Digital Commons Network^™

In The Ceo We Trust: Negative Effects Of Trust Between The Board And The Ceo, Kee-Hong Bae, Sadok El Ghoul, Zhaoran (Jason) Gong, Omrane Guedhami

Faculty Publications

In this study, we investigate whether and how trust between board members and the CEO (board–CEO trust) affects the performance of mergers and acquisitions. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find that firms with higher levels of board–CEO trust exhibit poor M&A performance. High trust is associated with low acquisition announcement returns, long-term stock return performance, and post-deal operating performance. This negative effect of board–CEO trust is more pronounced among acquiring companies prone to agency problems. Our results suggest that, in the institutional setting of corporate boards, high trust can be too much of a good thing.

Model-Driven Analysis Of Ecg Using Reinforcement Learning, Christian O'Reilly, Sai Durga Rithvik Oruganti, Deepa Tilwani, Jessica Bradshaw

Publications

Modeling is essential to better understand the generative mechanisms responsible for experimental observations gathered from complex systems. In this work, we are using such an approach to analyze the electrocardiogram (ECG). We present a systematic framework to decompose ECG signals into sums of overlapping lognormal components. We use reinforcement learning to train a deep neural network to estimate the modeling parameters from an ECG recorded in babies from 1 to 24 months of age. We demonstrate this model-driven approach by showing how the extracted parameters vary with age. From the 751,510 PQRST complexes modeled, 82.7% provided a signal-to-noise ratio that …

Inequalities In Wellbeing In Lebanese Children And Different Refugee Subpopulations: A Multidimensional Child Deprivation Analysis, Zeina Jamaluddine, Gloria Safadi, Alexandra Irani, Nisreen Salti, Jad Chaaban, Sawsan Abdulrahim, Alban Thomas, Hala Ghattas Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives:

This study constitutes the first attempt to describe the overlapping deprivations faced by Lebanese children (Lebanese) and that of the three sub-populations of refugees living in Lebanon: Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon, Palestinian refugees from Syria and Syrian refugees.

Methods:

Using data from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Household Survey 2016 (n = 10,555 Lebanese; 7,106 Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon; 2,768 Palestinian refugees from Syria and 5,891 Syrian refugee children aged 2 to 17 years old), we report on single and overlapping deprivations (at least two concurrent deprivations) using indicators related to survival …

The Wear And Tear Of Racism: Self-Silencing From The Perspective Of Young Black Women, Jewel Scott Phd, Rn, Fnp-C, Kortney Floyd James, Dara D. Méndez, Ragan Johnson, Esa M. Davis

Faculty Publications

Context: Historically, Black women strategically employed silence to endure enslavement to the U.S., and other forms of racial violence. The current study aimed to understand contemporary perspectives on self-silencing. Objective: To explore young adult Black women's experiences of self-silencing and its potential impact on their physical and mental well-being. Methods: Data are from 16 semi-structured interviews with Black women ages 18 to 39 in southwest Pennsylvania conducted between October 2021 - May 2022. We analyzed the interviews using inductive thematic analysis. Results: We identified four themes: “Self-silencing is Inherited,” “Silencing Here and Now,” “Wear and Tear,” and “The Flip Side.” …

“Ain't About The Money, Ain't About The Haircut”: Experiences Of Servant Leadership In Black-Owned Barbershops And Beauty Salons During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Hunter M. Boehme, Robin M. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc, Tameka Williams, Lídia Gual-Gonzalez, Chloe Rodriguez-Ramos, Natalie Brown, Bryceson Hernandez, Lekendra Kidd, Melissa S. Nolan Ph.D., Mph

Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate, negative effect on Black Americans. Black-owned barbershops/beauty salons are traditionally trusted, yet little is known regarding how these “virtue locales” were affected by the pandemic. This theory-guided, qualitative descriptive study explored owners' experiences in addressing their clients’ and community well-being during the first pandemic year, revealing four emergent themes: 1) “blessings” and cultural expectations informed a moral imperative to become servant leaders, 2) long-standing relationships resulted in opportunities to engage on topics of physical and mental health, 3) Barbershop/beauty salon-based COVID-19 information and resources led to individual and community empowerment, and 4) Barbershops and …

