Digital Commons Network^™

A Performance And Pedagogical Guide To William Butler Yeats Songs By Ben Moore, James Allen

Theses and Dissertations

American composer, Ben Moore, has written music that has spanned genres including operas, children’s operas, art songs, cabaret songs, and musical theatre songs. His career spans multiple decades, but his music is not performed as often as it should in the Classical Music community. Moore’s music can be daunting at first glance, but many of his composition stylings are present in many of his works. Should one learn how to navigate one of his art songs, they will have a guide that should translate over to his other works. I have decided to focus on the seven art songs with …

Adipocyte-Derived Cchamide-1, Eiger, Growth-Blocking Peptide 3, And Unpaired 2 Regulate Drosophila Melanogaster Oogenesis, Chad Simmons, Isaiah H. Williams, Tancia W. Bradshaw, Alissa R. Armstrong

Faculty Publications

In addition to energy storage, adipose tissue communication to other organs plays a key role in regulating organismal physiology. While the link between adipose tissue dysfunction and pathophysiology, including diabetes, chronic inflammation, and infertility, is clear, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these associations have not been fully described. We use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to better understand how adipose tissue communicates to the ovary. In this study, we utilized D. melanogaster’s robust genetic toolkit to examine the role of five adipokines known to control larval growth during development, CCHamide-1, CCHamide-2, eiger, Growth-blocking peptide 3, and unpaired 2 in regulating …

A Hybrid Type I Randomized Effectiveness-Implementation Trial Of A Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention In The Part C Early Intervention System: Study Protocol, Allison L. Wainer, Sarah Edmunds, Alice S. Carter, Wendy L. Stone, R. Christopher Sheldrick, Sarabeth Broder-Fingert, Yael S. Stern, Ellie Harrington, Lisa V. Ibanez, Brooke Ingersoll

Faculty Publications

Background

Participation in Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) is associated with significant improvements in functioning for toddlers with, and showing early signs of, autism spectrum disorder. The Part C Early Intervention (EI) system, which is publicly funded and available in all U.S. states, offers an optimal infrastructure through which toddlers can receive NDBIs. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness and fit of one NDBI, Caregiver Implemented Reciprocal Imitation Teaching (CI-RIT), within the Part C EI system.

Methods

This hybrid type 1 effectiveness/implementation trial uses a multi-site randomized control design to simultaneously test effectiveness and collect implementation data on CI-RIT …

Brain Specific Elevations Of Kynurenic Acid, Charles A. Grant

Senior Theses

Individuals who suffer from neurocognitive disorders often suffer from sleep disturbances. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a tryptophan metabolite implicated in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Modest increases in KYNA, which acts as an antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α7nACh) receptors, result in cognitive impairments and alterations in sleep-wake behavior. Specifically, KYNA negatively impacts rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep and increases wakefulness. The goals of the present project were to determine the impact of a dose response (0 µM, 1 µM, 3 µM, 10 µM; dissolved in PBS) elevation of KYNA locally in the brain. Wistar rats (N=10 female, …

Swvl: A Custom Ai-Powered Face Tracking Camera Gimbal, Alexander J. Anderson-Mcleod, Jakub Jerzmanowski, Michael Laitarovsky, Trevor Allison, Jagger Tanner

Senior Theses

In response to the growing demand for smarter, more responsive face tracking cameras in the post-pandemic world, our team designed SWVL, a custom AI-powered face tracking gimbal meant to address the limitations commonly encountered by the commercial models currently on the market. These commercially available gimbals come with several issues, such as frequently losing track of the person in the frame and requiring manual resets, which we sought to fix with our implementation. We designed a system with fully custom hardware and software including a 3D printed dual-axis camera gimbal driven by stepper motors, a control PCB based around an …

Assessing Bioactivity Of Green Leaf Volatiles In Various Plant Systems, Fallon S. Tomlin

Senior Theses

Green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are chemical compounds essential in plant communication. Plants emit these volatiles due to abiotic and biotic stressors and, when perceived, these GLVs activate defense responses. Though GLVs play an important role in plant survival, it is still unknown where they localize, how they are perceived, and what structural factors influence perception. To elucidate these structural determinants, we tested the bioactivity of (Z)-3-fatty alcohols with four to nine carbons. Through root growth inhibition assays with tomato (Solanum peruvianum) seedlings, we found that (Z)-3-octenol and (Z)-3-nonenol were more bioactive than (Z)-3 hexenol and (Z)-3-heptenol. Thus, higher bioactivity was …

