Digital Commons Network^™

Promoting A Safe Hospital Environment Through Autonomy, Christopher Lee Sousa

All Theses

The use of ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation for disinfecting high contact surfaces in areas with a high risk of transferring infection causing bacteria and viruses such as hospitals is a growing practice that has proved to be more effective than currently used disinfection methods. Current practices of hospital room disinfection via UVC radiation include running a stationary UVC source for a large amount of time in a space to allow all surfaces to receive the radiation dosage required to eliminate the targeted surface-dwelling pathogens. This method relies on either passively reflecting rays around a room to achieve adequate disinfection of hidden …

A Cross-Sectional Assessment Of Cem Curriculum Offerings At The Pre-College Level In The Carolinas, Cayla Lenore Anderson

All Theses

Career and Technical Education (CATE or CTE) is essential at the pre-college level since students primarily make career decisions during this time. CTE curriculum is implemented in various schools, including Title 1, to develop knowledge for students regarding technical careers. The construction, engineering, and management (CEM) curriculum is a type of CTE curriculum designed to educate pre-college level students about careers in the construction industry. Knowledge opportunities about the construction industry can contribute to a workforce shortage. Research suggests a shortage of future workforce in the construction industry within the next decade or by 2040. Assessing the CEM curriculum at …

Were The "Best Made Better" Without In-Person Programming? Content Analysis Of Extension 4-H Programming During The Covid-19 Pandemic In South Carolina, Lauren Burdine Hood

All Theses

Since 1902, 4-H Youth Development programs have been implemented by Cooperative Extension Agents or Educators for teaching, influencing, and leading youth to new life skills that can shape and influence their futures. The motto of 4-H is “learn by doing” and is practiced with a hands-on learning approach. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 4-H programs and clubs around the nation were confined to home or distance learning and no group interaction, some even still confined to virtual-only events. This study analyzes how 4-H, specifically in South Carolina, was implemented without meeting in person. 4-H participants and their parents in South Carolina …

Macroevolution Of Bold Color Patterns Across Teleostean Fishes, Katerina Zapfe

All Theses

Fishes include some of the most visually striking vertebrate radiations and have repeatedly evolved bold color patterns, including bars, stripes, and spots. Such strong color patterns are hypothesized to provide multiple functions, including avoiding predation by obscuring recognizable features and communicating with others to secure territories and mates. Despite increasing focus on the functions and proximate drivers of color pattern evolution, the relevance of such pressures across broad taxonomic and time scales remain much less resolved. Using over 5000 species within the largest vertebrate radiation, teleostean fishes, I employ phylogenetic comparative methods to explore the lability and potential coevolutionary relationships …

A System For Programming Anisotropic Physical Behaviour In Cloth Fabric, Abhinit Sati

All Theses

We propose a method to alter the tensile properties of cloth in a user defined and purposeful manner with the help of computer controlled embroidery. Our system is capable of infusing non-uniform stiffening in local regions of the cloth.

This has numerous applications in the manufacturing of high performance smart textiles for the medical industry, sports goods, comfort-wear, etc where pressure needs to be redistributed and the cloth needs to deform correctly under a given load. We make three contributions to accomplish this: a decomposition scheme that expresses user-desired stiffness as a density map and a directional map, a novel …

Human-Automated Vehicle Interactions, Longxiang Guo

All Dissertations

This dissertation is proposed to answer the question: how can the interactions between human and automated vehicles be used to improve the overall performance of automated driving technology? Multiple different modules in automated vehicles such as the perception, motion plan and motion control modules can potentially be benefitted from human-automated vehicle interactions. For perception module, the self-correction of faulty sensors can be achieved using human demonstration data. For motion plan and motion control modules, the performance of the low-level motion controller can be improved with the help of human demonstration, and the behavior of the motion planner can be improved …

Characterizing Unmixed Trees With Respect To Total Domination And Pmu Covers, James Gossell

All Dissertations

One of the fundamental connections between commutative algebra and graph theory is the relationship between edge ideals and minimal vertex covers of a graph. Let $G=(V,E)$ be a simple graph with $V=\{x_1,\ldots,x_d\}$. The edge ideal of a graph is the ideal $I_G=(x_ix_j) \subsetneq k[x_1,\ldots,x_d]$ generated by the edges $x_ix_j \in E$. A vertex cover graph $G$ is a set of vertices $V' \subset V$ such that every edge in $G$ is incident to a member of $V'$. In 1990, Villarreal showed the edge ideal of a tree Cohen-Macaulay if and only if the tree is unmixed with respect to vertex …

