Digital Commons Network^™

The Moderating Role Of Social Support For Lgbtq People In South Central Appalachia: Present Yet Unimpactful?, Paige Henry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) minority stress theory states that LGBTQ people experience stressors specific to their identity that result in negative mental health outcomes. Social support has been shown to protect against these negative outcomes, but South Central Appalachia is known to be high stigma and low resource for this population. The present study examined the potential moderating impact of four sources of social support (family, friends, partners, and pets) on the relationship between minority stress experiences and psychological distress for LGBTQ people living in South Central Appalachia. Participants included 116 LGBTQ adults living in South Central …

The Forest Through The Trees: Modeling The Ecological Niche And Potential Assemblage Distribution Of Oak-Hickory Forests Across The Eastern U.S., Elijah Worley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Understanding how tree species’ ranges and populations may shift by the end of the 21^st Century is critical for effective conservation and forest management. Ecological niche models are widely used to predict species distributions by modeling the relationships between environmental variables and species presence. While numerous models have been developed for individual tree species across the USA, there is limited research on how tree species assemblages, such as oak-hickory forests, will respond to changes in climate over time. Maxent modeling software was used to predict potential shifts in suitable habitat for the oak-hickory forest type, based on environmental variables …

Revealing Hidden Histories: A Multi-Sensor Aerial Survey For Detecting Unmarked Burials At Sinking Spring Cemetery, Abingdon, Va, Noah Hall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Sinking Spring Cemetery, established in 1773 in Abingdon, Virginia, spans 11 acres and is divided by a road. The 9-acre southern section was reserved for white church members. Enslaved individuals and free people of color were buried in the smaller northern section, where few headstones remain today. This study aimed to map the unmarked graves using thermal, multispectral, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors deployed on unmanned aerial systems. Graves were characterized by subtle topographic depressions mapped by LiDAR and cooler radiant temperature anomalies in thermal imagery. Thermal data collected at different times of the day and year …

Investigating Stress Hormone Variations In Green Frogs (Lithobates Clamitans) During The Mating Season, Abby Mciver

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Monitoring stress hormones in wildlife populations is increasingly used to understand how human activities may impact the environment. The goal of this study was to quantify corticosterone in green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) at baseline levels and in response to an acute stressor throughout the mating season. The project was conducted from May to September of 2024 at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. Corticosterone levels were determined over six consecutive days each month from May to September using a non-invasive dermal swab technique. Additionally, body metrics, water chemistry, and weather and habitat conditions were evaluated on each sampling …

The Importance Of The Relationship Between General And Special Education Co-Teachers In Inclusive Preschool Programs, Ruth Copeland, Ruth B. Copeland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative case study was designed to examine the importance of the relationship between general and special education co-teachers in inclusive preschool programs. The holistic strengths-based portraiture method will be used to study the positive aspects of the relationships of two co-teaching teams. In-depth interviews with individual teachers, co-teaching teams, and administrators combined with a questionnaire and classroom environmental rating scales were used to examine the culture and community that build positive relationships between general educators and special educators who co-teach in an inclusive preschool setting. The main goal of this research was to identify critical elements that contribute to …

“With Neither Hope Nor Fear”: Continuity In The Life Of Isabella D’Este, Alyssa Murphy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Isabella d’Este is traditionally viewed as the most notable female art patron of Renaissance Italy, primarily studied for her excellent taste. This positive interpretation has left her out of the reputational rehabilitation that modern historians have applied to many of her contemporaries, and what recent work has been done focuses on her marriage. However, Isabella outlived her husband by nearly twenty years, and contrary to writers who view that widowhood as an afterthought, she remained a dominant political and cultural figure in her own right. This thesis reassesses Isabella’s letters to argue that the traditional segmentation of her life does …

Reading Between The Lines: A Mixed Methods Investigation Of Teachers’ Understanding And Implementation Of The Science Of Reading, Karen L. Dumas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the nation, the science of reading (SoR) is sweeping through schools, realigning instructional practices, altering curricula, and causing a shift in educators’ ideologies. Therefore, exploring teachers’ understanding of the science of reading and the classroom implementation may offer valuable insights for school leaders, policymakers, and educators during this period of transition. This explanatory sequential mixed methods investigation researched SoR knowledge and implementation of K-3 general education teachers in Pennsylvania.

