Scholars Junction - Mississippi State University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
83664 research outputs found
Sort by
Family matters: how caregiver influence and internal locus of control relate to academics
No full textAcademics in college predicts life outcomes; students from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds often face greater challenges. One such population, consisting of many individuals from marginalized backgrounds, are those raised by nontraditional parents. This study investigated predictors of academics among 357 college students, examining authoritative parenting style, intrinsic motivation, academic locus of control (LoC), SES, and caregiver type (parental vs. non-traditional). Academics was assessed using two composite scores: \u27academic knowledge\u27 (GPA/ACT) and \u27compensatory attention\u27 (working memory via n-back task accuracy and attention/concentration via SMALSI-C). Hierarchical regressions revealed that higher authoritative parenting, higher SES, and being raised by biological parents significantly predicted better academic knowledge. While a more internal LoC was the primary predictor of better compensatory attention. Exploratory analysis revealed SES moderates the relation between authoritarian parenting and academic knowledge. Findings suggest distinct pathways influence traditional academic metrics versus cognitive processes related to academic outcomes
Native bee communities within restored montane longleaf pine ecosystems
No full textMontane longleaf pine ecosystems are remarkably biodiverse and highly understudied. Like other longleaf pine ecosystems, montane longleaf pine forests have faced declines. These ecosystems have been undergoing restoration efforts to reestablish floral understories. Flourishing pollinator communities are essential to successful restoration efforts. This study seeks to understand the influence of site history and characteristics on native bee communities in restored montane longleaf pine ecosystems, and to establish a methodology for creating pollination networks in these ecosystems by using DNA metabarcoding to analyze bee-collected pollen. Our results showed that community composition varied based on month and site history. Site history impacted functional divergence of bee communities, especially regarding nesting habits, with higher proportions of litter nesting bees in sites which were prior mesophied forests compared to sites which were prior plantations. We outlined DNA collection and extraction procedures for pollination network creation and developed PCR primers for use on pollen samples
From Handle With Care to broader school-community partnerships that promote trauma knowledge, safety, and children’s resilience
No full textThis study evaluated the implementation of the Handle With Care (HWC) program in a Mississippi school district, examining its potential as a catalyst for trauma-informed systems of care and a model for broader adoption. The program aimed to (1) train school staff and first responders in trauma-informed care (TIC), (2) enhance cross-sector communication, and (3) assess impacts on school staff, first responders, and students. Of the 225 school staff members who accessed the training, 75 completed all modules, along with the pre- and post-surveys. Training was also extended to participating first responder agencies, with 64 first responders (including firefighters, EMA/911 operators, law enforcement personnel, paramedics, and crisis counselors) providing survey responses. Stakeholder meetings supported program refinement and facilitated the integration of HWC into a multi-tiered system of support to address the needs of children and families. Findings demonstrated significant improvements among school staff in TIC attitudes, consultation practices, and school climate indicators, including stronger relationships between staff and students, as well as clearer expectations. Although first responders showed no significant changes in TIC attitudes or overall burnout, analyses revealed that those who completed additional training reported reduced burnout. Student outcomes were mixed: district-wide attendance and chronic absenteeism remained stable, while discipline outcomes indicated fewer in-school detentions but a rise in suspensions, with substantial variation across schools. The study highlights HWC’s role in fostering trauma-informed dialogue, increasing awareness of potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and promoting a contextual understanding of children’s behaviors and needs. Insights emphasize the importance of training tailored to participants’ roles to ensure meaningful integration of trauma-informed practices. These findings guide ongoing implementation within the district and provide valuable insights for surrounding districts adopting or refining HWC. For districts in the early stages, the study emphasizes strategic collaboration, addressing barriers to participation, and aligning training with local needs. For more established districts, findings highlight the value of ongoing evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and targeted refinement of training components to sustain and enhance outcomes. HWC shows strong potential to strengthen communication and support systems, enabling communities to respond more effectively to children exposed to PTEs
Structural determinants of global sustainability outcomes: A multinational, multidisciplinary analysis