Educating Black Collegians: Examining The Influence Of Blackness On Educational Outcomes Related To Life And Career Perspectives, Deonte Teaon Brown

All Dissertations

This study examined how personal, behavioral and environmental factors influenced educational outcomes of Black collegians at predominately white institutions in the south. Specifically, 11 institutions are represented in this study from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The purpose of this study was to provide an opportunity for Black collegians to share via quantitative methods how their Blackness impacted their perspectives on their career and life. The specific ways in which Blackness was examined was through Black affirmation from faculty, peers and administrators in the learning environment, beliefs about their Black identity, and utilization of cultural …

Interaction Techniques For In-The-Moment Privacy Control Over Data Generated By Wearable Technologies, Byron M. Lowens

All Dissertations

Wearable technologies provide users with actionable insights regarding personal health information because of their ability to capture and analyze data continuously and in-the-moment through their rich set of sensors. While these technologies offer the advantages of conveniently capturing personal health data and behaviors outside of a clinical setting, they pose significant privacy challenges. Wearables continuously collect and store sensitive personal information about the wearer. In some instances, personal information amassed by a wearable may be shared without user awareness. In addition to the privacy-invasive risks posed by wearable technologies, executing usable privacy control directly on wearables poses an even greater …

Large-Scale Optimization Models With Applications In Biological And Emergency Response Networks, Mustafa Can Camur

All Dissertations

In this dissertation, we present new classes of network optimization models and algorithms, including heuristics and decomposition-based methods, to solve them. Overall, our applications highlight the breadth which optimization models can be applied and include problems in protein-protein interaction networks and emergency response networks. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to propose an exact solution approach for the star degree centrality (SDC) problem. In addition, we are the first who introduce the stochastic-pseudo star degree centrality problem and we are able to design a decomposition approach for this problem. For both problems, we introduce new complexity discussions …

Development Of Improved Models For Simulating Adsorption Kinetics And Solvation Free Energies Of Catalytic Species At Pt(111)/Liquid Water Interfaces, Xiaohong Zhang

All Dissertations

Aqueous-phase heterogeneous catalysis has many applications, including biomass reforming, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and electrocatalysis. Formulation of accurate kinetic models for these systems is necessary not only to gain mechanistic understanding but also to have quantitative prediction of the activity and selectivity under reaction conditions. However, the molecular modeling of the solid-liquid interfaces, especially the adsorption and the surface intermediate reaction, which are important steps in aqueous phase heterogeneous catalysis, are still under development. In order to better understand these systems, in this work, we developed novel mathematical and molecular methods to study the catalytic adsorption and the surface adsorbate solvation free …

Identification Of Biomarker Systems In The Human Brain And Lung, Yuqing Hang

All Dissertations

Biological systems are incredibly difficult to untangle. On a molecular level, biological systems need to be analyzed by embracing high-dimensional genetic complexity in experimental design. One approach to understanding a biological system like a human organ (e.g., the normal brain) or disease state (e.g., brain tumor) is to identify condition-specific factors – biomarkers – that discriminate between biological states. A biomarker system is a group of biomarkers that are collectively associated with a phenotype. With exponentially growing amounts of high-throughput RNA-seq data available for both normal and different types of disease conditions, RNA-based biomarker systems, which underlie complex traits, can …

Multistage Stochastic Programming: Algorithms, Modelling And Applications, Murwan Siddig

All Dissertations

This dissertation comprises four different topics related to multistage stochastic programming (MSP) algorithms, modeling, and applications.

First, we extend the adaptive partition-based approach for solving two-stage stochastic programs with a fixed recourse matrix and a fixed cost vector to the MSP setting, where the stochastic process is assumed to be stage-wise independent. The proposed algorithms integrate the adaptive partition-based strategy with a popular approach for solving multistage stochastic programs, the stochastic dual dynamic programming (SDDP) algorithm, according to two main strategies. These two strategies are distinct from each other in the manner by which they refine the partitions during the …

Bayesian Poisson Log-Normal Model With Regularized Time Structure And Spatial Framework For Mortality Projection Of Multi-Population, Zhen Liu

All Dissertations

The improvement of mortality projection is a pivotal topic in the diverse branches related to insurance, demography, and public health. The dissertation consists of two distinct but related projects about mortality projection. We consider hierarchical bilinear modeling, variable selection methods and spatio-temporal structure under Bayesian frameworks in the estimation of mortality rate for multiple populations.First, we propose a Bayesian model to estimate and predict mortality rates for multi-population, motivated by the thread of Lee-Carter related models. This new model features information borrowing among populations and properly reflecting variations of data. It also provides a solution to a long-time overlooked problem: …

