Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of The Spatial And Temporal Changes In River Geometry And Sand Load With Field Data Analysis And 1d Numerical Modeling, Zeyad Ayoob Sulaiman

Theses and Dissertations

The quantification of the changes in channel geometry and sand load that have occurred on the Missouri River after engineering works and that characterize the Altamaha River in the fluvial-tidal transition zone is the main objective of this research. Dam construction and channelization on the Missouri River resulted in flow regulation, sediment shortage by dam reservoir trapping, channel straightening and narrowing. Quantifying the morphodynamic response of the Lower Missouri River to these engineering projects at short and long-time scales is a difficult problem that we approach with the analysis of the available field data and with the aid of a …

Topological Conduction And Investigation On Multi Occurrence Of Dirac Cone, Mustahseen Mobashwer Indaleeb

Theses and Dissertations

The unique phenomena in acoustic metamaterial at the Dirac-like cone, and at the exceptional spawning ring could transform the field of engineering with multiple new applications that were never possible before. Localized conical dispersion called Dirac cone at the Brillouin Zone boundaries are the well-known phenomena demonstrated by photonics and phononic metamaterials. However, Dirac cone-like dispersion at the center of the Brillouin zone (where wave number, k = 0) [1] is rare and only happens due to accidental degeneracy at finite frequencies in two-dimensional periodic crystals (PCs), with or without microarchitectures. Accidental degeneracies are generally the ‘sweet spots’ where the …

Evaluating The Criterion Validity And Classification Accuracy Of Universal Screening Measures In Reading, Asia Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

Educators use universal screening in the context of Response to Intervention frameworks to identify students who may be at risk for not meeting proficiency on the state assessment. Given the potential high-stakes of state tests, using accurate screening systems is critical for early remediation. Independent research is emerging on comprehensive and expensive reading screeners such as the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), a computer adaptive test, and the Strategic Teaching Evaluation of Progress (STEP), a developmental reading assessment. The current study evaluated the criterion-related validity of MAP and STEP with a state assessment. Additionally, the utility of each screening measure …

The Restoration Of The Nile River And Its Delta, Egypt. Numerical Modeling, Basim Mohammed Naseef Al-Zaidi

Theses and Dissertations

The construction of the High Aswan Dam significantly reduced the flood flows and the sediment supply to the Egyptian portion of the Nile River. Consequences of this changes in river hydrology are diffuse channel bed erosion in the upstream part of the river, in- channel sedimentation in the downstream part of the system, delta recession, habitat deterioration, wetlands loss, water pollution, and environmental problems. The feasibility of a Nile River-Delta restoration project with controlled flow releases and sediment augmentations at Aswan is here investigated with the aid of site-specific one-dimensional morphodynamic models. The water source for the restoration project, based …

Tumor Suppressor Mir-489 Regulates Proliferation, Autophagy And Overcomes Drug-Resistance In Breast Cancer, Mithil Soni

Theses and Dissertations

Despite decades of extensive research, breast cancer remains an untamable disease due to complexity and heterogeneity of disease. It is for this very reason, most efforts targeting a single pathway did not yield satisfactory results. Discovery of a novel therapeutic agents targeting multiple pathways, such as miRNAs, holds promise for future cancer therapy. This study was aimed to explore therapeutic potential of one such microRNA, miR-489. In the first study, we identified autophagy as a novel pathway targeted by miR-489 and reported ULK1 and LAPTM4B to be a direct of miR-489 target. We showed that miR-489 mediated autophagy inhibition and …

Algorithms For Robot Coverage Under Movement And Sensing Constraints, Jeremy S. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the problem of generating coverage paths—that is, paths that pass within some sensor footprint of every point in an environment—for mobile robots. It both considers models for which navigation is a solved problem but motions are constrained, as well for models in which navigation must be considered along with coverage planning because of the robot’s unreliable sensing and movements.

The motion constraint we adopt for the former is a common constraint, that of a Dubins vehicle. We extend previous work that solves this coverage problem as a traveling salesman problem (TSP) by introducing a practical heuristic algorithm …

The Impacts Of A Multimodal Assessment Project In General Biology I At A Southwestern Community College, Larchinee Turner

Theses and Dissertations

This Dissertation in Practice (DiP) uses an action research (AR) methodology to answer a research question pertaining to the impacts of implementing a multimodal-based assessment project in the introductory, General Biology I (BI 114) classroom at East- State Junior College. A mixed-methods approach will be utilized to ascertain the impacts on student learning as well as student perceptions of the project. Chapter One provides a justification of the relevance and importance of the research question regarding student learning, the post-secondary science landscape, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and the challenges of providing positive learning opportunities and experiences to those students. A concise literature …

Politics And The Built Environment: Civic Structures Of Eighteenth Century Williamsburg, Virginia And Charles Town, South Carolina, Paul Bartow

Theses and Dissertations

This study compares Williamsburg and Charles Town as colonial capital cities with attention to how their political culture was reflected through public buildings and the built environment. Drawing on traveler accounts, contemporary descriptions, government records, and maps, this thesis analyzes the character-defining features of public architecture in each city. I examine the capitol buildings, governor’s residences, churches, and town plans to see how the colonists in these respective cities viewed their society, their political order, and their place within the British Empire.

