Digital Commons Network^™

Creating Order Out Of Chaos? Development Of A Measure Of Perceived Effects Of Communication On The Crisis Organizing Process, Ryan Patrick Fuller, Andrew S. Pyle, Laura Riolli, Amy Mickel

Publications

Organizations are important sources of communication during natural-hazard crises. How members of an organization perceive these communications (e.g., creating confusion, causing disorder, providing clarity, and restoring order) influences response and recovery from such a crisis. Using Chaos Theory as a guiding framework, the authors developed a new instrument measuring the perceived effects of an organization’s communication on crisis-organizing processes. Three distinct studies were conducted to assess the reliability and validity of this new instrument: the “Perceived Effects of Communication on the Crisis-organizing Process (PEC-COP)” scale. This one-factor scale can be used by both scholars and practitioners to assess the effects …

Imposter Syndrome In Academia, Emily Faulconer

Publications

Defining Imposter Syndrome

• Despite evidence, fears being exposed as not having the expertise expected in your role.
• Despite evidence, feels like a fraud.
• Attributes success to luck, masking skills, or the work of other people.
• Internalizes failure and over-focus on mistakes.
• Over-estimates abilities of others, underestimates amount of work those individuals put in.

Getting Published In Sotl, Emily Faulconer

Publications

Navigating the publication process can be confusing and frustrating if you don't know what to expect. This session will outline and discuss successful approaches from manuscript generation to post-publication promotion of your work.

We will explore how to identify potential dissemination venues, factors to consider when vetting a journal (readership, impact, access, etc.), editorial processes, and how to strategically get your message across to editors and viewers. From search engine optimization to graphical abstracts and social media, what steps can you take the get the most out of your publication? How can you navigate the "failure points" (growth opportunities) in …

An Analysis Of Wildlife Strikes To Aircraft In Brazil: 2011-2018, Flavio A. C. Mendonca, Julius Keller, Chenyu Huang Ph.D.

Publications

Purpose: Aircraft accidents due to wildlife hazards have become a growing safety and economic problem to the Brazilian and international aviation industries. These safety occurrences have resulted in significant direct and indirect economic losses as well injuries and fatalities worldwide. The purpose of this study was to develop empirical information obtained from the analysis of wildlife strike and aircraft operations data in Brazil that could be used for accident prevention efforts.

Design/methodology: The research team collected and analyzed aircraft operations as well as wildlife strike data from the 32 busiest commercial airports in Brazil, from 2011 through 2018. …

The Intelligent Risk Equation: When Opportunities Outweigh Threats, Daryl Watkins, Valarie Denney

Publications

The Baldrige Excellence Framework contains several references to pursuing intelligent risks (Bailey, 2016). Nevertheless, many organizations do not systematically identify, assess, and pursue intelligent risks. The Intelligent Risk Equation: When Opportunities Outweigh Threats by Daryl V. Watkins and Valerie P. Denney examines the concept of positive risk as opportunity through a case study of a hypothetical university. The article maps the examples presented in the case study to key Baldrige terms to illustrate the systems nature of intelligent risk management.

Pennsylvania’S Covid-19 Response Vs. Homeland Security Frameworks And Research: Masking The Whole Community, Alexander Siedschlag

Publications

This essay offers an intermediate discussion of select policy, strategic, operational, and tactical issues that demonstrate where and how the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s novel coronavirus response on the one hand, and homeland security frameworks and research on the other, converge or—more often so—diverge, and how to narrow this gap. Although typically framed as a pandemic owned by the public health sector, the COVID-19 response falls directly within the homeland security mission space, whose core missions include “Ensuring Resilience to Disasters.” In some respects, Pennsylvania’s response exemplifies best practices suggested by research. In other dimensions, it is neither in line with …

Identifying Depressive Symptoms From Tweets: Figurative Language Enabled Multitask Learning Framework, Shweta Yadav, Jainish Chauhan, Joy Prakash Sain, Krishnaprasad Thirunarayan, Amit P. Sheth, Jeremiah Schumm

