Digital Commons Network^™

Digital Twins For Flexible Manufacturing, Drew Brandon Sander

Theses and Dissertations

With the establishment of Digital Twins as an enabling technology for Industry 4.0, it is time to transition from the previous foundations to works that implement and highlight the capabilities Digital Twins present. The Industry 4.0 paradigm has recentered the focus on customizability, leading to reemerging goals of flexibility within manufacturing. Empowered through new cyber-physical systems, new enabling technologies are driving the revolution. To identify how Digital Twins as an enabling technology contribute to flexibility within manufacturing, a comprehensive investigation is conducted along with a detailed case study. A systematic literature review is conducted to analyze quality Digital Twin implementations …

The Relationship Between Cardiac Patient Beliefs And Experiences With Insurability And Their Decisions On Whether Or Not To Pursue Genetic Testing, Julia Schoeni

Theses and Dissertations

Since the enactment of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) in 2008, genetics providers have been incorporating conversations about GINA in pre-test counseling. There is currently limited evidence of the effects of personal or family histories of cardiomyopathy or aortopathy and associated genetic testing on patients seeking insurance policies not protected by GINA, including life, long term care, and disability insurance. This study aimed to determine whether individuals with a personal or family history of cardiomyopathy or aortopathy are having conversations about future insurability with their healthcare providers and how they perceive their ability to get these insurances when deciding …

Knowledge And Ontology Enhanced Approach To Natural Language Understanding (Koe-Nlu) In Computational Social Media And Healthcare, Naga Usha Gayathri Lokala

Theses and Dissertations

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) faces both opportunities and challenges as the amount of social media and healthcare data grows. This is particularly evident in context-sensitive applications such as evaluating cognitive health, identifying mental health symptoms, and monitoring drug abuse. Even though traditional NLU models work well for processing language in a wide range of areas, they often lack the ability to understand language in a specific domain, reason in context, and incorporate structured external knowledge. This dissertation talks about the Knowledge and Ontology Enhanced Approach to Natural Language Understanding (KOE-NLU), a new framework that is meant to make NLU systems …

Invention Beyond The Author, Jonathan Brent Butler

Theses and Dissertations

The following dissertation examines how what Michel Foucault calls the “author function” affects contemporary students of writing and examines some historical alternatives to this way of conceptualizing the writing process and the writer’s role in it. Chapter 1: Author (Dys)function describes the author function and its discontents, the problems of the Romantic conception of “genius,” and summarizes the following chapters. Chapter 2: Early Writing Instruction focuses on classical approaches to rhetorical instruction that emphasize habit and aim at the cultivation of a particular subjectivity characterized by the capacity to respond to shifting rhetorical situations; this chapter draws on the work …

Intimate Partner Violence Victims' Experiences With Civil Legal Interventions, Jessica Brooke Pomerantz

Theses and Dissertations

The court system has become a central part of the societal response to intimate partner violence (IPV) and is a frequently used as a source of help for victims (Cattaneo et al., 2013). Despite the importance of a justice system response to IPV, it is not always accessible or helpful to victims. Past research has demonstrated barriers to IPV victims seeking legal intervention including mistrust of the court system generally, extensive and confusing legal processes and procedures, and failure of the courts to assess more invisible forms of abuse (Calton et al., 2017; Cerulli et al., 2015; Cuomo & Dolci, …

A Math Teacher’S Reflexive Journey Into The Opportunity Gap, Richard A. Ball Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This multiple case study sought to determine what educational factors, if any, impacted Black students in a public school located in the South-eastern United States, to enroll in a lower-level math course. The study also aimed to view the mathematical identities of these students and have myself reflect on my practice both locally and globally. This, however, is a result of the Problem of Practice, the opportunity gap. H. Richard Milner’s (2012) opportunity gap framework served as the theoretical framework for this study and for which all findings were situated. The data was analyzed using deductive coding, with the elements …

College Student-Athlete Perceptions Of Characterizations And Interpersonal Trust In Their Athletic Trainer: A Point-Of-Care Research Study, Ryan N. Moran, Deidre Leaver-Dunn, Jeff Allen, Jessica Wallace

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Patient-centered care is essential in athletic training with limited research examining the relationship between patient and clinician. Previous theory has identified constructs of quality athletic trainers (ATs); however, it remains unknown how current athletes perceive these theorized constructs in the ATs providing them medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of characterizations of a quality athletic trainer and interpersonal trust between the student-athlete and AT in the collegiate setting and establish reliability of these surveys. A second aim was to explore differences between sex, previous exposure to an AT, and having had access to an …

