Digital Commons Network^™

Macro–Micro-Coupled Simulations Of Bead–Spring Breaking-Reforming Networks, Andrei Medved

Theses and Dissertations

In this work we investigate the dynamic behavior of bead-spring polymer solutions in viscoelastic fluids, which are essential in industries like materials science, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The study leverages GPU-accelerated simulations and detailed modeling of polymer chain dynamics at the mesoscale, which enables efficient analysis of intricate fluid behaviors and the microscale dynamics of polymer chains. Additionally, the research examines the breaking-reforming dynamics of polymer chains, crucial for understanding phenomena such as shear thinning and thickening. The findings have broad applications, from improving inkjet printing and 3D printing technologies to developing new drug delivery systems and biocompatible materials. This work …

An Assessment Of Drinking Water Equity In South Carolina: Access, Affordability, Quality, And Private Well Resources, Catherine Lippert Min

Theses and Dissertations

Universal access to good quality, affordable drinking water is a goal that has not yet been reached in the United States. Recently, national studies have investigated drinking water burdens including lack of access to complete plumbing, unaffordability, and poor quality individually. However, no study has examined all of these drinking water burdens together to identify communities facing multiple burdens. This study addresses this gap by analyzing disparities in access to complete plumbing, affordability of public water sources, and drinking water quality of community water systems in South Carolina and identifying communities that face multiple burdens. This study also provides the …

Businesses Or Beneficiaries: The Submerged Consequences Of Workfare Policy Design, Morgan Alexander Lowder

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation critically analyzes the policy association between the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), and in doing so, sheds light on the employer-uplifting design of the U.S. welfare state. I examine this association in three stand-alone Chapters with the intent of answering the following questions: 1) Is the SNAP-WOTC association mutually beneficial to SNAP recipients and the employers that access the WOTC; 2) Is the SNAP-WOTC association truly intended to be mutually beneficial; and 3) What are the perceptive consequences of revealing how SNAP benefits employers through the WOTC. Using both quantitative and …

Bayesian Methods In Analyzing The Diagnostic Accuracy\\ For Ordinal Ratings, Yun Yang

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on ordinal classification ratings, which are commonly used in medical practice to assess the severity of a disease or condition. For example, a group of radiologists rate a set of mammograms and assign BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting Data System) score for each mammogram. A Bayesian probit hierarchical model is first proposed to analyze this type of data. It links the ordinal ratings with both rater diagnostic skills and patient latent disease severity. Each rater diagnostic skills are quantified with two parameters, diagnostic bias and diagnostic magnifier. Patient latent disease severity is assumed to follow a different normal …

Exploring Heat Variations In Columbia, South Carolina, Michael Graeme Hohlfeld

Theses and Dissertations

As the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States, the concept of heat as a hazard has been studied for decades, especially in the urban environment. Urban heat island research is limited by the fact that most investigate land surface temperature rather than air temperature and other variables that affect human comfort including humidity. This thesis utilizes a public network of weather stations in Richland County, South Carolina to investigate differences in heat between the city of Columbia, and more rural parts of the county. The study period was June, July, and August of 2022. Results indicate that …

Object Classification, Detection And Tracking In Challenging Underwater Environment, Md Modasshir

Theses and Dissertations

The main contributions of this thesis is the applicability and architectural designs of deep learning algorithms in underwater imagery. In recent times, deep learning techniques for object classification and detection have achieved exceptional levels of accuracy that surpass human capabilities. However, the effectiveness of these techniques in underwater environments has not been thoroughly researched. This thesis delves into various research areas related to underwater environments, such as object classification, detection, semantic segmentation, pose regression, and semi-supervised retraining of detection models.

