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Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) are a caprimulgid that breeds in the southeastern United States. Understanding the behavior of this critically understudied species is essential to ensuring its conservation, but few studies have attempted to identify breeding, movements, and interactions. Part of this understanding is predicated on successful capture of individuals so that demographic and other information can be collected. Given that Chuck-will's-widow are relatively large birds, their size and mass limit the utility of traditional methods in capturing them. We captured Chuck-will's-widow in east-central Mississippi using a fabricated decoy with speaker playback to draw individuals towards the trapping area, and modified trammel loops affixed to a 60-mm mist net that reduced the likelihood of birds striking and bouncing out of the net. Using a latex hose allowed the net to flex upon the impact of fast-flying Chuck-will's-widow targeting the decoy. A decoy was incorporated with conspecific playback to draw individuals to each erected mist net. This net modification, coupled with the decoy and audio lure, resulted in the capture of 80% of targeted Chuck-will's-widow, compared to a 0% capture rate for all other attempted methods. This is the first known study specifically designed to evaluate capture methods for Chuck-will's-widow and can be used for studies targeting comparable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is the most economically damaging insect pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., production in the Mid-South region of the U.S. In Mississippi alone, tarnished plant bug caused approximately $270 in losses per hectare and accounted for nearly 70,000 lost bales per annum during 2021 and 2022. Insecticide use is the foundation of integrated pest management strategies for control of tarnished plant bug in the Mid-South. Prior to bloom, acephate, imidacloprid, and sulfoxaflor are commonly used insecticides for tarnished plant bug management. Research was conducted in the Mississippi Delta region with commonly used insecticides prior to bloom to evaluate their performance in non-ThryvOnTM and ThryvOn cotton varieties. Research suggests that imidacloprid has a limited fit in non-ThryvOn cotton production. However, these data indicate that the additional mode of action provided by ThryvOn cotton could extend the longevity of imidacloprid, along with other commonly used insecticides in Mid-South cotton production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss a previously undescribed shell morphology in unionid mussels from three archaeological sites in western Mississippi. Similar shell features are observed across multiple genera, indicating a possible phenotypic response to an as-of-yet unidentified environmental factor. Targeted research of this phenomenon may lead to applications in paleohydrology and environmental archaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the perceived barriers that a secondary English teacher faced when attempting to discuss racial injustice through young adult literature in Mississippi. Design/methodology/approach: The authors rely on Critical Whiteness Studies and qualitative methods to explore the following research question: What are the barriers that a White ELA teacher perceives when teaching about racial injustice through The Hate U Give? Findings: The authors found that there were several perceived barriers to discussing modern racial injustice in the Mississippi ELA classroom. The participating teacher indicated the following barriers: a lack of racial literacy, fears of discomfort and an urge to avoid politics. Originality/value: Much has been written about the urgent need for antiracist teaching practices in secondary English classes. This article explores the barriers a white ELA teacher perceived when attempting to discuss modern racial injustice through literature instruction in a white context of the "four pandemics" (Ladson-Billings, 2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Birddogs and Tough Old Broads: Women Journalists of Mississippi and a Century of State Politics, 1880s–1980s" by Pete Smith explores the experiences of women journalists in Mississippi during the late 19th and 20th centuries. The book highlights two distinct groups of white women journalists: those who covered state government and politics from the 1960s to the 1980s, challenging traditional gender roles, and those who were advocates of racial segregation during the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. The author focuses on notable women journalists such as Norma Fields, who evolved from a traditional Southern woman to a fearless reporter, and Hazel Brannon Smith, who grappled with conflicting beliefs about racial segregation and civil rights. The book also discusses the writings of women journalists who promoted white domination and oppression of Black Southerners. Despite facing sexism and hostility, these women persisted in their careers and made significant contributions to journalism. The book provides extensive citations and is a valuable resource for understanding Southern journalism in the late 20th century. [Extracted from the article]

Improving our understanding of the effects of research activities on breeding birds is critical for proper study implementation. Effects likely vary as a function of field methods, study species, habitat, and predator community, with few larger or predictable patterns. We investigated the effects of game camera use and adult capture on the daily nest survival of 41 Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus) and 61 Wilson's Plover (C. wilsonia) nests in coastal Mississippi from 2018–2022. We also compared the effects of camera presence on nest survival between nests at a site with neophilic Fish Crows (Corvus ossifragus) and other sites where neophilic crows were absent. We used logistic-exposure survival analysis to estimate daily nest survival probability as a function of research activity (banding adults or placing camera at the nest), camera presence, species, and site predator community. Camera presence resulted in decreased daily survival probability (0.82 ± 0.10 SE) at the site with neophilic Fish Crows compared to daily survival probability (0.98 ± 0.001 SE) at all other nests. All other variables had non-significant effects. Our results indicate that banding and camera use at nests can be generally safe, but that researchers should test for potential negative effects of research activities in each situation, and in particular consider the local predator community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language educators were unprepared for emergency remote language teaching (ERLT) due to lack of training in online pedagogy and negative perceptions of online instruction, and the rural community of language educators have been challenged in unique ways. Using the intersections of content (language teaching), space (rurality), and context (pandemic) as the theoretical framework, this comparative survey study aimed to investigate rural Mississippi language teachers’ beliefs and practices to ERLT in comparison to their counterparts nationwide. Two independent samples, one consisting of 94 Mississippi language teachers and the other consisting of 255 national K12 language teachers, responded to our electronic survey about their ERLT perceptions and practices. Independent samples t tests were conducted to examine participants’ responses, and the results indicated that rural Mississippi educators in general adapted significantly better than educators nationwide. Specifically, with