This study took place in two phases: quantitative followed by qualitative. During the quantitative phase, 141 K-3 teachers in Pennsylvania participated in the Teacher Understanding of Literacy Constructs and Evidence-Based …

Car Price Prediction Using Machine Learning: Analyzing The Dvm-Car Dataset, Yaman Abu Ghareebaih

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study is to predict car prices using machine learning models and the DVM-CAR dataset, which includes over 1.4 million images and car specifi- cations from 899 car models. Key factors such as mileage, engine power, and year of registration were analyzed for their correlation with car prices. Extensive data cleaning was performed, including filling missing values, identifying outliers, and normalizing numerical variables. Discrete variables like car make and body type were encoded using one-hot encoding. Linear relationships were analyzed with Multiple Logistic Regression, and Random Forest models were used for nonlinear patterns. Model performance was evaluated …

Investigating The Privacy-Utility Trade-O↵ In Synthetic Data Generation Using Correlated Attribute Mode, Kofi Sarfo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the privacy-utility trade-off in synthetic data generation using the Correlated Attribute Mode of DataSynthesizer, which employs Bayesian networks to model attribute dependencies. It focuses on integrating differential privacy mechanisms, particularly the Laplace mechanism, to inject controlled noise into synthetic data and enhance privacy protection. As organizations face challenges balancing data-driven decision-making with privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act, synthetic data offers a solution by creating artificial datasets that preserve statistical properties while balancing data privacy and utility. This research investigates how different differential privacy parameters epsilon affect data …

Unraveling The Unknown: Characterization Of A Novel Antimicrobial Compound Found In Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Jasmal Cruz Perez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogenic bacterium resistant to numerous antimicrobials, is a worldwide health issue due to its ability to cause healthcare-associated diseases such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. This study investigated an antimicrobial compound secreted by K. pneumoniae. The compound was found to possess inhibitory activity against Enterobacteriaceae members, including other Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, Citrobacter freundii, and Enterobacter cloacae. The inhibitory activity is mediated via a secreted protein that is active across a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. Higher concentrations of the compound enhanced antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial protein suppressed biofilm formation during both …

Investigating The Role Of The Hypocretin/Orexin System In A Novel Model Of Polysubstance Dependence, Tyler Zarin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Substance use disorders (SUD) in the United States are steadily increasing. Potent and dangerous substances such as methamphetamine (MA) and fentanyl (FEN) are often co-used as a polysubstance (POLY), either intentionally or unknowingly as FEN is a common adulterant. SUD is characterized by physiological and psychological dependence involving the negative reinforcement of anhedonia and withdrawal which drive hypermotivated drug-taking behaviors. Current theory suggests that recruitment of hypocretin/orexin (HCRT) neuropeptide in reward and stress associated brain regions contributes to drug dependence. Despite strong evidence for HCRT’s role in mono-drug dependence, a relevant model for POLY dependence has yet to be developed, …

Development Of A Portable Electroencephalogram With Display, Seth D. Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this experiment, the goal was to design, build, and test an Electroencephalogram (EEG) circuit that would then be paired with a touchscreen display as a portable unit for use in Schizophrenic research at East Tennessee State University at the Quillen College of Medicine. The requirements for this prototype denoted that the device had to be able to obtain a signal from two electrodes placed on the head of an individual with a third attached to the ankle as a ground, amplify and filter the signal, and display the results on a touchscreen display for recording and analyzing. The circuit …

Inner Bonds, Caitlin M. Maltbie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The artist, Cait Maltbie, discusses their Master of Fine Arts exhibition, Inner Bonds, which was installed at Slocumb Galleries in Johnson City, TN, from March 24, 2025, through April 4, 2025, with a public reception held on March 27, 2025. The exhibition consisted of multi-disciplinary work: zines, screenprints, and a sculptural installation mimicking the scenery and emotional environment of the imaginary Inner Bonds world. Inner Bonds refers to their comic series about feelings and how they are handled, from which all the content for this exhibition is derived. The work is focused on deconstructing the artist’s feelings so that they …

Ai For Sustainability In Appalachian Businesses: Challenges And Successes, Mariatu Mahmoud

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examines the perception of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how this technology can advance sustainable development in small businesses in Central Appalachia. Participants described how they leveraged AI-enabled technologies to address economic challenges as well as how they overcame the technological barriers often associated with emerging technologies. Findings reveal that AI can significantly improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance visibility for Appalachian entrepreneurs. However, the research also highlights challenges, including trust issues, limited resources, and resistance to change, which hinder adoption. Results from this study produce strategies for adopting AI that enable small businesses to integrate innovation while …

Effects Of Ph On Product Yield Of One-Electron Oxidation To Guanine Derivatives, Abdul-Kadir Ibrahim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One-electron oxidation plays a major role in oxidative DNA damage in biological cells. Guanine, the most oxidizable DNA base, has been the major focus of studies on oxidative damage to DNA initiated by one-electron oxidation (OEO). The current study aims at understanding the mechanisms of photooxidation of guanine derivatives with OEO in acidic medium. D1A* and D1B*, which are the products of dGuo in acidic medium, were obtained from dGuo upon photolysis at 485 nm of the reaction mixture in the presence of S₂O₈^2- as the oxidant and Ru(II)(bpy)₃²⁺ as a photosensitizer. D1A* and …