The first part of the thesis studies image classification and detection. Image classification is a fundamental process that involves assigning …

Microchannel Slip Flow Characteristics By Time Travel After Photobleaching Velocimetry, Brandon James Sellers

Theses and Dissertations

Interfacial science follows the study of observing behavior between two or more phases of matter when in contact. For example, a liquid solution passes through a microchannel, and the walls interact with the fluid shearing along the surface. The fluid particles develop momentum changes from interfacial phenomena and slip along the wall begins to affect the fluid body. Slip flow is a name for the phenomenon, and with it, modeling velocity for the interfacial behavior demands both resolution and minimal interference. Laser-induced fluorescence photobleaching anemometry (LIFPA) works as a sound method for acquiring data on microchannel flow, but it needed …

Metal-Organic Frameworks For Global Environmental Challenges, Kyoungchul Park

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past few decades, there has been a demand for improving nuclear waste administration due to a significant increase in the utilization of nuclear energy. The driving force for proper nuclear waste disposal is evident when considering past nuclear catastrophes—such as Chernobyl and Fukushima—where radionuclide contamination of large bodies of water sparked public concern. In order to manage such radioactive species, the emerging areas of radionuclide sequestration, storage, separation, and sensing must be addressed in the upcoming years. This dissertation presents a potential candidate for addressing these challenges, called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Due to their porosity, high surface area, …

Environmental Implication Of Environmental Disclosure, Jie Lian

Theses and Dissertations

Recent environmental incidents and disasters have intensified awareness and concerns about environmental issues, making the reduction of the private sector’s environmental impact a pressing necessity. The path to better environmental performance depends on enhancing environmental disclosure. While an increasing number of firms are embracing environmental disclosure, and legislative efforts are steering towards mandating such disclosures, the comprehensive understanding of the environmental implications of these disclosures remains surprisingly limited. A significant gap exists in understanding the challenges of environmental disclosure in promoting sustainability and complex consequences in various contexts.

The dissertation aims to fill this literature gap by focusing on the …

“…She Complained…”: The Female Complaint And Voice In F. Scott Fitzgerald’S Works, Kristina Syrigos

Theses and Dissertations

My thesis explores the themes of female complaint and female voices in the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, specifically focusing on "The Cut-Glass Bowl," "Winter Dreams," and The Great Gatsby. Drawing on J. L. Austin's concept of performative speech and Sarah Ahmed and Lauren Berlant’s explorations of the female complaint, I argue that Fitzgerald's female characters are silenced, dismissed, and punished when they express their wants, desires, and grievances. Despite their attempts to use their voices, words, and complaints to enact change in their lives, these women are portrayed as nagging and powerless, oftentimes being punished for speaking up, …

Examining The Effects Of Physical Education Teacher Behaviors On Actual Motor Competence And The Associations Among Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, Enjoyment In Physical Education, And Physical Activity In Early Childhood, Unjong Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Physical Education (PE) can be considered a black box when the interactions between the teacher and the students are unknown. PE as the black box has been embedded in the process-product paradigm. PE teachers can be critical role models for fostering students’ actual motor competence (AMC) because students can learn from what they observe from teachers’ behaviors. Additionally, AMC, perceived motor competence (PMC), and enjoyment in PE can be potential factors to increase students’ PA in schoolbased setting. Therefore, this dissertation consists of two studies that examine PE teacher behaviors, AMC, PMC, enjoyment in PE, and PA in early childhood …

Second-Grade Students’ Lived Experiences During Formal And Informal Music Learning Activities, Celina Liana Reed

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, elementary music educators have led their classrooms using predominantly formal, teacher-led activities. Recently, music educators have allowed students to organize their own informal music learning activities. Few researchers have examined elementary students’ lived experiences during formal and informal music activities. My education and 9 years of early childhood and elementary music teaching experiences contribute to my research qualifications. The purpose of this research was to examine my second-grade students’ lived experiences during formal and informal music learning activities. Following were the guiding research questions: (a) What do second-grade students think and how do they feel during formal music learning …