Genetics Education Booklets Designed For Individuals With Intellectual Disability: Perspectives From Adults With Intellectual Disability And Genetic Counselors, Audrey Hyun Sook Parrott

Theses and Dissertations

Visual aid tools have been consistently suggested across literature aimed at identifying methods of improving health and genetics services for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Aids written in plain language are suggested most often. The study intends to gain perspectives from adults with ID (AWID) and genetic counselors (GCs) on Easy Read genetics educational booklets designed for individuals with mild ID. We anticipate that GCs will find the booklets to be useful and accurate, and that AWID will find the booklets to be helpful to their understanding and comprehensible. The AWID were assessed via a self-reported survey, cognitively adapted for …

An Exploratory Study Of Disclosure Of X-Linked Conditions Between Mothers And Daughters, Madge Isabella Stuhlreyer

Theses and Dissertations

Carriers of X-linked conditions, both asymptomatic and symptomatic, face unique challenges regarding their experiences navigating the healthcare system and understanding implications of their carrier status. Studies show that mothers are known to be the main communicators of genetic information within their families, but in families affected with X-linked conditions, communication between mothers and daughters are hindered by factors such as lack of knowledge about the condition and reproductive implications, lack of emotional support, anxiety, and uncertainty about how to initiate these conversations. The purpose of this study was to explore the motivations behind mothers' decisions to initiate conversations with their …

Increasing Diversity In The Genetic Counseling Profession: Determining Effective Career Education Strategies For Underrepresented Youth, Bryel Marie Frasch

Theses and Dissertations

Genetic counseling is a professional career path that is lacking in diversity, and diversity in healthcare has been shown to improve health outcomes. Studies suggest student engagement as a way to increase diversity, as early knowledge of genetic counseling increases the likelihood of considering it as a career and is especially true for racial or ethnic minoritized students. This study focused on educating high school students underrepresented in genetic counseling about the career and exploring the effectiveness of two different types of education methods (video vs in-person) to give valuable information for future outreach efforts. Upward Bound and Federal TRIO …

Who’S On First, What’S On Second An Analysis Of Major League Baseball Fans And Multiple Points Of Attachment, Ryan W. Dastrup

Theses and Dissertations

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Understanding The Factors Influencing Movement Behaviors Among Dog Owners, Katherine Eileen Devivo

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates two key objectives: 1) to understand influences of physical activity among dog owners, and 2) to determine if there were differences in objectively measured physical activity levels and/or affect at times when dog owners are with their dogs compared to times when they are not with their dogs. To address the first objective, a qualitative study was conducted with 20 dog owners using semi-structured interviews, constant comparative methodology, grounded theory, and open coding. The findings revealed several key barriers to physical activity and dog walking such as physical health, seasons/weather, time/schedules, and dog specific limitations. Key facilitators …

Associations Between Cardiovascular Disease And Utilization Of Dental Preventive And Periodontic Services, Amirhossein Fakhre Yaseri

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke, remains a leading cause of global mortality, with approximately 20.5 million deaths in 2021. Despite advancements in medical science, CVD prevalence continues to rise, underscoring the need for preventive approaches and increased awareness. CVD is closely associated with oral diseases, and poor oral health is linked to worse cardiovascular outcomes. This study investigates the association between CVD and the utilization of dental preventive and periodontal services using data from the Dental Experience and Research Exchange (DERE) database, which aggregates clinical data from dental practices across the U.S. …

Exploiting Structures In Reinforcement Learning: Multi-Agent Homogeneity, Euclidean Symmetry, And Natural Languages, Dingyang Chen

Theses and Dissertations

Reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a powerful paradigm for decision-making in complex environments. However, many RL tasks exhibit inherent structural properties—such as homogeneity, symmetry, and linguistic patterns—that are often underutilized, leading to inefficiencies in learning and generalization. This dissertation systematically exploits these structures to improve the efficiency, scalability, and robustness of RL algorithms across multi-agent and sequential decision-making settings. First, we investigate homogeneity in multi-agent systems, where agents share similar roles and objectives. By leveraging this structure, we develop communication-efficient actor-critic methods for homogeneous Markov games, enabling scalable learning with reduced coordination overhead. Second, we introduce Euclidean symmetry in …

