Digital Commons Network^™

Decisions, Decisions: Dna Damage Induced Modification Of P53 And The Effect Of Modifications On P53 Differential Binding To The Dna, Savannah Gabrielle Keating

Theses and Dissertations

p53 is the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor protein in cancer. It is highly regulated, most often via post-translational modifications (PTMs). Different pathways and target genes are differentially activated by p53 and there is much left to understand how this occurs. The regulation of p53 at the post-translational level is incredibly important to its DNA damage response, and, therefore, it is understood that PTMs are often involved in the differential activation of pathways by p53. This project aimed to identify some of the types and locations of post-translational modifications on p53 in response to different modes of DNA damage with …

The Social Influence Network Model Of Performance Expectations, Jingwen Zhong

Theses and Dissertations

Disagreement among group members on each other’s status and competence has been found to negatively impact group performance. However, in theories, it is oftentimes assumed that group members have common perceptions of each other’s competence, or in other words, have a consensus on performance expectations. Recognizing the importance of disagreement on performance expectations, in this dissertation I argue that individuals are subject to the self-serving bias and can develop different performance expectations based on the same status information. The results of an online experiment show that individuals tend to think highly of themselves in both status-homogeneous and status-heterogenous situations, and …

Reimagining Utopia In Post-Utopian China: Chinese Science Fiction And The Reinvention Of Cultural Tradition, Dan Luo

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the end of China’s socialist dream in the late 1970s, utopian expressions about the nation’s rise and progress have continued to emerge in official and popular imaginaries. These expressions find an outlet in the newly popularized sci-fi genre, and especially in literary experiments that evoke cultural resources ranging from premodern and early modern historical and literary records of scientific achievements to figures, tropes, and myths in classical tales, vernacular novels, and ethnic traditions. These experiments at times validate and support, and at times challenge and subvert the nationalist, progressive, and utopian narratives of the state. This dissertation investigates the …

"Ain’T No Slump...I Just Ain’T Hittin’": Investigating Psychological Momentum And Loss Aversion In Major League Baseball, Josephine Matalone

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the history of America’s pastime, it has long been concluded among fans, athletes, and coaches alike that momentum is a key element necessary should one want to win when it counts. However, this issue of “hot hand” existence in the context of baseball has been largely glazed over since the canon of literature on the topic was initiated, and even more so has the concept of a “cold hand.” This study seeks to make a novel contribution by exploring streaks in professional baseball. Using 10-years’ worth of regular season MLB data between 2012 and 2021, a comparative analysis of …

Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Potential Of Engineered Ceria Nanoparticles In The Management Of Alzheimer's Disease, Shanshan Shi

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective therapies available to prevent or cure the disease. While current therapies aim to change AD progression, there is a growing need for novel therapeutic strategies that can effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to target the underlying pathology of the disease. The BBB is a highly selective semipermeable barrier that separates circulating blood from the brain. It plays a crucial role in amyloid-β (Aβ) homeostasis and clearance dynamics, as Aβ accumulation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of AD. Aβ aggregation …

Medication Adherence Between Long-Acting Injectable And Oral Antipsychotic Medications In South Carolina Medicaid Beneficiaries With Schizophrenia, Pujing Zhao

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic and serious mental disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. A recent study shows the prevalence of schizophrenia globally is about 1%. The primary schizophrenia treatment goal is to effectively manage symptoms and prevent relapses. Antipsychotic medications are very important for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the prevalence of nonadherence to antipsychotic medication is high, with mean rates reaching 41.2%. In the realm of schizophrenia treatment, two primary categories of medications are utilized: long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI) and oral antipsychotic agents (OAP).LAI are administered at intervals spanning from two weeks to several months and have …

Preregistration And Registration As A New Method For Transparency Of External Validation In Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Applications To Address Overfitting, Underspecification, And Shortcut Learning, Marilyn Elaine Gartley

Theses and Dissertations

Statistics has been defined as the study of how information should be employed to reflect on and give guidance for action in a practical situation involving uncertainty. The essence of uncertainty is that there is more than one possible outcome, and the actual outcome is unknown in advance; it is indeterminate. The goal of statistical methods is inference: namely, statistical inference—reaching conclusions about populations or deriving scientific insights from data which are collected from a representative sample of that population through providing a mathematical understanding of inference, quantifying the degree of support that data offer for assertions of knowledge, as …

Altered Sensory Processing And Pain In Youth With Sickle Cell Disease: Risk Factors And Moderators, Julia Johnston