the same four dimensions of ERLT practices as revealed by confirmatory factor analysis, Mississippi teachers reported having courses more in line with best practices in online course design with higher levels of interaction within their classes, and higher learner outcomes, while making fewer adjustments in their teaching due to the pandemic. Practical implications are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In southeast states, diabetes continues to rise. Medical expenses are higher for -individuals diagnosed with diabetes-related complications, and poor outcomes are associated with missed appointments for wound treatment. Objective: The aim of this clinical practice contribution was to implement interventions to increase adherence to appointments and treatment plans in an outpatient wound clinic. Methods: Project participants over 18 years of age who were at risk for or have neuropathic foot wounds and are on weekly treatment regimens were recruited. Clinic staff were surveyed on the perceived success of and willingness to continue the interventions. Results: All staff surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that an automated reminder system and incentive program would make a significant impact on the patient's quality of life and worth the time and effort for staff to continue implementation. No patients in the control group required admission to acute care for treatment. Conclusions: Going forward with implications for future practice, these interventions demonstrated both the importance of adherence to outpatient appointments and opportunities to promote patient engagement. Implications for Nursing: Improving attendance at outpatient clinic appointments is significant for the delivery of quality patient care. By managing chronic conditions in the outpatient setting, complications can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Silver Carp H. molitrix, and Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella are expanding throughout the upper Mississippi River (UMR) basin. Spawning has occurred in the main‐stem UMR but could be limited to high‐discharge events when dam operations create a free‐flowing river. Alternatively, naturally free‐flowing tributaries could offer alternative habitat for successful reproduction. Our objectives were to examine temporal and spatial variation in adult gonad development, ichthyoplankton densities, and back‐calculated spawn dates of invasive carp collected in three UMR tributaries. We compared ichthyoplankton densities between the upstream and mouth reaches of tributaries and densities between the UMR and adjacent tributaries. Ichthyoplankton samples were collected every 10 d, and adult invasive carp were sampled monthly at nine sites throughout the Des Moines, Skunk, Iowa, Cedar, and Mississippi rivers during April–October 2014 and 2015. Peaks in adult gonadosomatic index, an increase in postspawn females, and ichthyoplankton collections suggested that peak spawning occurred during late May through June, when water temperatures were 18–30°C and channel velocities were at least 0.7 m/s. However, reproduction occurred as late as August in some tributaries. Ichthyoplankton densities were highest in the Des Moines River among tributaries, but tributary densities were similar to the UMR densities, suggesting that both tributaries and main‐stem sites provide suitable spawning locations. Invasive carp reproduction in UMR tributaries provides additional sources of potential recruitment for further population expansion upstream in the UMR and should be considered when devising plans for controlling populations along the leading edge of the invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid misuse has been identified as a concern among the farming community. The aim of this study is to identify how opioid misuse is perceived in agricultural communities across the state of Mississippi. A series of focus groups were conducted with University Agricultural and Natural Resource Extension agents and agricultural producers in Mississippi between November 2020 and February 2021. Focus group transcripts were analyzed through thematic analysis. Both university Extension agents and agriculture producers believe that opioid misuse is more of a concern in the greater rural community, amongst younger individuals, as opposed to being a concern for producers themselves. Extension agents stated that the unique personalities of agricultural producers might prevent them from being upfront about any of their opioid misuse. Agricultural producers stated that alcohol misuse is more of a concern among their peers than opioid misuse and that opioid misuse is present in farm labor. Generally, the focus groups revealed that participants did not think that opioid misuse was an issue for agricultural producers in Mississippi. However, participants identified other groups in their communities as having issues with opioids. The private nature of agricultural producers could be a reason why opioid misuse is not perceived to be widespread in that group. Alcohol misuse was observed as an issue for agricultural producers in the producer focus groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In light of the ongoing intrusions by state governments into core aspects of higher education, this article considers the roles that regional accreditors can play and have played in promoting and securing academic freedom and institutional autonomy. It discusses key elements of both academic freedom and institutional autonomy, demonstrating not only how they are different but also where they come together. It then turns to the roles that accreditors play in higher education and the specific standards for academic freedom and autonomy articulated by accreditors. Finally, this article reviews three historic cases (in 1930s Mississippi, 1940s Georgia, and 1960s North Carolina) where accreditors were instrumental in curbing state overreach. It concludes by calling for accreditors to be supported in playing similar roles today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Call it enchantment, sacrality, the natural power of confluence: Becknell captures within his memorable stories the Mississippi's enduring, eternal beauties. The Mississippi River, Thomas Becknell reflects, is "terrible and wonderful" (13). Thomas Becknell, Enchantments of the Mississippi: A Contemplative Journey of Time and Place, illustrated by Kari Vick. [Extracted from the article]

In April 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Jones v. Mississippi, its latest opinion in a line of cases addressing when, if ever, a child should be sentenced to life in prison with no hope of parole or release. Although Jones purported to resolve division among lower courts over the findings that a sentencing court must make about a child defendant's character and prospects for reform and rehabilitation, the decision will likely lead to further disagreement among courts. This Note argues that although the Supreme Court's jurisprudence has protected children from harsh sentences, it has also opened a Pandora's box. By introducing the idea of permanent incorrigibility--that is, that any child could be found to be permanently incapable of change--the Court invited lower courts to engage in a dangerous predictive game. This Note argues that the question of whether permanent incorrigibility is the correct standard is the wrong debate to have. Although this Note endorses the importance of judicial discretion in sentencing, it posits that permanent incorrigibility is not a question of discretion because it is an impossible determination. This Note ultimately argues that although critics of Jones are correct to condemn