Digital Commons Network^™

Look The Other Way, Karl Richard Alexander Jahnke

All Theses

Look the Other Way is a 2d animated short film based on the concept of a bird character evading a rising water level. The work is inspired by the artists Don Hertzfeldt, Bruno Bozzetto, and Matt Groening. The concept and production of the film spanned approximately four months.

Animated Film Production Process: The Creation Of Lighting For Gear Up, Kevin Andrew Boggs

All Theses

The following thesis details the creation of a shot for an animated production titled Gear Up. The process for creating this shot was patterned after professional animated productions and included the following steps: pre-visualization, story boarding, modeling and asset creation, UV layouts, texturing and surfacing, scene assembly and camera layout, character and prop rigging, character animation, lighting, rendering, and compositing. The motivation for this project was to create a product that artistically has a darker aesthetic than many previous Clemson DPA animations, but still enjoyed high quality visuals. One of the goals was to create a large-scale scene centered in …

Fabrication And Characterization Of An Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel For Aortic Valve Applications, Brady Culbreth

All Theses

With an estimated 5 million people suffering from valve disease in the United, valve disease is currently the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Each year, between 80,000 and 85,000 aortic valve replacements are performed in order to treat the stenotic heart valves. Despite this being a worldwide epidemic, the current valve replacement options that are on the market have distinct limitations. Furthermore, a viable alternative does not exist for the patients that are not candidates for the current treatment methods. Our proposed solution to this epidemic is to create a highly viable injectable scaffold that would allow for the minimally …

Woman As Place: The Utilization Of The Female Body In Horror Film, Madison Alisa Johnson

All Theses

By combining the works of theorists like Yi-Fu Tuan, Luce Irigaray, and Carol Clover, with the films Rosemary's Baby (Dir. Roman Polanski, 1968) and It Follows (Dir. David Robert Mitchell, 2015), I am exploring where the philosophy of space and place collides with horror film and anxiety. Women are told to fit specific roles, to serve specific purposes. Within the scope of the horror genre, the woman under scrutiny is the "final girl," a girl that Clover says will survive the film to tell her story. We use the body of the final girl as a receptacle for anxiety and …

Design And Manufacture Of A Biodegradable Ureteral Stent, James Hyde

All Theses

Approximately 92,000 ureteral stents are implanted every year to maintain urine flow after treatment of kidney stones, kidney transplants, and urinary incontinence. However, current ureteral stents have several downsides that include encrustation, urgency due to the proximal curl pressing on the bladder, patient pain from inflexible stents, and most importantly, the need for a follow up removal surgery. To address many of these current issues, a novel biodegradable stent was designed, fabricated, and characterized in the present studies. The innovative stent design features the use of biodegradable, FDA approved polydioxanone polymer material that was aimed to reduce encrustation and eliminate …

Effects Of Fescue Toxicosis On Bovine Acrosomal Integrity And Semen Cryopreservation, Callie Rebecca Burnett

All Theses

Tall fescue is the most widely used cool-season perennial bunchgrass in the southeastern United States and serves as forage for approximately 8.5 million cattle. Through a mutualistic relationship with the endophyte Epichloë coenophiala, tall fescue is bestowed insect resistance and disease, drought, and grazing tolerance. In spite of these desirable agronomic traits, the endophyte produces ergot alkaloids that are harmful to the physiology of animals consuming tall fescue. Accumulation of ergot alkaloids in animal systems results in a syndrome known as fescue toxicosis. Among other symptoms, reproductive inefficiencies are reported for beef cattle consuming toxic tall fescue. The objectives of …

Biodegradation Of The Oil Dispersant Component, Propylene Glycol, Amanda Jean Kunkle

All Theses

The Deepwater Horizon explosion and seafloor well blow out was the largest accidental oil spill in history. An estimated 206 million gallons of oil were released over the span of almost three months before it was successfully capped. In response, an oil dispersant called COREXIT was controversially applied in hopes of dissolving the massive quantities of oil, spreading it out within the water column, and avoiding accumulation on beaches. COREXIT is a mixture of cosolvents and surfactants that increases the solubility of oil in water. It was applied in large quantities, although information on the fate of specific compounds in …

The Blood Of The Vampire: A Video Game Demo, Marie Allyson Jarrell

All Theses

The Blood of the Vampire demo for a 2d visual novel / rpg styled game designed with the Unity game engine. The game is a continuation of Florence Marryat's 1897 novel, The Blood of the Vampire, which features a complex story that players get to shape through their actions. The overall project includes several other versions including a C++ game and a html text based game. Development of this game spanned over a year and was impart a collaboration between DPA major Marie Jarrell and English major Lauren Woolbright.

