University of Southern Mississippi
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Forgotten Landscapes: Using Original Land Surveys to Understand the Historic Distribution of Cane Brakes in Wayne County, MS
No full textThis study investigates the historical presence and ecological significance of Arundinaria gigantea (giant cane) in 1810, Wayne County, Mississippi, using original survey documents. These records provide rare quantitative insights into the distribution of cane brakes, revealing that A. gigantea possibly represented up to 44% of the surveyed landscape, likely second only to Pinus palustris (longleaf pine).
This research involved digitizing historical surveyors\u27 notes, transcribing them into a structured format, and extracting spatial data for GIS analysis. The methodology developed for this research can be used to ensure the preservation and usability of these historical documents for future research. Results highlight Arundinaria gigantea’s role as a dominant understory species, thriving in various landforms such as swamps, riverbanks, and upland forests
Coumarin-Derived Fluorescent Chemosensors for Host-Guest Recognition of Cationic and Neutral Analytes
No full textFluorescent chemosensors based on the coumarin scaffold are versatile tools for detecting analytes with high sensitivity and selectivity. The tunable photophysical properties of coumarin derivatives make them ideal for environmental monitoring, biological imaging, and chemical threat detection applications. Thus, this work presents using coumarin-based fluorescent chemosensors to detect metal cations and organophosphate compounds through distinct sensing mechanisms, such as CHEF, CHEQ, and PET.
A coumarin-enamine molecular probe has been extensively studied in organic solvents for the detection of metal ions. However, the probe undergoes rapid hydrolytic cleavage in aqueous media, limiting its application for environmental and biological sensing. To address this limitation, the probe was encapsulated using water-soluble macrocycles such as beta-cyclodextrin and cucurbit[7]uril. The inclusion complex was studied in binary solvent systems, including 90:10, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 1:99 DMSO:HEPES buffer (25 mM, pH 7.4), and exhibited distinct spectroscopic responses towards divalent metal cations (Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+). Macrocyclic encapsulation of the probe is an effective strategy to enhance aqueous compatibility while preserving the probe’s ability to bind metal ions.
Two quinoline-functionalized coumarin-hydrazone probes were studied for their ability to bind divalent metal cations in organic-aqueous media. These chemodosimeters exhibit significant fluorescence enhancement upon binding closed-shell metal ions. The photophysical behavior, coordination geometry, and binding affinity of the probes in the presence of these metal ions have been extensively studied in DMSO and HEPES buffer (25 mM, pH 7.4) solvent mixtures. Confocal microscopy confirmed the ability of the probes to detect free Cd2+ and Zn2+ ions in live HEK293 cells and distinguish between their cellular distribution, demonstrating the potential of these probes for cellular imaging applications.
A coumarin oxime probe was developed for the detection of organophosphate nerve agent simulants. Photophysical characterization of the probe was carried out in polar organic solvents and revealed an increase in Stokes shift and fluorescence intensity with increasing solvent polarity factor. Upon the addition of Verkade’s superbase, the oxime was converted to the oximate, initiating a photoinduced electron transfer mechanism that quenched the fluorescence intensity. The oximate selectively reacted with nerve agent simulants with the strongest responses observed for DFP and DICP, which restored 80% of the emission intensity
Parenting for Wellness: Positive Parenting Factors as Predictors of College Student Physical Health, Mental Health, and Social Connectedness Through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory
No full textResearch suggests that the transition to college can impact college student well-being across the domains of physical health, mental health, and social connectedness (Frech, 2012; Pittman & Richmond, 2008; Xiao et al., 2017). As parents are more heavily connected to their college-aged students when compared to years before cell phones and social media, they likely continue to play a significant role in their child’s well-being, even while they are in college (Wartman & Savage, 2008). Therefore, the aim of this dissertation was to investigate positive parenting behaviors as predictors of wellness in college-aged participants using Self Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) as a framework. We examined psychological needs satisfaction, which includes autonomy, relatedness and competence, as a mediator in the relationship between parenting and wellness. Participants were 377 undergraduate students from a public southeastern university. Participants were asked to report on their parents’ behaviors, as well as their own psychological needs satisfaction and wellness. Autonomy was found to mediate relationship between parenting and decreased emotional distress, competence was a significant mediator between parenting and flourishing, emotional wellbeing, and engagement in health behaviors. Relatedness significantly mediated the relationship between parenting and flourishing and social support. Additionally, positive parenting practices were predictive of students reporting more engagement in health behaviors, a greater sense of flourishing, less emotional distress, and more social connectedness. This research demonstrates the positive impact that parents can continue to make in their college-aged children, as well as the value of encouraging psychological needs satisfaction in emerging adulthood