the decision for not requiring a more stringent standard, the problem began much earlier with the introduction of the permanent incorrigibility principle. To counter the inconsistency that Jones is likely to cause, this Note argues that the Court can--and should--issue a categorical ban on juvenile life without parole. In the interim, this Note also proposes two smaller fixes that states can implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on developing an accurate prediction model for suspended sediment load (SSL) based on antecedent SSL and water discharge values. Two Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, Hybrid and Parallel, were employed to test on the Kelantan and Mississippi Rivers in different climate zones and river sizes. The parallel model showed better performance than the hybrid in most cases, with the best results based on Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) (432.06 and 782.15 respectively) for Kelantan and (31672.25 and 62356.60 respectively) for Mississippi. The multifunctional GA neural-network model results have proven its ability to predict SSL in tropical and semi-arid zones. In the Kelantan River, the 8-input combination set was the best prediction model, showing an improvement of more than 38% compared to traditional models. The proposed method has proven to be more accurate than traditional models, ensuring better water resource planning, agricultural management and reservoir operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disparities in health and barriers to healthcare are prominent in rural areas, particularly in the Delta region of Mississippi where high rates of premature births, infant mortality, low weight births, and maternal mortality exacerbate the dearth of access to care. Extending the reach of healthcare providers and services between urban and rural areas is of utmost importance in improving the landscape of maternal and child health. Community health workers (CHWs), trusted individuals in the community, play a valuable role in this through social support. This research note delineates the importance of community health workers as connectors in establishing a trusted continuum between the urban Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) setting and rural community health centers through the Right! From the Start NICU Breastfeeding Initiative in Mississippi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosorhynchoides extenuatus n. sp. is described based on adult worms collected from the intestine of the chain pickerel, Esox niger Lesueur, 1818, from the Pascagoula River, Jackson County, Mississippi, U.S.A. Sequences of the ribosomal DNA from adult specimens (internal transcribed spacer region 2, and partial 28S ribosomal DNA gene) were identical to those of a cercaria developing in branched sporocysts within the Gulf wedge clam, Rangia cuneata (G. B. Sowerby I, 1832) and a metacercaria we collected from the threadfin shad, Dorosoma petenense (Günther, 1867) in the same river. The cercaria conforms to the description of bucephalid cercaria C Wardle, 1990, that was originally described from the same host in Texas, U.S.A. Novel sequence data are also provided for Prosorhynchoides potamoensisCurran & Overstreet, 2009, and Prosorhynchoides pusillus (Stafford, 1904) Margolis & Arthur, 1979. The 28S rDNA fragments from these species are aligned with bucephalid sequences available in GenBank and their relationships are analyzed using Bayesian inference analysis. The new species formed a branch within a clade of marine bucephalines, whereas P. potamoensis and P. pusillus branched within a clade of North American freshwater species currently classified in Bucephalinae and Paurorhynchinae. This study is the first to employ nucleotide-based evidence to demonstrate a 3-host life cycle from a North American bucephalid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholarly work at the intersections of food and critical race studies has long articulated the historic and pervasive effects of racial hierarchy on the work and culture that surrounds food preparation. Drawing upon such work, this paper conducts a close reading of Anne Moody's Coming of Age in Mississippi to demonstrate how the author describes a broader system of racial oppression through her own experiences with both hunger and revulsion in the presence of unclean food. Ultimately, Moody's careful illustrations of a racialized food system become her opportunity to critique the alimentary terms by which Black women have been interpolated into a white-dominated public culture, and controvert those terms in an act of anti-racist activism: desegregating the Woolworth's lunch counter in Jackson, Mississippi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many terrestrial microbes have evolved cell behaviors that help them rise above their substrate, often to facilitate dispersal. One example of these behaviors is found in the amoebae of Sappinia pedata , which actively lift most of their cell mass above the substrate, known as standing. This standing behavior was first described in S. pedata in the 1890s from horse dung isolates but never molecularly characterized from dung. Our study expands this understanding, revealing the first molecularly confirmed S. pedata from herbivore dung in Mississippi, USA, and describing a new species, Sappinia dangeardi n. sp., with larger trophozoite cells. Additionally, we isolated another standing amoeba, Thecamoeba homeri n. sp., from soil, exhibiting a previously unreported "doughnut shape" transient behavior. In S. dangeardi n. sp., we discovered that standing is likely triggered by substrate drying, and that actin filaments actively localize in the "stalk" to support the standing cells, as observed through confocal microscopy. While the purpose of standing behaviors has not been investigated, we hypothesize it is energetically expensive and therefore a significant evolutionary strategy in these organisms. Overall, this study emphasizes behavioral adaptations to terrestrial environments within Amoebozoa, stressing the importance of diverse laboratory conditions that replicate natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether the geographic density of pediatric ophthalmologists is associated with the rate of children treated for strabismus and amblyopia. This cross-sectional study included children treated for strabismus and amblyopia 0-17 years of age with commercial insurance who were included in the Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System. Additionally, pediatric ophthalmologists by state were determined using the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus website. Unadjusted linear regression was used to compare the geographic density of pediatric ophthalmologists and the rate of children treated for strabismus and amblyopia by state in 2016. This was repeated using multivariable linear regression, controlling for race, poverty, non-English-speaking children, and insurance coverage for children by state. New York and Mississippi had the highest and lowest rates of treatment of strabismus and amblyopia, with 3.97 and 0.83 children treated per 100 children, respectively. The geographic density of pediatric ophthalmologists was associated with the rate of children treated for strabismus and amblyopia in unadjusted analyses (β = 0.62, P < 0.001). Further, the geographic density of pediatric ophthalmologists was associated with the rate of children treated for strabismus and amblyopia in adjusted analyses (β = 0.61, P < 0.001). The geographic density of pediatric ophthalmologists by state was positively associated with the rate of children treated for strabismus and amblyopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known of rail migration ecology, consequently limiting efforts to effectively conserve rail populations. Therefore, we investigated changes in the migratory arrival/departure dates for Virginia Rails (Rallus limicola), King Rails (Rallus elegans) and Sora (Porzana carolina) north of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Using citizen science data collected over the last 25 years, we inspected summarized data for patterns of primary arrival and departure windows indicated by first or last observations of each species at the lagoons, respectively, alongside 10th/90th quantiles that controlled for outliers (i.e., early arrivals, late departures). Regression models found no differences in spring migration departures for any species. In fall migration we found a difference only in Virginia Rail arrivals, which became later over time. King Rail arrived in autumn first in mid-September (September 22nd) followed by Sora (October 5th) and Virginia Rails (October 21st). In spring migration, Virginia Rails departed first (March 19th), then King Rails (March 24th), and Sora (April 20th). Trends for King Rails may have been skewed by some individuals having non-migratory behavior. Despite limitations, citizen science efforts were useful for an initial investigation of rail migration ecology, and future applications could be used to identify and assess factors affecting migration timing (e.g., climate change, habitat availability, weather shifts). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large rivers are highly important systems that require close monitoring of the ecological consequences of factors like commercial and recreational exploitation, channel alterations, and climate change. The Long‐Term Survey and Assessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF) monitors the fish communities of the Illinois, Mississippi, Wabash, and Ohio rivers using daytime, pulsed‐DC electrofishing between June and October each year. Previous research has documented diel differences in the catch and composition of fish communities. Therefore, the addition of nighttime electrofishing may be beneficial to the overarching goals of long‐term monitoring. This study sought to determine whether there are significant diel differences in fish catch and composition in the Wabash River and whether these potential differences warrant the addition of nighttime sampling to the current protocol. We used nighttime, pulsed‐DC electrofishing at fixed sites corresponding to LTEF sites in the lower Wabash River from June 7 to November 7, 2017. We compared catch per unit effort (CPUE), length distributions, family, and species composition between our nighttime electrofishing data and LTEF daytime electrofishing data. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling showed that the differences between nighttime and daytime electrofishing samples were driven by higher catches of catostomids, centrarchids, and lepisosteids. Nighttime electrofishing had significantly higher mean CPUE than daytime electrofishing, and the four families with significant differences were Catostomidae, Cyprinidae, Lepisosteidae, and Sciaenidae. Of the families for which we compared length data, only Sciaenidae had a significantly different length distribution, with a higher proportional catch of smaller individuals (<100 mm) at night. Despite these differences, compositional shifts were minor, with overlap between daytime and nighttime sampling. Due to the compositional similarities between night and day, the costs of adding nighttime electrofishing to long‐term monitoring would not be necessary. We would recommend nighttime electrofishing for targeting specific taxa and age‐classes that are underrepresented in daytime samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cantonment St. Peter's (New Hope) is the encampment of Colonel Henry Leavenworth and members of the United States 5th Infantry Regiment, who arrived at the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Peter's (Minnesota) rivers on August 24, 1819 to begin construction of a permanent post. Ill health among the enlisted men resulted in the troops removal to Camp Cold Water the following spring, though documents hint that the cantonment was not completely abandoned until 1824. Site number 21DK24 was assigned to the location based on archaeological investigations conducted in 1964 by Minnesota Historical Society archaeologist Loren Johnson. The site of the cantonment, together with other early aspects of Fort Snelling, for which the exact location or extent was not known, was the subject of investigations undertaken in 2016 and 2017 for the Oversight Board of the Statewide Survey of Historical and Archaeological Sites. During this study, geomorphological coring was used to identify the depth and extent of intact soils, and shovel tests were excavated to sample buried soils. Investigations confirmed the presence of intact cultural deposits related to the occupation of Cantonment St. Peter's as well as a ferry keeper's residence and later twentieth century uses of the site area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, there has been a substantial effort to improve patient health and reduce healthcare costs through preventive medicine. Regular dental care prevents tooth decay; published research shows how oral health can impact other organs, such as the heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Mississippi, with almost 8,000 people dying from it each year. Problems that affect oral health are also common in Mississippi. The purpose of this study was to test if a relationship exists between oral and heart health in Mississippi patients. De-identified patient data from 2012 through 2020 was gathered by using a data warehouse from an electronic health record at a Medical Center in Mississippi and was analyzed with SAS. The results from this study identified a strong association between oral and heart health, which suggests there may be opportunities for improvements in healthcare in Mississippi through improvements in dental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic parasitic helminth that normally resides in the pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle of rats (Rattus sp.), the definitive host, where it causes little disease. Humans, dogs, opossums, and various zoo animals are "accidental" hosts. Here we report verminous meningoencephalomyelitis caused by A. cantonensis in a 9-mo-old male red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). The kangaroo was first presented lethargic, recumbent, and hypothermic, with severe muscle wasting. Within 3 wk, he progressed to non-ambulatory paraparesis and died. Gross examination revealed multifocal areas of dark-brown discoloration, malacia, and cavitation in the brain and the spinal cord. Histologically, there were several sections of nematodes surrounded by extensive areas of rarefaction, hemorrhage, spongiosis, neuronal necrosis, and gliosis. Based on size, morphology, and organ location, the nematodes were identified as subadult males and females. Interestingly, an eosinophilic response was largely absent, and the inflammatory response was minimal. A. cantonensis infection had not been reported previously in a red kangaroo in Louisiana or Mississippi, to our knowledge. Our case reaffirms the widespread presence of the helminth in the southeastern United States and indicates that A. cantonensis should be considered as a differential in macropods with neurologic clinical signs in regions where A. cantonensis is now endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nozzle type and herbicide application timing can affect herbicide