Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of The Readiness Perceptions Of Head Start Parents, Teachers, And Center Leaders In Early Childhood Education, Julie K. Desmangles

All Dissertations

The perceptions that parents, teachers, and early childhood education leaders have about school readiness, and how these individuals promote readiness in children, influences how prepared children are to enter the school setting. In this study, I drew upon an ecological systems model to examine how parents, teachers, and early childhood school leaders perceive and promote school readiness. In this study, I also examined the strategies that early childhood education leaders' used to build relationships with families and community members, and to foster parent involvement. I used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 11 participants in three Head Start Centers in …

A New Multiscale Modeling Framework For Lithium-Ion Battery Dynamics: Theory, Experiments, And Comparative Study With The Doyle-Fuller-Newman Model, Harikesh Arunachalam

All Dissertations

Technological advancements and globalization in recent decades have largely been responsible for the ever-increasing energy and power demands across different industrial sectors. This has led to an extensive use of fossil fuel based resources such as gasoline and diesel, especially in the transportation industry [1]. The consequences of this utilization are excessive emission of greenhouse gases and degradation of air quality, which have raised significant environmental concerns. Added to this, concerns over the eventual depletion of fossil fuels has accelerated the exploration and development of new energy sources. At the same time, increasingly stringent regulations have been imposed to enhance …

Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsitum) Root Responses To Reniform Nematode (Rotylenchulus Reniformis) Infection, Wei Li

All Dissertations

Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) is a semi-endoparasitic nematode that causes yield losses in numerous crops, including upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Resistant cotton varieties are urgently needed, but the molecular basis of nematode-host plant interactions is poorly understood. To document plant responses to reniform nematode infection in upland cotton roots, we set up a split-root growth system to collect tissues from infected and uninfected portions of the same root system. A 12-day time course of histology and gene expression of infected roots were generated in Chapter 1. Results suggest reniform nematode infection induced protein synthesis and transport, …

Predictive Maneuver Planning And Control Of An Autonomous Vehicle In Multi-Vehicle Traffic With Observation Uncertainty, Qian Wang

All Dissertations

Autonomous vehicle technology is a promising development for improving the safety, efficiency and environmental impact of on-road transportation systems. However, the task of guiding an autonomous vehicle by rapidly and systematically accommodating the plethora of changing constraints, e.g. of avoiding multiple stationary and moving obstacles, obeying traffic rules, signals and so on as well as the uncertain state observation due to sensor imperfections, remains a major challenge. This dissertation attempts to address this challenge via designing a robust and efficient predictive motion planning framework that can generate the appropriate vehicle maneuvers (selecting and tracking specific lanes, and related speed references) …

Getting Connected: Understanding How Digital Tools Support The Collaborative Practices Of Elementary Teachers, Elizabeth Demastes Haun

All Dissertations

This phenomenological study investigated how six elementary teachers are utilizing digital tools and how they perceive these tools can meet their needs for professional collaboration. The study was designed using the theoretical framework of social constructivism and the belief that knowledge is created through social interactions, meaningful experiences, and collaboration with others. Teachers' perceptions about the importance of collaboration and how they utilize technology to access resources, knowledge, and engage in critical dialogue with other professionals were investigated throughout the study. Data analysis using Moustakas' (1994) modification of the Stevick-Colizzi Keen method revealed three overarching themes. Teachers are often choosing …

A Comprehensive Framework For White-Box Damage Detection In Structural Systems Based On Extended Constitutive Relation Error Method, Xiaoyu Hu

All Dissertations

Early detection of the deterioration and degradation in civil infrastructure is critical for structural engineers and infrastructure managers to develop rehabilitation and maintenance plans. In the field of structural health monitoring, numerous techniques have been developed to detect and localize damage by examining changes in measured vibration response. Among vibration-based damage detection techniques, model-based approach has been widely used as its damage detection process incorporates the geometric configuration, physical properties, and behavioral characteristics of the structural system. However, the model-based approaches depend on a model calibration procedure that is based only on the outputs of numerical models without explicitly taking …

Modeling Pulse Exposures From Copper Algaecides And Effects On Target And Non-Target Species, Alyssa J. Calomeni

All Dissertations

Pulse exposures are fundamentally different from static exposures in that they temporarily exceed pretreatment concentrations. Given this fundamental difference, responses of organisms to pulse exposures should also differ from responses to static exposures. In this dissertation, copper-based algaecides were studied because they have notable characteristics that can be used to ask questions regarding pulse exposure durations and consequent effects. Specifically, the time, location and applied concentration are predetermined allowing for measurement of copper exposures in situ. Additionally, algaecides are intended to result in effects to noxious species so that responses can be measured. For the first experiment in this dissertation, …

Urban Youth Perceptions Of Agriculture, Sharon Jean-Philippe, Jennifer Richards, Kimberly Gwinn, Caula Beyl

