Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of The Basolateral Nuclear Complex & Central Nucleus Of The Amygdala In Fear-Conditioned Responses To External Stimuli And Anxiety Responses, Oluwaseyi A. Adelakun

Senior Theses

This thesis reviews the role of the amygdala, particularly the basolateral nuclear complex (BLA) and central nucleus (CeA), in fear-conditioned responses and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). By investigating the neurological and physiological mechanisms that influence the amygdala’s fear and anxiety responses, further connections can be made between this region and other notable brain regions, like the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We review both human and rodent models to explore the overlap between the two and explore various therapeutic interventions that regulate amygdalar activity and therefore mitigate anxiety symptoms. Key research into the patient SM, who lacks fear responses due to bilateral …

Comparing Likert And Slider Response Formats In Clinical Assessment, Guyin Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

This study used a within-subjects experimental design to compare various response formats in fitting confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models. Participants responded to the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) across four different response formats: the Likert-type scale, three types of slider response formats, and a number-entry response format. We conducted the comparison of different response formats based on item-level scores, factor structure and psychometric properties of the scale, mean comparisons across groups, and individuals’ sum scores. Similar results were observed across the different response formats with respect to factor structure, reliability, and validity of test scores. However, inconsistent …

Mitochondrial Function In The Maternal Brain: A New Perspective On Gestational Stress And Pathology Of Postpartum Depression, Erin Rene Gorman-Sandler

Theses and Dissertations

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major psychiatric complication of childbirth, affecting up to 20% of mothers, yet remains understudied. Mitochondria, dynamic organelles crucial for cell homeostasis and energy production, share links with many of the proposed mechanisms underlying PPD pathology. Brain mitochondrial function is affected by stress, a major risk factor for development of PPD, and is linked to avoidance and social behaviors. Considering the importance of mitochondria in regulating brain function and behavior, we hypothesized that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with behavioral alterations in a chronic stress-induced rat model of PPD. Chronic mild unpredictable (CMUS) stress during late gestation …

Practicing Strategy And Performance Preparation Of György Ligeti’S Musica Ricercata., Xiyao Wang

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT Hungarian composer György Ligeti (1923–2006) is renowned as one of the most significant composers of the twentieth century. Musicians around the world have admired his innovative musical language. “Through the 1950s and 1960s, he went from composing in the style of his countryman Béla Bartók to working at the cutting edge of the Western European avant-garde.” His folk elements and avant-garde compositional techniques expanded through various genres, including orchestral, chamber, and keyboard compositions. This study's primary purpose is to explore Ligeti's piano work Musica Ricercata and ultimately provide a resource to other musicians that will assist in preparing and …

Reaction Toward Potential Resurgent Multiple Risks: Understanding Risk Information Seeking And Behavior In The Post-Pandemic Era, Shudan Huang

Theses and Dissertations

This study applies the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model to understand how individuals seek and process information related to overlapping pandemics, including COVID-19, flu, monkeypox, and polio. These overlapping health crises have created a complex media environment, contributing to pandemic fatigue, information overload, and varied preventive behaviors. The research explores how pandemic fatigue influences informational behaviors—such as information seeking, processing, and avoidance—and how these behaviors, in turn, predict preventive behavioral intentions.

Using an online survey of 443 participants, structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses. Results indicate that information insufficiency positively predicts both information seeking and …

The Effects Of Guided Induction Completed Individually And In Groups On The Development Of Negation In Palestinian Arabic An Analysis Of Accuracy, Processing, And Rule Structure, Hana Baalousha

Theses and Dissertations

The effectiveness of different instructional interventions and the various ways such interventions promote L2 learning and processing has been the topic of recent research in the subfield of Instructed Second Language Acquisition (ISLA). Previous research on the effects of guided inductive instruction (GI) in the second language classroom has left various lacunae to be addressed, such as the effect(s) of linguistic complexity, proficiency level, modality of instruction, and the target language (Ranta, 2022). A plethora of studies in the current literature compares the efficacy of GI to deductive instruction as students work individually in computer-assisted language learning contexts (CALL) revealing …

"I Don't Want To Be Anywhere Near That Word!": The Experiences Of Jewish College Students Navigating Antisemitism, Sandra Greene

Theses and Dissertations

This comics-based research study was guided by HebCrit (Rubin, 2020) and explored the experiences of eight Jewish college students navigating antisemitism. This study was guided by four research questions including, (1) What are Jewish college students’ experiences with antisemitism?, (2) How do Jewish college students respond to personal experiences with antisemitism?, (3) How do Jewish college students respond to rising rates of antisemitism?, and (4) How does antisemitism intersect with other forms of oppression (e.g., racism, misogyny, etc.) for Jewish college students?