efficacy. Prickly sida (Sida spinosa) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) are problematic weeds in eastern Mississippi cotton production and have reduced yield in recent years. Field studies were conducted at two locations – Brooksville, MS (2018, 2019) and Starkville, MS (2019) to understand the nozzle type and herbicide application timing effects on prickly sida and barnyardgrass control in cotton. Studies also compared applications made by an eight-nozzle tractor-mounted sprayer with a four-nozzle backpack sprayer. Herbicide applications were made at four timings: preemergence (PRE), early-postemergence (EPOST), mid-postemergence (MPOST), and late-postemergence (LPOST) corresponding to the preemergence (immediately after planting), two-to-three leaf, four-to-six leaf, and early-bloom stages, respectively. Treatments were made at 140 l · ha−1 applied at each growth stage, with nozzle type and sprayer as variables by each timing. Results showed no differences in treatments applied with backpack and tractor-mounted sprayers. Control of barnyardgrass was significantly affected by nozzle type, but control of prickly sida was not significantly influenced by nozzle type. In all three site-years, plots receiving a MPOST only herbicide application resulted in less weed control than areas receiving a two-pass POST herbicide program. Cotton yield was significantly affected by the herbicide program at one site-year, but was not significantly affected by the herbicide program except where cotton injury exceeded 15%. A two- or three-pass herbicide program was most effective in controlling prickly sida and barnyardgrass in Mississippi cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Bacciger Nicoll, 1914, is described from the digestive tract of the American gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum (Lesueur), in some inland waterways of Mississippi, and in Mobile Bay, Alabama, U.S.A. This now represents the only nominal species in the genus from the northwest Atlantic Ocean or inland tributaries of eastern North America north of Mexico. Two potentially close relatives that range in the northwest Atlantic Ocean are Baccigeroides ovatus (Price, 1934) Cutmore, Bray and Cribb, 2018, and Pseudobacciger manteriNahhas and Cable, 1964. The new species differs from Bo. ovatus mainly by having the genital pore opening immediately anteriad from the ventral sucker rather than far anteriad from it at the pharynx level, and from P. manteri mainly by having a distinct cirrus sac rather than having the terminal genitalia free in the parenchyma. The 3 genera are currently classified in the Faustulidae Poche, 1926. Although life cycles are unknown for the American species, evidence from life history of the related species Bacciger bacciger (Rudolphi, 1819) Nicoll, 1914, and Pseudobacciger harengulae (Yamaguti, 1938) Nahhas and Cable, 1964, combined with molecular phylogenetic evidence, indicate that the studied digeneans likely have a nonoculate trichocercous cercaria. We discovered sporocysts containing nonoculate trichocercous cercariae we identified as Cercaria rangiaeWardle, 1983, infecting the viscera of the Gulf wedge clam, Rangia cuneata (G. B. Sowerby I), in the Pascagoula River, Mississippi, U.S.A. We generated the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region and a portion of the 28S rDNA gene from the new species and C. rangiae. Dissimilarity at both sequences demonstrated that the stages were not conspecific. Bayesian inference analyses applied separately to the ITS2 region, and the partial 28S rDNA gene, resulted in trees with similar topology, both depicting the new species and C. rangiae as sister taxa. The possible identity of C. rangiae and the phylogenetic relationships among species of Bacciger and related genera are discussed. We consider Bacciger lesteriBray, 1982, and Bacciger sprentiBray, 1982, incertae sedis in the Microphalloidea Ward, 1901. All other species of Bacciger, and species belonging in PseudobaccigerNahhas and Cable, 1964, and Baccigeroides Dutta, 1995, are transferred from the Faustulidae to the Gymnophalloidea Odhner, 1905, where their familial affinities remain incertae sedis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Producing high-quality products while sustaining minimal costs is the mandate of all successful manufacturing firms. While quality is at the heart of this model, extant literature neglects an analysis and hierarchical classification of its dimensions, especially for 4.0 polymer industry. To address this gap, this paper identifies an array of quality dimensions critical to 4.0 polymer industry and prioritizes them leveraging a vector based multi-criteria decision-making method named Best-Worst method (BWM). A real polymer film manufacturer located in the state of Mississippi is considered as testing ground, and relevant industry expert opinions are incorporated within the Best-Worst method MCDM framework. Results yield conformance to standards , performance , and durability as the critical dimensions for 4.0 polymer industry managers pursuing waste reduction and strategy-focused quality improvement. Appreciation of this framework may guide practitioners and decision-makers to discern the relative importance of critical quality dimensions and subsequently support developmental areas to overcome challenges, ultimately achieving higher quality polymer products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size‐selective harvest in a fishery is a growing point of contention among different catfish anglers. In response to these concerns, size‐specific exploitation rates of Flathead Catfish Pylodictus olivaris and Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus by recreational anglers and commercial fishers were quantified. Eight study reaches were randomly selected on the Missouri River (4 reaches; recreational harvest only) and the Mississippi River (4 reaches; recreational and commercial fishing allowed). Fish were captured by electrofishing in 2015 and 2016 and were tagged with Carlin dangler reward tags. A total of 3,370 tags were distributed among 12 size‐groups starting at 381 mm TL, of which 609 tags were reported during the study period. High‐reward (US$150) tags were used to estimate nonreporting of standard ($25) tags. Reporting rates varied by reach and constituency group and ranged from 19% to 100%. Overall exploitation rates of Flathead Catfish were comparable to those in other studies (0.10–0.19) but were highly variable among sizes and among reaches. Commercial fishers did not harvest any fish smaller than 584 mm, and they tended to be more size selective than recreational anglers. Exploitation of Blue Catfish by recreational anglers was highest for 840–890‐mm fish (0.34–0.43) in the Missouri River and for 891–1,015‐mm fish (0.24–0.28) in the Mississippi River. Commercial harvest of Blue Catfish was not significantly different among size‐groups and was much lower than recreational harvest. These data indicated that recreational anglers and commercial fishers were often selective for mid‐ to larger‐size fish rather than for small sizes. Understanding the levels and potential range of size‐specific exploitation of catfish in larger rivers will aid managers when setting appropriate regulations and balancing the competing objectives of these fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article depicts a qualitative narrative study that reflects on the educational paths followed by three generations of Black women from rural Mississippi. The purpose of this study was to expand the documented footprint of Black women’s educational experiences in the rural Deep South by exploring my own educational experiences