Journal of Youth Development

To change public perceptions, particularly from urban populations, of agriculture and natural resources (ANR) fields, the University of Tennessee developed a model of strategic educational recruitment to extend beyond traditional college fair experiences to educate underrepresented candidates. The High School Agricultural Education Initiative (HSAI) provided 10th-grade students with opportunities to: (a) gain knowledge of and appreciation for disciplines in agriculture and natural resources, (b) learn about college admissions standards, (c) network with college students and staff to learn about campus resources, and (d) understand how a college education improves professional opportunities. The HSAI (n = 122) was effective at increasing …

Automated Cluster Provisioning And Workflow Management For Parallel Scientific Applications In The Cloud, Brandon Posey, Christopher Gropp, Alexander Herzog, Amy Apon

Publications

Many commercial cloud providers and tools are available that researchers could utilize to advance computational science research. However, adoption by the research community has been slow. In this paper we describe the automated Pro-visioning And Workflow (PAW) management tool for parallel scientific applications in the cloud. PAW is a comprehensive resource provisioning and workflow tool that automates the steps of dynamically provisioning a large scale cluster environment in the cloud, executing a set of jobs or a custom workflow and, after the jobs have completed, de-provisioning the cluster environment in a single operation. A key characteristic of PAW is that …

A Micro-Raman Study Of Exfoliated Few-Layered N-Type Bi2 Te2.7 Se0.3, Liu Fengjiao, Karakaya Mehmet, Pooja Puneet, Rahul Rao, Podila Ramakrishna, Sriparna Bhattacharya, Apparao M. Rao

Publications

Previously we showed that the thermoelectric (TE) performance of bulk n-type Bi₂Te_2.7Se_0.3 can be enhanced by subjecting it to a combined process of chemical or mechanical exfoliation (C/ME) followed by a rapid densification and restacking of the exfoliated layers via the spark-plasma-sintering technique (SPS). Here, we present a systematic micro-Raman study of two-dimensional flakes of n-type Bi₂Te_2.7Se_0.3 produced by the C/ME process, as a function of the flake thickness. We found Raman evidence for flakes with: (i) integer number of quintuples which exhibited a strong electron-phonon coupling, and …

Out In The Field - Learning About Plant Diversity, Stephani Beyea, Brooke A. Whitworth

Publications

How do we help students understand the world they live in? How do we make the science we teach relevant and relatable to their everyday environment? One approach to making science come alive for students is to engage in place-based education opportunities. Place-based education engages students with their local culture, ecology, and landscapes (PEEC 2010). It encourages students to use the land and resources in their community to learn and to better understand the environment in which they live. Research indicates that place-based education can increase student achievement and help students develop a connection to their environment (PEEC 2010). It …

Co-Measure: Developing An Assessment For Student Collaboration In Steam Activities, Danielle Herro, Cassie F. Quigley, Jessica Andrews, Girlie Delacruz

Publications

Background

The shortage of skilled workers choosing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers in the USA and worldwide has fueled a movement towards STEAM, in which the “A” addresses the arts and humanities. STEAM education has been proposed as a way to offer relevant problems to solve while drawing on creative and collaborative skills to increase interest and engagement in these fields. Despite the interest in increasing STEAM globally, research on the efficacy of instructional approaches, including ways to assess collaborative problem solving (CPS), is lacking.

Results

This paper reports the development of a rubric, named Co-Measure, for researchers …

A Micro-Raman Study Of Exfoliated Few-Layered N-Type Bi2 Te2.7Se0.3, Fengjiao Liu, Longyu Hu, Mehmet Karakaya, Pooja Puneet, Rahul Rao, Ramakrishna Podila, Sriparna Bhattacharya, Apparao M. Rao

Publications

Previously we showed that the thermoelectric (TE) performance of bulk n-type Bi₂Te.₂₇Se_0.3 can be enhanced by subjecting it to a combined process of chemical or mechanical exfoliation (C/ME) followed by a rapid densification and restacking of the exfoliated layers via the spark-plasma-sintering technique (SPS). Here, we present a systematic micro-Raman study of two-dimensional flakes of n-type Bi₂Te_2.7Se_0.3 produced by the C/ME process, as a function of the flake thickness. We found Raman evidence for flakes with: (i) integer number of quintuples which exhibited a strong electron-phonon coupling, and …

Clemson Trustees Minutes, 2017 October 6, Clemson University Board Of Trustees

Minutes

No abstract provided.

