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EXPLORING DENITRIFICATION IN WETLAND NITROGEN CYCLING AND BIOSTIMULANT-BASED AGRICULTURAL STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
No full textThe overuse of fertilizers has doubled the amount of reactive nitrogen in the environment. Agricultural runoff then carries these pollutants into the waterways eventually causing severe ecological damage such as the Gulf of Mexico dead zone. Nitrogen plays an important role in all life on this planet, here we describe two complementary projects that investigate ways to mitigate nitrogen pollution. The first project investigates denitrification rates in soil after the Len Small Levee breached in 2016 which reconnected the Dogtooth Bend Floodplain with the Mississippi briefly. The denitrification process that began in the hydrologically activated soils was hypothesized to be controlled by bacterial and fungal communities in floodplain soils. Core samples were taken from four locations, including a control, and incubated with artificial river water while monitored for nitrogen gas production using a membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS). Under both oxic and anoxic incubations each sample from the Dogtooth Bend produced dinitrogen with higher gas production from the anoxic than the oxic cores. Polymerase chain reaction was unable to detect a complete bacterial denitrification pathway and failed to amplify any fungal denitrification genes. Next generation sequencing (NGS) revealed a diverse bacterial and fungal communities capable of partial or complete reduction of oxidized nitrogen molecules. The second project tested whether a hydrothermally treated microalgae as a potent biostimulant (Honey Shyne™) would enhance crop performance and enrich denitrifying microorganisms in the soil. A field study using dent corn sectioned into separate plots was given a onetime drench application of Honey Shyne™ at different growth intervals, including a combination application. The produced biostimulant was found to contain undetectable amounts of total nitrogen, minimal nitrate (0.0003%), phosphorus (0.0291%), and potassium (0.0275%) which characterizes it as not a fertilizer. A higher amount of protein or amino acids were detected in the biostimulant, but at concentrations that is 99.63% lower than other protein-based fertilizers. At the conclusion of the study, plots of corn that received biostimulant at emergence were found to have statistically significant increases in cob length (11.05%) and kernel yield mass (+17%) relative to controls. Results from the cob length and kernel yield receiving Honey Shyne™ were calculated to be statically significant. NGS conducted on the soil after harvest found that denitrifying bacteria and fungi were also present in all soil receiving Honey Shyne™. The results from these two projects show that recruiting denitrifying microorganisms could mitigate nitrogen pollution. Wetlands are known as vital environmental filters that remove excess nitrogen and improve downstream water quality. Cores from the Dogtooth Bend flood plain produced dinitrogen when incubated with river water, demonstrating that restored hydrologic connectivity can reactivate denitrification and support nutrient removal. Additionally, using a biostimulant derived from algae processed by a hydrothermal process increased crop yields and encouraged denitrifying bacteria and fungi in soil could reduce the need for fertilizers. Together, by periodically reconnecting the Mississippi river to wetlands throughout the length of the river and changing all farming nutrient practices to less nutrient intense biostimulants may buffer and lower reactive nitrogen to within pre-industrial concentrations
Public Perceptions of Sexual and Dating Violence: How Attitudes on Sexual Education, Pornography, and Masculinity Relate to Rape Myth Acceptance
No full textRape myths are false beliefs that explain sexual violence, and uphold current beliefs on sexual violence (Payne, Lonsway, & Fitzgerald, 1999). These myths can be learned and reinforced through a variety of sources, including formal school-based sexual education programs, pornography consumption, and peers. Through two studies, sexual education and rape myth were examined. In the first study, an exploratory content analysis of state sexual education guidelines was completed to better understand what information and guidance is provided by states to those providing sexual education. In the second study, a sample of 420 U.S. adults completed a factorial survey experiment wherein they read and responded to two hypothetical scenarios, embedded with manipulated rape-myth-related factors, on a sexual interaction between a man and a woman at a house party. In all, these studies highlighted the variation in state sexual education policies, the ways in which personal attitudes were more predictive of blame than situational factors, and that the values incorporated into sexual education curricula may be more important than the content of these lessons. Notably, many state sexual education guidelines were removed, redirected, or changed following the publication of Project 2025 by the Heritage Foundation and the inauguration of President Donald Trump to his second term