as a researcher and as a participant as well as the experiences of women in my immediate family. Reflections, connections, and analyses address 20 years of lived experience in Mississippi school systems. The intersectionality of critical race theory (CRT) rooted in Black feminist theory provided the theoretical framework. The research questions addressed were: What are the similarities and differences among three generations of Black women educated in Mississippi? How can this information assist us to better understand the historical and present intersectional struggles of Black education in rural areas? The intersections of gender and race were explored. Mapping as inductive analysis using writing as inquiry allowed me to garner a deeper meaning of the stories. The approach to story analysis was iterative as I moved in and out of several steps. My insights and reflections depicted a supportive village that helped to guide the women through their studies. The overall finding was that these women’s sustained success in rural Mississippi educational settings was linked to having a nurturing and supportive network of educators throughout their academic careers. We need to investigate other Black women’s educational experiences in rural education settings to increase representation and to demonstrate the congruences and particularities of learning what matters to Black women in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical, social, economic, and political contexts in which organizations operate influence their mission and organizational capacity – the available resources nonprofits use to carry out their purpose. The current study examines organizational capacity by uncovering strengthes and challenges of rural human service organizations (HSOs) in rural, persistently poor counties in the South. Also considered is the impact of the environmental context. Through a qualitative, multiple case study approach, nine HSOs in Georgia, Kentucky, and Mississippi were studied using semi-structured interviews with high-level administrators and thematic analysis. HSOs were skilled at enduring change in their communities, problem-solving, worker retention, fundraising, financial accountability processes, and partnership-building. Challenges included formal assessment and evaluation, quantity of communications, staff and volunteer recruitment, and minimal formal planning. The communities involved presented contextual barriers such as racism, limited workers, and transportation. The present study establishes connections between environmental context and organizational capacity that have been minimally explored. The identification of barriers, strengths, and challenges allows for future research and informs policy and practice that is critical to addressing the systemic problem of underinvestment in rural areas. • The study expands knowledge about rural nonprofits, their organizational capacity, and impact of environmental context. • The study raises awareness of an extremely vulnerable region – the rural, persistently poor South in the United States. • The study uncovers organizational strengths and challenges as well as opportunities and barriers of rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecologists have a limited understanding of the rangewide variation in movement behavior in freshwater fishes, but recent expansion of biotelemetry allows biologists to investigate how fish movement can help to predict behavioral shifts in response to changing environments. The Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens is a wide‐ranging, migratory, coolwater species, making it a candidate species for studying patterns in movement ecology. We conducted a literature review and meta‐analysis of seasonal movement data compiled from 38 Lake Sturgeon telemetry studies in North America to build an understanding of spatiotemporal variation in movement behavior. Lake Sturgeon movement studies were underrepresented for low‐latitude populations in the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio/Tennessee River basins. Highest movement usually occurred during spring spawning migrations, whereas other populations exhibited their highest movement in the fall, potentially in order to overwinter near spawning grounds. Our meta‐regression analysis indicated that latitude or summer maximum temperature best predicted standardized mean difference between spring and summer movement in Lake Sturgeon populations across the species' range. Our results suggest that Lake Sturgeon populations at lower latitudes and those that experience warmer summer temperatures have lower summer movement relative to spring movement. Managers may use this information to prioritize actions promoting the conservation of seasonally important habitats for the continued recovery of migratory coolwater fish (e.g., Lake Sturgeon) that potentially experience stressful thermal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, based on the 2021 Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA) Presidential Address, assesses the dimensions, causes of, and solutions to poverty. It finds that the definition of poverty varies based on the criteria used, and even by which agency or institution is defining it. It also finds that poverty indices vary by state and by county. For instance, in selected SRSA states, Virginia has the lowest poverty rate and Mississippi has the highest poverty rate. There are several causes of poverty, some of which are lower levels of education, lower levels of health, unemployment, lack of livable wages, and the influence of other socioeconomic factors. Suggested solutions to minimizing poverty include government assistance programs, effective minimum wage policies, job creation, responsible behavior, and responsible policies. Overall, efforts to encourage education, improve access to healthcare, and improve shelter, among others, to boost income levels and standard of living are necessary to make ample progress. However, individual responsibility is also important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern Gulf of Mexico is an important stopover and wintering area for many coastal waterbird species, but this region has been little-studied and a paucity of data has hampered efforts to quantify damage caused by disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. In response, the Audubon Coastal Bird Survey (ACBS) was established to fill this data gap and provide long-term monitoring of coastal birds in this region. This study uses three years of data (2014-2017) from 22 1.6-km transects to identify areas in Mississippi, USA that are important to coastal waterbirds, to compare relative abundance of 14 focal species to abundances prior to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, estimated using eBird data, and to compare the information gained using ACBS to that of eBird. Shorebirds (Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, Charadriidae, and Scolopacidae) were most abundant at barrier island sites; larids (Laridae) were most abundant on man-made mainland beaches; and waders (Ardeidae) were most abundant at vegetated nearshore islands and natural mainland sites. Relative abundances of Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) and Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) increased post-spill, while Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) and Wilson's Plover (C. wilsonia) decreased. Relative abundances estimated using ACBS vs. eBird were greater for seven focal species, particularly for smaller shorebird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of natural oak regeneration within forests is one of the most pressing conservation issues