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience recurrent pain and increased risk for chronic pain. Neuropathic pain, characterized by alterations to the central and/or peripheral nervous systems, is not well understood among youth with SCD. Based on our current understanding of pain systems and existing literature on pain in SCD, this study aimed to elucidate psychosocial correlates of altered sensory processing (ASP) and neuropathic pain, determine biomedical risk factors contributing to the development of ASP among youth with SCD, and identify how sensory processing and biopsychosocial factors collectively influence pain experiences by assessing two plausible models. Methods: Thirty-five youth …

Initial Evaluation Of A Peer Supervision Program For Health Service Psychology Doctoral Students, William Bradley

Theses and Dissertations

Clinical supervision has long been utilized as the primary method of clinical training and evaluation for health service psychology doctoral students. Despite the central role that supervision has played and continues to play in the training of psychologists, little scholarly attention has been given to identifying effective methods for fostering competency in providing supervision. The lack of research in this area is concerning, given the accumulating evidence that negative supervision experiences, such as ineffective or inadequate supervision, are reported by a substantial proportion of trainees (21-92% across studies). Moreover, these experiences are associated with important proximal and distal training outcomes, …

Trust In Governance System (Tgs) In The Hotel Context: Scale Development And Validation, Swechchha Subedi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to conceptualize trust in governance systems (TGS) within the hotel context, develop a scale to measure it, and validate its effects on hotel investment decisions. The study focused on the perspectives of hotel leadership which includes the owners, operators, and investors in the United States. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, exploratory sequential research design. Initially, the governance system within the hotel industry was conceptualized, and trust in governance was defined. The scale development phase involved generating items and dimensions through literature review, expert review, and pilot testing. The final scale included multiple dimensions …

“Finally Somebody Wants To Hear Us”: Soviet Women And Political Violence In Svetlana Alexievich’S Narratives, Liubov Kartashova

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the emotional and social impact of significant Soviet historical events, including World War II, the Soviet-Afghan War, and the Chornobyl disaster, on collective memory. Svetlana Alexievich, a Belarusian Nobel Prize laureate, employs a polyphonic narrative technique to challenge official histories of these events and foreground the voices of ordinary people, particularly women. Focusing on her works – The Unwomanly Face of War, Zinky Boys, and Chernobyl Prayer – the study delves into the gendered experiences and narratives of women involved in these events. Integrating feminist scholarship on international relations and security, this research analyzes women’s roles in …

Measuring Evidence Application In Routine Mental Health Settings: Testing A Coding System And Providing A Proof Of Concept, Eleanor Wu

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past 25 years, there have been increasing calls to advance the application of evidence in routine mental health settings for youth and families. Methods in the field for characterizing evidence application have played a critical role in shaping these efforts, which, to-date, have largely focused on measuring providers’ adherence to practices from evidence-based programs in treatment sessions. While this program-centric paradigm for characterizing evidence application has supported the widespread implementation of evidence-based programs in public mental health settings, it is limited in scope and applicability for characterizing all the ways that evidence may be applied across a service …

Understanding Stressors, Coping Strategies, And Physical Activity Among African American Women Using Ecological Momentary Assessment, Asia Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological stress is a normal part of the human experience and can be adaptive in certain contexts. However, chronic, cumulative, or uncontrollable stressors, such as those associated with living in poverty or being a member of a marginalized group, contribute to pervasive inequities among African American women including lower rates of physical activity. Given the social and political forces that continue to shape inequities, and which have exacerbated Covid-19’s impact on African Americans, it is important to gain a better understanding of how this population is experiencing and coping with current stressors, many of which are embedded within the social …

Leaf Development In The Reproductive Phase Of Arabidopsis: Investigating The Mechanics Of Cauline Leaf Identity And Bract Suppression, Darren Paul Manuela

Theses and Dissertations

Leaves in the reproductive phase subtend inflorescences or flowers and exhibit diverse morphological modifications specialized for reproductive success, such as attracting pollinators, protecting flowers/fruit, and photosynthesis. Using the model organism Arabidopsis, we investigated the development of these specialized leaves. In Arabidopsis, uniquely shaped cauline leaves subtend inflorescences, protect young floral buds and exhibit increased photosynthetic activity crucial for seed production. As form affects function, we analyzed gene expression patterns by RT-qPCR and GUS reporter genes in cauline leaves and examined mutant phenotypes with defective cauline leaf morphology. Our results reveal that redundant miR156-targeted SPLs function to promote cauline leaf identity …

Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections In South Carolina: A Cross-Sectional Survey And Comparison To Geographically-Associated Social Determinants Of Health, Sean Patrick Sweeney