I argue that due to its development in the late seventeenth century and its reliance on the architectural …

Perceptions Of Principal Leadership On Teacher Morale, Caroline Elaine Gadson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what leadership behaviors high school teachers perceive as having an impact on teacher morale. This qualitative study explored the oral history of nine teachers from various high schools across South Carolina through semi-structured interviews. Various factors emerged regarding principal behaviors and characteristics that impacted teacher morale. The personal experiences shared by these teachers provided an insight of the actions and behaviors that increased or reduced morale. The study identified four factors that increased morale: (1) administrative support and trust; (2) recognition; (3) positive relationships; and (4) positive school environment. Factors that decreased …

An Existentialist Approach To Teaching Writing: Anguish, Bad Faith, And Seriousness In Composition, Andreas Peter Herzog

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aims at developing a model concept for the teaching of ethics in the composition classroom through the use of existentialism in the writings of Jean-Paul Sartre. Overall, the gap I am trying to fill with my dissertation is a lack of awareness of how much Sartre actually fits rhetorical theory and composition. Ultimately, this dissertation is the attempt to develop an ethic that is universally applicable in the teaching of composition, without the need for a service learning environment or additional resources outside the university itself. To provide an overview of the project, the approach will be illustrated …

Turning Up Antitumor Immunity Against Breast Cancer, Johnie Hodge

Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in spite of significant advances in treatment and emphasis on early diagnosis. While treatment of localized disease is often successful, metastatic breast cancer, especially of the triple negative molecular subtype, carries a much poorer prognosis. The significant role of the immune system in the progression from localized to metastatic disease is becoming more and more appreciated. Tumor escape from immune surveillance and immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment have become therapeutic targets in addition to the traditional goals of directly killing …

The Sequential Method: An Analysis Of Robert Jesselson’S Cello Pedagogy, Kalim D. Alvarez Campos

Theses and Dissertations

Dr. Robert Jesselson has made significant professional contributions as a cello performer and music educator. His pedagogical approaches are innovative in helping students overcome technical problems, building good work habits, instilling self- discipline, addressing kinesthetic issues, and improving practice techniques. His Sequential Method involves a systematic and logical progression of technical exercises, scale systems, etudes and repertoire. It is unique in its applications for teaching and learning left and right hand techniques, building a progression of etudes which address technical and musical issues and working through the cello repertoire in an organized and meaningful manner that is appropriate to the …

Physical Activity During Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes In South Carolina 2009-2015, Andrew Tyler Broadway

Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity is known to be beneficial to adults in general, including pregnant women, but the literature on physical activity and neonatal outcomes has been inconsistent. Few studies have differentiated between physical activity prior to pregnancy and during pregnancy to see whether the typical beneficial effect is not due to having a more active lifestyle in general. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a national cross-sectional surveillance system. Our data from SC PRAMS included 6391 respondents and was weighted to be representative of population of pregnant women that delivered in the state. We excluded births that were not …

Development Of A Fluorescence Imaging Photometer-Based Method For Characterization Of Phytoplankton Communities, Cameron Maxwell Rekully

Theses and Dissertations

The development of methods for real-time characterization of phytoplankton community structure has important implications for environmental monitoring and the prediction of harmful algal blooms. Our research group has developed an instrument, the Fluorescence Imaging Photometer (FIP), which is capable of rapid classification of phytoplankton via imaging single-cell chlorophyll a fluorescence under different excitation conditions. Discrimination of cells from different taxonomic groups is achieved using optical bandpass filters that have been chosen to selectively excite pigments which occur in characteristic ratios that vary from one group to the next. The relative fluorescence intensity emitted by cells under these different excitation conditions …

Investigation Of The Mechanical Behavior Of Non-Conventional Laminates: Anisotropy Of Tensile Strength In Coupons With Quasi-Isotropic Stiffness Characteristics, Israel Oluwatunmise Ayodele

Theses and Dissertations

Advanced composites have emerged as viable structural solutions over the years and have therefore become implemented in several applications, notably aerospace structures. In modern aircraft structures, they have been gradually introduced to both secondary and primary components. Laminated composites used in such applications have generally been restricted to those with straight fibers, that are aligned to only a handful of pre-selected fiber orientations; 0˚, 45˚, 90˚ and -45˚. Recent advances in the technology of laminated composites have however indicated the possibility to harness significantly higher structural gains by allowing the use of other fiber orientations, and even implementing curvilinear fibers …