Adaptability And Stability Of Reproductive And Vegetative Phases Of Peach Trees In Subtropical Climate, Filipe Bittencourt Machado De Souza, Rafael Pio, João Paulo Rodrigues Alves Delfino Barbosa, Gregory Lynn Reighard, Maraisa Hellen Tadeu, Paula Nogueira Curi

Publications

The peach tree (Prunus persica) is a fruit species native to temperate climates that requires a chill during its hibernal period to overcome dormancy. However, due to genetic breeding, varieties are currently grown in subtropical and tropical regions where there are low occurrences of chill during this phenological stage. This study evaluated the adaptability and stability of the reproductive and vegetative phases of peach tree cultivars in a subtropical climate. An experiment was designed in randomized blocks with split time plots, with 23 peach tree cultivars and four replications, with each replication consisting of one plant and four …

Influence Of End Customer Exposure On Product Design Within An Epistemic Game Environment, Matthew R. Markovetz, Renee M. Clark, Zachari Swiecki, Golnaz Arastoopour Irgens, Naomi C. Chesler, David W. Shaffer, Cheryl A. Bodnar

Publications

Engineering product design requires both technical aptitude and an understanding of the non-technical requirements in the marketplace, economic or otherwise. Engineering education has long focused on the technical side of product design, but there is increasing demand for market-aware engineers in industry. Market-awareness and customer-focus are also associated with entrepreneurship, which has been given increased focus in engineering education. A common tool for gauging customer interest in industry is the focus group. Herein we examine the effect of customer voice as presented in a focus group for influencing engineering product design generated by students as part of the virtual internship …

Maneuverable Applications: Advancing Distributed Computing, William Clay Moody, Amy W. Apon

Publications

Extending the military principle of maneuver into the war-fighting domain of cyberspace, academic and military researchers have produced many theoretical and strategic works, though few have focused on researching the applications and systems that apply this principle. We present a survey of our research in developing new architectures for the enhancement of parallel and distributed applica-tions. Specifically, we discuss our work in applying the military concept of maneuver in the cyberspace domain by creating a set of applications and systems called “ma-neuverable applications.” Our research investigates resource provisioning, application optimization, and cybersecurity enhancement through the modification, relocation, addition or removal …

Multiscale Modeling Of Cardiovascular Flows, Alison Marsden, Ethan Kung

Publications

Simulations of blood flow in the cardiovascular system offer investigative and predictive capabilities to augment current clinical tools. Using image-based modeling, the Navier-Stokes equations can be solved to obtain detailed 3-dimensional hemodynamics in patient-specific anatomical models. Relevant parameters such as wall shear stress and particle residence times can then be calculated from the 3D results and correlated with clinical data for treatment planning and device evaluation. Reduced-order models such as open or closed loop 0D lumped-parameter models can simulate the dynamic behavior of the circulatory system using an analogy to electrical circuits. When coupled to 3D simulations as boundary conditions, …

The Nustar Extragalactic Survey: Average Broadband X-Ray Spectral Properties Of The Nustar-Detected Agns, A. Delmoro, D. M. Alexander, J. A. Bauer, F. Civano, J. R. Mullaney, D. R. Ballantyne, W. N. Brandt, A. Comastri, P. Gandhi, F. A. Harrison, G. B. Lansbury, L. Lanz, B. Luo, S. Marchesi, S. Puccetti, C. Ricci, C. Saez, D. Stern, E. Treister, L. Zappacosta

Publications

We present a study of the average X-ray spectral properties of the sources detected by the NuSTAR extragalactic survey, comprising observations of the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (E-CDFS), Extended Groth Strip (EGS), and the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS). The sample includes 182 NuSTAR sources (64 detected at 8–24 keV), with 3–24 keV fluxes ranging between and 6 × 10⁻¹³ erg cm⁻² s⁻¹ ( erg cm⁻² s⁻¹) and redshifts in the range of . We produce composite spectra from the Chandra + NuSTAR data (, rest frame) for all the sources with redshift identifications …

2017 Annual Accountability Report, Clemson University

Accountability Reports

Clemson University's 2016-2017 Annual Accountability Report submitted to the South Carolina Budget and Control Board.

Effects Of Salinity And Wet–Dry Treatments On C And N Dynamics In Coastal-Forested Wetland Soils: Implications Of Sea Level Rise, Xijun Liu, Alexander Ruecker, Bo Song, William H. Conner, Alex T. Chow

Publications

Forested wetlands dominated by baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) are commonly found in coastal regions of the southeastern United States. Global climate change and in particular sea level rise will alter the frequency and magnitude of wet/dry periods and salinity levels in these ecosystems. Soil microcosm experiments were set up to identify the effects of water level variations (0.4–3.0 g-water g-soil−1) and salinity changes (0, 1 and 5 ppt of NaCl) on greenhouse gas emissions (CH4, CO2, and N2O) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) characteristics from forested wetland soils. Our results indicate that, the effect …

Convergence Of The Fast State Estimation For Power Systems, Md Ashfaqur Rahman, Ganesh Kumar Venayagamoorthy

Publications

Power system state estimation is a fundamental computational process that requires both speed and reliability. To meet the needs, some variants of the constant Jacobian methods have been used in the industry over the last several decades. The variants work very well under normal operating conditions with nominal values of the states. However, the convergence of the methods are not analysed mathematically and it may contain pitfalls. In this study, the convergence of the constant Jacobian methods are analysed and it is shown that the methods fail under high variations of the states. To increase the reliability of the processes, …

Laplacian Distribution And Domination, Domingos M. Cardoso, David P. Jacobs, Vilmar Trevisan

Publications

No abstract provided.