The Role of Cultural Humility in Enhancing Successful Intercultural Relationships
No full textIn the 21st century, it is easy to locate a large group of population in U.S America. For society to thrive, a good intercultural relationship is a fundamental building block for societal advancement. However, individuals inherit cultural biases that discourages healthy intercultural relationships. Concepts like cultural humility aid in addressing the status quo. Cultural humility encourages lifelong learning and self-criticism of one’s view thereby acknowledging inherent bias. To remedy the status quo, cultural humility is introduced to intercultural communicators and individuals engaging in intercultural relationships
A Qualitative Interpretative Meta-Analysis of the Experiences of Women under Community Supervision
No full textResearch reveals that women parolees or probationers encounter both challenges and support systems as they navigate their reintegration into the community. More specifically, most women returning from prison and those on probation are released into a society of stigma where access to housing, employment, education, transportation, and healthcare services is either severely limited or nonexistent. These serious obstacles can undermine their ability, motivation, and desire to succeed while on probation or parole. Support systems may be more or less available and effective. The qualitative literature on women under community supervision is large but to our knowledge, the diverse studies have not been systematically examined for the robustness of key findings nor commonalities and differences in terms of key themes. The current study is a qualitative interpretative meta-analysis (QIMS) of about 28 published studies that seeks to identify the robust gendered challenges faced by women when navigating the facilitators and challenges of community supervision. Direct quotes are analyzed on the surface and inductively, with the potential for meta-themes to emerge. Using QIMS provides the opportunity to synthesize findings from multiple qualitative studies, providing a more robust understanding of the facilitators and barriers women on probation face. This study will enable the researcher to identify the common patterns that offer a broader perspective that goes beyond individual studies on the experiences of women on probatio
An Analysis of Milk Hedging Effectiveness in Madison County, Illinois
No full textThis study examines whether Class III and Class IV milk futures contracts can effectively hedge farm-level milk prices and reduce exposure to price volatility. The price volatility for dairy farmers is a major issue and makes it difficult for them to stay afloat. With the constant changes in input costs combined with the instability of the prices the farmers receive, the dairy industry is very difficult. Using regression analysis, the relationship between farm-level prices and futures prices was evaluated throughout multiple models, including those accounting for seasonality. The results from the regression analysis indicate that both Class III and Class IV futures have statistically significant effects on farm-level prices and can be used to manage price risk at the farm level
A CONDUCTOR’S GUIDE TO SELECTIONS FOR THE TREBLE AND SATB CHOIR: MUSIC OF FRANZ SCHUBERT, JOHANNES BRAHMS, BENJAMIN BRITTEN, PERCY GRAINGER, AND WILL TODD
No full textThese extended program notes contain research, analysis, and rehearsal considerations for selections across multiple choral concerts, including February 8, March 12, and December 10, 2024. The objective for this research and performance is to incorporate varied works from multiple musical eras appropriate for high school and community singers, including the Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, and Modern eras. Focused on a theme of life and Christmas, the repertoire includes: Franz Schubert’s Magnificat, D. 486, Johannes Brahms - 12 Lieder and Romanzen, Op 44, No. 9, 10, and 12, Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols No. 3 and No. 6, Percy Grainger’s “I’m Seventeen Come Sunday,” and the octavo “My Lord Has Come” by Will Todd. Each composer is assigned one chapter and each chapter is divided into four main sections: biography of composer and historical context, formal analysis, rehearsal considerations, and review of recordings
Impact of Principal Leadership on Teacher Retention in Southern Illinois K-12 Schools
Get PDFAdam J. Cross, for the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration, presented March 24, 2025, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
TITLE: IMPACT OF PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP ON TEACHER RETENTION IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS K-12 SCHOOLS
MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. William Bradley Colwell
