Digital Commons Network^™

Imperial Nostalgia: The War For The Kievan Rus Legacy., Jacob Wolfe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the deep-seated historical, cultural, and religious narratives fueling the modern conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Central to this dispute is the legacy of the Kievan Rus, a medieval East Slavic state. The research examines historical claims over the Kievan Rus legacy, Russia's perception as the heir to the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the impact of the Soviet Union's dissolution. It also delves into the Varangian Guard's role in establishing Kievan Rus-Byzantine relations, the mistrust instilled by the Crusades, and the shared linguistic and cultural influences between Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, the thesis analyzes the Normanist Controversy, Russian …

Bayesian Approaches In Multi-State Markov Models And High Dimensional Time-To-Event Data., Yuchen Han

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of two projects. The first one involves nonparametric methods on Continuous Time Markov Chains (CTMCs). The second one is centered around Bayesian shrinkage models for detecting prognostic and predictive biomarkers in high-dimensional clinical data. Both these projects build on methods from across the frequentist and Bayesian paradigm to offer novel solutions. In the first project, we aim to model the nonlinear effects of continuous variables within multistate framework in a non-parametrically by appealing to the rich mathematical framework of Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces (RKHS). Then we adapted the classical Representer Theorem to penalized (squared norm) log-likelihood which …

Towards High Performance And Energy Efficient Data Centers., Bryan Harris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Our modern society has become ever more connected and reliant on ever larger quantities of data, which must be collected and processed over large geographic areas. The data centers that store, compute, and share this data have grown to such a scale that many data centers use as much electricity as a city. Priorities in research have shifted from not only seeking greater performance, but also towards greater energy efficiency. The control and management of computer systems has an impact on power consumption beyond the needs of individual components. In this dissertation, we examine techniques for improved performance and energy …

Exploring Medicaid Stigma In Kentucky., Malea Hoepf Young

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Health insurance is only one of many factors involved in becoming and staying healthy, but the importance of having coverage in the U.S. cannot be overstated. Medicaid provides health care coverage for millions of Americans, with enrollment increasing dramatically after the Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand eligibility. While there is a great deal of research on the impacts of Medicaid expansion on newly eligible adults, there is little research on negative attitudes towards people using Medicaid, or on Medicaid stigma. This study used qualitative methods to conceptualize stigma around Medicaid through discussions with individuals using Medicaid and enrollment …

Denoising And Super-Resolution Of In-Vitro 4e Flow Mri In A Stenotic Phantom Model Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks., Shrouk M. Wally

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, the use of 4D flow MRI has revolutionized cardiovascular imag- ing by providing comprehensive data on blood flow dynamics over time. However, the limited spatial and temporal resolution of this imaging modality can hinder the accurate assessment of complex hemodynamic phenomena. This thesis explores the application of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to enhance the resolution of 4D flow MRI data, thereby improving its clinical utility. PINNs are a class of neural networks that integrate physical laws into their training process. By embedding these physics equations, PINNs can discover the underlying physics of fluid dynamics to produce more …

Novel Sensors, Algorithms And Metrics For Human-Robot Interaction., Henry Lee Reynolds

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The increased presence and deployment of robotics in sectors such as the medical field results in the demand for robots to, directly and indirectly, interface with people and their environment, making human-robot interaction (HRI) a vital thrust of robotics research. Assistive robots, for example, aid humans in accomplishing tasks or by providing support in the workforce. As the demand for nurses and the aging population increases, the assistive robots deployed will be deeply rooted in environments that require constant interaction with humans. This work contributed to improving aspects of HRI through 1) Expanding accessibility of the methods used for interfacing …

Exploring Chronic Stress, Avoidance Coping, And Diurnal Cortisol In Head And Neck Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study Of Best Practices In Diurnal Cortisol Sampling., Brooks R. Harbison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer patients are vulnerable to the deleterious effects of chronic stress, especially those prone to avoidance coping. Research in the general population has linked these effects to aberrant diurnal cortisol. However, the current literature on cancer patients has shown inconsistent results in associations between chronic stress, avoidance coping, and diurnal cortisol, possibly due to inconsistent cortisol sampling practices. This pilot study of head and neck cancer patients aimed to address this gap in the literature by implementing best cortisol sampling practices to investigate the links among chronic stress, avoidance coping, and diurnal cortisol slope, average bedtime cortisol, and average wake …

South Carolina Instructional Leaders’ Conceptualization And Perception Of Learning Thrill: An Exploratory Interview Study, David Paul Cupolo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Numerous students across the United States are observed as being disengaged and bored in several of their learning experiences. Similarly, innumerable students also self-report being bored and disengaged. Over 40% of South Carolina (SC) students in Grades 3–8 report being compliant, disengaged, or mixed in all three domains (behaviorally, cognitively, and emotionally). Hattie and Donoghue propose a new conceptual learning model—skill, will, and thrill. They suggest that this model will improve student learning experiences to the transfer level, which is thrill. At the thrill level, students can then apply their learning to similar or different contexts. As the concept of …