Publications

Existing studies on using social media for deriving mental health status of users focus on the depression detection task. However, for case management and referral to psychiatrists, healthcare workers require practical and scalable depressive disorder screening and triage system. This study aims to design and evaluate a decision support system (DSS) to reliably determine the depressive triage level by capturing fine-grained depressive symptoms expressed in user tweets through the emulation of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) that is routinely used in clinical practice. The reliable detection of depressive symptoms from tweets is challenging because the 280-character limit on tweets incentivizes the …

Psychological Contract Perception And Contractual Employee Performance, Robin Roberts, Stephanie Douglas Ph.D.

Publications

Contractual, short‐term employees are increasingly utilized to support organizational performance. The employee's perception of the psychological contract were explored in this qualitative study through semi‐structured interviews of 22 contractual workers. Psychological contract was fulfilled through transactional job tasks and psychological contract breaches were found in relationships with leadership and the organization. An exploratory examination from the contractual worker lens helped to influence the psychological contract on the employee performance and its use in leveraging this workforce to improve organizational performance.

Implementing The Flipped Classroom In An Undergraduate Corporate Finance Course, Jayendra S. Gokhale

Publications

This study analyzes flipped mode of instruction in Corporate Finance. In the current environment, with many students in quarantine and greater emphasis on self-study, it is even more relevant to understand how students understand and retain concepts derived from online environment. In this study, performance of students in flipped mode is compared with the performance in traditional lecture-style. In flipped class, students watched a brief video-lecture, took an online assessment quiz prior to attending an interactive discussion-based class session, unlike the traditional lecture style. The results of this study suggest that with flipped mode, most students take greater responsibility of …

The Dynamics Of Nonlinear Atmospheric Acoustic-Gravity Waves Generated By Tsunamis Over Realistic Bathymetry, P. A. Inchin, C. J. Heale, J. B. Snively, M. D. Zettergren

Publications

The investigation of atmospheric tsunamigenic acoustic and gravity wave (TAGW) dynamics, from the ocean surface to the thermosphere, is performed through the numerical computations of the 3D compressible nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations. Tsunami propagation is first simulated using a nonlinear shallow water model, which incorporates instantaneous or temporal evolutions of initial tsunami distributions (ITD). Ocean surface dynamics are then imposed as a boundary condition to excite TAGWs into the atmosphere from the ground level. We perform a case study of a large tsunami associated with the 2011 M9.1 Tohuku-Oki earthquake and parametric studies with simplified and demonstrative bathymetry and ITD. Our …

Methodologies And Techniques For Determining The Value Of An Aircraft, Bijan Vasigh, Farshid Azadian, Kamran Moghaddam

Publications

Aircraft valuation and the estimation of an accurate aircraft price is undoubtedly a challenging task that has significant consequences for airlines. This paper presents an asset valuation model to show how a series of endogenous as well as exogenous factors can influence the value of an aircraft. Specifically, a discounted cash flow methodology is used to forecast the valuation of an old or new generation aircraft. Both total operating revenue and aircraft operating costs are taken into account to devise a reliable pre-tax profit measurement that is used as the basis of the discounted cash flow analysis. A sensitivity analysis …

Kelvin-Helmholtz Billow Interactions And Instabilities In The Mesosphere Over The Andes Lidar Observatory: 1. Observations, J. H. Hecht, R. L. Walterscheid, A. Z. Liu, D. C. Fritts, L. J. Gelinas, R. J. Rudy

Publications

A very high spatial resolution (∼25 m pixel at 90 km altitude) OH airglow imager was installed at the Andes Lidar Observatory on Cerro Pachón, Chile, in February 2016. This instrument was collocated with a Na wind-temperature lidar. On 1 March 2016, the lidar data showed that the atmosphere was dynamically unstable before 0100 UT and thus conducive to the formation of Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities (KHIs). The imager revealed the presence of a KHI and an apparent atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) propagating approximately perpendicular to the plane of primary KHI motions. The AGW appears to have induced modulations of the shear …

