Historically, the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos was used to protect peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) from soil-dwelling insect pests. In 2022, its registration was canceled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for all food crops. The southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) (SCR), was the major pest of developing peanut previously managed by chlorpyrifos and there are no known alternative insecticides for its control. The SCR larvae can cause economic damage by feeding on developing pods and pegs. Field condition is an important factor in SCR survival as the larvae rely on soil moisture to survive, and larvae cannot feed on fully developed pods. The dependency of SCR on soil moisture and host availability allows for cultural modifications (e.g., planting date, judicious irrigation practices, selecting fields based on soil characteristics) to reduce losses to this pest. Alternatively, or in addition to these strategies, identifying varieties with resistance to SCR can provide growers with non-chemical methods to mitigate losses. Therefore, this project was developed to identify sources of resistance in commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines of Virginia type peanuts to SCR and examine whether early digging can reduce SCR injury. Implementing an effective integrated pest management (IPM) plan relies on a clear understanding of the pest life cycle in relation to the susceptible stage of the crop. We also evaluated SCR phenology in relation to peanut development. Replicated field trials were used to screen cultivars and investigate the effect, if any, of early digging in reducing pod injury. We monitored SCR adult populations over time using sticky traps. Our research will help manage a problematic pest in this region with limited, or no, reliance on insecticides. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency effectively banned the use of chlorpyrifos insecticide for food crops by revoking all food tolerances that had previously been set. In Virginia peanut, farmers were left with no alternatives to control subterranean insects that feed on the marketable portion of the crop, the pod. Virginia peanuts are grown in eight counties along the southern border of Virginia (Peanut Facts - Virginia-Carolina Peanut Promotions (aboutpeanuts.com)) and in 22 eastern North Carolina counties. My project focuses on the pod injuring of the southern corn rootworm (SCR), which were historically controlled by chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos was applied at pegging as a granular product to protect peanut through the late-summer portion of the growing season. Larvae of SCR require moisture, usually in the form of moisture held in soil, to stay alive, and heavier soils and irrigated fields in our region are at higher risk for SCR. Injury is not seen until peanuts are dug for harvest. Host plant resistance would be a desirable non-chemical control alternative. In the following experiments, we evaluated cultivars and advanced breeding lines for SCR resistance, and adult populations were tracked to determine if infestation timing has changed since last documented in the growing season. Our goal is to provide peanut farmers with sustainable methods to manage a problematic below ground pest.

I examined streams in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock wilderness to determine if streams responded to logging following 75 y of recovery. Joyce Kilmer was never logged and the Slickrock wilderness was logged from 1917 until 1922. Wood was common in unlogged streams and averaged 417 m³ of wood/ha of streambed. Logged streams had significantly less wood (1.1 m³ of wood/ha of stream), probably because of the construction of railroads in streambeds used to remove timber. Fine substrates (<5.6 mm diameter) were less abundant in logged streams and the retention of fines decreased as wood volume decreased. Species diversity was similar between streams in unlogged and logged catchments; however, the abundance of several taxa and functional feeding groups did differ. Streams in unlogged catchments had significantly greater proportions of shredders while streams in logged catchments had significantly greater proportions of scrapers. Ecosystem parameters showed that the linkages between streams and the forests they drain were weaker in logged than unlogged streams and that unlogged streams derived a greater proportion of fixed carbon from riparian vegetation. Stream-forest linkage strength increased as debris dam abundance increased, while the use of riparian vegetation inputs increased as moss increased. Contrary to predictions, solute storage was significantly greatest in logged catchments and negatively related to debris dam abundance that decreased streambed permeability. Additionally, phosphorus retention, instead of being enhanced by solute storage, was negatively related to transient storage. Uptake velocity was significantly greater in unlogged than logged streams and significantly related to debris dam abundance. Mean breakdown rate of experimental leaf packs and wood veneers was not significantly different between unlogged and logged streams. Leaf breakdown was strongly related to shredder colonization, while wood breakdown was unrelated to variables measured. Much of the persisting disturbance to streams by past logging was directly or indirectly related to differences in wood volume, debris dam frequency, and streambed substrate composition. Results support the hypothesis that logging results in a downstream shift from the headwaters in ecosystem function and that logging disturbance to streams likely persists for centuries. / Ph. D.

