Digital Commons Network^™

Whose Line Is It Anyway: Exploring How To Utilize Narrative Voice In Nonfiction, Brandalyn Joy Shropshire

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The craft paper explores the functionality of narrative voice in nonfiction and examines how to utilize voice to master sculpting storytelling to resonate with readers. The paper seeks to view narrative voice in terms of a vessel for the reader to explore, to drive the scene, and to guide the action and how each one works within the narrative. Through original work, I examine my relationship with my mother and grandmother, tracing how societal expectations and racialized pressures shaped their lives and, ultimately, my own. As an African American woman, I navigate themes of racism, the significance of appearance, and …

Increasing Accessibility And Enhancing Value Of Two University Small Vertebrate Collections Through Digitization And Online Database Publication, Chloe Smotherman

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Natural history collections (NHCs) are widely considered to be an exceptionally valuable resource and a critical foundation for research. Of the thousands of collections maintained today, the majority are considered small with a local or taxonomic focus. Collaboration among smaller NHCs through online publication contributes a largely underutilized resource for collections-based research. Past digitization efforts have resulted in the mobilization of collections data that enhance their preexisting value without significant additional costs. With this project I digitized and published the mammal collection (2,525 records) and, separately, the ornithology collection (403 records). Upon publication these records are the only mammal and …

Mathematical Model For Tripledemic Disease (Covid-19, Rsv, And Influenza), Foster Opoku

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The concurrent circulation of COVID-19, Influenza (Flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), collectively termed the ”Tripledemic,” poses substantial public health challenges due to their overlapping transmission patterns and compounded healthcare demands. The discovery of COVID-19 vaccines such as Moderna (mRNA-1273, Spikevax) and Johnson & Johnson’s, among other vaccines, has reduced COVID-19 cases but has not completely eradicated the disease. In the 2022-2023 season, the world witnessed a ”tripledemic” of Flu, COVID-19, and RSV. We propose Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) and SusceptibleExposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) mathematical models to estimate transmission rates, compute the basic reproduction number, forecast infections, and analyze seasonal variations and comparative transmission …

Microplastics In Urban Environments: Distribution, Fate, And Transport, Mithu Chanda

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Microplastics (MPs) have become a growing environmental concern, particularly in urban areas where anthropogenic activities intensify their presence in ecosystems. This research investigates MPs’ distribution, fate, and transport in urban environments, focusing on stormwater retention (SWR) ponds, bioretention systems (BRS), and saturated porous media. Field studies analyzed MPs in freshwater sediments of SWR ponds across residential, educational, and mixed urban land-use types, identifying distinct contamination patterns. Vertical distribution analyses in bioretention media highlighted the potential of BRS as a green infrastructure for retaining MPs. Laboratory experiments further explored MPs’ transport and retention in saturated porous media, examining the effects of …

Immediate Benefits Of Remediation Wetlands Designed For Treating Acid Mine Drainage On Signal Mountain, Tennessee, Michelle Tharp

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a major pollutant from abandoned coal mines, like those located on Signal Mountain, in Chattanooga, TN. The construction of wetlands is a commonly used remediation technique for streams affected by AMD. This study documents the changes in water quality before, during, and after wetland construction at two sites that flow into Freudenberg Creek. Samples were collected over the course of a year, which also allowed for seasonal factors to be observed. The construction of wetlands at these contaminated sites demonstrated an immediate decrease in acidity, alkalinity, and conductivity values. Concentrations of expected ions like iron …

Mechanisms Driving Social Structure In Octodon Degus, Logan Platt

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

We report results of a study on the mechanisms shaping social network structure in Octodon degus, a diurnal, semi-fossorial rodent endemic to Chile. Using data collected over three seasons (2022–2023), we tested the roles of nighttime spatial proximity, female social cohesion, and female homophily based on masculinization (anogenital distance) in shaping social associations. Nighttime spatial proximity was negatively associated with association strength, indicating that individuals that were closer at night exhibited stronger associations. Female social cohesion emerged as a driver of social structure, with stronger within-group associations observed in most seasons. However, female homophily based on anogenital distance did not …