Comparing And Contrasting Diversity And Inclusion Concepts: An Identity-Blind And Identity-Conscious Application, William Ward

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation systematically investigates the differences between diversity and inclusion concepts. Notably, this dissertation focuses on exploring the differences between diversity and inclusion climates and recruitment messages. This paper first explores the theoretical traditions that are often applied to diversity (social identity theory) and inclusion climate (optimal distinctiveness theory) and offers guidance on why individuals may react to diversity and inclusion climates differently from the basis of these theoretical foundations. Additionally, this dissertation expands existing theory by promoting a more novel approach of differentiating diversity and inclusion through exploring their relationships with identity-blind and identity-conscious human resource practices. The first …

Designing A Genetics-Based Bibliotherapy Model For Children With Inborn Errors Of Metabolism, Kaitlyn Abagail Gmitro

Theses and Dissertations

Bibliotherapy is a psychotherapy technique utilized to teach individuals about concepts through the use of literature and the arts. The primary aim of this research was to examine how a bibliotherapy model could be applied to improve diet and treatment adherence for people affected with Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Prior to this research, no paper has proposed a tailored bibliotherapy approach for genetic conditions. Through analysis of the caregiver-child relationship and disclosure process and the perceived support needs of both caregivers and providers caring for children with IEMS, our goal was to propose a bibliotherapy model to improve adherence and …

The Role Of Platform Design In Excessive Short Form Video Use And The Resulting Impacts On Cognitive Processes, Katherine Levey

Senior Theses

Short form video (SFV) platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels have rapidly reshaped global media consumption. This thesis investigates how the defining technological elements of SFV platforms contribute to prolonged viewing behavior by inducing flow, a psychological state characterized by deep immersion and diminished self-awareness. Through a review of nineteen scholarly articles, this study examines how features like infinite scroll, auto-play, and algorithmic personalization create a low-effort, high-reward user experience that sustains attention and facilitates continuous engagement. Once immersed, users often fall into a cycle of passive, prolonged scrolling, consuming more content and spending more time than intended. Findings …

Shifting Healthcare In Rural South Carolina: A Study Of Media Coverage Of The Effects Of Hospital Closures, Morgan Harper

Senior Theses

Rural hospital closures have become an increasingly urgent issue in healthcare across the United States. These closures have impacted access to healthcare, the job market, and general community health. Most hospitals have been forced to close due to low patient volumes, financial struggles, and corporate ownership. Immediate implications of closures include the displacement of healthcare workers, community concern about lacking a central healthcare facility, and increased travel times to access care.

This thesis examines South Carolina’s healthcare landscape in areas with hospital closures since 2012 and explores the effects of and responses to these closures as discussed in newspapers and …

From Pregnancy To Postpartum: A Longitudinal Analysis Of Maternal Depressive Symptoms And Hemoglobin Concentration In Uttar Pradesh, India, Abdullah Nurus Salam Khan

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Perinatal depression and maternal anemia impact maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and infant growth in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of these conditions during pregnancy and postpartum in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 475 pregnant women recruited during early pregnancy (≤20 weeks gestation) and followed through late pregnancy (≥27 weeks) and postpartum (< 42 days of childbirth). The outcome variables were, i) depressive symptoms, assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and ii) hemoglobin concentrations, measured using HemoCue Hb 301 analyzer from capillary blood. Multivariable linear regression examined associations of the outcome variables with sociodemographic, obstetric, nutritional, interpersonal, and perinatal factors. Path analysis evaluated direct and indirect paths influencing postpartum hemoglobin. Results: Prevalence of probable depression (EPDS score≥13) peaked in early pregnancy (24%) and declined in late pregnancy (17%) and postpartum (4%). Mean hemoglobin declined from early (10.5 g/dL) to late pregnancy (9.7 g/dL), and partially recovering in postpartum (10.4 g/dL). Household food insecurity was associated with higher depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum (early pregnancy:β=2.61, p=0.011; late pregnancy:β=2.84, p< 0.001; postpartum:β=1.40, p=0.023). Psychological intimate partner violence was associated with greater depressive symptoms in early pregnancy (β=3.19, p=0.001). Receiving more antenatal visits was associated with decrease in depressive symptoms in late pregnancy (β=-0.46, p=0.001) and hemoglobin at postpartum (β=-0.11, p=0.070). Consumption of more food groups was associated with increase in depressive symptoms (β=0.63, p=0.004) and hemoglobin in late pregnancy (β=0.10, p=0.026). Iron folic acid (IFA) consumption was associated with increase in hemoglobin in late pregnancy (β=0.01, p< 0.001) and postpartum (β=0.004, p=0.031). Experiencing postpartum health complications was associated with increase in depressive symptoms (β=0.41, p=0.013) and decrease in hemoglobin concentrations (β=-0.18, p=0.036). Antenatal hemoglobin concentrations mediated the associations of IFA supplementation and dietary diversity with postpartum concentrations. Conclusion: Perinatal depression was associated with socioeconomic vulnerabilities, food insecurity, and intimate partner violence, while hemoglobin concentrations were associated with maternal nutrition and perinatal care. Integrating mental health services and comprehensive nutrition interventions into antenatal and postpartum care can improve psychological and physical well-being of mothers during and after pregnancy.