A Holistic Quality Management Model For Optimization Of Quality Assurance In Manufacturing, Devon Blakeney Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Quality Management (QM) is essential in manufacturing to ensure products are consistent and functional every time. Consumers expect high quality products that last, and industries unable to accomplish this are destined to fail. Therefore, product quality has always been at the forefront of manufacturer decision making, though it is normally viewed as a given more than as a goal. This means that businesses want quality because it is needed for their survival, but there has not been consideration for how to incorporate innovation into this essential field. Quality needs to be viewed holistically with regards to all manufacturing factors that …

Preimplantation Genetic Testing For Sickle Cell Disease; Exploring The Effect Health Disparities Have On Parental Awareness And Interest, Justine Frances Manigault

Theses and Dissertations

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of disorders of the hemoglobin resulting in episodes of chronic pain, pulmonary hypertension, progressive multiorgan damage, risk for stroke, and increased mortality. It is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the HBB gene and 1 in 12 African Americans, 1 in 100 Hispanic individuals, and 1 in 30-50 Mediterranean people are reported to be carriers of the disease and have sickle cell trait (SCT). SCD is typically diagnosed through newborn screening; however, when prospective parents are aware of their carrier status, they can conceive via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and have genetic testing …

Molecular Rotors For Quantifying Kinetic Effects Of Stabilizing Non-Covalent Interactions, Binzhou Lin

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the development of molecular machines as analytical instruments to measure the strength of non-covalent interactions and to test hypotheses of reaction mechanisms. The first chapter is a review of molecular rotors. The second chapter presents the development of a molecular rotor that can be controlled using electrostatic interactions. Previous examples have used electrostatic interactions to slow down or inhibit molecular motion. Our system is activated and sped up using electrostatic interactions. The third and fourth chapters describe the application of molecular rotors designed to experimentally measure the strength and stability trends for non-covalent pnictogen and chalcogen interactions. …

Implicit Vs. Explicit Approaches When Teaching Reflexive Structures In A Fifth-Grade Spanish Dual Immersion Classroom, Paula Valeria Ward

Theses and Dissertations

Dual language immersion (DLI) students can develop high levels of proficiency in their second language at a young age. However, they often have difficulties with their accuracy using advanced grammatical constructions (Watzinger-Tharp et al., 2018), such as using different verbs tenses or gender and number agreement in speaking and writing (Bateman et al., 2020). The goal of this study is to test whether explicit or implicit instructional approaches are more effective in the teaching of one such grammatical concept, specifically reflexive constructions, in two DLI classrooms. In this research, I investigated results from a five-lesson treatment in a case study …

Reconstructing Visual Narratives: Mary Colter, Fred Kabotie, And The Myth Of The West At Desert View Watchtower, Allison M. Foster

Theses and Dissertations

Desert View Watchtower opened in 1933 on the Grand Canyon South Rim, under the management of the Fred Harvey Company. The structure contains many self-contradictions, in terms of style and use. In this thesis, I argue that these contradictions come from the dichotomous motives of Desert View Watchtower's architect, Mary Colter, and her employers, the Fred Harvey Company and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. New western history theory of the Mythical West is used to explain Harvey/Santa Fe marketing, which created a narrative suggesting that Native American lifeways were going to disappear from the Southwest. I argue that …

On Parallelization Of Graph Algorithms, Performance Modelling And Autonomous 3d Printable Object Synthesis, Shams-Ul-Haq Syed

Theses and Dissertations

The degree of hardware level parallelism offered by today’s GPU architecture makes it ideal for problem domains with massive inherent parallelism potential, fields such as computer vision, image processing, graph theory and graph computations. We have identified three problem areas for purpose of this research dissertation, under the umbrella of performance improvement by harnessing the power of GPUs for novel applications. The first area is concerned with k-vertex connectivity in graph theory, the second area deals performance evaluation using extended roofline models for GPU parallel applications and finally the third problem area is related to synthesis 3D printable objects from …

Field Implementation Of A Stereo Vision System For Rnt And Stress Measurements In Cwr, Brittany Stinson

