This collection holds UW-Stout Masters Theses within the Plan B format. A selection of theses cannot be published and must be requested from the archives. Contact archives@uwstout.edu for access. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/39200 2026-03-17T12:19:34Z 2026-03-17T12:19:34Z Thompson, Lindsay http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95967 2025-10-04T10:13:30Z 2025-07-30T00:00:00Z

Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Student Success Thompson, Lindsay This paper evaluates the evolution and importance of student success within the United States. Then reviews the purpose of the study, where the evolution of student success at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) is examined. Through CVTC’s strategic planning, we review the different methods of student success that CVTC offers and its student success goals. Secondary statistical data was obtained from CVTC’s CRM systems, which were approved by the IRB department. A correlation study was conducted to review students enrolled during the semesters of fall 2023 through fall 2024. The variables used were students with early alerts, retention rates, and persistence rates. The study was to analyze whether meeting with a supporting staff member had any correlation with the persistence rate for a group of early alert students during those specific semesters. Plan B

2025-07-30T00:00:00Z Bartolini, Emily K. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95937 2025-09-26T12:00:47Z 2025-06-23T00:00:00Z

Changing Reproductive Phenology of the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Due to Climate Change in New England Bartolini, Emily K. Generalist species of great abundance are often overlooked as data sources showing how climate change affects local ecosystems. While there is a lack of studies in peer-reviewed literature, decades of quantitative data about these species have been collected by conservation medicine and wildlife rehabilitation organizations. Using 20 years of data from the Center for Wildlife of Cape Neddick, Maine, I analyzed trends in reproductive phenology of the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) that correlate with climate change. Using the approximate birth dates of neonate and juvenile eastern gray squirrels admitted as patients, I analyzed the timing of two seasonal birth pulses from 2004 through 2024. Compared to 2004, the first and second birth pulses had shifted 8.8 (95% CI: 3.2, 14.3) and 5.9 (2.5, 9.3) days earlier, respectively, by 2024. Births overall have expanded earlier in the spring, gradually lengthening the reproductive season by 37.6 (-6.8, 82.0) days. Should current trends continue, the changing breeding phenology of the eastern gray squirrel may affect the greater ecosystem. Additionally, these findings demonstrate the potential value of existing data from wildlife rehabilitation and conservation medicine organizations in understanding the effects of climate change, describing dynamics in local ecosystems, and informing conservation. Plan B

2025-06-23T00:00:00Z Aluvala, Shivasruthi http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95936 2025-10-03T17:56:22Z 2025-08-05T00:00:00Z

Shelf-Life Detection and Extension Methods for Avocados Using Various Storage Conditions and Packaging Solutions at the Retail Store Level Aluvala, Shivasruthi Avocados, while highly nutritious and popular, are hindered by a short retail shelf-life, leading to significant food waste. This research aimed to address this challenge by investigating effective methods for extending avocado shelf-life post-ripening and their practical application in retail. The study revealed that coating avocados with methyl cellulose and storing them at 4°C remarkably prolongs their freshness. Specifically, avocados at Stage 3 ripeness maintained their quality—including moisture, texture, and color—for 40 to 50 days. Avocados at Stage 4 ripeness with methyl cellulose and stored at 4°C extended to 30 to 40 days. These findings are particularly significant as they far exceed the 3-5 days of shelf life from Stage 3 ripeness while normally storing at room temperature (23°C) in retail and address a research gap concerning avocado preservation at 4°C with methyl cellulose coating for Stage 3 ripeness. This research offers a practical and scalable solution to mitigate food waste and enhance sustainability within the retail food sector. Plan B

2025-08-05T00:00:00Z Chamberlin, Katelynn M. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95888 2025-09-23T11:32:43Z 2019-04-01T00:00:00Z

Chloride Concentrations in Meromictic and Holomictic Lakes and Calculating Chloride Concentrations Using Specific Conductivity Chamberlin, Katelynn M. Chloride is a crucial part of water quality sampling because in high concentrations it can negatively impact surface waters by changing the mixing pattern of lakes. Electric conductivity is usually a representation of salinity, so a close correlation between electric conductivity and chloride is expected. The purpose of this study is to (1) compare chloride concentrations in the epilimnion and hypolimnion between meromictic and holomictic lakes (2) and develop a relationship between chloride concentration and electric conductivity, as a prediction tool, for surface waters in the Twin Cities Metro Area (TCMA). Fourteen lakes in the TCMA, three meromictic and 11 holomictic lakes, were used in this study. Water samples were collected using a composite tube and Kemmerer and analyzed for chloride concentrations, and specific conductivity was determined using a Hydrolab Minisonde Multiprobe. Linear, polynomial and power regression models were used to describe chloride concentration as a function of specific conductivity. Results indicated that chloride concentrations are lower in the epilimnion and higher in the hypolimnion in both meromictic and holomictic lakes, but there is a more significant difference between surface and bottom concentrations in meromictic lakes. Also, the polynomial regression model most accurately estimated chloride concentrations using specific conductivity. Plan B

2019-04-01T00:00:00Z