Characterizing Groundwater Flow Across The Barrier Island-High Marsh Interface, Dean Michael Wrobel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The freshwater resources of barrier islands are influenced by a variety of hydrogeologic factors, which create unique regions of groundwater composition. Factors including evapotranspiration, geologic constraints, tidal forcing, and meteoric inputs influence subterranean flow creating a groundwater salinity gradient throughout the island-marsh setting which directly influences the spatial distribution of dominant vegetation on the island. Rising sea levels and variation in local climate may alter the hydrologic balance on barrier islands, potentially shifting salinity gradients and ecological baselines on short timescales. The intrusion of saltwater into the barrier island freshwater system could result in the shifting of ecotones and potential …

Navigating The Black Student First-Year Experience: Exploring Ways Peer Mentoring Can Enhance Engagement And Belonging At A Pwi, Richard V. Frazier Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies indicate that minoritized students attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWI) may struggle with engagement and establishing a sense of belonging. Peer mentoring may play a role in enhancing these opportunities to foster academic performance and retention. The sense of belonging and engagement for minoritized students at a PWI is essential to their academic sustainability. This qualitative narrative analysis study uses Strayhorn’s (2012) theory of college students’ sense of belonging as the theoretical framework to explore the peer mentoring experiences of 10 Black first-year students participating in a stand-alone model. Interviews were used to acquire insight into peer mentoring’s influence on …

Tidal Creeks As Conduits Of Land-Derived Nutrients To The Coastal Ocean, Christianna R. Morton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A common feature of the coastline of South Carolina are small, low relief, tidal creek systems. Due to their tidally dominated nature, these systems can act as conduits of land-based nutrients to the coastal ocean. As development along the coastline increases, the volume of nutrients entering tidal creeks will likely exhibit an associated increase. The focus of this research is an investigation of the input of nutrients into White Point Swash, a tidal creek located in northern South Carolina, via point and nonpoint sources, the behavior of nutrients once they enter this system, and the potential removal of nutrients by …

Exploring The Community Standards Review For College Admission: A Comparative Case Study, Kayla E. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many higher education institutions review the disciplinary and criminal history of applicants to assess potential threats and ensure a safe learning community in the college admissions process. This review is often criticized for exacerbating the opportunity gap and racial disparities for marginalized populations and creating barriers to college admission. This study explores the institutional processes for community standards review at four public regionally accredited 4-year institutions and how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) influence the community standards review process. Three research questions guided the study: How do college administrators at 4-year public universities describe their perceptions of the community standards …

Removing The Deficit Lens: Determining Support For Hispanic Newcomer Families In Public School Based On Their Unique Needs And Experiences, Shauna Schubiger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to better understand the diverse needs of Latine newcomer families relocating to the United States and enrolling in a southeastern elementary school. Specifically, this study gathered and analyzed the unique experiences of these families immigrating into the U.S. to fully comprehend what they have been through to arrive here and how schools can help their families become involved in their children’s education. In K-12 education, there is a void which exists regarding who these families are and the need to humanize their journeys. This lack of research can be exacerbated by the …

Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Experiences In Teaching Multilingual Children In Public Mainstream Schools In Tennessee, Maria Dias

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study, grounded in a phenomenological perspective, delves into the lived experiences of early childhood teachers who teach multilingual children in mainstream classrooms in Tennessee. Amidst the rising number of multilingual learners in mainstream educational settings and the dearth of adequate teacher training to address their needs, this research illuminates the experiences of these teachers. Furthermore, it seeks to advocate for the integration of translanguaging pedagogy into teacher training programs and state policies. This study employed a qualitative study using the three-in-depth-interview series from a phenomenological perspective (Seidman, 2019). The first interview focused on participants’ overall teaching experiences and …

Enriching The Pcos Lifestyle, Callie Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting approximately 4 – 20% of women worldwide. It is associated with insulin resistance, fertility problems, and an increased susceptibility to chronic conditions through multiple inflammatory pathways. Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for disordered eating. The Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased inflammation and risk of chronic conditions, and intuitive eating principles are associated with decreased disordered eating patterns. The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week nutrition education workshop incorporating information and skills related to both the Mediterranean lifestyle and intuitive eating principles can improve …