Patterns Of Hiv Disclosure And Its Impact On The Hiv Care Continuum Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men In South Carolina, Xueying Yang Ph.D., Titilayo A. James, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Tony Brown, Sydney Zarsadias, Ran Zhang, Fanghui Shi, Xiaoming Li Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Addressing the psychosocial concerns of Black men who have sex with men (MSM), such as HIV disclosure, is critical for effective HIV treatment efforts. Black MSM living with HIV experience multiple psychosocial challenges, such as “triple stigma” due to their sexual orientation, racial minority status, and HIV status, which hinder their HIV disclosure and subsequent HIV care-seeking behavior. Our study sought to examine the HIV disclosure patterns and their impact on the HIV care continuum among Black MSM using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out among 28 Black MSM aged ≥18 years old living in South Carolina. A …

A Most Surprising Fern: Serendipity And Browsing In Botanical Search, Douglas Tuers

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

This article is a case study of botanical field work in the eastern United States in the early twentieth century. These cases will be analyzed as instances of browsing and serendipity. Browsing and serendipity have a rich literature in information science and this article will draw on this literature in order to better understand serendipity in botany. This article will show how botanical localities support browsing and serendipity for the botanists who search them. This article will also show how botanical institutions and botanists interface with localities in order to further support browsing and serendipity. As a whole this article …

Protocol For Developing A Personalised Prediction Model For Viral Suppression Among Under-Represented Populations In The Context Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Xueying Yang Ph.D., Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Bankole Olatosi Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Introduction Sustained viral suppression, an indicator of long-term treatment success and mortality reduction, is one of four strategic areas of the 'Ending the HIV Epidemic' federal campaign launched in 2019. Under-represented populations, like racial or ethnic minority populations, sexual and gender minority groups, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, are disproportionately affected by HIV and experience a more striking virological failure. The COVID-19 pandemic might magnify the risk of incomplete viral suppression among under-represented people living with HIV (PLWH) due to interruptions in healthcare access and other worsened socioeconomic and environmental conditions. However, biomedical research rarely includes under-represented populations, resulting in biased …

Socio-Emotional Resilience Among Older Adults During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Cindy J. Lahar, Angela L. Nadeau, Jayne Violette, Summer Roberts, Diana Reindl

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

The detrimental impact of social isolation on health and well-being has been reported in older adults (Prohaska, et al., 2020). Yet findings also demonstrate that older adults have a motivational shift to prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and experiences (Carstensen, 1993; Sakaki, et al., 2019), prioritize emotional meaning in situations, focus on positive emotions and stimuli over negative feelings and live in the present rather than focus on future preparedness. Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) (Carstensen, 1993; Carstensen, Fung & Charles, 2003) suggests that older adults have a limited sense of time left in life and shift their focus to meaningful and …

Predictors And Barriers To Vaccination Among Older Syrian Refugees In Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of A Multi-Wave Longitudinal Study, Berthe Abi Zeid, Tanya El Khoury, Hala Ghattas Ph.D., Marwan F. Alawieh, Zeinab Ramadan, Sirine Anouti, Sawsan Abdulrahim, Stephen J. Mccall

Faculty Publications

Background:

Vaccination is important to prevent morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 among older Syrian refugees. We aimed to elucidate the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Syrian refugees aged 50 years or older in Lebanon and to understand their main reasons for not receiving the vaccine.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional analysis of a five-wave longitudinal study, conducted through telephone interviews between Sept 22, 2020, and March 14, 2022, in Lebanon. For this analysis, data were extracted from wave 3 (Jan 21–April 23, 2021), which included a question on vaccine safety and on whether participants intended to receive the …

The Mediational Role Of Motivation In The Model Of Motor Development In Childhood: A Longitudinal Study, Cristina Menescardi, An V. De Meester, Octavio Álvarez, Isabel Castillo, Leen Haerens, Isaac Estevan

Faculty Publications

The aim of this study was twofold: first, to examine the stability of the hypothesized conceptual model of motor development (without and with including various types of motivation) when children are followed up one-year later, and second to examine longitudinally whether changes in one model variable predict changes in other variables, according to the hypothesized pathways in the model. A sample of 361 Spanish students (50.7% girls, 8–11 years old) voluntarily participated in this study. In relation to the first aim, structural equation modeling revealed the expected positive relationship between the model variables in both measurement times. That is: actual …

The Racialized Violence Of Police Canine Force, Madalyn K. Wasilczuk

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Covid-19 Challenges, Responses, And Resilience Among Rural Black Women: A Study Protocol, Fanghui Shi, Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Chengbo Zeng, Xiaowen Sun, Zhenlong Li, Xueying Yang, Sharon Weissman, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background

Timely linkage to care (LTC) is key in the HIV care continuum, as it enables people newly diagnosed with HIV (PNWH) to benefit from HIV treatment at the earliest stage. Previous studies have found LTC disparities by individual factors, but data are limited beyond the individual level, especially at the county level. This study examined the temporal and geographic variations of county-level LTC status across 46 counties in South Carolina (SC) from 2010 to 2018 and the association of county-level characteristics with LTC status.

