish-price version indicates that price stickiness can explain the behavior of prices and inflation over time. Thus, a powerful empirical macroeconomic model should include a reasonable degree of price stickiness."
Strategies for the attachment of organic functional groups to silicon surfaces and measurement of vapor pressure of ionic liquids
Authors:   , Li Yuan
Published: April 2021

Surface modifications of silicon surfaces have been studied for several decades. There are several approaches for attaching organic molecules with specific functionalities to these surfaces, utilizing both the selectivity of organic molecules, and the electronic properties of silicon. In this thesis we describe two strategies for attaching a fluorophore to chemically modified Si (100) surfaces as the base of a chemical sensor. The Si surfaces are characterized using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and these results were presented and discussed. Ionic liquids represent a relatively new group of compounds that are thermally stable with very low vapor pressures. These unique properties enable ionic liquids to be used in a variety of applications. As the family of ionic liquids keeps growing, there is a need for vapor pressure and thermodynamic data for the vast majority of ionic liquids. In this thesis, the Knudsen effusion method is used to determine the vapor pressure of several ionic liquids in the temperature range of 380 to 420K. The relationship between the structure of ionic liquids and vapor pressure was discussed based on the vapor pressure data. "
Examining effective leadership practices across cultures : a comparative study of higher education leaders in Kenya and the United States
Authors:   , Musamali Kennedy A.
Published: April 2021

While many studies have examined effective leadership, few studies have examined effective leadership practices in higher educational settings (Braun, Nazlic, Weisweiler, Pawlowska, Peus and Frey, 2009; Bryman, 2007; Spendlove, 2007; Vilkinas and Ladyshewsky, 2011). In addition, far fewer studies have examined the relationship between cultural competencies and effective leadership skills in higher education (Smith and Hughey, 2006; Tang et al., 2011; Walker and Dimmock, 1999). In this study, a quantitative research approach was used to compare educational leaders from top ranked public universities in the midwestern state of Missouri in the United States to their counterparts in Kenya. The aim of the study was to examine whether there were any significant differences in how effective leadership was practiced in these two cultures. This study also examined the relationship between effective leadership and cultural competencies. Knowledge gained from the study was expected to facilitate a better understanding of effective leadership practices across cultures and provide insight on ways to advance, train, and develop cross-cultural leadership competencies in higher education settings."
An examination of the study abroad advising process in a university context
Authors:   , Perkins Paulina
Published: April 2021

For this qualitative case study, the aim was to better understand what informs study abroad advising practices from the perspective of the advisor and to examine these practices for evidence of developmental advising using Crookston's (1972) developmental advising framework. This study significantly contributes to the very limited research that is available on advising for study abroad. Because of its limited nature, much of the review of the literature for this study centers on research in the field of academic advising, a closely related field, rather than study abroad advising. Five study abroad advisors at the University of Missouri participated in this study. The data were collected through interviews, written reflections, and video recorded advising appointments. There are four distinct themes that inform study abroad advising practices: relevant experiences, formal training, resources, and professional experience. Additionally, there are elements of developmental advising practiced by the advisors in this study, including abilities, rewards, maturity, responsibility, and relationships. The implications for future research include studies related to the student perspective on developmental advising, longitudinal studies, student outcomes, and evaluation of study abroad advising practices. As for practical implications, this study can help inform training of study abroad advisors as well as student peer advisors; potentially increase the diversity of the study abroad population by having advisors utilize personal identity to build relationships with students; and, may serve to justify curricular changes within student affairs degrees to include student advising, which is currently lacking in many master's level programs.
Longitudinal links between maternal parenting behaviors in early childhood and academic outcomes and mother-child relationship quality in middle childhood
Authors:   , Harmeyer Erin
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The goals of this study were to examine longitudinal relations between maternal parenting behaviors when children were kindergarten age and children's academic success and academic confidence in middle childhood. Direct and mediated relations between mothers' supportiveness and intrusiveness when children were kindergarten age, and mother-child relationship quality and children's academic outcomes at 5th grade were examined. Participants included 2,985 mothers and their children from the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project; 42% were European American, 39% were African American, and 19% were Mexican American. Maternal intrusiveness when children were kindergarten-age negatively predicted children's academic confidence and academic success in 5th grade. Maternal supportiveness when children were kindergarten age was positively related to children's academic success in 5th grade at the trend level. The discussion focuses on maternal intrusiveness as a modest predictor of children's academic outcomes longitudinally and its implications for mother-child dyads.