Computational Modelling In The Development Of Novel Passive Strain Sensors For Orthopedic Implants, Hunter Pelham

All Theses

This thesis describes the development of a series of finite element models that simulate a fractured human tibia treated with internal fixation, and a strain sensor prototype capable of objectively monitoring fracture healing with standard radiography. The models provide otherwise inaccessible insight on the mechanics of the fracture callus and fixation implant as the bone heals. Lower extremity injuries with fracture are common in the United States population with 28 million musculoskeletal injuries treated annually. Approximately two million fracture fixation surgeries are performed in the USA each year, and this is expected to exceed three million by 2025. Current clinical …

Teleportation In Misfit Mice - Combining Simulation And Attribute-Driven Animation, Alexander D. Rizeakos

All Theses

Conceptualizing, developing, and producing controllable effects is both a technically and artistically challenging endeavor. This paper explains the approach and final implementation of the teleportation effect seen in the short film, Misfit Mice. The concept was developed based on reference and specific intentions of the effect. The final implementation for the motion of the particles was created in two distinct steps: advection by a simulated fluid and attribute driven animation. Particle rendering was also driven by attributes. The methods and approach can be applied to the development of other effects and the final implementation has some potential for reuse.

Novel Vine-Like Continuum Robot For Environmental Exploration Applications, Michael Benjamin Wooten

All Theses

This thesis details a new design and novel operational strategies for nature inspired, thin "tendril" continuum robots. Instead of taking inspiration for robot design from insects or animals, the novel approach to continuum robotics herein takes inspiration and adapts operational concepts from plant life. In particular, an innovative strategy is developed which mimics behaviors observed in vines and other climbing plants. Specifically, a tendril robot with prickles was developed and deployed to actively seek environmental contact, exploiting the mechanical advantage gained by bracing against the environment using the prickles. The resulting performance enhancements over previously developed smooth backbone tendril robot …

Dragon Slayer Short Film Modeling And Rigging A Quadruped Dragon, William W. Glover

All Theses

This thesis is a look at the design and implementation of a quadrupedal dragon, as specified by the needs of the short film Dragonslayer. It looks at the modeling of the three dimensional creature from artistic and technical points of view. The dragon is a worldwide fantasy and cultural icon, and this thesis focuses on the creation of one grounded in the western fantasy of the middle ages. The western dragons have four legs, a pair of wings, horns, and a relatively stout body in comparison to the eastern dragons, which more closely resemble serpents and possess antlers instead of …

Surprise. Aesthetics And Sensibilities Of Rhetorics, Matthew J. Osborn

All Dissertations

This dissertation investigates relationships scholars have with information and art associated with aesthetic and theoretical disruptions. Its governing metaphor is the surprise affect, figured as a rhetorical and aesthetic event. My purposes are to evaluate institutional and scholastic responses to both desirable and disastrous information-aesthetic liminalities, trial performative engagements with surprises, and propose viable ways of engaging "innovation" for writing instruction. It is argued that aesthetic (i.e., relational in the sense that it is not immediate), performative, and temporal engagements with surprising objects of study are relatively viable options when considered alongside the "critical" manuscript. While the aesthetic has sometimes …

Creation Of A Pioneer-Neuron Axonal Pathfinding Model For Future Applications In Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing, Nicholas Robert Erdman

All Dissertations

The developing central nervous system is a unique target for environmental toxicants both pre- and postnatal. Exposure to industrial chemical toxicants at various stages throughout development are known to contribute to injuries that result in autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other cognitive impairments [81]. The damage caused by these exposures is often untreatable and frequently permanent, resulting in reduced intelligence (expressed in terms of lost IQ points) or behavioral abnormalities. It is now reported that 10-15% of all births are associated with disorders of neurobehavioral development [81], where 1 in 68 children in the United States is diagnosed …

An Enfolding And Fertile Abyss: Rhetoric As The Creative Becoming Of Biological Life, Haylee Renee Zertuche

All Dissertations

This dissertation seeks traces of enfolding corporeal paths within the ontological, epistemological, ethical abyss separating "Human" and "Animal." The "question of the animal," as it is often called, is currently en vogue within a larger ecological movement in the humanities. I seek to extend this engagement with "animality" beyond rhetoric, literature, and philosophy by enfolding the sciences and arts as well for a deeper understanding of humans as animals and therefore, I argue, as rhetorical life. This path of the HumAnimal emerges with a diffractive reading of new material feminism, evolutionary biology, contemporary art practices, and visual rhetorics, and in …