Methods

All adults newly diagnosed with HIV from 2010 to 2018 in SC were included …

Micro-Targeting Consumers To Reduce Consumptive Externalities, Tamara L. Sheldon, J. R. Deshazo, Bronwyn Lewis Friscia

Faculty Publications

When correcting for consumption externalities policymakers may employ economic incentives, a uniform moral suasion intervention, or various micro-targeted moral suasion interventions. To assess the relative effectiveness of these policy interventions, we randomly assign consumers to different moral suasion treatments designed to increase their willingness to pay for energy efficient light bulbs. Both economic incentives and single moral suasion interventions have similar modest effects on household willingness to pay for this durable good. However, we find that optimally targeting moral suasion messages increases consumers' choice of the most efficient light bulbs even more than large subsidies.

Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Alcohol-Attributed Deaths In The United States, 1999–2020, Ibraheem M. Karaye, Nasim Maleki, Ismaeel Yunusa Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

The disparities in alcohol-attributed death rates among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States (US) have received limited research attention. Our study aimed to examine the burden and trends in alcohol-attributed mortality rates in the US by race and ethnicity from 1999 to 2020. We used national mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database and employed the ICD-10 coding system to identify alcohol-related deaths. Disparity rate ratios were calculated using the Taylor series, and Joinpoint regression was used to analyze temporal trends and calculate annual and …

The Daily Gamecock: Play It Back, April 2023, University Of South Carolina, Office Of Student Media

April

No abstract provided.

Exploring Digital Interventions To Facilitate Coping And Discomfort For Nurses Experiencing The Menopause In The Workplace: An International Qualitative Study, Camille Cronin, Gemma Bidwell, Janene Carey, Sara Donevant Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Kerri-Ann Hughes, Marja Kaunonen, Jette Marcussen, Rhonda Wilson

Publications

INTRODUCTION: The global nursing workforce is predominantly female, with a large proportion working in the 45-55 age group. Menopause is a transition for all women, and; therefore needs recognition as it can impact work performance and consequently staff turnover. BACKGROUND: Women will go through the menopause, but not all women are affected. The menopause transition presents a range of signs and symptoms both physical and psychological which can impact the quality of life and individuals' work/life balance. The nursing workforce is predominantly women that will work through the menopause transition. OBJECTIVES: The study explored perspectives on digital health interventions as …

Heroes Or Villains: Modern Rappers And Their Effect On Young Adult Males, Jared J. Mccabe

Senior Theses

This paper examines the role of modern-day rappers and how they affect the growing mental health crisis for young adult males. Recently, an “emo-rap” genre has emerged where vulnerability is common, and rappers share both their mental health struggles and experiences with drug use. The degree to which these artists have influenced their listeners is unclear, and perceptions of them are polarized. There are some who view them as villains who sponsor violence and drug use and others who view them as heroes who break down societal barriers and build supportive networks among their listeners.

Based on the existing scientific …

The Effect Of The Degree Of Authoritative Parenting On Adolescents' Adjustment To College, Elizabeth Smith

Senior Theses

This research aimed to explore how parenting style relates to college students’ adjustment in the first month of college. Authoritative parenting is marked by a standard of maintaining some control, while also promoting children’s autonomy. Previous research has found that authoritative parenting is positively associated with adolescent behavior that is more socially responsible, self-reliant, cheerful, and cooperative. Furthermore, the more support and independence that parents encourage, will in turn breed confidence and academic persistence in adolescent years. I will expand on this research by evaluating whether parenting style also relates to adjustment and mental health outcomes among first year college …

Comparative Medicaid Policy Analysis Related To Maternal And Infant Birth Outcomes In South Carolina, Cassidy L. Lena

Senior Theses

The United States despite being one of the most industrialized and wealthiest nations in the world, has the worst maternal and child health outcomes of any industrialized nation. The rates of maternal morbidity, mortality, and infant mortality have been increasing within the past decade, when many causes of death for this population are preventable. This study conducted a literature review on Medicaid policies and associated programs between three states (South Carolina, North Carolina, and California) in order to gain background information. Secondly, a comparative Medicaid policy analysis was completed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] framework, which …

Accessibility Of Medical School To Students With Physical Disabilities, Shelby A. Cowan

Senior Theses

This thesis is an exploration of perceived and institutional barriers to matriculation into medical school for students with physical disabilities. Factors such as the lived admissions experience, available accommodations and supportive resources, and legal considerations surrounding a student's disclosure of their disability are examined; however, future work is needed to better access this population of students and empower them to become physicians and use their unique perspective to benefit patients.