Tracking Love, Marking Milestones: The Hidden Struggle Of Caregiver Mental Health, Kehinde Olasehinde

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Caregivers play a critical role in monitoring and tracking their child's developmental milestones, often seeking reassurance that their child is progressing appropriately for their age. However, the process of developmental tracking can present emotional challenges and contribute to caregiver stress and anxiety. This doctoral experiential project aims to assess the accuracy with which caregivers track developmental milestones and explore the mental health implications of this process. The primary objective is to identify gaps in caregiver knowledge and recognize the challenges they face in understanding and monitoring child development. A secondary goal is to promote awareness of the importance of caregiver …

Bridging Health And Function: Integrating Occupational Therapy Into An Urgent Care Campus Health Center, Brooke L. Mckeon

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

As the field of occupational therapy (OT) continues to grow, its potential impact in emerging practice areas is often underrecognized, particularly in primary and urgent care settings. Traditionally rooted in hospital and rehabilitation environments, occupational therapy remains underutilized in outpatient and preventative care, despite its well-established benefits. This is especially evident in university health centers, where increasing health concerns among college students, faculty, and staff have created a growing need for holistic and accessible support services. Occupational therapy's unique role supports health promotion, rehabilitation, and injury prevention in ways that complement and enhance medical care. Integrating occupational therapy into primary …

Advancing Precision And Autonomy In Agriculture And Medical Imaging Through Ai And Computer Visions, Tan-Hanh Pham

Theses and Dissertations

Deep learning has revolutionized numerous fields by enhancing precision, automation, and decision-making capabilities. This dissertation explores its applications in agriculture and medical image processing, introducing novel methodologies to improve accuracy and efficiency in these domains. These fields hold critical societal importance -- agriculture underpins global food security and sustainability, while medical imaging drives advancements in diagnostics and personalized healthcare, both benefiting significantly from data-driven innovations. In agriculture, deep learning is applied to precision spray systems through droplet analysis. Specifically, a generative model is designed to create synthetic droplet images, addressing the challenge of limited training samples, which are expensive …

Developing A Small Molecule To Inhibit Hsf1 Expression In Cancer And Evaluating Natural Genetic Variation In Small Molecule Toxicity., Michaela Kendal Foley

Theses and Dissertations

Each year cancer affects nearly 20 million people worldwide and genetic differences across populations can impact cancer onset and progression. Specifically, tumors with high levels of HSF1, the master regulator of the cytoprotective heat shock response (HSR), are correlated with poor patient outcomes in multiple cancers such as prostate, breast, and melanoma. Subsequently, the development of pharmacological inhibitors of HSF1 represents a promising strategy for anticancer therapeutics. Using a luciferase-based transcriptional reporter, two small molecule libraries were screened for inhibitors of HSF1 expression in human embryonic kidney cells, yielding ten compounds that decrease HSF1 expression. To identify if cancer lines …

Unlocking Potential: How Disengagement And Reengagement Shape Performance And Well-Being, Asha Bradley

Dissertations

Task persistence can become problematic when individuals continue to perform challenging tasks unlikely to yield success. Instead, it may lead to frustration, burnout, and negative psychological outcomes. Recognizing when to disengage from these goals is essential for reallocating resources toward more attainable objectives by shifting focus to a new task rather than persisting on the same one. Ultimately, this promotes emotional well-being and resilience. No previous studies have experimentally examined the combined processes of disengagement and reengagement. This study investigates the temporal and causal effects of disengagement and subsequent reengagement with an alternative task, making it the first to experimentally …

Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, May 1, 2025, Jeremy K. Greene

Clemson University Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Preclinical Evaluation Of Closed Incisional Negative Pressure Therapy On Post-Surgical Oedema And Lymphatic Activity, John C Rasmussen, Marisa Schmidt, Janelle E Morton, Samantha Mann, Kristine Kieswetter, Eva M Sevick-Muraca