Augmenting Deep Learning For Efficient Nextg Wireless Communication And Sensing Systems, Hem Kanta Regmi

Theses and Dissertations

Wireless networks have become an integral aspect of our daily lives. Over the years, earlier generations of wireless networks have enabled some innovative applications, such as wireless gaming, fast internet browsing, and home automation, which were previously unattainable. However, to support emerging technologies like autonomous driving, virtual reality, telemedicine, and intelligent manufacturing, which require high data throughput and low latency, there is a need for advanced wireless networks. Legacy networks like WiFi/LTE, which operate below 6 GHz, have limited bandwidth and are insufficient to fulfill the high data throughput demands of several applications. Millimeter-wave (mmWave) networks, operating between 30 GHz …

Approaches To Teaching Music Reading To Students With Dyslexia: A Guide For Piano Teachers, Olivia Grace Bradstreet Colomaio

Theses and Dissertations

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in the United States, affecting approximately one in five individuals. According to the DSM-V-TR, the ICD-11, and the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a Specific Learning Disorder that causes issues with phonological processing, sequencing of information and information processing, word recognition, reading fluency, and other issues. Due to its prevalence, the chances of piano teachers encountering a student with dyslexia in their teaching studios is highly likely. However, there is relatively little research available for piano teachers of students with dyslexia. In the music lesson, common areas of struggle for students with dyslexia …

The Role Of B Cells In Promoting Lipid Absorption By Promoting Lacteal Development, Kenny Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The absorption of dietary lipids in the gut is necessary to maintain the metabolic tone of tissues. Inflammation in the gut can cause defects in lipid absorption, which can result in tissue wasting, otherwise known as cachexia. Cachexia is commonly observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer patients. The underlying cause of cachexia is unknown, and there are currently no effective therapeutic options available to treat it. Lymphatic drainage in the small intestine (SI) is specialized to promote the transport of dietary lipids into circulation. Lacteals are blunt-ended lymphatic vessels localized to the central axes of villi in …

The Effect Of Grape Seed Extract Against The Formation Of S.Aureus Biofilms In A Clinical Setting, Srestha Samaddar

Senior Theses

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, poses a serious threat to public health and clinical care. A major contributor to the persistence of these infections is the formation of bacterial biofilms, structured communities that protect S. aureus from antibiotics and immune responses, especially on surgical sites and medical devices. As conventional treatments become less effective, interest in alternative, natural antimicrobial agents has increased, due to public dissatisfaction with conventional medicine and a growing trust in complementary and alternative medicine. Grape seed extract (GSE), a polyphenol-rich byproduct of winemaking, has emerged as a promising candidate …

Addressing Gaps In Access: Examining Language Barrier Accommodations In Medicaid Member Handbooks, 2015-2019, Sanskruti Patel

Senior Theses

Objective: This study examines the linguistic accessibility of Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) handbooks from 2015 to 2019 by analyzing the instructions provided to access interpreter and written translation services. Trends were compared over time, considering state and plan-level factors that impact equitable healthcare access for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) enrollees.