Analyzing Critical Factors: Motivating Project Managers, Tom G. Henkel, Gordon R. Haley

Publications

The concept of project management has evolved tremendously over the years. In addition to the technostructure changes that have taken place, the recent pandemic and sociocultural events and subsequent reflection that has occurred have impacted how people live and work. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the factors that create a culture of modern-day multigenerational project managers to be fully emotionally engaged when managing and leading organization projects. One hundred twenty practicing project managers working in a variety of industries representing different countries were interviewed. The findings identify the top six most frequently cited factors. The paper …

Passive Control Strategies For Cooling A Non-Residential Nearly Zero Energy Office: Simulated Comfort Resilience Now And In The Future, Adam O'Donovan, Michael D. Murphy, Paul D. O'Sullivan

Publications

The average global cooling demand in non-residential buildings is expected to increase by over 275% between now and 2050. Controlled passive cooling is fundamental to successful operational performance of buildings and in mitigating energy that would otherwise be consumed by mechanical systems. The aim of this study was to determine the resilience of different passive cooling control strategies in delivering optimal comfort and energy scenarios in both current and future extreme conditions, for low energy indoor office spaces. Simulations were conducted using a calibrated TRNSYS 17 model of a nearly zero energy building. The performance of ten passive cooling control …

Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio: A Biomarker To Monitor The Immune Status Of Astronauts, Amber M. Paul, Siddhita D. Mhatre, Egle Cekanaviciute, Ann-Sofie Schreurs, Candice G.T. Tahimic, Ruth K. Globus, Sulekha Anand, Brian E. Crucian, Sharmila Bhattacharya

Publications

A comprehensive understanding of spaceflight factors involved in immune dysfunction and the evaluation of biomarkers to assess in-flight astronaut health are essential goals for NASA. An elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a potential biomarker candidate, as leukocyte differentials are altered during spaceflight. In the reduced gravity environment of space, rodents and astronauts displayed elevated NLR and granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios (GLR), respectively. To simulate microgravity using two well-established ground-based models, we cultured human whole blood-leukocytes in high-aspect rotating wall vessels (HARV-RWV) and used hindlimb unloaded (HU) mice. Both HARV-RWV simulation of leukocytes and HU-exposed mice showed elevated NLR profiles comparable to spaceflight …

Clemson Libraries Annual Report, 2020, Clemson University Libraries

Publications

No abstract provided.

Stem-Inhabiting Fungal Communities Differ Between Intact And Snapped Trees After Hurricane Maria In A Puerto Rican Tropical Dry Forest, François Maillard, Erin Andrews, Molly Moran, Peter G. Kennedy, Skip Van Bloem, Jonathan S. Schilling

Publications

Hurricanes impact forests by damaging trees and altering multiple ecosystem functions. As such, predicting which individuals are likely to be most affected has crucial economic importance as well as conservation value. Tree stem-inhabiting fungal communities, notably rot-causing agents, have been mentioned as a potential factor of tree predisposition to hurricane damage, but this assumption remains poorly explored. To examine this relationship, we sampled the stem wood of intact and damaged trees shortly after Hurricane Maria in a Puerto Rican dry tropical forest in 2017. We categorized samples depending on two types: trees with intact stems and trees in which stems …

A Statistical Learning Regression Model Utilized To Determine Predictive Factors Of Social Distancing During Covid-19 Pandemic, Timothy A. Smith, Albert J. Boquet, Matthew V. Chin

Publications

In an application of the mathematical theory of statistics, predictive regression modelling can be used to determine if there is a trend to predict the response variable of social distancing in terms of multiple predictor input “predictor” variables. In this study the social distancing is measured as the percentage reduction in average mobility by GPS records, and the mathematical results obtained are interpreted to determine what factors drive that response. This study was done on county level data from the state of Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is found that the most deterministic predictors are county population density …