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Closed incisional Negative Pressure Therapy (ciNPT) has demonstrated improved post-surgical healing with reduced oedema and hematoma/seroma formation in patients. The underlying mechanism of action is poorly understood, although evidence indicates that lymphatics play a role. The effects of ciNPT on oedema and lymphatic recovery were assessed following bilateral, surgical undermining of swine mammary tissues. One incision was treated with ciNPT, and the control covered with clear dressing. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging was used to visualise lymphatic activity. Oedema and lymph node size were measured using ultrasound. LYVE-1 and podoplanin were quantified with ELISA. Analysis of lymphatic activity revealed a contralateral effect …

Cover Crop-Induced Improvements To Soil Hydraulic Properties And The Role Of Termination Time In Mitigating Negative Soil Moisture Impacts, Fabrizio Javier Pilco

Theses and Dissertations

In the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, water scarcity and drought pose ongoing challenges for farmers. Although cover crops are promoted for improving soil health and moisture, their effects on soil hydraulic properties in this region remain understudied. This thesis addresses both long-term (Chapter 2) and short-term (Chapter 3) impacts of cover crops on soil hydraulic properties and soil moisture. Long-term effects were evaluated through a three-year participatory field trial across four farms using a BACI design, while short terms were evaluated using a complete randomized block design. Soil hydraulic properties (residual water content θr, saturated water content …

The Effect Of Hiv-1 Infection Associated Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (Lps) On Human Oral Keratinocytes: Implications For Promoting Chronic Inflammation, Md Shafayat Jamil

Theses and Dissertations

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains a major global health concern, affecting approximately 39 million people worldwide, with 500,000 new infections reported in 2022. While combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly reduced viral replication, HIV-1 infection is linked to various comorbidities, including oral dysbiosis and accelerated aging. Immune dysregulation in HIV-1–infected individuals promotes the proliferation of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key contributor to periodontal disease. P. gingivalis secretes lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which adversely affects human oral keratinocytes (HOK), the first line of defense against microbial threats in the oral cavity. HOK recognize LPS as a threat, …

Drug-Target Binding Affinity Prediction With Graph-Based Models: The Impact Of 3d Structural Information, Angel Antonio Peredo

Theses and Dissertations

Drug–target affinity (DTA) prediction is a critical step in accelerating drug discovery and reducing its associated costs. Existing computational approaches often employ one-dimensional protein sequences or two-dimensional molecular graphs, which can overlook important three-dimensional (3D) structural features. The present study investigates whether incorporating 3D information of both proteins and ligands can yield more meaningful representations for binding affinity prediction. Specifically, Graph Transformers (GT) are utilized, and the integration of Equivariant Graph Neural Networks (EGNN) is explored to preserve and leverage spatial information during learning.

Using the CrossDocked2020 dataset, which provides protein structures in Protein Data Bank (PDB) format, proteins and …

Identification Of Cadmium As A Structural And Functional Modulator Of Psd-95 Regulating Nmdars At Postsynaptic Membranes, Claudia Garza

Theses and Dissertations

Postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) is an essential scaffolding protein in excitatory neurons. PSD-95’s N-terminal palmitoylation region elicits synaptic plasticity by targeting, anchoring, and trafficking glutamate receptors, such as N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAR), to the postsynaptic membrane. The molecular interactions of PSD-95 and its dysregulation in excitatory synapses are currently being explored as primary causes of neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease. Recent studies demonstrate an overaccumulation of zinc at two cysteines (C3 and C5) and two histidines (H24 and H28) of PSD-95 blocks palmitoylation, causing a loss of NMDAR at the postsynaptic membrane. In addition, exposure …

A Modern Prometheus: Frankenstein's Relevance In Our Modern Society, Amanda C. Partida

Theses and Dissertations

For over two hundred years Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been in the public consciousness. It took only five years for the first adaptation, Presumption; or the Fate of Frankenstein, to be staged in 1825. Since then, there has been at least one adaptation every decade, with Universal Studios’ 1931 Frankenstein as the most famous adaptation, which shows just how much Shelley’s novel of science and hubris has resonated with audiences for many years.

