Digital Commons Network^™

Does Digital Deepen Discourse? A Case Study Of How Middle School Teachers Use Eureka Math2 To Promote High-Quality Mathematics Classroom Discussions, Michael Wilson Street

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to evaluate how teachers use Eureka Math² (EM²) curriculum and technology tools to promote high-quality mathematics classroom discussions. Research has indicated these discussions improve students’ mathematical knowledge, reasoning, and conceptual understanding. However, orchestrating these discussions is challenging, requiring adaptive thinking, deep content knowledge, and an unfamiliar facilitation role; implementing technology presents an additional challenge. This study was guided by three research questions. First, how and to what extent do teachers use EM² curriculum and technology tools to promote high-quality mathematics classroom discussions? Second, what are the perceptions of teachers about …

Engaging Students In The Scientific Process: An Examination Of Active Learning Strategies In Introductory Geoscience Labs, Meryssa Piper

Theses and Dissertations

High-quality instruction of introductory geoscience courses entices students to major in geoscience fields and ensures undergraduate students have opportunities to learn and apply scientific information and practices. Prior studies indicate that active learning strategies in higher education settings can increase student knowledge and interest. This dissertation explores the integration of two active learning strategies in introductory geoscience laboratory courses: inquiry and gamification The first study housed in Chapter 2 investigates the level of inquiry used in introductory geoscience lab activities across the United States. Through a comprehensive analysis of these activities, this chapter assesses: (1) the degree to which instructor …

Leveling Up The Power Of Voice: The Impact Of Gamification On Speaking Participation Of Multilingual Learners In The Cybersecurity Classroom, Philip Peavy

Theses and Dissertations

The United States has a growing number of multilingual learners in its classrooms, but many schools are not prepared to support these students, especially in computer science education. There is a shortage of qualified teachers and few resources available in languages other than English. As a result, many multilingual learners are not actively participating in their computer science classes. This is a problem because computer science is a growing field with many opportunities for employment. One way to support multilingual learners in computer science education is through gamification. Gamification is the use of game-design elements and principles in non-game contexts. …

Nonlinear Optical Studies Of Complex Materials, Govinda Kharal

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents an in-depth exploration of nonlinear optical investigations into complex material systems, employing second harmonic generation (SHG) and complementary bulk measurement techniques. The first project focuses on surface symmetries and phase transitions in IrTe2. Using SHG and electrical resistance measurements, we systematically investigate temperature-induced symmetry changes and reveal significant shifts in transition temperatures due to thermal cycling. Comparison with bulk X-ray diffraction confirms that these shifts are surface-related, providing a new interpretation of inconsistencies in reported transition temperatures. Our findings emphasize the effectiveness of SHG in capturing subtle surface phenomena, with future directions involving straincontrolled studies to manipulate …

Popular Justice Or Populist Justice? Penal Populism And Its Impact On Democracy, Kuan-Wu Chen

Theses and Dissertations

Populism, a pervasive phenomenon in contemporary politics, manifests as an anti-establishment, anti-pluralistic, morally charged framing that advocates for direct rule between leader and populace. Among its variants, penal populism emerges as a particularly concerning manifestation. It is characterized by a leader's deployment of panicking, punitive, and politically targeted rhetoric to enhance social control and accrue political capital rather than address crime prevention. This research argues that penal populism poses the most significant threat to democratic rule, as evidenced by theoretical, framing, and mobilization analyses. A novel categorization of populist variants is proposed based on dimensions of social categorization and exclusivity. …

Measurement Of Single Differential Cross Sections, Polarization Observables, And Beam-Spin Asymmetry In Charged Two-Pion Electroproduction Off The Proton, Christopher Andrew Mclauchlin

Theses and Dissertations

Emergent phenomena are described as such due to functional differences in paradigms based on observation scale, one of the most fundamental being the emergence of hadronic structure from bare quarks and gluons, as dictated by the strong interaction. Measurement of charged two-pion electroproduction off the proton with CLAS in run group E1-6 and the extraction of single differential cross sections, polarization observables, and beam-spin asymmetries was performed as a necessary step in illuminating the length scale currently dark to Quantum Chromodynamics within the structure of the proton. Understanding the scale-dependent nature of this hadronic structure is integral to understanding nature …