Mobile Technology In Higher Education: An Extended Technology Acceptance Perspective, Dennis Pires, Leila Halawi

Publications

There is a lack of research that provides institutions with information on educators’ acceptance of mobile technology in higher education within the United States. This study utilized the Chen et al. (2013) extended technology acceptance model, that extended the original Davis (1989) TAM. In this research study, Chen et al. (2013) survey instrument provided the necessary tool to collect data from educators in higher education within the United States before COVID-19. The results showed statistical significance exists in relationships across the assessed factors of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived attitude toward use, and behavioral intention, which contribute to …

Lessons Learned From The Medical University Of South Carolina Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center (Tcc) In Precision Medicine And Minority Men's Health, Chanita Hughes Halbert, Caitlin G. Allen, Melanie Jefferson, Gayenell Magwood Phd, Rn, Faha, Faan, Cathy Melvin, Oluwole Adeyami Babatunde, Claudia Baquet, Ernestine Delmoor, Jerry Johnson, Diane Mathews, Robin J. Leach, Luisel Ricks-Santi

Publications

The Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center (TCC) in Precision Medicine for Minority Men's Health was established at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2015 to address disparities in the translation of precision medicine approaches among racial minority groups. This regional consortium focuses on three primary areas: (1) the development of a consortium of regional and national partners, (2) conducting transdisciplinary research examining synergistic effects of biological, social, physiological, and clinical determinants of chronic disease risks and outcomes, and (3) dissemination and implementation of precision medicine approaches, with an emphasis on reducing disparities in health care and outcomes among minority men. …

Validation Of The Guess-18: A Short Version Of The Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (Guess), Joseph R. Keebler, William J. Shelstad, Dustin C. Smith, Barbara S. Chaparro, Mikki H. Phan

Publications

The Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS) is a 55-item tool assessing nine constructs describing video game satisfaction. While the development of the GUESS followed best practices and resulted in a versatile, comprehensive tool for assessing video game user experience, responding to 55 items can be cumbersome in situations where repeated assessments are necessary. The aim of this research was to develop a shorter version of the scale for use in iterative game design, testing, and research. Two studies were conducted: the first one to create a configural model of the GUESS that was then truncated to an 18-item short …

Surveying The Safety Culture Of Academic Laboratories, Emily Faulconer, Zachary Dixon, John C. Griffith, Hayden Frank

Publications

The university traditionally has been the foundation for young adults’ professional development, yet the proclivity toward safety culture has garnered less focus in higher education than in the workforce. A survey of faculty at a medium-sized, research-active, private institution revealed specific areas of policy noncompliance as well as specific safety attitudes that can be targeted for interventions. Albeit a snapshot view, the survey implies that safety needs better representation in the classroom, teaching laboratories, and research facilities at universities. Safety is not abandoned by any means, and there is a strong presence of safety-oriented individuals, but the data show barriers …

Engine Light Repair Shop Evaluation For A Brazilian Airline, Gustavo Henrique Melhado Trevilatto, Marcelo Miranda, Leila Halawi

Publications

The maintenance cost of a commercial aircraft comprises airframe, components, and engines. The most expensive of them are engines, which may represent up to 60% of an aircraft cost, and therefore will have a significant impact on any airline finance. As a result, engine fleet maintenance management is crucial for any airline sustainability. Apart from heavy maintenance where life-limited parts are replaced and its performance restored, aircraft engines are often required to come off wing for light repair due to operational issues like foreign object damage, high oil consumption, and vibration issues. In other cases, even though being operational, engines …

Training Synergy, Andre Vieira Caputo, Everton Amieiroe, Lucio De Araujo Alves, Renan Dapena Roveran, Leila Halawi

Publications

Brazil is facing a growth in the airline industry where all the major airlines are currently hiring pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics. One of the challenges of those airlines is to provide training for all these professionals. Many times they do not have instructors or classrooms available. It is crucial for the airlines to promote faster and better training, to reduce cost, save time and resources to prepare a better professional. In this paper, we are showing the possibility of increasing the cost performance of airline training by providing alternatives to airlines. The idea is to promote synergy between the …

Enterprise Architecture Transformation Process From A Federal Government Perspective, Tonia Canada, Leila Halawi

Publications

The need for information technology organizations to transform enterprise architecture is driven by federal government mandates and information technology budget constraints. This qualitative case study aimed to identify factors that hinder federal government agencies from driving enterprise architecture transformation processes from a compliancy to a flexible process. Common themes in interviewee responses were identified, coded, and summarized. Critical recommendations for future best practices, including further research, were also presented.

