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Influence of Flower Openness on Yield and Fiber Components in Gossypium hirsutum
No full textThe cotton flower, specifically the openness of a flower, can influence yield and other traits of interest. Little research has been conducted on how flower shape affects these traits, so this project���s main objective is to explain the relationship between flower shape and productivity. Throughout the project we reference the terms ���open��� and ���closed��� flowers and take many measurements that lead to our Flower Openness Rating (FLOPRT). The motive behind the project is that the cotton flower is exposed to many environmental factors that could potentially affect its reproductive ability. These environmental factors could be wind, insects, humidity percentage, and rain. By disrupting the flowers��� micro-biome by extraneous factors, yield and fiber quality potential could be compromised. We conducted field and greenhouse trials to evaluate potential differences that environment may place on the cotton flower efficacy. After the first year of data collection, we were able to create five distinct groups based upon the genotype's flower openness rating. Cross-hybridizations were then made among the fifteen experimental lines mating the ���most open��� to the ���most open��� and likewise the closed flower types by other closed flower type genotypes. Results showed that selecting for closed flowers would be to the breeders benefit since lines with closed flowers have yield higher and better fiber quality potential as opposed to breeding lines with an open-flower type. Another important observation was that lines with extreme flower openness are more stable across years than lines moderate openness. Additional research is needed to confirm the heritability of flower openness in upland cotton
Low Threshold Detector Studies for Rare Event Searches
Get PDFNumerous astronomical observations have presented evidence suggesting that the predominant constituent of the Universe���s matter content is non-luminous and non-baryonic in nature, commonly referred to as dark matter [1, 2]. At the same time, only 5% of the universe is composed of observable matter. Among the leading contenders for the identity of dark matter is the Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP), characterized by its interaction on the weak scale [3,4]. Various experiments [5���8] employ direct detection methodologies, wherein the interaction between dark matter and normal matter is probed through sensitive detector technologies and background mitigation techniques. To probe the parameter space at lower mass levels than the current detection thresholds allow, it becomes imperative to possess detectors featuring lower thresholds and substantial target masses.
Another phenomenon demanding the low threshold detectors is coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE��NS), initially foreseen in 1974 [9] and subsequently observed by the COHERENT collaboration in 2017 through the employment of neutrinos from a spallation neutron source [10]. Given that the anticipated energy deposition due to nuclear recoil is on the order of approximately a few keV, this process encounters analogous obstacles to those in searches for low-mass dark matter, thereby necessitating detectors with minimized thresholds.
Cryogenic detectors, due to their low threshold (< keV), are preferred detector technologies for light-dark matter searches. The detectors are usually made out of ultra-pure (Ge/Si) crystals equipped with Transition-Edge-Sensors (TESs) operated at mK temperatures. In this work, I will present analysis results from novel cryogenic detector technologies developed at Texas A&M University, which can be used in future dark matter and CE��NS experiments.
One of the detectors that can be a good candidate for the rare event search is constructed from a sapphire crystal weighing 100 g. Among multiple advantages, the intrinsic atomic composition of sapphire renders it a promising contender for forthcoming investigations into light-dark matter interactions. Sapphire emits scintillation light, presenting a potential for background discrimination. The study was conducted involving the successful collection of scintillation light emitted by the sapphire detector [11]. The study also demonstrated a remarkably low recoil energy threshold of approximately 40 eV [12].
The hybrid detector is made from a monolithic silicon crystal characterized by two interconnected regions linked through a narrow neck [13]. Operating solely on phonon signal measurements, the hybrid design facilitates the differentiation between electron recoil and nuclear recoil events, effectively discerning down to low energy levels. With a newly implemented software triggering technique (SWT), low-energy nuclear recoil events of approximately 500 eVee have been measured. In addition to this, a remarkable electron recoil background reduction of up to 90% has been successfully showcased.
The primary objective of the MINER experiment involves investigating coherent neutrino elastic scattering interactions with atomic nuclei (CE��NS) emanating from a reactor source [14]. In the most recent experimental setup, an array of newly engineered sapphire detectors has been incorporated. Preliminary findings indicate the attainment of a low background noise level (around 1000 DRU) subsequent to the elimination of events associated with multiple scattering occurrences. Additionally, a notably reduced analysis threshold (300 eV) has been achieved
Texas State Parks and the Effect of COVID-19 on Their Communication Styles and Frequencies
No full textThis research looks at individual Texas state park Instagram accounts and first-hand feedback from park visitors to analyze how parks used Instagram to communicate with their audiences and how people responded to the posts during COVID-19. This study uses quantitative research and descriptive statistics of social media analytics to define Texas state park accounts��� social media usage and strategy by analyzing the number of informational posts made by a park and the average engagement. Additionally, this study utilizes qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with Texas state park visitors and media consumers aged 18-25 to see if they used Instagram as a source of information on park closures and updates during COVID-19. Participants reported on the parks��� communication effectiveness using Instagram and how they think the park can better convey the parks��� offerings to the consumer. The research indicates that informative posts do not adequately demonstrate a park���s engagement through analytics. Park visitors are seeing the informative posts and utilizing the information when considering visiting a park, but typically do not engage with them through likes or comments. Additionally, visitors wish to see more content about what the park has to offer including campsites and their locations within the park, trails and what visitors can see on them, and local wildlife
Under the Attic and Above the Basement
No full textThis is a creative thesis that examines the lasting trauma of abuse within households through the eyes of children and young adults and how it can shape who a person is. The research done to create this collection focuses heavily on the long-term mental effects domestic abuse has on its victims. Research materials included documentaries, studies, and novels to give a broad understanding of the topic so it could be handled with care. Each story within the creative artifact focuses on a different child or young adult within a family and how they deal with their trauma. All the stories within the collection are a part of the weird fiction genre which allows for a deeper exploration of abuse through metaphors, rituals, and so forth. Most of the stories utilize horror elements involving creatures, various types of sacrifice, and supernatural occurrences as a way to present abuse that is distanced from how it normally occurs in order to avoid glorifying the violence in abuse. Sibling dynamics within abusive households is another aspect that is touched on, specifically how two or more individuals within the same household can process their trauma in different ways. Each narrative delves into how my protagonists deal with the trauma they are given through unhealthy coping mechanisms