The Effect Of Professional Development On Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Role Of School Librarians: An Action Research Study, Jennifer C. Mandrell

Theses and Dissertations

The role of the school librarian has greatly evolved from its origination as a person who solely checks out books or reads to students. School librarians are a vital part of schools and, when utilized appropriately, can be an integral part of the learning process with students. When collaboration occurs regularly, collaborative relationships between school librarians and teachers have been found to improve students’ academic performance. This paper describes a proposed action research study, which stems from the lack of a collaborative relationship between the school librarian and teachers at a middle school in South Carolina. The study focuses on …

Exploring Machine Learning Techniques To Improve Peptide Identification, Fawad Kirmani

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this work is to improve proteotypic peptide prediction with lower pro- cessing time and better efficiency. Proteotypic peptides are the peptides in protein sequence that can be confidently observed by mass-spectrometry based proteomics. One of the widely used method for identifying peptides is tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The peptides that need to be identified are compared with the accurate mass and elution time (AMT) tag database. The AMT tag database helps in reducing the processing time and increases the accuracy of the identified peptides. Prediction of proteotypic peptides has seen a rapid improvement in recent years for …

Anti-Sabbatarianism In Antebellum America: The Christian Quarrel Over The Sanctity Of Sunday, Kathryn Kaslow

Theses and Dissertations

In the first half of the 1800s, American Christians posed fundamental questions about the role of faith in daily life by debating blue laws, which restricted Sunday travel, mail delivery, and recreational activities on the basis of the Fourth Commandment. Historians have largely focused on how pro-blue law Christians, or Sabbatarians, answered these questions. They also present anti-Sabbatarian concerns as socially, economically, or politically motivated, largely ignoring religion. However, an examination of religious periodicals, convention reports, correspondence, and petitions shows that many anti-Sabbatarians did indeed frame their arguments in theological terms. Case studies from various faith traditions over four decades …

Does Economic Policy Uncertainty Strengthen Peer Effects On Investments?, Jiawei Wang

Theses and Dissertations

The paper demonstrates that firms are more likely to follow their peers when they face economic policy uncertainty. Using a newly developed economic policy uncertainty index and the financial data from COMPUSTAT of US firms, I find evidence that economic policy uncertainty strengthens peer effects on investments. In this paper, I propose a reputation-based theory and information-based theory to support the findings. Peer effects are stronger for less successful firms and financial constrained firms during periods when economic policy uncertainty is notable. Accordingly, I use four standards (i.e. firm profitability, financially constrained status, growth rate and market to book ratio) …

Culturally Responsive Literacy Instruction In The Urban Pre-Kindergarten Classroom, Jacqueline E. Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study describes the influence of culturally relevant literacy instruction on an urban preschool classroom and its effect on an educator-researcher. This research study was grounded in a theoretical framework that involved culturally responsive teaching pedagogy (Ladson-Billings, 1995), reality pedagogy (Emdin, 2012), and early literacy instruction (Algozzine, O’Shea, & Obiakor, 2009). The study was assembled as a case study bounded by one classroom in a federally funded daycare in a southern coastal city. It sought to answer the question: What are the important factors to consider when designing a culturally responsive reading curriculum for pre-kindergarten urban youth? The …

A Single Case Study Exploring Self-Efficacy In An After-School Program, Dubois T. Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this single-case study was to examine the impact that the Young Moviemakers of America (YMA) after-school program had on the self-efficacy levels of six student-participants. Self-efficacy is considered a strong predictor of students’ academic success and social-emotional intelligence that influences life trajectories. YMA was formed to provide an outlet for youth in south Los Angeles to express their creative voices through a project-based, hands-on model where participants write and produce an original short documentary film.

This study was conducted to examine how YMA’s use of self-efficacy building strategies might impact students’ personal perceptions of general self-efficacy. Various …

Implementing A Rite Of Passage Intervention Through School-Based Extracurricular Activities: Instilling A Sense Of Belonging, Sharon Spry Dukes

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the impact implementing a rite of passage through school- based extracurricular activity has on a students’ sense of belonging. The students participating in the rite of passage are members of a school-based club known as the Orientation Team. The team consists of 24 students at an urban high school facing discipline challenges and a strained school climate. The intervention’s relationship with the theory of liminality will be explored.

Discovering Discourse: Utilizing Peer Mediation In Middle School To Achieve Literacy, Stephanie Van Hassel

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the impact of implementing a peer mediation program in a middle school setting through an action research framework, presented as a series of case studies. The group of students receiving the intervention are on one “team” in the middle school, sharing the same group of teachers. The team is on a lower academic track, and are marginalized due to this placement. The intervention’s impact on the participants’ Discourse will be explored.