Methods: A systematic search using manual efforts and FOIA requests located all publicly available Medicaid handbooks from 2015-2019 (N=657) across 39 states with comprehensive MCO plans. These handbooks were coded by independent reviewers to assess the study outcome variables. Random mixed-effects logistic and linear regression models were conducted to …

Between Healing And Harm: An Analysis Of Residential Treatment Centers For Youth, Virginia B. Finch

Senior Theses

Residential treatment for children and adolescents has evolved greatly. Today, a therapeutic individualized treatment approach is standard. Despite past and present improvements in care, this paper examines the persistent challenges faced by residential treatment centers (RTCs) serving youth with mental health issues. This paper argues that residential treatment, while sometimes necessary, has the potential to cause more harm than good due to systemic issues like overdiagnosis, inappropriate medication, and the troubled teen industry’s (TTI) profit-focused approach.

Woven By Culture: A Comparative Study Of Traditional Dress Across Regions And The Societal Forces Behind Fashion, James T. Granger

Senior Theses

This study attempts to examine how societal influences that different countries have obtained from years past affect their traditional fashion. By sketching 200 traditional female dresses from every sovereign country in the world, I have taken the time to analyze and create depictions of their sociological and stylistic choices. I have chosen to examine the countries of Cambodia, Republic of Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Finland, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Panama, and Tonga as they all represent different regions of the globe. Breaking down each of their dresses into their specific garments and accessories is essential to better understand the culture and the …

The Roles Of Literature And Film In Shaping Culture: An Examination Of All Quiet On The Western Front And The German Lesson, Charles Hansen

Senior Theses

This paper examines the cultural impacts of All Quiet on the Western Front (Im Westen nichts Neues) and The German Lesson (Deutschstunde). More specifically, it examines the impacts of the works through the shaping of German identity and public memory following World War I and World War II, as well as any long-term impacts that have lasted into the present day. These two works of literature, as well as their respective film adaptations, can serve as vehicles for national reflection, education, and confrontation of the past. This paper will examine the key themes of All Quiet …

Differential Gene Coexpression In 16p11.2 Autism Spectrum Disorder, Joseph Patacsil

Senior Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been associated with several genetic factors. One of these factors is a mutation of the 16p11.2 region on chromosome 16, in which both deletions and duplications have been strongly associated with ASD. KCTD13 is a gene in the 16p11.2 gene locus that has recently been shown to influence brain development and is also associated with ASD. This study analyzes the differential gene expression and gene pathways of these different phenotypes. KCTD13 deletion had a significant up-regulation effect on genes and shares similar pathways to the 16p11.2 duplication mutation. Mutations in …

Integrating Traditional Chinese Aesthetic Culture With Contemporary Music Through Violin, Fan Kai-Yi Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the integration of traditional Chinese aesthetic principles with contemporary music through selected violin repertoires. It examines the rich tradition of Chinese aesthetics, emphasizing the distinctive musical styles that, despite their variations, share a common cultural foundation. The research combines a comprehensive review of classical Chinese literature, musicological analysis, exploration of pitch materials, harmonic language, and performance-based interpretation to blend and expand the technical and expressive possibilities of the violin with the essence of Chinese music. Rooted in an analysis of key traditional Chinese aesthetic concepts—he (harmony), tianren heyi (the unity of nature and humanity)—and the two major …

The Impact Of Ballet Techniques On Singing Performers, Julie H. Welch

Theses and Dissertations

Singing performers are tasked to being a multifaceted artist using their acting and even dance skills in a performance. Voice teachers have long incorporated physical activity into training, but traditional ballet techniques—such as core tension and neck elongation—can contradict healthy singing practices. Given ballet’s deep historical connection to opera and stage performance, this study aims to examine whether integrating ballet into vocal training enhances or hinders a singer’s technique and overall performance. This investigation surveyed forty subjects who identified as teachers, singing performers, or students earning a performance degree and interviewing select subjects for further information; results will be discussed.

Transcrite Par L'Auteur: Analyzing And Performing The Piano-Vocal Scores Of Maurice Ravel's Operas, Jordan Knapp

Theses and Dissertations

The two operas of Maurice Ravel, L’heure espagnole and L’enfant et les sortilèges, are, like most of the composer’s works, known for their innovative orchestrations and instrumental flourishes. However, the piano-vocal scores of the operas have their own unique qualities worthy of study. With the piano writing at times fiendishly difficult—standing toe-to-toe with Ravel’s solo piano music—the score demands simplification, particularly for less experienced performers serving as accompanist or rehearsal pianist for these works. Many sections of the music are impractical or even impossible for a single pianist to perform, but this study offers alternate solutions and simplifications for pianists …