Theses and Dissertations

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are on the rise in the United States. South Carolina ranks consistently among the states with the highest STD burdens, especially for the bacterial diseases gonorrhea and chlamydia. This study sought to determine the opinions, beliefs, and knowledgebase of South Carolina citizens regarding STDs and sexual health/education. In doing so, the study seeks to identify areas of improvement for educators, healthcare workers, and public health employees. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, this study contacted approximately 900,000 South Carolina residents for participation. Participants were asked a variety of questions focused on STD knowledge, opinions, and practices. …

How Passion Functions In Sport Applicant Attraction: A Biometric Approach, Jiayao Qi

Theses and Dissertations

Passion has been extensively researched from the perspective of athletes, entrepreneurs, and employees. In this dissertation, the researcher conducted an in-depth investigation of the way passion functions in sport job attraction. The two-stage experimental design combines the pioneer biometric methodology with qualitative inquiry, and 25 job seekers selected from a larger sample participated in the biometric lab. Results indicate that the interplay between cognitive and affective appraisals is critical in explaining sport job seekers’ highly individualistic and discriminative attraction toward work opportunities in sport. In particular, sports job seekers foster work passion through their multiple identifications with sport (playing history, …

Picture Yourself Here: Sources For Exhibits And Programs, John H. Barnett

Faculty and Staff Publications

This document lists sources for free to no-cost exhibits and programs that have been carried out by personnel at the library at the University of South Carolina Upstate. The document accompanies the presentation, "Picture Yourself Here: Using Exhibits and Programs to Attract and Interact with the Campus Community."

Social Media Policies Within Ncaa Member Institutions: Evolving Technology And Its Impact On Policy, Jimmy Sanderson, Eric Snyder, David Hull, Kelly Gramlich

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

No abstract provided.

Does Race Still Matter?: A Post Bcs Era Examination Of Student Athletes’ Experiences..., Joseph N. Cooper, Shaun Dougherty

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

No abstract provided.

More Or Less?: Telling The Library's Story Through The Academic Program Review, John H. Barnett

Faculty and Staff Publications

Academic libraries regularly provide information to support the accreditation, certification, and periodic review of degree programs. The library portion of the academic program review has traditionally focused on detailing the number of titles and volumes of books in the collection, the age of the collection, and the amount of money the library spends to support the degree program. Employing a "more instead of less" approach, the USC Upstate library uses both narrative and data about collections, services, and initiatives to share the library's story.

This presentation explores what prompted our change in focus and the variety of information we provide. …

Incorporating Oxygen Isotopes Of Oxidized Reactive Nitrogen In The Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism, Version 2 (Icoin-Racm2), Wendell W. Walter, Masayuki Takeuchi, Nga L. Ng, Meredith G. Hastings

Faculty Publications

The oxygen isotope anomaly (Δ¹⁷O = δ¹⁷O − 0.52 × δ¹⁸O > 0) has proven to be a robust tool for probing photochemical cycling and atmospheric formation pathways of oxidized reactive nitrogen (NO_y). Several studies have developed modeling techniques to implicitly model Δ¹⁷O of NO_y molecules based on numerous assumptions that may not always be valid. Thus, these models may be oversimplified and limit our ability to compare model Δ¹⁷O values of NO_y with observations. In this work, we introduce a novel method for explicitly tracking Δ …

Collegiate Athletes’ Use And Perceptions Of Institutional Sources Of Support For Role-Related Stressors, Sarah J. Hatteberg

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Scholarship shows that in managing role-related strains, collegiate athletes have access to a wide range of institutional sources of social support, yet few studies have examined college athletes’ use or perceptions of these institutionally-based sources. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted with a sample of athletes participating in a big-time collegiate athletic program, this study examined the extent to which athletes solicited social support from various institutional sources in coping with their role-related stressors. Findings suggest that while the majority of athletes solicited aid from institutional sources and appreciated the specialized support those sources were able to provide, athletes also believed …

Collaboration Between Athletic And Campus Advisors: Ensuring College Athletes’ Success, Lisa M. Rubin, Will A. Lewis

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The purpose of this study was to determine how athletic and campus advisors collaborate to ensure college athletes achieve academic success. Athletic and campus advisors at various NCAA member institutions in the U.S. were interviewed to discuss their roles in advising athletes, communication modes and barriers between athletic and campus advising professionals, education and knowledge of sport governing body academic regulations, campus locations and their impact, trustworthiness across units, and collaborative techniques employed. Ethnomethodology was used as a lens to analyze the results, leading to implications for campus advisors, athletic advisors, and advising administrators.

