Digital Commons Network^™

Genes Related To Redox And Cell Curvature Facilitate Interactions Between Caulobacter Strains And Arabidopsis, Louis Berrios, Bert Ely

Faculty Publications

Bacteria play an integral role in shaping plant growth and development. However, the genetic factors that facilitate plant-bacteria interactions remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated the importance of two bacterial genetic factors that facilitate the interactions between plant-growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria in the genus Caulobacter and the host plant Arabidopsis. Using homologous recombination, we disrupted the cytochrome ubiquinol oxidase (cyo) operon in both C. vibrioides CB13 and C. segnis TK0059 by knocking out the expression of cyoB (critical subunit of the cyo operon) and showed that the mutant strains were unable to enhance the growth of …

Elementary School Counselors Experiences Working With Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders: A Qualitative Dissertation, Esther Diane Mccartney

Theses and Dissertations

Students with emotional/behavioral disorders have identified disruptive behaviors that negatively impact their academic performance. The US Department of Education and the American School Counselor Association have supported the use of school-wide Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to reinforce pro-social behaviors for all students, but to also ensure the development of targeted and intensive interventions for students who need more support. As stakeholders, school counselors are often involved in the development and implementation of MTSS’s tiered interventions to provide support to all students, especially those with disabilities. Using consensual qualitative research study, the research team aimed to examine elementary school counselor’s …

Step By Step, Iuliia Khamidullina

Theses and Dissertations

STEP BY STEP is a new work of theatre written and performed by me, Iuliia Khamidullina. This script is the one in which I appeared in four performances at the Center of Performance Experiment, within the Department of Theatre and Dance at USC. It tells the story of how a beloved daughter learns to become an artist, even as life’s difficulties are thrown in her way. And it examines her teachers, and most particularly her father. It asks the question: who are Siberian men? What makes them unique? And it examines how this daughter learns from her father’s courage and …

Association Of Nsaids And Acetaminophen Prescriptions During Pregnancy With Autism Spectrum Disorders In The Child, Mohiuddin Ahsanul Kabir Chowdhury

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodevelopmental disorders in children including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Intellectual disability (ID) are the topics of growing concern and recently many studies looked for the risk factors of these disorders. Although antidepressants and antiepileptics consumption during pregnancy have been reported to be associated with ASD, the effect of NSAID or acetaminophen, two most common drugs used during pregnancy, have been under researched. We conducted a prospective cohort study linking data from Medicaid, Department of Education, and Department of Disabilities and Special Needs with birth certificate data from mothers and children between 2010-2017. Beside exposure variables, NSAID and acetaminophen, and …

Escitalopram Treatment To The Hiv-1 Transgenic Rat: Spine Dynamics, Telomere Quantification And Neurogenesis, Adam Ray Denton

Theses and Dissertations

HIV is a serious viral infection that persists in the brain despite treatment. Approximately half of all seropositive patients will experience some degree of comorbid depression, as well as HIV associated neurocognitive disorders. The present research sought to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in ameliorating neuroanatomical and biochemical markers associated with HIV infection. The central purpose of this research is to characterize the effects of escitalopram treatment upon dendritic spine proliferation in the nucleus accumbens. Previous research has consistently demonstrated impaired synaptodendritic integrity in this region, with underlying mechanisms remaining unclear. A secondary focus …

Information Literacy Skills And College Students: A Mixed-Methods, Action Research Study Of Students’ Knowledge And Self-Efficacy For Applying Information Literacy Skills To Their Academic And Social Lives, Jade Geary

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to examine information literacy skills in undergraduate students. In particular, this research investigated students’ knowledge and self-efficacy of information literacy skills. Furthermore, this study explored students’ application of information literacy and how students apply information literacy skills to their academic and social lives. By developing a greater understanding of students’ knowledge, self-efficacy and the use of information literacy skills, it allows librarians to tailor information literacy instruction to fit students’ needs. The three research questions that guided this study were (1) What are undergraduate students’ knowledge of information literacy at the University of …

Building Community Among International Students Through Purposeful Selection Of Fictional Literature, Michael Robert

Theses and Dissertations

Purposefully selecting text is a longstanding challenge for teachers of multinational, adult learners enrolled at language schools. International students come from diverse cultural backgrounds, have been educated in different academic systems, are of different ages, and have separate interests; therefore, it is difficult for teachers to effectively select text to meet this disparate student group’s needs. The purpose of this action research investigation was to identify an effective strategy to select reading material that fosters student engagement through a shared reading interest.

