Algorithms for Order Statistics in Farey Sequences: A Computational Study

Farey sequences are the sets of irreducible fractions in increasing order with denominator less or equal to some integer n. They are a well-known concept in number theory problems and are related to many other concepts in number theory including integer factoring, Fibonacci sequences, and Riemann’s Zeta function. In this paper, we investigate some known algorithms to solve certain problems in Farey sequences from a computational perspective. In particular, we implement established algorithms that have not been previously implemented with the goal of creating a package that can be used more broadly. We also develop a new algorithm for rational search which generalizes known algorithms for the problem. Advisor: Vinodchandran Variya

Trends in DNA Aanalysis to Determine Postmortem Interval: A Systematic Lilterature Review

Forensic taphonomy is a recently popular field within forensic anthropology with limited research in the Central Great Plains. Given decomposition varies by region, more studies must be done to understand aspects of decomposition in this region. However, it is one of the most important subfields of forensic anthropology since determining postmortem interval (PMI) is extremely important to successfully identifying a missing individual if other indications of who the individual is are nonexistent. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted to answer what trends are seen in research being done for using DNA to determine PMI, and what methods should be used to use DNA to determine PMI. This study can be used as an indicator for what areas in this field could use more research, as well as pointing out ways to standardize data collection and reporting. The ‘preferred reporting items for systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses’ (PRISMA) (Xiao and Watson 2019; Finnaughty et al. 2023) were used to guide the methodology in conducting the systematic literature review. Articles were found for the systematic literature review (SLR) by searching seventeen different combinations of certain keywords on PubMed’s database. Out of 1,577 total articles found, 866 unique articles were included in the SLR for screening. After each screening the article number went from 866 to 82 to 24 articles that were included in data collection. Demographics of each study were collected from each article. For methods in determining PMI, specimen DNA was the most common (50%) method to use followed by microbiological methods (33.3%). The leading sampling methods for PMI were soil samples (37.5%) followed by swab samples (20.8%). Although collected, not much was done for the DNA yield of each article, since there was no consistency within the reporting of quantification between various articles. Future directions in this research include further examination and standardization of reporting quantified DNA and methods to determine PMI; further studies using other microbial methods such as bacteria and fungi that are common in decomposition; gathering this methodology and standardizing it for a field-accessible method that is simple to use for those that are not specialized in the field of taphonomy. Advisor: Elizabeth S. Clausin

Precision Feeding Methods to Increase Nitrogen and Energy Utilization in Lactating Dairy Cows

The environmental and economic costs of overfeeding N to dairy cattle are a challenge in today’s dairy industry. Two studies were conducted to address new opportunities for precision feeding N, which is a strategy where producers strive to feed cows the precise amount of N and amino acids that meet their individual requirements. The objective of the first study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a rumen protected methionine (RPM) product via automatic milking system (AMS) concentrate on milk protein yield in lactating dairy cows. Fifty-one cows were randomly assigned to control (no RPM) or treatment groups. Milk yield and milk protein yield were similar between control and treatment groups in multiparous cows, but were reduced in primiparous cows fed the RPM. Milk fat percent wasn’t affected by the RPM. These results suggest that feeding RPM via an AMS is promising, but more research is needed. The objective of the second study was to 1) chemically characterize two novel, high protein corn milling coproducts resulting from different processes, and 2) determine the impact of adding one of these products, 50Y, to diets formulated to contain low concentrations of either RDP or RUP. In the first experiment, five samples of each feed were analyzed for chemical composition in a completely randomized design. In the second experiment, utilizing a twice replicated 5×5 Latin square design, 10 multiparous Jersey cows were grouped by milk yield and randomly assigned 1 of 5 treatment diets. Results indicated that the inclusion of 50Y in diets did not affect dry matter intake, milk yield, fat percent, milk fat yield, energy-corrected milk, or concentrations of energy. However, when a diet low in RDP to which 50Y was added was fed, cows increased milk protein percent and N excretion in feces compared to cows fed the low RDP diet. Thus, while there may be negative implications for N excretion, 50Y can be substituted for nonenzymatically browned soybean meal as a source of RUP. Advisor: Paul J. Kononof

Coming Back to Bite: Reflecting on Constructs of Adolescence and Girlhood in Young Adult Vampire Media

The YA vampire genre has experienced a great amount of success throughout the past two decades with titles including Joss Wheadon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy. Within this group, two of the most widely successful examples are Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga and the CW’s The Vampire Diaries, both of which have had a significant impact on Western popular culture. In this thesis, I use these two texts to explore the constructs of adolescence and girlhood that manifest as a result of the literary moves the writers seem to make in an effort to invite who they imagine as their prospective audience. Although the success of these efforts can be argued, their prospective impact on the prejudices society holds against young girls is traceable. Through an exploration of the concept of “innocence” and the ways in which society associates the term with childhood and adolescence, I establish the avenues through which projection of an adult construct of adolescence is possible before going on to grapple with the historical and literary patterns which are often used to socially define the adult understanding of girlhood. In my analysis of my primary texts, I lay out how these constructs manifest and can reflect back upon their readership, further perpetuating the harmful stereotypes already held in patriarchal Western society. Advisor: Gabrielle Owe