An Examination Of Culturally Responsive Programming For Black Student-Athletes’ Holistic Development At Division I Historically White Institutions (Hwis), Shannon Jolly, Joseph N. Cooper, Jepkorir R. Chepyator-Thomson

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

There are significant gaps in positive educational outcomes of Black student-athletes when compared to their peers. These gaps reflect deficits in culturally responsive support for the academic success and holistic development of Black student-athletes at historically White institutions (HWIs). While research has examined athletic academic support programs, there is limited attention towards programming efforts that consider the unique experiences and needs of Black student-athletes at HWIs. Discrepancies in Black student-athletes’ academic performance and graduation rates at Division I HWIs question the effectiveness of athletic academic support programs. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine literature on culturally responsive programming …

The Sandusky Child Sexual Abuse Scandal: The Implications For Athletic Department Procedures, Training, Policy, And Child Welfare System Interactions, Emmett L. Gill Jr., Terrence Allen

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The following is a narrative and critique of the Gerald A. Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). Using a convenience sample of regional and national media accounts, this manuscript summarizes the confirmed events of the Penn State sexual abuse controversy. This case study focuses on a) the child sexual abuse of three victims, b) the Penn State athletic department and university responses, and c) the interactions between Penn State and state and local child welfare systems. Next, the manuscript will present conceptual and analytical considerations related to the Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal including the …

Rethinking Penn State Sanctions And Executive Authority, Christian Dennie, Gerald Gurney

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Abandoning NCAA established enforcement procedures, President Mark Emmert, through powers granted to him by the NCAA Executive Committee, levied unprecedented sanctions on Pennsylvania State University. In the process, the NCAA required Penn State to sign a consent decree that forfeited any rights to appeal, or Penn State would face a four-year death penalty that would decimate its storied football program. Questions arise as to whether the circumstances at Penn State rose to the level of requiring NCAA Executive Committee action and specifically whether such indiscretions challenged NCAA core values, such as academics or athletics competition, and the propriety and wisdom …

Stereotypes And Stigmas Of College Athletes In Tank Mcnamara’S Cartoon Strip: Fact Or Fiction?, C. Keith Harrison, Suzanne Malia Lawrence, Michelle Plecha, Scott J. Bukstein, Neza K. Janson

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I student-athletes (N= 43) regarding stereotypical cartoons about athletes. A qualitative approach, which included a visual elicitation technique, was utilized by administering the Lifestyle Association & Representation of Athletes Scale (LARAS). The LARAS explored participants’ perceptions of the following six specific concepts: a) academic support issues; b) academic progress; c) coaches as educators; d) professional sport aspirations; e) media identities, advertising, and representation; and f) cultural issues and recruiting. Five major themes emerged from participants’ perceptions: Big Sport Business, Athletic Image, College Athlete …

An Investigation Of Male College Athletes’ Attitudes Toward Sexual- Orientation, Richard M. Southall, Mark S. Nagel, Eric D. Anderson, Fritz G. Polite, Crystal Southall

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Multiple studies have found homophobic cultures within intercollegiate athletic departments. Accordingly, intolerance of gay/lesbian athletes (while most often forbidden by university policy), may still exist. Many “straight” athletes feel gay/lesbian/bi-sexual (GLB) athletes do not “belong” in college sport. In addition, female sport participants are frequently assumed to be lesbians. Within this social milieu, this study surveyed 698 male and female college athletes from four Division I & III universities in a traditionally conservative region, the Southeastern United States, to determine their attitudes toward sexual orientation. The primary research questions were: (a) “What are college-athletes’ attitudes toward sexual orientation?” and (b) …

Examining Academic Role-Set Influence On The Student- Athlete Experience, Lydia F. Bell

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Informed by the words and experiences of 41 Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) student-athletes, this qualitative study reveals the complexities of the student-athlete academic experience as shaped by their relationships with academic role- set members. Using role-identity as a theoretical framework, the study identifies coaches, athletic academic advisors, fellow athletes, nonathlete peers, faculty and parents as the key actors in the academic role-set. A discussion around the various influences such relationships can have on the academic experience depending on their strength is provided, and future areas of inquiry are proposed.

College Athletes, Social Justice, And The Role Of Social Workers In Advocating For Change, Lauren Mccoy, Evie Oregon, Dana J. Sullivan

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Social justice activism from college athletes is considered a rare occurrence often due to the intensity of negative public response and the possibility of athletic repercussions. The likelihood of negative reactions did not stop the unique, highly publicized protests at Grambling State University and the University of Missouri. These protests set the tone for college athlete unionization and a new era of college athlete activism. College athletes recognize their power as corporate brands and standing as a group made it so their voices had to be heard or else face financial consequences. While these protests achieved their initial goals, their …