Theses and Dissertations

The use of Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) provides many advantages to the rail industry compared to the alternatively used jointed-track segments. However, one significant disadvantage is the development of thermal stresses longitudinally in the rail, which is not of concern when expansion joints are used. This is due to CWR’s inability to release thermal expansion in the absence of joints. The Rail Neutral Temperature (RNT) is the temperature at which the rail is in a stress-free state. A desired RNT is calculated based on local climate conditions and CWR installation practices are implemented to set the desired RNT at installation. …

High-Rate Production Of Thermoplastic Composite Structures For Urban Air Mobility Vehicles Utilizing Fastener-Free Assembly Methods, Robert H. Shumpert

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to develop a manufacturing plan for a Thermoplastic fiber-reinforced propeller blade for urban air mobility applications. This propeller blade offer a few unique challenges including the complex geometries of the blade. Another important aspect of the blade is using fusion bonding methods to increase the strength of joints in the product while reducing weight from fasteners and adhesives. This manufacturing process will be validated by producing a physical demonstrator to ascertain the efficacy of the manufacturing techniques used. First, the techniques that will make up the manufacturing plan must be selected. To do this, a review of …

Towards The Induction Welding Of Complex, Curved Thermoplastic Composite Structures, Andrew Cole Cromer

Theses and Dissertations

Recent advancements in the aerospace industry, coupled with the anticipated future significance of air travel, have spurred research aimed at increasing manufacturing production and aircraft flying efficiency by implementing new materials and assembly methods. Advanced air mobility (AAM), a subset of the aerospace industry, is anticipated to become a crucial component of the transportation infrastructure in densely populated regions. To meet the expected demand, there is a need for investigations into novel manufacturing and joining methods. This industry necessitates materials that are lightweight, durable, and amenable to high-rate production. One potential avenue under exploration is the utilization of thermoplastic composites. …

Modulation Of Neurodegenerative Disease Progression By Antioxidant Status, Elena Kelety

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, profoundly impact the brain and nervous system. In 2019, the United States reported the highest global prevalence of neurological disorders. This thesis approaches neurodegenerative diseases by emphasizing the critical role of a well-maintained antioxidant system, its intricate relationship with dietary patterns, and proposes an alternative fate of the antioxidant urate.

Neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, misfolded proteins, and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance in the antioxidant defense system and the production of reactive oxygen species. Synergistic antioxidant interactions are vital …

Unpacking The Relationship Between Legitimacy, Procedural Justice, Identity, And Desistance, Qassim Bolaji

Theses and Dissertations

Knowing why people stop offending over time and the criminal justice agencies' role in this process is essential for designing effective crime control interventions. Legal authorities have the core function of ensuring that social norms and laws are obeyed. However, the coercive and punitive tactics that police, judicial, and penal authorities typically resort to have been shown to have only limited impact on controlling and preventing crime while having the unintended consequence of worsening the public's perception of their institutional legitimacy. Specific to policing, the use of coercive policing tactics and their perceived ineffectiveness has, in recent decades, led to …

Maternal-Child Cortisol Attunement Differs In Preschoolers With Autism, Fragile X Syndrome, And Neurotypical Development, Rachel Hantman

Theses and Dissertations

Early maternal-child attunement sets a critical foundation for later social development. While maternal and child cortisol attunement in neurotypical (NT) development has been clearly established, little research has examined these relations in neurodevelopmental populations, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Given their elevated-risk for disrupted maternal-child attunement and given elevated stress and dysregulated cortisol patterns in both children with ASD and FXS and their parents independently, this is a critical gap. This study addressed this gap in the literature by examining early maternal-child cortisol attunement in 97 mother-child dyads (_nNT = …

Coastal And Inland Flooding - From Advanced Hydrodynamics And Data-Driven Modeling To Multi-Variate Coastal Vulnerability Assessment, Ahad Hasan Tanim