Affective modulation of post-auricular reflexes to serial probes : a test of the nursing hypothesis
Authors:   , Johnson Gabriella Monique
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The post-auricular reflex (PAR) is a vestigial microreflex which is thought to be a component of startle. However, unlike prototypical components of startle (e.g. acoustic blink reflex), the PAR is potentiated during appetitive motivational states and suppressed during defensive ones. An electromyographic (EMG) experiment with 37 men and 47 women tested if the Nursing Hypothesis could satisfactorily explain this anomalous PAR response. The Nursing Hypothesis proposes that infants of an ancestral mammalian species instinctively retracted their pinnae to signal their intention to nurse. Accordingly, appetitive emotions would still prime the ear-retraction musculature of adult humans, thereby causing facilitation of the PAR if a startling stimulus occurred. The present study failed to support the Nursing Hypothesis. Participants viewed one of 14 categories of slides while a series of startle probes was presented. Male participants showed the expected enhancement of PAR amplitude as nursing-related stimuli such as photographs of delicious food were viewed. Female participants by contrast had suppression of PAR amplitude when photographs of healthy breasts or of faces of beautiful women were viewed. Alternate hypotheses of PAR modulation are discussed.
Role of copper in defending against bacterial infection
Authors:   , Ladomersky Erik
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Copper is an essential nutrient. It plays an important role in development, pigmentation, neurological function, and immune defense. Copper deficiency is known to make host's more susceptible to infection. In this work we show that two copper proteins, ATP7A and ceruloplasmin, are important for host defense against bacterial infection. Studies have shown ATP7A is responsible for increasing copper concentrations inside the phagosome. Our study sheds light on the role of Atp7a and copper in adaptive immunity, and provide a biochemical model for understanding the relationship between copper malnutrition and susceptibility to infection. Iron, another essential nutrient, is linked with copper through the actions of copper-dependent proteins which play a role in maintaining normal iron levels in the blood. One of these proteins is ceruloplasmin, a protein that is also upregulated during infection. Our study sheds light onto why this protein is necessary for host defense against Salmonella infection.
Aerobic exercise training as a mitigator of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease related fibrosis
Authors:   , Linden Melissa A.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a liver disease that is associated with obesity and is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis (scar tissue) within the liver. This condition is difficult to study in humans, therefore rodent models often are used to better understand factors that cause NASH. Additionally, it is unclear if aerobic exercise training can be used to treat the fibrosis that is associated with NASH. In the present study, lean and hyperphagic,obese rats were fed a diet high in fat, sugar and cholesterol to induce NASH. Hyperphagic, obese rats developed more fibrosis and inflammation within the liver than their lean counterparts, suggesting a more advanced disease state. When animals underwent exercise training or food restriction ([about]25% reduction in daily caloric intake)for 12 weeks, the obese rats had modest improvements in both liver fibrosis and inflammation. These improvements were associated with lowered hepatic stellate cell activation, a cell type in the liver that when activated begins to lay down scar tissue. Interestingly, the inactive, obese rat may actually have had the greatest capacity to turn over fibrotic tissue but this was not enough to overcome the diet-induced fibrosis. It is important to note that although both aerobic exercise training and modest food restriction improved liver health, these animals did not have a complete resolution of the liver disease.