The Fifth Element In Three Dimensions: Boron Systematics Along And Across The Aleutian Volcanic Arc, Owen Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

This study uses abundances and isotope ratios of the fluid-mobile element boron (B) to better understand the role of fluids in volcanism at the Aleutian arc in Alaska. In volcanic rocks from the Aleutian volcanic front, patterns in B abundance and isotope ratios (δ11B) point to three endmembers: a sediment melt, a slab interior melt, and a slab-top melt. Most lavas from the eastern Aleutian Islands have δ11B of -2 to +5‰, similar to Aleutian sediment. Hence, sediment is likely to be the dominant B source in the Aleutian Island samples. In lavas from the western Aleutian seafloor, high δ11B …

In Search Of Cognitive Justice: One District’S Approach To Implementing Culturally Responsive Practices, Anne Marie Mancini

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examined district leaders' approach to integrating culturally responsive practices into classrooms in a medium-sized urban Connecticut public school system. The framework for this study was supported by two theories: transformative learning and culturally responsive pedagogy. Following a case study model of design, the project focused on the work of the Supervisor of Professional Learning and the Department Supervisor for English Language Arts (ELA) as they provided training, support, and resources to the Grade 7 team. Two research questions guided this study: (1) What successes, if any, did district leaders experience in implementing culturally responsive teaching practices …

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy In Pregnant And Postpartum Women, Madison G. Kaup

Senior Theses

This project had three main goals: 1) Explore how pregnancy and childbirth affect the female pelvic floor anatomy and physiology, 2) Examine current practices through a literature review and interviews conducted with pelvic floor physical therapists currently practicing in various clinical settings across the United States, and 3) Develop suggestions to mitigate the challenges currently faced in the field by patients and therapists.

The female pelvic floor undergoes extensive changes throughout pregnancy as its structures are targeted by laxity-inducing hormones and mechanical stress from the growing fetus. During childbirth, the system is stretched beyond its physiological limit, causing damage to …

Development Of Avalanche Photo Detector For Uv-C Using Gallium Oxide Material System, Md Ghulam Ghulam Zakir

Theses and Dissertations

This work describes the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) optimization process for epitaxially grown gallium oxide (Ga2O3) layers, electrical field distribution, and the design for Avalanche Photo Detector (APD). MOCVD is a well-accepted process in the semiconductor industry, as it is well-known for its precise deposition of ultra-thin, high-quality semiconductor layers with extraordinary control over composition and thickness. The choice of Ga2O3 is due to r its distinctive properties of ultra-wide bandgap and low turn-on resistance. Thus, Ga₂O₃-based materials can withstand high voltage and current with the least energy loss, making them an attractive choice for …

Towards Understanding The Relationship Between Hearing Loss And Cognition In Healthy Aging, Samaneh Nemati

Theses and Dissertations

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) has been increasingly linked to cognitive decline, both directly and through structural brain changes. This study utilized data from the Aging Brain Cohort project at the University of South Carolina (ABC@UofSC) to investigate the relationships between hearing impairments, cognitive performance, and gray matter volume across key brain regions. Specifically, the study aimed to: (i) examine the mediating role of gray matter volume in the relationship between ARHL and cognitive impairments; (ii) investigate the role of regional brain age gap in mediating the relationship between ARHL and cognitive decline; and (iii) delineate the distinctive impact of ARHL …

A Process Planning Software For Modeling Parameter Behavior In Automated Fiber Placement, Benjamin Jeffrey Francis

