Scholarship & Research
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Item Smart wildlife monitoring: evaluating a camera trap enabled with artificial intelligence(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2024) Kaltenbach, Taylor Louise Gregory; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Jared T. Beaver; Jeffrey C. Mosley (co-chair)Wildlife-livestock conflicts, including depredation, disease transmission, and resource competition, present significant challenges to both the ecological and economic aspects of ranching operations. These conflicts can undermine the sustainability of ranching operations as well as the conservation of wildlife in working landscapes. Leveraging timely and precise data on wildlife activity, distribution, and their interactions with livestock are crucial for enhancing ongoing conflict mitigation efforts and to help sustain wildlife on working landscapes. I evaluated the potential of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled camera trap to limit false positive images and provide real-time monitoring of wildlife presence while reducing data overload. In Study 1, I compared the performance of a prototype, edge AI-enabled camera trap (Grizzly Systems) with 2 traditional, non-AI camera traps (Browning and Reconyx) at 8 sites across 3 ranches in south-central Montana, USA, from mid-June through mid-September 2023. I also evaluated the influence of site-specific environmental conditions, including air temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and vegetation type on camera trap performance. The Grizzly Systems camera trap captured fewer false positive images but exhibited a higher rate of missed detections compared to the Browning and Reconyx camera trap models. Across all 3 camera trap models, the probability of positive detections declined with warmer air temperatures and greater wind speeds. In addition, warmer air temperatures positively influenced missed detections by Reconyx and Grizzly Systems camera trap models, but warmer air temperatures negatively influenced missed detections by Browning camera traps. In Study 2, I compared the performance of a cellular-connected AI-enabled Grizzly Systems camera trap, equipped with an automated image processing and notification reduction workflow, to a traditional, non-AI, cellular-connected Reconyx camera trap at 2 sites in south-central Montana, USA from mid-April to mid-June 2023. The AI-enabled, cellular-connected Grizzly Systems camera trap successfully sent real-time notifications of wildlife presence and transmitted significantly fewer false positive images than the cellular-connected Reconyx camera trap. However, the Grizzly Systems camera trap sent substantially fewer notifications of positive detections than the Reconyx camera trap, which are likely attributed to missed detections by the Grizzly Systems camera trap.Item The effect of peer ratings on nonprofit contributions: evidence from charity navigator(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2024) Pela, Tavio Aleksandrs; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Andrew HillNonprofit rating organizations publish third-party assessments of nonprofit organizations for current and prospective donors. Using charity-level yearly financial and ratings data for organizations rated by Charity Navigator, a prominent nonprofit rating organization, I employ a regression discontinuity design to investigate whether a charity's total contributions are impacted by changes in the ratings of its competitors. I find a negative relationship between current-period peer rating and current-period contributions, which is consistent with peer ratings being used to inform donation decisions between comparable organizations. However, difficulty substantiating a key identifying assumption of the RDD raises doubts that these findings identify a causal relationship.Item Use of a protocol to improve exam standardization and clinical support for SANE practitioners in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2024) McKinney, Elizabeth Anne; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Carrie W. Miller; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.Statement of Problem: Sexual assault is a common occurrence throughout the United States with significant side effects. Reporting shows that one in every six women, one out of thirty- three men, one in nine girls, and one in 20 boys are victims of sexual assault. These rates are greater among Native Americans, incarcerated individuals, military members, and those who identify as LGBTQ+IA. Side effects are many and include physical, psychological, and financial repercussions. Research suggests that sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) improve not only the judicial outcomes but improve patient's sense of well-being and reduce secondary traumatization. A needs survey administered to a Southeast Montana hospital SANE program indicated provider confusion when training to do the SANE exam due to a lack of standardization among how providers completed the exam. Methods: A needs survey administered to a Southeast Montana hospital SANE program indicated provider confusion when training to do the SANE exam due to a lack of standardization among how providers completed the exam. Using recommendations provided by the National SANE Protocol, a quality improvement plan was created to evaluate the implementation of an adult/adolescent exam protocol, and a flowchart based on the protocol. Participants completed a pre-and post-survey to determine whether the protocol improved exam standardization, exam clarity, staff awareness of exam policy and procedures, quality of exam, confidence in practice, and clinical support of SANEs. Results: Survey respondents were primarily novice and advanced beginners to the SANE role. Prior to the intervention They had low confidence, low levels of