Investigating the Use and Acceptance of Information and Communication Technologies by University Faculty in Liberia and Its Implications to Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textThis descriptive, non-experimental, correlational quantitative study examines the relationship between components of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Human Capital Development (HCD) in determining the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among university faculty in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). With the increasing importance of ICT in educational transformation across developing regions like SSA, understanding the underlying factors that influence ICT acceptance is essential for effective policy and implementation strategies. The researcher surveyed 336 university faculty in Liberia using a questionnaire designed to capture perceptions related to TAM constructs (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use), UTAUT constructs (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions), and key elements of HCD (training, skills development, and professional support). The study’s data was analyzed using Pearson correlation. The findings indicate a statistically significant positive relationship between the TAM, UTAUT, and HCD components and the level of ICT adoption among SSA’s university faculty. The results indicate that faculty’s perceptions of technology’s utility, institutional support, and ongoing professional development are critical in shaping ICT usage behavior. The study’s findings support the research question and highlight the need for integrated approaches that combine technological adoption models with human capital strategies for sustainable ICT integration in education. The study contributes to the growing knowledge of ICT adoption in developing economies. The study also offers educational administrators and policymakers recommendations to enhance digital transformation in teaching and learning environments
Novel Insigths on Trade and Genetic Lineages of the Amphi-American Guitarfishes Genus Pseudobatos
No full textMost guitarfishes (65.7%) evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List are classified as threatened and are included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Since the 1930s, these species have been subject to a trade in which guitarfishes are cut and modified to resemble mythical creatures and sold as curiosities or for alternative medicine. Identifying species of modified guitarfishes based solely on morphology is challenging due to their similar morphologies, the loss of unique characteristics, and potential for unreliable capture origins. To identify the species of guitarfishes involved in trade, a custom genetic reference library was developed for all described species in the genus Pseudobatos, using NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) for species-level trade documentation. This library demonstrates reliable identification for the majority of Pseudobatos species. Caution is advised for two species that exhibit minimal genetic divergence in ND2, suggesting the need for additional data types (e.g., morphological characteristics) in these cases. To determine the species traded, 34 modified guitarfishes were collected from vendors, including medicinal market shops, curio stores, and online platforms, within Mexico City metropolitan area, and identified to the species-level using the genetic reference library and morphological characteristics. The findings revealed guitarfishes are sourced from both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans for the modified guitarfishes traded, with specimens identified as P. buthi, P. glaucostigma, and P. lentiginosus, all of which are currently threatened with extinction
Evaluating the Impact of Evidence-Based Guidelines on Corticosteroid Prescribing for Acute Upper Respiratory Infections in Outpatient Primary Care
No full textInappropriate corticosteroid prescribing for acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs) remains a prevalent issue in outpatient primary care despite limited evidence supporting their use in otherwise healthy adults. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to reduce inappropriate corticosteroid prescribing for AURTIs by implementing an evidence-based clinical practice guideline over an eight-week period in a rural primary care setting.
The doctoral project employed pre- and post-intervention design. Providers were introduced to the corticosteroid guideline derived from the 5-Minute Clinical Consult, emphasizing appropriate use criteria for corticosteroids in AURTI cases (Unbound Medicine Inc., 2025). Educational outreach and clinical reminders were used to support adherence. A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was administered to providers before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in prescribing behavior, clinical knowledge, and perceptions regarding corticosteroid use.
Chart reviews of patient encounters for AURTIs during the pre- and post-intervention phases were conducted to measure corticosteroid prescribing rates. The primary outcome was the rate of inappropriate corticosteroid prescriptions, defined by deviation from the guideline in patients without chronic pulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
Results demonstrated a reduction in inappropriate corticosteroid prescribing following guideline implementation. Post-intervention KAP survey responses indicated improved provider knowledge and increased awareness of evidence-based prescribing practices. Attitudinal shifts and enhanced self-reported prescribing behaviors supported the success of the intervention. Providers expressed greater confidence in aligning their practices with evidence-based recommendations.
This doctoral project highlights the impact of targeted educational interventions and evidence-based tools in promoting guideline adherence and increasing high-value care. Findings support the sustainability of guideline-driven practice changes through provider engagement and ongoing clinical education. Future recommendations include expanding the intervention across other clinics and evaluating long-term prescribing patterns to reinforce sustained improvement