Child maltreatment and young children : examining contributing factors and impacts of parenting programs
Authors:   , Sykes Jennifer Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Child maltreatment is a complicated and ongoing problem. There are millions of reported cases in the United States each year, and infants and toddlers are the most frequent and most vulnerable victims of child maltreatment (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, 2012). Child maltreatment is associated with a wide range of negative consequences for children including cognitive and psychological issues (Crozier and Barth, 2005; Mueller et al, 2010). The current project examines the factors associated with physical child maltreatment of infants and toddlers and efforts to influence these factors and prevent physical child maltreatment. Study 1 examined the data from the Hawaii Healthy Start Program (HSP) to determine the contextual, parental and child variables that predicted the use of severe physical assault on infants and toddlers during their first and second years of life. Results indicate that parental stress, substance use, speaking language other than English, less enriching home environment and child temperament are associated with severe physical assault of young children. Study 2 examined the feasibility of providing Incredible Years: Parents and Babies curriculum to vulnerable families with the intention of preventing physical maltreatment. Results of this study indicate that significant relationship building and parent engagement strategies are necessary to engage this population and data collection strategies must account for positive impression management and reading issues.
Use of score-based tests in IRT Models
Authors:   , Wang Ting
Published: April 2021

Measurement invariance is a fundamental assumption in item response theory models, where the relationship between a latent construct (ability) and observed item responses are of interest. Violation of this assumption would render the scale misinterpreted or cause systematic bias against certain groups of people. While a number of methods have been proposed to detect measurement invariance violations, they all require definition of problematic model parameters and respondent grouping information in advance. However, these "locating" pieces of information are typically unknown in practice. As an alternative, this dissertation focuses on a family of recently-proposed tests based on stochastic processes of casewise derivatives of the likelihood function (i.e., scores). These score-based tests only require estimation of the null model (when measurement invariance assumption holds), with problematic subgroups of respondents and model parameters being identified in a factor-analytic, continuous data context. In this dissertation, I aim to generalize these tests to item response theory models for categorical data. The tests' theoretical background and implementation are detailed. The tests' ability to identify problematic subgroups and model parameters is studied via simulation. An empirical example involving the tests is also provided. In the end, potential applications and future development are discussed.
State ethics commissions : determinants and effects of commission adoption
Authors:   , Crider Kayla J.
Published: April 2021

Many state legislatures have adopted state ethics commissions over time. Beginning in the late 1960?s and early 1970?s, ethics laws, campaign finance reforms, and state ethics commissions diffused across states. With the adoption of both ethics commissions and ethics reforms, it has been taken as self-evident that these bodies have been adopted due to political scandal, that they reduce political corruption, that they increase public trust and confidence in government, and that they boost public approval of state political institutions. However, these claims have, in many cases, failed to be systematically and empirically examined. As a result, little scholarly attention has been paid to studying the determinants or effects of adopting these institutions. In an attempt to understand why states adopt ethics commissions, and the effects of doing so, the central questions that my dissertation will address are: Why do state legislatures adopt ethics commissions? And, does the adoption of these institutions have any effects on political corruption, trust and confidence in government, or public approval of state political institutions? I find that state ethics commissions are adopted in the wake of political scandal and because of the increasing need for administration of campaign finance laws. I also find that although state ethics commissions have no effect on corruption and trust and confidence in government, they do positively impact public approval.
Bayesian analysis for detecting differentially expressed genes from RNA-seq data
Authors:   , Cui Shiqi
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This dissertation introduces hmmSeq, a model-based hierarchical Bayesian technique for detecting differentially expressed genes from RNA-seq data. Our novel hmmSeq methodology uses hidden Markov models to account for potential co-expression of neighboring genes. In addition, hmmSeq employs an integrated approach to studies with technical or biological replicates, automatically adjusting for any extra-Poisson variability. Moreover, for cases when paired data are available, hmmSeq includes a paired structure between treatments that incorporates subject-specific effects. To perform parameter estimation for the hmmSeq model, we develop an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Further, we develop a procedure for detection of differentially expressed genes that automatically controls false discovery rate. A simulation study shows that the hmmSeq methodology performs better than competitors in terms of receiver operating characteristic curves. Finally, the analyses of three publicly available RNA-Seq datasets demonstrate the power and flexibility of the hmmSeq methodology. This dissertation also introduces an empirical Bayesian approach to detect differentially expressed genes in time course RNA-seq experiments. The proposed Bayesian method identifies major variation in gene expression profile by Bayesian principal component regression. The expression data are normalized for each gene, and the high dimentionality of time course data is first reduced by principal component analysis. The proposed model assumes a mixture distribution of expression parameters for differentially and nondifferentially expressed genes, borrows strength by sharing same variance across multiple subjects for each single gene, as well as shares information across genes by assuming gene-wise probabilities of being differentially expressed from the common beta prior distribution.