Outside The Box: Examining The School Experience From The Perspectives Of Early Leavers, Caitlin Armstrong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Public schools in America are experiencing a massive decline in student enrollment, resulting in school consolidations and closures across the nation. (Dee, 2023). This decline has many implications, particularly in rural areas, such as Northeast Tennessee. These implications and the public pressure to maintain high graduation rates and academic outcomes, require school leaders and policymakers to reflect on who is leaving public schools and why. This phenomenological study explored the school experiences and perceptions of individuals who left the traditional high school prior to graduation. In-depth interviews were conducted one-on-one with 13 participants via an online video conferencing platform who …

Analysis Of The Relationship Between Flow Patterns In The Post-Stenotic Region Of Model Arteries And Stenosis Severity., Michael Laroche

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study, contour fields of mean age and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) in the post-stenotic region of model arteries were analyzed to explore their correlation with FFR. While both high and low FFR cases exhibited similarities with an inner low-age region and an outer high-age region, low FFR cases displayed asymmetry in their low-age regions due to eccentric stenosis. Moreover, gradients of age across the artery diameter were more pronounced for low FFR cases. Additionally, low FFR cases demonstrated significantly higher TKE in the post-stenotic blood jet stream compared to high FFR cases that are reflected in low-age boundary …

Carboxen Micropreconcentrator Performance For Analyzing Btex In Air., Raymond Daniel Spargo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a class of toxic chemicals in environmental air associated with several serious health risks. Some of the most common and concerning VOCs are Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene, and Xylene (BTEX). To maintain healthy air quality in these environments, researchers pursue instruments and processes to quickly and accurately predict sub-ppb concentrations of BTEX in indoor and outdoor air. By employing a micropreconcentrator (μPC) to combine Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, trace BTEX content in air samples can be captured, extracted and analyzed. In this thesis, a dual-compartment μPC with Carboxen 1000 …

The Impact Of Internal Curing Additives On Compressive Strength, Shrinkage, And Internal Relative Humidity Of Mortars., Payton Scott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Curing is a critical step in concrete construction. When a concrete specimen is properly cured, its shrinkage and early age curling/warping can be reduced, and the concrete strength can be increased. Curing methods can be divided into two categories: traditional external curing and emerging internal curing methods. Internal curing has similar benefits to external curing, such as reduced early-age cracking and shrinkage risk, and increased durability and strength. The purpose of this research is to investigate internal curing additives and their impact on length change, weight change, compressive strength, autogenous shrinkage, and internal relative humidity. Mortar mixtures with lightweight aggregate …

Patterns Of The Use And Perception Of Cannabis Among College Students In Tennessee, Jayla Ruffus-Milner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cannabis has been historically difficult to research due to its federal scheduling. However, as legalization of cannabis medically, recreationally, or both in states across the country has increased, so has the need to address the research gaps that persist. The purpose of this study was to explore the patterns of cannabis use and perceptions of college students in Tennessee, which encompass a demographic of mainly young adults who are typically associated with high usage patterns. The study uses quantitative data collected from an online survey sent to a university in East Tennessee to evaluate associations between students’ age, gender, race/ethnicity, …

Enabling Iov Communication Through Secure Decentralized Clustering Using Federated Deep Reinforcement Learning, Chandler Scott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) holds immense potential for revolutionizing transporta- tion systems by facilitating seamless vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. However, challenges such as congestion, pollution, and security per- sist, particularly in rural areas with limited infrastructure. Existing centralized solu- tions are impractical in such environments due to latency and privacy concerns. To address these challenges, we propose a decentralized clustering algorithm enhanced with Federated Deep Reinforcement Learning (FDRL). Our approach enables low- latency communication, competitive packet delivery ratios, and cluster stability while preserving data privacy. Additionally, we introduce a trust-based security framework for IoV environments, integrating a central authority …

Application Of Functionalized Organosilicas In Adsorption Of Nitrates, Stephen Amoako

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the critical environmental issue of elevated nitrate levels in water bodies, primarily due to excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers and improper waste disposal. It focuses on reducing nitrate concentrations in polluted water to permissible levels through the effectiveness of hybrid materials in nitrate adsorption. We synthesized nine amino-functionalized adsorbents using grafting and sol-gel techniques. Batch adsorption tests confirmed the high nitrate adsorption capacities of these adsorbents, with sol-gel materials showing the highest efficiency due to their abundant amino group contents. Among these, the surfactant-free, sol-gel adsorbent was the most effective, combining ease of synthesis with cost-efficiency. Our …

Consultation Versus Direct Special Education Services And Postschool Outcomes For Individuals With Disabilities As Assessed By Indicator 14 Data, Callie Welch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is abundant research relating to transition supports and services for students with disabilities as they move out of high school into adulthood; however, relatively little is known about the relationship between the type of special education services they received and their postschool outcomes. Guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Tennessee’s Indicator 14 survey, I sought to better understand the relationship between the type of special education services received in high school and student further schooling or employability after graduation. Data were drawn from Indicator 14 surveys from 2021 and 2024 conducted by a rural school district …