This action research investigation used exploratory qualitative methods in a constructivist grounded theory approach. I conducted semi-structured interviews …

Relationship Of General Athletic Performance Markers To Intra-Team Ranking Of Sport Performance, Steven Keith Scruggs Ii

Theses and Dissertations

A foundational principle in sport science involves applying an evidence-based approach to training and development of athletes. The primary objective is to provide an effective training program, while monitoring general athletic performance (GAP) development (i.e., athlete-monitoring), ensuring intended adaptations are occurring. Much of the literature has focused on GAP markers (e.g., physical qualities related to strength, speed, power, agility, and endurance) which are only suggested to influence competitive sport performance (SP) outcomes (e.g., yards per carry, batting average, hitting percentage, rank or placement, etc.; B. Alejo, personal communication, July 13, 2019). This gap in the literature should be filled via …

Wonderland Station, Melanie Elizabeth Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Wonderland Station is a love story about an affair between a Salvadoran line-cook and a white waitress who has lost custody of her daughter because of heroin addiction. It is a story about a love of necessity, about two people who love to forget their trauma, to imagine a new life in which they are seen and respected. Reality quickly finds them however, as they have no place to be together; Stephanie lives in a halfway house and Mauricio is in an unhappy marriage. Their romance takes them through a very different Boston than is often written about; they fall …

An Exploration Of The Genetic Counselor’S Role In The Individualized Education Program, Naomi Jean Barker

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This exploratory study aimed to assess the knowledge of school psychologists and special education teachers regarding genetic conditions and the resources used in the development of individualized education programs (IEP) for students with genetic disorders. While the IEP process has been described for children with disabilities, literature explicitly focusing on children with genetic conditions is lacking. The rarity of genetic conditions often leaves school personnel with limited information. Methods: School psychologists (N=29) and special education teachers (N =14) throughout the United States participated in an online questionnaire. School psychologists were recruited from research committee listservs of state associations, and …

Efficacy Of Telegenetics: A Diagnostic Yield Comparison Between In-Person And Telemedicine Pediatric Genetic Evaluations, Allie Merrihew

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of telegenetic services for pediatric genetic evaluations conducted by telemedicine by comparing it to in-person pediatric genetic evaluations. Research into the utility of telegenetics would greatly serve to identify if this is a preferred alternative service delivery model to bridge the gap in accessibility and reach a greater catchment area of the population, especially to those living in underserved and rural locations. This study was a retrospective review of electronic medical records of pediatric patients seen at Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) for initial in-person genetic visits prior to the COVID-19 …

Transgressive Migrations: Gender Roles, Space, And Place In American Novels, 1900-1999, Selena Gail Larkin

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, I examine how gender roles combine with changes in space and place to affect women protagonists in twentieth-century American literature. I argue that as these characters migrate, the (self-)perception of their identities shift. Particularly, their outward performances as well as their internal awareness change. My analysis concentrates on the novel genre because of specific characteristics—plot, characterization, and narration. The chosen literary works on which I focus are The Grapes of Wrath (1939), Quicksand (1928), Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937), The Dollmaker (1954), and Under the Feet of Jesus (1996).

Concepts that I …

Developmental Regression Analysis And Investigation Of Genotype Correlations In Individuals With Classic Rett Syndrome, Aubrey Lynn Rose

Theses and Dissertations

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting 1 in 10,000 females worldwide, making it one of the most common causes of complex disability in girls. RTT is caused by pathogenic variants in the MECP2 gene and is characterized by developmental regression, stereotypical hand movements, and an abnormal gait. Despite consistency in the presence of these core features, a wide range of features and varying severity can be observed in girls with RTT. Similarly, the particular type of MECP2 variant present also differs between patients. Previous studies have assessed correlations between genotype and phenotype in patients with RTT. While past …

Previvor And High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients’ Opinions On A Specialized Management Clinic, Madeleine Nicole Tjoelker

Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 5-10% of cancers are thought to be hereditary, caused by pathogenic variants in genes associated with inherited cancer syndromes. Previvors, individuals who have a higher predisposition to cancer due to genetic or other risk factors, have specific healthcare and psychological needs that may be better served by a specialized management clinic. This study compared the experiences of previvors who had access to a specialized management clinic with those who did not, in order to better understand the unique needs of previvors. This study utilized a mixed methods design including an online survey (N=26) and semi-structured phone interview …

Assessing The Anticipated Needs Of Transgender Patients In Cancer Genetic Counseling, Jacqueline Baquet

Theses and Dissertations

Most cancers are sporadic, but 5-10% of all cancer is hereditary, or caused by a heritable genetic mutation. A patient’s medical history, family history, genetic test results, intact organs (e.g., ovaries) at an increased risk for developing cancer, and the availability and accessibility of interventions are used to make recommendations for cancer-risk management. In addition to basic medical care, transgender patients have healthcare needs that differ from those of cisgender patients such as expert care related to using hormones or having gender-affirming surgery, as well as unique mental health concerns. Transgender individuals may also experience a greater number of barriers …