Theses and Dissertations

The manufacturing of large-scale, geometrically complex composite structures is often accomplished today using the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) process. AFP utilizes a fiber placement end effector and a gantry or robotic kinematic system to lay up groups of composite tows, iteratively building the complete structure. The reduced width of each tow allows the deployment of AFP for builds with significant curvature, unlike other automated methods such as automated tape laying. Despite its proven track record and widespread use, the current AFP process contains inefficiencies and suffers from workflow bottlenecks that significantly increase cycle time, material wastage, and overall cost. A …

Innovative Strategies For Healthcare Data Integration: Enhancing Etl Efficiency Through Containerization And Parallel Computing, Ehsan Soltanmohammadi

Theses and Dissertations

The healthcare industry is rapidly transforming due to technology adoption, resulting in an explosion of data. Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes are crucial for integrating and analyzing this data to support decision-making and enhance patient care. However, ETL processes face significant challenges, including data diversity, quality issues, security and compliance, and scalability. Opportunities exist to optimize ETL processes through advanced technologies like big data analytics, containerization, and parallel computing, improving data quality, and enhancing security. This literature review examines current ETL processes in healthcare, highlighting challenges and opportunities for future improvement, ultimately aiming to enhance healthcare outcomes and patient experiences. …

Information Exchange Through Social Networks Links To Adoption Of Child Feeding Practices In Nepal, Mohammad Masudur Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

While there have been notable decreases in child undernutrition (i.e., stunting) over the past few decades, it remains a major concern in Nepal, with 25% of children under the age of five experiencing chronic undernourishment. There is considerable scope for improving nutrition-related behaviors to address this ongoing issue. In Nepal, knowledge regarding appropriate child feeding practices is often inadequate, and thus additional sources of accurate information are required. Information through multiple sources (i.e., interpersonal communication, mass media, and mobile SMS) provides opportunity to reach households who inadequately practice childcare. Information improves knowledge and information exchange (i.e., receiving or sharing) usually …

Mechanics Based Characterization Of Elastic Metamaterials, Mamdudur Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

In bandgap engineering there is a shortage of systematic design approach which enables one to select design variables to achieve bandgap in desired frequency range. Tools that can address this can open new areas of interest, especially since phononic crystals with low frequency bandgaps have multitude of applications in attenuation of structural vibration. Furthermore, mechanics-based characterization of phononic crystals had not seen much progress in the recent years while a lot of applied research had been conducted on phononic materials with material phase periodicity and other factors taken into consideration. This work aims to propose a systematic characterization approach of …

Rational Catalyst Synthesis For Sustainable Energy Applications, Alaba Upe Ojo

Theses and Dissertations

Energy accounts for two-thirds of the global climate challenges. Effective utilization of green hydrogen or finding cleaner ways to improve energy generation is necessary to combat climate crisis and allow for a more sustainable future. This work evaluates three heterogeneous catalytic processes which contribute to a sustainable future. In chapter 2, we studied the hydrogenation of toluene to methylcyclohexane; a reaction that can potentially serve as a medium for hydrogen storage and help to overcome the safety challenges of transporting gaseous hydrogen. We found that palladium catalysts on certain carbons exhibited significantly enhanced toluene hydrogenation rates compared to activated carbons …

Securing Memorization In Piano Performance With Continuous Audiation, Jie He

Theses and Dissertations

The study explores how incorporating continuous audiation, a concept introduced by pianist and educator Sarah Croom-Hatch, can be used as a strategy to improve pianists’ music memorization abilities and relief performance-related stress. The study presents a four-stage memorization process that emphasizes preparation, early, middle, and late stages. By integrating aural, kinesthetic, analytical, and visual memory with continuous audiation during the four-stage memorization process, pianists can develop a cohesive and secure “sound stream” that significantly enhances their memory system. The study provides practical guidance for systematically developing continuous audiation within daily practice routines to enhance memorization skills and achieve successful piano …

Redefining Gas Turbine Engine Development: A Digital Twin Framework Informed By Operational Dynamics And Numerical Analysis, Sowmya Raghu