Plasmon Enhanced Gan Mems Photoacoustic Sensors, Digangana Khan

All Dissertations

This dissertation aims to repot the demonstration of strong enhancement in photoacoustic signal due to plasmonic absorption and highly sensitive detection of trace level analytes utilizing the plasmonic enhancement of photoacoustic signal using piezotransistive GaN microcantilevers. A pulsed 790 nm laser focused on the Au metallization of the piezotransistor resulted in a high amplification of photoacoustic signal compared to the non-metallized areas. Upon deposition of 5 nm Au layer, the photoacoustic signal increased significantly for both previously metallized and non-metallized areas, while 2 nm Ni deposition decreased the photoacoustic signal, confirming the role of Au nanostructures in facilitating plasmonic absorption. …

Biofilm Deterrence On Surfaces Exposed To Continuous Ultraviolet-C Radiation As A Tool For Mitigating Bacterial Pathogens: Developing A Biofilm-Uvc Intensity Response Model, Hamed Torkzadeh

All Dissertations

Biofilm growth on engineered surfaces poses a risk to public health and presents a challenge in several industries, such as the food industry, as biofilms harbor a wide range of microorganisms, including opportunistic respiratory pathogens. In the context of drinking water, conventional secondary disinfectants such as free chlorine and chloramines are not known to fully prevent biofilm formation at relevant concentrations necessitating the development of scalable, effective interventions. The issue of biofilms and their role as a host to a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms can be more effectively addressed at the point-of-dispensing. Unlike building-point-of-entry or point-of-use devices interventions, there …

Personalized Professional Development Using Improvement Science: Induction Teachers’ Sense Of Teacher Self-Efficacy, Natasha Yvette Harvin-Wright

All Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of personalized professional development (PPD) on induction teachers’ sense of teacher self-efficacy when employed to address a teacher-identified, student-centered problem of practice using improvement science. Induction teachers’ problem of practice focused on at least one of three areas: instructional strategies, student engagement, and classroom management. The following research questions were examined in this study:

1. What problems (e.g., instructional strategies, student engagement, classroom management) are induction teachers encountering?

2. How does PPD affect teacher self-efficacy?

This study focused on PPD accomplished by means of a job-embedded approach tied to a …

Multistage Stochastic Programming: Algorithms, Modelling And Applications, Murwan Siddig

All Dissertations

This dissertation comprises four di˙erent topics related to multistage stochastic program-ming (MSP) algorithms, modeling, and applications.

First, we extend the adaptive partition-based approach for solving two-stage stochastic programs with a fixed recourse matrix and a fixed cost vector to the MSP setting, where the stochastic process is assumed to be stage-wise independent. The proposed algorithms integrate the adaptive partition-based strategy with a popular approach for solving multistage stochastic programs, the stochastic dual dynamic programming (SDDP) algorithm, according to two main strategies. These two strategies are distinct from each other in the manner by which they refine the partitions during the …

An Assessment Of Thermal Barrier Coatings For The Low-Temperature Combustion Family: From Hcci To Gci, Ziming Yan

All Dissertations

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) reduce in-cylinder heat transfer losses and increase thermal efficiency. Beyond the efficiency improvement, many challenges associated with low-temperature combustion (LTC) could be potentially improved with TBC. Therefore, the investigation of the effects of TBC in LTC serves as the motivation of this thesis. The thesis includes both experimental and computational investigations, which are mainly divided four-fold. First, this dissertation experimentally demonstrated the feasibility and comprehensively investigated the effects of thick thermal barrier coatings on pure Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion (i.e., low residual and high compression ratio) with two different fuels (conventional gasoline and wet …

The Use Of Improvement Science By A Principal To Increase Teacher Satisfaction And Teacher Retention Rates In An Elementary School Setting, Melissa Lynn Laberge

All Dissertations

Teacher attrition rates are on the rise during a time that fewer individuals are entering the teaching profession. In an effort to increase the rate of teacher retention, I conducted an improvement science study aimed at identifying the factors that impact teacher satisfaction in order to positively impact teacher retention rates. The purpose of this study was to identify ways in which a school level administrator can positively impact the rate of teacher retention through school-based interventions. As a school principal, I identified two major findings. First, there are specific aspects of teaching that make it difficult and that elevate …

Optimal Pacing Of Cyclists In A Time Trial Based On Experimentally Calibrated Models Of Fatigue And Recovery, Faraz Ashtiani

All Dissertations

This dissertation pushes on the boundaries of improving human performance through individualized models of fatigue and recovery, and optimization of human physical effort. To that end, it focuses on professional cycling and optimal pacing of cyclists on hilly terrains during individual and team time trial competitions. Cycling is an example of physical activity that provides nice interfaces for real-time performance measurement through inexpensive power meters, and for providing real-time feedback via a mobile displays such as smartphones. These features enable implementing a real-time control system that provides the optimal strategy to cyclists during a race.