Do Voters Shake Off Policy Stances?: A Look into the Impact of Celebrities on Policy Recall

Celebrities try to influence politics by leveraging their ability to command attention. But does a celebrity’s endorsement of a policy impact citizens’ ability to recall the policy? This paper examines if people’s information processing, specifically policy recall, is impacted by a celebrity’s endorsements. Data was collected at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during the fall 2024 semester using a student sample. Participants were randomly assigned into three experimental groups. I hypothesize that the more recognizable a celebrity is the more likely people are to be able to recall the policy they posted. By using Taylor Swift as the well-known celebrity and Tate McRae as the lesser-known celebrity, people’s recall is tested on five different policy positions: immigration, gun control, abortion rights, college tuition, and renewable energy. As more celebrities make public political statements, this research is crucial to understanding just how much influence celebrities have on how individuals process and recall policy information. Advisor: Dona-Gene Barto

Leveraging Historical Data for Estimating Genetic Gain and Implementing Genomic Selection in a Student Led Barley Breeding Program

In Nebraska, winter feed barley presents an emerging market for producers and an opportunity to diversify cropping systems. The University of Nebraska Barley Breeding Program aims to develop high-yielding, winter-hardy varieties. A unique aspect of this program is that doctoral students serve as barley breeders and are responsible for crossing, data collection, and advancement decisions. While this provides hands-on experience for the students, the impact of student leadership has not been examined. This study used a historical data set to evaluate the realized genetic gain of the breeding program, and as a training population for genomic selection. The dataset consisted of 302 genotypes from the advanced yield trial evaluated from 2002 to 2022 in three Nebraska locations. The rate of realized genetic gain for yield was estimated by regressing estimated genotypic means on the year they entered the trial. Additionally, SNP data for 189 genotypes was generated with the USDA-SoyWheOatBar-3K array, and daily weather covariates were collected. The 2024 observation nursery was genotyped and used as a testing set for genomic selection. Genomic selection models included four variations of GBLUP (G+E, G+E+GxE, G+W, G+W+GxW), four Bayesian models (Bayes A, Bayes B, Bayes C, Bayes LASSO), and two machine learning approaches (random forest, support vector machine). The models were applied for both winter survival and grain yield. The realized genetic gain for yield was 62.4 kilograms per hectare per year. For grain yield, the GBLUP and Bayesian genomic selection models performed well, and the subset of the training population used was more important than which model was selected. The highest predictive accuracy was achieved using the Bayes A model trained on Lincoln data only (r = 0.420). For prediction of winter survival, the highest prediction accuracy was for the RF model using Lincoln only training data (r = 0.263). While improvements can be made for winter survival, implementing genomic selection for yield can aid future student barley breeders and provide continuity between transitions. Advisor: Reka Howar

U.S. Drought Monitor, April 22, 2025

U.S. Drought Monitor, April 22, 202

Corsets of Empowerment

This project explores the intersection of fashion and activism, using contemporary design to reflect on significant women’s rights movements from around the world. This exhibition presents four uniquely crafted corsets, each representing a pivotal movement, from the Suffragette era to the ongoing fight for gender equality in Iran. Through modern aesthetics, innovative construction, and symbolic details, this project transforms clothing into a medium for dialogue and advocacy. Fashion becomes more than just design—it becomes a powerful tool for storytelling, sparking awareness, and encouraging new perspectives on gender equality and activism. This project was exhibited at the Robert Hillestad Gallery, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, in April 2025 as part of the M.A. Option II final presentation. It explores the intersection of fashion and activism through a series of concept-driven corsets inspired by global women’s rights movements. Advisor: Sandra Starke

Influence of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Decomposition and the Determination of Time Since Death: Applications of Forensic Entomology and Taphonomy

The determination of the postmortem interval (PMI) is essential for the investigation and successful prosecution of suspected cases of homicide. While the forensic pathologist might be able to draw fairly accurate conclusions during the initial 24–36 hours, beyond this period, the assistance of other experts like forensic entomologists and taphonomists would be required. The present study was designed to observe the postmortem changes in Sus scrofa placed in a cage in Nebraska, located in the American Central Great Plains. The setting is in an open grassland in late spring to early summer. The observed variables with respect to biotic and abiotic factors affecting the activities of necrophagous insects native to Nebraska, and the interplay between the environment and the carrion were studied. The result revealed delayed decomposition caused by late oviposition precipitated by low ambient temperature and rainfalls typical of the season, as well as the invasion of the carrion by silphids and the attendant predatory action on the eggs and larvae of the necrophagous insects. These two factors are mainly responsible for the observed increase in the PMI. When the results are directly extrapolated to humans, it can be assumed that a decedent placed within the same taphonomic setting will start showing signs of skeletonization after 39 days of being deposited in the open grassland of the Central Great Plain.Advisors: Leon G. Higle