Teacher Efficacy In Implementing Social And Emotional Learning: A Convergent Mixed Methods Study, Wendy Barr Holmes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe teachers’ perceived self-efficacy and related experiences in implementing a state-mandated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program during a global pandemic. Program implementation was initiated at the start of the 2020-2021 school year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent extended school closures. Research questions included: 1) How do teachers perceive their sense of efficacy in implementing Social and Emotional Learning during a global pandemic? and 2) What are the experiences of teachers implementing Social and Emotional Learning during a global pandemic? Participants included nine middle school teachers who taught daily SEL …

A Conceptual Analysis Of The Mand And Its Relevance To Acquisition, Meka N. Mccammon

Theses and Dissertations

With the rapid increase in the diagnostic rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there has been a growing need for evaluating the trends in training natural change agents to implement behavioral interventions and coming to a consensus on training procedures that are efficacious, efficient, and accessible. The purpose of this multiple manuscript dissertation is to describe three studies in a line of research designed to contribute to the video modeling literature as well as illuminate gaps in the literature concerning the assessment of generalization and maintenance of student mand outcomes and the components essentials to mand training. Specifically, video models …

Fortnightly Effects Of Urea Additions On Cyanobacteria In A Stormwater Detention Pond, Halley Carruthers

Theses and Dissertations

Increased urban and suburban population growth along the South Carolina (SC) coast has led to a rise in impervious surfaces, altering the course of stormwater runoff events. The construction of stormwater detention ponds (SDPs) is one of the many ways to best mitigate the flow of this water. In their function as natural pollutant traps, SDPs often contain increased levels of nutrients (nitrogen, N and phosphorus, P), which can lead to eutrophication. Under these high eutrophic conditions, primary production is overstimulated, and the formation of phytoplankton blooms, including harmful algal blooms (HABs) can occur. In recent decades, the forms of …

“It Seemed Like Reaching For The Moon:” Southside Virginia’S Civil Rights Struggle Against The Virginia Way, 1951-1964, Emily A. Martin Cochran

Theses and Dissertations

During the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s and in the historiography, Virginia held a racially moderate reputation. Scholarship on civil rights in Virginia typically credits racial moderation with implementing integration in the state while avoiding major violence and protest. In Southside Virginia, the rural south-central area of the state dominated by tobacco and textile mills with a substantial black population, two towns became the sites of significant civil rights activity. Both Farmville and Danville had direct-action movements spearheaded by local African American students and activists, but these movements drew limited national attention despite extreme reaction and …

Professional Development Workshops On Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (Crp) And Its Impact On The Pedagogical Awareness Level Of Educators At Abc Middle School, Scott Napier Floyd

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of professional development workshops on culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) and its impact on the pedagogical awareness level of middle school educators at ABC Middle School. This study took place during the Fall 2020 semester with seven participants: two eighth-grade social studies teachers, one seventh-grade science teacher, one eighth-grade science teacher, a German language teacher, a physical education teacher, and a front office clerical worker. Data were collected through pre- and post- questionnaires, post workshop journal reflections (written), field notes/researcher notes, and individual interviews. The results revealed that the workshop series had a positive impact on …

Language Interpreters’ Perspective Of The Interpreter-Genetic Counselor Working Alliance, Dacia Lipkea

Theses and Dissertations

Interpreters are an asset to the genetic counseling process as they help to bridge both cultural and linguistic gaps. For various reasons, their ability to accurately render the often-complex information discussed in genetic counseling sessions is likely dependent on their ability to establish a working alliance and collaborate with genetic counselors to overcome any challenges. Studies in other healthcare fields document the elements crucial to forming a working alliance between interpreter and healthcare provider, but little research has been done specifically investigating how to form a working alliance in the context of the specialized nature of genetic counseling. The goal …

It’S /Tʃuzdeɪ/, Innit?: Yod Coalescence In British English, Jenna Rose Rees-White

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research on British English (BE) has shown that variation in dialects stems from both regional and social differences (Hughes & Trudgill, 1979; Kwon, 2006; Glain, 2012; and others). For instance, if a speaker identifies as middle- to upper-class in the UK, they are more likely to use RP (Received Pronunciation) than a speaker who identifies with a lower-class social status. This, and other variables, accounts for variability among regionally similar but phonologically different British dialects.