Theses and Dissertations

Gas Turbine Engines (GTEs) serve as primary propulsion systems in aviation and are key for power generation units in various industrial applications. The conventional Gas Turbine Engine Development and Monitoring Lifecycle (EDML) typically encompasses six stages: preliminary design, numerical analysis, prototyping and testing, manufacturing, systems integration, and subsequent systematic monitoring processes. This dissertation redefines the gas turbine engine design and development process by synergistically integrating design capabilities, real-time operational data, and predictive maintenance through the implementation of digital twins. The primary objective is to establish a comprehensive framework for gas turbine engine design by utilizing thermodynamic and aerodynamic modeling, supported …

Tracking Deposition And Settling Characteristics Of Airborne Metallic Particulate, William Kahale Caspino

Theses and Dissertations

Transport and deposition of metal particles is a source of environmental and public health concern. Understanding how ambient conditions and the properties of the particles interact to influence the dispersal range can provide information on and the possible extent of environmental contamination. Controlled laboratory experiments and modeling were utilized to determine when such particles would deposit. Particle samples containing heavy metals, a Palladium-dominant alloy and a Nickel/Aluminum dominant alloy LANA, were released in a static column, and the vertical displacement was tracked utilizing a Phantom v7.3 camera and a camera lens. Electron microscopy revealed that particles are not spherical and …

A Flipped Classroom Approach For Algebra 2 Students Who Have Struggled In Previous Mathematics Courses, Abby Suss

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed method study examined the effect of a flipped classroom approach on the engagement and attitude of Algebra 2 students who had struggled in previous mathematics classes. Videos for students to watch at home were constructed with adherence to the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia. Class time then focused on students working together and with teacher support in accordance with active learning theory. Qualitative sources of data - pre and post intervention interviews, pre and post student questionnaires, and teacher anecdotal notes and quantitative sources of data - the SEMs and the ATMI - were gathered and analyzed. Results showed …

Beyond Narrow Views On First-Grade Reading Instruction In Saudi Arabia: Insights From First-Grade Saudi Reading Teachers, Ali Alzughaibi

Theses and Dissertations

Recent development in reading research and instruction has highlighted the need to unpack certain claims about how children learn to read and how reading is taught. These claims where challenged by different scholars in the field, pointing to the complexity of reading. Much of this research, however, was done where English is taught as a first language (e.g., United States, UK). Lacking supporting evidence, a review of the literature on early Arabic reading instruction in Saudi Arabia has highlighted different claims about how Arabic early reading is taught and what teachers know about early reading. For example, teaching Arabic early …

Impact Of A Mathematics Review On Students' Chemistry Self-Efficacy And Problem-Solving Skills In An Undergraduate Chemistry Course, Antoinette Marie Gayle

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is an integral part of chemistry courses, and the application of arithmetic and algebraic knowledge is important for solving calculation-based problems in undergraduate general chemistry. Students begin undergraduate chemistry with varying levels of mathematics skills and experience which may impact their ability to solve problems and understand the content in chemistry courses. Utilizing a convergent mixed methodology, this action research study evaluated the impact of an in-class mathematics review intervention on students’ chemistry self-efficacy and problem-solving abilities in general chemistry. Mathematics review sessions were conducted in undergraduate general chemistry classes with 40 first-year students at a small university college …

Incorporating Digital Tools In A Social Studies Course: An Action Research To Support High School Students’ Critical Thinking And Collaboration Skills, Tara Grant

Theses and Dissertations

Digital tools have the potential and ability to develop and support critical thinking skills in high school students, as they provide interactive and engaging platforms for learning. The purpose of this action research was to implement digital tools for student collaboration in two high school Social Studies classrooms, to evaluate the tools’ potential impact on students' critical thinking skills, and to assess the participant’s perceptions of the impact and use of digital tools for collaboration in the classroom. This study focused on two overarching questions: (1) How, and to what extent, does the use of digital tools for student collaboration …

Increasing Engagement And Self-Efficacy Levels In Underachieving 5Th Grade Students: A Qualitative Study, Raney Altman