Environmental Toxicants And Unsaturated Fatty Acids Alter Toxicant Sensitivity And Allocation Of Polar Lipids In Daphnia Magna, Namrata Sengupta

All Dissertations

Daphnia is a commonly used test organism in toxicology, ecology, and evolution. HR96 is a CAR/PXR/VDR ortholog in invertebrates, and a promiscuous endo- and xenobiotic nuclear receptor involved in acclimation to toxicants. Daphnia HR96 is activated by chemicals such as atrazine and linoleic acid (LA) (n-6 fatty acid), and inhibited by triclosan and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (n-3 fatty acid). HR96 is also a key regulator of Magro, Niemann Pick genes, and other genes involved in cholesterol and triacylglycerol uptake, metabolism, and transport. We hypothesized that Daphnia magna exposed to HR96 activators will increase their lipid resources and in turn either …

Comprehensive Investigation Into The Utility Of Amnion Membrane Derived Stem Cells For Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Applications, Natasha Topoluk

All Dissertations

Diseases affecting the cartilage and/or bone, including osteoarthritis (OA), are the most prevalent musculoskeletal tissue pathologies. OA is the result of cartilage degradation, altered sub-chondral bone, impaired joint mobility and severe pain - making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. While OA is stereotypically described as a physical wear and tear disease, mounting evidence suggests that synovial inflammation significantly contributes to its pathogenesis. In OA, macrophages infiltrate the synovium and secrete supra-physiological levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which create a caustic joint environment promoting articular cartilage degradation. Due to the pro-inflammatory characteristics of OA, the immunomodulatory potential of …

Identity Design: Challenging Archetypes With Feminist Approaches To Video Game Design, Lauren Woolbright

All Dissertations

Lack of diversity in video games and the mainstream games industry warrants an inclusive, feminist approach to game design. Producing a feminist video game as a core component of my dissertation will impact rhetorical, literary, game, and feminist studies, emphasizing the benefits of embracing electrate and playful modes of identity formation and pedagogy.

Humoral Immune Responses In Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) And Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys Kempii) Sea Turtles, Maria L. Rodgers

All Dissertations

Sea turtles are a unique group of marine organisms that live in tropical and temperate waters across the globe. They are one of just a few groups of marine reptiles that currently inhabit oceanic environments, and therefore fill an important and distinct role in marine ecosystems. Though much research has been conducted on sea turtle nesting and ecology, comparatively little research has been done on sea turtle immunology, especially in turtles other than green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Using a simple technique, immunoglobulin Y (IgY), which is found in reptiles, birds, and amphibians, was purified. Using standard techniques, polyclonal antisera …

Bacteriophage Treatment Of Hydrogen Sulfide-Producing Bacteria And Salmonella Biofilms In Rendering Processing Environment, Chao Gong

All Dissertations

Raw animal by-products destined for rendering process may contain high population of harmful microorganisms including hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria (SPB) and Salmonella. SPB are the spoilage bacteria that can utilize sulfur-containing compounds of raw animal by-products to produce hazardous gas-hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which is toxic. Salmonella may contaminate the rendered animal meals resulting in an introduction of human pathogens into the food chain. Furthermore, both SPB and Salmonella are likely to form biofilms on the various surfaces in rendering processing environment, serving as the source of recontamination and causing persistent microbiological safety problems. Therefore, novel and practical strategies to control these …

Investigation Of Advanced Engine Cooling Systems - Optimization And Nonlinear Control, Tianwei (Thomas) Wang

All Dissertations

Advanced automotive engine cooling systems can positively impact the performance, fuel economy, and reliability of internal combustion engines. A smart engine cooling system typically features multiple real time computer controlled actuators: a three way linear smart valve, a variable speed coolant pump, and electric radiator fan(s). In this dissertation, several innovative comprehensive nonlinear control and optimization operation strategies for the next generation smart cooling application will be analyzed. First, the optimal control has been investigated to minimize the electric energy usage of radiator fan matrix. A detailed mathematical model of the radiator fan(s) matrix operation and the forced convection heat …

Ecological Drivers Of Brown Pelican Movement Patterns And Reproductive Success In The Gulf Of Mexico, Juliet Sarah Lamb