Is Increased Mutation Driving Genetic Diversity In Dogs Within The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone?, Megan N. Dillon, Allison N. Dickey, Reade B. Roberts, Jennifer A. Betz, Timothy Mousseau, Norman J. Kleiman, Matthew Breen

Faculty Publications

Environmental contamination can have lasting impacts on surrounding communities, though the long-term impacts can be difficult to ascertain. The disaster at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 and subsequent remediation efforts resulted in contamination of the local environment with radioactive material, heavy metals, and additional environmental toxicants. Many of these are mutagenic in nature, and the full effect of these exposures on local flora and fauna has yet to be understood. Several hundred free-roaming dogs occupy the contaminated area surrounding the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and previous studies have highlighted a striking level of genetic differentiation between two geographically …

Is Increased Mutation Driving Genetic Diversity In Dogs Within The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone?, Megan N. Dillon, Allison N. Dickey, Reade B. Roberts, Jennifer A. Betz, Timothy Mousseau, Norman J. Kleiman, Matthew Breen

Faculty Publications

Environmental contamination can have lasting impacts on surrounding communities, though the long-term impacts can be difficult to ascertain. The disaster at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 and subsequent remediation efforts resulted in contamination of the local environment with radioactive material, heavy metals, and additional environmental toxicants. Many of these are mutagenic in nature, and the full effect of these exposures on local flora and fauna has yet to be understood. Several hundred free-roaming dogs occupy the contaminated area surrounding the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and previous studies have highlighted a striking level of genetic differentiation between two geographically …

Workforce Profile Of Alternatively Certified Teachers In South Carolina For 2022–23, Brian Cartiff, Svetlana Dmitrieva, Angela Starrett

Reports

Alternatively certified teachers constitute a growing portion of public school educators in the US. This is a trend that is expected to continue, due to the declining enrollment in traditional teacher preparation programs across recent years.

As such, this report examines the profiles of alternatively certified teachers working in South Carolina public schools (those currently enrolled in alternative certification programs and those who have completed them). The analysis delves into the demographics and placements of these teachers and explores how their employment correlates with teacher attrition rates. Altogether, it offers preliminary insights into the roles of alternatively certified educators in …

Progerin Can Induce Dna Damage In The Absence Of Global Changes In Replication Or Cell Proliferation, Liza A. Joudeh, P. Logan Schuck, Nina M. Van, Alannah J. Dicintio, Jason A. Stewart, Alan S. Waldman

Faculty Publications

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by features of accelerated aging, and individuals with HGPS seldom live beyond their mid-teens. The syndrome is commonly caused by a point mutation in the LMNA gene which codes for lamin A and its splice variant lamin C, components of the nuclear lamina. The mutation causing HGPS leads to production of a truncated, farnesylated form of lamin A referred to as "progerin." Progerin is also expressed at low levels in healthy individuals and appears to play a role in normal aging. HGPS is associated with an accumulation of genomic DNA …

Introducing The Second-Order Features Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology For Neural Ordinary Differential Equations—Ii: Illustrative Application To Heat And Energy Transfer In The Nordheim–Fuchs Phenomenological Model For Reactor Safety, Dan Gabriel Cacuci

Faculty Publications

This work presents an illustrative application of the newly developed “Second-Order Features Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (2nd-FASAM-NODE)” methodology to determine most efficiently the exact expressions of the first- and second-order sensitivities of NODE decoder responses to the neural net’s underlying parameters (weights and initial conditions). The application of the 2nd-FASAM-NODE methodology will be illustrated using the Nordheim–Fuchs phenomenological model for reactor safety, which describes a short-time self-limiting power transient in a nuclear reactor system having a negative temperature coefficient in which a large amount of reactivity is suddenly inserted. The representative model responses that will …

Introducing The Second-Order Features Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology For Neural Ordinary Differential Equations—I: Mathematical Framework, Dan Gabriel Cacuci