Around The Table: A Comparative Study On The Commensality Of American And Italian Culture And Its Implications On Wellbeing, Joy Bernal

Senior Theses

Commensality (the act of eating together) has been shown to increase psychosocial wellbeing. As culture differs, so do the ways commensality occurs. This thesis uses established literature to compare the commensality between two countries, the United States and Italy, and conclude how those behaviors impact psychosocial wellbeing. After exploration and drawing connections, the hope is that this thesis encourages a call for change on the way we view eating and how we can gather more often to improve overall psychosocial wellbeing.

The Screen And Generation Z: How Media-Streaming Services Affect Curation And Environment Of Film And Television, Collin Graham

Senior Theses

This thesis focuses on Generation Z’s relationship to media-streaming services, using both analysis of academic texts and independent research consisting of a survey and a series of interviews with Generation Z as the intended audience. The analysis of academic texts focuses on the differences in viewing behaviors/consumption between streamed film/television and non-streamed film/television more generally, as well as how these behaviors factor into Generation Z’s perception of film/television and media-streaming services more specifically. The results of the survey and interviews show Generation Z’s awareness of the pressures streaming services put on viewers to watch content in an isolated and individualized …

The Law And Economics Of Online Cheating, Robert A. Hazel

The Journal of Law and Education

No abstract provided.

Recognizing Menstrual Equity As A Dimension Of Equal Educational Opportunity Student Note, Reilly H. Lerner

The Journal of Law and Education

No abstract provided.

A Causal Comparative Study Of The Effects Of Physical Activity Course Enrollment On College Students’ Perceived Wellness, Mental Health, And Basic Psychological Needs, Genee’ Regina Glascoe

Theses and Dissertations

On college campuses, there has been an increase in mental health needs among students. In 2019, 56% of students attended counseling for mental health concerns compared to 46% of students who attended in 2010 (The Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2019). Colleges have begun focusing on student wellness to assist their students with the capability to thrive during their college years and beyond (LaFountaine et al., 2006). Basic psychological needs must be met to achieve psychological growth and wellbeing (Ryan & Deci, 2000b; Zhang et al., 2012). Taliaferro et al. (2009) found evidence of an association between physical activity and …

Guilty, But Mentally Ill, But Not Insane? Making Sense Of South Carolina's Approach To Mentally Ill Offenders, Mason J. Rajaee

South Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Fitness Assessments Of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Process Feasibility Study, Pamela J. Wright, Cynthia F. Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan, Robin M. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc, Michael D. Wirth Msph, Phd, Face, Bernardine M. Pinto Phd, Fapa, Fsbm, Fabmr

Publications

Background: Fitness is a marker of physiological and mental health. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of processes to recruit women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during the Covid pandemic and collect their health and fitness data. Additionally, the data was used to explore possible associations between anthropometrics, PCOS biomarkers, health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), and depressive symptoms with that of fitness and self-reported physical activity levels among women with PCOS. Methods: A convenience sample of women with PCOS (n = 15) were recruited via flyers and the snowball method. Participants completed surveys, anthropometrics, a dual energy …

Our Social Packaging: How Labels In Society Affect Our Perceptions Of Ourselves And What This Implicates For The Overdiagnosis And Self-Diagnosis Crisis In Mental Health Conditions, Alexandra X. Cortez

Senior Theses

This paper examines the effects of labeling theory in regard to mental health diagnoses. Specifically, it examines how the self-fulfilling prophecy plays a role after an individual is assigned a label. To view labels and their effects in action, this paper looks to the television show Survivor, specifically Season 37 and uses a television content analysis. Survivor provides an analogy for today’s society and a culturally relevant representation of how individuals are internalizing labels and stereotyping others based on their label. An analysis of season 37 revealed that contestants strongly associated with their assigned label and the specific characteristics that …

An Exploration Of Manipulating Serotonin To Foster A Successful Life, Grace Rose Paskalides

Senior Theses

This thesis is broken into three sections: methods of naturally increasing serotonin levels, increased serotonin levels impacts on the body and mind and how those physical and mental impacts translate into a fulfilled life. This thesis presents health effects and measures a fulfilled life in terms of: relationship success, academic and professional achievement, and societal impact. The goal is to explore and expand upon existing scientific inferences of the complex neurotransmitter serotonin. It is not a treatment plan. It investigates benefits of imposing serotonin-increasing behavior into one’s life and speculates tangible measures of success that would likely be consequences of …