Not Just A Good Ole Boys Club: Studying The Personal, Performance, And Professional Roles Of Women In Bluegrass, Lydia Hamby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates gender disparities in professional bluegrass music. Through a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative data from festival lineups and qualitative interviews with six professional female bluegrass musicians, this research provides a comprehensive view of gender dynamics in the industry. The quantitative analysis of eight major festivals in the Appalachian region reveals that women comprise on 8.87% of performers on average, indicating systemic exclusion. Qualitative data from interviews and participant observations at Blue Highway Fest explores the social and institutional practices that sustain these disparities, revealing roles such as the “singer girl” sex appeal, manager, and token female. This …

A Kinetic Analysis On Hydrolysis And Hydrothermal Conversion Of Cellulose To Dodecane, Joel Nyangoka Onyancha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cellulose, the most abundant biomass on Earth, offers a promising pathway for alternative energy through conversion into alkane hydrocarbons. Traditional methods rely on high temperatures and high-pressure hydrogen, often derived from petroleum. In this study, we investigated the conversion of Microcrystalline Cellulose using hydrogen metal oxides (bronzes) under milder conditions. Following ASTM E3417-24 hydrolysis protocols, we employed hydrogen bronzes with toluene for product extraction. This approach enabled conversion at lower temperatures without pressurized hydrogen. Products were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer for identification and Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector for quantification. Our findings revealed the formation of a possible …

Held On By A Thread, Annie M. Hutchins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The artist, Annie Hutchins, discusses her Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition, Held on by a Thread, which was installed at Tipton Gallery in Johnson City, TN, from March 6, 2025, through March 28, 2025, with a public reception held on March 7, 2025. The exhibition is a collection of textile works containing repurposed material artifacts of the life she shared with her maternal family since childhood. The artwork incorporates found objects from the artist’s home, including domestic textiles, clothing, handmade sewing projects, family photographs, and sewing notions. The artworks are made using the printmaking technique of photo emulsion screen …

La Narcocultura In Mexico: Analyzing Representations Of Gender, Religion, And Law Enforcement Through The Silver Screen, Emma M. Plutnicki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work analyzes the ways in which la narcocultura is represented in films about Mexican drug trafficking through the lens of gender, religion, and law enforcement. The four selected films Savages (2012), Heli (2013), Sicario (2015), and Emilia Pérez (2024) are used to assess how stereotypical images of the Mexican narco world are consumed by the public. The aim of this work is to bring attention to potential misrepresentations within the Mexican drug trafficking world. By exploring the portrayal of gender, religion, and law enforcement, this work highlights the ways in which filmmakers perpetuate and reinforce damaging stereotypes. The consumption …

An Interdisciplinary Approach To The Investigation Of Consciousness, James Guy Lundie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Questions of phenomenal consciousness have troubled intellectuals for millennia. Theologians, philosophers, and scientists continue to grapple with the problem of how our minds interact with our brains and bodies. From Anaxagoras and Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas, Nagel and Goff, and Koch and Hameroff, the brightest among us have been unable to solve the riddle of how we are conscious, unique, self-aware thinking beings. Uniting our efforts by considering the reasoning of interdisciplinary scholars and integrating the thoughts of others with our own can only enhance our chances of success. This paper offers a pathway toward a multidisciplinary theory of consciousness …

The Relationship Between Stress, Burnout, Attendance, And Methods Of Self-Care Among Teachers, Jennifer M. Sturm

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teachers exposed to prolonged stress have been documented at higher risk for poor physical and mental health, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. To ameliorate the effects of prolonged stress, teachers have employed a variety of coping strategies, and some sought medical care. To date, little research exists regarding absenteeism and medication usage among teachers. This study sought to determine the relationship between stress, burnout, and medication usage in relation to absenteeism. This study also sought to determine the role of thriving in the above relationships. An internet-based survey was distributed to U.S. teachers via social media and email. …

The Influence Of Smartphone Usage On Students’ Academic Performance, Sense Of Belonging, And Self-Efficacy, Zachary Ross Weinstein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, U.S. postsecondary students' smartphone usage has increased. Smartphone usage has become more embedded into campuses and affects the lives of students pursuing postsecondary education. This study sought to explore whether three specific measures of smartphone usage can predict students' academic performance, self-efficacy, and sense of belonging. These measures included daily average screen time, daily average social screen time, and problematic smartphone usage.