All Dissertations

The effects of environmental change on vast, inaccessible marine ecosystems are often difficult to measure and detect. As accessible and highly visible apex predators in marine environments, seabirds are often selected as indicators for studying the effects of disturbance at lower trophic levels, although data are restricted both temporally and spatially. For example, studies of seabirds have historically been limited to the breeding season, with limited data being available throughout the remainder of the annual cycle. Additionally, understanding of habitat associations and behavior of seabirds in the marine environment comes primarily from pelagic seabirds, whose habitat year-round is generally in …

Studies Of Molecular Mechanisms Of Royal Jelly Mediated Healthspan Promotion In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Xiaoxia Wang

All Dissertations

Numerous studies have demonstrated that many nutraceuticals have potential capacity to mitigate the symptoms of aging and age-related disorders. We found that Royal Jelly (RJ/eRJ) consumption could extend C. elegans lifespan and increase stress tolerance in an IIS/DAF-16 dependent manner. In consideration that the transactivity of DAF-16 is tightly controlled by its co-factors, our further results indicated that SIR-2.1, 14-3-3, and HCF-1 could interact with each other to fine-tune the activity of DAF-16. Additionally, these co-factors were also required in RJ/eRJ mediated stress tolerance. Given that aging is characterized with progressively declined physiological functions, it is intriguing to investigate whether …

Synthesis, Characterization, And Reactivity Of Iron(Ii)- And Zinc(Ii) Complexes Of Imidazole Thione And Selone Ligands: Investigations Into Oxidation Mechanisms, Bradley Scott Stadelman

All Dissertations

Fe(II) localized on DNA can reduce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to form hydroxyl radical, resulting in oxidative DNA damage. This oxidative DNA damage is an underlying leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Sulfur and selenium antioxidants have been investigated for their prevention of metal-mediated oxidative DNA damage, and sulfur- and especially selenium-containing antioxidants prevent metal-mediated oxidative DNA damage, likely by radical scavenging and sacrificial oxidation via metal coordination. To determine how iron coordination results in DNA damage inhibition, Fe(II) complexes with imidazole-thione and -selone ligands were synthesized to examine their iron coordination modes (Chapter 2), electrochemistry (Chapter 2), …

Manipulating Cardiovascular Cellular Interactions And Mechanics: A Multidimensional And Multimodal Approach, Aesha Yogesh Desai

All Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation is to better understand cellular mechanics across length scales for the development of computational models of tissue behavior. To this end, we had two major approaches, multidimensional and multimodal. Firstly, to use a model that better mimics in vivo like cellular environment, microtissue (spheroid) cell culture system was used to study cell mechanics. Secondly, a novel technique was designed to study single cell mechanics in multiple dimensions. Cell mechanical properties are directly related to the composition and organization of the cytoskeleton, which is physically coupled to neighboring cells through adherens junctions and to extracellular matrix …

The Tiger Vol. 110 Issue 25 2016-04-25, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers 2016

No abstract provided.

The Tiger Vol. 110 Issue 24 2016-04-11, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers 2016

No abstract provided.

11th Annual Focus On Creative Inquiry Poster Forum Program, Clemson University

Focus on Creative Inquiry

The 2016 Focus on Creative Inquiry Poster Forum displays a selection of the projects accomplished by Clemson University students in their Creative Inquiry teams.

What is Creative Inquiry? It is small-group learning for all students, in all disciplines. It is the imaginative combination of engaged learning and undergraduate research – and it is unique to Clemson University.

In Creative Inquiry, small teams of undergraduate students work with faculty mentors to take on problems that spring from their own curiosity, a professor’s challenge, or the pressing needs of the world around them. Students take ownership of their projects. They ask questions, …

The Tiger Vol. 110 Issue 22 2016-04-04, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers 2016

No abstract provided.

Parent Anxiety Causes And Consequences: Perspectives From Camp Program Providers, Barry A. Garst, Ryan Gagnon, Troy Bennett

Publications

Although out-of-school time experiences such as camp contribute to youth development, youth in-volvement in these developmental experiences is largely dependent on parents who determine which activities are appropriate for their children. A contributing factor to parents’ decisions to send their child to camp is the amount of risk and non-clinical anxiety that parents associate with the camp experience, yet little attention has been paid to these issues, particularly from the perspective of camp program providers. It is unclear to what extent parent anxiety is an operational and pro-grammatic concern for camp program providers. Informed by risk perception and parent involve-ment …