Toward selective inactivation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B via exo-affinity labeling agents
Authors:   , Cummings Andrea Hicks
Published: April 2021

Exo-affinity labeling agents are compounds that achieve selectivity by modifying non-catalytic residues in a protein. They have been utilized as tools in molecular biology and to make successful drugs for protein targets. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a validated drug target for type II diabetes, obesity and cancer. However, no compounds have been FDA approved for PTP1B due to selectivity and bioavailability issues with traditional compounds. We propose that exo-affinity labeling agents can be used to achieve selectivity in PTP1B. In this work we have designed, synthesized, and characterized the first exo-affinity for PTP1B. Using this work we can design better exo-affinity labeling agents that can be selective for PTP1B. This may have implications on drug design and general knowledge of protein signaling pathways.
Spatial ecology of Western Ratsnakes (Pantherophis obsoletus) : implications for bird nest predation
Authors:   , George Andrew D.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] In fragmented Midwestern forests, many birds face high rates of nest predation, to the point where this region may serve as a population sink for some species. That is, so many of their eggs and young are eaten by predators that these birds cannot produce enough offspring to replace themselves, rendering regions like central Missouri a drain on some bird populations. One important difference between fragmented and contiguous forests (e.g., the Ozarks of southern Missouri where birds seem to be doing better) is that for some bird species, western ratsnakes (Pantherophis obsoletus) are by far the most important nest predator in the fragmented forests. Nest predation rates have been indirectly linked to ratsnake activity patterns or habitat, and recent nest camera studies have directly attributed nest predation by ratsnakes to increased forest fragmentation and weather conditions that are likely favored by ratsnakes. We conducted a large-scale radio-telemetry study of ratsnakes to evaluate their activity patterns and resource selection in study sites where they have been identified as the predominant bird nest predator. First, we used local weather data to model seasonal ratsnake movements as they relate to bird nesting phenology and climate change. Next, we used spatio-temporal temperature models to investigate the thermal conditions available to snakes. We used remote temperature sensors and high-resolution spatial data to develop a dynamic temperature surface for our study area. Models predicted near-surface air temperatures with high accuracy during the winter and growing season, and permitted us to include thermal conditions in resource selection models. Finally, we used discrete choice models to evaluate and predict ratsnake resource selection. We found strong evidence that ratsnakes preferentially select forest-field edges and other habitats that provide structural heterogeneity. Our findings support the hypothesis that edge effects explain increased predation rates in Midwestern forest fragments.
The role that distributed leadership plays in the implementation of professional learning communities
Authors:   , Goos Nicholas Alan
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to focus on distributing leadership activities of an elementary school through a diverse group of stakeholders in the implementation of a Professional Learning Community (PLC). This investigation was guided by the theory of distributive leadership (Gronn, 2002; Spillane, Halverson and Diamond, 2001) and the impact that this plays on school improvement initiatives. In this multiple case study, the researcher focused on the school improvement initiative known as professional learning communities (Dufour, Dufour, Eaker and Many, 2010; Fullan, 2006; Schmoker, 2004). The study sought to gather insight on the role of distributive leadership contributes to implementation of professional learning community. This multiple case study examined three Midwestern elementary schools identified as having successfully implemented professional learning communities. It explored responses from school principals as well as teachers from each building to gather insight on perceptions of school administrators and staff regarding leadership style. From the data, themes emerged indicating there are key components to successful leadership in implementation of the school improvement initiative. The implications of this inquiry for application in elementary schools directly influence school leader behaviors and actions to create certain elements within the organizational members. These items would include a value of collaboration time, a role in school leadership decisions as well as a narrow focus on discussion around student achievement. The findings in this study demonstrate that successful leaders create a collaborative culture, shares in leadership and decision-making practices and has a narrow focus on student learning. The use of distributive leadership ideals create the opportunities for successful implementation of professional learning communities.