clarity surrounding exam requirements, and a poor sense of clinical support. They report collecting high quality evidence and completing exams in line with policies and procedures. Following the intervention all survey elements increased in level agreement whether there was high agreement pre - intervention. Conclusion: The availability of standardized clinical tools increases confidence, clarity, and support among SANE providers, which we theorize will improve retention of SANEs and evidence quality.Item Rural school teachers' attitudes toward the use of technology in classroom assessments(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2024) Boateng, Samuel Kwaku Basoah; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Gilbert KalondeThis study explored the attitudes of rural schoolteachers toward integrating technology into classroom assessments. Despite significant investments in educational technology infrastructure, the utilization of instructional devices for assessments in rural schools remains limited. The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed methods to address five key research questions, investigating rural school teachers' attitudes towards technology-based assessments, frequencies of technology use by rural, strategies employed by rural school teachers, challenges faced by rural school teachers in tech-based assessments, and the alignment of quantitative and qualitative data. The study relied on a questionnaire and focus group interviews and opened questions for data collection from 80 teachers randomly selected from the Belgrade School District in Montana. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. The study revealed a positive attitude among rural teachers toward technology integration in classroom assessments. Teachers were willing to use tools like Google Classroom and digital assessments, aligning with broader trends indicating a growing acceptance of technology in education. The study further indicated that teachers in rural schools employ technology regularly for various assessments, utilizing tools like Google Classroom, forms, checklists, and online quizzes. This aligns with the increasing reliance on technology for formative and summative assessments, allowing for real-time data collection and effective student performance tracking. Teachers reported diverse strategies for integrating technology, including digital assessments, online platforms, and technology tools. These approaches align with previous studies emphasizing technology's role in enhancing assessment practices, promoting student engagement, and supporting differentiated instruction. The study also found that rural teachers face challenges such as unreliable internet connectivity, outdated hardware, and insufficient training, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms. The study recommends four strategies to improve rural education: addressing infrastructure gaps, providing professional development for teachers, establishing collaborative networks, and collaborating with policymakers to ensure equitable access to technology resources. These measures aim to create dynamic learning environments, enhance teachers' capabilities, foster a supportive community, and bridge the rural-urban educational divide. The study concludes by highlighting actionable insights for improving technology integration in rural classrooms, emphasizing tailored professional development and flexible implementation strategies.Item Evaluating habitat suitability for lesser prairie-chicken conservation in the mixed-grass prairie ecoregion(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2022) Solomon, Morgan Jean; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Lance McNewPopulations of lesser prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus; hereafter "prairie-chicken") in the southern Great Plains have declined by an estimated 85% and the species is currently being reconsidered for protections under the federal Endangered Species Act. Despite efforts to increase the quantity, quality, and connectivity of available habitat, prairie-chicken populations in the mixed-grass prairie ecoregion have remained relatively stable-to-declining. To provide information that will assist in providing more appropriate qualifications of available prairie-chicken habitat, I used ensemble modeling approaches and a least-cost path analysis to develop spatially-explicit predictions of prairie-chicken habitat and assess connectivity of identified habitat within the mixed-grass prairie ecoregion. In addition, I provided a critical comparison of the Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Habitat Evaluation Guide and research-based field indices used to quantify the amount and quality of habitat for prairie-chicken conservation on a proprety participating in an incentive-based conservation program. I also explored the potential for using ecological site descriptions and relative condition (similarity index) to monitor reproductive habitat for prairie-chickens. Predictions from our ensembled model identified ~4,576 km 2 of potentially suitable prairie-chicken habitat both occupied and unoccupied. Least-cost path analyses revealed a low degree of connectivity between areas of occupied and unoccupied habitat indicating a low probability of natural recolonization. Managers should consider focusing conservation efforts on targeting habitat restoration between, within and around areas of identified occupied and unoccupied habitat. Habitat quality under the HEG habitat assessment protocol showed the property had excellent prairie-chicken habitat quality while research-based estimates showed the property only had marginal habitat quality for prairie-chickens. Differences in habitat quality assessments were in areas that had low percent cover of vegetation species preferred by prairie-chickens and in areas that had recently