Correlation Of Trichome Density And Length And Polyphenol Fluorescence With Susceptibility Of Five Cucurbits To Didymella Bryoniae, Gabriel Rennberger, A. P. Keinath, M. Hess

Publications

The fungal pathogen Didymella bryoniae causes gummy stem blight and black rot on a broad spectrum of cucurbits. However the substantial differences in susceptibility among Cucurbitaceae are not well studied. Susceptibility was characterized with muskmelon (Cucumis melo), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), and zucchini (C. pepo). Lesion diameters on leaf disks inoculated with agar plugs were measured 7 days after inoculation, and the necrotized areas of leaf disks inoculated with conidial suspensions were measured 48 h after inoculation (hai). For each species, the number of trichomes …

Detecting And Monitoring Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: Twitter Communications And The 2015 U.S. Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Imported Cucumbers, Yuliya V. Bolotova, Jie Lou, Ilya Safro

Publications

This research uses Twitter, as a social media device, to track communications related to the 2015 U.S. foodborne illness outbreak linked to Salmonella in imported cucumbers from Mexico. The relevant Twitter data are analyzed in light of the timeline of the official announcements made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The largest number of registered tweets is associated with the period immediately following the CDC initial announcement and the official release of the first recall of cucumbers. [JEL: I18, Q13, Q18].

Variations In Biocorona Formation Related To Defects In The Structure Of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes And The Hyperlipidemic Disease State, Achyut J. Raghavendra, Kristofer Fritz, Sherleen Fu, Jared M. Brown, Ramakrishna Podila, Jonathan H. Shannahan

Publications

Ball-milling utilizes mechanical stress to modify properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) including size, capping, and functionalization. Ball-milling, however, may introduce structural defects resulting in altered CNT-biomolecule interactions. Nanomaterial-biomolecule interactions result in the formation of the biocorona (BC), which alters nanomaterial properties, function, and biological responses. The formation of the BC is governed by the nanomaterial physicochemical properties and the physiological environment. Underlying disease states such as cardiovascular disease can alter the biological milieu possibly leading to unique BC identities. In this ex vivo study, we evaluated variations in the formation of the BC on single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) due to physicochemical …

Forces And Disease: Electrostatic Force Differences Caused By Mutations In Kinesin Motor Domains Can Distinguish Between Disease-Causing And Non-Disease-Causing Mutations, Lin Li, Yunhui Peng, Subash Godar, Ivan Getov, Shaolei Teng, Joshua Alper, Emil Alexov

Publications

The ability to predict if a given mutation is disease-causing or not has enormous potential to impact human health. Typically, these predictions are made by assessing the effects of mutation on macromolecular stability and amino acid conservation. Here we report a novel feature: the electrostatic component of the force acting between a kinesin motor domain and tubulin. We demonstrate that changes in the electrostatic component of the binding force are able to discriminate between disease-causing and non-disease-causing mutations found in human kinesin motor domains using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Because diseases may originate from multiple effects not related to …

Eclipse Display, Maggie Mason Smith

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Optimization Techniques For The Developing Distribution System, Shane Kimble

All Theses

The most rapidly changing part of today’s power grid is the distribution system. Many new technologies have emerged that revolutionize the way utilities provide, and now sometimes receive, power to and from their customers. To an extent, the push for de-regulation of utilities has also led to an increased focus on reliability and efficiency. These changes make design and operation of power systems more complex causing utilities to question if they are operating optimally.

Operations Research (OR) is an area of mathematics where quantitative analysis is used to provide a basis for complex decision making. The changing landscape in electric …

Biosorption And Bioreduction's Impact On The Mobility Of Uranium And Cesium, Sarah Tandy Hennessy

All Theses

Microbial interactions with radionuclides in the environment are multi-faceted and play an important role on the fate and the extent of transport of these metals within the biosphere. Understanding how these biotic interactions affect radionuclides could prove useful in developing more suitable waste containment facilities and improve the overall risk management strategies at legacy waste sites around the world. This study investigates two microbial interactions with these metals: biosorption and bioreduction. To elucidate the impact of biosorption on uranium and cesium, active and inactive biomass were analyzed using batch sorption experiments in the presence of complexing ligands, EDTA and citrate, …