Theses and Dissertations

Student achievement and mastery of content taught in reading is measured each year in the state of South Carolina. A pattern of low achievement was identified, but more specifically, there were patterns of low engagement and self-efficacy levels in 5th grade students in this study. Because reading is a critical tool needed to participate in all life necessities such as finding work and experiencing interviews, paying bills, and following simple everyday directions, it was evident in student behavior in the classroom that adjustments needed to be made instructionally to ensure success for all students in school and in future endeavors. …

Keep Your Friends Close And Your Enemies Closer A Theory Of Welfare Provision In Authoritarian Regimes, Sanghoon Park

Theses and Dissertations

The dissertation examines the determinants and dynamics of welfare provision in authoritarian regimes and the influence of welfare provision on autocrat’s survival. It argues that the social and class-based explanations for welfare in democracies can also apply to autocracies, though the specific challenges faced by autocrats can lead to different outcomes.

Teacher Perception Of International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Implementation, Lorene Michelle Lloyd-Peay

Theses and Dissertations

The rural, Title I, underperforming, priority schools in the study encounter several challenges when implementing the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP) framework. Successful implementation is contingent on how the teachers perceive these challenges. This research aims to understand how teachers' perspective on the IBMYP affects programme implementation. Understanding the experiences and perspectives of teachers increased my and the school district’s ability to support the effective implementation of the IBMYP framework. The research questions focused on gathering data to determine teacher perspectives about the IBMYP, how those perspectives affect programme implementation, and the factors that appear to enhance or impede …

Topics In Beyond The Standard Model Physics, Sapan Karki

Theses and Dissertations

Standard Model and General relativity are two pillars of modern physics, and their reconciliation would bring a long-sought harmony in physics along with insights into the secrets of the universe. It is then natural to try and modify these theories by searching for the fundamental symmetry describing our world. In this work, I work on the implication of breaking of Lorentz symmetry and the existence of topological objects called solitons. In chapter 3, I show how a cosmologically generated Lorentz- Violating model has instability issues. I then show how the quantum corrections on Lorentz-Violating models can produce ambiguity in β-function …

Utilizing Project-Based Learning To Improve Statistical Literacy, Edward Sabat

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examined the impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) on statistical literacy among community college students enrolled in introductory statistics courses. The study addressed the challenge students face in interpreting statistical results in real-world contexts, despite achieving correct numerical answers. Utilizing a PBL approach during the hypothesis testing unit, the study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, incorporating a pretest and posttest using the Reasoning and Literacy Instrument (REALI), followed by structured interviews. Quantitative results demonstrated improvement in statistical literacy in all areas assessed on the REALI, particularly in the area of hypothesis testing and p-values. Qualitative …

Why He Sings: An Action Research Study Using Counternarratives To Affect The Deficit Narratives Attributed To Students Of Color, Tiffany Jones Early

Theses and Dissertations

There is ample research that shows that students of color are less likely to graduate from college than their White peers. Meanwhile, the demographics of students who enroll in college continue to be more diverse than previous generations. As universities struggle to understand retention disparities, the voices of the students are often eliminated from the discussion. Many university staff members, instead, opt for a deficit narrative to blame what they believe students of color lack that inhibits them from persisting in college until graduation. The purpose of this study is to use narrative inquiry to better understand the educational experiences …

Accurate Crystal Structure Prediction Of New 2d Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskites, Nima Karimitari, William J. Baldwin, Evan W. Muller, Zachary J.L. Bare, W. Joshua Kennedy, Gábor Csányi, Christopher Sutton

Faculty Publications

Low-dimensional hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) are promising electronically active materials for light absorption and emission. The design space of HOIPs is extremely large, as a variety of organic cations can be combined with different inorganic frameworks. This not only allows for tunable electronic and mechanical properties but also necessitates the development of new tools for in silico high throughput analysis of candidate materials. In this work, we present an accurate, efficient, and widely applicable machine learning interatomic potential (MLIP) trained on 86 diverse experimentally reported HOIP materials. This MLIP was tested on 73 experimentally reported perovskite compositions and achieves a …