This study was conducted at a predominantly white and Christian university in the Southeastern United States with a …

Assessing The Accuracy, Validity, And Application Of A New Method For Sex Estimation Using Isotopic Ratios Of Fe, Cu, And Zn In Human Bone, Elizabeth Anne Wakefield

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation evaluates the accuracy, validity, and application of a novel sex determination method based on isotopic variations in copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) within human bone, initially developed by Jaouen et al. (2012). The primary aim of this research was to test the reproducibility of the method, expand the sample to include a broader age range and ethnically diverse groups, and assess its applicability in forensic contexts using contemporary skeletal samples. Bone samples were collected from 60 individuals across two curated skeletal collections: the George S. Huntington Skeletal Collection and the Texas State Forensic Anthropology Donated Skeletal Collection. The …

Exploring The Impact Of Teacher Curiosity On Job Satisfaction And Self-Efficacy: A Quantitative Study In Stem Education, Christopher Jeffcoat

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a quantitative study involving 96 teachers of STEM subjects, aimed at investigating the relationship between teacher curiosity, job satisfaction, and teacher self-efficacy. The primary objective was to examine the significance of teacher curiosity in the context of educators' job satisfaction. The research findings indicate a moderate positive correlation between teacher curiosity and job satisfaction (r=0.57), suggesting that educators with higher curiosity tend to experience greater job satisfaction. Also, a moderate positive correlation (r=0.51) was identified between teacher curiosity and teacher self-efficacy, emphasizing the connection between curiosity and educators' belief in their ability to positively impact student learning. …

Providing A Social Emotional Learning Opportunity To Virtual Students Struggling With Social Anxiety: Group Counseling As An Intervention, Josie Kate White Ivey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods action research dissertation was to offer a social/emotional learning opportunity for virtual students struggling with social anxiety. A six-week group counseling experience was offered to on-campus high school students focused on social anxiety in order to determine is group counseling would be a beneficial intervention strategy for virtual students also dealing with social anxiety. An observer protocol was used to make note of participants responses and physical characteristics related to social anxiety and make reflective notes after each counseling session. Group participants also completed quick-check exit tickets to help the researcher determine the student’s …

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 …

Female's Digital Self-Making On Tiktok: Identity Construction Through A Framework Of Postfeminist Media And Neoliberalism (2016-2024), Lindsey A. Pritchard

Senior Theses

This thesis explores the relationship between TikTok's algorithmic design, women's identity construction, and the feminist historical context that shapes these constructions. In Chapter 1, "TikTok, Algorithmic Design, and Self-Making," I analyze how TikTok's algorithm functions and how these factors influence the curation and presentation of identity. This chapter establishes the foundational understanding of TikTok as a platform where identity performance is deeply intertwined with algorithmic design.

Chapter 2, "TikTok Feminism and Identity Commodification" examines the commodification of women's identities on the platform. It investigates the historical context of feminism and its evolution into postfeminism, analyzing how these narratives have been …

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 …

Factors Affecting The Transition From Pediatric To Adult Care Among Culturally Deaf Young Adults And Young Adults Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Anna Strickland Kell

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Adolescence to adulthood is marked by many transitions, including the transition from a pediatric to an adult medical home, also referred to as a health home. For young adults who are culturally Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing, this transition may be complicated by population-specific needs related to language, literacy, and accessibility. Prior research with transition-age adolescents and young adults who are culturally Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing has primarily focused on education or hearing health exclusively. The purpose of this research was to investigate the transition of health care from pediatric to adult services among culturally Deaf …

Intention Or Perception? Signaling Theory In The Online World, Mohona Mandal

Theses and Dissertations

Backlash on social media in response to online behaviors is swift and often decisive with significant consequences. One possible reason for this is that online actions are perceived as reflective of a person’s true self. Signaling theory provides support for this argument and suggests that people intentionally display information about themselves to communicate their beliefs to others. While existing work suggests that social media posts are intentional, social media interactions such as likes, comments, and reposts might also function similarly (i.e., as a signal of beliefs). Two studies were conducted to explore whether interacting with online content is perceived as …

Perception Of Recreational Water Quality In The Scholarly Literature: Where Have We Been & Where Should We Go, Xavier Alberto Basurto Cendeno

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores existing literature and research themes between water quality and recreational participation through use of a bibliometric analysis with content analysis. It identifies key researchers, institutions, and themes that have shaped the field. Despite the growing body of research, gaps remain in understanding the state of the research on this important topic. By analyzing trends and how these trends have changed over time, this study aims to offer insights for future research agendas. Ultimately, the findings will inform strategies for improving water quality management and fostering more resilient, timely water-based recreational research.

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 …

Systemic Inflammation And Neurocognitive Deficits In School-Age Children With Sickle Cell Disease., Elizabeth A. Gillooly

Theses and Dissertations

Sickle cell disease (SCD) causes inflammation that contributes to poor clinical outcomes, including cerebrovascular disease (CVD). CVD can take several forms in SCD, including neurocognitive deficits without visible cerebral infarction. The role of chronic inflammation in cognitive development in SCD has received little attention to-date. We aimed to study novel markers of systemic inflammation: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the systemic inflammation index (SII) to describe developmental trends and relationships to cognitive outcomes in SCD at early elementary school-age. Sixty-one children with SCD and no history of stroke were identified who completed an early elementary school age cognitive …