Fault Lines is a collection of nine stories that explore the themes of otherness, isolation, and transitions. In most of these stories I explore the concept of isolation in its many forms— emotional, physical, social, and spiritual. Many of my characters are people who have been "othered" for one reason or another, and many of them are people on the cusp, not only of society but also their own lives. I also explore characters who are on the verge of transition, either staring one down with fear and denial, moving hesitantly and trepidatiously toward one, or, in rare instances, jumping gleefully toward that next big moment in their lives. Many of my characters yearn for something to transcend their ordinary, material lives, whether through a spiritual encounter or simply an ordinary yet unusual one. Some of these characters are stuck in the mire of their current lives, and we see an uncomfortable mix of lethargy and longing. Primarily, I explore exactly what catalysts people require in order to move from a state which, though unsatisfying, might be comfortable, to one that is unknown and risky but potentially fulfilling. The title of the collection refers to those moments or events in one's life that indicate or cause shifts or transitions, whether mental, physical, or emotional. / Master of Fine Arts

This thesis examines the way Flannery O'Connor's stories draw upon and transfigure various biblical texts. With sometimes shocking freedom, she twists open the original stories or references, reworking and redistributing their basic elements. Often reversing the polarity of the original stories, O'Connor's stories dramatize elements of biblical texts coming alive in different times and social settings and with quite different outcomes. At the same time, her stories still address many of the same issues as the biblical texts she transforms. This study focuses on three O'Connor stories: "A Good Man is Hard to Find," which reworks the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18; "Parker's Back," which transforms elements of Moses' encounter with the burning bush in Exodus juxtaposed with Saul's conversion experience in Acts 9; and "Judgment Day," which interacts with portions of Paul's descriptions of the resurrection of the dead in 1 Corinthians 15. This study draws upon the work of theologically-oriented O'Connor scholars, as well as O'Connor's own letters and essays. I hope, through this approach, to open up a new way of responding to O'Connor's biblical echoes. / Master of Arts

This study analyzes tree, soil, and microtopographic patterns present within the Cranberry Glades, a bog wetland complex located in the mountains of West Virginia. The Cranberry Glades are comprised of four open bog meadows, which provide unique habitat to several rare and endangered plant species. However, these meadows are filling in with trees and alder. This research is a study on the factors that may be involved in the processes and patterns influencing tree encroachment into the bog meadows across the open meadow – bog forest ecotone. To determine the patterns of infilling and the potential relationships among the trees, microtopography, and soil conditions, I collected and analyzed data on each of these factors within nine belt transects located across the ecotone. I gathered tree data on the following: location within transect, species, diameter at breast height or diameter at ground level, height class, associated microtopography, and growing conditions on 1,389 trees. Soil samples were gathered across the ecotone and analyzed for percent moisture, pH, and various nutrients and metals. I assessed historical aerial photographs to gain a temporal history on the patterns of infilling. The results indicate that trees decrease in density across the ecotone towards the peatland interior, and that trees are likely to be growing on hummock features and within tree islands. Soil properties resulted in mixed conclusions. The aerial photograph assessment revealed that trees and alders have been steadily encroaching into the open peatlands for at least the past 52 years. The finding of this research lend to increased knowledge on southern peatlands, wetland succession, and the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. / Master of Science