This thesis analyzes the use of Yod Coalescence (YC), a phonological phenomenon that focuses on C-/ju/ sequences and their tendencies to drop yod and …

Why Do Tourists Accept Lodging Through Accommodation Sharing Platforms? Model Development And Model Comparison, Ge Zhu

Theses and Dissertations

The P2P accommodation sharing market has emerged as a disruptive innovation as it has exponentially expanded globally, even though this market is still emerging and has not been used by most people. This study investigates why tourists accept the sharing platforms and how to promote this service. A literature review on innovation adoption models was conducted to select a proper theoretical framework to investigate travelers’ motivation for using Airbnb. According to model-evaluation principles and literature analysis, this self-efficacy-based value adoption model (SVM) was selected, which is derived from social cognitive theory’s reciprocal determination. Based on the SVM, an extended SVM …

“We Are Going To Be Reckoned With”: The South Carolina Udc And The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room And Museum, 1986-2000, Caitlin Cutrona

Theses and Dissertations

From 1986 to 2000, the South Carolina Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy actively negotiated influence for its organization at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum (SCCRRM) as an important museum stakeholder. While 1986 marked a low point for UDC authority over the museum, from 1986 to 2000, the South Carolina UDC sought to salvage and protect is influence at the SCCRRM and ultimately reclaim its authority over the museum. The South Carolina Daughters did this through a variety of means and methods, including employing Dotsy Boineau, a UDC member and SCCRRM employee, as an instrument …

Essays In The Economics Of Tournaments, Eren Bilen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of three essays that focus on tournaments, incentives, and performance. The first essay presents evidence of cheating that took place in online examinations during COVID-19 lockdowns and proposes two solutions with and without a camera for the cheating problem based on the experience accumulated by online chess communities over the past two decades. The best implementable solution is a uniform online exam policy where a camera capturing each students computer screen and room is a requirement.

The second essay investigates the "superstar effect" using observations from chess tournaments. Superstars exist in many places. In competition, they might …

The Robber Barons Of Show Business: Traveling Amusements And The Development Of The American Entertainment Industry, 1870- 1920, Madeline Steiner

Theses and Dissertations

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, traveling amusements such as circuses, minstrel shows and Wild West shows were the most popular forms of entertainment in the United States. This study argues that advancements in transportation and technology inspired managers of traveling amusement companies to create new business models that transformed popular entertainment from informal, local productions into modern commercial spectacles. These amusement companies were capitalist enterprises, significant not just in the cultural arena but also in the growth of American business. These amusement companies traveled nationwide on the newly expanded railroad system, sporting elaborate sets and props and …

Sentir Con La Memoria: Prácticas Espaciales Desde La Cotidianidad Sistemática Del Subalterno En Roma, La Teta Asustada Y La Mujer Sin Cabeza, Perla Jazmin Richerson

Theses and Dissertations

La vida cotidiana es frecuentemente considerada insignificante, pero su análisis puede exponer aspectos fundamentales sobre interacciones sociales. Para que una acción se convierta en cotidiana, esta necesita ser repetida hasta que se convierta automática, indetectable, invisible. Consecuentemente, la persona que realiza dicha acción como parte de la vida cotidiana (como una sirvienta preparando el café, por ejemplo) puede sufrir el mismo efecto y convertirse invisible, indetectable, desechable. ¿Qué significa esto en la vida cotidiana de personas? ¿Qué implicaciones tiene la experiencia diaria en una persona a otra?

Mi estudio se desprende de estas preguntas, y para contestarlas, analizo tres películas …

Use And Analysis Of 5e Inquiry Activities In Online General Chemistry Courses, John Ray Kiser

Theses and Dissertations

This action research dissertation provides an overview of inquiry-based learning in online general chemistry course. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, many science courses have been converted to an online format. In order to increase student learning and attitudes in online chemistry class, two inquiry-based learning activities were developed and implemented. The results on student learning and attitudes were measured by monitoring discussion forum posts, a student survey, and an assessment test. Results show that students had positive results in both learning and attitudes. Furthermore, the researcher’s understanding of inquiry and ability to implement inquiry learning were studied by use of …

Primary Care Providers’ Comfort With Utilization Of Genetics In Practice, Taylor Mackenzie Kupneski

Theses and Dissertations

Primary care providers (PCPs) are often the first opportunity for individuals at risk for a genetic condition to be identified and they must care for patients with known genetic conditions. However, PCPs lag behind other providers in incorporating genetics into their practice. This study aimed to understand which genetics related concepts/topics PCPs (1) find relevant to practice, (2) are currently comfortable utilizing in practice, and (3) desire further education on. A mixed methods survey was sent to internists, family medicine providers, OBGYNs, pediatricians and geriatrics providers in South Carolina via email to assess this information. This included physicians, nurse practitioners, …

Co-Constructive Music Improvisers: An Ethnographic Case Study, Emma Elizabeth Young

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory ethnographic case study was to examine music improvisations co-constructed by my elementary students and me, their music teacher. Guiding research questions were (a) How do my elementary students and I co-construct music improvisations? (b) How do I describe our music improvisations? (c) How do my elementary students describe our music improvisations? (d) How do my elementary students describe their own music improvisations? (e) How do my elementary students describe their peers’ music improvisations?

I facilitated co-constructive music improvisation sessions with each music class at Coosa Elementary School for seven weeks during Fall 2020. Each student …