First-time freshman (FTF) participants (n = 154) were sampled from four institutions of higher education in the Southeastern region of the United States. This study followed a cross-sectional design to distribute a survey …

Some Things Askew: Cautionary Quips And Satirical Scenarios, David C. Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Some Things Askew: Cautionary Quips and Satirical Scenarios is a collection of sculptures and drawings that depict objects from a dreamlike, dystopian world. Each piece contributes to a larger narrative that illustrates the presumed inhabitants of this skewed landscape, chronicling their journeys, interactions, and existence within it. Faux paint treatments conceal the diverse materials employed in the creation of these works. This self-reflective story conveys themes of perseverance and hope as the characters strive to survive—and even flourish—amidst the dark and unusual circumstances they face. A hint of sarcastic humor and whimsy permeates the collection, offering comic relief and emphasizing …

University Administrators’ Perceptions On Social Inequalities And Retention Of First-Year African American Students At Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus), Toni V. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Low retention rates of African American students in U.S. higher education institutions remain an issue, with researchers exploring possible contributing factors, including social inequalities. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perspectives of administrators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on the unique barriers African American students face in the HBCU context, including financial hardship, academic unpreparedness, and limited opportunities for social integration. Data were collected through detailed, voice-recorded, semistructured interviews conducted via Zoom with administrators, including provosts, presidents, and directors from 12 current and former HBCUs, to explore how policies initially perceived as unfavorable could positively impact institutional leadership …

Opening Doors: Employer Perspectives On Hiring Individuals With Disabilities, Jacqunettia L. Willis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This qualitative instrumental case study explored the perceptions of rural Florida employers regarding hiring individuals with disabilities (IWDs). Through in-depth interviews with nine microbusiness owners, this study identified key themes related to employers' experiences, perceived barriers, and potential solutions to increase employment opportunities for IWDs. Findings revealed that while employers expressed openness to hiring IWDs, most had limited or no direct experience due to a lack of relevant applicants limited knowledge of existing policies and incentives. A recurring theme was the perception that IWDs could be valuable employees if given appropriate support and accommodations. However, barriers included concerns over …

Women Overcoming Barriers In Stem: How Mentors, Allies, And Sponsors Assist Career Trajectories In Higher Education, Leila Marie Romeo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the personal narratives of women in STEM in both public and private higher education institutions within various roles. Specifically, the researcher aimed to determine the following: (a) if mentors/allies influence the career trajectories of women in STEM in higher education institutions and (b) if mentors/allies aid in the support of women in STEM in higher education institutions. The researcher used semistructured interviews with a narrative analysis to determine areas of struggle for the sample within their careers and how mentors, allies, and sponsors were present throughout their careers to help the women overcome these challenges. Data …

Impact Of A Transplant Nurse Navigator In The Dialysis Setting, Judith D. Pozzerle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Patients with kidney disease have better patient outcomes and quality of life with a kidney transplant. However, the transplant process is complicated with inherent inequalities and biases and patients frequently fail to initiate a referral for transplant evaluation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have now placed financial incentives to improve the number of patients transplanted. The only way to increase the number of patients transplanted is to start with a referral for evaluation. Studies have been done highlighting the barriers, but there is a lack of studies implementing strategies to improve these numbers. Utilizing Kotter’s change theory and describing …

Encouraging Job Satisfaction And Teacher Well-Being Through Leadership, Julie K. Ricks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

While U.S. schools are constantly hiring teachers, more are choosing to leave the profession. The increase in the exodus of teachers is particularly linked to the lack of teachers’ job satisfaction and well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine how leaders create favorable working conditions to encourage teacher well-being and job satisfaction, as perceived by teachers in rural Texas schools. The exploratory qualitative case study was framed in transformational leadership theory and explored a focus on the connection between leadership practices and teacher job satisfaction and well-being. The study utilized data from semistructured interviews with school administrators …

Student Veterans And Uniformed Military Students In Online Undergraduate Degree Programs: A Phenomenological Study On The Transition From Military To University Student Life, Misty Leigh Tom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The transition from military to university student life for student veterans and uniformed military students is complicated and burdensome due to the vast differences between military and university student lifestyles. This unique population typically comprises nontraditional-aged students pursuing online degree programs, which come with challenges complicated by military experiences. Higher education institutions have historically provided support for in-person learning environments with traditional-aged college students. The gap in the literature has an evident and critical missing perspective: the experiences of student veterans and uniformed military students enrolled in online undergraduate degree programs. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study …

Material Memory, Rebecca S. Talbot

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Material Memory is an exhibition showcasing a curated collection of ceramic and quilted sculptures and prints. With works on pedestals, suspended quilts, and framed prints, this exhibit embodies the physical and emotional landscapes of home. The use of household objects to construct the artworks conveys themes of family memories trapped in domestic clutter.