Dissertations (MU)
This community contains the collections of dissertations submitted to the Graduate School by doctoral degree candidates at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
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Bridging the gap : comparative analysis of a gap filling X-band radar QPE algorithms and their implications for nowcasting and hydrological modeling
Accurate Quantitative Precipitation Estimations (QPE) are foundational for hydrological modeling and proactive watershed management. This research examines how a single X-Band radar bridges the gap in QPE estimation and ... -
Laser-induced graphene from lignin : mechanistic insights and applications in electronic materials
This dissertation presents an innovative investigation into the production of laser-induced graphene from lignin, utilizing techniques like direct laser writing (DLW) and molecular dynamics simulations. It delves into the ... -
Essays on health and retirement in financial planning
This dissertation focused on investigating topics that are closely connected to health and retirement that households need to consider when making financial plans. The first chapter assessed the association between health ... -
Computational methods to identify ionomic candidate genes in plants
High throughput phenotyping and quantitative genetics have enabled researchers to identify genetic regions associated with changes in phenotype. However, going from GWAS loci to candidate genes is still challenging. When ... -
Evolution, transmission, and clinical impacts of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses
Influenza and coronaviruses are leading causes of human respiratory diseases, causing substantial global impact. The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses continues to trigger waves of outbreaks worldwide. ... -
Examining positive schizotypy's relationship with openness facets, maladaptive openness, and other maladaptive traits
Positive schizotypy is a trait reflecting increased risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and includes symptoms such as magical beliefs and unusual perceptual experiences. The normative personality trait of openness ... -
A systems approach to deriving carcass value from Holstein x SimAngus cattle in an accelerated finishing model
Beef x dairy has increased in popularity, altering the U.S fed beef supply. The objective of this dissertation was to evaluate the effect of Holstein x SimAngus (Hol x SimAngus) breeding and growth management on growth ... -
Applying deep learning technologies to discovery and characterization of genetic variants in animal genomes
The scale of publicly available genomic data has rapidly expanded by an order of magnitude within the last decade. However, research with these aggregated public data requires minimizing the accumulated systematic bias ... -
Pass the salt : elucidating the chondroprotective properties of hyperosmolar saline irrigation solutions
Arthroscopy is the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgery procedure. During arthroscopic surgery, a continuous flow of irrigation solution is necessary to distend the joint, remove debris, prevent tissue desiccation, ... -
Signals, cues, and information use in foraging decisions of herbivorous insects and a leaf-folding plant
Group living organisms rely heavily on cues and signals from other group members to make decisions. I studied how foraging decisions are influenced by communication in two species of plant-feeding insects that differ in ... -
Modulation of bovine preimplantation embryonic development and pregnancy by FGF2, LIF, and IGF1
In vitro embryo production enhances genetic selection through capitalizing on superior genetics, improving fertility, and increasing animal efficiency, all of which contribute to sustainable food animal production. Of the ... -
Roles of post-Golgi vesicular trafficking components in plant growth and immunity
Delineating the molecular mechanisms of plant immunity can help inspire novel ways to engineer more resistant plants which could contribute to reducing crop loss due to pathogenic infection. The plasma membrane (PM) is a ... -
The Monstrous Ordinary : the erasure of the women of Weird Tales and the implications for monster theory
My dissertation offers a new approach to monstrosity, called the Monstrous Ordinary, which articulates monstrosity not as something new, different, or aberrant, but originating from the normal, the ordinary, the everyday--the ... -
AI-driven techniques for enhanced efficiency in psychiatry clinical scheduling
In recent times, psychiatry clinics are constantly facing late patient arrivals. Patient unpunctuality significantly affects the use of resources and patient waiting times, among other quality indicators. Consequences of ... -
The effects of Roman expansion in the Middle Tiber Valley : Ameria and its environs
This dissertation constitutes a micro-history of the town of Ameria (modern Amelia) located in the Central Italian region of Umbria from 700 BCE to 300 CE. By reducing the scale of analysis to the local situation, we can ... -
Highly efficient cryopreservation of a model neuroendocrine cell using polysaccharide-based cryoprotectants
Adrenal chromaffin cells are an excellent tool for studying exocytosis of transmitter as well as endocytosis and other membrane transport-related processes. However, cultured chromaffin cells have a limited lifetime in ... -
Elucidation of quantum magnetic dynamics in semi-classical honeycomb lattice
The artificial spin ice systems are essentially arrays of single domain nanomagnets with specifically designed patterns, e.g. squares, honeycombs, etc. As a natural extension of the classical spin ice system found in rare ... -
The role of mitochondria in early-onset preeclampsia
Placental mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role in the etiology of early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE). Mitochondrial function is impaired at term in placentas delivered from EOPE pregnancies, but it is not known whether ... -
The Trickster astride : the lingering nature of African orature
This dissertation is based on two pieces of my artistic work namely, auto ethnography based personal narrative under the title, The Trickster's Journey back and a play under the title, Recreations. Relying on my orientation ... -
Sustainable management of invasive species
Integrated pest management combines an array of management strategies to combat pest species in an environmentally minded manner. However, these tactics are increasingly disrupted by climate change, insecticide resistance, ...