Moral Disengagement And The Tendency To Engage In Academic Dishonesty In Prelicensure Nursing Students, Sarah Guimaraes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite decades of research, academic dishonesty remains a significant concern in nursing education. The connection of academic dishonesty to dishonest clinical practice presents a moral imperative for nurse researchers to find new facets of understanding these phenomena. Literature regarding moral disengagement in health care is minimal and is even less prevalent in the context of nursing education. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of moral disengagement on prelicensure nursing students’ tendencies to engage in academic dishonesty in their last or next to last semester of a nursing program. A correlational design via survey method was used. …

Exploring The Diagnostic Potential Of Radiomics-Based Pet Image Analysis For T-Stage Tumor Diagnosis, Victor Aderanti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, and early detection is crucial for better

outcomes. This research aims to improve Region Of Interest (ROI) segmentation

and feature extraction in medical image analysis using Radiomics techniques

with 3D Slicer, Pyradiomics, and Python. Dimension reduction methods, including

PCA, K-means, t-SNE, ISOMAP, and Hierarchical Clustering, were applied to highdimensional features to enhance interpretability and efficiency. The study assessed the ability of the reduced feature set to predict T-staging, an essential component of the TNM system for cancer diagnosis. Multinomial logistic regression models were developed and evaluated using MSE, AIC, BIC, and Deviance …

Soreness And Perceptual Responses From The Combined Use Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading And Cluster Sets During A Strength-Endurance Training Block, Ryan Lis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The first purpose of the current study was to analyze palpation and movement soreness via the visual analog scale (PVAS and MVAS, respectively) between accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) and traditional resistance training (TRAD) during a month of strength-endurance training. This was measured at the lower body (LB: gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis) and the upper body (UB: pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii) every day of training (1-20 days) immediately before warming up and after finishing the training session. The MVAS was conducted at a self-selected fast speed. The second purpose was to measure perceptual responses between AEL and …

Associative Stigma Among Criminal Legal Staff: Measurement And Relation To Job Factors, Shania Siebert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A sizeable portion of the United States (U.S.) population works within the criminal legal system, and individuals who have legal involvement are a highly stigmatized population. Research suggests working with stigmatized populations can result in the transfer of stigma to professionals, referred to as associative stigma. While qualitative studies indicate there are negative perceptions related to working in criminal legal settings, there is no quantitative research on criminal legal staff’s experience with associative stigma and how it impacts job-related factors. The purpose of this study was to 1) examine the psychometrics of an adapted measure to quantitatively assess associative stigma …

Stigma Reduction And Resiliency Training For First Responders (Srrt-Fr): A Feasibility And Initial Efficacy Evaluation, Thalia P. Nicholson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

First responders, especially law enforcement, frequently encounter individuals experiencing substance use concerns. Previous research has documented that a greater understanding of substance use disorders promotes a decrease in stigmatizing perspectives. We present a novel approach to training law enforcement officers to improve their interactions with community members exhibiting substance use disorders, while also promoting their professional well-being. The present study sought to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the Stigma Reduction and Resiliency Training for First Responders (SRRT-FR) in a sample of law enforcement officers, as well as its efficacy in decreasing stigmatizing perspectives towards substance use disorders and increasing …

Spectral Sensitivity Of Circadian Entrainment In Araneoid And Non-Araneoid Spiders, Craig Campbell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Artificial lighting at night is a growing worldwide phenomenon that can negatively impact flora and fauna in the surrounding area. With new technology, there is now opportunity for change: newer LEDs can emit specific wavelengths of light that may be less ecologically damaging. In this study, we aim to describe the circadian spectral sensitivity of two phylogenetically distant urban spider species with similar life histories, the Araneoid Parasteatoda tepidariorum and non-Araneoid Pholcus manueli, to determine differences between them. We exposed these spiders to progressively dimmer levels of white, blue, green, or red light. Despite evidence that spiders lack visual …

Electrocatalytic Reduction Of Hydrogen Peroxide At Paraffin-Sealed Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Fiber Ultramicroelectrodes, Yakubu Gausu Mohammed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Compared to unmodified carbons and even some metal materials, nitrogen-doped carbons have been found to exhibit better performance for reducing oxygen-oxygen bonds, a key step in electroreduction of both O₂ (an important reaction in energy applications) and H₂O₂ (an important reaction in sensing and biosensing). Previous studies from our lab revealed that thermal decomposition of urea in the presence of carbon fiber (CF) results in N-doped that exhibited good electrocatalytic properties for H₂O₂ reduction. However, previous methods of sealing ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) made from N-doped CF using laser heating of borosilicate capillaries and epoxy …