The purpose of the study was to determine what impact principal leadership has on teacher retention in southern Illinois K-12 public schools. The significance of the study is to contribute to existing research on principal leadership and its impact on teacher retention (both positive and negative) by determining what characteristics of leadership implemented by southern Illinois K-12 public school principals By studying the principal leadership impact on teacher retention in southern Illinois K-12 public schools and connecting them to the demographics of the principal and school, leadership in rural public schools may be better understood as well as increasing teacher retention. This study of leadership and teacher retention has noticeable administrative as well as student-based impacts. Specifically, school administrators can use these concepts to increase teacher retention in their schools, which may impact school culture by increasing student achievement, lowering disciplinary infractions, and creating a vision for the school beyond solely one person’s ideas (Gultekin and Dougherty, 2021). It may also be utilized by universities and administrator preparation programs to better prepare future administrators in leadership effectiveness. The Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Association of School Administrations, and the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools may also develop a mentoring guide based on the research to create more cohesive mentor-mentee programs
Communicating Ourselves: Erasure and Counter Discourse of Queer Christians of Color
No full textQueer Christians of color are rendered invisible in dominant discourse. European colonization and the entanglement of Christianity, racism, and cisheteropatriarchy throughout the past can still be felt across the world. These intersecting power structures reinforce the erasure of queer Christians of color. Using an intracategorical intersectional approach, I interviewed queer Christians of color to better understand the ways that queer Christians of color are erased from cultural discourse, the effects of the erasure, and ways to counter that erasure through communication. I grounded my research in current literature from identity studies, paying specific attention to literature about identities of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and faith. Additionally, I used erasure, counter discourse, and intersectionality as conceptual frameworks. Furthermore, I shared how virtual interviewing functioned in this research, creating the opportunities for dialogue with participants. Using thematic analysis with coding informed by the phronetic iterative approach, I draw themes and implications to address how identity, power, and agency function in the lives of participants. The findings show that queer Christians of color struggle with the effects of erasure – questioning their existence, confronting the moral implications thereof, dealing with strained relationships, and discrimination. However, the participants reveal their resilience through finding and creating safe spaces, having hope for a better future, and engaging in social activism. This research presents real-world applications for scholars and activists working with identity, erasure, counter discourse, and intersectionality. Also, this research builds upon and extends scholarship in communication studies
Disability and Personhood on Screen: An Autoethnographic Analysis of Million Dollar Baby, Gattaca, and Sound of Metal
No full textThe phrase “disabled person” is deceptive as it assumes the self-evidence and immutability of those with disabilities’ access to personhood. Due to legal changes, technological advances, and evolving sociocultural norms, disabled people find themselves in a constant struggle to articulate and defend their existence and humanity. This dissertation begins with this acknowledgement and utilizes the pervasiveness of popular cultural to explore attitudes and representations of disability. In this dissertation, I explore how personhood and disability intersect. Specifically, I explore how texts of popular culture construct disability and then what those constructions mean for personhood. This analysis is responsive and contributive to extant, interdisciplinary scholarship that takes on these topics in a piecemeal and fractured way. This dissertation aims to bring together these two generative concepts – disability and personhood – to attend to the legal, social, and cultural landscapes that disabled people navigate and will navigate. To do so, I mobilize autoethnographic methods to analyze three cinematic texts: Million Dollar Baby, Gattaca, and Sound of Metal. This dissertation explores various conclusions. First, it explores the various logics, visual rhetorics, and rationales offered for the deaths of disabled characters within these films, with particular attention paid to the deployment of a curative framework of disability. Second, it offers a unique perspective on the embodiment of disabled life. Temporality is a critical tool to understand the tension explored between the life and death of disabled characters. Finally, the ways that disabled people and their bodies are marked as fundamentally different are particularized and named. The past and future of disabled bodies are undoubtedly fraught; writing about those bodies that are rendered on the screen only reinforces the tremendous implications wrought for those bodies off the screen