Pennsylvania’S Covid-19 Response Through The Homeland Security Frameworks And Research Lens – Lessons Learned, Alexander Siedschlag

Publications

• Although typically framed as a pandemic owned by the public health sector, the COVID-19 response falls directly within the homeland security mission space, whose core missions include “Ensuring Resilience to Disasters” (QHSR 2014).
• In some aspects PA’s COVID-19 response is in line with security research.
• In other dimensions, it is neither in line with what research would recommend nor with what the National Preparedness System would foresee.
• The Keystone State has yet to fully make the step from disaster to catastrophe as the characteristic challenge to U.S. emergency management in our century.

Model For Building Diversity And Fostering Research Collaboration Between Faculty And Students In An Online Environment, Kimberly Luthi

Publications

Best practices to engage a diverse group of learners

• Build awareness of existing research opportunities
• Connect students to hands-on research experiences Use mentoring to build student interest in research
• Create activities and services focused on strengthening academic skills and orienting students to STEM fields (e.g. student support, academic enrichment, and research skill development)
• Provide course-based undergraduate research experiences
• Require a peer review process

From Classroom To Industry: Human Factors In Aviation Maintenance Decision-Making, Bettina Mrusek, Stephanie Douglas

Publications

The presence of human factors in aviation remains a critical area of research given the safety implications of human error. Understanding what specific factors contribute to human error allows managers and operators to take steps to mitigate these hazards. Several methods have been tested in the cockpit and cabin crew environments, but less attention has been given to the aviation maintenance sector, despite the prevalence of accidents resulting from human error. With the introduction of AC-172A, the FAA validated the need for additional research and training on the role of human factors in aviation maintenance errors. However, a key component …

Finite-Time State Estimation For An Inverted Pendulum Under Input-Multiplicative Uncertainty, Sergey V. Drakunov, William Mackunis, Anu Kossery Jayaprakash, Krishna Bhavithavya Kidambi, Mahmut Reyhanoglu

Publications

A sliding mode observer is presented, which is rigorously proven to achieve finite-time state estimation of a dual-parallel underactuated (i.e., single-input multi-output) cart inverted pendulum system in the presence of parametric uncertainty. A salient feature of the proposed sliding mode observer design is that a rigorous analysis is provided, which proves finite-time estimation of the complete system state in the presence of input-multiplicative parametric uncertainty. The performance of the proposed observer design is demonstrated through numerical case studies using both sliding mode control (SMC)- and linear quadratic regulator (LQR)-based closed-loop control systems. The main contribution presented here is the rigorous …

Finite-Time State Estimation For An Inverted Pendulum Under Input-Multiplicative Uncertainty, William Mackunis, Sergey V. Drakunov, Anu Kossery Jayaprakash, Krishna Bhavithavya Kidambi, Mahmut Reyhanoglu

Publications

A sliding mode observer is presented, which is rigorously proven to achieve finite-time state estimation of a dual-parallel underactuated (i.e., single-input multi-output) cart inverted pendulum system in the presence of parametric uncertainty. A salient feature of the proposed sliding mode observer design is that a rigorous analysis is provided, which proves finite-time estimation of the complete system state in the presence of input-multiplicative parametric uncertainty. The performance of the proposed observer design is demonstrated through numerical case studies using both sliding mode control (SMC)- and linear quadratic regulator (LQR)-based closed-loop control systems. The main contribution presented here is the rigorous …