“They’Re Just Kinda Fun”: Action Research Evaluating The Impact Of Gamification Tools On Secondary Social Studies Students’ Academic Self-Efficacy, Motivation, And Perceptions Of Learning, Anthony Wayne Blair Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study evaluated the implementation of a gamification strategy to improve academic self-efficacy and motivation in social studies students at Azul Mountain High School (a pseudonym). Keeping students engaged in school is a top priority for educators at all levels. However, students’ lack of engagement at the high-school level has become more detrimental. Improving self-efficacy has been linked to increased motivation, academic achievement, and improved learning outcomes. By making the learning experience more engaging for students, gamification may be a viable approach to the challenge of keeping students in high school. This study addressed three research questions: (a) …

Empowering Science Educators: A Study Of Self-Efficacy, Phenomenon-Based Instruction, And Community Of Practice In Arabic Language Classrooms., Rolla Elsaiary

Theses and Dissertations

In the dynamic realm of science education, a crucial demand exists for customized teacher professional development (PD) initiatives that address diversity and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These programs should be designed to accommodate varied student demographics, explicitly addressing the needs of those engaging with science education in less commonly taught languages (LCTLs), such as Arabic. Four fundamental questions guide this research. First, it should assess teachers' self-efficacy in teaching science in the context of Arabic instruction. Secondly, it needs to explore the impact of phenomenon-based instruction (PBI) on elevating teachers' self-efficacy in delivering science education in Arabic. Thirdly, …

Exploring Culturally Relevant School Leadership Practices: An Autoethnographic Study, Kezia Myers

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this autoethnographic study was on the implementation and impact of Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) within an elementary school. The school is comprised of approximately 400 P-5 students, with a predominantly Black student body (77%), along with students who identify as Hispanic, multiracial, White, and other ethnic backgrounds.

Three research questions were posed: 1) In what ways have I, as a school principal, integrated culturally relevant leadership practices into the decision-making framework at the school? 2) How might what I learn about other principals’ implementation of CRP in their respective schools inform my understanding of its effectiveness …

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 …

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. …

Music Production And Girls: A Phenomenological Study Of The High School Music Technology Classroom, Mary Angel Cleary

Theses and Dissertations

Female representation in public spheres and organizations is a continuing topic in American research. Females have historically been left out of all aspects of computer technology and the technical sides of the music industry. In upper echelons of music making, from composition to production, they remain vastly under-represented. People begin forming ideas about who they are, their abilities, and their future career interests in high school, especially in elective courses like music technology that are geared towards allowing students to explore their creative skill sets to determine if these elective experiences are something for which they have a life-long passion. …

Nurturing Multiracial Identity: A Community Of Practice Approach To Developing Culturally Responsive Pedagogy And Seeking Curriculum Justice For Multiracial Learners, Laura Althea Mosman Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This action research dissertation examines the impact of participation in a community of practice on teachers' beliefs and behaviors regarding the selection of representative curriculum and building culturally responsive pedagogy, especially when considering the growing population of multiracial learners in U.S. classrooms. The study involved 4 English Language Arts teachers in an Upper Elementary School engaging in a comprehensive text audit followed by the application of the critical redesign cycle to modify the curriculum, aiming to better address the needs of multiracial learners. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and observations over six Community of Practice meetings to assess changes …

The Impact Of Pbis Programs On Discipline Referrals In A Secondary School, Tameika Shantrelle Valentine

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the impact of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) on discipline within a secondary school setting. PBIS is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students to achieve social, emotional, and academic success. The research focuses on a comprehensive analysis of disciplinary records before and after the implementation of PBIS, comparing metrics including the number of disciplinary referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. Additionally, qualitative data from teacher surveys provided insights into changes in school climate and perceptions of behavior management. Preliminary findings suggest that the adoption of PBIS impacted a significant …

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 …

I Don't Know How To Live Real Life Sober'-Identifying Needed Supports Through The Voices Of Pregnant And Parenting People Seeking Recovery, Phyllis Raynor, Cynthia F. Corbett, Delia West, Constance Guille, Kacey Eichelberger, Alain Litwin, Ron Prinz

Publications

Pregnant and parenting people (PPP) experience complex challenges when seeking recovery from substance use disorders (SUD). Using a community-based participatory research approach, researchers partnered with PPP seeking recovery from SUD to explore supports needed in their communities. Findings are reported in adherence with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Thirty PPP were recruited from a residential drug recovery facility in the Southeastern United States. Participant interviews were conducted in-person or virtually. PPP were asked to identify existing and needed parenting and recovery supports in their communities. Interviews were transcribed, verified for accuracy and coded using NVIVO software. Thematic analysis …

Utilizing Lentinula Edodes And Pleurotus Ostreatus To Decrease Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Growth With Oxidative Stress Present As A Model For Cancer, Abdullah Amir

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and its effects can be worsened when high levels of oxidative stress are present. Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus ostreatus are two edible mushroom species that have been shown to contain many anticancer agents. However, the effects of these mushrooms have not been tested on cancer in the presence of oxidative stress. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of L. edodes and P. ostreatus in reducing Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth when oxidative stress was present. It was hypothesized that these two mushroom species would …