Studying macromolecular interactions on the large scale : a bioinformatics approach
Authors:   , Kuang Xingyan
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Characterization of macromolecular interactions is not only critical for understanding how macromolecules perform their biological functions, such as promoting chemical reactions and acting as antibodies, but is also important for finding out molecular mechanisms behind the human diseases. Furthermore, the information of macromolecular binding is pivotal for elucidating metabolic, signal transduction, and other networks. Finally, our knowledge about macromolecular interactions may be critical in studying how complex genetic variations and alternative splicing affect the development and course of diseases such as cancer. Researchers are trying to understand the evolution and physics of macromolecular interactions by collecting and analyzing the interaction data, developing predictive models for characterization of macromolecular structure and function, and, applying the developed techniques to study specific biological systems or particular diseases. Some research methods like machine learning, statistical modeling and data mining based of the macromolecular interaction data derived from experimentally determined structures of macromolecule complexes are frequently used to discover the principle of interactions. Our work incorporates data mining, machine learning and statistical modeling methodology together into the location of macromolecular binding and establishes a comprehensive relational macromolecular database. Additionally, a sequence-based protein binding site prediction method was built using machine learning method and statistic model. This predictor intelligently integrates the information derived from the protein?s sequence and its homology model so that it can offer accurate predictions irrespective of the varying quality of comparative models. Our methods to analyze the mutations have been applied to studying the role of these interactions in diseases, like cancer.
Coriolanus versus the warrior women : a dramaturgical analysis of an adaptation of Shakespeare's play
Authors:   , Nelson Laura
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Coriolanus by William Shakespeare has a respectable performance history, although it has never been as popular as Hamlet, Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet. Adapting the work of Shakespeare is common both on stage and screen, but by creating an adaptation of Coriolanus that features more female characters, modernizes some of the language, and shortens the play to a more manageable length, the play appeals to a broader audience. The changes made in the adaptation require a dramaturgical analysis to historically justify the revisions and prepare the script for performance. There are several key components of dramaturgical analysis that serve to illuminate the script and prepare it for its eventual life on the stage. A review of the production history of the original play provides an idea of the status quo of Coriolanus production in both the United States and Great Britain. Reviewing the history of ancient Rome and how it is presented in the play creates a crucial relationship between the characters in the play and the location of the historical story. There are several analytical tools that may be used to interprete the characters in a play, but Jungian-based literary analysis provides insight into the characters themselves and their position in the journey of the plot. Finally, because the adaptation features additional female characters that were male in the original script, a great deal of dramaturgical analysis into feminist themes that are now critical to the presentation of the play and its characters is required. Through the dramaturgical analysis provided, the play begins to take shape as a distinctly unique version of Shakespeare?s original work. The adaptation is ready for the next step in the production process ? casting, rehearsal, and eventual presentation to an eager audience.
Investigation of antiviral strategies targeting Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type I (HIV-1)
Authors:   , Ong Yee Tsuey
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] HIV-1 infection is currently treated with antiretroviral therapy. Three antiviral approaches were investigated to gain understanding on how HIV-1 can be tackled: (1) by KD-247, a neutralizing antibody targeting the third hypervariable (V3) loop of the HIV-1 gp120; (2) by metal nanoparticles (NPs); (3) by reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors. A system was established to generate a soluble, bioactive single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of KD-247 and its variants for validation of molecular interactions between KD-247 and the V3 loop. Six promising variants with improved binding to V3 loops from multiple HIV-1 clades were identified and will be further characterized. Virological studies showed that silver NPs inhibited HIV-1 at an early stage of infection and acted as a virucidal agent, suggesting its applicability as microbicide. Findings on multiple inhibition mechanisms of 4'-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine (EFdA), effects of RT 172K polymorphism, roles of the SAMHD1 host restriction factor on nucleoside RT inhibitors, and characterization of a gammaretroviral RT also provided new insights into the development of more efficacious RT inhibitors. As a whole, these studies have significant implications for the future design of novel therapies to prevent and treat HIV-1 infection.