This thesis aims to connect the ever-changing scientific anxieties of society with the most well-known Frankenstein film adaptations. By focusing on four specific films Frankenstein (1931), …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Composite Hydrogels For Tissue Engineering: An Investigation On Mechanical Properties And Biocompatibility, Ismael Lamas Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/agar double-network (DN) hydrogels for biomedical applications, focusing on mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and tissue engineering potential. Techniques like swelling ratio analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), alongside antibacterial and cytotoxicity assays, were employed to evaluate the hydrogels' properties. Results show that increasing agar content enhances mechanical and physical properties, with swelling ratios increasing by 300% when agar makes up 6% of the hydrogel, compared to 140% without agar. A positive correlation was observed between agar concentration and compressive and tensile moduli. Load-relaxation rates, essential for viscoelastic properties, also improved with …

The Impact Of Politics On Romantic Relationships: Longevity, Quality, And Political Beliefs Or Candidate Choice?, Jadelyn Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

This project aimed to understand how polarization in the United States affects romantic relationships. Other studies in this area have only gauged samples that were either couples in relationships or singles. This work compared the responses of individuals based on their relationship status (in a relationship or not), to note the differences, if any, between samples. This research was conducted through surveys on The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley student population.

In understanding how political opinions affect relationship longevity, satisfaction, and whether candidate choice or opinions matter more, there were interesting findings. Regarding relationship longevity, there was a significance …

Exploring The Effects Of Serotonin And Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors On The Neurological, Behavioral, And Cardiovascular Systems Using The Animal Model Of The Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus Auratus), Ariana Vianey Hinojosa

Theses and Dissertations

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter widely recognized for its role in neuropsychological processes, particularly in regulating mood, cognition, and emotional responses. However, its influence extends beyond the central nervous system (CNS), playing a crucial role in various physiological functions, including metabolism, the gastrointestinal system, reproductive processes, and cardiovascular regulation. As a key modulator of homeostasis, serotonin contributes to maintaining equilibrium within these systems, ensuring proper function and response to environmental stimuli. Despite its well-documented effects on mood and behavior, the broader physiological implications of serotonin remain less understood, particularly in the context of its interactions among neural, behavioral, and cardiovascular systems. …

Carbon Dioxide, Methane, And Nitrous Oxide Fluxes From Managed Aquatic Systems Of The Rio Grande Valley, Siena Rose Stassi

Theses and Dissertations

Greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics from small-scale inland water remain relatively understudied, with knowledge gaps across ecosystem types and regions. In South Texas, there is a unique system of managed distributaries and their associated ox-bow lakes, commonly known as resacas. Most resacas are artificially managed and considered novel ecosystems, yet their GHG dynamics are unknown. Two resaca systems were monitored throughout one year to understand the magnitude, temporal variation, and environmental drivers of diffusive fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), along with ebullitive CH4 emissions. Emissions of both CO2 and CH4 peaked in hot summer months, …

Spatio-Temporal Pattern Of Nutrient Dynamics In The South Texas Coastal Watershed, Mohammad Sadman Alam

Theses and Dissertations

Eutrophication threatens aquatic ecosystems by altering productivity through excessive nutrient inputs. In some systems, primary productivity is limited by nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or both, based on the N:P ratio defined by the "Redfield" ratio. South Texas, facing rapid urban growth and industrialization, is at risk of higher nutrient loads, but research on nutrient dynamics in this region is limited. This study investigates nutrient variations in the freshwater (FW) abandoned distributaries of the Rio Grande and hypersaline saltwater (SW) systems. Results showed a significant decrease in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and an increase in dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), shifting the …