There has been a lot …

Stochastic Optimization For Renewable Energy System Design And Operation, Berkay Eren Gulcan

All Dissertations

In this dissertation, we present novel stochastic optimization models and solution methods for the optimization of renewable energy systems. Specifically, the focus is on bioenergy supply chains and operations in the presence of uncertainty. Overall, our applications highlight the breadth in which stochastic programming models can be applied in the energy sector.

We first study the impact of biomass blending practice on reducing the cost of producing biofuels. In detail, we consider a biomass supply chain problem where the goal is to identify purchase quantities of different biomass feedstocks from possible suppliers in order to meet the quality requirements of …

Optimization Models And Algorithms For Vehicle Routing And Target Surveillance, Joshua Taylor Margolis

All Dissertations

We study vehicle routing for target surveillance and consider several extensions to present a holistic account of military-operational experiences. These problems are variations of the multi-vehicle covering tour problem which has been well-studied within the optimization community. Although many formulations and solution methodologies have been presented, they cannot be directly applied to our problems due to specific problem structures under study. We provide a review of the relevant literature and propose several different optimization models and algorithms for solving our problems of interest. First, we consider routing a fleet of vehicles for target surveillance within a deterministic setting with speed …

Determinantal Quantum Monte Carlo Solver For Cluster Perturbation Theory, Edwin W. Huang, Yao Wang

Open Access Publishing Fund

Cluster Perturbation Theory (CPT) is a technique for computing the spectral function of fermionic models with local interactions. By combining the solution of the model on a finite cluster with perturbation theory on intra-cluster hoppings, CPT provides access to single-particle properties with arbitrary momentum resolution while incurring low computational cost. Here, we introduce Determinantal Quantum Monte Carlo (DQMC) as a solver for CPT. Compared to the standard solver, exact diagonalization (ED), the DQMC solver reduces finite size effects through utilizing larger clusters, allows study of temperature dependence, and enables large-scale simulations of a greater set of models. We discuss the …

Connected Design Rationale: A Model For Measuring Design Learning Using Epistemic Network Analysis, Golnaz Arastoopour Irgens

Publications

Virtual learning environments have the potential to support students’ development of design skills in engineering education. However, few approaches exist for modeling and measuring design learning as it emerges in authentic practices, which often includes collaboration. This study merges learning sciences research with engineering design education to develop an approach for modeling and measuring design thinking. I propose a connected design rationale model which identifies relationships among design moves and rationale. Results from a qualitative examination of how professional engineers make connections among moves and rationales were used as the foundation to examine students in virtual internships. Using digital collaborative …

The “Magic” Of Density - A Unique Take On The 5e Lesson, Jacquelyn J. Mosely, Brooke A. Whitworth

Publications

No abstract provided.

Going Viral- Using Technology In The Classroom To Show The Spreading Of Viruses, Laura C. Todd, Brooke A. Whitworth

Publications

No abstract provided.

Viscoelastic Model To Capture Residual Stresses In Heat Cured Dissimilar Adhesive Bonded Joints, Akshat Agha, Fadi Abu-Farha

Publications

The thermal loading during the curing process of an adhesive-bonded joint induces residual stresses in the joint, thereby affecting its performance. The problem becomes worse in the case of a multi-material joint involving varying coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) for different parts. A novel approach was developed to model the properties of automotive grade structural adhesives during the heat curing process. The material model was divided into two components: curing kinetics model and viscoelastic mechanical model. The models were calibrated using experimental data from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) tests performed on an epoxy-based single-component adhesive. …

Fatigue Performance Of Wood Frame Roof-To-Wall Connections With Elastomeric Adhesives Under Uplift Cyclic Loading, Bilal Alhawaamdeh, Xiaoyun Shao

American Association for Wind Engineering (AAWE) Workshop

No abstract provided.

Time Variant Hurricane Modeling In Performance-Based Wind Engineering, Zhicheng Ouyang, Seymour M.J. Spence

American Association for Wind Engineering (AAWE) Workshop

No abstract provided.