experienced fire. Thus, managers should consider using components of both habitat assessments protocols when quantifying habitat for prairie-chicken conservation to reduce the probability of producing erroneous estimates of habitat quality. Limited sample size within moderate categories of similarity index across ecological sites prevented us from reliably executing further analyses exploring the utility of using a similarity index as a tool for monitoring prairie-chicken habitat.Item A northern Great Plains soil response to a one-time compost application(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2022) Haviland, Molly C.; Co-chairs, Graduate Committee: Jed O. Eberly and Anthony HartshornMany organic cropping systems depend on organic amendments for maintaining crop yields and soil fertility. Weed control is often achieved through tillage, which can degrade soil and lead to a loss of soil organic matter (SOM). The objective of this two-year study was to determine how wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield, protein concentration, above ground biomass (AGB), and indices of soil health including SOM, substrate-induced respiration (SIR), and field soil respiration (FSR) measurements would respond to compost applications in a Northern Great Plains dryland cropping system on Farnuf loam soils (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Typic Argiustolls) near Geraldine, Montana. Cattle manure compost was applied once in spring of 2019 at 0 (Control), 14 (Low), 46 (Medium), and 137 (High) Mg dry weight ha-1 to a spring wheat and cover crop rotation. Compost did not significantly impact wheat yield, AGB, or SOM content (p > .05). Differences were detected for the Low and High compost treatments compared to the Control in overall SIR rates and concentrations but not during any of four measurement periods (0, 7, 24 and 96 hours). The highest (median + or = interquartile range [IQR]) SIR concentrations occurred at 24 hours (Control [25 + or = 2], Low [28 + or = 15], Medium [23 + or = 5], and High [28 + or = 5] mg CO2-C g-1 SOC). Cumulative FSR, however, was significantly higher (2.5 Mg C ha-1) for soils receiving the Medium compost rate compared to all other treatments including the Control, which respired ~2 Mg C ha-1 over the four-month measurement period. Together, these results indicate that when cattle manure compost is applied to fine-textured dryland soils, wheat grain yields and protein concentration, as well as soil properties like SOM, do not appear to be enhanced in the short-term. These results also indicate that, one year after application, compost treatments may be detectable via soil health indices such as SIR and FSR, but these results can be inconsistent. As demand for organically grown, dryland crops increase, future research should clarify the most sensitive, robust, and cost-effective indices of soil health capable of guiding improved agricultural practices, including compost amendments.Item Improving communication and patient outcomes with SBAR at a skilled nursing facility: a quality improvement project(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2023) Westphal, Mackenzie Sue; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Margaret HammerslaBackground: Improving patient outcomes depends on high-quality communication among healthcare providers. The aim of this project is to improve communication between geriatric providers and a skilled nursing facility during after-hour phone calls. Local Problem: Geriatric providers expressed concerns about inadequate communication during after-hours phone calls from a Medicare-Medicaid-certified skilled nursing facility. Methods: This quality improvement project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act method to create sustainable change. Communication was quantified by establishing 11 key elements of SBAR created based on the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research TeamSTEPPS curriculum and provider preferences. A needs assessment was conducted to determine baseline data and identify gaps in communication. Phone audits and surveys were used to collect data. Interventions: The Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research's TeamSTEPPS curriculum provided the foundation to create a facility specific SBAR training for staff. The inperson training included a presentation, sample SBAR reports, and resources to reference. Results: The SBAR training at the skilled nursing facility resulted in 10% increase in average SBAR components reported to providers. There was an increase in SBAR elements reported in the Situation, Assessment, and Recommendation categories. There was not a significant change in provider satisfaction, staff satisfaction, or staff confidence. Several residents were unnecessarily transferred to the hospital and received interventions that could have been performed at the facility. Conclusions: SBAR can improve communication between geriatric providers and nursing staff during after-hour calls. Improving communication in skilled nursing facilities is vital to quality patient outcomes and reducing preventable hospitalizations.Item Westslope cutthroat trout passage in a scaled Denil fishway(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Engineering, 2023) Buller, Cole John; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Kathryn Plymesser; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) are a species of concern in the state of Montana and has become the focus of conservation efforts and research. Habitat fragmentation, caused by structures such as dams, culverts, and weirs, is one of the largest threats to Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Denil fishways have been installed at low-head diversions to facilitate their movement past these structures and maintain habitat connectivity. Recent research has focused on scaled Denil fishways, which