Faculty Publications

This work introduces the mathematical framework of the novel “First-Order Features Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Neural Ordinary Differential Equations” (1st-FASAM-NODE). The 1st-FASAM-NODE methodology produces and computes most efficiently the exact expressions of all of the first-order sensitivities of NODE-decoder responses with respect to the parameters underlying the NODE’s decoder, hidden layers, and encoder, after having optimized the NODE-net to represent the physical system under consideration. Building on the 1st-FASAM-NODE, this work subsequently introduces the mathematical framework of the novel “Second-Order Features Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (2nd-FASAM-NODE)”. The 2nd-FASAM-NODE methodology efficiently computes the exact expressions …

Strategic (Non)Disclosure: Activation And Avoidance Of Social Ties Among Women Seeking Abortion, Kathleen Broussard

Faculty Publications

The increased politicization of sexual and reproductive health has created barriers to medically necessary care. In absence of formal health care, social ties become critical sources of information and resources, yet the disclosure of stigmatized health needs carries significant risk. How do people navigate the risks and benefits of disclosure when seeking care for stigmatized needs? Drawing on original survey data (N = 153) and in-depth interviews (N = 55) with women who attempted a self-managed abortion, I first describe the distinct roles of weak and strong ties in women’s health-seeking experiences. I then demonstrate how both partial disclosure and …

A Theory-Guided Qualitative Exploration Of Occupational Influences On Firefighters’ Dietary Behaviors, Cynthia Horton Dias, Courtney Catledge Dnp, Msn, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Robin M. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc

Publications

Background: Firefighters face many inherent occupational health hazards and increased risk for several cancers, making peak health essential. However, cardiac events and stroke continue as leading causes of on-duty deaths. Healthy diets promote prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancers. While some dietary interventions have been undertaken, sustained improvements have not been observed. Understanding firefighters’ occupational influences on dietary behavior is vital for implementation of effective interventions to improve nutrition. Methods: The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) guided this qualitative study. Nine focus groups of firefighters who work 24-hour shifts and one interview with a fire administrator (N = 34) were conducted …

Beyond Amateurism: Examining The Potential Labor Expenses Of Ncaa Student-Athlete Employment, Alayna K. Falak, Tyler L. Custis

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

In light of recent administrative developments urging the classification of student-athletes as employees, litigation challenging the current employment status of student-athletes, and the Supreme Court’s willingness to tackle National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) issues, many questions surrounding the future of college sports under an employment model have emerged. The authors analyzed key litigation, recent developments from administrative agencies, and academic literature. The authors used publicly available data from the NCAA, the United States Department of Labor (DOL), and other sources to construct two estimates of what it would cost NCAA member institutions to provide baseline compensation to their Division I …

Motivational Dysregulation With Melanocortin 4 Receptor Haploinsufficiency, Alex M. Steiner, Robert F. Roscoe, Rosemarie M. Booze, Charles F. Mactutus

Faculty Publications

Obesity, by any standard, is a global health crisis. Both genetic and dietary contributions to the development and maintenance of obesity were integral factors of our experimental design. As mutations of the melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) are the leading monogenetic cause of obesity, MC4R haploinsufficient rats were fed a range of dietary fat (0–12 %) in a longitudinal design. Physiological and motivational assessments were performed using a locomotor task, a 5-choice sucrose preference task, an operant task with fixed and progressive ratios, as well as a distraction operant task. Dendritic spine morphology of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the nucleus …

Characterization Of Health And Safety Resources For Athletes With Sickle Cell Trait At Ncaa Institutions, Susan W. Yeargin Ph.D., Atc, Lat, Courtney M. Meyer Ph.D., Rebecca M. Hirschhorn, Abbi D. Lane, Shawn M. Arent Ph.D., Cscs*D, Fissn, Facsm, Fnak, Clint R. Haggard

Faculty Publications

Yeargin, SW, Meyer, CM, Hirschhorn, RM, Lane, AD, Arent, SM, and Haggard, CR. Characterization of health and safety resources for athletes with sickle cell trait at NCAA institutions. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1967-1973, 2024 - The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of student-athletes with sickle cell trait (SCT), determine which screening practices are most commonly used, describe the health and human performance services provided to athletes, and ascertain if differences between National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) designations or divisions exist. A cross-sectional survey design was used to query healthcare administrators regarding SCT resources at their …