Family-Centered Organization Creating “Lazos” To Affix Families And Their Students To Education: A Case Study, Erica Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, parental involvement has alternatively shifted from being a central participant within the United States’ education reform to being a secondary input stakeholder primarily due to the constant attempts to align its purpose, presence, and effects in education initiatives. Additionally, the varied constructs considered by multiple researchers and federal or state education agencies to define ‘parental involvement’, the variety of ‘population descriptors’, and ‘types of communication’ have increased the complexity to address the needs diverse family structures have to successfully build “lazos” to affix themselves and their students to education. This case study explores the perspectives low socioeconomic Hispanic families …

Cloning And Heterologous Expression Of Human Nachrs And A Unique Spider Venom Toxin, Christine M. Vega

Theses and Dissertations

Drug development research has long focused on synthesizing novel therapeutics while overlooking isolation from naturally available sources. Recently, the discovery of the therapeutic effects of highly bioavailable animal venom caused the field of venom research to soar in popularity. Animal venom serves as a natural, sophisticated tool optimized over millions of years by evolution with the ability to bind to ion channels such as nAChRs, non-specific ligand-gated ion channels distributed throughout the human nervous system, with high selectivity and specificity. However, purifying individual venom toxins from crude venom is challenging due to its availability. Therefore, synthesizing large quantities of venom …

Exploring Secondary Content And Career And Technical Education (Cte) Teacher Self-Efficacy In Supporting The Literacy Needs Of Long-Termed Emergent Bilinguals: A Mixed-Methods Inquiry, Jennifer Louise Burden

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation employed a mixed-methods convergent design, incorporating survey data and semi-structured interviews to investigate the self-efficacy of high school teachers in content areas and Career and Technical Education (CTE) towards their perceived abilities to support emergent bilingual students, particularly in content-specific literacy.

Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Bandura's (1977) self-efficacy theory and Dweck's (2008) growth mindset, this study explores how educators' perceptions of their abilities impact their instructional practices and student outcomes.

Findings reveal a need for more training and resources to increase student engagement, which impacts academic outcomes and attendance and calls for comprehensive reforms in teacher …

A Comparative Study Of Urban And Natural Nesting Gray Hawks In The Lower Rio Grande Valley Of South Texas, Evan Farese

Theses and Dissertations

Urbanization can negatively impact birds of prey, which occupy higher trophic levels. The Gray Hawk (Buteo plagiatus) is a neotropical raptor inhabiting the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, where it is threatened. The species’ ecology has been little studied and it is unclear how urbanization may affect population viability. I studied Gray Hawk reproductive success, diet, and thermal ecology at nests in urban and natural habitats in the LRGV. Camera trap data showed adults at urban nests delivered mostly avian prey, while mammalian prey was most frequently brought to natural nests. Data from temperature loggers showed …

Tennessee Magnet Schools: Examining The Relationship Between Magnet School Designation And Student Achievement In Secondary Public Schools, Alex Turner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between magnet school designation and student achievement in Tennessee secondary public schools. Three years (2021-2023) of student achievement data from the Tennessee Department of Education was used to analyze student performance in 24 magnet and 287 traditional non-magnet schools. Schools were included in the study if they operated continuously throughout the study period and were categorized as either a public magnet school or a traditional non-magnet school. Excluded from the study were virtual, charter, alternative schools, and early colleges.

Four research questions were crafted to guide this study. Student …

Inferring Feeding Biology In Extinct Shrews (Soricidae: Mammalia): Application Of A Linear Morphometric Approach, Derek J. Den Ouden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Linear morphometrics have been used extensively to infer the ecology of fossil organisms, but shrews have not yet been thoroughly explored using this technique. Often considered to have a homogenous insectivorous diet, direct dietary observation suggests shrew dietary diversity is substantial. Diversity of this nature is well established to have influenced skull morphology in other mammal clades, so similar patterns are hypothesized to be detectable in shrews. To test this, I examined the link between known diet and morphological disparity in extant shrews using linear morphometrics and then utilized that framework to infer the dietary ecology of several fossil taxa. …

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 …