require less water for operation than standard sized Denil fishways and leave more water for competing uses such as agricultural irrigation. The purpose of this study was to examine the passage of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in a 0.6-scale Denil fishway to determine the hydraulic conditions that best allow for passage. To do this, we prescribed twelve treatments of headwater and downstream approach depth combinations. Each treatment was replicated three times for a total of 36 trials with 10 fish in each trial. Fish movements and passage efficiencies were tracked using PIT tag telemetry. Overall, 68% (256/379) of the fish successfully passed through the fishway. Mixed effects statistical modeling was used to relate passage success to hydraulic variables and fish length. Results from this analysis indicate headwater to tailwater depth ratio and bulk tailwater velocity (as measured at the downstream end of the fishway) are the best metrics to predict the passage efficiency of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in a scaled Denil fishway. In general, passage success increased with lower headwater to tail water depth ratios (i.e., depths at the up and downstream ends of the fishway are similar) and lower tailwater velocities.Item Automated techniques for prioritization of metamorphic relations for effective metamorphic testing(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Engineering, 2022) Srinivasan, Madhusudan; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: John Paxton and Upulee Kanewala (co-chair)An oracle is a mechanism to decide whether the outputs of the program for the executed test cases are correct. In many situations, the oracle is not available or too difficult to implement. Metamorphic testing is a testing approach that uses metamorphic relations (MRs), properties of the software under test represented in the form of relations among inputs and outputs of multiple executions, to help verify the correctness of a program. Typically, MRs vary in their ability to detect faults in the program under test, and some MRs tend to detect the same set of faults. In this work, we aim to prioritize MRs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of MT. We present five MR prioritization approaches: (1) Fault-based, (2) Coverage-based, (3) Statement Centrality-based, (4) Variable-based, and (5) Data Diversity-based. To evaluate these MR prioritization approaches, we conducted experiments on complex open- source software systems and machine learning programs. Our results suggest that the proposed MR prioritization approaches outperform the current practice of executing the source and follow-up test cases of the MRs randomly. Further, our results show that Statement Centrality-based and Variable-based approaches outperform Code Coverage and random-based approaches. Also, the proposed approaches show 21% higher rate of fault detection over random-based prioritization. For machine learning programs, the proposed Data Diversity-based MR prioritization approach increases the fault detection effectiveness by up to 40% when compared to the Code Coverage- based approach and reduces the time taken to detect a fault by 29% when compared to random execution of MRs. Further, all the proposed approaches lead to reducing the number of MRs that needs to be executed. Overall, our work would result in saving time and cost during the metamorphic testing process.Item Investigating newer statistics instructors' breakthroughs with and motivations for using active learning: a longitudinal case-study and a multi-phase approach towards nstrument development(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2022) Meyer, Elijah Sterling; Co-Chairs, Graduate Committee: Stacey Hancock and Jennifer Green; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.National recommendations call for a shift from using lecture-based approaches to using approaches that engage students in the learning process, primarily through active learning techniques. Despite these recommendations, the adoption of active learning techniques for newer statistics instructors remains limited. The goal of this research is to provide a more holistic understanding about statistics instruction, specifically as it relates to recommended active learning techniques and newer statistics instructors, including graduate student instructors (GSIs). In this research, I present two studies. In the first study, we investigated GSIs' breakthroughs in their knowledge about, emotions towards, and use of active learning over time by using a longitudinal collective case-study approach. Survey, interview, and observation data across four semesters revealed that the GSIs' breakthroughs in their use of active learning only occurred after their increased knowledge about active learning aligned with their emotions towards it. This study further revealed that the GSIs needed to feel confident in and be challenged by their course structure before implementing active learning techniques. The second study builds upon these findings by exploring statistics instructors' motivations or reasons for using active learning. Under the self-determination theory framework, we conducted a multi-phase study to develop an instrument that measures four different types of motivational constructs for using group work, a specific active learning approach. We constructed items using expert opinion and cognitive interviews, and then we conducted two pilot studies with newer statistics instructors. The resulting reliability and validity evidence suggest that this instrument may help support future studies' investigations of motivation, helping us to better understand newer statistics instructors' use of active learning. Together, these studies may help inform future recommendations on how to support newer statistics instructors' early adoption of such technique.