facing oak-dominated ecosystems in eastern North America. Although the restoration of suitable fire regimes appears to favor oaks over fire-sensitive mesophytes in many cases, differences in the effects of fire restoration on different species of oak have not received nearly as much attention. In particular, greater sapling recruitment of historically lowland Quercus alba compared to that of the historically upland and dominant Quercus stellata in response to fire restoration appears to be related to differences in seedling establishment, but the causes of these differences are not clear. In this study, we investigated species differences in acorn viability and rate of removal by predators, as well as differences in oak seedling emergence, survival, and vigor over two growing seasons (fall 2020 to fall 2022) in a restored oak woodland in northern Mississippi (USA). The proportion of viable acorns was greater for Q. alba than for Q. stellata, especially in 2020. Both species had similar acorn predation/removal rates in the winter of 2021. Seedling survival and vigor were greater in Q. alba than in Q. stellata , although these differences were more pronounced in patches dominated by the invasive Microstegium vimineum. Seedling emergence, survival, and vigor for both oak species were significantly lower in patches dominated by M. vimineum than in those dominated by native species. Neighboring vegetation and litter removal significantly increased seedling survival in both species. The positive effect of neighbor/litter removal on seedling survival was no greater in patches dominated by M. vimineum than in those dominated by native species, a result consistent with the existence of legacy effects of M. vimineum. Altogether, our findings suggest greater acorn viability combined with higher seedling survival and vigor in Q. alba than in Q. stellata may contribute to the lower regeneration rates of the historically dominant Q. stellata compared to encroaching Q. alba in fire-maintained woodlands. Negative effects of an invasive grass, M. vimineum , may further complicate restoration efforts. • Acorn and seedling viability can be limiting factors in natural oak regeneration. • Quercus alba had higher acorn and seedling viability than Quercus stellata. • Q. alba seedling survival was greater than that of Q. stellata in invasive patches. • Acorn/seedling viability and invasive species need consideration in oak restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of long-term population trends can help population ecologists and conservation biologists assess the status and conditions of wildlife populations to inform the decision making of wildlife management and conservation. Machine learning methods such as time series clustering classify population time series into different clusters that have different trends and dynamic patterns as an alternative to statistical models. We used dynamic time warping (DTW) clustering and feature-based clustering to classify 15 rabbit population times in Mississippi, the United States from 1985 to 2005. Our feature-based method used the parameters of the order-2 Gompertz population models (or autoregressive time series models) as the features of population dynamics. We also estimated the long-term trends of the rabbit populations with the Theil-Sen analysis (TSA). The DTW clustering identified two clusters as optimal classification having the highest Silhouette score. Dynamic time warping clustering had 80% consistency in time series memberships with the TSA, whereas feature-based clustering had 87% consistency. Shape-match DTW clustering not only matches the shapes of trajectories, but also trends between time series. The features based on the Gompertz models capture trend, linear, and nonlinear dynamics. Our shape-match and feature-based time series clustering can cluster time series of different lengths and missing data. The Theil-Sen analysis generates an explicit estimate of linear trends and accounts for temporal autocorrelation. Since the true trends or patterns are often unknown, we recommend using two or all three methods of this study to assess the trends of wildlife populations. • Population trends provide important information on the status of populations. • Rabbit time series were classified with shape-match and feature-based methods. • Dynamic time warping clusters time series with different trends and shapes. • Feature-based clustering performed better than dynamic time warping clustering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CCS potential seal. • S torage complex confining formation. • C retaceous marine mudstone within a proposed CCS storage hub. • Tr ansgressive marine seal of a proposed CCS complex. Cretaceous and Tertiary strata across Mississippi, Alabama, and the adjacent continental shelf constitute a widespread succession of sandstone, mudstone, and carbonate that have proven to be important objectives for deployment of geologic CO 2 storage technology in saline formations. Analyses of stratigraphy, sedimentology, and reservoir properties indicate that the Cretaceous-age Paluxy Formation, Washita–Fredericksburg interval, and lower Tuscaloosa Group may provide a 1.4 gigatonne storage opportunity at the Kemper County Energy Facility in east-central Mississippi. The marine Tuscaloosa shale is a widespread reservoir seal in the deep subsurface of Mississippi and Alabama, and detailed geologic investigation of the shale includes integrated analysis of geophysical well logs and core that have yielded a multiscale analysis of the confining strata. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD), and permeability analyses from core were used to interpret microfabric, pore types, mineralogy and fluid properties within mudstone of the east-central Mississippi Embayment. This study has importance for identifying potential migration of fugitive CO 2 into or across the shale. Results indicate that mudstone in the marine Tuscaloosa shale is an effective confining unit that is a key component of the storage complex in Kemper County. Water saturation in the marine Tuscaloosa shale units promotes rock ductility and contributes to low permeability, which is on the order of 10–100 nanodarcies (nD) as determined by pressure-decay permeametry. Accordingly, the marine Tuscaloosa shale is interpreted to prevent significant cross-stratal migration of injected CO 2 from deeper sandstone reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the long-term change trends of ozone-induced yield losses is crucial for formulating strategies to alleviate ozone damaging effects, aiming towards achieving the Zero Hunger Sustainable Development Goal. Despite a wealth of experimental research indicating that ozone's influence on agricultural production exhibits marked fluctuations and differs significantly across various geographical locations, previous studies using global statistical models often failed to capture this spatial-temporal variability, leading to uncertainties in ozone impact estimation. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the spatial-temporal variability of ozone impacts on maize and soybean yields in the United States (1981–2021) using a geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model. Our results revealed that over the past four decades, ozone pollution has led to average yield losses of −3.5% for maize and −6.1% for soybean, translating into an annual economic loss of approximately $2.6 billion. Interestingly, despite an overall downward trend in ozone impacts on crop yields following the implementation of stringent ozone emission control measures in 1997, our study identified distinct peaks of abnormally high yield reduction rates in drought years. Significant spatial heterogeneity was detected in ozone impacts across the study area, with ozone damage hotspots located in the Southeast Region and the Mississippi River Basin for maize and soybean, respectively. Furthermore, we discovered that hydrothermal factors modulate crop responses to ozone, with maize showing an inverted U-shaped yield loss trend with temperature increases, while soybean demonstrated an upward trend. Both crops experienced amplified ozone-induced yield losses with rising precipitation. Overall, our study highlights the necessity of incorporating spatiotemporal variability into assessments of crop yield losses attributable to ozone pollution. The insights garnered from our findings can contribute to the formulation of region-specific pollutant emission policies, based on the distinct profiles of ozone-induced agricultural damage across different regions. [Display omitted] • Detailed spatial-temporal variations in ozone impacts were examined. • Ambient ozone reduced maize yield by 3.5% and soybean by 6.1% across 40 years. • Ambient ozone impacts on yields show a clear downward trend after 1997. • US Southeast Region and Mississippi Basin face high ozone damage. • Region-specific ozone mitigation strategies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in replacing monocultures with species diverse stands has steadily grown. Mixedwoods (stands containing a balance of conifer and hardwood species) represent an alternative to monocultures and occur naturally through forest succession on most sites in eastern North America. In the central and southeastern United States, mixedwoods were generally dominated by pine and upland oak species. However, a combination of anthropogenic land use legacies has allowed fire-sensitive species to establish creating an opportunity for different mixedwood types to develop (e.g., pine-oak, pine-poplar, pine-gum). While any mixedwoods combination would increase tree species diversity relative to a monoculture, interest exists in whether silvicultural intervention can improve the performance of individual species to promote the development of different mixture types based on specific management objectives (e.g., wildlife habitat, timber quality, drought resistance). To address this question, we established an experiment examining the response of juvenile volunteer loblolly pine and six planted hardwood species (northern red oak, white oak, sweetgum, blackgum, yellow-poplar , and mockernut hickory to four silvicultural treatments (controlled release hardwood fertilization, coppicing, coppicing + broadcast fertilization, and planted control) in northern Mississippi, USA. Four-years post-planting, our results demonstrate that all treatments produced loblolly pine-hardwood co-dominance; however, hardwood dominance varied among treatments. In the planted control, loblolly pine and sweetgum were the co-dominant species, and statistically outgrew all species except yellow-poplar. Mockernut hickory (+ 40%), yellow-poplar (+ 23%), and blackgum (+ 15%) seedling height increased in controlled release fertilization compared to the planted control; however, apart from northern red oak, seedling survival of all hardwood species was less than 50%. The controlled release hardwood fertilization treatment was co-dominated by loblolly pine, yellow-poplar, and sweetgum. Sprouting in the coppiced treatment (89%) statistically exceeded that in the coppiced + broadcast fertilization treatment (73%), but did not vary among species. In general, coppicing reduced sprout height and survival relative to seedlings in the planted control, and promoted loblolly pine, yellow poplar, and sweetgum co-dominance. Coppicing + broadcast fertilization consistently reduced sprout survival compared to the planted control. However, trends in seedling height were mixed, with northern red oak (+ 14%) showing the largest improvement, and volunteer loblolly pine the largest decline (- 34%). Moreover, coppicing + broadcast fertilization produced the most species diverse outcome featuring yellow-poplar, loblolly pine, sweetgum, and northern red oak in co-dominant growing positions. Collectively, these results indicate that sweetgum and loblolly pine are likely to be prominent species in contemporary mixedwoods regardless of treatment. However, more species-diverse mixtures may be promoted by coppicing and broadcast fertilizing early in stand development. • Sweetgum and loblolly pine are likely to occupy dominant-to-co-dominant growing positions within mixedwoods regardless of silvicultural intervention. • Broadcast fertilization did not improve seedling sprouting following coppicing. • Two-year-old volunteer loblolly pine seedlings sprouted vigorously following coppicing. • Coppicing + broadcast fertilization produced the most diverse mixedwoods trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the central and eastern US, the composition and structure of upland oak (Quercus) forests are changing. These changes are in part due to fire exclusion, whereby shade-tolerant, often fire-sensitive tree species are gaining a competitive edge over relatively shade-intolerant, fire-adapted oaks. This shift has been hypothesized to occur via a positive feedback termed mesophication, whereby encroaching tree species ('mesophytes') create dense, shaded understory conditions that limit oak regeneration and create cooler and wetter microclimates that decrease forest flammability. The change in canopy composition and structure may also impact hydrologic inputs by redistributing rainfall via throughfall and stemflow. To assess the extent of this redistribution by mesophytes compared to oaks and the net impact to forest floor moisture availability, we monitored throughfall, stemflow, and surface soil moisture at depths of 7.6 cm, 12.0 cm, and 20.0 cm near the bole, mid-crown, and crown edge monthly over a 14-month period. Measurements were made across seasons in both the midstory and overstory canopy strata, including oak (Q. alba , Q. falcata) and non-oak species that are increasing in relative abundance in midstory canopy strata in northern Mississippi (Carya tomentosa , Acer rubrum , Ulmus alata). Non-oak species in the midstory (A. rubrum, U. alata) had smoother bark that led to more than three-times larger stemflow generation and more than two-times larger throughfall generation per basal area compared to oak species. However, there was mixed response to soil moisture, with both non-oak (A. rubrum) and oak (Q. falcata) species having wetter than average volumetric water content compared to all other midstory species. Overstory C. tomentosa generated 2.7-times larger stemflow volume than Q. alba while Q. alba generated the largest throughfall volume. Although overstory A. rubrum generated intermediate volumes of throughfall and stemflow, the cumulative effect led to wetter than average soils compared to all other overstory species. These findings suggest that the hydrologic partitioning by mesophyte crowns may serve as an additional mechanism by which encroaching non-oak species act to reduce forest flammability and promote conditions favorable for their own regeneration. This differential rainwater redistribution mechanism may ultimately compromise long-term oak regeneration and our ability to restore fire to fire-dependent forest ecosystems. • Tree morphology, canopy hydrology, and soil moisture differ among oaks vs non-oaks. • Midstory non-oaks generated more stemflow and throughfall compared to oaks. • Acer rubrum has consistently wetter soils in midstory and overstory. • Species differences in canopy-derived hydrology may play role in mesophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]