M. S.

A shipment of 5,591 board feet of dense select structural southern pine, graded and inspected to conform to standard grading rules for southern pine lumber, was carefully investigated in order to determine (1) whether the lumber is within grade limitations, (2) what are the variations in and ranges of its physical and mechanical properties, and (3) whether it fulfills anticipations of design specifications. Within its limitations, the study indicates that the investigated lumber fulfills the expectations of the National Design Specification despite the fact that some of the planks are found below grade according to the standard grading rules. Hence, those recommendations of the National Design Specification subjected to investigation are substantiated by laboratory test data on a commercially stress-graded shipment of southern pine lumber. / Master of Science

Martinsville, Virginia lost its textile industry to Mexico. High Point, North Carolina lost its furniture business to Asia. Pittsburgh lost Steel, Detroit lost auto-making, Mississippi lost cotton, and West Virginia lost coal. These once booming mono-industrial communities, competitive in a global economy, are all clawing their way out of a deep, dark unemployment whole. Each has a chapter in the story of urban decay and renewal with different endings. But the actions of their elected officials, before, during, and after their community's single industry downsizes or leaves, make all the difference. The following comparative policy paper examines the strategies of two local governments, those of Roanoke, Virginia, and Altoona, Pennsylvania, who attempted to mitigate the loss of Norfolk Southern Rail Car Repair Shops in their cities. I find quantitative and qualitative research, which suggests that Roanoke faired better after the loss of Norfolk Southern with regard to unemployment rates, median household income, high school and college graduation rates and poverty rates. I attempt a research design such that community leaders whose cities suffer similar economic blows can walk away with recommendations concerning their roles in recovery. Both cities relied greatly on the economic activity of Car Repair Shops. The staff at the Roanoke Car Shops, once comprised of more than a thousand men and women, has dwindled to a skeleton crew of about 15. The Hollidaysburg Car Shops also employed close to one thousand people, but too, has eroded to about a dozen. A history of each city and the evolution surrounding Norfolk Southern is included, along with an extensive examination into subsequent economic activity. / Master of Arts

Qualitative models were developed to assess SPB's impact on wildlife, wildfire, and grazing. Some of the relationships in the wildlife model were quantitatively expressed, yet dollar impacts were not obtainable. The results indicated that SPB had a positive impact on woodpeckers, quail, rabbits, deer, small mammals, and other birds. No negative impacts on any of the wildlife species groups were found. These impacts were very small because of SPB's small spot size and low spot incidence. The wildfire impact assessment was strictly qualitative. The results indicated that fire rate of spread and intensity are increased on SPB spots, however, this impact is small because these increases would be restricted to SPB spots which are very small and highly dispersed. Only 64 acres of SPB spots were estimated to occur within burned areas in one year, hence, this impact was too small to consider in SPB control decisions. All of SPB's grazing impacts were qualitatively assessed due to the large amount of information available in this area. A computer program was written which estimated grazing impacts given SPB spot size and incidence, the herbage production before attack, and the residual basal area in hardwoods. The results indicated that SPB grazing impacts were also too small to be considered in SPB control decisions. / M. S.

SPBMODEL, a legacy southern pine beetle (SPB) simulation model, was translated into a new JavaTM model called Javahog. The Javahog output was verified to be essentially identical to SPBMODEL output by means of standard and paired t-tests. Javahog was placed online and is currently accessible via a servlet. Genetic algorithms (GAs) were applied to the Javahog model. GAs are a type of optimization heuristic that operate as an analog to evolution. GAs "evolve" a very good solution to a complex problem. In this case, GAs were intended to evolve a very good version of SPBMODEL. GAs were applied in part to improve upon the SPBMODEL design, and in part to demonstrate that GAs are effective tools for recalibrating legacy simulation models. Beyond simply recalibrating model parameters, the GA was used to select optimal functional forms for the development rates of each SPB life stage. The GA evolved a model that performed better than SPBMODEL at predicting observed field data, according to a balanced fitness function and according to sums of squared errors. However, from a visual comparison of the output of both models versus observed field data, neither model achieved satisfactory performance. / Master of Science