Theses and Dissertations

Flood risks in coastal and inland areas have historically been underestimated and underpredicted, resulting in increased flood damage and loss of human life. Flood risk under climate change and sea level rise will disproportionately impact low-wealth and marginalized communities, as they are often located in areas with less flood protection and have limited resources to adapt to the impacts of flooding. The systematic workflow of the life cycle of FRM is frequently disengaged in the current state of flood hazard assessment with system vulnerability assessment. This research aims to improve the life cycle of FRM by incorporating flood observation, monitoring, …

Investigating Arctic Ocean Freshwater Content And Circulation In A Changing Climate, Emma Louise Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

The Arctic Ocean is unique among the world’s oceans, characterized by its cold temperatures, salinity-driven vertical structure, and shallow shelf seas. It has warmed intensely since the 1980s at rates exceeding the global average. This Arctic Amplification drives variability in sea ice and salinity, affecting local circulation and exchange with other basins, leading to global changes in oceanic and atmospheric circulation and the biosphere. This thesis explores changing dynamics in the Arctic Ocean, in particular connecting modeled changes in liquid freshwater content (FWC) and its pathways with major ocean circulation patterns, atmospheric drivers, and large-scale climatic changes.

This research combines …

The Effectiveness Of Equivalence-Based Instruction On Time-Telling Skills In Children With Moderate Developmental Disabilities Including Autism Spectrum Disorder And Intellectual Disability, Rongzhi Li

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of equivalence-based instruction (EBI) on teaching time-telling skills to children with moderate developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Three children with ASD or intellectual disability participated in the study. The experiment was conducted using a concurrent multiple baseline design across subjects. During the acquisition training, each participant was taught 24 discrimination relations including matching 12 picture analog clock faces and 12 printed digital clocks to their dictated times. After the training, the participants were assessed to see whether their visual-visual responses (transitivity relations) and oral naming …

Kodály Learning: A Qualitative Case Study Based On The Use Of A Blended Curriculum Using The Principles Of Zoltán Kodály In Beginning Piano Study, Megan Elizabeth Rich

Theses and Dissertations

This paper and its corresponding study were created to explore the effectiveness of the Kodály Method on traditional piano lessons and to hone a curriculum with long-term student musicianship at its core. The curriculum was written for a six-week period and intended for students ages six–eight years old. The curriculum follows the melodic and rhythmic sequences of the Kodály Method and blends these sequences with traditional approaches to beginning piano lessons. The purpose of the study is to share and evaluate this curriculum and its results as they pertain to the four study participants.

The study was conducted over a …

State Estimation And Prediction Based On Simplified First Principle Model Of Lithium-Ion Batteries In Lebesgue Sampling Framework, Enhui Liu

Theses and Dissertations

State-of-charge (SOC) and remaining-dischargeable-time (RDT) are critical states of Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). SOC indicates the available charge stored in LIBs compared to the total charge capacity of LIBs, while RDT refers to the remaining dischargeable time that LIBs can support under given loading profiles. Accurate SOC estimation and RDT prediction play important roles in guaranteeing the safe and efficient operation of batteries in real applications.

Taking advantage of high fidelity of simplified first principle (SFP) model of LIBs, this research aims to accurately estimate SOC and predict RDT. Firstly, this research establishes an SFP model to describe the battery internal …

Use Of Improvement Science To Build The Instructional Capacity Of Faculty In A Community College, Marianne Yohannan

Theses and Dissertations

Up to 78% of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students experience poor academic achievement as defined by course grades of D, F and W in college. Students entering these fields are often not prepared (Chen & Soldner, 2013) and struggle to succeed in gateway STEM courses, with one-third of them possibly failing (Freeman et al., 2011). The success rates are lower among first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minoritized groups (Doerschuk et al., 2016). At Tri-County Technical College, 30-40% of introductory biology students are unsuccessful and receive low grades (Institutional Research, n.d.). Low academic achievement has a huge impact on our …