No full textThe analysis conducted in this study develops and tests an Integrative Sustainability Framework (ISF) that proposes a composite understanding of the economic, financial, political, social, historical, and organizational determinants of sustainability outcomes across national contexts, with a particular focus on the role of public institutions. Grounded in the field of public administration, it explores how structural and strategic forces interact to support or constrain long-term sustainability objectives, with implications for global sustainability efforts. The study employs a continuous sustainability index spanning multiple time periods, encompassing the environmental, social, and economic dimensions. It applies a comparative cross-national panel data approach and utilizes a correlated random effects model to examine sustainability performance at the national level. It finds that sustainability performance is strongly influenced by factors such as equitable access to education, effective governance through the rule of law, and state sovereignty in the policymaking process. This inquiry highlights the critical role of inclusive policymaking, social capital, and integrated governance frameworks in achieving sustainability goals at the domestic level. It proposes a theoretical framework to advance our understanding of sustainability governance in public administration, providing actionable policy recommendations for governments. Finally, it underscores the value of a holistic and context-sensitive approach to sustainability, ensuring it aligns with institutional capacity, and strategic planning in an increasingly globalized society
Developing site index curves and exploring growth efficiency variation in longleaf pine planted on marginal agricultural land in Georgia, USA
No full textWith the relative success of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), there is a considerable amount of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) trees planted on marginal agricultural land, with little to no guides for productivity management. This study was conducted in four distinct age classes of longleaf pine plantations at The Jones Center at Ichauway in Southwest Georgia, USA. Most of these stands were commercially thinned in 2014 and some were impacted by Hurricane Michael in 2018. I developed site index equations to represent growth trajectories of these stands while incorporating growth starting from ground level. Additionally, the concept of tree-level growth efficiency was explored for these stands. A negative exponential pattern of growth efficiency over total projected leaf area/sapwood area was found. Furthermore, influential variables on growth efficiency were studied in these same stands, and the results showed that site index and height to diameter ratio positively influenced growth efficiency
Optical trapping for the study of the chemical and physical dynamics of single particles
No full textThis dissertation explores the combined technique of optical trapping and Raman spectroscopy (OT-RS) to study the physical and chemical properties, as well as the dynamic surface changes, of single aerosol particles in air. The study covers a wide range of aerosol types, including bioaerosols (such as pollen, bacteria, and fungi), dust particles (such as black carbon, terrestrial, and extraterrestrial materials), and liquid droplets (such as sea-spray aerosols). The optical trapping system used in this work is based on the universal optical trap (UOT), which is capable of trapping and manipulating a wide variety of particle types. These include both transparent and absorbing particles, solid and liquid forms, and particles with either uniform or heterogeneous structures. The property of these trapped particles is influenced by their continuous interactions with the surrounding environment. By trapping single aerosol particles over time, the chemical and physical dynamic changes that occur on particle surfaces as they interact with air and trace gases are investigated in this dissertation. A particular focus of this study is the heterogeneous chemistry of mercury (Hg) within aerosol particles. Heterogeneous chemistry is complex and challenging to study using traditional methods. With OT-RS, the signal of Hg in single airborne particles can be detected, and its chemical reactions with air and trace gases can be monitored. This dissertation demonstrates that OT-RS is a powerful tool for studying not only the static properties of aerosol particles but also their dynamic surface changes and heterogeneous chemistry, including gas–particle reactions such as gas–liquid and gas–solid interactions, at the single-particle level
Grammar School, Grenada, Mississippi
No full textA black and white image of the two story grammar school in Grenada, Mississippi is featured on this postcard. The building features arched windows, several chimneys, and a bump out in the center front. The title of the card is printed along the bottom edge of the card.https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/mss-lampton-images-ms-delta/1363/thumbnail.jp
Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, Mississippi
No full textA color illustration of Washinton Avenue in Ocean Springs is featured on this postcard. Men standing beside a loaded wagon is in the foreground on the left while trees, buildings, people, and horsedrawn buggies are seen beyond. The title of the card is printed in red beneath the image along with the copyright information.https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/mss-lampton-images-ms-coast/1787/thumbnail.jp
First School in Magee, Mississippi
Full text linkA faded sepia toned photograph of the first school in Magee, Mississippi is featured on this postcard. The school is a white, two story, clapboard building with a covered front porch, a second floor balcony, and a bell tower in the front center of the roof. A group of people in late nineteenth century clothing are pictured seated on the lawn in front of the school building. The location of the school is written on the back of the card and the teacher is identified as Mary McKenzie.https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/mss-lampton-images-ms-capitol/1517/thumbnail.jp
Portrait of a Child Holding a Rifle, 1890
Full text linkA young child wearing a dark, three piece suit and holding a hat in one hand and a rifle in the other is featured in this black and white portrait. The photography studio, L. D. Simmons in Natchez, Mississippi, is printed along the bottom edge of the portrait.https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/mss-lampton-images-ms-sw/1131/thumbnail.jp