How Do Scholars Conceptualize And Conduct Health And Digital Health Literacy Research? Survey Of Federally Funded Scholars, Mayank Sakhuja, Brooks Yelton Ma, Lmsw, Simone Kabarana, Lauren Schaurer, Jancham Rachel Rumthao, Samuel Noblet, Michelle Angelique Arent, Mark M. Macauda Phd, Mph, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Daniela B. Friedman Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background: The concept of health literacy (HL) is constantly evolving, and social determinants of health (SDoH) have been receiving considerable attention in public health scholarship. Since a 1-size-fits-all approach for HL fails to account for multiple contextual factors and as a result poses challenges in improving literacy levels, there is a need to develop a deeper understanding of the current state of HL and digital health literacy (DHL) research. Objective: This study examined scholars’ conceptualization and scope of work focused on HL and DHL. Methods: Using a search string, investigators (N=2042) focusing on HL, DHL, or both were identified from …

How Do Scholars Conceptualize And Conduct Health And Digital Health Literacy Research? A Survey Of Federally Funded Scholars, Mayank Sakhuja, Brooks Yelton, Simon Kavarana, Lauren Schaurer, Jancham Rachel Rumthao, Samuel Noblet, Michelle Angelique Arent Rd, Mph, Cscs, Cissn, Mark M. Macauda Phd, Mph, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Daniela B. Friedman Ph.D.

Publications

Background: The concept of health literacy (HL) is constantly evolving, and social determinants of health (SDoH) have been receiving considerable attention in public health scholarship. Since a 1-size-fits-all approach for HL fails to account for multiple contextual factors and as a result poses challenges in improving literacy levels, there is a need to develop a deeper understanding of the current state of HL and digital health literacy (DHL) research.

Objective: This study examined scholars’ conceptualization and scope of work focused on HL and DHL.

Methods: Using a search string, investigators (N=2042) focusing on HL, DHL, or both were identified from …

Mutation In Prkra Results In Cerebellar Abnormality And Reduced Elf2Α Phosphorylation In A Model Of Dyt-Prkra, Samuel B. Burnett, Allison M. Culver, Tricia A. Simon, Taylor Rowson, Kenneth Frederick, Kristina Palmer, Stephen A. Murray, Shannon W. Davis

Faculty Publications

Variants in the PRKRA gene, which encodes PACT, cause the early-onset primary dystonia DYT-PRKRA, a movement disorder associated with disruption of coordinated muscle movements. PACT and its murine homolog RAX activate protein kinase R (PKR; also known as EIF2AK2) by a direct interaction in response to cellular stressors to mediate phosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α). Mice homozygous for a naturally arisen, recessively inherited frameshift mutation, Prkra^lear-5J, exhibit progressive dystonia. In the present study, we investigated the biochemical and developmental consequences of the Prkra^lear-5J mutation. Our results indicated that the …

October 9, 2024 Faculty Senate Minutes, University Of South Carolina

Faculty Senate

No abstract provided.

Protecting Coastal Communities And Marine Biodiversity Under The Coastal Zone Management Act, Eric V. Hull

South Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Juries And Tax: The Effect Of Income Taxation On Tort Damages, Jeffrey H. Kahn, John E. Lopatka

South Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Infringing Uses, Not Works, Timothy J. Mcfarlin

South Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

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 …

Identification Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms Among Veterans In The Primary Care Setting, John Dominic Rosella Iv

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health implications, impacting quality of life and increasing health expenditures. Veterans have a higher prevalence rate of OSA attributed to an aging population and higher rates of comorbid conditions. The problem of under recognition of OSA symptoms partly relates to clinicians needing to elicit relevant symptoms routinely. At the same time, the lack of primary-care-based screening protocols contributes to the percentage of undiagnosed OSA. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to implement routine screening to identify OSA risk among veterans in primary care settings in South Carolina. The method …

Caroliniana Columns - Fall 2024, University Libraries--University Of South Carolina

University South Caroliniana Society Newsletter - Columns

The 87th Annual Meeting of the University South Caroliniana Society May 11, 2024 (Business Session) / Nathan Saunders… p.2

Taste the State: Program of the 87th Annual Meeting of the University South Caroliniana Society … p.3

Rowe address: An important new acquisition … p.8

Reunited: SCL, SCPC, and the DOH … p.8

Personal Reflections on the South Caroliniana Library / Jay White … p.9

Renovations recognized: Work on Caroliniana Wins Preservation Award … p.16

Thank you, Graham Duncan / Craig M. Keeney … p.17

Proslavery Malthusianism at South Carolina College / K. Howell Keiser, Jr. … p.18

Primary Sources: Authors …

Law School Faculty

South Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Importance Of Policing, Stephen Rushin

South Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.