Bayesian analysis of capture-recapture model and diagnostic test in clinical trials
Authors:   , Zheng Dan
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Capture-recapture models have been widely used to estimate the size of a target wildlife population. There are three major sources of variations that can affect capture probabilities: time (i.e., capture probabilities vary with time or trapping occasion), behavioral response (i.e., capture probabilities vary due to a trap response of animals to the first capture), and heterogeneity (i.e., capture probabilities vary by individual animal). There are eight models regarding possible combinations of these factors, including M0, Mt, Mb, Mh, Mtb, Mth, Mbh, and Mtbh. A capture-recapture model (Mb model) was created to present the behavioral response effect. The objective Bayesian analysis for the population size was developed and compared with common maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs). Simulation results demonstrate the advantages of the objective Bayesian over MLEs. Two real examples about a deer mouse are presented and one R package (OBMbpkg) was built for application. Companion diagnostics (CDx) for personalized medicine is commonly applied to in vitro diagnostic (IVD) industry and clinical trials for specific disease or treatment with biomarkers (e.g. molecular targets). The Bayesian method with Gibbs sampler was used to estimate the potential bias caused by imperfect CDx under the targeted design, where only patients with a positive diagnosis were enrolled the clinical trials. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the Bayesian method and to compare with the EM algorithm. The Bayesian model selection method with G-prior was used to test treatment effects of targeted drugs for patients with biomarkers under the targeted design. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the Bayesian method and to compare it with the original method and EM method when sample size is small. Eventually a biomarker-stratified design was studied, while patients enrolled in clinical trials could be divided into two groups (i.e., those with a positive or negative diagnosis). Both the EM algorithm and Bayesian method were used to estimate the potential bias caused by imperfect CDx. Simulation results demonstrate the advantages of the Bayesian method over the original method and EM method.
Per dilectam coniugem et regnorum consortem : empresses' roles in building the Salian dynasty, 1024 1125
Authors:   , Verbanaz Nina K.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The Salian dynasty amassed a great amount of power, expanded its territories, and established new concepts of kingship and rulership throughout its 100-year reign. The Salian empress- and queen-consorts, who were strategically incorporated into the image and administration of the family from the beginning of the first Salian emperor?s reign, were active participants in governing and expanding the realm. This dissertation addresses the various ways in which the Salian women influenced governing and the maintenance of their family's position, looking at three distinct aspects of the queen?s functions in the realm. First, the Salians established their power and position through rituals and images depicting ritual objects. Rituals and their associated objects were the means through which an individuals? status and position within the hierarchical structure of society were made visible. Second, the empresses were involved in the politics of the realm. They were particularly influential through their performance of traditional roles of mediating and acting as regents for young sons or absent husbands. And finally, the Salian queens and empresses influenced developments within their realm through religious patronage, which enhanced the image of their family, revealed their own personal piety, and represented one aspect of their influence in the allocation of resources in the realm.
Support for breastfeeding mothers and determinants of long-term breastfeeding in the United States
Authors:   , Cisco Jayme Nichole
Published: April 2021

Despite expert recommendations to breastfeed for at least 12 months, the average age of weaning in the U.S. is three months. Drawing on a sample of 594 American mothers, this mixed methods study aimed to: 1) determine who supports breastfeeding women and what effect support has on breastfeeding duration; and 2) assess what factors influence the duration of long-term breastfeeding including weaning strategies and social support. Quantitative analyses reveal that mothers receive significant social support. Cox regression results indicate that frequently discussing breastfeeding with La Leche League and maternal grandfathers positively impacts duration, while discussing breastfeeding with physicians has a negative effect. Qualitative methods indicate that mothers who breastfeed long-term feel pressured to wean after 12 months, and that these mothers tend to follow a child-led weaning strategy. In order to promote breastfeeding for any duration, education is essential for those who support breastfeeding mothers, including health care providers.
School bonding theory and female juvenile delinquency
Authors:   , Hall Edwin Dale
Published: April 2021

This study focused on the school experiences of juvenile delinquent girls before they were admitted to Missouri's Juvenile Justice System. The theoretical framework of the study centered on School Bonding Theory which was developed by Hirschi in 1969. The research question guiding this study was: What was the school experience of female juvenile delinquents prior to entering the juvenile justice system?