The Impact Of Response To Intervention On The Reading Performance Of Third-Grade African American Male Students: An Action Research Study, Brandelynn S. Green

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study followed Mertler’s (2014) action research cycle of planning, acting, developing, and reflecting as the participant-researcher explored the impact of cultural and individualized differentiation to address the affective needs of learners within a response to intervention (RTI) framework in a third-grade classroom at Oak Park Elementary School (a pseudonym). A traditional RTI framework places the student at the center of all instruction while providing a scientific approach to meeting the needs of struggling learners (Williams, 2015a), but, as argued by Beth Harry (n.d.), simply providing evidence-based strategies to struggling students may not be enough; students also need …

Integration Of Theory And Feasibility In Learning Disability Identification: Examining Criteria Effects In The Integrated Assessment And Intervention Model, Allison Stafford

Theses and Dissertations

The accurate identification of learning disabilities is critical for applied settings as well as for research purposes. Currently, there are multiple methods of learning disability (LD) identification utilized by practitioners, including: IQ/achievement discrepancy, response to intervention, and patterns of strengths and weakness (Hale & Fiorello, 2004). Despite the use of these methods, there is a lack of research on the validity and the rates of Learning Disability identification associated with these methods. Additionally, the use of different methods creates potential differences in the base rates of students identified as having a learning disability. Further, the identification of learning disabilities needs …

Three-Way Catalysts In Passive Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems, Calvin Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

Conventional gasoline-powered engines operate with a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (AFR), but greater fuel economy is achieved in lean burn engines by increasing the AFR. The primary drawback to these engines is the nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions, which cannot be reduced over a conventional three-way catalyst (TWC). Passive selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is a promising approach for the control of NOX emissions in lean burn systems. By periodically decreasing the AFR to fuel-rich levels, ammonia (NH3) can be produced over a TWC and stored on a downstream SCR catalyst for the reduction of NOX during normal lean operation. While passive SCR …

Hierarchical Corannulene-Based Materials, Allison M. Rice

Theses and Dissertations

Merging the intrinsic properties of fullerene (buckyball) and corannulene (buckybowl) derivatives with the inherent properties of crystalline metal- and covalent- organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs), including their modularity, porosity, versatility, high surface area, and structural tunability, opens a pathway to unlock a novel class of fulleretic materials. Despite the great interest in MOFs and COFs, as well as fullerene derivatives, this dissertation is focused on crystalline fullerene- and corannulene- containing frameworks, highlighting their potential contributions in the fields of optoelectronic devices, electrodes, and photosensitizers. We have revealed a dual role of fullerene- and corannulene-containing building blocks showing their versatility to …

Thermodynamically Consistent Hydrodynamic Phase Field Models And Numerical Approximation For Multi-Component Compressible Viscous Fluid Mixtures, Xueping Zhao

Theses and Dissertations

Material systems comprising of multi-component, some of which are compressible, are ubiquitous in nature and industrial applications. In the compressible fluid flow, the material compressibility comes from two sources. One is the material compressibility itself and another is the mass-generating source. For example, the compressibility in the binary fluid flows of non-hydrocarbon (e.g. Carbon dioxide) and hydrocarbons encountered in the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process, comes from the compressibility of the gas-liquid mixture itself. Another example of the mixture of compressible fluids is growing tissue, in which cell proliferation and cell migration make the material volume changes so that it …

The Impact Of Classroom Engagement In A College Civic Engagement Classroom: An Action Research Study, Kimberly Seibles

Theses and Dissertations

At Southern College (pseudonym), a liberal arts college in South Carolina, students were enrolled in an introductory civic engagement course. The purpose of this action research study was to examine how an introductory civic engagement course influenced students’ perspectives on civic engagement. Additionally, the research focused on how a civic engagement course prepared students to engage in service learning. The dissertation sought to explore how peer conversations, course readings, and direct instruction would impact students’ attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives toward civic engagement. The study was implemented over a 14-week period. The researcher collected and analyzed data using a mixed methods …

Numerical Modeling Of Submarine Minibasin Flow And Morphodynamics, Elena Bastianon

Theses and Dissertations

Intraslope basins, or minibasins, are important morphological features of the continental slope in both modern and ancient sedimentary systems. Minibasins have an elliptical or spherical shape with a steep inlet or proximal zone followed by an almost horizontal basin floor, and an overflow zone near the downstream basin lip. These basins are filled with sediment transported by successive events of turbidity currents and other types of submarine flows. The work presented here focuses on turbidity current sedimentation in intraslope minibasins, which is often described in terms of the ‘fill-and- spill’ conceptual model. The ‘fill-and-spill’ model has been used previously to …